Bethany Phillips, MBA, ABR, EcoBroker

So our refrigerator has been on the fritz... Instead of trying to find food to make lunch we decided to hop to a local's eatery which we have been wanting to try. It is the Willoughby Inn Seafood Restaurant at the end of Willoughby just before heading over the bridge tunnel to Hampton (or it is the first place you see on your way TO Norfolk from Hampton -- you choose).

Anyway, This is one of the places that looks like it has been there forever... and according to the history on the menu, forever is quite a while! The current owners have been in charge for 30 years and are Willoughby locals. There wasn't a smoking section because the whole restaurant was a 'smoking' section. Being a firm believer in NO SMOKING NEAR FOOD I was a bit disappointed in that, but on this sleepy Tuesday afternoon the 2 men at the bar, and the sole diner were accommodating with their lack of cigarettes...

The food was a notch above average. Nice fried fish sandwich, crabcake, fries, cole slaw AND your choice of sweet or unsweet tea! =)

What we liked alot were the prices - two teas, two sandwiches with fries and taxes in this city and we were out only about $20.

I want to point this out because, eating out in Norfolk is expensive! With ~12% in restaurant taxes and overpriced food, it is rare for 2 people to eat and drink something other than water for less than $20. Just compare to Sunset Grill. They are also located at the end of Willoughby in the Willoughby Marina. They win with outdoor seating and a killer sunset view, but the prices! Egads! (We end up here quite a bit though - it is where we keep our sailboat, FINE)

Here is the website for the restaurant and don't forget to click on the link to the PHOTOS of old Willoughby! http://members.aol.com/MLebby3514/

Good AFternoon!
Just a quick update on City of Norfolk VA real estate market. The following chart reflects those single family (detached) Attached properties listed for sale in the city as of July 10, 2008. Additional properties are available if you are looking for information on duplexes, multi-family or commercial.

I didnt do a lot of analysis but here are the points that strike me

1. NORFOLK is a resonably priced location to live with fully HALF of the homes on the market listed at $250,000 or less.

2. If you want water, we have it! More than 25% of homes have access to a pool or some type of waterfront

3. Our rate of short sale and bank owned properties is still low compared to national averages.

Let me know what you see!!

All Data taken from REIN on July 10, 2008

Hey everybody! Guess what? Fresh peaches are now available in Virginia and Knotts Island! In addition to peaches, fresh berries (blues and blacks), corn and more are in season. Where to get it? GO LOCAL!

Five Points Farm Market - Has a new location in Norfolk at the corner of Church Street and 26th Street. This is a hop from downtown and the Virginia Zoo. They carry local produce, meats, flowers, have a bakery and deli and more! www.5ptsfarmmarket.org

Virginia Beach Farmers Market - At the corner of Dam Neck Road and Princess Anne Road it is more than just a farm market with other shops as well. www.vbgov.org

The Pungo Area is a great for fresh produce! Henleys, Pungo, Cullipher Farm, and more. Check out the links on the www.Vbgov.org website or follow this link http://www.vbgov.com/file_source/dept/agriculture/Document/Fruit%20&%20Vegetable%20Guide%20-%20%2007.pdf

I would love to see more organic produce out there so if anyone wants to recommend organic producers give us a shout here. Certainly some of the produce at 5 Points in Norfolk is organic - just be sure to ask! That way the proprietors know you care!

I was on my way home from showing my listing in Suffolk last night. I was, as usual, listening to WHRV and Paul Shugrue with 'out of the box'. They aired a public service reminder I want to paraphrase for you...

Most animals don't like fireworks! To protect your animals

1. Dont leave pets unattended out doors during fireworks - they may hurt themselves trying to jump over fences or crawl under them. If your pet succeeds in getting away, you may not be lucky enough to be reunited with them.

2. Don't take your pet to fireworks displays. They may hurt themselves straining against the lead to try to get away.

3. Leave your pet at home, indoors, and with some background noise (like public radio!) playing to drown out the sound of fireworks.

Many shelters report increased lost animals and found animals during the 4th of July holiday.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY!

I had a good rant going... All about the article in this morning's Virginian Pilot about home prices dropping. I had typed in the whole rant and then hit post entry and the site locked me out! Rant narrowly averted! =)

Let me just say... Home prices don't have to drop if home sellers and their agents price their homes right from the start. Just be realistic about how long it will take to sell and what incentives should be offered. Dropping the price doesn't help nearly as much TO THE BUYER as offering buy down assistance or CCA. Be wise what you offer to buyers...before dropping the price.