Sherwood Forest in Chesapeake Virginia has long been a neighborhood with solid home values.  Sherwood Forest is zoned for a highly rated Chesapeake school system which has contributed to its strong track record.  It also has not undergone the dramatic decrease in prices experienced by many other neighborhoods in Chesapeake, Virginia.  Below you will find a ten and a half year trend report for homes in Sherwood Forest.  These reports illustrate the strength of the market for Sherwood Forest.   ****  Data courtesy of the REIN MLS deemed to  be reliable but not guaranteed. For additional information on homes in Sherwood Forest and other Chesapeake Treasures, call Kathryn Maguire (Rose and Womble Realty) at 757-560-0881 or Kathryn@MyAgentKathryn.com. Kathryn Maguire, MBA, GRI, ABR, ASP, SFR... 07/12/2010

One of the many great things about living in Chesapeake is the opportunity to buy a home with some land.  There are many subdivisions comprised of 3 acre parcels and there are large tracts available.  These are neighborhoods where kids can play outside for hours at a time and adults can let their green thumb thrive.  Most of these areas are zoned for horses and it is not unusual to have to slowly drive your car past horseback riders as they take an afternoon ride through the subdivision. Even though many people love this housing option, acreage property has experienced a great than average depreciation as buyers are less willing to pay a premiumm for the land underneath the house.  Below you can see a 10.5 year snapshot of price trends for homes on 2.5 to 5 acres in the Hickory High Sch... 07/12/2010

My sellers often ask about how to prepare their landscaping for a faster sale, so here are a few tips you can offer them.First, the lawn should be cut, edged and well cared for. Next, your seller needs to remove any dead branches and plants, snip off old flowers and prune out-of-control shrubs. Homebuyers want green, not brown.Create Visual InterestAdvise the seller to divide the yard mentally into small sections. Each section should have a focal point, whether it's a tree, a group of small shrubs, a fountain, some carefully placed rocks, a bench, or a burst of colorful annuals. The line where the house meets the ground should be softened with shrubs or flowers. And, like stair steps, the plantings should begin taller (at the house's foundation) and become shorter as you move out to the... 07/08/2010

This weekend, please come out and visit one of my COOL open houses at this beautiful new construction home in the lovely neighborhood of Summer Park in Chesapeake.  1970 Lemonwood Road will be held open from 10 am to 12 pm on Saturday, July 10, 2010 and from 3-5 pm on Sunday, July 11 2010. The home is ready for you to move in and the builder is offering $5000 in Closing Cost Assistance to be used at the buyer's discretion.  If you combine that with the current record low interest rates, now is a fabulous time to make this home your own.   1970 Lemonwood Road represents 3122 square feet of quality that you will not be able to resist.  It features all of the details that the discriminating buyer desires, including granite counters, master bathroom spa, spacious rooms, CAT5 wiring, and gle... 07/08/2010

Las Gaviotas has long been a favorite location for many people looking for a home in Chesapeake, Virginia.   Las Gaviotas has a large number of townhouses on the Cedar Road side of the development.  In this area, buyers will find moderately priced homes which still provide a desireable location in a highly-rated school district.  Below you will find a ten and a half year trend report for attached homes in Las Gaviotas.  As you can see, Las Gaviotas attached homes enjoyed a rapid appreciation in the early part of the decade but have not observed the dramatic declines seen in other neighborhoods. ****  Data courtesy of the REIN MLS deemed to  be reliable but not guaranteed. For additional information on homes in Las Gaviotas and other Chesapeake Treasures, call Kathryn Maguire (Rose and W... 07/07/2010

Woodards Mill is a long-time premier neighborhood in Chesapeake, Virginia.  All lots are three acre and it is an ideal place for someone who would like privacy and space.   Below you will find a ten and a half year trend report for homes in Woodards Mill.  Like other premier neighborhoods, Woodards Mill has experienced a softening in demand, particularly for those homes at the higher end of the price spectrum.  As a result, the average prices have plummeted.  This data should not be construed as an indication that all homes in Woodards Mill have undergone a uniform decrease in value. However, the trend lines do indicate that further price reductions may be in order if one truly wants to sell their Woodards Mill home. ****  Data courtesy of the REIN MLS deemed to  be reliable but not gua... 07/06/2010

I recently wrote a blog about the beautiful neighborhood of Forest Lakes in Chesapeake, Virginia.  Forest Lakes has long been a strong neighborhood in terms of its value and has not undergone the dramatic decrease in prices experienced by many other neighborhoods in Chesapeake, Virginia.  Below you will find a ten and a half year trend report for homes in Forest Lakes.  These reports illustrate the strength of the market for Forest Lakes.   ****  Data courtesy of the REIN MLS deemed to  be reliable but not guaranteed. For additional information on homes in Forest Lakes and other Chesapeake Treasures, call Kathryn Maguire (Rose and Womble Realty) at 757-560-0881 or Kathryn@MyAgentKathryn.com. Kathryn Maguire, MBA, GRI, ABR, ASP, SFR, e-PRO REALTOR (Cell) 757-560-0881 (Office) 757-436-363... 07/06/2010

Cedarwood is lovely neighborhood with reasonably priced homes.   Below you will find a ten and a half year trend report for detached homes in Cedarwood in Chesapeake, Virginia.  These reports illustrate the strength of the market for Cedarwood.  The data below is for homes that are not part of the condominium community that is located on the Cedar Road side of the development. ****  Data courtesy of the REIN MLS deemed to  be reliable but not guaranteed. For additional information on homes in Cedarwood and other Chesapeake Treasures, call Kathryn Maguire (Rose and Womble Realty) at 757-560-0881 or Kathryn@MyAgentKathryn.com. Kathryn Maguire, MBA, GRI, ABR, ASP, SFR, e-PRO REALTOR (Cell) 757-560-0881 (Office) 757-436-3636 (Fax) 757-390-3775 mailto: kmaguire@roseandwomble.com RedWhiteAndB... 07/06/2010

Wilson Heights is a great neighborhood in which you can find a solid home at a reasonable price.   Below you will find a ten and a half year trend report for detached homes in Wilson Heights in Chesapeake, Virginia.  These reports illustrate the strength of the market for Wilson Heights.   ****  Data courtesy of the REIN MLS deemed to  be reliable but not guaranteed. For additional information on homes in Wilson Heights and other Chesapeake Treasures, call Kathryn Maguire (Rose and Womble Realty) at 757-560-0881 or Kathryn@MyAgentKathryn.com. Kathryn Maguire, MBA, GRI, ABR, ASP, SFR, e-PRO REALTOR (Cell) 757-560-0881 (Office) 757-436-3636 (Fax) 757-390-3775 mailto: kmaguire@roseandwomble.com RedWhiteAndBlueRealEstate.com Join Me On Twitter:  KathrynMaguire Call Me on Skype:  MyAgentKath... 07/06/2010

Las Gaviotas has long been a favorite location for many people looking for a home in Chesapeake, Virginia.   Below you will find a ten and a half year trend report for detached homes in Las Gaviotas.  These reports illustrate the strength of the market in this particular area.   ****  Data courtesy of the REIN MLS deemed to  be reliable but not guaranteed. For additional information on homes in Las Gaviotas and other Chesapeake Treasures, call Kathryn Maguire (Rose and Womble Realty) at 757-560-0881 or Kathryn@MyAgentKathryn.com. Kathryn Maguire, MBA, GRI, ABR, ASP, SFR, e-PRO REALTOR (Cell) 757-560-0881 (Office) 757-436-3636 (Fax) 757-390-3775 mailto: kmaguire@roseandwomble.com RedWhiteAndBlueRealEstate.com Join Me On Twitter:  KathrynMaguire Call Me on Skype:  MyAgentKathryn http://ww... 07/06/2010

I recently wrote a post on the neighborhood of Emerald Greens in Chesapeake, Virginia.  Below you will find a ten and a half year trend report for the neighborhood which illustrates the strength of the market in this particular area.  Please note that there were no sales during 2007 and this resulted in a dip in the trend line. I am also pleased to note that my listing, located at 1307 Baffy Loop, will be closing on the 15th of July.   If you are interested in learning more on how I got this home sold in a tough market, feel free to call me. ****  Data courtesy of the REIN MLS deemed to  be reliable but not guaranteed. For additional information on homes in Emerald Greens and other Chesapeake Treasures, call Kathryn Maguire (Rose and Womble Realty) at 757-560-0881 or Kathryn@MyAgentKath... 07/06/2010

I recently wrote a post on the neighborhood of Cheshire Forest in Chesapeake Virginia.  Below you will find a ten-year trend report for the neighborhood which illustrates the strength of the market in this particular area.         * Data courtesy of REIN MLS deemed accurate but not guaranteed.   For additional information on homes in Cheshire Forest and other Chesapeake Treasures, call Kathryn Maguire (Rose and Womble Realty) at 757-560-0881 or Kathryn@MyAgentKathryn.com. Kathryn Maguire, MBA, GRI, ABR, ASP, SFR, e-PRO REALTOR (Cell) 757-560-0881 (Office) 757-436-3636 (Fax) 757-390-3775 mailto: kmaguire@roseandwomble.com RedWhiteAndBlueRealEstate.com Join Me On Twitter:  KathrynMaguire Call Me on Skype:  MyAgentKathryn http://www.linkedin.com/in/MyAgentKathryn  Licensed in Virginia 07/06/2010

Cheshire Forest has long been one of Chespeake Virginia's desireable neighborhoods.  Cheshire Forest is a neighborhood with wide winding streets and cul-de-sacs lined with well manicured and lanscaped yards.  A neighborhood with a variety of homes that range from one to two-story, brick to vinyl.  Some homes in Cheshire Forest have expansive front porches, others have substantive backyards.  Homes in Cheshire Forest were primarily built in the mid-90's, although some are newer construction.   There are a few man-made lakes within the grounds of Cheshire Forest and these green spaces provide a wonderful area for neighbors to enjoy the natural beauty of their neighborhood.  In addition, Cheshire Forest has a few playgrounds that also provide a pleasant diversion.  The central hub for Ches... 07/05/2010

Fortunately, in Chesapeake, Virginia, we have not been plagued with a spate of foreclosures and short sales which have a negative impact on prices.  During the period June 5 - July 5, 2010, 57 detached homes have sold in the area code 23322 for Chesapeake Virginia.  Of those, 4 were Bank-owned properties (Foreclosures), 5 were short sales and 48 were traditional sales. This data was provided by the REIN MLS which may not include all sales within the area code 23322.  For example, For-Sale-By-Owner sales are not included in the data.  However, FSBOs are not a significant portion of real estate sales within Chesapeake, Virginia. For additional information on homes sales in Chesapeake, Virginia, call Kathryn Maguire (Rose and Womble Realty) at 757-560-0881 or Kathryn@MyAgentKathryn.com. Ka... 07/05/2010

Summer Park is a charming area of new construction that features mature trees and the feel of a "traditional neighborhood".  Elegant new construction is gradually replacing some of the older homes in the neighborhood. Summer Park is a place where people enjoy walking outside and enjoying the sounds of birds.  There are several builders represented within Summer Park, and they are offering a wide variety of price points to satisfy a range of buyer requirements. Summer Park is currently zoned for the much desired Grassfield High School, the newest and most technologically advanced high school in Chesapeake. Four homes have sold in Summer Park within the past three months.  The particulars for the sales are listed below: Address                        Sq Ft    #BR    #BA    Date Closed    ... 07/05/2010

Open house on Saturday, July 3 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at 1970 Lemonwood Road in the neighborhood of Summer Park, Chesapeake Virginia. Please stop by and take a tour of this lovely new construction in Summer Park on Saturday, July 3 from 1 to 3 pm.  The home is ready for you to move in and the builder is offering $8000 in Closing Cost Assistance to be used at the buyer's discretion.  If you combine that with the current record low interest rates, now is a fabulous time to make this home your own.   1970 Lemonwood Road represents 3122 square feet of quality that you will not be able to resist.  It features all of the details that the discriminating buyer desires, including granite counters, master bathroom spa, spacious rooms, CAT5 wiring, and gleaming hardwood floors.  1970 Lemonwood Ro... 06/30/2010

Emerald Greens in the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake, Virginia has long been one of Chesapeake's premier neighborhoods.  Emerald Greens is located on the golf course of the Greenbrier Country Club and the homes are quite impressive in their style and sheer size.  Most of the homes are two to three story designs, although you can find a few single story ranch homes in Emerald Greens.  The building standards within Emerald Greens are strictly maintained via the architectural committee which ensures that the building standards are adhered to by all in the community.  Exteriors in Emerald Greens are mostly brick or EIFS, although you can find a few with vinyl siding.   The homes in Emerald Greens are all custom-designed and many are breathtaking in the opulence of their design and appointmen... 06/30/2010

One of my most favorite neighborhoods in Chesapeake is the neighborhood of Forest Lakes.  Forest Lakes is located between Waters Road and Washington Road and features a central circular drive (aptly named Forest Lakes Circle) and several offshoot avenues and cul-de-sacs.  The street names in Forest Lakes evoke the name of every tree imaginable...Maple, Pecan, Spruce, Cherry and Walnut, to name a few.  The homes were built starting around 1990 and there are a few new construction homes available on the Waters Road side of the development. Houses in Forest Lakes range from single story ranch homes to grand two story homes.  Forest Lakes was once the site of Home-arama and some of the homes have extra pizazz that you do not always find in other developments.  Although, at this time, some o... 06/30/2010

The weather is getting warmer and we are sweltering here in Chesapeake, Virginia.  I am not really a fan of the heat, even though I was born in Arizona (yes, it is a dry heat).  But the great thing about the hot weather is that BLUEBERRY picking season is now upon us!   Each year, my sons and I make at least one outing to the blueberry fields to pick our own blueberries, which I then squirrel away at home and enjoy the rest of the year.  We eat fresh blueberries on our cereal, make cobblers with fresh blueberries and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.  I also make my own blueberry preserves.  For those that we can't eat right away, I freeze them in double ziplock bags and pull them out whenever I want throughout the year.  Blueberries are one of those miracle foods tha... 06/27/2010

One thing I love about Chesapeake, Virginia is the possibility to live in subdivision with a real neighborhood feel but live on a three acre parcel of land.  One of the nicer 3-acre neighborhoods is Shillelagh Farms in Southern Chesapeake.  Shillelagh Farms has it all:  An active homeowners' group that has frequent social events, wide streets with very little traffic where children can ride their bikes and enjoy the great outdoors, access to a Hunt Club, mature shade trees, and huge parcels of land.  Shillelagh Farms is zoned for the sought-after Grassfield school district and is conveniently located just six minutes' drive to the nearest shopping center.  Enjoy the stars at night from your own little piece of heaven.  The area is zoned for horses, although most of the neighbors do not ... 06/27/2010