Tougher Now For Borrowers To Qualify

It's tougher to get loans, and we're seeing the market change. Read more in this article from RISMedia.com, "Tightening of Standards Squeezes Some Buyers out of Market":

http://rismedia.com/wp/2007-08-27/tightening-of-standards-squeezes-some-buyers-out-of-market/

Please post your comments,

Karen
www.move2va.com

Blog Action Day Oct. 15-Join Me In Discussing The Environment

Blog Action Day is October 15.

You may have noticed the "Blog Action Day" icon I placed on the left-side of my blog last week.

While reading other blogs I noticed this same icon on another site, so I clicked to learn more.

On October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Bloggers will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. The aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future.

Blog Action Day is about MASS participation. That means we need you! Here are 3 ways to participate:

Post on your blog relating to the environment on Blog Action Day

Donate your day’s earnings to an environmental charity

Promote Blog Action Day around the web

Click this link to see all the other bloggers who have signed up to participate so far:

http://blogactionday.org/participants



To be sure, the wave at present is green... healthy environments inside and outside of the house. This article from Realtor.com is very informative with tips on how to get greener:

http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.nsf/pages/Feat1200707?OpenDocument

Comments anyone?

Karen
www.move2va.com

Builders Are Also Being Hit By The Credit Crunch

Watch for lots of competition and creativity from builders to sell homes. Many may be forced to rent until they can sell, such as a lease purchase. Read more in this article from RISMedia.com:

http://rismedia.com/wp/2007-08-23/spike-in-cancellations-could-imperil-home-builders-the-most-bank-warns/

You can check all new construction and homes on my web site, www.move2va.com or email me at kehoe@move2va.com or call locally 434/980-2860, and I'll track and keep you informed. I offer 24 hour/7 day service and I guarantee my services.

Karen
www.move2va.com

This Week's Quote Is By Benjamin Franklin

"Well done is better than well said".

--Benjamin Franklin

Do your best with all you do, and don't talk about it. Guarantee everything you can, and don't do second best... do your very best.

Personally, I guarantee my services, and wouldn't do it any other way. I challenge others to guarantee their work as well.

How do you feel about guarantees? Do you agree that all businesses and services should guarantee their work? Please post your thoughts.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Local SOL Scores Released

The latest SOL testing scores were released yesterday. Parents will enjoy perusing the scores of the Charlottesville area schools. I realize schools are important, and SOL scores as well. It's the comment I hear most often in real estate, "I must have a house in either one of two school districts". Some parents are choosing because of SOL scores, some because their children can walk to school, or many other reasons.

Find scores for all local and state schools at the Virginia Standards Of Learning Web Site:

http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Superintendent/Sols/home.shtml

Karen
www.move2va.com

Mortgage rates down slightly this week to 6.58%

30-year fixed mortgage rates fell from 6.68% last week to 6.58% this week nationally, according to BankRate.com, read more:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bank/Aug2307_interest_rate_roundupa1.asp?s=2#tab

Keep in close contact with your lender. If you need a list of recommended local lenders, I'll be happy to share with you. Please email me at kehoe@move2va.com or call me 24/7 at (434) 980-2860.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Featured Home - Almost New Home in Downtown Charlottesville

$284,900 (Reduced $14,000!)

- Gorgeous gourmet kitchen
- 2 Porches on front
- Deck to rear
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2.5 baths
- Bamboo floors on first floor
- Convenient to UVA, the Downtown Mall, I-64

Please email (kehoe@move2va.com) or call me (434) 980-2860 to learn more about this fabulous home or any other homes in the central Virginia area.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Local Events This Weekend, Aug. 24-26, 2007

Friday-Sunday, Aug. 24-26
STAUNTON MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Staunton Music Festival, now in its tenth season, has gained a reputation for its adventurous and innovative programming, unusual breadth of repertoire, and performers of international caliber. These events take place in various locations that highlight the natural beauty and historical significance of the city of Staunton, as well as its cultural vitality. Join the Staunton Music Festival in its summer celebration of these rich musical traditions! various locations. various. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@stauntonmusicfestival.com?subject=Staunton. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 540-885-7873.

Friday, Aug. 24
FRIDAYS AFTER FIVE
Charlottesville Downtown Pavilion, show begins at 5:30pm, all ages welcome. This week's band is Tom Principato, http://www.tomprincipato.com/. Tom Principato is one of the most unique guitarists around, combining his rich blues background with high-energy rock, and a highly charged, emotionally expressive delivery. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/245-4910.

Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 25-26
MONTICELLO TOURS FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES
These special guided tours of Thomas Jefferson’s house are designed for children ages 6 to 11. The 30-minute tours feature hands-on opportunities and provide a glimpse of what life was like for the children who lived at Monticello in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Register at Ticket Office. Monticello. Directions: Rt 20 South, then left on Rt 53, go 1.5 miles (on left). 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, and 3pm. $Included in price of general admission. Recommended for ages 6 to 11. Reservations are required. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/984-9822.

Saturday, Aug. 25
MONTICELLO SECLUDED FARM NATURAL HISTORY WALK
Stroll through the open fields and forests of Secluded Farm, just south of Kemper Park, learn and enjoy the sun-loving plants and summer wild flowers along the way. 9:30 a.m., Thomas Jefferson Parkway Trailhead. $10; reservations required. Information: (434) 984-9822. Web Site: http://www.monticello.org/

Saturday, Aug. 25
END OF SUMMER BASH!
Come out for the end of summer get together. The Charlottesville Parks and Rec department will offer free swimming from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. There will be food, inflatables, face painters and a movie. You may even get a golden ticket! Washington Park & Pool. Directions: Corner of Preston Ave and 10th Street. 5:30pm. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Leslie Genson. Email: mailto:genson@charlottesville.org?subject=End. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/970-3298.

Saturday, Aug. 25
INSPECTOR WILD! WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
Dive into the wet world of Wintergreen's streams and discover the animals that call the water home. Figure out why this water is so important to these animals, to us and to the mountain itself. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Wintergreen, VA. Directions: I-64 west to Exit 107 (Crozet, Route 250). Take Route 250 west to Route 151 south, turn left. Follow Route 151 south to Route 664, 14.2 miles. 9 to 11am. $10 members, $15 non-members. Recommended for ages 4 to 6. Email: mailto:info@twnf.org?subject=Inspector. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-8169.

Saturday, Aug. 25
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Come out for an evening full of fun! From 5 to 7pm families can swim at Onesty pool, enjoy the playgroud, the moon bounces or just take it easy and eat a picnic dinner. Meade Park . Directions: The corner of Meade Ave & Chesapeake St. Charlottesville, VA. 5 to 9:30pm. $free. All ages welcome. Bring a picnic dinner. Contact: Leslie. Email: mailto:genson@charlottesville.org?subject=Movies. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/970-3298.

Saturday, Aug. 25
RIVANNA RIVER CLEANUP
Thomas Jefferson Soil & Water Conservation District and Rivanna Conservation Society. Volunteers are needed and families are welcomed to help out at the 2007 Cleanup! Bring plenty of water and a hat and wear long pants. Bags and gloves are supplied. Rain date: Sunday, August 26. Milton Boat Landing, Raes Ford Bridge, Riverview Park, Palmyra Boat Landing, River stretches. Directions: Please contact for directions: On-the-ground volunteers contact Garnett Mellen 975-0224 or email garnett.mellen@vaswcd.org On-the-water volunteers contact Phyllis White 984-5678 or email phyllisdj@hotmail.com . 10am. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Garnett Mellen. Email: mailto:garnett.mellen@vaswcd.org?subject=Rivanna. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/975-0224.

Saturday, Aug. 25
WILD! ADVENTURES: SPLISH SPLASH
Become a stream doctor as the group gives a Wintergreen waterway a health check-up. Do real chemical tests, capture stream critters and learn what the animals can tell us about their watery home. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet. Trillium House. Directions: I-64 west to Exit 107 (Crozet, Route 250). Take Route 250 west to Route 151 south, turn left. Follow Route 151 south to Route 664, 14.2 miles. 1 to 4pm. $15 members, $20 non-members. All ages welcome. Email: mailto:info@twnf.org?subject=Wild!. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/325-8169.

Saturday, Aug. 25
WILDFLOWERS IN THE WOODS AND WETLANDS
Ivy Creek Foundation and Virginia Native Plant Society.Walk with a member of the Virginia Native Plant Society to see the spectacular late blooming wildflowers of summer. Cardinal flower, boneset, and jewelweed are among the flowers that bloom in August at Ivy Creek. Ivy Creek Natural Area. Directions: Earlysville Road. 9am. $free. All ages welcome. Contact: Bruce Gatling-Austin. Email: mailto:programs@ivycreekfoundation.org?subject=Wildflowers. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/973-7772.

Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 24-25
5TH ANNUAL WINE HARVEST PREVUE & PERSPECTIVE
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM; Stanardsville. Visit Autumn Hill Vineyards and, under a tent in the vineyard, learn the decision making process about when to harvest. In depth discussion of growing quality grapes in Virginia. This is the time for technical information to be discusses and for serious questions to be answered. Vineyard discussion takes plae from 2p.m. to 3p.m. Enjoy wine tasting before and after the discussion. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day in the country. Reservations suggested. Rain or Shine. $7 includes souviner glass. Info: 434-985-6100. Web Site: http://www.autumnhillwine.com/

Sunday, Aug. 26
CHARLOTTESVILLE YOUTH TRIATHLON
A swim, bike, run combination race for ages 7-14. Distances vary by age. Every competitor earns a medal and there will be lots of cool prizes. Youths participate individually in this fast growing sport. Race director ensures staff presents a positive "everybody wins" atmosphere. Claudius Crozet Park. Directions: Crozet, Virginia. 8am. $35. Recommended for ages 7 to 14. Contact: Ragged Mountain Running Shop. Email: mailto:cvilleyouthtri@yahoo.com?subject=Charlottesville. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 434/293-3367.

Sunday, Aug. 26
SUNDAY FUN-DAYS FOR FAMILIES: TROPICAL BEACH BASH
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Richmond.On the fourth Sunday of each month, families can enjoy children's entertainment, gardening and activities in the Children's Garden. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Directions: Off I-95 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, VA. 5 to 8pm. $regular garden admission. All ages welcome. Contact: Beth. Email: mailto:bethm@lewisginter.org?subject=Sunday. For details, please click this link. For more info call: 804-262-9887.

Enjoy your weekend!
Karen
www.move2va.com

Free "Green Matters" Workshop Aug. 29 in C'ville

Want to know more about “green” construction? The Habitat Store is hosting an ongoing series of workshops discussing the topic, so stop by and see what it’s all about!

Wednesday, August 29th

5pm-6pm: Refreshments and social hour

6pm-6:30pm: Workshop

7:30pm-8pm: Visiting time

Where: The Habitat Store at 1221 Harris Street, Charlottesville

Topic: "Become a LEEDer in Home Construction," will focus on the US Green Building Council's rating system and highlight local projects

Speakers: Doug Lowe with Artisan Construction and Charles Hendricks with The Gaines Group

Cost: Free!

Go to www.greenmatters.info to learn more about the workshop series.

Karen
www.move2va.com

What Buyers Are Looking For - NAR Report

The National Association of Realtors recently released a report on what buyers are looking for in a home. I think it's very interesting that one of the items they say they are looking for is oversized garages. Read more in this news release from NAR:

http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2007/home_buyers_want_oversized_garages.html

Of course this is a nationwide report but certainly most buyers will want air conditioning, and in our area it's hot in August for sure. Walk-in closets and large master suites are also asked for quite often.

Interesting these days you are seeing garden tubs instead of whirlpool tubs, but a very nice feature is both a whirlpool or garden tub and a separate shower.

In our area buyers are very focused on location, proximity to work, and schools. Of course we have incredible schools so that's a perc for sure!

I've got a great bargain home for sale right now with an oversized garage, and it's priced at the Albemarle County assessed value, reduced almost $40,000. It's on Amberfield Drive in Forest Lakes and is now listed at $359,700, with four bedrooms and 2,400 sq.ft. The Forest Lakes community features a pool, tennis, clubhouse and more, as well as great schools.

What would be on your wish list if you were a buyer?

Karen
www.move2va.com

Customer Service-5 National Companies That Excel

I believe providing excellent customer service is paramount in running a successful business.

Click this link to learn about five national companies that excel in customer service, in this article from RISMedia.com:

http://rismedia.com/wp/2007-08-15/brilliant-branders-5-companies-that-know-the-importance-of-the-customer-experience/

In my opinion, one of the best local companies in terms of customer service is Bonefish Grill restaurant, in Hollymead, north of Charlottesville. They make you feel like a queen or king for the day. The food, service and the entire restaurant excel. The manager personally comes to your table and really wants to know about your food and experience.

Another great local restaurant for customer service is the stand-alone Chick-Fil-A near Lowe's in Charlottesville. If the drive-thru line gets too long, the managers come outside and take orders at your car using cell phones. Once someone in our office got the wrong order, and the manager personally drove to our office to deliver the correct items!

Unfortunately I can point fingers at several restaurants in town that do not follow this same philosophy, and therefore I choose not to frequent them anymore.

I guarantee satisfaction at my real estate company, RE/MAX Excellence, to all of our clients. You reserve the right to fire us if you are unhappy with our services (I'm sure you won't, but you always have the right to).

What do you think I could personally do better for you as a realtor?

What do you think the profession of realtors, in general, could do for you, to improve customer service?

I think the most important thing the public expects from those that serve them, is communication. Email has certainly assisted us in communicating better, more thoroughly, and more often.

Please post a comment to share with me and everyone. I'd love to know which local companies you feel put the customer as number one and provide incredible service. Let's spread the word and bring more business to those who deserve it!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Quote of the Week: The Man Who Wins Is The Man Who Thinks He Can

If you think you are beaten, you are,

If you think you dare not, you don’t

If you like to win, but you think you can’t,

It is almost certain you won’t.



If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost

For out in the world we find,

Success begins with a fellow’s will –

It’s all in the state of mind.



If you think you are outclassed, you are,

You’ve got to think high to rise,

You’ve got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize.



Life’s battles don’t always go

To the stronger or faster man,

But soon or late the man who wins

Is the man who thinks he can!

- Author Unknown

Happiness is a voyage, not a destination. There is no better time to be happy than . . . NOW! Live and enjoy each moment with passion, always thinking positive thoughts because they do become your reality.

Have a wonderful week, Don't worry, be happy... and SMILE!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Lowe's Coming To Greene

Greene County appears to be going first class with quality in every way with Gateway Center, coming to Ruckersville. Now soon to be home to a Wal-Mart Super Center and now Lowe's. There will only be retail in this shopping center, which will feature high quality light poles as well as landscaped entrances. The shopping center will have 500 square feet at build-out in 2010-2011.

This will help the tax base in Greene County, which is booming with a new senior community and lots of new developments as well. Shoppers from northern Albemarle will probably use this new shopping center as well.

Read more in the article from DailyProgress.com, "Lowe's to open Greene store":

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP/MGArticle/CDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173352367765&path=

What do you think of Gateway Center? What other stores would you like to see come to Ruckersville? Please post a comment.

Karen
www.move2va.com

Mortgage rates up slightly this week to 6.68%

For the most part, mortgage rates were up this week, even though Treasury yields fell. Usually, mortgage rates decline when Treasury yields fall. Read more at bankrate.com:

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/bank/Aug1607_interest_rate_roundupa1.asp?s=2#tab

USAToday.com says interest rates dropped and demand surged:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2007-08-08-mortgage-apps_N.htm

Keep a watchful eye on rates and stay in close contact with your mortgage lender. If you'd like recommendations on a local lender, I'll be happy to email you a list, kehoe@move2va.com.

Happy house hunting!

Karen
www.move2va.com

Featured Home - Forest Lakes @ County Assessment, Only $359,700

A fabulous home at an unbelieveable price!

$359,700 Firm

Immediate Occupancy

(Click image for larger view)

If you have any questions about this home or any other homes in central Virginia and Charlottesville, please email me at kehoe@move2va.com or call me at 1-800-818-7629.

Karen

www.move2va.com