Coming up next is the community yard sale in May.  The event will be advertised in the Virginian Pilot by the Laurel Cove Civic League.For more information about Laurel Cove and upcoming events, visit the community website.Tina Merritt, Realtor, ePRO, GRI, ASR, QSC, AHWD in Hampton Roads, Virginia serving the cities of: Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Isle of Wight Couty and Northeast North Carolina. Long and Foster Oceanfront 317 30th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Office: 757.428.4600, Direct: 757.287.6338, Email: tina@tinamerritt.com, Web: www.tinamerritt.com, Blog: www.virginiablogging.com. Equal Housing Opportunity. 05/01/2008

This is the Laurel Cove market update for May, 2008.  Sales are only shown for the past 6 months.  Listings are shown for the past year.  For more information on Laurel Cove and Virginia Beach Real Estate, please contact Tina Merritt.Tina Merritt, Realtor, ePRO, GRI, ASR, QSC, AHWD in Hampton Roads, Virginia serving the cities of: Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Isle of Wight Couty and Northeast North Carolina. Long and Foster Oceanfront 317 30th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Office: 757.428.4600, Direct: 757.287.6338, Email: tina@tinamerritt.com, Web: www.tinamerritt.com, Blog: www.virginiablogging.com. Equal Housing Opportunity. 05/01/2008

The last quarter has seen a rise in foreclosures in the Hampton Roads area.  They went up 22% verses 23% for other areas.  While this is a healthy increase, Hampton Roads is still low being 84th out of 100 largest metro areas.  The area comprises Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Nofolk, Newport News as well as Portsmouth and Hampton.  This means that 1 out of 544 households received a notice of default, auction-sale or bank-repossession during the quarter.  This compares to 1 out of 194 in the 100 largest metro areas.  Scary stuff indeed but it could be scarier.http://www.genesellsvirginiabeach.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other in... 04/30/2008

So your thinking about buying a houseA lot of mistakes I seen recently is new home owners applying for loans with the preconception of not worrying about reserves or a down payment towards their new house.Even if you did qualify for a 100% LTV loan that doesn't require any reserves and the seller is willing to pay all closing costs and prepaids, you still have to be smart in saving some money for new furniture, new bills and all of expenses that can occur when becoming a new home owner.This is why its vital to play it smart and start a goal in saving extra money now. Saving Money , Getting Organized : Made SimpleThere are a lot of ways to help save some extra money here and there but I want to share a simple and effective way of doing so without effecting your daily rituals.This plan is... 04/29/2008

Many people pass by this school on Great Neck Road each and every day but don't realize that big blue and yellow building is home to one of the best daycare/preschool programs in Virginia Beach!The school's slogan explains them perfectly, "Where Laughter and Learning Go Hand in Hand".  " Your child's future is the most important thing on your mind. We are aware of the excellence and care needed to shape that future and are privileged to partner with you in order to provide a solid foundation for your child." WAVE CLC is a state licensed facility embracing Judeo-Christian principles and values. WAVE CLC began in 2004 and has enrollment capacity of 200. They provide programs for children 3 months to 11 years old from the hours of 7am-6:30pm. The office hours are from 9am-5pm.MISSION STATE... 04/29/2008

This morning before preschool, my son came running in the house, "Mommy!  There's a strawberry on the strawberry plant!  Can I eat it - PLEASE??????"  Sure enough - out first fruit of the season was ready for harvest.  Looks like it's strawberry season and well, those of us in Hampton Roads know what that means!  25TH ANNUAL PUNGO STRAWBERRY FESTIVALMay 24th and 25th, 2008 Along with beautiful beaches, Virginia Beach has miles and miles of beautiful farmland.  We call this area Pungo and every year the Pungo Strawberry Festival is held on Memorial Day weekend.  This year we are estimating attendance of 120,000 over the two day event.  Not only does the Festival have all the strawberries you can eat offered in over 50 different ways, activities include a pie eating contest, strawberry ba... 04/29/2008

The Beautiful Thing about FHA loansFHA loans are truly unique because every Loan is different  There are guidelines that we follow in submitting the loans but the bottom line is that every loan submitted gets a chance to be looked at by the overall big picture.The Big PictureMyths are out there that the Underwriters are out to find ways in turning down every loan out there thats not picture perfect.  This is far from the truth, the underwriters are just trying to grasp the big picture on every loan and determines the customer ability to repay the loan.For the loans that are difficult or have a lot of "Headache" issues like previous collections, financial hardship,  inaccurate credit discrepancies, there are certain KEY elements that underwriters will need to help approve the loan. Credi... 04/28/2008

Statistics for Virginia Beach Real Estate Homes and Condos for the month of March 2008 are available below. Also, the Virginia Beach real estate statistics are compared to year ago, March 2007. This allows you to view changes in Units on the market, Median List Price, Average List Price, percent change in Units, and percent change in average list price. Statistics for Virginia Beach, VA March 2007 and March 2008 2007 March 2008 March Units Median List Avg List Units Median List Avg List % change % change Avg Price Price Price Price 2007/08 LP 2007/2008 3217 $369,000 $498,110 3701 $325,000 $468,428 15.05% -5.96% Condos 145 $250,250 $307,418 136 $257,000 $300,433 -6.21% -2.27% December Statistics here January Statistics here Virginia Beach, VA School Report Cards Virginia Department of Ed... 04/28/2008

The following are recent real estate sales prices for Croatan homes located in Virginia Beach, VA. The real estate solds reflected below cover the period of one year. There are currently 22 active real estate listings in Croatan. Eighteen real estate listings expired and most renewed. Real Estate sold prices were from $500,000 to over $3 million. Located just south of Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach, VA., Croatan is an oceanfront and inland development consisting of over 470 homes. Custom homes vary in size and square footage. The neighborhood has access to Croatan beach, well known for surfing, body boarding, and just sunning. It is one of Virginia Beach’s best kept secrets. Croatan is located off of General Booth just minutes or a bike ride to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront boardwalk are... 04/28/2008

Back when times were normal Rewind about two decades ago and we were accustomed to double digit interest rates on mortgages. Now a days people will cry FOUL if they were ever quoted a double digit rate on a mortgage.  Back then though it was completely normal.There was no such thing for 100% financing (For the average home buyer) People were accustomed to SAVING up 20% to put down on the house. Again, now a days you tell a future home buyer you ask the home buyer to put 20% down, they will laugh and will find another lender.It was the NORMAL back then for that frame of mind.  It was an actual good frame of mind, to have 20% invested into your house, maybe not the double digit rate but if you had 20% invested in your home, you will be trying your hardest to keep your payments on time.   ... 04/27/2008

When I moved companies in Virginia Beach I found out I am still a luddite (gadget hating person).  I have my computer and cell phone but don't do texting, picture sending, pda or smartphone.  I hate those things but the company requires us to be available to answer emails quickly and be able to text and even IM from the same device.  Now I have to find one and have procrastinated for 3 weeks.   I am on Verizon so I stuck with a Pearl 8130, Blackberry 8830, Treo  700 WX, Verizon SMT 5580 and the Samsung i760.  I just think getting a smart phone is just going a bit far with technology.  When does it all end. http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real ... 04/27/2008

Do know who Otto Borischs is?  My guess would be the new executive chef at Mahi Mah in Virginia Beach.  This oceanfront eatery is the place to go for good food and Ottos' presence should only make it better.  He spent time in the Navy, the Culinary Institute of America and had an appearance on the second season of "Top Chef".  This restaurant can feed up to 3,000 people a day in mid tourist season and can be quite busy.  Maui Mah has some great food and Otto has come up a new one called "country fried squid".  I will leave it to you to take your clients there for lunch and figure out what country fried squid is all about.http://www.denisesellschespeake.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is up... 04/26/2008

Recently over 200 people gathered in the Virginia Beach Convention Center to talk about eh direction of the public schools.  There was a public meeting and then 11 focus groups.  This is input for a six year strategic plan the school system is developing.  Some of the themes were:  *Students need up to date technology skills*Schools should help motivate students to take contro of the theri education. Many good ideas and thoughts came out of the meeting.  All of this will be drafted into a plan and submitted to the school by Aug.http://www.genesellsvirginiabeach.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home ... 04/26/2008

As I travel around Virginia Beach listing and selling homes I often have several battery powered devices with me.  Having only one plug in the car can sometimes be a bother.  Well I found a nifty device that works for me and should work for others.  It is called the Power Station Traveller from ReSource.  You can purchase it from http://www.amazon.com/   The price is around $35 and you can plug up to three devices in at the same time.  How cool is that.http://www.genesellsvirginiabeach.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search.Google gene allen 04/26/2008

Ok Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads real estate sellers. Have you noticed there are a ton of homes for sale? Maybe you can help us real estate buyers by doing a few little things to set your home apart from the hundreds of junkards. Us buyers looking for real estate in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and the rest of Hampton Roads would like to leave your home with positive comments and not be wondering why you want ˜that price for your home. Is your home sexy? Just think about the following top buyer confessions: 1. When driving up to the house it looks like an above ground cemetary with statues of ‘things’ everywhere. 2. The cereal dish in the sink has cherrios floating in the milk. Put it in the dishwasher!! 3. The refrigerator looks like a lifetime high school year book. Nobody cares how yo... 04/24/2008

Un-Forseen events causing more renters recentlyWith the increase in foreclosures and more homeowners that can't afford to stay in their current homes due to financial hardship, job loss or mortgage payments.  People are resorting to renting once again or even staying with family and friends while they try to get back on their feet.     It's not the end of the world So you find yourself back at square one either renting or staying at a family/friends house.  It's ok, it's not the end of the world.  Michael Jordan once said "If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. " Things happen and... 04/23/2008

SHORE DRIVE RENTAL HOMES The entire Shore Drive / Chesapeake Bay beach area of Virginia Beach is a very desireable place to live.  Sometimes it is referred to as Chicks Beach.  Though I consider that to be the nickname of Chesapeake Beach, one of Shore Drive's unique neighborhoods.  There is a wide variety in the types of homes in the Shore Drive cooridor.  There are single family neighborhoods, condos, high-rises, townhomes, duplexes, deep waterfront, and bayfront.  The area attracts families, young professionals, military personnel, and empty-nesters alike.  Close by there are good schools, restaurants, marinas, and of course, the beautiful southern end of the Chesapeake Bay.     These qualities make owning rental property in the area a wise investment choice.  I am a real estate agen... 04/23/2008

The following are recent real estate sales prices for Ocean Lakes homes (solds and actives) located in Virginia Beach, VA. Located in the Southern section of Virginia Beach, VA., Ocean Lakes is a large development consisting of over 2600 homes, condos, and townhomes. Homes vary in size and square footage. Ocean Lakes is located off of Dam Neck and General Booth. Ocean Lakes High School is the Math and Magnet center for the Virginia Beach school district. Ocean Lakes provides easy access for military members to Oceana Naval Air Station and Dam Neck. The oceanfront is about 15 minutes away. Ocean Lakes schools: Elementary: Ocean Lakes Middle: Corporate Landing High School: Ocean Lakes Virginia Beach, VA School Report Cards Virginia Department of Education Virginia Beach Area Information h... 04/23/2008

My Earth Day Support Well to help celebrate this Great day called Earth Day, I wanted to share a tip to all of us in the Real Estate Business.  Even though this tip may be small, any effort to help with Eary Day's Main Vision will help tremendously!! Before I share my tip, I wanted to recap what Earth Day is all about. Earth Day Vision  definition from www.earthday.net : Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) promotes environmental citizenship and year round progressive action worldwide. Earth Day Network is a driving force steering environmental awareness around the world. Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a half billion people participate in... 04/22/2008

Where do sailors from Little Creek Amphibious Base in Norfolk/Virginia Beach want to live?  Why in Aragona of course?  Where is Aragona?  It is right about there on the map?  Only minutes from the front gate and close to the Bay, Pembroke Mall and the interstates.  What is Aragona?  It is the original suburb for Norfolk and it is what made Virginia Beach.  Originally it was farmland in the Bayside area of Princess Anne County (Virginia Beach didn't exist yet) and turned into a sprawling subdivison of over 3,200 homes 52 years ago.  Where did Aragona get its name?  From John Aragona of course.  He was a developer from New York and headed here because of the union problems there.  We are happy he came down.  Prices today range from $160k to $240k.  Quite attractive for Virginia Beach as t... 04/22/2008