About Chesterfield County, VA

I'm originally from Rochester in upstate New York, where the snow starts in September and goes through May. We didn't just build snowmen, we built full sized igloos that our entire family fit in. We could drive our car out onto the bay and walk on the frozen lake near my childhood home in Fair Haven. I remember one year it snowed so much that my dad had to climb out of a second story window because the front door was buried in snow. I was never a big fan of snow and attending college at SUNY Fredonia at the end of Lake Erie which is directly in the middle of the snow belt, sealed my opinion on living in New York state.

There's a saying "I wasn't born in Virginia, but I got here as quick as I could." I took that to heart and packed up my U-Haul and drove south shortly after college graduation. I had visited Virginia many times during my childhood, mostly in July!

I remember the first time it snowed after I moved here. I was shocked that the entire city shut down for 8 inches of snow. In Rochester we would get feet of snow, not inches and it took something really extreme to get schools to close for a snow day. They were a rare and wonderful thing.

I have now lived in Virginia almost as long as I lived in New York and feel as if I am a Virginian, since my two boys were both born here in Richmond. Have you ever heard this?

To Be a
Virginian
either by
Birth, Marriage, Adoption,
or even on one's Mother's side,
is an Introduction
to any State in the Union,
a Passport to any Foreign Country,
and a Benediction from Above.

I've decided that by giving birth to two Virginia boys, I get to be a Virginian too.

Still, I am reminded that I am not a native everytime it snows. I have no compulsion to rush to Ukrops and buy bread and milk. I worry that this is going to cost me my Virginia citizenship.

I love that Chesterfield County closes school IN ANTICIPATION of it snowing!

You would think with so many Northerners moving here, things would change. Richmond wouldn't shut down at every snow storm. But, I think that those of us that have lived through the unending winters of the North, love to settle in and nest for a few days during a snowstorm. We know that it is temporary. We don't have to go out and fight our way through it as part of daily life. We can enjoy snowball fights with our children, making snowmen and coming in for hot cocoa. It is a bonus vacation, not a way of life.

Virginia really is perfect. Far enough south that snow is rare, but it still has all of the seasons. Thankfully winter is the shortest, but it is still there to remind us why we left.

www.SoldHomeStaging.com

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Senior Real Estate….65+ Needs are different than most transactions.
Meeting the needs of a senior buyer or seller of real estate is much different today.

Every 7 seconds another American turns 50, by 2012 40% of population will be 55 or older.

Needs of the Baby boomer are much different than the 65 plus. The 55 plus are for the most part more healthy and more active. They may still move several times before deciding on their last place to live. They do not need as much guidance and help with emotions.

The 65 plus on the other hand are more concerned with independent living, affordability, building maintenance, and closeness to medical facilities.
They also need assistance in downsizing and de-cluttering their home in preparation for the move, and help with emotional issues in regard to that move.

Often a good senior concentrated real estate agent can help the senior and the family members with all the choices to be made.

With the senior real estate agents team of professionals trained in sensitivity to their needs, a team can:
Can de-clutter/move prep
Clean
Landscape for curb appeal
Provide advice on property value of current home
Advise on Selling/Buying a property
Provide advice and value on purchase property
Help with real estate financial matters.
Recommend a good real estate attorney
Provide information from various organizations that might be of service to a senior.
Coordinate the Move


Many baby boomers and seniors are looking at their home and saying they have too much space; Space, they do not need anymore. Then they say to themselves why not sell and use the cash for a smaller place and use the extra to have more fun in their golden years. They can travel, play golf, and dine out more.

For any senior, downsizing and moving can be a traumatic experience. Because we understand the emotional and physical challenges of sorting through and organizing a lifetime of possessions, a special senior realty agent is uniquely positioned to help. In what can often be a confusing and emotionally charged situation, a senior real state agent specialist’s team functions as a clear-headed family member to help you and the rest of the family make good decisions about what to do with mom and dad’s things and how to deal with them before and after the move.
We’ll help you and the senior decide and organize what you want to keep, sell, donate, or throw away what you don’t want, and move the rest with the kind of care a lifetime of possession deserves. And we’ll work closely with you and senior to plan it all. You both do not need to be unnecessarily stressed. The senior realtor specialist can try and make the move as easy as possible on everyone involved.

A recent survey found that most seniors would purchase a home with in 12 miles or their former neighborhood there by keeping friends and community ties.
Price is their number one concern.
Only 16% bought in an active adult community
They want knowledge of area and quick responses from their agent

Here’s a surprising figure…

Here is a surprising figure 2/3 seniors use the Internet when researching real estate. Of those that used the Internet, 94% were researching prices.

Many seniors do not even view themselves as seniors. Many also appreciate the chance to discuss their needs and concerns with a trusted advisor--- provided that realtor takes the time to listen.

It is often like working with a first time homebuyer as many have not bought or sold for many years. Much has changed since their last real estate transaction. Be prepared to walk them through ever step of the transaction including the paper work.

An agent also needs to ask if they view this move as an interim or final destination. IE. The need for wider doorways for wheel chairs, handicap access to baths and steps.

The agent also needs to know if the client wants their children involved in the decision and if so how much involvement; but remember the senior is most always the client.

Until June 2010, the senior can also qualify for a 6500 rebate on the purchase of a home if they have lived in their former home at least 5 years. They may also qualify for the 250,000 individual and 500,000 per couple tax exemption.

With interest rates at an all time low, reduced affordable pricing, and good inventory, it is the prime year for seniors to start considering their future housing options.

The senior specialized real estate agent needs a wealth of info and knowledge. They need to be “the go to person” for the senior and their family. They need to have a team in place to make the move as effortless as possible. Call a Realtor today.


Real Estate Agent for Baby Boomer or Senior, needs a team of experts.

Good Morning All!

We here in Chester, Virginia awoke to the coldest day of the season so far! Richmond Airport, where I just happened to have been before the sun came up, reported a low of 13 degrees!! Yikes!

With these cold temperatures a quick stop at one of our little towns coffee shops is in order. Or if you prefer, in the heart of Chester is a famous donut shop. I will not say the name because the pounds will still find me if I even think of it for too long.

Well, the sun is shining brightly and the temp has now reached 15. The weather man is predicting highs in the 50's for Friday. We can get out our shorts and tee shirts!

Hope everyone has a wonderful and productive week. Stay warm, stay focused and enjoy life!

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY FORECLOSURE BARGAINS

There really are incredible deals on foreclosed homes despite the recent record sales we've seen in Chesterfield County homes.

The homes below are all ACTIVE listings of homes for sale in Chesterfield County, Areas 52, 54, 62 and 64. All of these properties are bank owned homes that are selling at a steep discount to similar homes. Contact us to view homes in your price range and favorite area of Chesterfield County market.

The process for buying a bank owned home in Chesterfield County is just like any normal real estate transaction. We help you find the perfect home, determine the proper price to offer the bank and guide you through the negotiation process. We can even assist you with getting preapproved for a mortgage so you'll know exactly how much home you can comfortably afford.

Just a few examples of the 112 bank owned homes in Chesterfield County...

Single Family

Search for all Homes for Sale in the Richmond Area here. We can help you find FORECLOSURES, BANK OWNED HOMES FOR SALE and other homes for sale in Chesterfield County.

These homes can close in time for our home buyers to qualify for the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of $8,000 or Move-Up home buyers tax credit of $6,500. Contact us for details.

Minutes from Fort Lee, VA!! Lovely Colonial style house in very quiet and safe community located in the highly rated Cosby High School Area. There is a spacious ground floor MBR w/private bath. Cozy up in Family room in front of the gas fireplace. Modern eat-in kitchen features granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Living and Dining rooms add to the eloquence of the 1st floor. The 2nd flr MBR w/bath is perfect for the family that is caring for elderly relatives. There are additional 2 bedrooms and a bath. Finished attic can be used for a playroom or bed room. Attached 2 car garage adds to your comfort and safety. To directly access this property, use this shortcut: http://www.fizber.com/virginia-buy-single-family-home-11648825.html