!!!It’s Here; It’s Here!!! The Pungo (Virginia Beach) Strawberry Festival Of Course May 26th-27th 9am-7pm The parade will begin 10am May 26th Why will the one-traffic light hamlet of Pungo have a population boom this weekend of over 120,000 people? Three words explain it: Pungo Strawberry Festival. For the past 24 years, the village has hosted the annual two-day celebration honoring it s sentimental favorite fruit. From a small grass roots festival of 50,000 guests at the inaugural Memorial Day weekend fest to last year's 120,000. No money comes from the city and proceeds go back to the community. "It 's a great, family-friendly, fun event," said Sheriff Paul J. Lanteigne, a longtime festival volunteer and this year's honorary mayor of Pungo. "This is an old-time event that brings ever... 05/25/2007

May 11, 2007   Chesapeake - City Council voted this week on a $0.05 per $100 reduction in the real estate tax rate.  The new rate is $1.04 per $100.  Norfolk - City Council voted this week to reduce the real estate tax rate by $0.16 per $100 to $1.11 per $100.  This results in the majority of Norfolk homeowners having either a flat or decreased real estate tax bill.  Portsmouth - City Council passed a $231 million budget this week that includes a $0.10 reduction in the real estate tax rate, which will now be $1.26 per $100 of value.  The Council also raised utility rates by $7.90 per month.  Transportation - This week the City Councils of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News and Williamsburg voted in favor of allowing the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority to levy a variety of tax ... 05/22/2007

The Wetlands Board has rejected the Indigo Dunes project in Virginia Beach. This is one of the city's largest stretches of open shoreline and it will remain undeveloped, at least for now. The 1,063 home project to be built by L.M. Sandler & Sons Inc. failed to win approval from the Virginia Beach Wetlands Board on Monday and is stalled. R. J. Nutter who is representing Art and Steve Sandler says he is surprised by the decision.After a five hour hearing in numerous civic leaders and residents were present, the vote was taken.  Even the board chairman, J. Bryan Plumlee voted against the project because of the environmental impact. The Sandlers had proposed creating 6.09 acres of wetlands for the 1.51 acres destroyed under the board's jurisdiction; treating the storm-water runoff from thei... 05/22/2007

OLD-FASHIONED HOUSE IS TUCKED AWAY IN MODERN NEIGHBORHOOD You might not ever stumble across Kenstock, an 1880s farmhouse, tucked away in a neighborhood of modern two-story and ranch houses off Old Great Neck Road. Kenstock's long driveway is more or less unidentifiable, even with columns at the head, because it is wedged between the driveway of one home and the property line of another home next door. Ancient huge trees tower over the house itself, concealing it from nearby streets. Yet if you look closely, you'll see a sturdy old-fashioned shingled farm house, a remnant of old Princess Anne County's agricultural past. Kenstock was the mistress of a farm that once thrived along the shores of Wolfsnare Creek and now is the hidden centerpiece of its namesake, a neighborhood known as Kenst... 05/19/2007

Courthouse Estates lies in the heart of Virginia Beach along North Landing road just minutes from the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. Once a stretching slate of farm land, Courthouse Estates consists of fifteen (15) villages with over 1100 single family homes. Each village boasts a lantern lit entrance while the entire neighborhood shares a warm landscaping of hedges and trees.  As you jog or walk along the 2 mile main loop, you will pass by one of the 13 lighted fountains that stand out on the ponds lining each village.   Courthouse Estates offers a safe and warm neighborhood feeling. 05/19/2007

It is official, the wonderful city of Virginia Beach has decreased our real estate taxes a whole dime!  The new tax rate is .89 per 100 of the assessed value.  This 10 cent decrease is 11 cents short of  what the grass roots effort Virginia Beach Taxpayer Alliance (VBTA) originally wanted.VBTA held a rally at Mount Trashmore to garner support and received many petitions signed by home owners and yet the City Council only reduced the rate by 10cents. In early May The city of Norfolk voted to reduce the real estate tax rate from $1.27 to $1.11 a savings of 16 cents.  The city of Chesapeake voted to reduce their tax rate from $1.09 per hundred to 1.04 and savings of only 5 cents.   In all three cities the sentiments are the same.  Tax payers are vowing to make their voices heard in the 200... 05/16/2007

Faux painting is definitely the right answer.  Wallpaper is dated.  If you are looking for a uniques finish for your walls, something that is custom to your style and taste you have checked the right blog. Patricia  can create everything from Marble, Granite, stripes, beachwood,  custom murals, childrens rooms, baby's nursrey. Tile backsplash in kitchen.Custom Murals and FAUX Painting by Patricia -  757-470-4811Give her a call today for that Personal Touch!  05/10/2007

 GOT ROT ? Water and termite damage?  Call A.S.A.P. Construction today!They also do other home repairs.It is a father and son owned company.  Been in business since 1991. Licensed and Insured.They pride themselves on honesty, and perfection.  Most of their business is repeat satisfied customers and referrals.  So if you are looking for someone like this to take care of all of your home repairs at a fair price give them a call today.  Jack and Chris Koehler   757-43-1800  05/10/2007

Absolutely!!  I believe if a home shows well it will definitely sell faster. There is far too much inventory out there for byers these days.  They will definitely move in and out of your home if it does not show well.  They need to see it as if it is a model home.  Have you ever wondered why new construction sites spend the money and time to have their models staged with furniture and accessories?  A home needs to have the "WOW" factor.  What is so special about your home?  What makes it stand out from other homes in your neighborhood?  You need to start at the curb and work your way into your home. Every little detail counts.  If your yard is need of maintenance that will be an immediate turn off for a potential buyer even if the house looks great.  Remember, First Impressions.  Then a... 05/10/2007

Did you know that it is a dismissal offense for a REALTOR to recommend to a consumer that they not get owner's title insurance - no  matter who they are getting it through?  That's their decision and they should get legal advice.  Why?  Recommending to a consumer, for *any  protection*, that they not get it is just too risky *to you*.  For title  insurance, in particular, it crosses over into being legal advice and we do not have licenses to practice law.  I my self would always get enhanced owner's coverage for myself.  It's not worth the risk over a few dollars.Thanks fot the updateShawn BlountArray Title Services 05/09/2007

Just a quick commnet about this weekends activitys. I think the market  is heaing up seems like alot of people were out looking at homes and 2 of my listings will soon go under contract. Who says the market is dead.2 mosr possiable listings comeing on the market this week as well.   04/22/2007

Are you looking for a reason to list your home now?  I like to compare market trends, and generally I always find some interesting information durring my analysis.  Using my local MLS I generally compare the number of sold homes between certain periods of times.  In this analysis I am comparing 2006 1st Quarter numbers to 2007 1st Quater numbers. The average numer of days a Virginia Beach home remains on the market  is up by 51 percent, sellers are accepting offers that are 2.5% below the List Price, this is down from 1.39% in the previous year.   With that said, the average price per home sold has increased from $281,619 to $316,073 which represents an average increase of 12%  and the median sell price has increased by almost $20,000.  If it is time for you to sell your home call today... 04/22/2007

Princess Anne County, Virginia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (Redirected from Princess Anne County) Jump to: navigation, search Princess Anne County (1691-1963), now extinct, from 1895 Virginia map Princess Anne County is an extinct county which was located in colonial Virginia and the State of Virginia in the United States from 1691 until 1963. Most of the former county is now located within the limits of the independent city of Virginia Beach. Contents 1 Shires, Counties2 Communities in Princess Anne County3 Virginia Beach resort: becomes town in 1908, city in 19524 1963: consolidation with City of Virginia Beach5 See also6 References   Shires, Counties When Admiral Christopher Newport and the colonists of the Virginia Company arrived in 1607, George Percy and his fellow Engli... 04/09/2007

Kempsville, Virginia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Kempsville was formerly an unincorporated town which was located in Princess Anne County, Virginia. In modern times, it is a community within the urbanized portion the independent city of Virginia Beach, one of the largest cities in Virginia. The town was originally named Kemp's Landing and was a colonial port at the head of the eastern branch of the Elizabeth River. On November 15, 1775, it was the location where John Ackiss was killed by Royal Governor Lord Dunmore's militia during an incident later called the "Skirmish of Kempsville". Ackiss became the first Virginian casualty of the American Revolutionary War. The Daughters of the American Revolution later erected a plaque near the site. The town of Kempsville, established i... 04/09/2007

Virginia Beach with its large, growing population currently has 10 Government ran High Schools and 14 Middle schools.  High SchoolsBaysideCoxGreen RunKellamKempsvilleLandstownOcean LakesPrincess Anne SalemTallwoodMiddle SchoolsBaysideBrandonCorporate LandingGreat NeckIndependenceKemps Landing MagnetKempsvilleLandstownLarkspurLynnhavenPlazaPrincess AnneSalemvirginia Beach 04/03/2007

 South hampton Roads housing assessments have gone out and they have gone through the roof.Virginia Beach housing assessmentsAssessments in Virginia Beach have increased the again by double-digits.  This is the 4th such increase in the last 4 years, as the city tries to keep the assessments in-line with the current market.  The city of Virginia Beach increased the assessment by 21.4%.   Norfolk has increased their assessments by 16% and Chesapeake by only 10.2%.In both Norfolk and Virginia Beach we have seen two grass root parties emerge to combat the increased assessments.  Their mission is not to reduce the assessment, but to reduce the tax rate.  The Virginia Beach group is called VBTA ( Virginia Beach Taxpayer Alliance ) and in Norfolk the group is called The Norfolk Tea Party2 . Cu... 04/03/2007

 Virginia Beach is made up of 9 Planning areas these are: BayFront, BaySide, Courthouse/Sandbridge, Great Neck, Holland, Kempsville, Little Neck, Oceanfront, Pungo/Blackwater.  Together there are approximatley 438,415 residents in Virginia Bech. Kempsville is one of 9 bouroughs in Virginia beach and is located in the west-central portion of the City. The  Kempsville area is futher divided into 18 census tracks.  93,151 make Kempsville their home. 04/03/2007

Virginia Beach is rich in history  and is the 23rd largest city by population and it encompasses approx 258 square miles and is only 12 feet above sea level.   In 1791 the first US Congress built the Cape Henry Lighthouse making it the first federally commissioned public building in the United States. The Cape Henry Lighthouse commemorates the site where the first Europeans arrived in 1607, these early pioneers named the spot after Henry, the Princess of Wales and erected a huge cross in his honor.The former home of the early settler Adam Thoroughgood is now a historic landmark and is recognized as one of the oldest brick homes in America.  Mr. Thorughgood is credited with naming the nearby city, Norfolk. Virginia Beach is home of the Oceana Master air station and is one of only 4 US Na... 04/03/2007

 Plant your favorite flowers this spring inside the fenced yard of this 2052SqFt condo in Virginia Beach. Features include 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, master suite with jetted tub and separate shower, walk-in closet for your wardrobe. Second floor laundry for added convenience. Gracious great room with fireplace, beautiful light beige carpeting, bright kitchen with walk-in pantry & 42 inch wall cabinets for the kind of storage you dreamed of, microwave, dishwasher, electric range, breakfast bar for afternoon snacks, sliding glass doors to your Private patio, security system,. Interior freshly painted a soft Cream color, 1-car garage, community pool & club house.Smart decisions are tough, but you won't regret buying this easy-care condo in Virginia Beach. You'll enjoy 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath... 03/29/2007

By now, you have received your 2007 real estate tax assessment. The assessment for my home increased 21%. Exorbitant increases in assessments are a burden for everyone, no matter your income level or the value of your home.The Virginia Beach Taxpayer Alliance (VBTA) in cooperation with grassroots' activists throughout the city, have initiated a petition drive to reduce the real estate tax rate from its current rate of $.99 to $.78 per hundred of assessment. Example:2006 assessment:  $300,000 home at $.99 per $100 of assessment = $2,970 tax bill.2007 assessment: $364,200 home at $.99 per $100 of assessment = $3,605 tax bill.Petition proposal:  2007 assessment: $364,200 home at $.78 per $100 of assessment = $2,840Your family will save $765 that can be used for food, college, fuel bills, h... 03/29/2007