http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/local_wavy_franklin_paper_mill_announcement_expected_20091022
Read the link above. Wow Im thinking what is Franklin and the surrounding areas going to do ? My family has extended family that work at the paper plant and have started to get very concerned about what is going to happen to thier family and home. Im at a loss of thoughts at this point. I know the surrounding areas are going to be grossly effected by this. So with the 1100 losing their job what will that do in the ripple effect ? Great news Tim Kaine is promising to help but who is going to help the surrounding cites and the local stores who will have to close up shop.
RICHMOND, Va. — Calling International Paper Co.’s plan to idle its Franklin plant “a deep blow” to Virginia, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is promising help to the nearly 1,100 families affected by the closure.
Kaine said Thursday that he would direct the Virginia Employment Commission to dispatch an economic crisis strike force to Franklin within the coming days.
The world’s largest maker of cardboard box materials announced plans Thursday to cut 1,600 positions in four states as it brings capacity in line with sharply diminished demand.
Besides the Franklin plant, the company plans to close plants in Albany, Ore., and Pineville, La. It also is permanently shutting down an idled mill in Valliant, Okla.
SOURCE http://blog.taragana.com/n/va-gov-vows-aid-to-1100-families-affected-by-international-papers-franklin-plant-closure-203983/
Okay here we go all the reasons I hate to blog !
1. SPELLING
2. FORMATTING
3. MAKING SENSE
4 GRAMMER
5 TO MANY THINGS TO BLOG ON
There you go I laid it all out on the line. I think I have ADD and I have a hard time getting all the thoughts together . Im not a very good blogger and the post seem to be very simple and to the point. I wish I could organize my thoughts better. I have tons of stuff to blog on. Im very active with Real Estate. Our team holds 40+ listings with in all price ranges . I could do a blog daily on the calls the promotions and the contracts. I closed 4 homes last month. I would be able to blog about how I met the client the process and the rewards and crises on each. I could blog about Social media and how it has given me a new edge. Im part of a social media class for hampton roads www.newmediaconventions.com. Just that little tid bit could give me tons of content to talk about. If you add in all the fun stuff I like to do like rubber stamping, Making movies and all the books I try to read the information is limitless. Really I think what stops me from blogging is just the fear of not coming across as an educated person. Really I am I just do so much better in PODCAST and Video than typing. So there you have WHY I DONT BLOG MORE ! I prefer video. I love to connect eye to eye with my audience. No worries on grammar spelling or how the words are being read. Its so much easier to convery feeling and context with a video.
No the part i hate the most PROOFING this stupid blog. Im sure I will miss something.
Im a few days behind in my reading of the local newspaper so this is old news Im sure. Military homeowners who must sell their home at a loss can get some help from the government. The DOD has about 555 Million for the HAP program. Families could get up to 90% ot there loss reimbursed to them when they must sell to do orders relocation them out of the area. Another option is for the DOD to buy the home for 75% of the origianal purchase price. Basic Guidelines to meet are .
1. Must have bought your home prior to July 2006
2. You must sell yor home prior to December 31
3. Submitt an application by March 31, 2010 for assistance
I currently have 2 service member;s homes listed that would qualify for the program. Im sure there are other bits and pieces of the program to read about. I think the biggest question is the service member still has to be able to cover the loss then be reimbursed. Lucky for me one of my sellers has about 10k they would have to bring to the table at closing based on the average price in the area they are trying to sell.
If you want more information see http://hap.usace.army.mil/
I think this is a wonderful option for our service members
I have been working a short sale with citimortgage for the past few months. It has been an experience I will never forget. We are to go to closing Friday 2-13-2009 and I cannot express how happy I and my seller will be when this is all done. I have learned some lessons on this topic.
1. Be very patient
2. Make sure you have a flexible buyer
3. Make sure all parties are reasonable
4.Read everything the bank gives you
We received a letter approving the short sale 60 days after submitting the offer. I was calling daily to try to get loss mit on the phone and I think of I had just been a bit more patient I would not have driven my self insane with worry. Once we got the letter there was a number that the bank wanted to net. No on not the buyers agent nor the title company re ran the numbers to ensure base don the contract terms that the bank would net this amount. So we are 48 hours to closing and we get the new finial HUD and it has the seller bringing 7600 to closing to see this home!!!! I was in a panic !!!! After more reading it appears that we should have been more diligent in the pay off and terms before this stage. Today I'm burning up the phones trying to get loss mit on the phone and see that we can do. Now I understand why agents say they will negotiate the listing fee at the last minute. The fact that we over look certain details that might actually have reduced this panic at the end and made all parties aware of “shaving” at the end is a fact of this process.
Stay tuned for 2-13-2009 blog to see if we got it all done and if we closed !
I was contacted buy a homeowner to help them their home back in August of 2008. We reviewed the comparable pick the price and started the process. With in 2 weeks we had an offer that would cover all cost to closing this loan. Homeowner and Agent we so happy. We could not have asked for a better blessing. The home inspections were set and we are moving along. Of course the inspections put the offer to a screeching halt. At this point our wonderful contract fell apart and we are starting all over again. My clients were at a point of not being able to maintain the mortgage and now we are facing a short sale. We started calling CitiFinancial on day one. There was the regular run around department after department all saying I’m sorry there is nothing that we can do until you have an offer. More and more calls are made and we get another Dept and they offer to modify the loan, this is not an option for my client so we have to decline. The market price for the home is now being decreased in small increments until we capture another buyer.
Speed up and next offer comes in. This time with 5 k in repairs 5 k in closing cost a 4k in price reduction!!!! ARGH how in the world will I make this work. Not to mention it was a VA offer and there was definite work that would need to be done upfront before the VA would let this pass.
We submitted this to the bank with a prelim HUD and waited 60 days !!!!! Just when we thought all hope was lost and the buyer cold walk away we got the approval letter. Now we had to find a contractor willing to put in new windows, carpet, fix leaks and repairs, and a multitude of other items so we could get an appraisal to stuck. I’m so lucky I had an agent on the other side willing to jump and help. We managed to get it all done and now we are waiting for the closing
READ 2-12-2009 blog for status update
Distressed Price NOT Distressed Home!!!
• 1,040 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm single story - 
MLS®$139,000 - PRICE REDUCED!!!
Sherwood Forest, Christiansburg - PRICE REDUCED!!! Short sale application filed, possible loan assumption as well. All reasonable offers will be reviewed!!! Distressed price not distressed home. So many improvements you wonder why they moved. Newer laminate flooring over hardwood floors, tile in the kitchen and bath, newer oak cabinets and countertops, newer appliances, newer windows, recent interior paint, raised panel doors through out. Large fully fenced back yard with working koi pond, Large deck and walk in shed for storage. Seller has to move this home or loose this home. Excellent location in Norfolk near interstate access and Mall. You wont be disappointed you came to take a look. Due to the exceptionally low price this home will go fast, here is your chance to get a home for just around 150k. Its almost unheard of even in this buyer market. Recent comparables would make this home sell for 175k+. Call today to make your appointment !
Property information
View of the Lynnhaven River
• 1,492 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story - MLS®$216,000 - Amazing Waterfront Condo
Herons Cove, Virginia Beach - Welcome to Herons Cove:
This charming condo community is located on the Lynnhaven River.
The home has 1492 sq feet of generous living space. The 2nd level deck off of the family room offers a spectacular view of the Lynnhaven River. Enjoy nature and all its glory. The large open family room/Great room offers tons of light from vaulted ceilings and skylights. The spacious eat in kitchen is equipped with a pantry cabinets, a corner lazy Suzy and a breakfast bar. No appliances needed everything conveys, including built in microwave.
The layout of the kitchen allows you to enjoy the open great room while still being able to prepare meals.
On the 1st level are the bedrooms. The master is spacious with the master bath featuring an oversized soaking tub and double closets. Enjoy a peaceful morning on your private balcony.
The 2nd bedroom or sub master is complete with private bathroom and walk in closet.
This community is secluded with only one entry point. Enjoy lazy summer afternoons with Mother Nature.
Property information
WHY are we in this business?
We ask ourselves this on a regular basis. As I sat in my business planning session today at RE/MAX Allegiance we all pondered this question. It's a tough situation for buyers, sellers and even agents. Everywhere I look it seems someone is being affected by this crisis. We hear about layoffs, Stock Market drops and the bust of the housing bubble along with a credit crunch. As business we spend the same amount if not more in this market on advertisements, fees, dues and associations. Now we have tech tools, websites, and a multitude of other expenses to keep ahead of the competition. There are days I wanted to shut down and scream doom and gloom just like everyone else. Instead I spent my time thinking wow I should be thankful I am successful. And I have been the past few years. I never in a million years would a thought I would earn a 6-figure income. Me, yes me the average student in school who had the hardest time not typing anything with out a misspelling or a grammar issues. (I still do) I did not go to collage or business school. I just have drive and determination. I choose to be successful. YES I think you can CHOOSE what you are and are not going to do in this world. I find my self-looking at basic skills. Door knocking, Open houses, ANSWERING my phone when it rings. Its time for us to get back in the game. Put those rose colored glasses on. You know the ones you had when you got your license. It seems that all we see is doom and gloom. I want to go back to the bliss of the unknown. I don't know what is going to happen. I have no idea if Ill still be around in a year or two. I can tell you this. I’m not quitter. I have no one to blame but my self if I don't get up and make something happen everyday. I just know I’m still willing to do what I can to be successful in any market that comes our way.
I earned my license (YES EARNED) it in 2002, Heck no one gave it to me. I had to work for it. At that time I had no idea of a doom and gloom market. I was a hot tamale ready to jump in the car to every home. I was a team leaders dream. I was young aggressive and willing to soak in loads of time to make money. I knew nothing of the stress or the worries that comes with real estate. What happened to us? I think anyone who has been in this field for at least 4 years for some reason thinks we are all supposed to sit and wait for the calls to come in and the sale to just happen. I’m seeing now that was GRAVY and if you want to stay in this business its time to WORK
What are my feelings about 2009 Market? It’s going to be a crazy roller coaster. I have to be at the top of my game. Work more earn less but be 100% in it. I am not going to find the freedom of what I do anywhere else. I love my job. I love my clients. And I love the feeling of success after a closing.
Humm now I think this is an interesting question. I hear so many answers I thought maybe I would blog about what I do all day. Or most days. I find my self always thinking I need to be doing more. I need to be making headway. Im wondering what people would say about my in ability to stick to one thing. I tracked my day back in August and thought wow. I need to stay more focused. So this we an average day for me. I wonder what your day would look like in Virginia Beach and a Realtor ?
7am- email answers
718 print out HBI from listing
725-735 look over home josh wants to see in Ocean lakes
735-745 get appointment with new listing in norfolk
8am off to curves to see what they have to offer
8-930 sign up at curves and return dog food
930 check email update plaxo file
950- answer new lead from 1800 # Kandy send field stone information and my website
1030- down load listing information for open house
1045- took time to talk with M. Underwood lender with wells fargo and open house
1110- continue getting open house stuff ready
1120 talking with sister about family issues
1125 talked with home inspector about HBI.
1200 working on flyers in tp for open house
1215 email matt D a new loan lead for listing
1225 check voice mail answer calls
1240 shower
100 dictate email to client about hbi progress on sherwood
110 set tour for josh c call lender to talk about rehab loans and non traditional lending for these homes
120 finish getting open house information ready /write seller offer
200 helping Autumn find homeowners insurance
210 moisture and termite inspect @ Sherwood forest
320 return check mail and try to set appoint with Sherwood seller for hbi negotiations
400 take a break grab food and drink/make dinner
430 look for signs for open house
500 prepare hbira for Johnson
525-dinner relax
625 negotiation HBI with johnson
800 home for the night
And that wrapped up my day .
Alison Creamer, REALTOR, RE/MAX Allegiance 757-652-8880
Blogging today is a blank !
Have you ever thought what the heck am I going to blog about. I mean afterall everything I have to say is what we all know already. Bail outs, meltdowns, seller screaming , some days I just can't take it. I love what I do and when it goes smooth it goes smooth !!!!
Oh yes I know I can blog about myshort sale experiance. I have to say it was smooth as butter !!!!! Yes I mean really it did.
I listed a home in Aragona, Brick ranch with 3 beds no AC and in as is condition. I put a price of 175k on it. This was a VHDA shortsale and it was my first one. with all the short sales you would think there would be more knowledege out there. I spent hours and hours reading blogs and more blogs trying to make sure I get all the loose ends wrapped up. I asked my clients for complete access to the lender I think this was the 1st and best step I could have asked for.
VHDA set an apprasial and the value came in at 170 as it. I lowered the price and with in 2 weeks we got 2 offers both at around 154 one asked for money the other did not. VHDA was very prompt in replying. I was given instructions to the listing the offer and process. It was that simple ! The buyer did there inspections we removed the contigency and closed. It was amazing !!! As a listing agent I expected a night mare I figured the worst, it was such a surprise. The buyer was hapy the seller was happy and both agents were happy.
Now Im off to figure out how to do a shortsale with countrywide, Ocwen, and Citibank. I dont think it is going to be as easy.
Im one happy gal tonight just picked up the closing check and delivered it to the office
Hello Readers,
I just need some insight ! Are you worried about the stock market ? Or are you worried about what others are worried about ? I see some changes here in Virginia Beach. I see $2.89 gas and A gallon of 2% milk at 2.88 at Kroger. Im trying to see what is all the fuss. I know I to have talked with my husband about the economy. I see my own income drop 50% this year but expenses are up. We are doing things like lowering the water heater, not wasting any food, and my all time favorite we will be using the wood stove a lot more this winter. Im concerned but I have to say I think Im more worried about things that are not really hurting me right now. Yes I have lost savings in the stock market and Im experiencing a shortage in the my wallet each month but its not so bad that if I tried to live a more simple life I would have plenty to live on . I think we are so lazy I think we expect so much excess !
Thats my 2 cents today
Alison Creamer
RE/MAX Realtor
www.bzibee.com
Do you reward your best clients with a gift ? I spent a few hours today with 4 other Realtors getting all the details worked out. We have 740 seats at a local theater and will play three movies. We have snacks drinks, Santa, goodies bags, photos, and of course we will be collecting for toys for tots. Im so excited to offer my clients a free day . Some where they can get away and have some fun. I love these events. It offers me a chance to give back. I get so many people passing my name around and this is just one way to give them and their family a thank you.
Thanks to all my GREAT clients !!! Love to you all !!!!
What do you do for you clients ? DO you give them anything special ? Id love to hear some comments about it all.
Alison Creamer
RE/MAX Allegiance
www.Bzibee.com
Close to Marina and Shopping!
• 1,843 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "Historic Area" - MLS® $257,000 - EXCELLENT VALUE!!!
Parkview, Portsmouth - Historic home with many improvments through out. Renovations galore !!! From lighting, carpet, paint, kitchen. You'll feel like you're in a new home when you walk in. Full bathroom located downstairs.
Property information
A must see!!!
• 1,565 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "Office and extra suite up " - MLS® $180,000 - PRICE REDUCED!!
Pennsytown, Norfolk - PRICE REDUCED!!!
Lets make this your home TODAY !
Charming Cape Cod styled home in an excellent neighborhood. Don’t miss a great opportunity to buy. 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The Master bath has recently be renovated from floor to ceilings includes new vanity, lighting, shower inset, flooring and more. New carpet in downstairs den, hall and bedrooms. Fresh interior paint in most areas. Kitchen has updated cabinets countertops and a newer gas stove. Full sized laundry room located on 1st floor. Home features a large semi master upstairs with adjacent bonus room great for home office exercise room craft or just a get away. Large fenced backyard Call today to set a private tour.
Property information
What’s the Buzz on Foreclosure stats did you
Taken from realtytrack.com
1-246 notice for foreclose in VA Over half of those are in Fairfax , Louden and Stanton county so Hampton Roads is not fairing to bad even if it feels like it.
Hampton Roads 1-544 each month are noticed for foreclosure. Over all compared to the nation this is not a bad statistic. Don’t plan your offers on USA Today reports its not what is going on in HAMPTON ROADS! Sellers are still holding the line on some prices.
3644 foreclosures were noticed for foreclosure in July. Only 824 actually went to sale. WHY? Sellers choose to file bankruptcy or some when in to a short sale.
VA foreclosure notice YTD is 30,000 but only 4300 went to sale. The trend went down last month!!
In Hampton roads Virginia Beach had the most foreclosure notices. And the average sales price was about 244k on those homes.
1st Qtr of 2008 up 112% from 2007 YTD
23% down from last 4th qtr of 2007 MTD
1 out of 194 homes was foreclosed this equal .5% that is a small number over all
94% of Homeowners are doing just fine.
Gated community
• 1,940 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "Bedrooms up" - MLS® $306,000 - Excellent Value
Cromwell Park, Virginia Beach - Do you have an Active lifestyle? This home is perfect for you. A stunning gated community perfectly planned out. Every area is meticulously maintained to perfection. Sq. footage was not sacrificed in this home. Open flowing floor plan and spacious bedrooms and storage. Full sized garage. Upgrades through out.
Property information