Virginia Real Estate and Musings: December 2008

I fully understand that many agents feel that if all real estate professionals talk about the market being great long enough, people may start to to believe them and actually buy a house or two.  My opinion is that this false-sense of market security is backfiring on the profession.  A client recently asked me, "Do real estate agents EVER say it's not a good time to buy?". 

The reality is that the economy is not good.  The real estate market is pretty dismal.  History tells us that this slump is not going to go away in a few weeks.  It may take years.  That's reality.

It's also the reality that shelter is a basic necessity in life.  Food, water and shelter.  So, even though someone may not WANT to buy (or rent) a home, they HAVE to.

So, the answer is no.  It is not a great time to buy a house.  The market stinks.  HOWEVER.....

1.  The tax benefits to owning a home are still intact.

2.  If a buyer is patient, not picky and chooses a well educated, experienced negotiator as an agent, they may be able to get a fantastic deal.

3.  Interest rates rock right now - if you have good credit.

4.  Sellers will pretty much give you the sun, moon and the stars if you will buy their house.  If they won't, their next door neighbor probably will.

5.  If a buyer can get a house at a good enough price, they may be able to ride out further market decreases without losing their arse.

My answer?  It's not a good real estate market.  But, if buyers are careful and work with an agent who guides them correctly, they can obtain a necessity in life for a great price.

Tina in Virginia

A few weeks ago, I was giving a presentation to the Long and Foster Norfolk office and I had the good fortune to meet Brian and Debbie Foxwell of Solar Time Signs.

The sign company we have been using for years is....well...let's just say.....adequate.  Yes, they install our post signs.  Yes, they are usually up within 7-10 business days.  However, they just don't seem to care too much about what the product looks like.  The signs are often damaged, posts not painted well and installed so poorly that the slightest breeze sends them to an awkward angle.

Brian and Debbie, as Realtors themselves, experienced the frustration we have all been living with regarding our signs.  Fortunately for all of us, the Foxwell's decided to do something about it and formed Solar Time Signs.

Solar Time Signs goes the extra mile in customer service, a quality product and quality installation and take-down.

For example:

1.  They confirm receipt for your sign order and keep you apprised of the installation progress.

2.  Brian drives a clean truck & trailer and dresses professionally with a logo'ed shirt.

3.  After Brian digs the hole for the sign, he takes the dirt with him so as to not leave a pile in the yard.

4.  When the sign is removed, they fill the hole back up.

5.  Brian builds the signs himself to withstand the elements.

6.  The upper sign rider is secured by metal pins and the rider doesn't blow off.

7.  The large sign is doubly secured to prevent it from being damaged or falling off.

8.  Brian will take the riders from your temp sign and move them to your post sign.  He will also remove your temp sign if you desire.

9.  Brian will install a sturdy flyer box, with or without a solar light, to the sign.  The box is secured with one way screws so it won't be stolen.  There is also a plastic sleeve to hold one flyer so the box never loks empty.

10.  Want Brian to fill your flyer box?  Just send him your flyers prior to installation!

11.  Solar Time Signs offers signs with or without a solar light.  The light doesn't require any maintenance on your part and is operated by sunlight.  Once it gets dark, your sign will be illuminated for up to 6 hours.  The light is strong enough to draw attention to the sign but suttle enough not to disturb the neighbors.

The cost for Solar Time Signs is only a few dollars more than our current company.  The service and quality make the additional investment well worth it.  My clients have been very happy with their signs - especially that the signs can easily be seen at night.

Currently, Solar Time Signs services Southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina.  Hopefully, the Foxwell's will find much success and be able to expand their business across the Commonwealth of Virginia and into North Carolina and beyond!  Even better, they are members of Active Rain!  You can view Debra's profile here.

Tina in Virginia

So, what is the one gift I would like to have for Christmas?  This is a tough one, my husband and I have made a pact to not purchase gifts for each other this year.  We want this Christmas to be about family, not "stuff".  Because of this, I really haven't thought much about what I would like to have.  I wrote a post yesterday about my Technology wishlist for 2009 - but not sure if one of those would take the cake for this purpose.

Something I can touch and hold?  It has to be an object and it has to be for me?  Hmmmmmmmmmm.......

I'd love to give my father his 1968 Malibu Convertible back.  He LOVED that car and after he sold it in 1975, used to take my brother and I by to visit it.  The man he sold it to still owns it (this is a picture I snapped back in October of the car) but doesn't want to sell it.

I'd love to give my son a visit to the White House.  He is 5 and talks about it all the time.  I sent in a request through my Congresswoman, Thelma Drake, back in July to get a tour (for this December).  Unfortunately, Congresswoman Drake's office never confirmed our tour and then shut their offices down last week (she was not re-elected).  So even though she is still my Congresswoman until January 20th, she refuses to help.

I'd love to give my husband job security.  He works for a large bank that has had quite a few cutbacks and closed offices.  Seems the employees are always on edge about their jobs being eliminated.  The uncertainty can be very stressful - especially for someone who just quit smoking (I am so proud of him for that).

But this needs to be for me; not for someone else.  Hmmmmmmmmmmm........

I would like a mac-daddy home office.  The one I have now is pretty pathetic.  Nothing matches.  It's not very organized.  It's uncomfortable.  It's also shared with my son's toys.  That's what I want.  To wake up Christmas morning to an organized, beautifully decorated home office with a cherry desk and bookshelves, equipment that always works in synch, a big comfy leather chair, a filing cabinet that is already filed............that would be perfect!

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So, whom shalll I "bless" with the task of sharing their Christmas/Holiday Wish?

1.  Heather Elias

Heather and I were finally able to meet in person at the VAR Convention in October.  She is a down-to-earth, fun person and a fantastic blogger!  Take a look at her blog:  LoCoMusings.

2.  Jeremy Hart

Jeremy is a very technologically savvy agent in Blacksburg, VA.  Jeremy and I share a passion for all things Virginia Tech and orange and maroon.  Jeremy has recently started a recycling effort in Christiansburg, VA and writes a great blog:  NRVLiving.

3. Jennifer Keltner

Jennifer and I have been working together for about a year now and just recently formed a partnership.  Her hard work and enthusiasm have given me a much needed jump-start and I love working with her!  Jennifer authors the blog for our Military Relocation Team.

4.  Sarah Cox

What can I say?  Sarah can do anything and will help with anything even without being asked!  I adore her like a sister and she even babysits my son!  Sarah also sells Avon and has great taste.  Read her blog here.  She has some great deals and free shipping on Avon products!

5.  Justin Williams

Justin is a wealth of technology knowledge. and is always willing to share and brainstorm.  I am so glad he has become a part of our office!  Justin is also now authoring a blog everyone seems to be talking about:  Social Media Vision - be sure to check it out and subscribe!

Tina in Virginia

Feel free to share yours too! 

1.  Fujitsu ScanSnap S510 Sheet Fed Scanner

2.  Dell M-109S On-the-Go Projector

3.  Motorola Deluxe Bluetooth Car Kit HF850

Product Description
The Bluetooth 1.2 Wireless Car Kit provides a neat and convenient hands-free solution for your car. It provides premium hands-free audio performance with echo and noise reduction while utilizing your car's internal speakers. So easy to use, simply turn on the ignition and the Bluetooth link will automatically be established with your phone - also, stay connected while your ignition is off. Answer, end, mute, or place a call from the car kit's control panel. You can use the voice dial feature in your phone to conveniently dial numbers stored in your phone's phonebook.

4.  Sony VAIO TT Series Notebook PC

Redefine on-the-go freedom with the worlds' smallest Blu-ray Disc™ notebook. Melding powerful computing with a luxurious design, the ultra-portable VAIO® VGN-TT190UBX notebook features an Intel® Core™ 2 Duo SU9400 processor with 4GB of RAM and is wrapped in premium carbon fiber casing. An integrated Blu-ray Disc™ optical drive and vivid 11.1-inch widescreen LCD with XBRITE-DuraView™ technology are perfect for watching your favorite HD movies. You can also enjoy your HD entertainment on your compatible HDTV via the HDMI™ output. There's also an integrated MOTION EYE® webcam and microphone along with advanced wireless LAN technology to help you stay connected while you're on the road.

5.  2 Weeks off of uninterrupted time to learn new technology!!!!!!!!

Tina in Virginia

It seems every site nowadays gives you the opportunity to follow "friends".

So, what type of "friends" are there?  Let's take a look....

1. True friends.  People you personally know.  People you talk to at least once per month.  The people who probably know way too much about you.  The people who you would have to pay to be silent if you ever decided to run for public office.

2.  Business Associates.  Colleagues you do business with on a regular basis.  Maybe you work in the same office.  Maybe they have done your loans/home inspections/closings for the past 5 years.  People who know you personally, but probably don't REALLY know you.

3.  Clients.  Past, present, future.  You handled a business transaction for them 3 years ago, haven't talked to them since - but that doesn't mean they don't like you.

4.  Former classmates.  Gary the Geek, Popular Priscilla, Doug the Druggie, Wanda the Wierdo....you know what I mean.  The old boyfriend who is now married with 3 kids or your best friend from 7th grade.

5.  Social Networking friends.  This gets tricky.  People you have never met face to face but have watched on YouTube, read their blogs, subscribed to their feed, etc.  People you feel like you know - though you have never personally met.

6.  Acquaintances.  People you have heard of, or they have heard of you - though you really do not know much about them.

7.  Circle of Sphere.  People who know people you know.  You may or may not ever get to actually know them.

8.  Strangers.  The friend request you get that you accept and the person is some guy who builds skateboards out of his garage in Brazil.  You have absolutely nothing in common....and probably never will.

When deciding who to "friend", keep this in mind.....what is the purpose of the site you are on and who are you trying to connect with?  Very often, your "friends" will take a look at the others you have "befriended".  Be careful here....if you are using Facebook for business, do you want Boobalicious Brenda or Boozing Bernie to show up in your friend feed? Also, periodically check out your "friends" - you may be surprised what their new profile picture looks like and how it can reflect back on you.

Tina in Virginia