Virginia Real Estate and Musings: January 2008

NEW LISTING IN POQUOSON!

BEAUTIFUL RENOVATION IN POQUOSON!

Great curb appeal!!! This fully renovated 4 bedroom, 2 bath home features a brand new kitchen with stainless steel appliances and real butcher block countertops. Seller will pay all of buyer's closing costs with seller approved lender and closing agent! 1 year home warranty too!

Large, Covered Front "Rocking" Porch with Swing!

Property Address:
41 Messick Rd.
Poquoson, VA 23662

MLS: 0804213
List Price: $234900

  • 4 Spacious Bedrooms
  • 2 Updated Bathrooms
  • New Stainless Steel Appliances
  • New Carpet
  • Freshly Painted
  • New Flooring
  • Large Back Deck
  • Covered Front Porch with Swing
  • New Fixtures
  • New Doors
  • New White Kitchen Cabinets
  • Closing Cost Assistance
  • 1 Year Home Warranty
  • Ready for Quick Closing!
Long & Foster Oceanfront
Tina Merritt, Realtor, GRI, ePRO, QSC, ASR, AHWD
317 30th St.
Virginia Beach VA 23451
(757)428-4600
Click To Email Me
Click to Visit My Website
Click to See Virtual Tour
Click to Read My Real Estate Blog
About Me
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realtor technology spotlight awardTina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email:  tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338.

Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia.  In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County.

Visit our website:  NestRealtyGroup.com

 

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0 commentsTina Merritt - Virginia Real Estate • January 29 2008 11:57PM

JUST LISTED IN AERIES ON THE BAY!

ENJOY BEACH LIVING AT A GREAT PRICE!

What a beautiful home by the Bay and what a great price! This well maintained townhome in popular Aeries on the Bay features lots of updates and upgrades. Each spacious bedroom features a private bath. Great outdoor living space perfect for BBQ's and entertaining. Cox School District too!

Great neighborhood just steps to the beach! Convenient location off Shore Drive!

Property Address:
3925 Aeries Way
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

MLS: 0804132
List Price: $334900

  • 3 Large Bedrooms
  • 3.5 Bathrooms
  • New Carpet
  • New Stainless Appliances
  • Real Butcher Block Counters
  • Freshly Painted Interior
  • New Lighting Fixtures
  • Spacious Deck
  • Fenced Yard
  • 1st Floor Patio
  • 1 Car Garage
  • No Condo/POA Fees!
  • New Flooring
  • 1 Year Home Warranty
Long & Foster Oceanfront
Tina Merritt, Realtor, GRI, ePRO, QSC, ASR, AHWD
317 30th St.
Virginia Beach VA 23451
(757)428-4600
Click To Email Me
Click to Visit My Website
Click to Watch Virtual Tour
Click to Read My Real Estate Blog
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About Me
Click To Call Agent
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realtor technology spotlight awardTina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email:  tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338.

Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia.  In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County.

Visit our website:  NestRealtyGroup.com

 

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1 commentTina Merritt - Virginia Real Estate • January 25 2008 08:43AM

Just Reduced - Motivated Seller Says "Bring All Offers"

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realtor technology spotlight awardTina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email:  tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338.

Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia.  In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County.

Visit our website:  NestRealtyGroup.com

 

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1 commentTina Merritt - Virginia Real Estate • January 24 2008 04:42AM

Tracking Gas Prices in Virginia Beach

I remember back when we had the gas crisis during the Carter Administration.  I remember sitting in the line at the gas station with my Dad hoping they still had gas when it was our turn.  I remember my parents talking to their friends about having gas stolen out of their gas tanks.  Lastly, I remember my father reciting off to my Mom the number of gallons and price per gallon and milegage used since the last fillup so they could calculate the gas mileage.

Then, my Dad drove home the "Orange" one day.  It was a 1978 Honda Civic Hatchback in bright orange with black vinyl seats.  He traded in his beautiful, blue Chevelle convertible to drive the ugly orange Civic and save gas money!

As I got older, I observed my Dad making a conscious effort to drive to work on a certain route to hit the least expensive gas station when it was time for a fillup.  My thoughts were usually that of bewilderment, "Why is saving a few cents so important to him that he actually notices gas prices and goes out of his way to get the best price?"

So, being the rebellious soul that I am, I pretty much never paid attention to how much I was paying for gas.  I didn't really care what the gas mileage sticker at the dealership stated.  I drove a gas guzzler and was proud of it.

That all started to change the day I paid $75 to fill the tank.  I've since researched how to get more mpg out of my car.  I even found a cool button on my dash that tells me the current mpg and I'm learning how different driving habits make it skyrocket and fall to almost nothing.  Lastly, I am actually paying attention to how much I pay for gas and I cringe each and every time.

In my research, I heard about a great tool for finding the best gas prices.  Here is a link to a current map of the prices in Virginia Beach.  I hope you find it helpful and save a few bucks.  It would make my father happy!

http://maps.google.com/maps/mm?ie=UTF8&hl=en&ll=36.859296,-76.074486&spn=0.125262,0.31929&z=12&om=0

 

Tina in Virginia

tina in virginia

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realtor technology spotlight awardTina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email:  tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338.

Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia.  In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County.

Visit our website:  NestRealtyGroup.com

 

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4 commentsTina Merritt - Virginia Real Estate • January 23 2008 07:12AM

Are you at risk for flooding?

Just because the previous and/or current owner of your home is not required to have flood insurance does not mean you will not be required to get it.  Flooding is the #1 natural disaster and most insurance policies do not cover flood damage.  In addition, if you are in an area that gets hit by flooding and qualifies for federal assistance, the assistance is usually in the form of a low interest loan which must be paid back.

Per FEMA, 30% of all flood insurance claims are filed by people living in low to moderate risk areas!  So, flood insurance isn't only needed by those who are required to get it by their mortgage companies.

Go to www.floodsmart.gov and enter your address to check your property's risk level.

If you are renting, make sure first of all that you have renters insurance (it's very inexpensive) and also check to make sure your belongings are insured against flooding.

If you live in a condominium complex that is located in a flood zone, your complex's master insurance policy will most likely include flood insurance; however, you will still need to check your personal property policy to see if it protects you against flooding.

Flooding can be caused by things other than natural disasters!  A neighbor's leaking pipe, backed up drain lines, heavy rain combined with slow drainage - these can also cause substantial damage.

When a hurricane or tropical storm has formed, there is usually a moratorium placed on insurance policies in the areas which could be affected.  Since we are not in hurricane season right now, it's a great time to update your insurance and make sure you and your family are adequately covered!

To get more information on insurance, please contact me and I will be happy to put you in touch with a reputable insurance professional who can answer all of your questions.

Tina in Virginia

tina merritt logo 

 

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realtor technology spotlight awardTina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email:  tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338.

Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia.  In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County.

Visit our website:  NestRealtyGroup.com

 

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0 commentsTina Merritt - Virginia Real Estate • January 21 2008 08:09AM

New Listing in Camellia Gardens!

BEST BUY IN CAMELLIA GARDENS!

This lovingly cared for and well maintained brick ranch sits on a spacious, corner lot in the popular Camellia Gardens neighborhood. Convenient to beaches, bases and shopping! Long driveway with extra parking pad. Lots of new updates including new roof and windows. 1 year home warranty for buyer!

Take a tour today to see this lovely ranch in a fabulous neighborhood!

Property Address:
8152 Pace Rd.
Norfolk, VA 23518

MLS: 0802744
List Price: $204500

  • New Trane HVAC
  • New Roof
  • New Windows
  • Brick Exterior
  • 1 Car Garage
  • Corner Lot
  • Mature Landscaping
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 1.5 Baths
  • Fenced Yard
  • Backyard Shed
  • Patio
  • 1304 Sq. Ft.
  • New Garage Door
Long & Foster Oceanfront
Tina Merritt
317 30th St.
Virginia Beach VA 23451
(757)287-6338
Click To Email Me
Click to Visit My Website
Click to Take a Virtual Tour
Click to Read My Blog
Active|Rain
About Me
Click To Call Agent
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realtor technology spotlight awardTina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email:  tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338.

Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia.  In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County.

Visit our website:  NestRealtyGroup.com

 

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0 commentsTina Merritt - Virginia Real Estate • January 19 2008 01:19AM

Interviewing Listing Agents? Here are Some Questions to Ask....

In today's market, 85% of all buyers are using the internet to search for homes.  Unfortunately, not all agents are using the internet to extensively market their listings.  Here are some questions to ask when interviewing agents.  A good, internet-literate agent will be able to answer these questions with relative ease.

  1. What sites will my home be listed on?
  2. Will my home be featured on any of these sites?
  3. Will you have my home professionally photographed and the pictures uploaded to these sites?
  4. Will a virtual tour or video be made of my home & uploaded accordingly?
  5. Do you blog?  If so, what is/are your blog sites?
  6. Will my property be submitted to your blog(s)?
  7. Will my home be given a unique web address?
  8. How will you drive traffic to my online listing?
  9. Will I receive regular updates of the visitor traffic viewing my listing?
  10. How many hits to you average on your site(s) per week/month?
  11. How long will it take for my home to be uploaded to all of the sites?

Next, do your homework.  Google the agent's sites and see how and where they come up.  Check the online listings and see how they are displayed and if they are kept updated.  Are the links active and valid?  Is his/her blog updated?  Also be sure to check the agent's firm's website and check the same things.

Look into the agent's print advertising and make sure it references the online listings.  Even if the agent doesn't advertise your particular home in print, you want to be sure that traffic is still being driven to the website where they can find your listing.

Finally, do a test.  Do a property inquiry from various sites and see if you get a response and if so, a timely one.

Hopefully, these tips will help you in choosing a great listing agent who will market your home successfully on the internet.

 

Tina in Virginia

tina merritt logo

 

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realtor technology spotlight awardTina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email:  tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338.

Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia.  In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County.

Visit our website:  NestRealtyGroup.com

 

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4 commentsTina Merritt - Virginia Real Estate • January 15 2008 03:52PM

Just Reduced in Portsmouth!

BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED IN TRUXTON!

Must see this quality renovation in Portsmouth! Looks like a new house inside and out! Spacious corner lot on quiet, dead end street. Seller will pay all of buyer's closing costs with seller's choice of lender and closing agent. One year home warranty too!

Get more info on all of my listings by visiting my website www.tinamerritt.com

Property Address:
33 Royal Street
Portsmouth, VA 23702

MLS: 0800446
List Price: $139900

  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 1 Renovated Bathroom
  • Brand New Kitchen
  • New Smooth Top Range
  • New Dishwasher
  • Freshly Painted
  • New Carpet
  • New Flooring
  • New Windows
  • New Lighting Fixtures
  • New White Cabinets
  • 1 Yr. Home Warranty
  • Seller Will Pay Closing Costs
  • Spacious Corner Lot
Long & Foster Oceanfront
Tina Merritt
317 30th St.
Virginia Beach VA 23451
(757)287-6338
Click To Email Me
Click to Visit My Site
Virtual Tour
My Blog
About Me
Click To Call Agent
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**************************************************************************************

realtor technology spotlight awardTina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email:  tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338.

Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia.  In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County.

Visit our website:  NestRealtyGroup.com

 

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0 commentsTina Merritt - Virginia Real Estate • January 14 2008 01:21PM

4 Bd/2Bth Just Reduced in Norfolk!

Adorable & Affordable in Norfolk!

Nicely updated & affordable 4 Bdrm, 2 Bath Ranch w/brand new kitchen, new Berber carpet, new windows, fresh paint & more! Seller will pay all of buyer's closing costs w/seller approved lender & attorney! Quiet, dead end street w/a fenced yard. 1 year home warranty too!

Seller Will Pay All of Buyer's Closing Costs!

Property Address:
3005 Montana Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23513

MLS: 0750724
List Price: $149900

  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 2 Baths
  • New Kitchen
  • New Carpet
  • Fresh Paint
  • Fenced Yard
  • New Windows
  • Dead End Street
  • Convenient Location
  • New Hot Water Heater
  • Utility Room
  • New/Updated Bathrooms
  • Covered Porch
  • Closing Cost Assistance
Long & Foster
Tina Merritt
317 30th St.
Virginia Beach VA 23451
(757)287-6338
Click To Email Me
Click to Visit My Website
My Blog
My Active Rain Profile
About Me
Click To Call Agent
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**************************************************************************************

realtor technology spotlight awardTina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email:  tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338.

Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia.  In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County.

Visit our website:  NestRealtyGroup.com

 

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0 commentsTina Merritt - Virginia Real Estate • January 14 2008 12:19PM

Finally! A Mortgage that Includes Fix Up Costs!

Hooray!  VHDA (Virginia Housing Development Authority) has come out with a new mortgage which permits the buyer to "roll in" up to 5% of the purchase price for upgrades/repairs.  Here are the details:

The Home Enhancer Loan  

Program Name: VHDA Flex/Alt Home Enhancer 105%

  

Benefits: One mortgage (no second mortgage/no home equity line necessary)

                Excellent VHDA rates.*  No down payment. No PMI.   

Qualifying: Ratios and income limits widened. Borrow up to $417,000.   

Improvements Eligible:  

•1.      Exterior and/or interior painting

•2.      Upgrades to the electrical system

•3.      Wallpaper

•4.      New Carpeting!

•5.      Upgrades to the kitchen, including appliances!

•6.      Garages

•7.      Landscaping!  

*Improvements must be completed by a professional; no sweat equity. Any repairs required by an appraisal can be included. This may be your opportunity to get a listing sold in which the sellers cannot afford to finalize repairs themselves. Improvements can be completed up to 120 days after closing. Final inspection is required. This is a 105% loan and the rates are only about .25% above standard VHDA rates! Seller can still contribute up to 4% closing costs and pre-paids.  

Also the Flex/Alt Home Access 110% program for Handicap/Disability Improvements. Borrower can choose the modifications!

For more details on this exciting new loan program, please contact either myself or Sean Cohen at Prosperity Mortgage (757-428-4600) Sean.D.Cohen@prosperitymortgage.com.

tina merritt logo

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realtor technology spotlight awardTina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email:  tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338.

Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia.  In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County.

Visit our website:  NestRealtyGroup.com

 

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0 commentsTina Merritt - Virginia Real Estate • January 14 2008 12:15PM