• 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

Curbside Recycling Program Changes in James City County, Poquoson , City of Williamsburg and York County

April 18, 2014

New changes are in store for curbside recycling!

The Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority (VPPSA) along with James City County, City of Poquoson, City of Williamsburg, and York County are pleased to announce the implementation of a new regional curbside recycling program.  Beginning June 30, 2014, the curbside recycling service will be provided by a new contractor, County Waste.

The first change residents will notice will be a switch from an 18 gallon bin to a 65 gallon rolling cart with a lid.  York County residents already have recycling carts and will not see this change.  After Memorial Day and continuing through mid-June, the new recycling carts will be delivered to residents in preparation for the start of the new program.  Along with the new carts, residents will receive a package of information further describing the changes to the program.

Another primary change is a switch to every other week collection frequency. The larger recycling containers allow for a decrease in frequency of service which reduces the overall cost of the recycling program.  It also means less truck traffic in residential areas and throughout the service area. 

Yet another change we are pleased to announce is the increase in the types of plastic materials that are accepted for recycling.  The new contractor will be accepting a wider variety of plastics to include:  plastic bottles and jugs, wide-mouth containers such as butter tubs and yogurt cups, clamshell containers such as salad bar containers, strawberry containers, bakery product containers, and rigid plastics such as plastic flower pots, pails and buckets.

Residents of James City County, City of Poquoson, and City of Williamsburg will receive a 65 gallon cart to initiate the start of this program.  For residents who live in multi-family complexes (e.g. Townhomes, Condos), appropriately sized containers will be provided.  The larger cart will facilitate putting recyclables inside the cart so the carts can be collected using automated trucks.  Localities who have converted from small bins to larger carts have seen an increase in participation and likewise recycling amounts.  After the initial thirty days of the new program, residents will have an opportunity to increase or decrease the size of the recycling container.  If, after the first month of the new service, residents find that they are generating more material than the 65 gallon cart will hold, County Waste will swap out the cart for a larger 95 gallon cart.  For residents wanting to down-size from a 65 gallon cart, County Waste will be able to replace it with a 35 gallon cart.  James City County, Poquoson, and Williamsburg residents wishing to change cart sizes may do so by contacting VPPSA or their community contact after August 4.

Please check the VPPSA website, www.vppsa.org, for additional updates on the upcoming changes.

For more information, go to FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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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.

 

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

Flood Zones in Hampton Roads Virginia

Question: I am thinking of purchasing a home in Hampton Roads, Virginia. I know that that are certain areas in Hampton, James City County, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Poquoson, York County and other nearby areas  are prone to flooding. How can I find out if a home I am interested in is in a flood zone ? How can I find out how much flood insurance will cost ? What are flood zones?


Flood zones are land areas identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Each flood zone describes that land area in terms of its risk of flooding. Everyone lives in a flood zone—it’s just a question of whether you live in a low, moderate, or high risk area.

How do I find out whether or not a property is at risk of flooding, and if it is, at what level?
Go to the website http://www.floodsmart.gov and fill out the Flood Risk Profile on the left hand site of the site.

 What is a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?
Land areas that are at high risk for flooding are called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), or floodplains. These areas are indicated on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

A home located within an SFHA has a 26 percent chance of suffering flood damage during the term of a 30-year mortgage.

What is a Non-Special Flood Hazard Area (NSFHA)?
A Non-Special Flood Hazard Area (NSFHA) is an area that is in a low-to-moderate risk flood zone (Zones B, C, X Pre- and Post-FIRM). An NSFHA is not in any immediate danger from flooding caused by overflowing rivers or hard rains.

However, it’s important to note that structures within a NSFHA are still at risk. In fact, one out of four floods occurs in an NSFHA! Get the facts before you decide that your property is not at risk.

Is there a special risk-rating procedure for coastal high hazard areas (V zones)?
Yes. When calculating the risk of a V zone property, the formula takes into account the ability of the building to withstand the impact of wave action.

Poquoson Seafood Fest Oct 17-19, 2008

28th ANNUAL POQUOSON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 17-19, 2008
The City of Poquoson presents the 28th Annual Poquoson Seafood Festival October 17-19, 2008 in Poquoson Municipal Park, 830 Poquoson Avenue, Poquoson, VA 23662. The Festival honors the Working Watermen of the Chesapeake Bay and the rich coastal heritage of Poquoson. It includes musical entertainment, a juried arts & crafts show, dozens of food vendors, a children’s area, and nautical events including a Work Boat Race and a Fishing Tournament. The event is family-oriented and offers something for everyone. Holding with its rich tradition, the festival will feature outstanding national and regional musical entertainment on the BB & T Municipal Stage. Local and Regional Legend Slapwater will appear on Friday night, October 17, 2008. On Saturday, October 18, 2008, join us for a great musical line-up of Everyday Circus followed by Fat Back & The Cadillacs. On Sunday, October 19, 2008 National Country music sensation Jake Owen will perform. Additional regional entertainment on the Taylor’s Do It Center Food Pavilion Stage will include Tim Morgan and The Mojo Brothers, Made From Scratch, The Blues Cats, Big House Red, the Poquoson High School Band, and The Super Jazz Band Combo. As in years past, the Poquoson Seafood Festival hosts the Poquoson Art League Juried Arts & Crafts Show, one of the larger arts and crafts shows and sales in the state of Virginia with over 165 artisans expected to exhibit a myriad of outstanding crafts and original art work. The Langley Federal Credit Union Heritage Display Exhibit will feature numerous activities showcasing the history and heritage of the Chesapeake Bay Working Watermen. Also expected to participate are the Poquoson Historical Commission offering a variety of artifacts and documents relating to and illuminating Poquoson’s history, and the Poquoson Cultural Museum Committee who will provide information on plans for a Cultural Museum in Poquoson.
THE FESTIVAL FEATURES SPECIAL EVENING HOURS IN ITS ARTS AND CRAFTS AREAS AS WELL ON FRIDAY & SATURDAY. MANY ARTS & CRAFTS EXHIBITORS WILL BE OPEN UNTIL 10:00 PM ON THESE EVENINGS AND PATRONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE EXTENDED HOURS. Living up to its name, the Poquoson Seafood Festival offers some savory dishes from the surrounding waters in the Mid-Atlantic Residential and Villa Development Food Pavilion. Crab cakes, shrimp, oysters, clams, clam chowder, soft shell crabs, catfish, she crab soup, and many other festival favorites will be available for purchase. Another popular favorite slated for return is the KID’s KORNER Event Area. Stage performances, an arts & crafts activity area, amusement rides and more will be featured in the children’s area. Please note: Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets for all concerts on Municipal Field.
Festival Hours: Friday, October 17, 2008 5:00-10:00 PM Saturday, October 18, 2008 10:00 AM-10:00 PM Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:30-6:30 PM
FESTIVAL DIRECTIONS & PARKING INFORMATION $5.00 Parking Fee All Areas
GENERAL PARKING From I-64 take the Poquoson Exit (256B) to Victory Blvd./Rt. 171. Remain on Rt. 171 for approximately 5-6 miles. Follow signs leading into the Festival Parking Area. PARKING FOR THE DISABLED From I-64 take the Poquoson Exit (256B) to Victory Blvd./Rt. 171. Remain on Rt. 171 for approximately 5-6 miles. Turn left on Wythe Creek Rd. Turn right on Hudgins Rd. Bear right on Hudgins Rd. onto Poquoson Ave. Turn right on Municipal Drive. Parking attendant will direct vehicles at this point. Handicapped sticker and accompanying identification will be required.SHUTTLE PARKING Should available on-site parking be full, you will be directed to one of our nearby shuttle parking lots. Bus transportation is provided at these locations for you. Festival staff and Police officers will direct you to the shuttle lot when appropriate.

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).

Hello world!

www.MrWilliamsburg.comIn an attempt to find the best platform for blogging I am now using WordPress to issue updates for real estate information about Williamsburg, James City County, York County, New Kent County, Gloucester County, Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Smithfield, Isle of Wight, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Va Beach and all the surounding areas of Hampton Roads Virginia

You can explore my other real estate blogs at  http://activerain.com/blogs/johnwomeldorf on the Active Rain Site or on my Blogspot weblog  http://mrwilliamsburg.blogspot.com or any of my multiple websites

www.MrWilliamsburg.com  www.MrHamptonRoads.com  www.MrTidewater.com www.MrBurg.com

If you are searching for Homes/ Townhomes/ Condos / Building lots/ Commercial/ or rentals in the Williamsburg area  CLICK HERE WILLIAMSBURG VA MLS HOME SEARCH

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