If you have been reading my blog for a while, you probably know that I was born in Colombia, South America.  I have now lived longer in the US longer than I ever lived in Colombia, so I feel I belong to both places.  One of the things that I  miss about back home is the music.  There are all kind of music in Colombia, but the music that I am about to share with you reminds me of my parents and the pride of being Colombian that I was taught from them.  This is true, beautiful Colombian music, I hope you enjoy it like I have.  If you are wondering about the colors, these are the colors of the Colombian flag.

To SELL or BUY  Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/  visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice.com 

Call me at: 757-502-5324

   Let's have a happy day!  Music that touches my heart...  was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate VoiceCopyright © 2010 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.*Let's have a happy day!  Music that touches my heart...

Courthouse Estate Market Report - Homes for sale in Courhouse Estate - Virginia Beach

Due to REIN rules, I have had to take down the displays of information that I was using.  Stay tuned, as I will be making my own, and displaying the information in my own format.

Map of Comparable Market Analysis or Market Report  in Courthouse Estates - Virginia Beach - Virginia                                                           

The Courthouse Estates - Market Report - Homes for Sale Virginia Beach - Virginia  shows what we have seen in the region.  Houses are selling, as long as they are moderately priced and in great condition.  Above you can see the  map of homes for sale, sold and expired in the month of February, 2010.

Blue: Days on the Market       Green: List Price           Red:  Sale Price

It is nice to see that the few houses that have sold have sold very close to  asking price, although this doesn't take in to consideration prior price reductions.  It olny takes in to account the asking price at the time of the offer.                                              The Courthouse Estates - Market report- homes for sale in Courthouse Estates  Virginia Beach - doesn't include properties that were sold buy owner.  

A total of 3 houses sold in the month of February, 2010 as shown by the Courthouse Estates - Virginia Beach - VA - Market Report.

There are a total of 18 active listings and the average days on the market is 50 days. It was 76 DOM back in July.  If you are looking to buy or sell a property in Courhouse Estates or anywhere in Hampton Roads contact me.

To SELL or BUY  Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/  visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice.com 

Call me at: 757-502-5324

Below are the properties available for sale in the Courthouse Estates neighborhood and and surrounding areas at this time. To view any of this homes contact me. To view all the listings available please visit my website

Courthouse Estates Market Report - Homes for sale in Courhouse Estates - Virginia Beach - February  2010 was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate Voice Copyright © 2010 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.* Courthouse Estates Market Report - Homes for sale in Courhouse Estates - Virginia Beach - February  2010

The North End in Virginia Beach

Nestle between 32th street and Fort Story Military Reservation you find "The North End in Virginia Beach"  There are some neighborhoods that people aspire to and others don't want to leave.  "The North End in Virginia Beach" is a perfect example of this.  Unique eclectic homes, the beach and the style of living make this neighborhood stand out from others.  With the best schools in the city, charming streets, tall trees (oak and pine mainly) and did I say the beach?  Many of the homes have been handed down for generations. Must empty lots and houses in disrepair have been replaced by new homes or have been updated.

The first cottages by the beach were built in the early 1900's and a few remain.  Greystone Manor  was recently  added to the historic landmark registry.  The Edgar Cayce's A.R.E  a holistic center is located in the neighborhood.  During the 1920's The Cavalier hotel  was built . Its unique construction of  cement covered still made it fireproof.   To this day The Cavalier is a favorite of tourists that come to Virginia Beach.  Begining on 63rd street First Landing State Park borders the neighborhood. 
Make sure to visit one of my favorite stores on 40th street Taste Unlimited.

This prestigious neighborhood in Virginia Beach has been protected from commercialization.  Wealthy owners from Virginia Beach, Richmond and surrounding cities call The North End in Virginia Beach their second homes.  Beach rentals are available in the summer and you can even buy your own garage apartment at this time.  Condos, co-ops, luxury buildings with private pools, parking lots and beach access are an affordable way to live in one of the premier neighborhoods in Virginia Beach by the Oceanfront.  There are bargains to be had in The North End,  and with low interest rates and a glut of homes for sale opportunity knocks to those wishing to live by the beach.

Oceanfront homes with thousands of square footage and every conceivable comfort are for sale at this time at The North End in Virginia Beach.  If you always dreamed of living by the beach in Virginia Beach, there has never been a better time or opportunity than this.  There are many homes for sale in all price ranges. 

Contact me for more information on this exiting, prestigious neighborhood by the beach in Virginia Beach

To SELL or BUY  Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/  visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice.com 

Call me at: 757-502-5324

The North End in Virginia Beach   was first published onHampton Roads Real Estate Voice Copyright © 2010 By Tere Rottink,

All Rights Reserved.* The North End in Virginia Beach

Last week a lot of us did not leave the house for four days.  Some people were not able to stay home, but luckily the kids had two snow days, and I was relieved.  To make it to school the drive is on country roads and because of the ditches it is a scary route.  
Will there be school on Monday?  It is snowing again, and will get below freezing tonight.  I guess another weekend that we may miss church.

Thanks to David Corsar for letting me use these pictures from the oceanfront.

This last picture was taken by Valerie on our back yard.

To SELL or BUY  Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/  visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice.com 

Call me at: 757-502-5324

There used to be a Taste Unlimited gourmet shops in my town of Great Bridge, and they moved it closer to the highway a few years ago.  I was pretty ticked.  But the place is so awesome that I still make the 15 minute drive to eat lunch, and get all their gourmet goodies.  I specially like their chicken salad, pastries, potato salad..... oopss I better stop there because I could go on an on.  The ambiance of their stores is very welcoming and unique.

Taste Unlimited gourmet shops was started  in 1973 by Peter Coe a Yankee by birth, Southerner by choice (and a cosmopolitan by inclination) - that is his description on his website .  Today they have 6 stores in Hampton Roads.  I have visited the ones in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and the one in my neck of the woods in Chesapeake.  They all keep their theme and high standards.
 
When I am looking for a unique gift, I know that I can find there what can not be found elsewhere in Hampton Roads. One year I bought about 30 boxes of uniques cookies and gave them as gifts to my relatives in Colombia.  They loved them.  I have also used their knowledge in buying wine as gifts.  I know very little about wine.  (For my daughter's sweet 16, I was asked to buy white wine, and I bought white zinfandel.)  All you have to do is ask, and the expert will help you.  And almost last but not least great Gift baskets.  No effort presents.

There are monthly wine tastings at their Ghent, Newport News and Oceanfront stores, and Peter Cole give cooking lessons on other days at the Oceanfront location.  All the pictures on this blog are from the Oceanfront store.                           .  

To SELL or BUY  Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/  visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice.com 

Call me at: 757-502-5324

Taste Unlimited Gourmet shops in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and Newport NewsT was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate Voice Copyright © 2010 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.* Taste Unlimited Gourmet shops in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and Newport News.

Mid-Atlantic Home & Flower Show in Virginia Beach

Today begins the Mid-Atlantic Home & Flower Show in Virginia Beach.  I am in my way to the show this afternoon.  I love Home shows.

Gardens, gardens and more gardens! Alive with an impressive variety of blooming flowers and thriving plants - you will find something just for you!
Presented by the Tidewater Builders Association and The Virginia Horticultural Foundation, the show is part of The National Home and Garden Show Series with PremierHomeShows.com, sponsored by Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

Pat Simpson ot "The weekend Gardener" will be one of the speakers..  An expected 25,000 attendees should be there this weekend.  

Some of the highlights of the Mid-Atlantic Home & Flower Show in Virginia Beach are:

-"Little Projects...Big Impacts! Easy and Inexpensive Projects" at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 6 and noon for Feb. 7 practical and inexpensive ways to increase a home's comfort, functionality and value, including at least three DIY projects costing $1,000 or less.
-"Name That Tool" presentation - at 2 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Feb. 6 and 7.
-"Landscape Design for Homeowners" and other presentations by Renegade Gardener Don Engebretson, "Dr. Lori" Verderame's antique appraisals (one free per ticket-holder), and hourly educational seminars by expert horticulturists and gardeners, including design demonstrations.
"Living art"  with Pearl Fryar.  Topiaries, pruning, finding your own gardening style and more during several presentations at
12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Friday, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Feb. 6 and 1 p.m. Feb. 7.

Make sure to visit the stand of my new favorite company.  "The Bath Guys"  I will be writing a blog about them soon, as once of my clients saved thousands of dollars on their bathroom remodeling.  

It starts today Friday at 10AM until 9 PM the same as Saturday and on
Sunday From 10 AM to 5 PM

Admissions are $10 for adults with children 6 and under FREE.

Active-duty military and senior citizens receive a $3 discount.

To SELL or BUY  Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/  visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice.com 

Call me at: 757-502-5324

Mid-Atlantic Home and  Flower Show in Virginia Beach.  Join the fun! was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate Voice Copyright © 2010 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.* Mid-Atlantic Home and  Flower Show in Virginia Beach.  Join the fun!

East Beach  Market Report - Homes for sale in East Beach - Norfolk

Map of Comparable Market Analysis or Market Report  in East Beach - Norfolk - Virginia                                                          

 East Beach - Norfolk -  Virginia Market Report shows what we have seen in the region.  Houses are selling, as long as they are moderately priced and in great condition.  Above you can see the  Market report in East Beach - Norfolk as of February 4, 2010.  It appears that owners and builders in East Beach continue to over price their properties with the result of having a very high days on the market average.  This number doesn't include the expired or withdrawn listing. The average DOM for expireds in East Beach is 242. Once a house is re-listed the previous days on the market go back to zero. 

Blue: Days on the Market       Green: List Price           Red:  Sale Price

Notice that houses have been selling under the asking price, but this doesn't take in to consideration prior price reductions.  It olny takes in to account the asking price at the time of the offer.   In East Beach the price reductions have been very large.  For specific details feel free to give me a call.   The East Beach - Norfolk  - VA - Market Report doesn't include properties that were sold buy owner.  

I the past six months there have been: 
A total of  7 houses Sold, 15 Expired listings, a total of  8 houses under contract at the time of this report which is  good news to the neighborhood.  Of the 7 sold homes 4 are New construction, and of the Pending or under contract listings 5 are new construction.

There are a total of 40 active listings and the average days on the market is 144 days.  In East Beach - Norfolk VA this number is not quite accurate as homes that have never been on the open market are entered in to the system once they are sold.  The real number of DOM is much higher.

To SELL or BUY  Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/  visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice.com 

Call me at: 757-502-5324

Below are the properties available for sale in the Courthouse Estates neighborhood and and surrounding areas at this time. To view any of this homes contact me. To view all the listings available please visit my website

The opinions expressed on this report are my personal opinions, as I see the numbers in the neighbhorhood.  For more details feel free to contact me by email  at  Tere.Rottink@yahoo.com  or call me   757-502-5324 

East Beach  Market Report - Homes for sale in East Beach - Norfolk   was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate Voice Copyright © 2010 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.*  East Beach  Market Report - Homes for sale in East Beach - Norfolk

Fannie Mae Incentives and Federal Income Tax Credit for home buyers in Chesapeake - Virginia

A 3.5% incentive is being offered for the purchase of a Fannie Mae-owned house. This is only for home buyers who close the purchase of a home between January 28 and April 30, 2010. Buyers of homes in Chesapeake Virginia will receive up to 3.5% of the final price for:

- Closing costs

- New Whirlpool appliances

- Or a mix of both. Up to a maximum of 3.5%

The offer must be accepted and the deal must close before May 1, 2010. These incentives only apply to owner-occupants.

Individual lenders may impose limitations, so ask your lender to make sure they are participating fully on the program.

On top of that Chesapeake home buyers and sellers must take advantage of the Federal Income Tax Credit, which runs through April 30, 2010 with a 60 day cushion after that date to complete closing.

Some details:

- $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers in Chesapeake -Virginia.
- $6,500 tax credit for existing home owners who have lived in their current residence for at least five years but want to relocate to a new primary residence.

*** Consult an accountant, lender or attorney for specific details on refunds for these incentives*** I have referrals for all these sources.

Lets do the numbers on a Chesapeake home purchase of:

$ 200,000 x 3.5% = $7.000 plus $8.000 Tax credit = $15.000 //+$ 6.500 = $ 13.500

$ 250.000 x 3.5% = $8.750 plus $8.000 Tax credit = $ 16.750 //+$ 6.500 = $ 15.250

$ 300.000 x 3.5% = 10.500 plus $8.000 Tax credit = $ 18.500 //+$ 6.500 + $ 17.000

Call me today to take advantage of these incentives. 757-502-5324 or send me an email at: Tere.Rottink@yahoo.com

Below are the properties available for sale in Chesapeake and and surrounding areas at this time. To view any of this homes contact me. To view all the listings available please visit my website

Fannie Mae incentives and Federal Income Tax Credit for home buyers in Chesapeake - Virginia was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate Voice Copyright © 2010 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.* Fannie Mae incentives and Federal Income Tax Credit for home buyers in Chesapeake - Virginia

Courthouse Estate Market Report - Homes for sale in Courhouse Estate - Virginia Beach

Map of Comparable Market Analysis or Market Report  in Courthouse Estates - Virginia Beach - Virginia                                                          

The Courthouse Estates - Virginia Beach - Virginia Market Report shows what we have seen in the region.  Houses are selling, as long as they are moderately priced and in great condition.  Above you can see the  Market report in Courthouse Estates as of February 1, 2010.

Blue: Days on the Market       Green: List Price           Red:  Sale Price

Notice that houses have been selling under the asking price, but this doesn't take in to consideration prior price reductions.  It olny takes in to account the asking price at the time of the offer.                                              The Courthouse Estates - Virginia Beach - VA - Market Report doesn't include properties that were sold buy owner.  

A total of 23 houses sold from July 2009 to January 20101 as shown by the Courthouse Estates - Virginia Beach - VA - Market Report.

There are a total of 17 active listings and the average days on the market is 54 days. It was 76 DOM back in July.

To SELL or BUY  Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/  visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice.com 

Call me at: 757-502-5324

Below are the properties available for sale in the Courthouse Estates neighborhood and and surrounding areas at this time. To view any of this homes contact me. To view all the listings available please visit my website

Courthouse Estate Market Report - Homes for sale in Courhouse Estate - Virginia Beach   was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate Voice Copyright © 2010 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.*Courthouse Estate Market Report - Homes for sale in Courhouse Estate - Virginia Beach

While you tour East Beach - Norfolk -VA you think you are driving in an old neighborhood with walk-friendly streets, ample front porches and unique homes. Not so, East Beach used to be a blighted, crime ridden neighborhood. It has been redeveloped in to a Luxury neighborhood. used to be a blighted, crime ridden neighborhood.
The 100 acre waterfront site on a peninsula between Pretty Lake Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay, East Beach is a neighborhood development designed in to a traditional neighborhood. The development was designed based on a Master plan created by the team of Duany and Plater-Zyber.

East Beach - Norfolk - VA- Homes for sale and community enjoy so many amenities that are almost to many to mention.
- Bay Front Club with a
-Pool
-Fitness center
-Catering kitchen
-Beach Access
-Playgrounds
-Giant outdoor chess set.
- Within walking distance to restaurants, a variety of shops, fishing access and marinas.
- Drive a golf cart
- 24-hour security patrol
- Location, location, location
- Centrally located to Navy Bases
- 10 minutes to Norfolk International Airport
- 15 to Major Hospitals
- Due to it's planning friendly neighbors abound.
- WALK TO THE BEACH

Home buyer in East Beach - Norfolk - VA- real estate for sale will also enjoy future amenities. There is a town center planned for the community.
In the master plan there will be a sunken croquet court, tennis courts and outdoor stage.



East Beach - Norfolk - VA- Homes for sale Start at $ 295,000 for 576 square feet up to $2,900,000 for an Ocean front home with 5,177 square feet

To SELL or BUY  Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/  visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice.com 

Call me at: 757-502-5324

To SELL or BUY  Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/  visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice.com 

Call me at: 757-502-5324