“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Jeremy Hart

$700 Billion Isn't Monopoly Money - Yet We Print It Like It Is

10-05-08
Jeremy Hart

Monopoly-Money-748981 I've been sitting on this post for a few days. Last week, the Bailout Bill was all anyone could seem to talk about, and I was one of millions watching and waiting to see what the government was going to do.

And they threw me a curve. I didn't expect them to vote it down. I fully expected that they'd get together, vote, then slap each other on the back and head out to vacation. They took some more time, voted for it and THEN headed out for vacation. You can read the latest iteration here.

We shouldn't be in this mess to begin with. Bailout

I'm hesitant to play armchair economist here, because truth be told I can't seem to comprehend the scope of a $700 billion bill that deals with a situation that's not been seen during my lifetime. How did we get here? I understand the real estate portion of this mess - banks invested in bad mortgage loans, and now they don't know when they're getting their money back. That's why it's called a bailout.

There's lots of blame to go around, and a thousand thoughts on what it all means. (Updated 10/6 11:50am - The Wall Street Journal says Washington's to blame) I'm certainly not qualified to know who's got it right, and who's just blowing smoke, and the cynic in me thinks that most just like to hear themselves talk. I'm not going to stare at the heavens, drop to my knees and scream, nor am I going to post anything other than this post. What I'm going to do is focus on what I can control - providing the absolute best service I can to my real estate clients. It's what I have, it's what I can do best, and I'll keep moving towards Go to collect my $200.

(Updated 10/6 11:50am - Just started through my feed reader from the weekend and read this post by Jim Duncan. I like the end ... "Figuring out how we will all be impacted - in as calm, rational and non-panicing manner - is crucial."

Photo credits

Politics As Usual

10-02-08
Jeremy Hart

A reasonable delay, or politics as usual?

What are we saying to those citizens who would benefit from a project like this if we're not willing to discuss it openly, honestly, and act decisively? Is this a project that a silent majority of Montgomery County citizens truly want, but is being silenced by a vocal minority and plodding politics?

Will The Colosseum Stand The Test Of Time?

10-01-08
Jeremy Hart

IMG_0378 Blacksburg's newest development project, The Colosseum, has broken ground. Here's a link to the recap in Multi-Housing News.

I wrote in January that I thought it was too much for the area - too much product right now. I still do; condos are lagging behind the rest of the market.

Only time will tell how this project does.

Just like to say that this picture was taken by my wife on a trip she took to Italy over the summer. It's my absolute favorite - I'm so proud.

The Colosseum In Blacksburg

10-01-08
Jeremy Hart

TheColosseum1 A few weeks ago, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Colosseum project in Blacksburg. The event featured speakers, all kinds of food and drinks, Roman gladiators (I mean, honestly - can you name something "The Colosseum" without gladiators?) and golden shovels. I took video to show you, in fact.

Stupid video - somehow, everything was corrupted and I lost it all.

So I'll recap the project here, as best I can. Sorry about that, but I DO have answers to some of the common questions people have been asking about the project. From the project's marketing department:

What exactly is a condominium hotel - Condominium hotels operate as a hotel but also add the legal and financial structure of a condominium. Buyers receive a deed for a real property interest that they can in turn sell whenever they choose.

How is this different from buying a regular condominium - In addition to the investment value of a condominium, buyers can take advantage of the benefits of a luxury hotel. When the condominium unit owners stay at the hotel, they have access to all of the hotel's amenities, including its restaurant, bar, pool, fitness and spa facilities.

What happens when I'm not using my condominium - When the owners are not using their suites, they can be made available to rent through the hotel's voluntary rental program. The Colosseum is managed by Salamander Hospitality, an award-winning manager of exclusive hotels and resorts, so buyers don't have to worry about maintaining a property away from home.

What makes The Colosseum a luxury sports condominium hotel - Conveniently located near the heart of Blacksburg's business and shopping district and two miles from Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum, The Colosseum is perfectly designed for Virginia Tech alumni and fans who want to support Virginia Tech athletics. Game day enthusiasts can also take advantage of extras such as child care, game shuttles and underground parking.

How many units are there - The two tower, six story, 241 unit condominium hotel offers luxury fully furnished studio suites, or a one or two-bedroom suites.

How does The Colosseum support the local community - The Colosseum has pledged to donate a portion of the sale of each unit, up to $500000, to the construction of the new basketball facility. The donation will be made in the name of the purchaser, who will also receive Hokie Points toward preferred seating and parking for their contribution. Likewise, The Colosseum has committed to endow a permanent $100000 scholarship for a student athlete pursuing a degree in property management or hospitatlity and tourism management, and offer internships to building and construction students during the construction phase.

Pictured above, left to right:

Steve Semones, Balzer & Associates
Daryl Andrews, The Colosseum
Mayor Ron Rordam, Town of Blacksburg
Mark Kinzer, Unlimited Construction
Mike Burnop, ISP Network Analyst and Virginia Tech Hall of Famer
Todd Meckley, Entasis Design PLLC
Random Gladiator