• 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

Colonial Williamsburg, VA – Video of Colonial Williamsburg & Golden Horseshoe Golf

Vodpod videos no longer available.  

Here is is short five minute video From Golfweek and GolfTV that will give you a feel for both Colonial Williamsburg and the multiple award winning Golden Horseshoe Golf Course.

 
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Senate Unanimously Approves Isakson Amendment to Stimulate Housing Market Homebuyer Tax Credit Revived Market in 1975 and Would Work Today

 

Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia has proposed a tax credit of up to $15,000 for homebuyers.

Here is a press release from his website:

The U.S. Senate today unanimously approved an amendment by U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., to stimulate the nation’s declining housing market by offering a $15,000 tax credit to individuals who purchase a home in the next year.

“It is time to fix America’s problem, not throw money at the symptoms. It is time to fix housing first. It is rare that we have a road map to success in times of difficulty, but this country has once before realized a housing crisis every bit as bad as the one we have today and economic troubles every bit as dangerous,” Isakson said. “We have a pervasive housing problem, and we have a historical precedent that works. I am proud this Senate has joined together, learned from history and repeated a method that worked by adopting this amendment.”

Specifically, Isakson’s amendment to the pending economic stimulus bill would provide a direct tax credit to any homebuyer who purchases any home. The amount of the tax credit would be $15,000 or 10 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less. Purchases must be made within one year of the legislation’s enactment, and the tax credit would not have to be repaid.

The amendment would allow taxpayers to claim the credit on their 2008 income tax return. It also seeks to prevent misuse by only allowing purchases of a principle residence and by recapturing the credit if the home is sold within two years of purchase. The amendment would sunset the current $7,500 housing tax credit on the date of enactment.

Isakson has pushed hard for a non-repayable tax credit for homebuyers because he knows that it will work. In the mid-1970s, America faced a similar housing crisis when a period of easy credit and loose underwriting flooded the market with new construction.  Interest rates rose, the economy slowed and America was left with a three-year supply of vacant homes. Congress responded by passing a $2,000 tax credit for anyone purchasing a new home for their principal residence. Isakson believes the results were clear and swift as home values stabilized, housing inventory dropped and the market recovered.

Last year, Isakson introduced legislation to specifically target those homes that were causing the unprecedented increase in housing inventory by offering tax credits to individuals purchasing a foreclosed home or a home where foreclosure is pending. In April 2008, the Senate passed legislation to stimulate the nation’s declining housing market that included Isakson’s proposal. However, the final version of the legislation that was signed into law included only a $7,500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers that must be repaid over a 15-year period. Isakson’s amendment that passed today would sunset that $7,500 tax credit.

 

Isakson has not made a decision regarding his vote on the overall economic stimulus legislation.

Hampton Roads VA- Foreclosures

Are you thinking of buying a foreclosed home in Hampton Roads Virginia ? Freddie Mac is offering a Closing Cost incentive of up to 3.5% of your purchase price for all Purchase Offers received between October 23, 2008 – January 31, 2009, that close by March 14, 2009.

Homebuyers: Now, no matter where you looking to buy a home in Hampton Roads VA, owning your own home may be more affordable than you think! If you are currently renting or wanting to move up, Mr Williamsburg would like to help you on your way to homeownership. By teaming up with Freddie Mac Mr Williamsburg can help you receive up to 3.5%* of your purchase price in closing costs for any offer presented on HomeSteps homes between October 23, 2008 – January 31, 2009 that closes by March 14, 2009

To qualify for this great money-saving offer, just ask Mr Williamsburg to show you the available HomeSteps homes in your area and to include this closing cost offer at the time of your initial offer on a HomeSteps/ Freddie Mac owned  home. Then, upon qualified closing, you will receive your closing cost incentive.

No coupon required!

Saving up to 3.5%* at closing adds up! Just think, you could use your closing cost savings to purchase new carpet, new furniture – you name it!

This offer only lasts until January 31, 2009, so make sure and Call or email Mr Williamsburg today John@MrWilliamsburg.com  about HomeSteps homes/ Freddie Mac Foreclosed Homes in Hampton Roads VA

*As an example of your savings, if the purchase price of your home is $300,000, HomeSteps will pay up to $10,500 of your closing costs. This savings is money that you can use for moving expenses or new furnishings. (Please note HomeSteps will only pay up to 3.5% of your purchase price in closing costs, not to exceed the total closing costs.

Promotion is valid only on HomeSteps (Freddie Mac-owned) properties.

Terms and Conditions:

In order to redeem an Ask an Agent buyer’s closing cost offer or Selling Agent bonus, homebuyers/agents must purchase/sell a HomeSteps home between October 23, 2008 – January 31, 2009; sale must close  by March 14, 2009.

Terms:

  • Only HomeSteps (Freddie Mac-owned) properties are eligible.
  • This offer valid in the United States (including PR, VI and GU).
  • All offers submitted on or after October 23, 2008, and on or before January 31, 2009, are eligible.
  • Buyers Closing Cost offer must be mentioned to the HomeSteps Listing Agent at the time of initial offer on a HomeSteps home.
  • All sales must close escrow on or before March 14, 2009, to be eligible for Ask an Agent offers.
  • *Ask an Agent closing cost offer is valid only on owner-occupied, financed homes; a limit of 1% closing cost offer on owner-occupied, cash sales.
  • Closing cost offer may not exceed actual closing costs.
  • Investor sales are not eligible for buyer’s closing cost offer.
  • Ask an Agent offers are not valid on Auction or Sealed Bid properties.
  • Ask an Agent offers are not transferable and may not be combined with any other offer.
  • Seller reserves right to remove homes from “Ask an Agent” promotion or end promotion at any time.

If you are thinking of buying a foreclosure, short sale, REO or bank owned property or home in Williamsburg, New Kent, Gloucester, Yorktown, York, Newport News, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Va Beach, Norfolk or any other areas of Hampton Roads email or call John Womeldorf John@MrWilliamsburg.com  757 254 8136 for an up to date list of all properties currently on the market.

Hampton Roads VA Foreclosures

Foreclosure-related notices throughout Hampton Roads are up 2-1/2 times from year-ago levels, according to RealtyTrac, an online foreclosure-monitoring service based in Irvine, Calif. The growth in local foreclosure activity is outpacing the nation, where activity grew 4 1 percent in December compared with a year earlier.

Foreclosures here are not as prevalent as in such hard-hit places as California and Nevada, but the trend has touched nearly every neighborhood in Hampton Roads, from working-class Norfolk enclaves to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront with its million-dollar homes.

Even with interest rates at 40-year lows and relief packages being debated by Congress, economists and real estate experts expect foreclosures to get worse this year as home prices continue to fall, adjustable-rate mortgages reset and more homeowners lose jobs in the flagging economy.

Three years ago, one in every 13,000 homes in the region had a foreclosure-related filing. At the beginning of 2008, that number had risen to one in nearly 1,800 homes.

In December, it was one in 513 homes.

Such filings include bank repossessions, auctions of foreclosed houses and notices of default, which mark the beginning of the foreclosure process.

Part of the spike can be attributed to people losing their jobs,  but resets on adjustable-rate mortgages deserve a healthy share of the blame.

Last year, 7,522 adjustable-rate mortgages in Hampton Roads reset to higher rates, according to mortgage-data tracker First American CoreLogic. This year, the firm predicts 4,728 more will reset.

In Virginia Beach, the worst foreclosure concentrations appear south of Interstate 264, running from Kempsville to Green Run and the area around Lynnhaven Mall. But Great Neck, Sandbridge and even the North End are not immune.

Foreclosures in Chesapeake dot neighborhoods throughout the city but are particularly concentrated in South Norfolk.

Working-class neighborhoods such as South Norfolk seem to have borne the brunt of the foreclosures to date. Few such neighborhoods in Norfolk and Portsmouth have been spared.

Olde Huntersville, Lindenwood and Barraud Park in Norfolk are particularly hard hit, as is Brighton/Prentiss Park in Portsmouth. Many foreclosures in those communities can be attributed to the now-defunct CM Development, which owned more than 250 homes in them before declaring bankruptcy in 2007.

In Suffolk, foreclosures are dense around downtown but also can be seen in the newer North Suffolk neighborhoods of Harbour View and off Shoulders Hill Road.

Home prices in Hampton Roads fell 7.3 percent in 2008.

Falling prices contribute to rising foreclosures. As prices fall, homeowners who purchased at the price peak begin to owe their lenders more than their homes are worth.

Virginia Beach Real Estate- Median Income Facts

va beachHere is a surprising fact. Forbes Magazine looked at the 2004 US Census and came up with a list of cities with the highest median income.  You would think that LA, New York City would definitely be on the list of the top 10. Not so.

Surprisingly our own VA Beach was ranked 4th on the list.

Median income is the level at which half of the households make more and half less.

 San Francisco and Washington, D.C., are in the top 10 as well although New York, Boston and Miami are nowhere to be seen in the top ten. California cities make up 40% of the rankings, and the rest is made up by some surprising locales, including Anchorage, Raleigh, N.C., and Virginia Beach, Va. While pleasant places, they aren’t generally thought of as homes for the rich and famous.

What gives? A combination of local economic strength, geographical quirks and the limitations of the analysis, which measures the middle of the income distribution, rather than the extremes.

Newer cities also have higher median incomes than more established places, like Boston or Chicago, because they are growing and have people moving in rather than out. Look just outside the city of Philadelphia (which also did not make the top ten), for example, and you will see an abundance of wealthy suburbs.

Virginia Beach is also helped by its strong military economic base. Military areas tend to have less-extreme income distributions (a reason San Diego makes the list as well), and retirees in the area tend to have comfortable military pensions.

 

Rank

City

State

Median Household Income

Median Home Price

1

San Jose

California

$71,765

$625,000

2

Anchorage

Alaska

$61,595

$294,374

3

San Francisco

California

$60,031

$726,900

4

Virginia Beach

Virginia

$55,781

$192,000

5

San Diego

California

$51,382

$605,600

6

Anaheim

California

$49,622

$696,100

7

Raleigh

North Carolina

$47,878

$185,200

8

Seattle

Washington

$46,650

$310,300

9

Washington

District of Columbia

$46,574

$429,900

10

Honolulu

Hawaii

$46,500

 

Click here to search all homes, town homes, condos, building lots, 55+ communities, golf course communities both new and resale for sale in Va Beach , Virginia

Close out deals on New Homes in Hampton Roads Virginia

Year End Closeout! Every Day is Different! 
HURRY, only 1 deal per day on standing inventory homes will be accepted! 
 Don’t let the deals pass you by on this schedule of amazing incentives at Chesapeake Homes that will change every day! These incentives are designed to help you own the home of your dreams! 

 

Want more information on any new home deal closeout pricing in Hampton Roads/ Tidewater Virginia  ?

Contact John Womeldorf/ Realtor/ New Homes Specialist

Liz Moore and Associates

757 254 8136 John@MrWilliamsburg.com

 

www.MrWilliamsburg.com

www.MrHamptonRoads.com

Youth Football in Williamsburg VA

I thought I would share a few thoughts from one of our son’s youth football coaches. Youth Football in Wiiliamsburg VA has a huge following. Our two sons play for the Williamsburg Hornets their website is, www.williamsburghornets.com . Amazingly both of their teams are going to the playoffs this year having achieved records of 9-1. It is an amazing effort from coaches and parents alike to coach and run the teams as well as they do. We are blessed to have such a dedicated coaching staff and parent involvement.
I jokingly made a comment about these last few years to a parent, She responded try doing it for 12 years like we have !
 
you can check out the Williamsburg Hornets and all of the other youth football teams in the Peninsula area at the Peninsula Youth Football Website http://www.leaguelineup.com/standings.asp?cmenuid=7&url=pyfa
There are teams throughout the area including Gloucester, New Kent, West Point, York County, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg/ James City County
 
 
Wow, what a busy weekend!  — GAME NOTES —  what a mud-pit on Saturday. I’m thrilled for several reasons. The weather was horrid, but we played tough. The opponent was ruthless, but we hit harder. The score was against us, but we came back. The entire flow of the game wasn’t going our way, but we turned it around. The kids were frozen & wet on the sidelines, but they all cheered their team mates on. The crowd was amazing in their positive support  … I could hardly hear the cadence on the field over the cheers … THANKS A TON! 
 

— WYFCL Night at William & Mary Stadium — a huge hit again this year. Tons of folks around prior to the game, but most people I saw were in the “JUMBO-TRON” endzone having fun, watching the game, and supporting our GOLD & GREEN Midgets teams who did an outstanding job running plays and hustling.

  

 

 

 

— PLAYOFFS — SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15th vs Yorktown Patriots (9 – 1); the game will be played at Page Middle School in Gloucester … that’s Page Middle School in Gloucester. Kick-Off time is 11am, but be at Page Middle School in Gloucester by 10am for roll-call and warm ups.

 

Buying A home with ” No Money Down in Williamsburg/ Hamtpon Roads VA

There is no question that the country is in the midst of a cycle where credit is tight, and mortgage lenders are taking a conservative approach to residential home financing.  But, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of great mortgage programs available, that will suit just about any scenario that a prospective buyer has.

 I am surprised at how few people are aware of what is referred to in the industry as “down payment assistance” programs.  In essence, these are programs sponsored by non-profit organizations that offer grants for down payments to qualified buyers, which are funded by the seller.  In many cases these are compatible with traditional financing options such as FHA, and can mean that a buyer can secure their new home with no money out of pocket.

For a nominal processing fee (which can be paid by the buyer, seller or lender), these programs contribute up to 6% of the sales price toward the borrower’s down payment and/or closing costs.  Best of all, this gift does not have to be repaid!

This is also a great way for sellers to differentiate their listings to prospective buyers…offering to participate in a down payment assistance program and enable prospective buyers to buy with no money down may be a more effective marketing strategy than an equivalent price reduction in this inventory laden market.

 

 

Want to know more?  I’d be happy to help you and give you all of the details and help you evaluate whether a down payment assistance program may be a good solution for you!  E-mail me at John@MrWilliamsburg.com  

 

 

 

Down payment assistance and community redevelopment programs offer affordable housing opportunities to first-time home buyers, low-income and moderate-income individuals and families who wish to achieve home ownership. Here are just a few of the programs available in the Williamsburg, York, New Kent, Gloucester or James City Counties, Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Va Beach, Smithfield or any other Peninsula, Southside, Hampton Roads or Tidewater Areas.

AmeriDream Program is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people find affordable housing. Part of the AmeriDream mission is to help low and moderate income families buy homes by offering down payment assistance. Buyers who are qualified for an FHA loan but don’t have the money for down payment and/or closing costs are eligible to apply for AmeriDream down payment assistance:

  • A down payment gift of up to 10% (typically 3%-6%) of the purchase price.
  • A true gift-the down payment assistance is not repaid by the home buyer
  • Home buyer must have an approved FHA home loan or pre-approved FHA loan.

Nehemiah Program  has helped over a quarter of a million Americans purchase homes. Unlike some down payment assistance programs, Nehemiah offers down payment help to anyone who qualifies for an approved FHA loan. There are no limits on income or assets, but buyers must have an FHA loan or be pre-approved for an FHA mortgage. The Nehemiah program offers:

  • Up to 6% of the final contract sales price for down payment and/or closing costs.
  • Available for first-time and repeat home buyers.
  • Approved for new construction and resale homes.
  • No geographical restrictions.

As with most down payment assistance programs, these funds are not available for “second mortgage” or home equity loans; Nehemiah is intended to help people buy a new home. The process for applying for Nehemiah is similar to most other down payment assistance programs:

 

The Genesis Program also known as Grant America, is a non-profit down payment assistance program. It is operated by the Penobscot Indian Tribal Nation and technically qualifies as a government entity. Like other Native American tribal nations, the Penobscot tribal nation is HUD-approved to offer assistance, even to those living outside tribal jurisdiction. Grant America offers down payment assistance to low and middle income home buyers:

  • Those with an FHA loan or are pre-approved for FHA mortgages qualify for the Grant America program.
  • Grant America offers up to $34,000 in down payment assistance.
  • This program is open to those with approved FHA loans buying new or resale homes.
  • Program participation is not required to be included in the contract, but the seller must participate in the Grant America program.

Applying for any of these programs to buy a home with No Money Down in Williamsburg, York, New Kent, Gloucester or James City Counties, Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Va Beach, Smithfield or any other Peninsula, Southside, Hampton Roads or Tidewater Areas is simple. All you need to do is Contact John Womeldorf/ Realtor and I will assist with all of the steps that include :

  • Getting pre-approved for an FHA loan or completing your FHA mortgage paperwork and getting approved for a specific FHA loan amount.
  • Finding a home you want to buy.
  • Contact one of our preffered mortgage lenders.
  • Our loan officer will complete a Grant application on your behalf.
  • The funds will be wired to the bank the day of closing the deal (or the day before if you close in the morning).

Military Links/ Bases/ DOD Installations Hampton Roads Virginia

Peninsula Hampton, Yorktown & Newport News Virginia Beaches

Williamsburg Va real estate search There’s no reason to spend a tank full of gas looking for the perfect beach spot this Memorial Day. Instead, stay near home and experience a beach party atmosphere at Buckroe Beach in Hampton, try your hand at saltwater fishing at Gloucester Point Beach or take the more reflective approach at Grandview Beach in Newport News.

To help you find your Peninsula Beach paradise, Here is a list of beaches and their features.

Closest to the Virginia Beach experience — Buckroe Beach, Hampton Virginia. The largest beach on the Peninsula, Buckroe has a small amphitheater and about 3/4 of a mile of shoreline. For those who want a little more action, kayaks and paddle boats are available for rent, and there is a children’s playground nearby. Location: North First Street, Hampton Swimming: Lifeguards are there from: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Public restrooms available Free
Parking on First Street and Pembroke Avenue and two free parking lots on either end of Buckroe Beach park. The lots that were previously paid are now used for special event and overflow parking. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, and the dog park has been closed. Guests hoping to find treasure, however, are now allowed to bring their metal detectors on the beach after watching a short video about how to recognize artillery shells. The construction you’ll see during a visit this summer is a new condo complex.

Best place to spot a fisherman — Gloucester Point Park. With two boat landings and a saltwater fishing pier, this river shore beach is a popular spot for fishermen. You can also take a stroll along the Point Walk, a trail along the York River that tells all about Gloucester’s history.  Location: 1255 Greate Road, Gloucester, Virginia, Swimming: Yes No Lifeguards Public restrooms Free  Parking A concession stand is currently open on weekends. Beginning June 14, the stand will be open daily. Picnic tables, volleyball nets and a playground are also available for use.

The nature beach — Grandview Beach, Hampton . This “no-service” beach is best for people seeking a quiet atmosphere. Be sure to pack light, though, it’s about a 15-minute walk from the park’s parking lot to the beach area.  Location: Once on Fox Hill Road, turn left on Beach Road, and then turn left on Grundland Drive. Swimming is allowed  No Lifeguards  No Public restrooms Parking: Free parking at the edge of Grandview Nature Preserve. A trail winds through the park to the beach.

Most variety in one spot — Huntington Park, Newport News. If you’re only up for a few minutes of sunbathing, you and the kids can walk to the nearby Fort Fun, a 15,000 square foot wooden playground, or take up a game of tennis or basketball on the nearby courts. To escape, head over to the Rose Garden, which is situated near the Warwick Boulevard entrance. Location: 5500 W. Mercury Blvd., Newport News Swimming: Yes, but the water is shallow. A barrier marks off the swimming area.  Lifeguards: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Public restrooms  Free Parking You could pack some snacks, or take advantage of the concession stand on site. There’s also a boat ramp available and picnic shelters you can rent.

Historic bathing — Yorktown Beach, Virginia. History buffs need a tan, too, and Yorktown Beach may be just the place where they can have it all. Just a short drive from Yorktown Battlefield and just down the hill from the Yorktown Memorial, the beach’s calm waters are also good for young swimmers. Location: Along Water Street in downtown Yorktown, Virginia right off the Colonial Parkway Swimming is allowed  No Lifeguards Public restrooms
Free Parking Bring a cover-up and take advantage of the bars, restaurants and shops along Water Street and Riverwalk Landing 

Misleading Headlines about real estate in Hampton Roads Virginia !

Williamsburg Va real estate search

From my broker’s( Liz Moore ) Blog Post

Last week, the Daily Press featured a story on the front page of the paper with the headline “Area Home Sales Down 23%!”  Reporter Chris Flores went on to regale the grim state of the declining local housing market.  If, and only if, you read the article very carefully, you might pick out the nuggets that really should have  made the headlines:

Hampton Roads Virginia Makes Top Ten List of LEAST Riskiest Markets for Foreclosures!

Despite National Housing Slump, Local ( Peninsula) Median Sales Prices Remain Steady!

Peninsula Real Estate Market Outperforms both the State ( VA.) and the Nation!

But no.  Flores chose to lump together Peninsula housing statistics with Southside statistics, resulting in a far worse picture than the truth.  Here is what you need to know:  On the Peninsula, closings are down approximately 14% over last year, the result of a sluggish fourth quarter of 2007, and a slow start to the year.  Pending sales are only off 8%, suggesting that the market is beginning to rebound.

Sellers:  Despite a drop in the number of units sold, values are holding steady.  This is key, and means that there is still time to capitalize on the equity growth that we all experienced during the boom cycle.  Realistic expectations about market time and aggressive positioning are critical; however, if you are thinking about moving up, there is definitely an upside in the current market climate.

Buyers:  It’s truly a great time to buy.  Plentiful inventory, low interest rates, and sellers frightened by the onslaught of media hype about the market create an ideal market environment for buyers.

Given the mortgage liquidity crisis that stalled the national economy last August, and the volatile economy that resulted, our Peninsula housing market is *definitely* a bright spot in the big picture.

Consumer confidence is a key ingredient to balance in both the economy and housing market, so please help me spread the good news!

For further information about real estate in Williamsburg, James City, New Kent or York County Virginia  contact:

John Womeldorf/ REALTOR

Liz Moore & Associates

757 254 8136

John@MrWilliamsburg.com  email

www.MrWilliamsburg.com/   website

www.MrBurg.com website

www.MrHamptonroads.com/  website

www.MrTidewater.com/   website

www.MrVaBeach.com/  website

Williamsburg Real Estate Resource. Search for Homes & Land in Williamsburg Virginia & surrounding areas  click here :CLICK HERE WILLIAMSBURG VA MLS HOME SEARCH

CLICK HERE FOR Real Estate Home Search  Tidewater Hampton Roads Va 

 

My other area Real Estate and Information Blogs for Hampton Roads/ Tidewater/ Williamsburg Virignia and surrounding areas

Williamsburg Real Estate Blog II

Williamsburg Real Estate Blog

Williamsburg Happenings/ Events Blog

 

Williamsburg Va real estate search