Kaera Mims - Associate Broker, e-PRO REALTOR; Hampton, Newport News, York Co.

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Armistead Heights in Hampton, Virginia

So Monday was the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act (VRLTA) Update and yesterday I went to the monthly Virginia state chapter of NARPM breakfast meeting. (If I am going to do this whole property management thing, I want to do it right)!

The topic was Eviction and the special guest speaker was Sheriff Gabe Morgan of Newport News. Hoping I don't need to use the tips he gave me today, but if and when an eviction does need to be done, I feel more informed on how to do it correctly. Landlords and tenants should be aware there is a legal eviction process - you can not just throw someone out on the street and move on.

After my closing yesterday (another satisfied first time home buyer), I am back in the office today working on listings and sales!

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I attended a very informative meeting today - VRLTA Update with Chip Dicks. VRLTA stands for the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. In the real estate professional world, you might consider it our bible of sorts. Even though I have a short attention span, I love these annual sessions with Chip because he always has such great, up to date information and is great about asking questions. Given that I represent the landlords an treat my tenants and tenant prospects with ordinary care, it is important to learn about new legislation and tips on business practices.

Interesting thing was when we stopped for the first break of the morning around 10:15 am, I actually had a voicemail from a customer of mine. She had a bit of a situation with move-in and thankfully I was able to consult with Chip. Great timing, huh?

Can't wait until next year to learn so much more!

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I just attend a Lunch & Learn at our local Realtor Association where the topic was about the military HAP (Homeowner's Assistance Program). I first heard about this topic on a listing I was showing to a buyer (we are closing this upcoming Tuesday on a property that was better suited for her) and the listing agent was kind enough to tell me a little about it.

Basically it is similar to a short sale, although the bank is not involved. If a military service member was given PCS orders prior to September 30, 2010 and they purchased their home in 2006, they may be eligible for the military HAP. In the current economy where many people decided to rent their home vs. rent or maybe are just paying to the mortgage on a vacant property, this may be a valuable asset.

It may not fit every scenario, but I know I will be sharing this great information with my database - someone may be able to benefit for this assistance and get their home SOLD!

I specialize in assisting sellers and buyers with their real estate needs in Virginia Peninsula Virginia, including Hampton, Newport News, York County and surrounding areas.(757) 739-2003

First of all, I am not a representative with a home warranty company so I am not an expert on the subject, but I do see their value and think consumers need to know more about them.

I had a Facebook friend contact me earlier this week because she knows I am in real estate and wanted to know if I could recommend a home warranty. Um, YES!

Once we got on the phone, she further explained that she and her husband recently built a house (kudos to them) and they got a "department store" warranty on the appliances, but had no warranty on the other systems throughout the property and figured it was smarter to get a home warranty.

Well she was definitely right. Basically the way a comprehensive warranty works is that you pay a base price which covers most appliances and systems in the property. When you need to call in a claim, you pay a trade fee and the contractor repairs or replaces the item. The more you pay for the base price, the lower the trade fee so it works very similar to insurance and deductibles in that regard. They are usually for year and then you just renew them annually from there.

Home warranties can be a great value and I suggest them for all buyers, especially first time home buyers - click here if you are interested in more information from a home warranty representative.