A few weeks ago, we had a customer walk into our Sales Center, and he said he was just in the area to look at a short sale in the area. He stopped in because he wanted to see what new homes were available and what they had to offer. (His agent didn't suggest he look at new homes) After discussing his wants and needs, we looked at three homes and the next day he returned to write a contract on one of our new homes that was priced $150,000 more than the short sale listing (same size home, but different features). I'm sharing this true story because we see this happen quite often, much to the surprise of many in the real estate business. I've listed below a few reasons why buyers should consider the right home and the right community and not just focus totally on what they perceive to be t... 10/07/2011

The Neighborhood You Choose is Just as Important as The Home You Buy Looking for a quality community that offers more than your typical subdivision? If you're shopping for a new home, remember to spend as much time investigating your next neighborhood and compare what each offers you. Discover a small town atmosphere in one of the four East West Communities in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. From Williamsburg, to Suffolk, VA, East West has created four of the best neighborhoods for today's homebuyers.   Nicely removed from the city, Founders Pointe is a waterfront community offering a return to the past with distinctive architectural home styles, timeless Traditionals, three miles of walking trails, and a $2 million Residents' Club and pool. Check out a video tour of Founders Point... 10/06/2011

My original DROID bit the dust because I dropped it once too often and the screen shattered.  Enter the new DROID Bionic with Gorilla Glass (an old product brought to new uses).  The DROID Bionic for Verizon is by far the best phone I have ever had.  It does about everything you would want to do and does it with a 4.3 inch screen, 3G, 4G, WIFI and whatever else you can coax the Android systiem into doing.  If that screen isn't big enough for you it has an HDMI output to connect to a big screen.  How cool is that.  I installed an app called ZUMOCAST which allows me to access all the files on my home computer from wherever I am.  I can print them from my phone to any print server that has Motorola Print installed.  Did I mention the 4.3 inch screen?  The screen is great for YouTube or Net... 09/28/2011

Your Problems Can be Solved .. Move to Virginia Beach You Have a problem and it can be solved by ... moving to Virginia Beach .. and start "Living the Coastal Lifestyle". Buy your vacation or year-round home in one of the water front communities in Virginia Beach today. Call me today for your private tour of all of waterfront homes for sale in Virginia Beach ... start "Living the Coastal Lifestyle" today. Call Rick Sterling, Broker ….. at 757-642-1212 for a private tour. 09/11/2011

On our trip to see the opening Virginia Tech football game in Blacksburg, Virginia last weekend, we decided to hike the Cascade Falls trail, something I hadn't done in 30 years (since my freshman year in college). Cascade Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Virginia and possibly on the entire East Coast. It's a great way to escape real estate for a Labor Day weekend and recharge your batteries. Little Stony Creek falls over a vertical cliff in several different streams. Several streams cascade a couple times on the way down while others fall the whole distance of the falls. 69 ft. falls crash into a large pool surrounded by two hundred foot cliff walls from which large ice formations hang in the winter. The scene is both breathtaking and peaceful as the falls combine both ... 09/07/2011

RELA ESTATE RECOVERY- GOOD NEWS for the Hampton Roads area of Virginia- The Tidewater Builders Association's HOMEARAMA comes to The Riverfront at HARBOUR VIEW. In October, The Riverfront will open the doors of nine exquisite custom homes for the Tidewater Builder Association’s Fall Homearama. Two of the homes have sold already — so only seven lucky families still have the opportunity to purchase these designer homes before the show opens. Contact us to schedule your tour today! Stay tuned for more detailed information on the 2011 Fall Homearama coming soon. Participating Builders: Clark Whitehill EnterprisesABT Custom HomesJoey CorpSasser Construction, L.C.Stephen Alexander Homes, L.L.C.Ore Builders, L.L.C.Charlie Anderson Builder, Inc. Featured renderings are designs by Frank Betz Ass... 08/07/2011

Why is new home construction activity up in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia? The good news is, we're all experiencing part of the Real Estate Recovery happening in Virginia. I've come up with 7 reasons why people are buying new homes in our communities today. We're excited about what's going on in our four East West Communities.  Our buyers are finding out that it is a great time to build after comparing their options. There's no need to wait any more! It's making sense for alot of people to actually sit down with the builder and custom build the home plan they really want in the neighborhood location they really want. Recent sales are up at The Riverfront at Harbour View and Founders Pointe new home communities. The new home construction quality has improved in recent years- more en... 07/30/2011

Why wait? Now's a great time to buy a new home and there are signs that the Real Estate Recovery is taking place now! If you're thinking about buying a home in the Hampton Roads area, NOW is the time to check out Founders Pointe, located near Smithfield. There are many reasons why over 165 families have chosen to live in Founders Pointe since our Grand Opening in 2005. Here are my TOP 5 Reasons to Relocate to Founders Pointe: 1. ATTRACTIVE LOCATION Founders Pointe is located in the Carrollton area of Isle of Wight County, which is part of the Hampton Roads region. Although, Isle of Wight County is on the western edge, it's easy to get anywhere, and it's nicely removed from the city. You can also rediscover a small town atmosphere as Founders Pointe is near the historic town of Smithfiel... 07/24/2011

Foreclosures in Hampton Roads returned to the trend of the first half of 2011, edging downards to a new low of only 8.01% of available market inventory.  If you are considering a foreclosed property in your home search, be sure your broker is familiar with the REO market. 07/11/2011

  The July 4th Independence Day celebration was a big hit at Founders Pointe this past weekend. Old fashioned fun was packed into the beautiful weekend at this waterfront community in the Hampton Roads ara of Virginia. Great Food, fun games, and wonderful family moments were experienced this past weekend at the Founders Pointe Residents' Club. Children's Games, Uncle Sam's Bike Parade, Watermelon football, Volleyball, Fried Chicken, Desserts, Prizes, and more! The centerpiece of Founders Pointe are the exceptional resort-style recreational amenities the community has to offer. In addition to hosting sporting and fitness activities, the clubhouse serves as a center for holiday celebrations, themed social events for adults, and special interest clubs. A full-time activities director keeps... 07/08/2011

Time to say goodbye ~ A peaceful passing No one really likes to say goodbye to their loved ones... Memories flooded our minds as we drove from Sunset Beach, NC to Virginia Beach ~ Frank's Dad, Edward aka Ed, was the best Father-in-Law a young girl could ask for.. He was kind, considerate and always available to lend a helping hand.. I remember the first time I met him, it was a family dinner ~ Dad casually mentioned "You're the First Girl Frankie has ever brought for dinner" ~ Everyone at the table erupted into giggles ~ Dad wasn't the type of Dad that had to know what you were doing every moment of your life..  He was the type of Dad that watched his son mature, have a career and start a family....  He never ridiculed or said a cross word in all the years I knew him.  I never heard him... 06/18/2011

There are many reasons why over 1,000 families have relocated to The Riverfront at Harbour View, which is a waterfront, golf course community in Virginia, since our Grand Opening ten years ago... some of them are listed below: The Tanner Family moved to The Riverfront at Harbour View  for the strong community feeling and the activities offered here.   "The reason we moved to The Riverfront was for the sense of community, we also appreciate the on going activities for all ages. We love it here!"  ~ David, Beth, Kelly and Marlyn Tanner     The Childs Family likes the convenience of The Riverfront's central location.   "We chose The Riverfront at Harbour View because of its central location, not only to the Peninsula but to downtown Norfolk ­ making our commute just a short distance."   ~... 06/14/2011

I found my perfect dream bathtub in the 2011 Homearama at Eagles Nest! Got to attend the Preview Party with music by Lewis McGehee and got to meet astronaut Susan Kilrain in the NASA home.  I believe 7 out of the 9 homes have been sold however they do have 40 lots that are still available for sale.   What was your favorite part of the showcase?       05/28/2011

Cape Story by the Sea Virginia Beach, VASPRING FLINGSunday May 22nd    in the CAPE STORY PARK4PM to 7PMFOOD & FUN Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, LemonadeGAMES,    DJ  MUSIC,  Face PaintingMoonwalk, balloon animalsand plenty of games for children and adultsand MOREBring a dish to share, lawn chairs and sodaParents are asked to accompany their children COME ON OUT and join your friends and neighborsSEE YOU SUNDAY in the PARK (Between Sandalwood and Bayberry)!sponsored by Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association Cape Story by the Sea - Part of what makes Shore Drive Great! 05/20/2011

It has been our tradition for the past 6 years we go to Monster Trucks on the Beach every year for Mothers Day.  This year they had Grave Digger, Stone Crusher, Mopar Magic, El Toro Loco, Bad Habit, Gunslinger and of course Megasaurus.   I couldn't think of a better way to spend my day with my wonderful boys!!  This year had to have been the most exciting I think because Stone Crusher crashed and fell over during his freestyle and then Grave Digger lost his back tire during the freestyle.   They also had the YOUNGEST MONSTER TRUCK DRIVER ( 7YRS OLD ) KID KJ    (Did you know you can create custom players within YouTube?)  Check it out!     05/12/2011

I was out for my bike ride this morning in Glenwood and ran across this strange sight.  Standing on a corner I looked one way down the street and saw the vultures and the other was the man walking his dog.  Such a strange world we live in.  Didn't get close enough to see what the vultures were eating. 04/26/2011

Last night was the airing of Extreme Makeover Home Edition Hampton Roads and I got to celebrate and watch with the Hill-Burdette family and Duane and Becky Cotton from Trademark Construction ( the builder).  I was truly honored to be invited and share that moment with them.  And there was tears and there was alot of laughter too!   Beverly is such an amazing woman - had 35 foster children, adopted 6 girls and still on a weekly basis goes out and feeds and clothes the homeless in our community.  She is a woman that just keeps on giving.  And so last night Trademark Construction presented the family with a check for $43,000 to help them out.   What an inspiring story and again I feel so luck to be a part of it last night.        To see more of the videos from behind the scenes when there ... 04/25/2011

Here is an iteresting article from the LA Times pertaining to the recent growth of in demand for higher-end rental homes.  We are experiencing that in Virginia Beach as well:  http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-luxury-lease-20110414,0,4883109.story Stay tuned as we have some very nice ones coming up.    Mark and Dede Moore are REALTORS with RE/MAX Alliance in Virginia Beach, VA. Specializing in residential sales and rental property management. www.DedeAndMark.com Thanks for looking! Click "RENT IT" Plate above to Visit Mark's Rental Page. 04/20/2011

Condo for Sale -- 860 24th St Virginia Beach Va -- Walk to the Beach Great buy on this beach Condo in Virginia Beach. Located just a short walk or bike ride to the boardwalk, this 900 sq.ft condo is neat as a pin. With 2 br 2 bath, balcony, community pool; this little condo makes the perfect weekend get-a-way or great little condo for beach style year round living. Easy walk to Beach Garden Park, grocery shopping, great restaurants, Little Theater of Virginia Beach, The Contemporary Art Center of Virginia and the Va. Beach Convention Center. Start Living the Coastal Lifestyle Today. Virginia Beach,Va. Real Estate Sales and Solutions - Rick Sterling, Broker - RealtorSpecializing in the cities of Virginia Beach and Norfolk, but also serving the cities of Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, H... 04/15/2011

THE RIVERFRONT AT HARBOUR VIEW   LEW AND KAREN HENDRICKS looked at just one neighborhood when they decided to move to Hampton Roads three years ago.   By SANDRA J. PENNECKE | Correspondent  (This story ran in the Virginian Pilot on Saturday, April 2nd, 2011)   That community, The Riverfront at Harbour View, had them hooked from the start.      "We fell in love with it," Karen said. "We feel really blessed." After 30 years in a single-family home in Pennsylvania, the couple designed a 4,000-squarefoot house in the 11-year-old community along the Nansemond and James rivers in northern Suffolk.  Not only did the Hendrickses love the style of homes, but also the river views, amenities - including an 18-hole golf course - and host of activities available to residents. "I wanted somewhere whe... 04/06/2011