About Botetourt County, VA

Things to do in and around Roanoke VA! Natural Bridge Zoo! On my endless quest to write about Roanoke Virginia, the real estate market, Restaurants, mom and pop shops, and things to do in and around Roanoke, I can't believe that I have somehow missed the Natural Bridge Zoo!

I have heard about the Natural Bridge Zoo for years but for some reason I have never visited and what a mistake it has been! Hey, I am a big kid! What can I say? I love the Zoo! I went to the National Zoo last year in Washington D.C. and I was a little disappointed in the lack of animals there.

How was I to know that right here, 25 minutes from Roanoke VA, I would find a gem of a Zoo? Located just 3 miles from I-81 off of exit 175, the Natural Bridge Zoo is located on the left hand side of Route 11. Admission for Adults is only $12.00 and it is only $8.00 for children.

For the time being there is a unique opportunity to have your picture taken with a baby tiger! The baby tigers are only 6 weeks old right now. There are two babies, one is white and the other is traditional orange and black.

I will be adding pictures of my trip to the Zoo over the next week.

I hope you enjoy as much as we did!

Virginia Tax Holiday: May 25-31, 2010: Hurricane and Emergency Preparedness Equipment.

During this seven-day period, purchases of items designated by the Department of Taxation as hurricane preparedness equipment, including portable generators, will be exempt from the Virginia sales tax. Portable generators must be priced at $1,000 or less, and other eligible items must be priced at $60 or less for each item.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY

APPENDIX -- LIST OF QUALIFYING ITEMS

May 25 - May 31

Sales Price of $60 or less

Botetourt County,VA.there are 100% financing options available for homebuyers! The USDA is providing financing for people interested in buying homes in most counties in our area. The guidelines are provided below. This is good for 1st time homebuyers as well as current homeowners looking to move to a different home. A great way to receive the $8,000 or $6,500 tax credit.

We have created a toll free $8,000 Tax Credit/First Time Buyer Information line 888 279 0083 ext.8878, to help with any questions you might have.

Big impact, low cost remodeling projects can make a big difference when listing your home for sale. In a recent issue of the National Association of Realtors magazine "Realtor" several projects were discussed for Sellers who have some, but not unlimited cash for upgrades.

One place that has a big impact on homebuyers is the kitchen. Adding pull out shelving to exisitng cabinets is a great way to update without replacing.

Most home improvement stores carry inexpensive tile that can beused to update a backsplash or add a new one. For $1 to $2 a tile and the cost of labor this is a great way to add some new color to a kitchen.

The final tip is to have an electrician replace old track lighting with recessed canned lights on a dimmer switch to add ambiance.

These three projects can update and brighten up a kitchen to give it a polished new look, while maintaining a moderate budget. Homeowners who are interested in listing their home for sale should consult with a professional Realtor for more information about upgrades that can benefit them the most when preparing their home for sale.

Looking for a home to buy? Theres more to it than meets the eye. Most first time homebuyers are amazed when they begin the process. Unfortunately many are never informed of all the steps involved until they have submitted a contract to purchase a home.

Did you know that in Virginia there is an Agency Disclosure form that details the duties and responsibilities of the Realtor to their client?

Did your Realtor take the time to determine your exact needs and wants or just ask you how much you wanted to spend?

Did your Realtor refer you to several mortgage lenders in order for you to be able to determine who can service your needs the best?

Have you ever had the contract acceptance process explained to you? The difference between pre-approval and the actual loan underwriting process? The settlement process? Home inspection contingency? Radon remediation?

If you ever want to have a discussion about any aspect of the buying or selling process please feel free to call.