Wanda Fears, ABR CRS GRI

Inspirational Women in Business
For all women in the real estate business this year
By internet research from Wanda Fears

In Difficult Times Many Famous Women Found Strength:

Women in business continue to be the shining light in the current market. According to the Center for Women's Business Research, female entrepreneurs generate $2.3 trillion to the American economy and employ more than 18 million people. There are many examples of women in business success stories but we did not have to dig deep to find the truly inspirational female business leaders. The following women in business have overcome great odds and serve as a beacon for all those to follow. Each of these examples provides varying degrees of hardship and success. Some, like former Washington Post CEO, Katherine Graham, had no idea of the ability in her until tragedy struck. Others, like Oprah Winfrey have the spark of greatness within them. As William Shakespeare stated, "Be not afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them."

Inspirational Women in Business Katherine Graham, CEO Washington Post: Graham's rise to publishing leadership was something "thrust upon" her. Following her husband's death from suicide depression, Katherine had chosen to fill her husband's shoes as the Post's publisher. Katherine had no idea of the greatness ahead of her but as stated in her autobiography "Personal History", "What I essentially did was to put one foot in front of the other, shut my eyes, and step off the edge". That courage led her to become the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Katherine's success can be summed up by her words, "To love what you do and feel that it matters — how could anything be more fun?"

Ruth Handler, Founder of Mattel & Barbie Creator: California female entrepreneur, Ruth Handler transformed her belief of girls playing with paper dolls, to dolls with breasts being vital to the child's self-esteem. That belief led to the icon everyone knows as Barbie. From a garage in 1945, Mattel grew to become a Fortune 500 company. Ruth's understanding of self-image continued later in life when she developed the "Nearly Me" breast prosthesis following a mastectomy. Disliked by feminists, Handler's ability to stick to her vision shows the trait required by all small business owners.

Oprah Winfrey, Chairman Harpo, Inc.: The first African-American woman to become a billionaire, Oprah overcame her own trials and tribulations stemming from child abuse. Oprah began her television career at seventeen and her star was lit when she turned around the failing "AM Chicago" show. Oprah's business and career success can be attributed to her passion to help others. Oprah clearly states her corporate mission for The Oprah Winfrey Show "...is to use television to transform people's lives, to make viewers see themselves differently and to bring happiness and a sense of fulfillment into every home." These women represent a small sampling of many great women in business influential. The one common thread among the stories of success is success does not come easy. Success goes hand in hand with hardship and challenges. Never lose sight of your small business struggles...they are a requirement to great things.

Reading material.





• Mary Kay Ash Quotes - Mary Kay Ash Biography - Business woman and founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. • Sarah Beeny Quotes - Real Estate developer and British television presenter of Property Ladder in the UK. • Rhonda Byrne Quotes - Australian author of The Secret book and DVD, which talks about the law of attraction. • Chin Ning Chu Quotes - Chinese born business consultant and author of "The Asian Mind Game" • Hillary Clinton Quotes - Hillary Clinton Biography - New York senator and wife of the former President of the United States of America, Bill Clinton. • Wendi Deng Quotes - Chinese born American business woman and wife of the media mogul Rupert Murdoch. • Julia Gillard Quotes - Popular female politician of the Australian Labor Party. • Melinda Gates Quotes - Melinda Gates Biography - Cofounder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and wife of the richest man in the world. • Louise Hay Quotes - Louise Hay Biography - American spiritual author and founder of Hay House publishing company. • Janet Holmes a Court Quotes - One of Australia's richest women and respected businesswoman of the Heytesbury company. • Jackie Huggins Quotes - Australian Aboriginal human rights activist and respected leader. • Kathy Ireland Quotes - Former fashion model and now successful entrepreneur. • Angelina Jolie Quotes - Angelina Jolie Biography - All Angelina Jolie - Famous actress, model, and humanitarian from the United States. • Helen Keller Quotes - Helen Keller Biography - Famous American author and inspirational activist that was both blind and deaf. • Holly Madison Biography - Playboy bunny and young girlfriend of the media mogul Hugh Hefner. • Angela Merkel Quotes - Famous German politcian and first ever woman Chancellor of Germany. • Michelle Obama Quotes - Michelle Obama Biography - Wife of the African American politician of the Democratic party Barack Obama. • Suze Orman Quotes - Suze Orman Biography - Personal Finance author, Certified Financial Planner and Media Personality. • Sarah Palin Quotes - Sarah Palin Biography - All Sarah Palin - Female politician, governor of Alaska, and Republican party VP nominee in 2008. • Gina Rinehart Quotes - Australian business woman and first female billionaire. • Anita Roddick Quotes - Anita Roddick Biography - British entrepreneur, environmentalist and Body Shop Founder. • J.K. Rowling Quotes - JK Rowling Biography - Famous billionaire British writer of the Harry Potter series of books. • Martha Stewart Quotes - Martha Stewart Biography - Entrepreneur, Media personality and billionaire Lifestyle guide. • Ivana Trump Quotes - Former wife of the New York businessman Donald Trump. • Ivanka Trump Quotes - Ivanka Trump Biography - Daughter of the billionaire real estate developer Donald Trump. • Suzie Welch Quotes - Wife of the former GE CEO Jack Welch (Suzie Wetlaufer).

• Meg Whitman Quotes - Meg Whitman Biography - Former CEO of the online auction website eBay. • Oprah Winfrey Quotes - Oprah Winfrey Quotes 2 - Oprah Winfrey Biography - Female Billionaire Talk Show Host and Actress.

Wanda Fears ABR CRS GRI Realtor,Long and Foster www.wandafears.com wanda@wandafears.com www.facebook.com/wandafears 804-909-2777

Some buzz words... Local, recycled, long lasting, low impact, low voc emissions.

Check out the U.S. Green Building Council for new updates.

We will see more engineered floor joists, stronger, straighter,more stable, with more design choices.

Composite boards will also be used more. The parks system is actually using these boards to wind through low grounds for walking paths. Much better than salt treated.

Flooring, look for new bamboo prefinished with almost indestructible coatings.Linoleum is also back but not your mother's old style, but new high grade long lasting.

Look for milk paints low VOC paints, water based polyurethane, and stains. Or use of just tung oil on woodwork or floors.

There is more usage of of sisal or hemp rugs, especially room rugs that can be rolled up and cleaned, and reused.

Insulation can now be cotton batting, rock wool, soy based and sticky cellulose. Look into other alternatives that are more efficient.

Newer HVAC geothermal is a little more costly up front, about 12,000 vs 8000 for heat pump; but saves 75% of heating bills and last twice as long as a heat pump. and no noise to deal with. Average saving is about 2000 or more a year on average home. A worthwhile investment.

And don't forget tank less hot water heaters. Why do you want to heat water all day versus just when you need it.

By 2012 they will be phasing out incandescent bulbs. Try fluorescent. Why? They last 10 times as long, and save much energy. LED's are also becoming available. Improvements are being made to these products all the time.

Foundations are changing, manyare concrete being poured into molds.

Check out these products and be sure to make sure the installer is familiar with the products he is installing. Check references and if there are LEED's certified.

I hope some of this information is helpful to the average home owner re modeler, as well as to anyone considering building.

yours Wanda Fears,

Realtor,Long and Foster, Richmond, Va.

www.wandafears.com

wanda@wandafears.com

804-909-2777

www.facebook.com/wandafears

Richmond Virginia has some great investment options for parents right now in the area around Virginia Commonwealth University, the Bio Tech park, and Medical college of Virginia.

Some job changes and companies relocating have put some reasonable priced properties on the market and parents are scooping them up.

it makes sense if student is going to be here for 4-6 years depending on the major.

And with the 8000 tax credit for first time home buyers (put you child's name on property), the savvy parents can get down payment and closing cost back.

There are some stressed sellers who need to sell; they have already relocated to another city.

Several developers are building 600 + more apartments around VCU in the next year, so there is demand; but rent is wasted money.

Purchasing is a good investment. Rent out two Bedrooms to other students and keep one for your student.

Make him or her the manager and pay them a small sum to manage and write off their spending money on taxes. Talk to your accountant.

Richmond is a great college town. Cultural events go on almost every weekend.

There is the Asian festival, the Greek Festival, the Indian Pow Wows in King William, the Armenian food festival, the Folk Music festival, and tons of out door free music concerts.

Hurry just one month left for 8000 tax credit for first time home buyers, can put your student on loan and cosign. Investment VS Rent. Plus nowadays mortgages are cheaper than rent.

See

www.venturerichmond.com

Face Book@ http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=736643159&ref=name

Call 804 909-2777

email: wanda@wandafears.com

web www.wandafears.com

From: Wanda Fears ABR CRS GRI, Realtor, Long and Foster

Subject: Long and Foster Richmond Va. welcomes Voice Pad



Hello

Our company, Long and Foster, just went live on Voice Pad .

The system can be used immediately to identify "ACTIVE" homes listed in the MLS. This is very exciting and will be a helpful tool. Since we just went live, I am just starting to learn all its benefits.

You can use this system to look up any "ACTIVE" listing that has a street address that is listed in MLS. Anytime, Anywhere 24/7.

For example, call the Long and Foster Voice Pad line 215-337-4308 toll free.
Put in house number of house sitting in front of. It will prompt you as to the street and you will hear a description of choices.

It will then send a listing brochure to your email once registered. Any listing from any agent is available to you, in the privacy of your home. Then email me if you interested in seeing on of them.

Email me to register you for this free service.

wanda@wandafears.com (your name , email and Phone number)

Let me know what you think.


Keep this number handy so you can use it at anytime!!!!!!!!!!!!!Voice Pad line 215-337-4308

I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Email me today!!!!!

Wanda Fears ,ABR CRS GRI, Long and Foster
804 909-2777
www.wandafears.com
wanda@wandafears.com
If you know someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please pass their information on to me, and I will take care of the rest.

Many thanks.
Wanda Fears

Great for First time home buyers, VCU/MCV Parents, Sellers,buyers

Dear Client,

I hope you are viewing your market snap shot of homes values in you area. It is always nice to keep up with the market. I hope you and family still are enjoying your home.

Here is another report on the Richmond Market in general. Your financial planners keep you abreast of your investments. I am also trying to keep you abreast of one of your largest investments.

Call me if you have any questions and please recommend me to friends and co-workers looking for a good Realtor.

A CRS designated Realtor is like having a masters in real estate. Since the market slow down, I have taken the opportunity to further my education.

I stay on top of the market and the influence of the Internet in today's market for sellers and buyers. It's a great time to buy and sell a house. Even if one does not get what their neighbors got last year, their buying power is so much stronger this year.

Yours Wanda

Wanda Fears, Realtor ABR CRS GRI
Long and Foster
cell: 804-909-2777


www.wandafears.com
e-mail:wanda@wandafears.com

Central Virginia Area Housing Market 2008

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Virginia and the Central Virginia region have fared much better than the U.S. thus far, and are expected to do so going forward.
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The Central Virginia region ended 2008 with overall home sales down 23%, but average home prices down just 3%.
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The number of pending sales at the end of 2008, while down from 2007, was not down by as much as sales, indicating a potential for improvement in the first quarter of 2009.
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As of the end of the third quarter, the U.S. foreclosure rate was 1.84% of housing units, and in Richmond metro it was 1.03%. Of the 100 largest metro areas, Richmond metro ranked 73rd in foreclosures.
Central Virginia Housing Market Trends - Fourth Quarter
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Fourth quarter 2008 sales were down 33% in the CVR MLS compared with the fourth quarter of 2007.
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In the Richmond Metro Area, sales were down 21%. In the Tri Cities area, sales were down 31%.
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Prices were down by much less than sales in the fourth quarter. Across the CVR MLS, the average sold price was $246,637, down 8% from the fourth quarter of 2007.
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Prices were down 14% in the Richmond Metro Area and down 5% in the somewhat lower-priced Tri Cities Area.

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In 2008, over 11,200 homes were sold in the CVR MLS, with more than 80% of home sales occurring in the Richmond Metro Area.
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Overall home sales in 2008 were down 23% compared to 2007. Home sales were down fairly uniformly across the region.

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The average price of a home sold in the CVR MLS in 2008 was $264,467; down just 3% from the 2007 average price of $273,032.
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Prices were down 3% in both the Richmond Metro and Tri Cities Areas. Some local markets experienced flat prices or even slight increases in 2008.
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Nearly three-quarters of homes sold in the CVR MLS had a sold price below $300,000. Only 7% of homes in the CVR MLS sold for $500,000 or more.