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Kathy O'Neal

Outer Banks (OBX) Real Estate for Investment or Retirement (Part 1)

09-04-09
Kathy O'Neal

Investing in the Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina is a dream that many have made into a reality.


In this new regular feature of Real Estate in Chantilly we launch our first episode in a series on how to start thinking about and planning for investment and/or retirement in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We interview our strategic partner in the OBX, Barb Connery of REMAX Ocean Realty. Barb has been helping investors and others achieve their OBX real estate goals for over two decades. She knows the "ins and out" of OBX property from top to bottom. In this series she shares what prospective buyers need to know about the actual realities of owning property in this area.

OUTER BANKS FOCUS

What has the real estate downturn done to property in the Outer Banks? What are the opportunities? How much have prices fallen off? What are the two very different real estate markets in the OBX?

This series of opening shows for "Outer Banks Focus" builds a good foundation for anyone who has considered investing in an OBX property for rental income or retirement, or both. We cover a set of key issues that investors and future OBX property owners will need to be keenly aware of before they begin their property search.

What is the special charm of this unique stretch of shore line? Why does it enchant visitors and cause some to act on their dreams? What does it take to move from dream to reality when it comes to owning a piece of the OBX magic? Listen and get subscribed to Real Estate in Chantilly so you don't miss a single episode or blog post on your personal source for OBX information!

[The Kathy O’Neal Team serves home buyers and sellers in Northern Virginia, with special focus on Chantilly, Centreville, and the communities of the Western Fairfax region.]

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Home Sellers Advantage: Improving Home Energy Efficiency (Part 5)

09-01-09
Kathy O'Neal

EPISODE 18 - REAL ESTATE IN CHANTILLY


Chantilly and Northern Virginia area home sellers looking for a competitive advantage in the marketing and sale of their home should take a good look at enhancing energy efficiency.

CHANTILLY RADIO

In this series of episodes with Ardently Green, Inc. founder, Bob Weatherwax, we discuss how enhancing your home's energy profile can add value now, as well as give you one more advantage when it comes time to sell your home.

In Part 5 of this series we discuss the basics of alternative energy use for residential home owners.  Solar, wind, and geo-thermal  approaches are briefly discussed.  Where do you start when considering these technologies?  How practical are they for residential use?  What do you want to make sure to know before starting an alternative energy application for your home?

Who should listen to this series?

Anyone anticipating the sale of their home within the next year, who sees energy efficiency as a powerful added selling point in the marketing of their home.  Additionally, home energy efficiency is a win on several other levels.  It helps home owners save money on escalating energy costs, provides a more comfortable and clean living environment, reduces the environmental impact of energy waste, and adds to the long term goal of national energy independence.

Before you sell your home, take a good look at how energy efficiency can play a role in your selling strategy.  Or, if the sale of your home is not in the short term future, consider how these strategies can save money now and add value to your home when it does come time to sell.

[The Kathy O’Neal Team serves home buyers and sellers in Northern Virginia, with special focus on Chantilly, Centreville, and the communities of the Western Fairfax region.]

Download this episode (right click and save)

Home Sellers Advantage: Improving Home Energy Efficiency (Part 4)

08-28-09
Kathy O'Neal

EPISODE 17 - REAL ESTATE IN CHANTILLY


Chantilly and Northern Virginia area home sellers looking for a competitive advantage in the marketing and sale of their home should take a good look at enhancing energy efficiency.

CHANTILLY RADIO

In this series of episodes with Ardently Green, Inc. founder, Bob Weatherwax, we discuss how enhancing your home's energy profile can add value now, as well as give you one more advantage when it comes time to sell your home.

In Part 4 of this series we discuss what to avoid when looking for vendors that provide home energy improvement services,  tax advantages and how to learn about them for your area, why "building science" is your energy improvement friend, and why you should avoid interventions that don't assess and measure your home's energy profile,

Who should listen to this series?

Anyone anticipating the sale of their home within the next year, who sees energy efficiency as a powerful added selling point in the marketing of their home.  Additionally, home energy efficiency is a win on several other levels.  It helps home owners save money on escalating energy costs, provides a more comfortable and clean living environment, reduces the environmental impact of energy waste, and adds to the long term goal of national energy independence.

Before you sell your home, take a good look at how energy efficiency can play a role in your selling strategy.  Or, if the sale of your home is not in the short term future, consider how these strategies can save money now and add value to your home when it does come time to sell.

[The Kathy O’Neal Team serves home buyers and sellers in Northern Virginia, with special focus on Chantilly, Centreville, and the communities of the Western Fairfax region.]

Download this episode (right click and save)

Home Sellers Advantage: Improving Home Energy Efficiency (Part 3)

08-25-09
Kathy O'Neal

EPISODE 16 - REAL ESTATE IN CHANTILLY


Chantilly and Northern Virginia area home sellers looking for a competitive advantage in the marketing and sale of their home should take a good look at enhancing energy efficiency.

REAL ESTATE IN CHANTILLY RADIO

In this series of episodes with Ardently Green, Inc. founder, Bob Weatherwax, we discuss how enhancing your home's energy profile can add value now, as well as give you one more advantage when it comes time to sell your home.

In Part 3 of this series we discuss the appeal that reduced energy costs has for potential buyers of your home, why it is important to start with an audit before you jump into extensive energy improvement work, and how to find a reputable service provider to perform remedial work,

Who should listen to this series?

Anyone anticipating the sale of their home within the next year, who sees energy efficiency as a powerful added selling point in the marketing of their home.  Additionally, home energy efficiency is a win on several other levels.  It helps home owners save money on escalating energy costs, provides a more comfortable and clean living environment, reduces the environmental impact of energy waste, and adds to the long term goal of national energy independence.

Before you sell your home, take a good look at how energy efficiency can play a role in your selling strategy.  Or, if the sale of your home is not in the short term future, consider how these strategies can save money now and add value to your home when it does come time to sell.

[The Kathy O’Neal Team serves home buyers and sellers in Northern Virginia, with special focus on Chantilly, Centreville, and the communities of the Western Fairfax region.]

Download this episode (right click and save)

Firehook Bakery: Discover this Chantilly VA Gem

08-24-09
Kathy O'Neal

Many Chantilly area residents might be surprised to find this somewhat hidden gem of a bakery near the intersection of Route 50 at Lee Road.

FIREHOOK BAKERY IN CHANTILLY VA

But Firehook Bakery is no surprise to its loyal customers who have been enjoying the products from the Chantilly location for about four years now.

Its location is just a bit off the beaten path, but close the where most area residents are likely to be driving by, at least sometime during the week.

Turn on to Lee Road from Route 50, and then turn right again when you get to Flint Lee Road. Drive along Flint Lee for a minute and you will see Firehook on the left at 14701.

FIREHOOK BAKERY IN CHANTILLY VA

The first Firehook started in Old Town Alexandria in 1993. Since then its success has given rise to numerous locations throughout the area. If you give their wonderful breads and other delights a try, you will understand why. They make very good stuff! The selection of "real" breads is especially impressive.

FIREHOOK BAKERY IN CHANTILLY VA

But then Firehook has also gotten rave reviews for their sweet products...pastries, custom cakes, cookies, sweet tarts etc.

FIREHOOK BAKERY IN CHANTILLY VA

Pierre Abushacra, one of the founders, was explaining the emphasis on authenticity in the style of the many breads crafted by Firehook. I think "crafted" is the right word. These are breads made with a tradition and a lot of pride. Pierre also mentioned that Firehook has ongoing specials that are now part of the regular product offerings. These specials are not day-old or "second quality" products. The idea is to offer real value at competitive prices, especially given the realities of the current economy, and the consumer preference for value along with quality.

FIREHOOK BAKERY IN CHANTILLY VA

If you like great bread and other genuine old-world baked products, give Firehook a try. For more details you can also visit their website - www.Firehook.com - or call the Chantilly shop at 703 263-2253.

[The Kathy O’Neal Team serves home buyers and sellers in Northern Virginia, with special focus on Chantilly, Centreville, and the communities of the Western Fairfax region.]