Norfolk, VA

Effective October 19, 2009, unsupervised minors are no longer permitted in the MacArthur Center Mall in Downtown Norfolk after 5pm.

Yes, ID's will be checked and extra security is on hand to enforce the new regulation. Teens found in the mall unsupervised after 5pm will be escorted to their "accompanying adult" or escorted out of the mall.

According to mall officials, the new rule is to help keep shoppers safe and kids out of trouble. In recent years, the number of minors "hanging out" in the mall has grown.

Some of the businesses are not happy about the new rule. Both Nordstrom and Dillards said they will continue to allow teenagers to shop in their stores after 5pm.

Click HERE to read the new "Adult Supervision Policy" for MacArthur Center.

The Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) for military members is officially accepting applications. There are a lot of military in the Norfolk area who bought homes in the last few years and have orders out of the area. As we know from news reports this can be a disaster for the military person on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. Many bought when the price was high and now are forced to sell when the price is low.

I am here to let you know that there is help. The Department of Defense (DOD) has finally come out with the final guidelines for the Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) to eligible service members and federal civilian, including non-appropriated fund, employees. The program is authorized by law, and administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to assist eligible homeowners who face financial loss when selling their primary residence homes in areas where real estate values have declined because of a base closure or realignment announcement.

That program has been modified by The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) which temporarily expands the HAP to assist service members and DOD employees who are wounded, injured or become ill when deployed, surviving spouses of service members or DOD employees killed or died of wounds while deployed, service member and civilian employees assigned to BRAC 05 organizations, and service members required to permanently relocate during the home mortgage crisis.

If you are in this situation or think you might be in this situation, give me a call. Who knows better how to help the military person than a 21 year veteran.

http://www.geneallen.com Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads. This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search.

Google gene allen

The mother of all plug in electrics comes to Norfolk. There aren't many plug in vehicles yet but there are some. Let me tell about one. This one has 1.080 lead acid batteries, 1,500 horsepower, cost $1.3 million dollars and only goes in circles. Norfolk Southern has bought an all electric switching locomotive. The locomotive can go three shifts before needing to be recharged. That should really cut down on local emissions. It is truely an amazing feat if you ask me.

http://www.genesellsvirginiabeach.com Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads. This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search.

Google gene allen

This weekend is Virginia's tax holiday on all things energy efficient and Energy Star Appliances. I have posted about this each year, so why change?? Thinking about a new washer, dryer, refrigerator? Need to reduce drafts for the winter months? Supplies and replacements may be part of the tax credit.

A quick review of the Virginian-Pilot showed some stores are offering discounts along with the tax holiday. Shop around and make that upgrade this weekend!

Check out the details on the Website!

Nofolk is full of Active Duty and Retired military personal mainly from NAS Norfolk, Little Creek Amphibious Base and Norfolk Naval Air Base. What does the Veteran do when the house they own can not be sold for enough to pay off the existing mortgage? One would expect to have a "short sale" but that is not what they are called. For those Veterans, there is the VA Compromise Sale. Like in conventional "short sales" there is a process to go through. Don't check all the boxes and guess what, you get delayed. Below are the steps to help the Veteran through the process.

1. Closing costs must be "reasonable and customary".

2. May only sell the home for Fair Market Value.

3. The Vet must have a valid financial hardship such as loss of income, relocation, death of breadwinner, etc.

4. No or little second mortgage on the property. If so, you may have to ask the junior lienholder to release the lien and convert it to a personal note.

5. Contract is "contingent and/or subject to the approval of a VA compromise sale."

Steps to begin the procss:

1. Contact the lender to see if they are an approved VA Servicer Loss Mitigation lender otherwise contact the VA regional office servicing your loan directly.

2. Fill out a financial status report form provided by the lender or the VA.

3. Complete a letter of request.

4. Complete a Compromise Agreement Sale Application. You can get this form from the VA or the approved lender.

Final Important Points:

1. The lender does not have to agree to a Compromise Sale.

2. For VA loans originated on or before December 31, 1989, you might have to sign a promissory note at closing agreeing to repay VA for the deficiency remaining after the property is sold.

3. Find an experienced Short Sale Realtor® should guide you through the sales process, help you determine fair market value and prepare your package for submission to your lender or the VA.

For more information the VA Compromise sale for Norfolk veterans, contact your VA Regional Loan Center.

http://www.genesellsvirginiabeach.com Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads. This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search.

Google gene allen