Chesapeake Virginia Real Estate News & Listings Presented By Hampton Roads Realty Pros, Inc. / Keller Williams http://www.hrrealtypros.comWed, 22 Feb 2012 22:15:15 GMTHousing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards Jan 24, 2012 ... Capital Economics expects the housing crisis to end this year, according to a
report released Tuesday. One of the reasons: loosening credit. Read More

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Housing-Crisis-to-End-in-2012-as-Banks-Loosen-Credit-Standardshttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Housing-Crisis-to-End-in-2012-as-Banks-Loosen-Credit-StandardsWed, 15 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMTThis Month in Real Estate February 2012]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/This-Month-in-Real-Estate-February-2012http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/This-Month-in-Real-Estate-February-2012Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMTVirginia Home Prices Stable for Two Years Despite recent month-to-month declines in the median sales price in Virginia, long-term trends show only a 1.5% decline in median sales price over the past two years. History indicates that the median sales price will likely decrease a bit further over the next several months and then start to increase again in February 2012

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Virginia-Home-Prices-Stable-for-Two-Yearshttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Virginia-Home-Prices-Stable-for-Two-YearsTue, 06 Dec 2011 03:00:00 GMTMortgage Minute: FHA]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Mortgage-Minute-FHAhttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Mortgage-Minute-FHAThu, 01 Dec 2011 03:00:00 GMTThis Month in Real Estate - December]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/This-Month-in-Real-Estate-Decemberhttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/This-Month-in-Real-Estate-DecemberThu, 01 Dec 2011 03:00:00 GMTHappy Veteran's Day! Happy Veterans Day to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Thank you for the tremendous sacrifices you have made to defend us and our freedoms.

The Carlson Real Estate Team

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Happy-Veterans-Dayhttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Happy-Veterans-DayFri, 11 Nov 2011 03:00:00 GMTReal Estate Tip: ARM's Here is a tip for those who are shopping for Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs): the "margin" is almost as important as the initial rate. The margin is the percentage point above the average yields for Treasury notes on which future rate adjustments will be calculated.

Let's compare two hypothetical one-year ARMs. The first may have an initial interest rate of 7% with a 2.5 margin, while the second begins at 6 7/8% with a 2.75 margin. Both loans have rate caps of 2%. Suppose that at the end of the first year of the loan, the average of the one-year Treasury note yield has been 5 1/2%. For each loan, the lenders will add the margin to that 5 1/2% average yield. Thus the interest rate for first loan would increase from 7% to 8%, and the second would go from 6 7/8% to 8 1/4%. While the first ARM had a slightly higher initial rate, it will have lower rates in subsequent years, unless the Treasury note rates increase enough to activate the annual caps on the amount of the increase. There is a wide variance among margins in ARMs offered by competing lenders, and this should be a factor when you decide on your loan.

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Real-Estate-Tip-ARMshttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Real-Estate-Tip-ARMsFri, 11 Nov 2011 03:00:00 GMTInspiration for the Day “Almost everything we’ll ever do in life that is really powerful, that really produces a result in our lives, that quantum-leaps us to a new level . . .requires us to do something uncomfortable. It takes risks to achieve. It’s often scary. It requires something you didn’t know before or a skill you didn’t have before. But in the end, it’s worth it. As former Congressman Ed Forman says, ‘Winners are those people who make a habit of doing things losers are uncomfortable doing.’ Make today your day to start that uncomfortable new habit.” – Jack Canfield

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Inspiration-for-the-Dayhttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Inspiration-for-the-DayThu, 10 Nov 2011 03:00:00 GMTThis Month in Real Estate - Novermber 2011]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/This-Month-in-Real-Estate-Novermber-2011http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/This-Month-in-Real-Estate-Novermber-2011Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:00:00 GMTSurvey
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Surveyhttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/SurveyThu, 27 Oct 2011 03:00:00 GMTPuppies for sale... My children recently adopted a new puppy. They picked out the one that was a little different from the rest. Of course, he is the cutest little thing and you can tell he is happy they picked him! I thought you might enjoy this story…

Puppies for sale

A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read “Puppies For Sale.” Signs like that have a way of attracting small children, and sure enough, a little boy appeared under the store owner’s sign.

“How much are you going to sell the puppies for?” he asked.

The store owner replied, “Anywhere from $30 to $50.” The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change.

“I have $2.37,” he said. “Can I please look at them?”

The store owner smiled and whistled and out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur. One puppy was lagging considerably behind.

Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, “What’s wrong with that little dog?”

The store owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered it didn't have a hip socket. It would always have a limp. It would always be lame.

The little boy became excited. “That’s the little puppy that I want to buy.”

The store owner said, “No, you don't want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I’ll just give him to you.”

The little boy was quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner’s eyes, pointed his finger, and said, “I don’t want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I'll pay full price. In fact, I'll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for.”

The store owner countered, “You really don't want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies.”

To this, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace.

He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, “Well, I don't run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!”

Source: Chicken Soup For The Soul (Canfield & Hansen)
 

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Puppies-for-salehttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Puppies-for-saleThu, 27 Oct 2011 03:00:00 GMTVirginia Beach Public Safety First Responders Want You to Be Safe for Trick-or-Treat, Monday, Oct. 31 Monday, Oct. 31, is Halloween. Trick-or-Treat begins at dusk and ends at 8 p.m. for children 12 years of age and younger. Members of the Virginia Beach Emergency Response System want you and your family to be safe. Planning ahead can help make this Halloween a safe and fun treat.

If you’re planning to take the kids trick-or-treating, or if you’re passing out candy, follow a few simple rules to keep Halloween safe and fun. If you are passing out treats, please turn your porch light on so children will know they are welcome. If you are not passing out treats, please turn your porch light off. Other safety tips for trick-or-treaters include:

  • Wear light-colored clothing that is labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant and is short enough to prevent tripping. Also, add reflectors or glow-in-the-dark safety stickers for higher visibility.
  • Make sure your children can see clearly through face masks, or use face paint or makeup instead of a mask.
  • Carry a lightweight flashlight in case one is needed along with a fully charged cell phone, or a personal two-way radio in case of an emergency.
  • Join in the fun and accompany young children, especially if they are under the age of 8. If you cannot accompany them, have them go with a group of other children. NEVER let them go alone.
  • Watch out for traffic and only cross at corners. Be careful not to cross between parked cars.
  • Let your family know ahead of time what route and streets you plan to travel and what time you expect to return home.
  • Stay within your neighborhood and visit only the homes where you know the people.
  • Insist children use sidewalks to avoid injury. If sidewalks aren’t available, walk facing traffic.
  • Have children wait until they get home to eat their goodies, so you can examine their treats before they are eaten.
  • Give or accept only wrapped or packaged candy.
  • An adult should stay home to welcome trick-or-treaters.
  • Pets can get a little excited over all the activity, so keep your pets under control and away from the front door.
  • Clear your garage, lawn and walkway of tools, toys and other items.
  • Use electric lights or luminary bags to light front walkways.
  • Keep candlelit jack-o-lanterns away from areas where costumes may brush up against the flames.
  • Most importantly, instruct your child not to ever go into the home of a stranger, or get into their car. Explain the dangers and what to do if someone approaches them and tries to take them.

Remember, to report any suspicious activity, dial 9-1-1, or if you need to obtain general information on city information and activities, simply dial 3-1-1 from a landline or (757) 385-3111 from a cell phone.

The Virginia Beach Emergency Response System is comprised of public safety first responders from the Virginia Beach departments of Emergency Communications and Citizens Services; Emergency Medical Services; Fire; Police and members of the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squads.

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Virginia-Beach-Public-Safety-First-Responders-Want-You-to-Be-Safe-for-Trick-or-Treat-Monday-Oct-31http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Virginia-Beach-Public-Safety-First-Responders-Want-You-to-Be-Safe-for-Trick-or-Treat-Monday-Oct-31Mon, 24 Oct 2011 03:00:00 GMTDonor beware - Your money might not go where you think...
]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Donor-beware-Your-money-might-not-go-where-you-thinkhttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Donor-beware-Your-money-might-not-go-where-you-thinkSun, 23 Oct 2011 03:00:00 GMTNew Homes in Virginia Beach If you are planning to build a new home in Virginia Beach, you should take full advantage of the opportunity to design a custom-built home that meets your needs and includes all the amenities you want. Create a professional-quality kitchen for the "gourmet cook" in the family, include space for a home office, and place the master suite at the opposite end of the house from the kids. Enjoy designing your dream home!

This may be the biggest project of your lifetime. Be certain to select a team of highly qualified professionals to work with you. Your home team should consist of a real estate salesperson, an architect, a builder, and a lender. Your real estate agent will assure that all the legal requirements are met as your Virginia Beach dream home is being built. Interview each member of your team and ask for references, in order to be confident you are hiring the best people for the job. You will be working closely with these professionals for many months, so choose your team carefully.

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/New-Homes-in-Virginia-Beachhttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/New-Homes-in-Virginia-BeachSat, 22 Oct 2011 03:00:00 GMTReal Estate Tip: Credit Card Traps It is not unusual for first-time buyers to be free of debt. They have been saving for their first home for many months or even years. But after they move into their new home, the new homeowners are often deluged with pre-approved credit card applications from banks and stores offering credit lines. Before they realize what is happening, they can be overwhelmed with debt.

The consumer credit agencies know that mortgage companies do thorough checks before approving a loan, and those who have passed through that process are considered good credit risks. They also know that new homeowners often need to make major purchases of furniture and appliances at a time when they have depleted most of their savings accounts. After years of disciplined savings, new owners may be faced with a tremendous temptation to just say "charge it" for the things they need.

If you have just purchased a home, be aware--and wary--when those credit card applications start pouring in!

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Real-Estate-Tip-Credit-Card-Trapshttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Real-Estate-Tip-Credit-Card-TrapsFri, 21 Oct 2011 03:00:00 GMT10 Great Reasons Why You Should Hire A Realtor® 1. REALTOR® Are Real Estate Specialists. Not all real estate professionals are created equally. There are approximately 2.3 million licensed real estate professionals, but only members of the National Association of Realtors can call themselves Realtors. This association of brokers and agents provides a Code of Ethics to standardize professional behavior.

2. REALTOR® Lower Your Risk. When you have a Realtor as an advocate, you share some of the risk of home buying with your agent. Otherwise, it's buyer beware. Incredibly, many states do not have laws or regulatory bodies in place that protect home buyers in many situations. If you have a Realtor as your advocate, he or she will make recommendations that will assure that you are buying a home environmentally sound and priced fairly according to the current marketplace.

3. REALTOR® Work For You At Their Own Risk. Can you name another profession that will go to work for you on a contingency basis? Or without a contract? Even attorneys charge by the hour except for some high-risk law suits. You don't typically pay for any services up front with an agent and that is because agents are paid on the back end by the lender's proceeds. When you think about it, that is an incredible endorsement that your lender is willing to finance your brokerage fees. That means you and the seller have no out-of-pocket expenses. Therefore, it's in your agent's best interest to work quickly, diligently, and use all his or her resources to help you meet your goals, or there is no payday. But don't be surprised if your agent asks for a commitment from you in the form of a contract. Wouldn't you do the same if your time and money were on the line?

4.REALTOR® Understand The Current Market. Real estate professionals have invaluable house-by-house, street-by-street, and market-by-market experience which can't be learned overnight. Realtors who have weathered the pendulum swing between buyers' markets and sellers' markets know that the real estate market can turn abruptly. Rising and falling interest rates affect the number of available homes for sale and their prices within weeks or days. All it takes is the entrance or exit of a major employer, and hundreds of homes in a neighborhood can be affected. As neighborhood experts, experienced brokers and agents can help you with home buying strategies and proposals that will get the right house at the best price and terms.

5. REALTOR®Have Inventory. Do you want to find a home quickly? With a Realtor by your side, you will. According to The National Association of Realtors, over four-fifths of existing homes in the United States are represented by real estate brokers. So are 70 percent of new home builders and their products, according to NewHomeNetwork.com. Realtors cooperate with each other through an organization called the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that allows them to share their current inventory with each other. Your agent can also show you homes outside of the MLS inventory, including for-sale-by-owner homes, new builder homes, and institution-operated homes. However, no Realtor can be expected to show you this unqualified inventory without a representation agreement that assures him or her of being paid at closing.

6. REALTOR® Have Information You Don't Have. MLS data entry can take from one to 10 days, depending on the listing agent, his or her broker, and the rules and technology of the MLS. By the time the home is posted on the Internet, it could already be sold, so when you shop for homes on the Internet, you may not be seeing the most current inventory. That's why clever agents network with each other. Your agent will tell other agents about you and your wish list in exchange for information about upcoming homes for sale which are not yet in the MLS or the Internet. Many homes are bought and sold this way without a sign ever going into the yard. If you want to be the buyer positioned to make first and best offers on these desirable homes, hire an agent and be willing to go under contract. If an agent has found out about a home for sale that has not been listed, whom do you think he or she will tell first - you, or a buyer who is committed to him or her by contract? Again, commitment works both ways.

7. REALTOR®Understand The Complexity Of The Transaction. Less than a decade ago, a home could be bought with a two-page contract. Now consumer-mandated seller's disclosures, environmental and structural reports, and other legal documents have turned the home transfer into a potential minefield. Realtors work with contracts daily, and can fully understand which points are harmful and/or beneficial to you. From helping you make a reasonable offer, to providing for the discovery and disclosure of material facts, your agent can also correctly interpret information for you. If you found out the neighbor next door to the house you are buying is building a new fence, would you know to get a new survey ordered? Your Realtor will make sure that the new fence doesn't encroach on your new property.

8.REALTOR® Work For You...And The Transaction. Your agent not only represents your interests but also works on behalf of the transaction. Does that seem like a conflict of interest? It isn't. Buyers and sellers are natural adversaries. You want to buy for the least price, and the seller wants the most. Agents must be skilled negotiators to keep pride, ignorance, or stubbornness from getting in the way of a fair deal for both sides. As the buyer, remember that you are the one in control. You can instruct your agent how far to go in negotiations on your behalf. One day, you'll be glad your agent helped you keep your cool when the seller refused to leave that old chandelier.

9. REALTOR® Offer Flexible Services. Realtors' services are somewhat negotiable. The more risk you ask your agent to take, the higher the fees on the back end (closing) will be. Also, the more your broker serves as your advocate, the more you can expect to pay. New ideas are coming to the real estate industry which allow the consumer to pick and choose real estate services based on what brokers offer in the marketplace. Some offer only full-service brokerage services. Others offer menu services and are paid accordingly. If you want to save some money, be prepared to pay more fees along the way and to shoulder more responsibility.

10.REALTOR®Are Homeowner Advocates. Do you like the idea of deducting your mortgage interest from your income tax? Paying no capital gains when you sell your home up to $250,000 if you are single and $500,000 if you are married after living in it only two years? If so, you can thank the only lobbying group in the nation that looks out for the interests of homeowners - The National Association of Realtors. Every year, the Realtor PAC perches on Capitol Hill and swoops down on legislators who try to overturn these generous government-sponsored homeowner benefits. The result is well worth it. These initiatives keep housing more affordable and make them better investments, enabling more buyers than ever before to move into a home of their own. Thanks in part to Realtors, more than 67 percent of the population are enjoying the benefits of owning a home. So keep in mind that every time you put a Realtor to work, you are working to keep your homeowner benefits in place.

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/10-Great-Reasons-Why-You-Should-Hire-A-Realtorhttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/10-Great-Reasons-Why-You-Should-Hire-A-RealtorThu, 20 Oct 2011 03:00:00 GMTWhat's the Difference between a Buyer's Agent and a Seller's Agent? Most states have what is called a "Buyer's Agent", which is a real estate agent hired by you, the buyer, to help find the right home at the best price. 

A Seller's Agent or Listing Agent, is a real estate agent hired by the seller to market and sell their home.  The main goal of a Seller's agent is to sell the seller's home at the HIGHEST price possible.

Some buyers choose to ask the Seller's agent to represent them, but BEFORE you do that, keep in mind that the Seller's Agent automatically has a conflict of interest - how can they get the highest price for their Seller client and at the same time get the most reasonable price for you?

As a Buyer, you won't pay anything to have Hampton Roads Realty Pros work for you.  In a residential real estate transaction, the SELLER pays the real estate commission!

Learn more about how a Buyer's agent can help you with your next home by contacting us!

Happy House Hunting!

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Whats-the-Difference-between-a-Buyers-Agent-and-a-Sellers-Agenthttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Whats-the-Difference-between-a-Buyers-Agent-and-a-Sellers-AgentWed, 19 Oct 2011 03:00:00 GMTWe Guarantee Your Satisfaction! As a Home Buyer or Seller in the Hampton Roads area, you want to work with a real estate agent who is knowledgeable, friendly and hardworking... and values your time as much as you do.  That means someone who will return your calls quickly, answers your questions promptly and completely, and when you're ready to move forward, they're ready too.

At other companies that combination of accountability, responsiveness and knowledge might be hard to come by, but at Hampton Roads Realty Pros we consider that the basics!

In addition to providing you with "the basics", your Hampton Roads Realty Pro agent will:

  • Help you find the right home for you, in your area and price range
  • Work with you to prepare an offer to purchase the house and professionally present it to the Seller's agent
  • Negotiate on your behalf with the Seller or the Seller's agent after the offer is presented
  • Work with the title company, the lender, and the Seller or Seller's agent to arrange all necessary inspections
  • Discuss the inspection reports with you and negotiate with the Seller or Seller's agent for any repairs to the home
  • Serve as your "point person" to make sure the closing process goes smoothly and ensure all contracts and addendums are prepared and completed
     

We're 100% committed to making sure you have a great home buying or selling experience - in fact, we guarantee it! Learn more: http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Satisfaction-Guarantee

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/We-Guarantee-Your-Satisfactionhttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/We-Guarantee-Your-SatisfactionWed, 19 Oct 2011 03:00:00 GMTBlue Moon Wicked 10K Run in Virginia Beach

What you get

Long sleeve technical shirt (10k participants)
Short sleeve cotton shirt (Monster Mile participants)
Wicked 10k and Monster Mile finisher medals
Post Race food provided by Baker's Crust
Blue Moon Beer
Surprise finisher item (10k participants)
Live Music by Rock Star Parking

Fees

Lego robot

Blue Moon 10k
$35 through December 31st, 2010
$45 January 1st - July 31st, 2011
$55 August 1st - September 30th, 2011
$60 - October 1 - the race selling out at 7500 participants!

Old Point National Bank Monster Mile
$15 through December 31st, 2010
$20 January 1st - Sep 30th, 2011
$25 October 1 - the race selling out.

For a printable application, click here!

Registration Rules

1. Absolutely no refunds, no exceptions
2. No transfers of entry to another person
3. No race day registration. The last day to register is October 28th at the Virginia Beach Convention Center if the race has not already sold out.
4. If you cannot make the race, you can defer your entry to 2012. Use this link to defer to next year.

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Blue-Moon-Wicked-10K-Run-in-Virginia-Beachhttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/Blue-Moon-Wicked-10K-Run-in-Virginia-BeachMon, 17 Oct 2011 03:00:00 GMTHow to Stop the Drop in Home Values Interesting article from the NY Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/13/opinion/how-to-stop-the-drop-in-home-values.html

]]>http://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/How-to-Stop-the-Drop-in-Home-Valueshttp://www.hrrealtypros.com/Blog/How-to-Stop-the-Drop-in-Home-ValuesMon, 17 Oct 2011 03:00:00 GMT