Old Town Fredericksburg is full of small shops and restaurants, it is a charming place to spend an afternoon dining, and enjoying the architecture of some of the older buildings. The town sponsors "First Friday" which is a celebration of the arts.  There will be new exhibits opening in the down town galleries throughout the day.  For more information go to http://www.fredart.org/ Homes for sale in Manassas Virginia Homes for Sale in Haymarket Virginia Homes for Sale in Bristow Virginia Homes for Sales in Catharpin Virginia, Homes for Sale in Dumfries Virginia, Homes for sale in Woodbridge Virginia, Homes for Sale in Leesburg Virginia Homes for Sale in South Riding Homes for Sale in Aldie, Homes for sale in McLean Virginia, Homes for sale in Great Falls Virginia, Homes for sale in Oakton... 02/17/2009

   "There's a sucker born every minute."                                                                                        David Hannum Have you ever wondered what separates fact from fiction?  Is there a difference between fact and opinion?  If so, is it simply a matter of personal interpretation?   In the real estate business, we sometimes find that what is advertised may not be exactly what is delivered.  In real estate vernacular, that is often referred to as "puffing" or "puffery".  According to the 17th edition of the textbook, Real Estate Practice, puffing is defined as "a legal exaggeration of a property's benefits or attractiveness."  Apparently, in the sales business, this is an accepted practice!  On the other hand, its evil twin, "FRAUD", is characterized as "the intent... 02/16/2009

  One of the many pleasures of life in Northern Virginia is the opportunity to enjoy the well kept history of the Commonwealth.   For U.S. Colonial history buffs, there are more historic sights, sounds, and treats than one could possibly enjoy in a single lifetime.  Fortunately for me, my hometown of Fredericksburg offers a multitude of historic must see venues, some of which are worth stopping in more than just a couple of times a year.   Goolrick's Pharmacy is a combination of drug store and Soda Shop.  While the convenience of a corner pharmacy isn't lost on its clientele, the front half of the store and its old fashioned soda shop is what draws the tourists and keeps many visitors coming back. The assorted sandwiches (on toast if you'd like) include an assortment of the salad (egg, ... 02/13/2009

  As a father of three sons, I've been through the "must have" brands a couple of times.  You know, the teenager that turns to you, upon opening a Christmas present, and gives you that look, "You expect me to wear that"?  In other words, if it isn't a brand name, I ain't wearin' it.  Of course, growing up in a family of five boys with a father who worked two jobs to provide for his family, we were simply happy not having to wear hand-me-downs!  However, as we know, times have changed.  Besides, as my sons were probably thinking (just as I was at that age), "What does Dad know"? But, the apparent need to wear brand named clothes brings up a good question, "Do brand names make a difference"?  While many are convinced that the brands make them more hip, are those clothes really any better ... 02/12/2009

I'm currently working with investors. I work as a Realtor for Century 21 Adventure, Inc. My market is in Fredericksburg, VA. It seems that most of my clients have decided to wait to purchase, thinking home prices will decrease another 20%. My perspective is a bird in hand is better than two in the bush. Prices may come down further. They may not. That's a chance they are willing to take. I'm confronted and asked daily about our current market conditions. I explain to them that now is the best time to get a once in a lifetime deal .Investors can make a fortune with flipping foreclosures. I advise my move up sellers that they may take a hit on the sale, but gain back on purchase. As Realtors, many buyers and sellers look to us and our input in their decision making process. We need to emp... 01/31/2009

Okay, I finally made my first Green Drinks last night and had a great time.  For those of you who haven't heard of it, Green Drinks is a monthly cocktail hour for people in green industries.  It is organized globally via their site, www.greendrinks.org and locally by eco minded folks in the community.  I've been looking for a way to get involved in our local green scene, and this looks like it. I have been trying to go to this thing for at least 6 months, but things kept coming up.  However, since my pal Matt Rathbun was speaking at this one, I made the extra effort to attend.  He is our local real estate board's director of education, and he was there to talk about the Green designation for REALTORs that NAR is now offering. Its a pretty fantastic designation, and I wish I could take t... 01/30/2009

Before every new years, I try to search out the best and newest event to attend on new years eve..  So, I thought I'd share with my local AR friends some of the events for this years.  First Night in Fredericksburg, will be held in downtown Fredericksburg.  A stage will be set up for performances and activities throughout the evening. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. and at 12:00 a.m.  This is a great way for the entire family to enjoy a safe, family freindly event.... Enjoy                 12/27/2008

I just came across this Video Ad that Pat Ritchey, a RE/Max realtor, created for himself.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-245EHD2mFs Being a golfer, I thought this was great and very creative. Just thought I would share.   12/22/2008

For all of those living in the Fredericksburg area and for all of those fortunate to visit please be sure to treat yourselves to more than a peek at one of the very best shops in the area. Although this is not a Christmas store, one would hardly know at this time of year.  It is decked out from head to toe with a vast array of ornaments, stockings, whimsical gifts, and just about anything you can think of that will add to your holiday joy.                                                          If you like what you see here you will be even more excited when you actually pay a visit to Whittingham 1201 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA 12/20/2008

Oh, oh.  There's been a little mischief going on here at home.  Thank goodness I have just the place to go to replace my ornament.  I will just take a quick drive down to 1021 Caroline Street to Old Town Fredericksburg where I'll run into Whittingham's and then.........................well, it will not be that easy.  After all there are so many ornaments to choose from even now.  So if you are looking for the perfect decoration for your home, an unusual ornament for your tree or a unique gift for the special ones in your life, follow me to Whittingham's.  You will  delight in the choices you have.  I suppose I must warn you.  Allow enough time as this is one store it is very hard to simply walk in and back out.  One more thing, before walking through that door take a good long look at ... 12/18/2008

I know that I have posted about the HOPE HOUSE in Fredericksburg before, but this is such a great event I wanted to share it with you.  The HOPE HOUSE is a shelter for homeless women and children here in Fredericksburg, VA and they are holding their annual FESTIVAL OF TREES right now! The FESTIVAL OF TREES is the main fundraiser the HOPE HOUSE holds each year.  It is a beautiful display of trees that are decorated by different companies, organizations, or families that are donated for a silent auction.  They are also judged for different categories such as Best in Show, Most Original, Most Patriotic, Best Sports Themed, Best Non Traditional, to name just a few!  It also includes Holiday Bouquets, a tea, a luncheon, a fashion show, and a place to purchase decorations such as wreaths for ... 12/01/2008

If you really love turkeys--and we're not talkng when they are covered in gravy--consider celebrating the all american holiday this year by sponsoring a turkey through Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-A-Turkey Project.They have been around since 1986 and the sponsorships help the organization rescue and care for the animals at its sanctuaries.  In additions, the group advocates for turkeys and other animals and educates eaters about them.The site features photos of turkeys with names like Faye, and Serendipity that are awaiting sponsoship... In addition to that you can also be part of the Turkey Express Adoption program, which places rescued turkeys in safe, permanent homes.Can't sponsor or adopt a turkey this year?  Here are some great ideas for a Vegetarian Thanksgiving. 11/20/2008

The Kenmore Inn, is a historic Inn, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  The Inn was built in 1773 and it located in a gorgeous area, with other beautiful 18th and 19th century homes.  They have none guest rooms, and host activites such as meetings, weddings, receptions.  Fredericksburg is home to many antique stores, specialty shops and restaurants, not to mention all the historic sites such as:  James Monroe Museum, Hugh Mercer's Apothecary Shop and the Kenmore plantation to name a few.  Their website is very user friendly and has all the information you will need to plan that special event www.Kenmoreinn.com          Homes for sale in Manassas Virginia Homes for Sale in Haymarket Virginia Homes for Sale in Bristow Virginia Homes for Sales in Catharpin Virginia, Homes for Sale in Dum... 11/10/2008

I love Christmas...it could be all year long, and it would not bother me at all, each year I try to scout out the best place to buy a three... I thought I'd share the wealth and let you know where you can find your christmas tree..I personally love firs, they carry choose-and-cut white and Scotch pine, blue spruce, Norway spruce and Leyland cypress; fresh-cut Fraser fir. BELMONT CHRISTMAS TREE FARMPreston and Rhonda Brown7533 Belmont Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22551 540.854.6757; Cell: 540.623.8005  Directions: Farm located at 7533 Belmont Road.  From Fredericksburg, take Route 3 west exit off I-95.  Follow Route 3 west.  Turn left on Route 621.  Go approximately 8 miles; turn left on Route 608.  Go 3 miles; turn right on Route 601 (Lawyers Road).  Go 3 miles; turn right on Route 652 (Belmo... 11/07/2008

Last weekend my oldest daughter, Adrienne, took my youngest son, Matt, to Belvedere Plantation, a beautiful 645-acre working farm in Fredericksburg, Virginia. They had a great time and came back with some wonderful pictures. I thought I'd share it all here! Belvedere Plantation offers so many different outdoor attractions that children (and adults) of every age can find something they'll enjoy!  They have a corn maze, a barnyard where kids can see different farm animals, pig races, a giant 100-foot slide for people over 5 years old, zip lines for kids of every height, a barn filled with hay and rope swings, and a pedal tractor race course (think go-carts only you power them by pedaling)! And if that isn't enough, there's the pumpkin patch, which is a short hayride away from the where al... 10/20/2008

I had an appraiser call me on a listing that I have that is under contract where the Buyers are going with conventional financing. They were going through a checklist as if it were an FHA loan. Is this the new policy for conventional financing? She stated that she would be checking for leaks and other items and that she would not turn on the main breakers that they would need to be turned on before she goes to the home. I asked her if she thought that this loan was an FHA loan and she stated no that she still had to check the home in the same manner. Does this mean that the Conventional loans will have the same lender required repairs? I even had another appraiser call me on a loan and stated that she needed a key to get inside of the shed to check it - what would the inside of a shed h... 08/13/2008

    Years ago, many of us got a bit of a laugh when we heard a prominent U.S. politican remark that "it takes a village" to raise a child.   Although, little did we know at the time that the remark was hardly original.  It originated as an African proverb before finding its way the US political scene.  But, village life does have its advantages, especially for those living the good life in Ladysmith Village (LSV), just South of Fredericksburg. Ladysmith Village is an ideal location for just about anyone, regardless of family size, commuting choices, or home style.  There are plenty of options for almost any desire. For commuters, Ladysmith Village is perfectly situated between Richmond and Fredericksburg, making sense for those that work in the city but would rather live apart from the ... 08/12/2008

Throughout the year, The Washington Redskins Cheerleader Alumni Association volunteers at hundreds of charity events in the Washington Metropolitan area:: In Fredericksburg, Virginia on Saturday September 27th at Cannon Ridge Golf Cours there will be a Charity Golf tournament held for spinal cord research in honor of Gerry Bertier, from "Remember The Titans" fame   He is the cousin of one of our members, whose family started a foundation about 5 years ago to help people with spinal cord injuries.  "It has been an exciting ride and we are trying to raise $100,000 this year alone.  We raised $60,000 last year which we donated a portion to MCV is Richmond."  There are usually have 4 to 5 NFL alumni football players there.  Mike Nelms, Mark Moseley,  George Coghill (Denver Broncos), Howard ... 08/05/2008

Well, I'm going to be working at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair on Saturday so if any of you are there also please come by and say hi.    I'll be sitting at one of the "political party" tables handing out literature.  If you are not of the same persuasion I promise not to try to do any converting.  That's not my style.   There are going to be so many activities so I'm sure there will be something for the whole family to enjoy.   When not "working the table" I plan to stroll around, see the sights and take as many photos as possible.  I'd better make sure my card has plenty of room for loads of pictures and I have my spare battery with me just in case.   Here is a link to the schedule just in case you have some free time and want to have some fun, http://fredfair.net/   This may no... 07/29/2008

So I am currently reading "The Undiscovered Self" by Carl Jung.  Odd book for a REALTOR to pick up, but I have always found the human psyche fascinating, and Jung is a favorite.  At any rate, one particular passage really struck me.  "...the value of a community depends on the spiritual and moral structure of the individuals composing it." Wow.  That means even my private actions affect my community!  I know, as REALTORS we practice the code, but I have always thought that ethics without morality is like a cup with a hole in the bottom.  Philosophical questions aside, I have always found a great deal of my foundation in my moral and ethical ideals, which follow me from profession to profession. Let's see how this impacts the community.  When I was a much younger man, I discovered if I d... 07/16/2008