• Click Here to Subscribe to Email updates

    Subscribe to Blogging on Life and Real Estate in Williamsburg and Hampton Roads Virginia by Email
  • psst … I’m a Realtor! Thanks for stopping by my website. I would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads or Williamsburg area or to sell your existing home. This website is authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of Hampton Roads and the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market. His websites, WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com and Mr Williamsburg.com were created as a resource for folks who are exploring a move to Williamsburg, VA , Hampton Roads VA and the surrounding areas of the Virginia Peninsula. On his website you can search homes for sale , foreclosures, 55+ active adult communities, condos and town homes , land and commercial property for sale in Williamsburg, Yorktown, New Kent, Poquoson, and Gloucester, VA as well as surrounding markets of Carrolton, Chesapeake,Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth Mathews, Newport News Norfolk, Poquoson, Smithfield, , Suffolk, Surry, Va Beach, Yorktown and York County Virginia You can reach John by email John@MrWilliamsburg.com or phone @ 757-254-813

  • RSS Colonial Williamsburg News

    • From the Garden, May 22
      Trenching CeleryBlanched CeleryThe first of the spring celery has been transplanted to trenches for blanching. The ancient celery was of such a stringy and bitter nature that it would be virtually unpalatable if not for this process which much reduces the strings and sweetens the stems. The modern, or “self-blanching,” celery may be eaten green though it, to […]
    • New Podcast – Fifes and Drums: The Music
      Members of the Senior Corps of the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums play the tunes that directed a soldier through his day, from morning’s first light to the night’s last ale. Listen
    • From Our Kitchens: Chicken Pudding
      A favorite dish in its day, this chicken pudding combines elements of a quiche and a cake. Savory yet wholesome, this dish could easily become a favorite in your family, too. Learn More
    • From the Garden, May 15
      Transplanted melons under paper frame“Zatta” cantaloupeThis week we have moved the melons out of the hotbed frame and planted them in the garden under frames covered with oiled paper so that they may not be annoyed by the sun and wind before they have established themselves sufficiently to withstand the rigors of full exposure to the elements. It is of the u […]
    • New Podcast – Fifes and Drums: The Instruments
      Learn the history of the instruments behind the distinctive sound of the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps. Listen

  • Flickr Photos

    Kingswood home for sale-Williamsburg VA

    Kingswood home for sale-Williamsburg VA

    Kingswood home for sale-Williamsburg VA

    More Photos

Hampton Roads Top Home Builders for 2012

Posted on May 20, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

Ryan Homes was again the top builder in Hampton Roads for permits, closings and revenue with 238 permits issued. This is a 16 percent increase over their 2011 volume.

Ryan had 242 closings and $72,036,822 in sales in 18 new home communities throughout the New Kent, Williamsburg, Yorktown and  Hampton Roads areas of Virginia . They are currently building in the Patriots Landing, Oakmont Villas, Stonehouse Glen, White Hall,. Wellington, Windmill Meadows, Greensprings West, (SOLD OUT) Burlington Woods, Powhatan Secondary, RIverwalk Townes , The Settlement, The Village at Quarterpath, The Woods on Mansion Road, Turtle Creek, Eagle Harbor. Crystal Lake South, Culpepper Landing and the Park at Centerville Commons. 

Ryan Home’s  top subdivision was Turtle Creek in Newport News with, 59 closings and $16,655,447 in home sales. Number two on their list was The Settlement at Powhatan Creek, a 55+ active adult community in James City County . Ryan sold 18 detached homes and 13 townhome their for a total of $9,847,885 in sales.

 

ryan homes in hampton roads community map list

The number two builder in Hampton Roads ( for permits) was Chesapeake Homes with 172 building  permits issued in 11 subdivisions during 2012. Graystone Reserve in Suffolk had the most permits issued with 39.
HHHunt Homes was the number two builder for closings and revenue with 165 home sales recorded and $38,167,764 in revenue.

TOP 15 Builders in Hampton Roads

top 15 home builders in hampton roads for 2012

HHHunt Homes had closings in eight communities in Hampton Roads during the year, including six detached and two attached. Their top subdivision for 2012 was Meridian Parkside in Newport News with 55 closings and $11,358,545 in revenue

Search new homes for sale in Williamsburg VA area

Search new homes for sale in Hampton Roads here

Filed under: hampton roads, New Communities Hampton Roads, New Homes Williamsburg Virginia, williamsburg va | Leave a Comment »

SAT Scores in the Williamsburg-Yorktown Area

Posted on May 15, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

One of the ways high school students measure their progress toward being ready for college is their SAT score

SAT tests are standardized tests that are administered by The College Board. The purpose of the SATs is to measure a student’s proficiency and readiness for college.  Most colleges require prospective students to provide their SAT score as part of their admissions package.

Average SAT scores can be used to compare high schools

At the high school level, the average SAT score for the school is one way to compare how well one high school prepares their students for college.  When we review the Average SAT scores by high school, it gives us a parameter to help us compare high schools.

At the high school level, the average SAT score for the school is one way to compare how well one high school prepares their students for college.  When we review the Average SAT scores by high school, it gives us a parameter to help us compare high schools.

What should we read into SAT scores? By and large, SAT scores are less reflective of classroom-level outputs and more a measure of cumulative individual input, aptitude, or initiative. Nonetheless, however, SAT participation and results may indicate the degree to which a school, division, or community promotes or supports college readiness, preparation, and admission.

Below is a table ranking all of the high schools in the Williamsburg/ James City County, York County, Poquoson, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Newport News, New Kent, Gloucester, Suffolk school districts by their average 2011 SAT test results. 

School Rankings – by 2012 Average SAT Scores2012 Sat rankings for Yorktown, Williamsburg VA high schools by mr williamsburg

The scores are derived from the Virginia Department of Education database to show average SAT test scores statewide for 2012. The state provides each public high school’s verbal, math and writing scores. Mr Williamsburg has added up the scores and ranked high schools from the area. 2012 Rankings are provided for schools 1 through 25

SAT scores are only one way to compare high schools

As  mentioned earlier, SAT scores apply specifically to gauge how well the high school has prepared its students for this standardized test. But only a fraction of the students take this test, since not all the students in a high school plan to go to college.

To get a better picture, we can compare using SOLs

Another way to rank Hampton Roads, Williamsburg & Yorktown high schools could be using their Average Standard of Learning (SOL) scores, which is a test mandated by the State of Virginia and is administered to all the students (unlike the SATs which are only administered to those who choose to take it). But then one could wonder if the school is “teaching to the test” or if the school is truly preparing its students for real life.

View SOL, ACT other test results for all Virginia Schools here

Of course, tests only tell you part of the story

Academics are a very important part of education, but there are many other aspects of education that are highly relevant, for example: foreign languages, sports programs, leadership programs, clubs, and, of course, the environment in which everything takes place.  All these (and more) are very important parts of a student’s education.

Search homes for sale in Williamsburg, Yorktown and beyond by School district here

Filed under: hampton roads, Schools, Schools, schools, virginia, williamsburg va, Williamsburg/ James City County Va School Information | Leave a Comment »

Hampton Roads Real Estate Market Continues its positive growth for April 2013

Posted on May 13, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

The Hampton Roads Real Estate market got off to a strong start for the second quarter of 2013.  April 2013 was characterized by a year-over-year decrease in the number of residential active listings while residential pending and settled sales experienced significant year-over-year increases, driving the market in a positive direction.

Home  sales showed a substantial increase of 13.4% in April 2013 when compared to the previous year.

Home prices showed a small 0.15% increase from April 2012’s $198,950. to $199,250 this year.

The number of residential homes listed for sale declined 7.64% during April 2013 as compared to April 2012. Of the region’s seven major cities (Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach) Newport News and Chesapeake saw the largest year-over-year declines in active listings, at 19.84% and 14.95% respectively. The region’s months’ supply of inventory is currently at 6.48 months, down 15.4% from April 2012’s 7.66 months. On the Southside, the months’ supply of inventory is 6.02 months, and on the Peninsula it is 7.26 months. Six months worth of inventory is considered a balanced market.

Pending sales ( homes under contract)  increased 21.98% overall when compared to April 2012. Each of the region’s seven major cities underwent year-over-year increases in residential pending sales, with Newport News and Chesapeake experiencing the largest jumps at 39.86% and 35.37%.

Short sale and foreclosure (REOs) properties accounted for 27.76% of all resale residential settled sales in April 2013. This percentage is down 3.21% from April 2012 and is the lowest percentage of distressed properties accounting for residential settled sales in the past six months. In terms of residential active listings, distressed properties accounted for 23.89% of all homes for sale, the lowest percentage in the past 18 months and down 1.14% from the same time last year.

image

Filed under: hampton roads, real estate | Leave a Comment »

Hampton Roads Property tax rates 2012-2013

Posted on May 2, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

With many localities in Hampton Roads looking to raise property tax rates I thought I would post the current tax rates. You can see in the chart below that rates range from a low of .47 per $100 of home value in Mathews to a high of $1.27 in Portsmouth.

Here in James City County we enjoy a very reasonable rate of  .77 per $100  that will not increase for 2014 according to our proposed budget. The adjacent City of Williamsburg offers a .57 tax rate. . You can see from the chart the differences in annual taxes on a home valued at $300,000 in area localities can range from $1410 in Mathews County  to $3810 in Portsmouth VA. .  A monthly payment difference of $200.00 if you have a mortgage !

 

image

Note a few of these localities have slightly higher rates for their business districts.

Filed under: hampton roads, Taxes, williamsburg va | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

Hampton Roads Real Estate Market continues to stabilize in 2013

Posted on April 12, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

The first quarter of 2013 ended strong for the Hampton Roads real estate market as March 2013 posted nearly a double digit percentage increase in residential settled sales when compared to 2012  Homes under contract increased significantly year-over-year while active home listings continued to decline, once again lowering the months’ supply of inventory

The Hampton Roads region saw an increase of 8.53% in closed home sale for March 2013 when compared to March 2012. Of the region’s seven major cities (Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach) Portsmouth and Suffolk recorded the highest year-over-year increases of 27.03% and 13.10% respectively. Hampton and Norfolk were the only two cities to experience year-over-year decreases, dipping 21.60% and 2.68%. Residential closed  sales are up 10.71% for the first quarter of 2013 (January-March) when compared to first quarter 2012.

The residential median sales price is currently $199,000, a considerable increase of 7.57% from March 2012’s $185,000.

Last month’s largest statistical improvement was in residential under contract sales, with a year-over-year increase of 12.84%. Portsmouth and Newport News saw the largest increases of 36.17% and 18.18% respectively. .

The region saw a drop of 8.62% compared to last year for active home listings. Newport News and Chesapeake contributed largely to this decline, with recorded reductions in inventory of 18.75% and 17.71% respectively.

The overall decrease in the number of homes for sale has resulted in a 6.38 months’ supply of inventory, as compared to 7.57 months in March 2012. A balanced real estate market typically maintains a 5 to 6 months’ supply of inventory, so this statistic does suggest a stabilizing market for the area.

Short sales & foreclosures, continue to have an impact on the region, while maintaining a relatively consistent market share. In March 2013 25.20% of all resale residential active listings in the Hampton Roads real estate market were distressed properties. This is little change from March 2012 when distressed properties accounted for 25.73% of active listings.

image

Distressed properties comprised 28.44% of all resale residential settled sales in March 2013, a 5.09% decrease from the same time last year, when distressed properties accounted for 33.53%

These statistics are based solely on on listings entered into the Real Estate Information Network by REIN broker members. The geographical area includes southeastern Virginia (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Franklin, Smithfield, Isle of Wight, Hampton, Newport News, York County and Poquoson) to Williamsburg, James City County, Gloucester, Middlesex, Virginia’s Eastern Shore and northeastern North Carolina. Reports include all property types: Attached and Detached Residential, Duplex, Apartments, Commercial, and Land & Farms.

 

Psst….    .I’m a real estate agent.

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/ Hampton Roads area and  his expertise in the local real estate market.

I can help you access all the information you will need about choosing a neighborhood and buying a home in New Kent, Gloucester, Newport News, Hampton, York County, Smithfield, Williamsburg, Poquoson or the greater Hampton Roads area, including area information on schools, local government, shopping, activities for the children and more! Whether you have made a decision to relocate, retire or are just considering a move to Williamsburg or  Hampton Roads VA, let me help make your transition or PCS to the  area a smooth and enjoyable one!

Hampton Roads is a transient community due to the large population of military members in the area. I have a unique perspective on relocation and have helped many families move in and out of the area. I understand the kind of support team it takes to make a smooth transition.

Area Orientations

Complete tours can be scheduled to help you familiarize yourself with Williamsburg and Hampton Roads neighborhoods, home prices, shopping centers, military bases, recreational facilities, public & private schools and transportation systems. My orientation will provide you with awareness of aircraft noise & accident potential zones, flood zones, major traffic patterns and commute times to your job.

You can search homes for sale , active adult communities, 55+ communities, condos and townhomes ,foreclosures/ REO,  land, building lots, commercial property  in Williamsburg , Yorktown, New Kent, Gloucester, Poquoson as well as the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads, Virginia

You can reach me by phone at 757-254-8136 or email  John@MrWilliamsburg.com

I look forward to serving your real estate needs!

Best,

John

Filed under: hampton roads, real estate | Leave a Comment »

Hampton Roads Real Estate Market Continues to Stabilize

Posted on March 16, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

March 2013

The Hampton Roads real estate market steadily approaches stabilization.

Homes sales and properties under contract both maintained positive trends for February 2013, while the number of residential active listings for sale has continued to drop lowering the month’s supply of inventory.

home sales statistics williamsburg vaThe number of homes for sale in February 2013 was down 8.83% when compared to February 2012, dropping the region’s month’s supply of inventory to 6.34 months. This time last year the month’s supply of inventory was 7.46

Of the region’s seven major cities (Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach) Chesapeake and Newport News experienced the largest year-over-year declines in residential active listings at 19.44% and 16.70% respectively.

Pending sales ( homes under contract)  saw a spike in February 2013. When compared to February 2012 pending home sales were up 17.63%. Chesapeake and Portsmouth recorded the largest year over-year gains at 44.44% and 44.05% respectively.

New home sales also saw an increase of 13.26% compared to February of last year. We should see boosts in closed sales over the next coming months once these homes close. image

 

Continuing the month’s positive trend closed residential sales, which are up 4.63% over February of last year. Suffolk and Newport News experienced the largest year-over-year gains in residential closed sales at 43.75% and 30.68% respectively, while Portsmouth and Norfolk were the only two cities not to experience an increase with year-over-year declines of 25% and 5.17%. Hampton Roads residential median sales price is $189,000, up 2.22% from February 2012’s $184,900. The new construction segment of the market followed suit and experienced an 8.70% increase in closed sales when compared to February 2012.

Distressed Homes  (short sales or foreclosures), continue to their large share of the  the region’s real estate market. Distressed homes accounted for 26.37% of residential listing for sale in February 2013. They have accounted for as little as 23.61% (September 2011) and as much as 28.05% (December 2012) of residential active listings over the past 18 months.

Distressed homes accounted for 34.20% of residential homes sold in February 2013. Distressed homes have accounted for as little as 24.4% (August 2012) and as much as 37.18% (January 2012) of residential settled sales over the past 18 months.

image

These statistics are based solely on on listings entered into the Real Estate Information Network by REIN broker members. The geographical area includes southeastern Virginia (Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Franklin, Smithfield, Isle of Wight, Hampton, Newport News, York County and Poquoson) to Williamsburg, James City County, Gloucester, Middlesex, Virginia’s Eastern Shore and northeastern North Carolina. Reports include all property types: Attached and Detached Residential, Duplex, Apartments, Commercial, and Land & Farms.

 

Psst….    .I’m a real estate agent.

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/ Hampton Roads area and  his expertise in the local real estate market.

I can help you access all the information you will need about choosing a neighborhood and buying a home in New Kent, Gloucester, Newport News, Hampton, York County, Smithfield, Williamsburg, Poquoson or the greater Hampton Roads area, including area information on schools, local government, shopping, activities for the children and more! Whether you have made a decision to relocate, retire or are just considering a move to Williamsburg or  Hampton Roads VA, let me help make your transition or PCS to the  area a smooth and enjoyable one!

Hampton Roads is a transient community due to the large population of military members in the area. I have a unique perspective on relocation and have helped many families move in and out of the area. I understand the kind of support team it takes to make a smooth transition.

Area Orientations

Complete tours can be scheduled to help you familiarize yourself with Williamsburg and Hampton Roads neighborhoods, home prices, shopping centers, military bases, recreational facilities, public & private schools and transportation systems. My orientation will provide you with awareness of aircraft noise & accident potential zones, flood zones, major traffic patterns and commute times to your job.

You can search homes for sale , active adult communities, 55+ communities, condos and townhomes ,foreclosures/ REO,  land, building lots, commercial property  in Williamsburg , Yorktown, New Kent, Gloucester, Poquoson as well as the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads, Virginia

You can reach me by phone at 757-254-8136 or email  John@MrWilliamsburg.com

I look forward to serving your real estate needs!

Best,

John

Filed under: hampton roads, real estate | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

Any Billionaires in Williamsburg or Hampton Roads ?

Posted on March 8, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

According to the latest Forbes billionaire list five Virginians have been named to the list of the world’s billionaires.

The Virginia residents include Jacqueline Mars, who lives in The Plains; William Conway Jr., McLean; Daniel D’Aniello, McLean; Winnie Johnson-Marquart, Virginia Beach; and Steve Case, McLean.

Hampton Road’s only Billionaire is Winnie Johnson-Marquart is the president of the Johnson Family Foundation and the only Johnson sibling to live outside of hometown Racine, Wisc. She lives in Virginian Beach. The youngest daughter of Imogen and the late Samuel Curtis Johnson (d. 2004), who ran household products company SC Johnson. Sam passed the company to his children in 2000.

Forbes estimated her net worth at $2.8 billion. Marquart-Johnson is president of the Johnson Family Foundation.  She ranks 503rd among world billionaires and is 168th in the U.S.

By the way here is an aerial photo of her waterfront compound in VA Beach

winnie johnson marquart home in va beach va

Filed under: hampton roads | Leave a Comment »

Fannie Mae speeding up Short Sale process

Posted on February 12, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

In an effort to prevent foreclosures Fannie Mae has introduced its HomePath for Short Sales tool to help assist real estate agents in short sale transactions.

The  tool is available to real estate professionals working on a short sale that involves a Fannie Mae-owned loan. Once the short sale case is escalated, Fannie Mae will directly work with the agent or mortgage servicer to assist challenges such as valuation disputes, delays by servicers or uncooperative subordinate lien holders.

Agents can also use the new escalation process to receive a recommended list price from Fannie Mae prior to listing the property for sale

“By giving agents a straightforward, transparent way to escalate short sale issues to Fannie Mae, agents will close more sales, prevent foreclosures and help neighborhoods continue to recover.  Getting short sales done benefits everyone involved and Fannie Mae is committed to doing their part.”

Real estate professionals across the country have already begun using the HomePath for Short Sales escalation tool to resolve challenging short sale issues.

"I was working on a short sale recently with a servicer who was not being responsive, so I used the HomePath for Short Sales site to escalate the case to Fannie Mae," said Kelby Teer, a real estate professional with HomeSmart in Phoenix, AZ.  "I heard back very quickly and within two days the sale was approved.  My clients will now be able to avoid foreclosure."

"Fannie Mae has taken a serious step to address common issues with short sale files,

 

Borrowers Considering a Short Sale

If you are facing foreclosure and can no longer afford your home, you may qualify for a short sale, even if you don’t think you can sell your home. A short sale is when you sell your home for less than the balance owed on your mortgage. If your lender approves a short sale, you can sell your home and pay off all (or a portion of) your mortgage balance with the proceeds.

If you are a borrower considering a short sale, take a look at Fannie Mae’s Know Your Options website. Then contact Mr Williamsburg to get started listing your Williamsburg or Hampton Roads home for sale.

John@MrWilliamsburg.com 

757 254 8136

Frequently Asked Questions by borrowers

1. What is a short sale?

A short sale is a real estate transaction selling a home for less than what is owed on the mortgage. The bank or financial institution that holds the mortgage has to approve a short sale since it means taking a loss on that loan. With the decline in property values as a result of the housing crisis, short sales have become a larger share of home sales and an important tool to prevent foreclosure.

  • You are ineligible to refinance or modify your mortgage
  • You are facing a long-term hardship
  • You are behind on your mortgage payments
  • You owe more on your home than it’s worth
  • You haven’t been able to sell your home at a price that covers what you still owe on your mortgage
  • You can no longer afford your home and are ready or need to leave

2. What is Fannie Mae’s role in the short sale process?

If Fannie Mae owns your loan, Fannie Mae provides direction to the servicer of your loan. For short sales, Fannie Mae’s guidance includes borrower eligibility guidelines, specific list price guidance, offer requirements, and other potential foreclosure alternatives available to you if you do not meet the eligibility requirements for a short sale.

3. How do I know if Fannie Mae owns my loan?

To determine if Fannie Mae owns your loan, use Fannie Mae’s Loan Lookup tool. If you are not the property owner, you must have the property owner’s consent to use this tool.

4. What is the role of my mortgage servicer in the short sale process?

Your mortgage servicer handles all borrower interactions and the borrower eligibility process for a short sale. If a short sale offer meets Fannie Mae’s guidelines – including acceptable offer price, terms and normal and customary expenses – then certain servicers can approve and close the transaction on Fannie Mae’s behalf. If an offer does not meet Fannie Mae’s guidelines, a servicer can submit the offer to Fannie Mae to determine if the offer is acceptable.

5. What are my options if a short sale isn’t approved?

Contact your servicer to discuss the options for a Mortgage Release™, which is another option to resolve delinquency and avoid foreclosure. With a Mortgage Release, you have the option to 1) leave the property immediately, 2) remain for a three-month transition period with no rent payment required, or 3) sign a temporary lease with Fannie Mae for up to twelve months. (The Mortgage Release option was previously called deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.)

Filed under: hampton roads, Short Sales | Leave a Comment »

January Homes Sales Update for Hampton Roads

Posted on February 12, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

home sales statistics williamsburg vaInventory is down and prices are up !

The Hampton Roads real estate market is off to an optimistic start for 2013.

The number of residential homes for sale significantly dropped when compared to January 2012, resulting in a lower month’s supply of inventory. Residential closed  sales and homes under contract both experienced double digit percentage year-over-year increases.

The number of residential homes listed  for sale in Hampton Roads in January 2013 was down 10.75% when compared to the same time last year. Of the regions seven major cities (Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach) Chesapeake and Virginia Beach experienced the largest year-over-year declines in residential active listings at 19.01% and 16.87% respectively. Portsmouth was the only city not to experience a year-over-year decline as residential active listings increased 2.05%. The drop in active listings has resulted in a low 6.18 months’ supply inventory which is down 17.6% from January 2012 when it was 7.5 months.

Pending sales (Homes under contract) showed promising numbers during January 2013 with an increase of 14.14% when compared to January 2012. Suffolk and Chesapeake saw the largest year-over-year increases of 39.74% and 25.54% respectively, while Hampton experienced the smallest year-over-year increase of 3.74%. Portsmouth was the only city not to see a year-over-year gain, with residential under contracts down 14.12%.

Closed home sales round off the month’s positive trend. January 2013’s residential settled sales increased 20.66% when compared to January 2012. Suffolk and Hampton substantially contributed to this increase as they saw year-over-year gains in residential settled sales of 59.26% and 40% respectively. Norfolk experienced the smallest year-over-year gain of 3.87% and Portsmouth saw no gain at all as residential settled sales dropped 1.18% year-over-year.

Home prices

The median residential sales price is currently $193,000, a 10.63% increase from $174,450 in January 2012. image

 

The Hampton Roads distressed homes market, (BANK OWNED, FORECLOSURES OR SHORT SALES ) continue to impact the region’s real estate market. Distressed homes accounted for 34.88% of residential settled sales during January 2013. This is the highest percentage since February 2012 when distressed homes accounted for 36.39% of residential settled sales. As for residential homes for sale, 27% of the listings in January 2013 were distressed properties. This percentage has fluctuated between 22% and 28% over the last 18 months. There appears to be an upward trend in both active and sold distressed residential properties starting in August 2012

This information is derived from the Real Estate Information Network, Inc., (REIN)

An independent MLS owned by broker stockholder members serving real estate brokers in the Tidewater / Hampton Roads area of Virginia from Williamsburg east to Virginia Beach and south to the North Carolina border.

REIN MLS database primarily lists homes, condos, townhomes or land for sale in Carrolton,  Chesapeake,Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth  Mathews, Newport News Norfolk, Poquoson, Smithfield, , Suffolk, Surry,  Va Beach, Yorktown  and York County Virginia as well as other outlying areas of VA and NC

 

Psst……I’m a real estate agent.

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/ Hampton Roads area and his expertise in the local real estate market.

Thanks for stopping by my website. I would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads or Williamsburg area or to sell your existing home.

I can help you access all the information you will need about choosing a neighborhood and buying a home in New Kent, Gloucester, Newport News, Hampton, York County, Smithfield, Williamsburg, Poquoson or the greater Hampton Roads area, including area information on schools, local government, shopping, activities for the children and more! Whether you have made a decision to relocate, retire or are just considering a move to Williamsburg or Hampton Roads VA, let me help make your transition or PCS to the area a smooth and enjoyable one!

Hampton Roads is a transient community due to the large population of military members in the area. I have a unique perspective on relocation and have helped many families move in and out of the area. I understand the kind of support team it takes to make a smooth transition.

Area Orientations

Complete tours can be scheduled to help you familiarize yourself with Williamsburg and Hampton Roads neighborhoods, home prices, shopping centers, military bases, recreational facilities, public & private schools and transportation systems. My orientation will provide you with awareness of aircraft noise & accident potential zones, flood zones, major traffic patterns and commute times to your job.

You can search homes for sale , active adult communities, 55+ communities, condos and townhomes ,foreclosures/ REO, land, building lots, commercial property in Williamsburg , Yorktown, New Kent, Gloucester, Poquoson as well as the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads, Virginia

You can reach text or call me at 757-254-8136 or email John@MrWilliamsburg.com

Filed under: hampton roads, real estate, Real Estate information, Selling a home in Hampton Roads VA | Leave a Comment »

Twelve Standout Schools in Hampton Roads

Posted on February 12, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

Congratulations to  Tabb , Jamestown Grafton and Poquoson High Schools for being recognized by Hampton Roads Magazine among the twelve best public high schools in Hampton Roads for the 2012 school year!

imageBased on the statistics compiled by the magazine  in their high school stats chart, and with academics (AP test taking percentages and SOL scores) weighted slightly more heavily than dropout rates and behavioral offences,

Below are their top five best public high schools in the Hampton Roads region for the 2012 school year.

DEAN’S LIST

1. TABB HIGH
4431 Big Bethel Rd., Yorktown
757-867-7400
www.YorkCountySchools.org/THS
District: York County Schools
Awards: Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence (2011); Virginia Board of Education’s Competence to Excellence Award (2010); more than 20 state athletic championships
Standout programs: The York County School of the Arts, a program in the fine arts, provides students with an education comparable to the math and science opportunities offered by the Governor’s School for Science and Technology. Through the Virtual Learning Program, students engage in curriculum that blends online and offline learning experiences.

2. JAMESTOWN HIGH
3751 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg
757-259-3600
www.WJCC.k12.va.us
District: Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools

Awards: Second-highest ranked high school in the Hampton Roads region in Newsweek’s listing of America’s Best High Schools; 63 percent of 2012 graduates enrolled in four-year colleges or universities.
Standout programs: Students may enroll in concurrent courses at The College of William and Mary, Christopher Newport University and Thomas Nelson Community College. Dual enrollment credit is offered for many technical and academic classes, with some technical courses leading to industry certification.

3. PRINCESS ANNE HIGH
4400 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach
757-648-5600
www.PrincessAnneHS.VBSchools.com
District: Virginia Beach City Schools

Awards: Maintains its place as the highest ranked high school in Virginia Beach as well as the Hampton Roads region in Newsweek’s listing of America’s Best High Schools.
Standout programs: Home of Virginia Beach’s International Baccalaureate program, designed to meet the highest standards required of any high school in the world. The prestigious program offers a rigorous, comprehensive approach to learning in the last two years of secondary school. The school also hosts the Virginia Beach center for students with moderate to severe disabilities.

4. GRASSFIELD HIGH
2007 Grizzly Trail, Chesapeake
757-558-4749
www.CPSchools.com/Schools/GFH
District: Chesapeake City Public Schools
Awards: Principal Carolyn Bernard received the prestigious 2013 AdvancED Virginia Excellence in Education Award.
Standout programs: Governor’s STEM Academy operates as a school-within-a-school and features a cutting-edge curriculum especially designed for students with an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers. Students have multiple opportunities for taking advanced courses and sampling special programs such as mentorship and internship.

5. FRANK W. COX HIGH
2425 Shorehaven Dr., Virginia Beach
757-648-5250
www.CoxHS.VBSchools.com
District: Virginia Beach City Schools

Awards: More than $3 million in scholarship money awarded to graduating seniors in June 2011; Virginia High School League Wachovia Cup for outstanding academic and athletic achievement has been awarded to the school more than any other school in the state.
Standout programs: The school has won 40 state athletic titles overall. Blue ribbon awards were also given for the music program, student newspaper and student yearbook.

Other local schools in the honor roll list of Hampton Roads Magazine included:

Maury High,
Norfolk
Salem High,
Virginia Beach
First Colonial High,
Virginia Beach
Hickory High,
Chesapeake
Grafton High,
Yorktown
Poquoson High,
Poquoson
Great Bridge High,
Chesapeake

 

Statistics were gleaned from the Virginia Department of Education website: www.DOE.Virginia.Gov

This article appears in full in the February 2013 issue of Hampton Roads Magazine.

Search homes for sale in the top rated Hampton Roads high school districts below.

 

Search homes for sale in Jamestown High School District  in Williamsburg VA

 

Search homes for sale in Tabb High School District in York County VA

 

Search homes for sale in Grafton High School District in York County VA

 

Search homes for sale in Grassfield High School District in Chesapeake VA

 

Search homes for sale in Great Bridge High School Zone, Chesapeake Virginia

 

Search homes for sale in Poquoson High School District in Poquoson VA

 

Search homes for sale in Princess Anne High School District in Virginia Beach VA

 

Search homes for sale in Cox High School District in Virginia Beach VA

 

Pssst.——I’m a real estate agent.

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/ Hampton Roads area and his expertise in the local real estate market.

Thanks for stopping by my website. I would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads or Williamsburg area or to sell your existing home.

I can help you access all the information you will need about choosing a neighborhood and buying a home in New Kent, Gloucester, Newport News, Hampton, York County, Smithfield, Williamsburg, Poquoson or the greater Hampton Roads area, including area information on schools, local government, shopping, activities for the children and more! Whether you have made a decision to relocate, retire or are just considering a move to Williamsburg or Hampton Roads VA, let me help make your transition or PCS to the area a smooth and enjoyable one!

Hampton Roads is a transient community due to the large population of military members in the area. I have a unique perspective on relocation and have helped many families move in and out of the area. I understand the kind of support team it takes to make a smooth transition.

Area Orientations

Complete tours can be scheduled to help you familiarize yourself with Williamsburg and Hampton Roads neighborhoods, home prices, shopping centers, military bases, recreational facilities, public & private schools and transportation systems. My orientation will provide you with awareness of aircraft noise & accident potential zones, flood zones, major traffic patterns and commute times to your job.

You can search homes for sale , active adult communities, 55+ communities, condos and townhomes ,foreclosures/ REO, land, building lots, commercial property in Williamsburg , Yorktown, New Kent, Gloucester, Poquoson as well as the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads, Virginia

You can reach text or call me at 757-254-8136 or email John@MrWilliamsburg.com

I look forward to serving your real estate needs!

Best,

John

Filed under: hampton roads, Schools, Schools, schools, virginia, williamsburg va, Williamsburg/ James City County Va School Information, York County Schools, York County VA | Leave a Comment »

Hampton Roads Home & Garden Show starts Feb 8, 2013

Posted on February 8, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

Join the Peninsula Housing and Builders Association for the Hampton Roads Home & Garden Show, an all-new event, featuring an exciting line-up of celebrities and home and garden experts,offering gardening activities that offer something for everyone in the family.Join the Peninsula Housing and Builders Association for the Hampton Roads Home & Garden Show, an all-new event, featuring an exciting line-up of celebrities and home and garden experts,offering gardening activities that offer something for everyone in the family.

The  Home and Garden Show is on the  Peninsula at the Hampton Roads Convention Center this weekend February 8-10.  This is a new show, but it has some strong sponsorship, great scheduled guest celebrities and lots of fun activities for the kids.

Meet one of the country’s most famous “pickers” as Mike Wolfe from The History Channel’s hit series American Pickers will be there Saturday afternoon to share his tales from the trails.

An art historian and certified antiques appraiser, Dr. Lori, (Lori Verderame, Ph.D.) reveals insider tips about art, antiques, museums and yard-sale finds.

Whether you’re a novice or a certified green thumb, you’re sure to pick up some new knowledge from a three-day line-up of horticulture experts assembled by garden writer and editor Kathy Van Mullekom of York County.

Hours:

Friday: 10am-9pm
Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 10am-6pm

Admission is $10 for adults, and free for children 12 and under. Active-duty and retired military and senior citizens (ages 62 or better) get a $2 discount. Parking is free.

When:
Tomorrow, February 8, 2013 10:00 am –
Sunday, February 10, 2013 6:00 pm

Add to Calendar

Where:

Hampton Roads Convention Center

1610 Coliseum Drive
Hampton, VA 23666

How:
Official Website

Filed under: hampton roads, williamsburg va | Leave a Comment »

2012 Was A Very Good Year For Hampton Roads Real Estate

Posted on January 16, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

I post a number of real estate sales statistics on this website throughout the year, Yesterday I recapped the Williamsburg VA market with stats from the local Williamsburg Area Association of Realtors. (WAAR)

Today we will cover the remainder of Hampton Roads with data from the Real Estate Information Network (REIN). This includes the cities and counties of Carrolton,  Chesapeake,Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth , Newport News Norfolk, Poquoson, Smithfield, , Suffolk, Surry,  Va Beach, Yorktown  and York County Virginia

The final numbers are in and the Hampton Roads real estate market ended the year with encouraging statistics that indicate 2012 was a year of strengthening and recovery. Although inventory levels are the lowest since 2005, pending and settled sales posted healthy increases for a second year in a row, and the median sales price is slowly but steadily moving up.

The number  homes listed for sale in December 2012 is down 13.36% when measured against December 2011. This brings the region down to a 5.91 month’s supply of inventory. Six months is considered a normal real estate market. Chesapeake’s active residential active listings are down the most at 22.94% year-over-year, to a 4.96 month’s supply of inventory, and Virginia Beach is down 21.45% to a 4.18 month’s supply. This is the lowest number of active residential listings since May 2006 when there were 9,448 residential homes for sale.

image

Residential pending sales (homes under contract) were up 8.55% year-over-year for December 2012. Only two of the region’s seven major cities (Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton and Newport News) did not experience an uptick in pending sales; Norfolk and Chesapeake with 15.05% and 3.23% decreases respectively. The number of residential pending sales increased the most for Suffolk, up 21.74% over December 2011.

We did see a dip in closed sales in December of 5.03% when compared to the same month last year. A dip in settled sales is not uncommon for the month of December, as homeowners often prefer to concentrate on the holidays instead of moving residences. All of the region’s major cities experienced this down-turn, except for Portsmouth and Norfolk with gains of 3.70% and 2.72% respectively. Suffolk saw the most dramatic decline in December’s settled sales with 14.42% year-over-year. Of all of December’s closed sales, 16.83% were for new construction. The median sales price for all residential homes sold in December 2012 was $200,000, up 1.27% from $197,500 in December 2011.

Year-to-date summaries for 2012 showed promising trends when compared to the prior year. For all of 2012, 34,746 new listings were added into REIN’s database (all property types). This is down 6% when compared to 2011 and is the lowest since 2003. Of the region’s seven major cities, Newport News experienced the largest dip in the number of new listings, down 12.54% from 2011, while Suffolk was the only city to see an increase, up 1.05% for 2012. For the year as a whole, 12.71% (4,416) of these new listings were for new construction, suggesting that new home activity is picking up.

In all of 2012, 20,174 residential listings went under contract, up 9.27% from last year. All of the region’s major cities underwent increases, except for Portsmouth (down 1.77%) and Newport News (down .72%). Suffolk felt the most significant increase in total pending sales, up 20.80% over 2011. There were 19,518 residential closed home sales throughout all of 2012, up 7.35% from the previous year. Suffolk benefited with the largest gain over 2011, an increase of 12.75% in settled sales. Newport News and Portsmouth were the only two major cities to face declines, each of which was down less than 1% from 2011. The median residential settled sales price for 2012 is $199,900, up 2.51% from $195,000 last year. In 2012, residential new construction closings (2,663 units) were up 12.65% from 2,364 units in 2011. Unlike the median price for all residential settled sales, the median sales price for residential new construction closings in 2012 is down 1.5% ($274,000 vs. $276,908).

image

The share of foreclosures and shorts sales,  known as distressed sales, has been inching upward in South Hampton Roads since August. The percentage of existing home sales that were distressed in December broke the 30 percent threshold for the first time since April. This does seem to happen for some reason at the end of each year..

Mr Williamsburg real estate banner

Psst.I’m a real estate agent.

This website is authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/ Hampton Roads area and  his expertise in the local real estate market.

He can help you access all the information you will need about choosing a neighborhood and buying a home in New Kent, Gloucester, Newport News, Hampton, York County, Smithfield, Williamsburg, Poquoson or the greater Hampton Roads area, including area information on schools, local government, shopping, activities for the children and more! Whether you have made a decision to relocate, retire or are just considering a move to Williamsburg or  Hampton Roads VA, let John help make your transition or PCS to the  area a smooth and enjoyable one!

Hampton Roads is a transient community due to the large population of military members in the area. I have a unique perspective on relocation and have helped many families move in and out of the area. I understand the kind of support team it takes to make a smooth transition.

Area Orientations

Complete tours can be scheduled to help you familiarize yourself with Williamsburg and Hampton Roads neighborhoods, home prices, shopping centers, military bases, recreational facilities, public & private schools and transportation systems. My orientation will provide you with awareness of aircraft noise & accident potential zones, flood zones, major traffic patterns and commute times to your job.

You can search homes for sale , active adult communities, 55+ communities, condos and townhomes ,foreclosures/ REO,  land, building lots, commercial property  in Williamsburg , Yorktown, New Kent, Gloucester, Poquoson as well as the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads, Virginia

You can reach me by phone at 757-254-8136 or email  John@MrWilliamsburg.com

Filed under: hampton roads, real estate, Selling a home in Hampton Roads VA | Leave a Comment »

Chinese Drywall bill clears Congress awaits Presidents signature

Posted on January 4, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

Congress has taken action to stop the spread of tainted drywall blamed for corroding pipes and causing breathing problems in thousands of homes in Florida and 38 other states.

The bill essentially bans high-sulfur building products and also raised hopes that homeowners will be able to bring Chinese manufacturers to court to recover the cost of replacing dangerous drywall.

image"Most of the homes in Williamsburg or Hampton Roads have been repaired, and people are moving forward, But any level of relief for those homeowners will  be welcomed, because many were devastated.

The bill that Congress sent to President Barack Obama Tuesday evening relies on diplomatic pressure to help alleged victims gain compensation.

It directs the U.S. secretary of commerce to arrange a meeting between Chinese drywall makers and U.S. officials on how to remedy homeowners. And it instructs the Commerce Department to insist that the Chinese government direct those companies to submit to the jurisdiction of U.S. courts and their judgments.

Though consumer advocates were encouraged, some remain doubtful about the Obama’s administration’s determination to demand a response from the Chinese.

The original legislation, H.R. 4212, was introduced by Representative Scott Rigell  and passed the House of Representatives unanimously this summer.  In December, Virginia Senator Mark Warner, a longtime advocate for Chinese drywall victims, was instrumental in moving the legislation unanimously through the Senate with an amendment.  Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the measure on a strong bipartisan vote of 378-37 and sent the final bill to the President’s desk.
“This is a bill about protecting American families – their health and financial well-being.  Too many of our friends and neighbors have suffered because of the effects of Chinese drywall in their homes, and this bill ensures that preventative standards are in place so no American family is faced with the hardship and heartache from contaminated drywall ever again,” said Rigell, co-chair of the bipartisan Contaminated Drywall Caucus which has worked on legislation to address this issue since the beginning of the 112th Congress.

  “Having worked on this issue since the day I took office, I am pleased that this legislation is headed to the President’s desk.  But China must also be held accountable for the devastation this product has already caused, and we will continue to fight for these victims as well.”
“Hundreds of Virginia homeowners have been put through hell after building or repairing their homes with toxic drywall.  Our bipartisan legislation should ensure that, in the future, more Virginians will not have to go through similar nightmares,” said Senator Warner.  “This legislation helps make sure that unsafe drywall won’t be sold in the future, and that the manufacturers of tainted drywall will be held accountable.”
Senator Warner and staff have worked closely for nearly three years with about 100 affected Virginia families.  The Senator has worked with mortgage lenders, insurance companies, and the IRS to provide some short-term financial relief for affected families. In October 2009, Senator Warner accompanied Consumer Product Safety Commission Chair Inez Tenenbaum to Hampton Roads to speak with families and tour several homes affected by drywall issues.

Once signed into law, the bill will:
• Express a Sense of Congress that the Chinese manufacturers need to make restitution to the victims.
• Institute a labeling requirement so that defective drywall can be traced to the manufacturer.
• Set chemical standards to limit the amount of sulfur that can be present in domestic and imported drywall, allowing the Consumer Product Safety Commission two years to promulgate a rule pertaining to sulfur content.
• Require Consumer Product Safety Commission to update their remediation guidelines to prevent contaminated drywall from being reused or recycled.
Background on contaminated drywall:

Background on contaminated drywall:

  • Contaminated Chinese-manufactured drywall was imported and used in home construction from approximately 2001-2009.  Some of that material was used in Hampton Roads construction.
  • Scientific studies have shown this drywall to cause a corrosive environment for fire alarm systems, electrical distribution systems, gas piping, and refrigeration coils.
  • The CPSC has received reports of contaminated Chinese drywall in more than 3,991 homes in 43 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico.
  • The Chinese manufacturers, some of which are state owned, have refused to submit to the jurisdiction of U.S. courts.
  • Reports from homeowners indicate that some contaminated drywall may be entering the recycling stream for use in new home construction or renovation.

Read other stories about Chines Drywall in Williamsburg, Hampton Roads here

Filed under: chinese drywall issues, hampton roads, williamsburg va | Leave a Comment »

Hampton Roads contractor keeps Chinese Drywall suit alive.

Posted on November 23, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

A local contractor won a minor victory in an appeal of its claim for damages against its insurance carriers, which refused to cover the costs of replacing tainted Chinese drywall.

imageA Norfolk federal judge had dismissed a $5 million suit brought by Dragas Management Corp., ruling that because Dragas voluntarily did the work, the insurance companies had no obligation to pay for it under federal law.

But the appeals court in Richmond on Monday ruled that federal courts lack jurisdiction over the matter and sent the case back to the Norfolk federal judge with instructions to dismiss it.

The appeals court ruled that because the parties exist in Virginia, the case belongs in state court.

That essentially keeps Dragas’ claim alive, although either side can try to appeal further to the U.S. Supreme Court.

More of the story here

Read more about Chinese Drywall issues in Williamsburg and Hampton Roads here

Filed under: chinese drywall issues, hampton roads | Leave a Comment »

Hampton Roads real estate market continues it’s recovery

Posted on November 13, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

November 2012

Promising real estate trends in Hampton Roads continued through October 2012, with double digit percentage increases in sales and homes under contract compared to October 2011

October 2012 saw a 13.8% year-over-year increase in closed sales. This marks the eighth time this year that settled sales have increased year-over-year. Suffolk and Portsmouth experienced the largest gains of 42.3% and 25.6% respectively. Of the seven major cities (Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach) Norfolk and Newport News were the only two not to experience year-over-year increases and saw declines of 9.9% and 5.9%.

The number of homes under contract  was up 26.1% in October 2012 when compared to the same time last year. This is the highest year-over-year increase the market has experienced since January 2012 when the number of pending sales grew 32.9%. Suffolk and Virginia Beach experienced the largest year-over-year increases at 100% and 29.8% respectively. Hampton and Newport News were the only major cities not to experience an increase, with declines of 12.3% and 1.4% year-over-year.

The number of homes listed for sale continue to decline and were down 12.1% overall when compared to October 2011.

This drop in the number of active listings in the market has led to a significant drop in month’s supply of inventory – now at 6.79 months as compared to 8.44 months in October 2011. A six months supply is considered a balanced market. In the supply and demand equation, this lowering of inventory bodes well for the median sales price, which was $199,000 in October 2012, up 5.4% from $188,780 in October 2011.

image

Banked owned homes or short sales continue to have an impact on the region. Although the number of distressed active listings has dropped , they still account for 26.8% of all residential active listings in October 2012, vs. 24.3% in October 2011. This may suggest that buyers are purchasing more non-distressed listings. Distressed home sales accounted for  28.3% of all residential sales in October 2012. Though this is up 2.9% from September this year, distressed  sales are down 4.8% from October 2011.

image

These statistics are from the real estate information network (REIN) the MLS for the Hampton Roads region covering the areas of Virginia from Williamsburg east to Virginia Beach and south to the North Carolina border. This includes homes, condos, townhomes or land for sale in Carrolton,  Chesapeake,Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth  Mathews, Newport News Norfolk, Poquoson, Smithfield, , Suffolk, Surry,  Va Beach, Yorktown  and York County Virginia and James City County/ Williamsburg

image

Filed under: hampton roads, real estate, Selling a home in Hampton Roads VA | Leave a Comment »

Va. court: Insurance doesn’t cover drywall damages

Posted on November 2, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

chinese-drywall virginiaThe state Supreme Court handed down a decision Thursday that legal experts say closes the door on Virginia homeowners’ attempts to obtain payments from their insurance companies for damages caused by defective Chinese drywall.

The court agreed with an earlier ruling that damage caused by drywall in Larry Ward’s Virginia Beach home was not covered because of several exclusions in Ward’s policy with TravCo Insurance Co.

Legal experts said the decision in TravCo v. Ward probably will prevent hundreds of homeowners from receiving payments from their insurance companies.

"To me, what these kind of cases illustrate is the Swiss cheese nature of homeowners’ insurance policies," said Tom Baker, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania. "There are all these different exclusions that exclude things that people really need insurance for."

Ward bought a new home in Virginia Beach in 2007 built with defective Chinese drywall, which emits noxious odors and corrodes household appliances and equipment. He filed a claim with TravCo in 2009, but the company denied it and then sought a judgment from courts.

A lower court ruled in TravCo’s favor in 2010, and Ward appealed.

The Supreme Court of Virginia ruled Thursday that the drywall was not covered because Ward’s policy contained four exclusions: latent defects; faulty, inadequate or defective materials; rust or corrosion; and pollutants, which include gaseous irritants or contaminants.

 More of the story here

Read more about Chinese Drywall issues in Hampton Roads and Williamsburg here

Filed under: chinese drywall issues, hampton roads | Leave a Comment »

Sea Levels rising since 1987

Posted on October 16, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

Abrupt Shift: The rate at which sea level is rising increased abruptly beginning in 1987 at all 8 stations along the northeastern U.S. coast

A new study by emeritus professor John Boon of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science shows that the rate of sea-level rise is increasing at tidal stations along the Atlantic coast of North America, including those in Norfolk, Baltimore, New York, and Boston.

Boon’s findings, published online in the Journal of Coastal Research, confirm those of two other recent studies that find accelerating rates of sea-level rise along the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. and Canada. He’ll discuss his research during the Oceans12 Conference at the Virginia Beach Convention Center this week, and at the annual meeting of the Geological Society of America in Charlotte in early November.

The question of whether sea level is rising at a steady or increasing rate is of critical important to those tasked with planning for and adapting to coastal flooding in their communities. “Localized projections of sea-level rise are needed to guide the regional planning and adaptation measures that are being pursued with increasing urgency in many coastal localities,” says Boon.

Read the rest of the story on the VIMS website here

image

Filed under: hampton roads | Leave a Comment »

US Foreclosure Inventory Declines to Lowest Level Since April 2010

Posted on October 11, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

According to the report released by Corelogic ,Foreclosure activity levels reached a five-year low in the third quarter with 531,576 filings reported, a 13% drop from last year and the ninth month of consecutive quarterly declines.

Approximately 1.3 million homes, or 3.2 percent of all homes with a mortgage, were in the national foreclosure inventory as of August 2012 compared to 1.4 million, or 3.4 percent, in August 2011

“The continuing downward trend in foreclosures and a gradual clearing of the shadow inventory are important signals that the recovery in housing is gaining traction,” said Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic. “The reduction in foreclosure volumes is to some degree being facilitated by the rising popularity of alternative resolution methods, such as short sales and loan modifications.”

“August marks the fourth month in a row there were fewer completed foreclosures, which is more evidence that the housing industry is finding its footing,” said Mark Fleming, chief economist for CoreLogic. “While we are seeing improvement on a national level, there remain higher concentrations of foreclosures in some areas with five states accounting for nearly half of all completed foreclosures nationwide during the last year.”

In Williamsburg/James City County/ York County only 7 homes sales were bank owned foreclosures in September 2012, out of 111 total home sales . At 6.3 percent of sales we are well below most areas in distressed sales percentages.

 As of today. only 24 Bank owned foreclosure are currently listed for sale in the Williamsburg VA area out of 934 homes on the market.

Here in Hampton Roads in September of 2012 only 234 properties out of 1048 sold were bank owned foreclosures. At 22% percent of overall sales this number is well below the 46% share  we saw in April 2011.

 

The main thing to watch is the overall trend, which is definitely sloping down. Thankfully, the shadow inventory problem that many were worried about these past few years seems to have deflated more gradually than initially thought so we didn’t see a second flood of foreclosures all hit the market at the same time at the national level.
It will take some time, still, before foreclosures are completely out of the housing recovery vernacular. But things are looking good. We just have to charge ahead and make sure the systems in place for markets where foreclosures are still rampant are efficient enough to keep moving. Demand for these homes doesn’t seem to be a problem.

 

image

Search Williamsburg and Hampton Roads Foreclosures For Sale

You can search foreclosed , bank-owned homes/ REO in all of Hampton Roads VA with the links below. No registration required. 

Search Chesapeake VA Foreclosures

Search Hampton , Newport News Foreclosures

Search Isle of Wight Foreclosures

Search Norfolk Foreclosures

Search Poquoson Foreclosures

Search Portsmouth Foreclosures

Search Smithfield Foreclosures

Search Suffolk Foreclosures

Search VA Beach Foreclosures

Search Williamsburg Foreclosures

Search Yorktown Foreclosures

 

Psst…I’m a real estate agent.

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/ Hampton Roads area and  his expertise in the local real estate market.

I can help you access all the information you will need about choosing a neighborhood and buying a home in New Kent, Gloucester, Newport News, Hampton, York County, Smithfield, Williamsburg, Poquoson or the greater Hampton Roads area, including area information on schools, local government, shopping, activities for the children and more! Whether you have made a decision to relocate, retire or are just considering a move to Williamsburg or  Hampton Roads VA, let me help make your transition or PCS to the  area a smooth and enjoyable one!

Hampton Roads is a transient community due to the large population of military members in the area. I have a unique perspective on relocation and have helped many families move in and out of the area. I understand the kind of support team it takes to make a smooth transition.

Area Orientations

Complete tours can be scheduled to help you familiarize yourself with Williamsburg and Hampton Roads neighborhoods, home prices, shopping centers, military bases, recreational facilities, public & private schools and transportation systems. My orientation will provide you with awareness of aircraft noise & accident potential zones, flood zones, major traffic patterns and commute times to your job.

You can search homes for sale , active adult communities, 55+ communities, condos and townhomes ,foreclosures/ REO,  land, building lots, commercial property  in Williamsburg , Yorktown, New Kent, Gloucester, Poquoson as well as the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads, Virginia

You can reach me by phone at 757-254-8136 or email  John@MrWilliamsburg.com

I look forward to serving your real estate needs!

Best,

John

Filed under: Foreclosures, Foreclosures, hampton roads, williamsburg va | Leave a Comment »

See homes with ZERO $$ utility bills on HR Solar Tour

Posted on October 2, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

Imagine a home with No Electricity Bills.

If done properly, a smartly built green home featuring solar power, energy-efficient appliances, and proper insulation can result in the owner facing monthly electricity bills amounting to $0, or thereabouts.

This weekend is your chance to tour over two dozen homes on the the 2012 Hampton Roads Solar Tour, held on the Southside and the Middle Peninsula, Saturday October 6 and on the Peninsula Sunday, October 7, 2012.

The 2012 Hampton Roads Solar Tour is a self-guided tour of  Hampton Roads homes and businesses that run on solar energy. Selected sites in Norfolk, Newport News, Chesapeake, Poquoson, Williamsburg, Hampton, and Virginia Beach will be open for two days of free open-house tours to showcase technology and share information on solar energy. Experts will be on-hand at each site to answer questions.

franck home in williamsburgWant to save on your electricity bills? Be part of the largest solar event in America by joining thousands of neighbors, homeowners, students, teachers, developers, and contractors to learn how solar energy is transforming the region and the country. Homes and businesses on the tour demonstrate sustainable technologies like solar photovoltaic, solar hot water, solar pool heating, wind power, energy-efficient heating, geothermal heat, super-insulated and energy-efficient design, LEED-certification, green (living) roofs, rain-water cisterns, native plant landscaping, home (kitchen) gardens, rain gardens, and composting, as well as passive heating, cooling and ventilation. Owners and volunteers are available at each home to explain the technologies; their advantages, disadvantages, and financial benefits.

The 2012 Hampton Roads Solar Tour is sponsored by the Hampton Roads Green Building Council. The local tour is part of the 2012 National Solar Tour. This year, more than 170,000 participants are expected to visit some 5,500 buildings in 3,200 communities across the United States. This is the fourth year for the local tour here in Hampton Roads.

Want to Go ?

Who: Hampton Roads Green Building Council

What: 2012 Hampton Roads Solar Tour

Where: Locations throughout Hampton Roads, see details at http://www.hrsolartour.com

When: 10:00am to 4:00pm, Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, 2012

Contact

For maps, schedules, touring instructions, and complete details, visit the 2012 Hampton Roads Solar Tour website at http://www.hrsolartour.com

South Side Tour Page

Middle Peninsula Tour Page

Peninsula Tour Page

(more…)

Filed under: hampton roads, real estate, williamsburg va | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Kroger shoppers soon to enjoy Ukrop’s rolls and more

Posted on September 21, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

Starting next month, Ukrop’s popular White House Rolls will be available in about 1,100 Kroger stores in  20 states.

Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods will also begin selling about 50 food items, including some of its sandwiches, green salads and chilled prepared foods at Kroger stores in the Louisville, Ky., market next week.

imageThe deal with Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer, is a big step for the Ukrop family business as it continues its evolution from being a traditional grocer to a food manufacturer after selling it’s 25 Ukrop’s Super Markets locations to Martin’s Food Markets in 2010.

The expansion puts the White House Rolls in a total of about 29 states in stores that include Kroger, Martin’s Food Markets, The Fresh Market and Giant Eagle.

In Kroger stores the rolls and fresh food products will be sold under the Good Meadow Homemades brand.

Ukrops  had a long history of selling prepared foods and baked goods that it made for its own stores. Prepared foods had accounted for 12 percent of the grocery chain’s revenue prior to it’s sale to Martins.

Beginning in 1989, Ukrop’s chilled prepared foods quickly became customer favorites; and over the course of two decades, a menu of 150 items was created centrally at Ukrop’s Kitchen.  Ukrop’s Breast of Chicken Salad, Triple Cheese Macaroni and Cheese, and Old Fashioned Potato Salad are among the tops that we still make today.

In 2010, Ukrop’s Super Markets sold its grocery stores after being in the retail food business for more than 72 years.  At the same time, members of the Ukrop family launched a new company, Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, to continue the tradition of producing the fresh and delicious foods that have become staples in homes throughout Richmond and beyond.

“because we’re always listening to our customers, we knew that bringing some of those favorite products back to the table, under the Good Meadows and Mrs. Marshall’s name, would be well-received by our customers — here in the Richmond market and elsewhere,” said Carl York, spokesman for Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic region.

Read more about grocery shopping options in Williamsburg VA here

Filed under: Grocery Stores, hampton roads, williamsburg va | Leave a Comment »

Programs in Hampton Roads help seniors stay in their homes

Posted on September 19, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

Research shows that a person lives longer and healthier by living at home. According to a poll conducted by AARP, about 75% of their membership hopes to stay in their home as they age.

In a recent study conducted by Cornell University, an estimated 100,000 people living in nursing homes could be living at home if the right support systems were in place.

Two years ago, Portsmouth resident Linda Darner started noticing that her husband, Leroy, had trouble remembering things.

55PlusThen he started losing his balance and falling. Finally, he began imagining things – events that never happened.

Leroy, Linda said, has dementia, compounded by brain injuries that he suffered as a college athlete more than 50 years ago.

Now, although Leroy, 74, has good days as well as not-so-good days, he needs constant supervision – and it has started to take a toll on his wife.

"It’s very hard seeing the person you love turn into someone you don’t know recognize," said Linda Darner, 72.

Linda is adamant about not institutionalizing Leroy while she is still able to care for him.

"I want to keep him at home as long as I can," she said.

Last spring, on a social worker’s recommendation, the Darners reached out to Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, a private nonprofit that provides support services to seniors so that they can remain in their own homes as an alternative to nursing home care.

Linda needed someone to help Leroy dress and keep him company while he eats, watches TV and takes walks – someone to just spend time with Leroy to make sure he’s safe while Linda tends to their house and runs errands.

More of the story here

Here are some interesting cost comparisons for the Hampton Roads region:

• Average age and disability related home modification cost = $12,000

• Average annual cost for assisted living = $42,000

• Average annual cost for skilled nursing facility = $72,996 Clearly

Clearly there are some tangible benefits for home improvements as we age, including: preventing falls, enhancing safety, more comfort and convenience, peace of mind and significant cost savings over institutional care.

The following are some good sources for age related home modification ideas and community services that can help you:

Historic Triangle Senior Center whose mission is to to enrich the lives of older adults through intellectual stimulation, wellness programs, and social opportunities.

Aging in Your Own Space-Use these remodeling ideas now to live

independently later http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/housing/info-01-2011/aging_in_your_own_space.html

An informative discussion on right-sizing your home, accessible bathrooms, doorway width, kitchen conveniences, safety modifications and outside accessibility to the home.

Medical Home Outfitters is a new company in Williamsburg that provides home assessments, solutions and installation services, including: grab bars, door widening, ramps/lifts, barrier free showers, and design/construction for homes meeting ADA compliant space. Their web site is  www.medicalhomeoutfitters.com .

OTHER HELPFUL LINKS

Pssst…… I am a Real Estate Agent

The Mr Williamsburg.com website was created by John Womeldorf a.k.a. Mr Williamsburg as a resource for folks who are moving or retiring to Williamsburg, VA . Yorktown , New Kent and surrounding areas of Hampton Roads Virginia.  You can search active adult communities, 55+ communities, as well as homes for sale with first floor master bedrooms, , one level homes and condos. or townhomes/ villas  Mr Williamsburg knows the area and can guide you to the perfect home and community.

Mr Williamsburg understands the special needs of Seniors who are downsizing, and can assist with auctions, estate sales, de-cluttering, staging and every phase of getting your home ready to sell.

You can reach him at 757-254-8136 or email me at John@MrWilliamsburg.com

Filed under: hampton roads, Retiring in Williamsburg VA, williamsburg va | Leave a Comment »

Behind on your mortgage payments ? Get up to $30k to sell your short sale home in Hampton Roads

Posted on September 14, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

Bank of America has launched a nationwide program that offers delinquent mortgage customers increased assistance with relocation expenses of – between $2,500 and $30,000 – at the completion of a qualifying short sale.

imageQualified homeowners in Williamsburg or Hampton Roads VA who initiate a Preapproved Price Short Sale (without an offer) could be eligible to receive $5,000 – $30,000* in relocation assistance and owe no more on their mortgage with the sale of their property, depending on the investor involved.

To qualify for the enhanced relocation assistance payments under the new program, sellers must work proactively with the bank to obtain a preapproved sales price prior to submitting a purchase offer to the bank. A short sale must be initiated by the end of this year and close by September 26, 2013, to be eligible for the payment. Qualifying short sales that have already been started but have not closed may be eligible for the relocation assistance.

The amount of assistance provided under the new program will be determined on a case-by-case basis using a calculation that includes the value of the home, amount owed and other considerations.

Initially, the program will be offered on mortgages that are owned and serviced by Bank of America.

Customers who believe they may be eligible for Bank of America’s short sale relocation assistance program may contact program specialist John Womeldorf at 757 254 8136 or email me at John@MrWilliamsburg.com

To help homeowners understand the short sale process and other foreclosure avoidance programs, Bank of America encourages them to visit the Home Transition Services website at www.bankofamerica.com/hometransition.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: If a short sale is initiated with an offer, will it qualify for this enhanced relocation assistance?
A: No. Short sales initiated at the time an offer is received do not qualify for the enhanced relocation assistance funds.

Q: Is the enhanced relocation assistance eligible to non-owner-occupied properties?
A: Yes, it is available to non-owner-occupied properties.

Q: Will the relocation assistance funds be reported on the HUD-1?
A: Yes, funds received at closing will be documented on the HUD-1, and a 1099-MISC will be issued.

Q: Can the relocation assistance funds be used to pay off existing liens?
A: Yes, a homeowner may use funds to pay off existing liens or to help with relocation expenses.

Q: Is the enhanced relocation assistance added to any other incentives, such as the HAFA or Bank of America Cooperative Short Sale Program incentives?
A: The homeowner incentive will be inclusive of the $3,000 HAFA incentive. For example, if the homeowner is eligible for $5,000, then $3,000 will be from the HAFA funds and the remaining $2,000 will be from Bank of America homeowner incentive funds.

Filed under: hampton roads, Selling a home in Hampton Roads VA, Short Sales | Leave a Comment »

Report: Homeownership in Hampton Roads Area 48 Percent Cheaper Than Renting

Posted on September 14, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

Rent vs. Buy: Which is Cheaper for You?

You can save hundreds of dollars a month by buying a home instead of renting – especially if you can get today’s low mortgage rates, itemize your tax deductions and plan to live there for 7 years.

The decision to rent or buy a home is very personal. There’s a strong emotional component: some people want the security of homeownership and others want the footloose freedom of renting. But the financial factors are also very personal because the decision to rent or buy depends on:

  1. Can you qualify for a mortgage at the best rate available?
  2. Which tax bracket are you in, and do you itemize your deductions?
  3. How long will you stay in your home?

imageTrulia’s latest Rent vs. Buy Report released Thursday morning stated that homeownership is 48 percent cheaper than renting in the Hampton Roads or Richmond VA areas.

In their newest report, Trulia compared the average cost of renting versus owning for homes across the US..Their calculations reveal that homeownership is not only cheaper than renting in the area, but in all of the 100 largest metro areas in the U.S.

Where Buying is a Slam Dunk
With a 20% down payment, a 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 3.5% and at the 25% federal tax bracket, homeownership is cheaper than renting in all of the 100 largest metros by a wide margin. There is no market where the financial decision is even close, so long as you plan to stay in the home for at least seven years, get 3.5% mortgage, and itemize your tax deductions. However, how much cheaper it is to buy a home than to rent really depends a LOT on where you live.

The degree to which it is cheaper varies; in Honolulu, for example, buying is 24 percent cheaper than renting, but in Detroit, buying is 70 percent cheaper. In the Hampton Roads area or Richmond, Trulia determined that on average, renting is $693 more expensive per month than owning.

It is important to know that in coming to these conclusions, Trulia assumes that  people can get a low mortgage rate of 3.5%, itemize their federal tax deductions and are in the 25% tax bracket, and will stay in their home for seven years.

On this link,  interactive map Trulia created a map that allows you to vary the factors and see what happens when, for example, you only want to stay in your home for 5 years.

To determine the percentage, Trulia looked at all the for-sale homes and rentals on their site. “On for-sale homes, we took the asking price and estimated what it would rent for; for rentals, we took the asking rent and estimated what it would sell for. That way, we can calculate the average rent and asking price for an identical set of properties in a metro area, for a direct apples-to-apples comparison,” stated Kolko.

To see Trulia’s full post and interactive graphic, click here.

Filed under: hampton roads, real estate | Leave a Comment »

Hampton Roads real estate market continues its upward trend…

Posted on September 12, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

August 12, 2012

As a real estate agent in the Williamsburg and Hampton Roads market I post sales updates from two different MLS.  Here in Williamsburg we have the WAAR ( Williamsburg Assoc of Realtors) WMLS.  East of Williamsburg both on the peninsula and in Southside Hampton Roads  we use REIN (Real Estate Information Network) and to confuse you even more in Gloucester there is the CBRAR (Chesapeake Bay Association of Realtors) and west of Williamsburg is CVRMLS (the Central Virginia Regional MLS)

The info below is from REIN

The Hampton Roads residential real estate market continues to experience encouraging trends. August 2012 results, such as a year-over-year drop in active listings and year-over-year increases in residential under contract sales and settled sales, combine to indicate a stabilizing local market.

 

The Hampton Roads residential real estate market continues to experience encouraging trends. August 2012 results, such as a year-over-year drop in active listings and year-over-year increases in residential under contract sales and settled sales, combine to indicate a stabilizing local market.The number of  homes listed for sale in the region has dropped almost 16%  when compared to August 2011. This marks the 18th consecutive month that home listings have dropped over the previous year. Virginia Beach and Chesapeake experienced the largest year-over-year decline in active listings at 23.09% and 20.85% respectively.

 

The region’s months’ supply of inventory is currently down to 7  months. A six month inventory is considered a balanced market so we are almost there.

 

Sustained drops in residential active listings are the root source of this lower months’ supply.

Homes under contract or  pending sales increased 23.28% in August 2012, when compared to August last year. Chesapeake and Suffolk underwent the largest increases in residential pending sales at 40.08% and 34.83%. This boost in the number of homes that went under contract should  lead to a large spike in settled sales over the coming months.

 

Compared to the same month in 2011, closed home sale in the Hampton Roads area increased 16.74%. Suffolk and Newport News lead the region’s major cities in year-over-year increases at 33.7% and 22.4% respectively.

 

August 2012 marks the sixth consecutive month that median home sales price in Hampton Roads has increased year-over-year. August 2012’s median sales price was $208,535, up 1.72% from $205,000 in August 2011.

 

The distressed homes market (foreclosures and short sales) continues to show signs of improvement as well.    Based on August 2012 stats. Distressed homes, those that are bank-owned or short sales, accounted for 24.74% of all listings. This marks the 10th consecutive month distressed homes have declined as a percentage of closed residential sales in Hampton Roads VA.

 

image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Psst…I’m a real estate agent.

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/ Hampton Roads area and  his expertise in the local real estate market.

I can help you access all the information you will need about choosing a neighborhood and buying a home in New Kent, Gloucester, Newport News, Hampton, York County, Smithfield, Williamsburg, Poquoson or the greater Hampton Roads area, including area information on schools, local government, shopping, activities for the children and more! Whether you have made a decision to relocate, retire or are just considering a move to Williamsburg or  Hampton Roads VA, let me help make your transition or PCS to the  area a smooth and enjoyable one!

Hampton Roads is a transient community due to the large population of military members in the area. I have a unique perspective on relocation and have helped many families move in and out of the area. I understand the kind of support team it takes to make a smooth transition.

Area Orientations

Complete tours can be scheduled to help you familiarize yourself with Williamsburg and Hampton Roads neighborhoods, home prices, shopping centers, military bases, recreational facilities, public & private schools and transportation systems. My orientation will provide you with awareness of aircraft noise & accident potential zones, flood zones, major traffic patterns and commute times to your job.

You can search homes for sale , active adult communities, 55+ communities, condos and townhomes ,foreclosures/ REO,  land, building lots, commercial property  in Williamsburg , Yorktown, New Kent, Gloucester, Poquoson as well as the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads, Virginia

You can reach me by phone at 757-254-8136 or email  John@MrWilliamsburg.com

I look forward to serving your real estate needs!

Best,

John

Filed under: hampton roads, real estate, Selling a home in Hampton Roads VA | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

Home Values To Increase By $54 million if we get NBA Team

Posted on August 31, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

Will an NBA team make Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads better, more attractive places to live because the presence of the team provides visibility, cachet and entertainment? Further, will this bid up property values?

According to the economic impact  report prepared by James V. Koch, Board of Visitors Professor of Economics, Old Dominion University The answers to these two questions are yes.

Though nearly all of the previous studies have focused upon the economic impact of an NFL team on a region not an NBA team

Further, the studies have generated highly variable estimates of how large this “amenity” effect actually is. Given the variability of the estimates (as applied to Virginia Beach, for example, the methodology of one outlying study would produce an estimate of a $1.0+ billion amenity-induced increase in assessed valuation because of the NBA team), it seems prudent to adopt a conservative estimate. If we set aside the $1.0+ billion estimate as an outlier and then apply the methodologies of the other studies, then we emerge with a cluster of estimates around $20 million for the City of Virginia Beach and $30 million for Hampton Roads when those estimates are tailored to our area..

The bottom line is that there is a traceable amenity value to hosting an NBA team and as time passes, the presence of that team causes property values to rise. Note, however, that this is a one-time stimulus to property values and does not cumulate each year.

image

Read the full study here

Filed under: hampton roads, real estate | Leave a Comment »

Suffolk, Loudon, Prince William Make Top 10 List for Job Growth in US

Posted on August 27, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

#9. Suffolk, VA job growth (2000-2011): 43.0% While actually a city not a county CNN noted It's smooth sailing for job growth in Suffolk, thanks to the Navy's recent decision to relocate four commands, . The move will add nearly 1,000 jobs -- which is about the total number of new jobs added to the area in all of 2011. Suffolk is also located close to the Port of Virginia, and like many of the places on the list, quality of life is a big selling point here. Schools, transportation and community are all strong in this city with historic charm.It’s still a tough job market, but these three Virginia localities counties can make it a lot easier to find work and a great place to live.

This week, CNN Money Magazine published their annual list of ““Where the Jobs Are”

Virginia had three localities in the top ten list of U.S. counties with the highest job grown from 200-2011.

Loudoun County was ranked number 1 with the highest job growth rate, at 83.6 percent. Prince William County was eighth with a job growth rate of 48.6 percent, and Suffolk (which actually is a city) was ninth with a job growth rate of 43 percent.

#1. Got data? Loudoun County , VA does. Lots of it. With its expansive fiber networks and a swarm of tech workers, it’s a major traffic hub on the East Coast. The latest boom to hit this area is data centers, which now occupy 4.3 million square feet in the county, earning Loudoun the nickname "Data Center Alley."

Easy access to the nation’s capital and Dulles International Airport also creates opportunities for government and the airline and freight servicing industries.

#8 .Prince William County, VA takes the crown when it comes to offering enticing perks to businesses. Expedited permits for companies in "targeted" industries that promise high-paying jobs and capital investment is just one of the ways it rolls out the red carpet.

Also behind the job boom: proximity to the D.C. Beltway, a smart workforce and competitive tax rates.

#9. Suffolk, VA job growth (2000-2011): 43.0%

While actually a city not a county CNN noted It’s smooth sailing for job growth in Suffolk, thanks to the Navy’s recent decision to relocate four commands, . The move will add nearly 1,000 jobs — which is about the total number of new jobs added to the area in all of 2011.  Suffolk is also located close to the Port of Virginia, and like many of the places on the list, quality of life is a big selling point here. Schools, transportation and community are all strong in this city with historic charm.

Those strengths have lured a variety of businesses. The retail sector is growing, as are manufacturing and warehousing. Planters, now owned by Kraft, was started here a century ago and still operates a major peanut processing center.

CNN Money released twelve lists this year, including “Best Places to Live,” “Where the Jobs Are,” “Top Earning Towns,” “Hotspots for the Rich and Single,” “Where Homes Area Affordable,” as well as lists for commute times and climate.

This type of positive recognition is a boost not only for business people and residents living and working in these Virginia localities , but it draws attention from outside the region. Site selection consultants and recruiters can use these rankings as another tool to help draw attention to the state as a vibrant region with tremendous assets for companies and potential employees.

CNN Money creates their rankings using a variety of community metrics and data sources within financial, quality of life and housing criteria. .

Take these list with a grain of sale as according to their source data they will allow 2 places in a state to qualify. ( well I guess Virginia squeaked by with three on this list)

Source: Census data, Onboard Informatics projection. Only counties where each Best Place within it was also experiencing job and population growth, and where unemployment was below the national average, were considered. No more than 2 places within a state could qualify.

See the full list here.

psst … I’m a Realtor! Thanks for stopping by my website. I  would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads or Williamsburg areas of Virginia or to sell your existing home.

(more…)

Filed under: General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, hampton roads, real estate, suffolk va | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

The 2012 Virginia Symphony’s Annual Symphony Under the Stars Series Free Outdoor Concerts in Williamsburg, Hampton, Yorktown, Smithfield, Norfolk, Newport News and Virginia Beach

Posted on August 26, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

The Virginia Symphony’s annual series of fall outdoor concerts, Symphony under the Stars, begins August 30 in Hampton Roads with four concerts taking place over Labor Day weekend. The VSO is pleased to welcome a new corporate partner, APM Terminals, sponsor of the four Labor Day weekend concerts.

 
imageThree additional performances will take place in September. All outdoor concerts are free and
open to the public.
The “music under the stars” concerts, conducted by the orchestra’s dynamic Associate
Conductor, Benjamin Rous, are a prelude to the Virginia Symphony’s 2012-2013 concert season.
Concert goers are invited to bring family and friends to experience Hampton Roads’
professional symphony orchestra performing a family-friendly program of selections by Mozart, Rossini, Dvorák, Scott Joplin, John Williams, Marvin Hamlisch and more. Picnic baskets, beach chairs and blankets are welcome.

We’re delighted to continue to serve our friends and neighbors throughout Hampton Roads by presenting these delightful outdoor programs,” stated VSO President and Executive Director Eric Borenstein. “And it’s all made possible by generous community leaders, business partners, colleagues, and, of course, the tens-of-thousands of people who join us each year.”

Williamsburg VA ,August 30 7:30pm

The Virginia Symphony returns once again to William & Mary’s Lake Matoaka Amphitheater to launch the Symphony Under the Stars series at Lake Matoaka Amphitheater at William and Mary, on Thursday, August 30, at 7:30 PM.
Rain location: Phi Beta Kappa Hall

Fort Monroe, Hampton Friday, August 31, 7:30 PM No rain date or location

The concert at Fort Monroe is new this year to the Symphony Under the Stars series. “We were very excited to have the opportunity to perform at Ft. Monroe,” stated Associate Conductor Benjamin Rous. “Ft. Monroe is emerging as one of the most significant sites in Virginia, and we have prepared a performance that reflects some of its amazing history, while providing a fun and entertaining time for the whole family in this unique setting.”

Yorktown Monument, Yorktown Saturday, September 1, 7:30 PM No rain date or location

This VSO returns to the historic Yorktown Monument for its sixteenth annual concert on the banks of the picturesque York River. This concert is sponsored by the Celebrate Yorktown Committee. It is also part of the APM Terminals Labor Day weekend series.

Windsor Castle, Smithfield Sunday, September 2, 7:30 PM No rain date or location

The VSO was originally slated to perform in Smithfield on July 7; however, the concert had to be cancelled due to excessive heat advisories in the region that day. The orchestra will make up for this cancelled date with a re-scheduled performance on the Windsor Castle lawn.

East Beach Park, Norfolk Sunday, September 2, 7:30 PM Rain location: On site at the clubhouse

While the orchestra is performing a symphonic concert in Smithfield, the VSO’s big band, comprised of artists from Hampton Roads, will perform at East Beach Park in Norfolk. VSO presents Jazz will transport concert goers to the height of the swing era with the best of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller and more.

Christopher Newport University Lawn, Newport News Friday, September 14, 7:30 PM Rain location: Ferguson Center
The VSO returns to Christopher Newport University for a second annual concert on the Lawn.

VSOcean, Virginia Beach Wednesday, September 19, 7:30 PM Rain date: September 20, same location
The Virginia Symphony caps its Symphony Under the Stars series at Neptune’s Park, 31st Street at the oceanfront with a stunning finale, including fireworks. The VSO was the four-concert centerpiece of the six-concert Symphony by the Sea series at 31Ocean. 

Under the leadership of GRAMMY-winning music director, JoAnn Falletta, the Virginia Symphony is Southeastern Virginia’s pre-eminent professional symphony orchestra.

Founded in 1920, it is ranked in the top 10 percent of professional orchestras nationwide and serves the entire Southeastern Virginia region with performances of Classics, Pops and Family concert series in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News and Williamsburg for more than 200,000 concert-goers every year.

The orchestra also offers education and community programs that reach 63,000 children, students and lifelong learners.

For more information about upcoming performances, visit the VSO website.

Filed under: hampton roads, Performing Arts Venues | Leave a Comment »

Rail Travel in Hampton Roads Update

Posted on August 20, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

Rail travel is becoming more prominent in Hampton Roads with the introduction of light rail service, upcoming Amtrak service to the Southside, and ongoing studies regarding improved passenger rail service both into and throughout the region.

imageOne year ago, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) began light rail service in the city of Norfolk. This light rail system, referred to as The Tide, serves a 7.4 mile corridor between the Medical Center Complex through Downtown Norfolk to Newtown Road at the Virginia Beach city line. Nearly 1.7 million passengers have used The Tide as of the end of July 2012. This averages to 4,818 daily passengers, or 5,228 passengers each weekday, much higher than the 2,900 passengers HRT estimated would use The Tide each weekday.

image

Intercity passenger rail service is provided to Hampton Roads by Amtrak at stations in Newport News and Williamsburg. Riders can board the train in Williamsburg and ride it all the way to Boston Mass. At the Newport News or Williamsburg Amtrak stations you can park for free, leave your car a week or longer. When your legs get cramped on the train—however unlikely, given the generous amount of leg room—you can walk to the dining car for a coffee or beer. You can talk on the phone and use Wi-Fi. If it annoys you to hear others talking, you can sit in the quiet car. You can read, work, write. The time flies. When you arrive in , Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, or Boston, you’re already downtown, near a subway or light-rail line.

imageThere were a total of 175,500 passengers who boarded or departed Amtrak trains in Hampton Roads in 2011, with 122,400 passengers at the Newport News station and 53,100 passengers at the Williamsburg station. The number of Amtrak passengers boarding or departing trains in Hampton Roads increased 17% between 2002 and 2011, but has increased 36% since the lows seen in the middle of the 2000s.

This number of passengers is likely to increase when direct passenger train service to Richmond and Washington  begins operating out of Harbor Park in Norfolk VA sometime in late 2012. Amtrak trains will depart Norfolk at 5:00 AM daily and arrive in Washington by 9:00 AM, then go on to New York and Boston from there.

Construction is underway on the project, including improvements to the rail line and the construction of a platform at the future Norfolk Harbor Park station.

image

Filed under: hampton roads | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

Hampton Roads Real Estate Update July 2012

Posted on August 9, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

The Hampton Roads real estate market offered up some promising statistics for July that suggest the region may be on the road to recovery. Significant increases in residential under contract and settled sales, combined with a downswing in the number of residential active listings and the months’ supply of inventory are all healthy indicators of a market on the rebound.

Residential pending sales increased 25.35% year-over-year for July 2012. This is the largest year-over-year increase since January 2012 when residential pending sales rose 32.9%. Newport News, with a modest increase of just 3.57%, was the region’s only major city not to experience a rise of 14% or higher. Suffolk and Chesapeake saw the largest year-over-year surges at 36.47% and 30.95% respectively. Though no guarantee, high under contract counts are often a pre-curser to a high volume of settled sales in the near future.

Closed Sales

The region saw a 20% increase in residential closed sales in July 2012 when compared to July 2011. Each of the seven major cities in Hampton Roads experienced year-over-year increases. Hampton and Chesapeake saw the largest growth at 38.24% and 27.69% respectively. Norfolk had the smallest year over year increase at only 0.94%. Also in the good news column, the median sales price for residential settled sales in the region climbed to $209,900, a 6.28% year-over-year increase from July 2011 when the median sales price was 197,500. This marks the fifth consecutive month the median sales price has increased year-over-year.

Listings are dropping

The number of residential homes listed for sale in Hampton Roads continues to decline and active listings are down 18.16% when compared to July 2011.

This marks the 17th consecutive month that residential active listings have dropped year-over-year. This steady downswing in residential active listings has resulted in a lower month’s supply inventory, now at 7.27 months. A 6 months’ supply of inventory is considered a “normal” market.

Despite  industry rumors of a “shadow inventory” of REO listings still to be unleashed on the market, distressed homes continue to drop as a percentage of the region’s residential active listings. Distressed homes accounted for 24.22% of residential active listings in July 2012, The ninth consecutive month that distressed homes have declined as a percentage of the market.

image

Filed under: hampton roads, real estate | Leave a Comment »

BRAC Costs 67% More Than Anticipated

Posted on July 30, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

BRAC, the 2005 round of Base Realignment and Closure that resulted in the closing of Fort Monroe in Hampton and the merging of some common functions at four local Hampton Roads bases that resulted in the creation of Joint Base Langley-Eustis on the Peninsula and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in VA Beach was supposed to save the government $36 billion by 2025. But the Pentagon spent 67% more money (an increase of about $14.1 billion), than it projected on up-front costs, according to a new Government Accountability Office report.

The streamlining effort was designed to effect Pentagon savings – specifically, an estimated $4.2 billion per year in net annual recurring savings – but instead has been compounded by increasing costs, particularly in military construction. That $4.2 billion in annual savings currently stands at $3.8 billion, a decline of almost 10 percent, GAO reported.

The 2005 round of BRAC was the fifth, and most ambitious, of activities to realign the military that began in 1988, costing nearly as much as the previous four rounds combined in order to “enhance the military value.” It included hundreds of actions involving 800 defense locations and the planned relocation of 125,000 personnel, GAO noted.

The initial plan was to generate recurring savings to be reinvested in other DOD programs. It was designed to yield a 20-year net present value – which represents both the up-front investment costs and long-term savings – of nearly $36 billion. That number has fallen by 72 percent, to about $10 billion.

Locally, the realignment of various combat service support functions from four other installations to Fort Lee had implementation costs increase by $660 million (88 percent), driven primarily by facility construction costs. Requirements for establishing the Combat Service Support Center were more fully developed in the early stages of implementation, which not only increased the scope of planned construction, but also identified the need to build a new Warrior Training Facility at Fort A. P. Hill, Virginia, as well as a health and dental clinic at Fort Lee. There were also smaller increases in the costs of environmental compliance, and transportation costs for moving equipment such as oversized tactical vehicles and weapon systems from Aberdeen Proving Ground to Fort Lee.

In addition to the 14 recommendations that had the largest dollar increases in estimated costs, also identified were five recommendations that experienced cost increases of over 1,000 percent compared to the BRAC Commission’s estimates. Local overruns include BRAC recommendation to establish Joint Center for consolidated transportation management training at Fort Lee, VA . Its estimate was $ 1.5 million, actual costs so far were : $29.1 million ( an increase of 1,840%.

Another overrun at Ft Lee was the recommendation to establish Joint Center of Excellence for culinary training at Fort Lee, VA . The 2005 BRAC cost estimate was $ 5.4 million. Actual costs were $73.1 million an increase of $67.7 million or 1,254%

Disappointment with cutbacks launched during the presidency of George W. Bush make it unlikely that an election-year Congress will approve the Obama administration’s request for two more rounds of base cuts in coming years as part of the latest Pentagon budget proposal.

Filed under: hampton roads | Leave a Comment »

Next Page »

  • Topics

  • Search Homes For Sale

    Search homes for sale in Williamsburg and Hampton Roads Va

  • Search Foreclosures

    search foreclosures reo for sale in hampton roads
  • search for neighborhoods in williamsburg and hampton roads va Research neighborhoods in Williamsburg, Yorktown, New Kent, Gloucester, Poquoson, Suffolk, Isle of Wight, Chesapeake, VA Beach, Smithfield , Norfolk and other parts of Hampton Roads Va Find everything you need in one convenient place. Photos, video tours, area info, homes listed for sale by neighborhood, and more!

  • Contact Info

    John Womeldorf/ Realtor

    Liz Moore and Associates

    5350 Discovery Park Blvd.
    (New Town) Williamsburg, VA , 23188

    757 254 8136 Direct

    757 240 2644 Fax
    John@MrWilliamsburg.com
    Website
     Facebook
     Facebook/Business
    Flickr
    Youtube
    Twitter
     

  • Discovery Packages

    Williamsburg VA Discovery Packages

  • Vacation Planner

    download a 72 page guide to vacationing in Williamsburg va here-its free

    Vacation Planner

  • Recent Posts

  • RSS News from Williamsburg VA

  • RSS News From W&M

  • Twitter Updates

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 1,128 other followers