Great, will my property taxes rise again?
I'm 2 days behind in reading the newspaper so this may not be new to some readers. WHAT? RAISE TAXES!!!!! That's what I was thinking when I read that the city is looking to build or improve some Bayside centers. Projects to be included are an animal shelter and a Bayside recreation center. I thought, "Wow, there is a really nice rec center on First Court Road. I wonder how full it is? I wonder if it's so full they need a new one?" I have to admit the animal shelter might be a needed project but with these new buildings comes additional expenses, staff, utilities. I don't think they are going raise the tax then lower the tax once the projects are completed. I wonder, can't they find the money somewhere within the system already?
Did you know? If you are using FHA loans, you better be sure the home you have been eyeballing has been in the current owner's possession for at least 90 days. With all these short sales, investors are snapping them up and selling them within 30 days. When you walk into a vacant, updated home, always ask, "IS THIS A FLIP??!!!!" The last thing you want is to find out is that you cannot get your loan.
Here are some red flags to keep an eye for:
RED FLAG 1. The home is vacant and totally updated
RED FLAG 2. The seller is an LLC
RED FLAG 3. The name on the tax record and the person selling it are different. ASK!
Currently, you cannot even contract on the home within the 90 days of a new owner purchasing the home. The best you can do is on the 91st day, WRITE THE OFFER!
You can still do a loan application and know you are set but you cannot contract on the home.
I would love to talk with you about other options if you have to have that home!
What does a Hampton Roads realtor do all day?
STORY #1: Monday was a wonderful and wild day. I was thrilled to meet my new clients. Our day started at 9:30 so that we could review buyer disclosures and purchase contract information. Next, we moved onto the part every client loves, HOME SHOPPING!!! My clients chose 9 homes they wanted to see - 2 were under-contract and 2 were short-sales. I also decided that while we were in the area I might as well see what else was for sale. I pulled an additional 32 homes and we settled on 2 more to see. With the tour ready and 7 homes to see that day, we set off to Hickory. It's funny as it seems a bit like a goldilocks story. TOO BIG, TOO SMALL, JUST RIGHT! After getting to Upton Farms and viewing the homes, we narrowed it down to the best 2. We drove to the office and I suggested my client go get something to eat and give themselves a moment to catch their breath and relax while I pulled market values and started the paperwork. 45 minutes later, we started the offer. There are a few key questions: money, deposit, closing date, closing cost amount, and home inspection. After reviewing the final documents we were all satisfied. I scanned copies for the client and sent the agent the offer. NOW, WE JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
STORY #2: I met with Mrs. Buyer for the 4th time this week. I have to say this client has my heart. Max sales price of about $98K and needs help with closing costs. It has been a hard battle finding anything in a community where Mrs. Buyer would feel safe in. THEN, THERE IT WAS!!!!! A brick home in distress and the seller is offering closing cost assistance!!!!! (LIGHTS SHINE, ANGELS SING) WE found it. Mrs. Buyer and I parted ways with a little bit of homework - I have to research what will help her with her offer on the house and she needs to research her solid loan options. I'm confident we'll be writing an offer today.
STORY #3: Even more on Monday....... I met with Mr. and Mrs. Buyers' family for the 4th time and get ready to set out for a 6 home tour. We started in Norfolk in a sweet brick ranch community. I pulled up and said, "WOW," this is it. I knew in my gut this was the right house. As we walked into the family room, I could see from their body language they felt into. 5 more homes that night and YES, we all agree the brick home in Norfolk is the one. Again we parted ways with some homework. I'm getting property values together and the buyer is ensuring this is the home they want. I think I'll be also making an offer on the home with them today as well.
STORY #4: Mr. and Mrs. Seller called to ask questions. Of course, with 20+ homes to show Monday there was no way I would be able to reply. So at 9 pm I made the call only to get an answering machine. I'm sure this will be 1st on the to do list today - call MR. AND MRS. SELLER!
In the Virginia Pilot Living section today was a great moving list by Martha Stewart ( Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia) www.marthastewart.com.
Below I have retyped and summerized the content as well as added a few bits I think are helpfull during the process.
Six weeks before you move get in to the QUESTIONS MODE !!! Ask about who others have used for moving what there experience was like and look at pricing. Ask if the quotes are binding , and if this includes insurance. Lastly about 6 weeks out get a good 3 ring binder to collect all the data.
Five weeks before you move start looking at all your items room by room. Record, photograph or video your valuable items, you can also get them appraised in case there is damage.Start clearing out items you will not be packing and give to charity. Have a YARD SALE make some extra money. Ask the kids to get involved in the clearing of old or unwanted items.
Four weeks before you move STOCK UP boxes, tape, wrapping paper, labels, markers, box cutters, blankets. Ask grocery stores for boxes. Places like Costco sell bulk box's as well as Uhaul. Get color lables for the boxes to code rooms.
Three weeks before you move packing begins. Start with items you don't use everyday such as seasonal items, extra dishes and kitchen appliances, kids toys. Use color coding for each room so its easy to identify where they go in your new home. Call for utilities for the day after move out. Ask each member to hold out spcial items that might need to be found quickly and pack them in one box.
Two weeks before you move start to pack the bulk of your items, decorations, photos, wall decor. use color coding system or inventory list for each box so you can locate something quickly if you need to. Put all the list in your 3 ring binder. Fill out online address change forms at www.usps.com. Notify credit cards, banks and subscriptions of your new address. Through your own good bye party and ask the neighbors for help in packing ( YOU COULD TRY )
One week before you move create an information sheet for the movers, include OLD address NEW address, directions to the new house don't forget to include all your contact numbers. have payments ready for the movers. Pack a personal suitcase in case your moving long distance. Ensure all your personal documents such as birth certificates and SS cards are with you and not in the moving van.
Moving day, Walk through ENTIRE HOME look in cabinets draws and any enclosed areas don't forget the attic. Turn over keys to new owners or Real Estate agent. Verify someone will be at the new house when the movers arrive. Inventory items as your belongings come off the truck. Inspect for any damage before you sign a release ( bill of lading)
Its time to enjoy your new home. TEST all the appliances, plumbing, lighting , smoke detectors, and security systems.
Congratulations YOUR HOME !
Id love to help you find your new home. find Alison Creamer at www.bzibee.com
Im so lucky to have clients like Mrs Miller. I met her over 5 years ago. I stayed in touch and this is the result ! A happy happy client !
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Social media is helping me connect. www.Facebook.com/Bzibeerealestate www.Twitter.com/Bzibee Itunes = Alison Creamer Youtube= Alison Creamer
Im a CDPE ( Certified Distressed Property Expert
http://www.cdpe.com/Community.html
Licensed in April of 2002
ABR April of 2003
Directors Club 2004+ Rose and Womble
HRRA Circle of Excellence 2004 and 2005
Nov. 2006 Joined RE/MAX Allegiance
March 2009 Joined RE/Max First
Joining RE/MAX Allegiance has been one of the most rewarding steps I have taken to enhanced my career. With National recognition and a tremendous amount of technology and experience, this move has taken me to the next level of my career. I look forward to all they have to offer my clients.
I have gained a tremendous level of experience that will help me get through this ever-changing market. I encourage my clients to get involved ask tons of questions and be prepared. I believe this whole process is about freedom of choice and educating the client so they can make the best decision for there lifestyle.
I work in a 2 step process with sellers.
1. Get to know the house and the seller's needs
2. Come back with pricing information and marketing plan
Buyers always receive a consultation 1st. This step is critical in making sure I understand your expectations and give you the best service possible. I will review the contract, addendums, loan good faith and explain how we get from contract to close.
Special areas of expertise.
1. First Time Home Buyers
2. Move Up Homes
3. Virginia Beach , Chespapeake, Suffolk, Norfolk
4. Knowing the difference between the discount company and me !
Look what clients are saying about Alison and her service.
Take a minute to see what other have said
K. Dooly July 07
So I just wanted to SHOUT TO THE WORLD how great our real estate agent is. Her name is Alison Creamer and she works for RE/MAX in Virginia Beach, VA. If any of you ever move or even think about moving to the area you should totally get in touch with her.
www.alisoncreamer.com
www.Bzibee.com
These are just 2 of the websites that have her information. She is just so awesome. We have lived in and owned our house for 3 years now and she is always catching up with us. She is always making sure we are taken care of an asking if we need anything. She also invites us to the happenings here in Hampton Roads. It's so nice to know that she has all of the resources we need and then some. If we need a repair man or something she knows all the great contractors, suppliers, etc. Most real estate agents deal with you during the purchase of your house and be done with you. Not Alison, she is always sending us a friendly hello and wanting to know how we are doing.
Everyone should have her as a real estate agent.
Kelly
Exeur & Rose D
We would like to say that Alison found the house we wanted, she was very patient. With Alison our needs came first, she made us feel like it was just between friends and not a business deal. Your services helped
us a lot especially since we were new in town, because we didn't know the area much. Thank you we will definitely let all our friends and family know about you.
Kal & Rupal M
Hi Charlie
Just to let you know, Alison was great! She kept in touch with us, listened to our needs, did home searches for us and all that was needed to help find our home. We couldn't ask for anything better. You can count on us to tell everyone Alison!
Brian C
I wanted to thank Alison for all her time and service she provided in helping me find the home I wanted.
Alison made me feel like she wanted to make me happy not just to get paid and that is how I overcame any questionable expectations I had about Realtors. It would be my pleasure to tell everyone about Alison made it happen!
Cynthia C
Alison Coordinated all the details in her service to me finding a home. She was very blunt and honest with me and I really appreciated it and she didn't waste my time. Alison is the deal! Thanks for the way you conduct your business. I have already started tell everyone about you.
Mike & Carol T
Just to let you know, Alison never gave up on us. It took a long time for us to find our home. When we began our house hunt, we talked to a lot of Realtors. Alison was one of the very few who followed up on us a lead, most agents didn't care! Alison did everything she needed to do and found us our home. YOU ROCK! We will definitely tell all we know about you, Thanks again!
Jim T
Alison's patience as we looked for the right property was most important to us. She answered every question and problem we had when buying our new home. Alison's willingness to work with us was the key to success! We would be pleased to refer you to everyone we know, anytime. Thank you Alison for all your help!
Nathan & Crystal - We would like to tell you how great Alison was in assisting us with buying our home. Alison listened to our needs and wants as a home buyer and made the whole process very easy. Alison kept in touch with us giving us the feedback that we were looking for and keeping up with the home searches and everything that goes with buying a home. We give Alison all our gratitude and thanks for all she did for us. We will be glad to let all our family & friends about Alison Creamer
Alison was terrific!
Marcus & Myra K- Alison made it easier than I ever thought. Explained thins on an easy to understand level. She found me us a short term rental while our house was being built, which was very convenient. Over all the service provided was great accessibility. Alison was terrific! We will definitely tell all we know about Alison Creamer
Brian & Frances Y. - Just wanted to let you know that we were treated very well and very, very pleased with Alison in helping us sell our home, she's the best! We felt very informed through the whole process and given very good information about everything.
Thanks for everything Alison!
Eboney G. - I wanted you to know that Alison was very honest about certain homes and communities that we looked at and went through when buying my home. She listened to my needs and answered all my questions. You have a referral with me.
We have already told our family & friends about you.
Glen & Susan W. - The service that was provided to us by Alison was taking care of in all the legal aspects of buying a home. Alison helped us find a home before it was put on the market and snatched up which saved us time, money and hassles. Thanks Alison!
Thanks for everything!
Matt & Kelly D- Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our experience with you. We really loved Alison, she made everything fun and easy for us when we were looking for our home and the purchase of it. The service was great, there is nothing we would change. Every question we had was answered when asked and everything was done on time when we needed it.
The communication was great!
Josh W- , Alison let me know whenever "It" hit the market. You broke any stereotype about Realtors by not smooth talking and being up front. You took care of EVERYTHING... I'm a busy guy! I will be glad to recommend and refer you to all my friends & family. Thanks for all you did!
Alison, she really went the extra mile
I wanted to take this opportunity to say Thanks for all that you did for me and my girls. I moved to Virginia on military orders a divorced mother of two. God knew what I needed most and he called on your heart. Thank you for answering. He used you in a very special way. You're Truly a Blessing. We appreciate your hard work and integrity. Thank you for helping us complete the miracle! God Bless You. Alison, she really went the extra mile in making my biggest financial commitment one of the most memorable and pleasurable experiences. She was assuring, helpful, and knowledgeable. I could tell right away I had made the right decision in choosing Alison.
It is nice to do business with such a professional who seems to really care that my needs were met. Her high energy makes her one of the best that I have met and I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet her and would do it again. Based on this experience with her, I will and I have already recommended her to some friends and family members that will be making Virginia there home as well. Thank you again and if our future calls for another move you will be the first that I call Alison, I wish you continued success in bringing to other families what you have to mine. What started as a contract between two people ended with me having a new friend named Alison Creamer. If you are planning to relocate or if you decide to make the Hampton Roads area your home contact Alison Creamer she is a #1 realtor you can trust to find your dream home. She found me, my dream home.
Your Friend,
Rhonda, Cierra (10) and Cydney(7) Dennis
Outstanding in representing us!
Michael & Christy W- Hi, Alison Creamer was outstanding in representing us when buying our home. She was with us every step of the way. We didn't feel just like clients, but more like friends. We will be glad to tell all our family friends
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