Tina in Virginia - Real Estate and Musings from the Commonwealth

Tina in Virginia's Sangria Recipe

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 04:06:37 -0700

After posting a picture of the homemade sangria my husband and I made this weekend, I received quite a few requests for the recipe so here it is: 1 orange - sliced thin 1 lime - sliced thin 1 lemon - sliced thin 1 cup blueberries 1 cup cherries - pitted 1 cup sliced pineapple 2 cut up granny smith apples 1 bottle red wine 1 bottle white wine 1 bottle citrus flavored rum 1 liter Sprite or 7-Up Mix all ingredients together and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. I recommend using a container with a spout at the bottom, like the one we used. Use a large spoon or tongs to get the fruit for adding to your glass or just eating right out of the container. Remember to support your local farmers and buy your fruit locally whenever possible. ************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer

Renovated 4 Bedroom Cape Cod Home in Norfolk

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 13:08:14 -0700

Renovated Home in Norfolk

Overview Maps Photos Description Neighborhood

$149,800

Single Family HomeFor Sale

Main Features

4 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Partial BathroomInterior: 1500 sqftLot: 0.16 acre(s)

Location

7445 Tyndale Ct.Norfolk, VA 23505 To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Our recent listings Beautiful and Affordable Home in Virginia Beach!Renovated Home in NorfolkStunning Home by the Bay in Virginia Beach!Spacious and Affordable Home in HamptonUpdated Ranch Home in Chesapeake

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************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer

Please Remove My Home From the Internet

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 03:27:28 -0700

Interesting topic - I have lots of thoughts on this and will be putting something together soon.I sold a property last fall and last week I received a request from the buyer, now the homeowner of record, asking me to remove his home from all my marketing blogs, videos and ads on the Internet. Who knew Internet Sleuth was a new facet of an agent's job description? Okay, it was easy to switch the YouTube video to private and remove some interior photos (although the furnishings in the pics belonged to my seller and were posted with his consent). A note notifying the new owner of the removal was met with appreciation AND a long list of links where he found photos of his property. Yikes, some were on personal websites of other agents, some were on sites that pick up listings from the MLS and so on and so forth. Josh, my business partner, removed pertinent photos from our website and numerous blogs. Needless to say it was a time consuming task, but I have to admit we were pretty impressed with the depth and breadth of our marketing efforts. My former listing had worldwide exposure! I understand the new homeowner's concerns. He feels his privacy is compromised. It was no small feat to locate and eradicate all traces of the lovely listing I once sold. I'm sure we missed a few sites. Will other buyers cringe when their new home continues to show up on various Internet sites? Will agents soon be required to remove all traces of listings that went viral? What is our obligation to the new homeowner? Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper. South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Find Norma on: Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Email Norma Palos Verdes Homes Blog - Rancho Palos Verdes HomesPalos Verdes Horse Property - Palos Verdes Realtor BlogBoitano Palms Lots for Sale - Homes with Views in Palos VerdesPalos Verdes Coastal Homes - Palos Verdes HomesPalos Verdes Photography - Palos Verdes Videos ************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer

Beautiful Home by the Beach for Sale in Virginia Beach

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Sat, 29 May 2010 02:41:17 -0700

Stunning Home by the Bay in Virginia Beach!

Overview Maps Photos Description Property Video Neighborhood

$299,900

Single Family HomeFor Sale

Main Features

2 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Partial Bathroom1 UnitInterior: 1400 sqft

Location

2902 Bente WayVirginia Beach, VA 23451 To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Our recent listings Townhouse for $127,800 in Chesapeake, VAUpdated Ranch Home in ChesapeakeAffordable Country Living!Spacious and Affordable Home in HamptonStunning Home by the Bay in Virginia Beach!

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The Real Estate Admin/Transaction/Whatchamacallit Fee. Let's Just Call a Pig a Pig Shall We?

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:28:13 -0700

About a year ago, I wrote a post for the Virginia Association of Realtor's blog, VAR Buzz, about these real estate "fees". I got in a lot of hot water over my "opinion" and toned it down a bit. But, today, I heard something that made my blood boil. One of the largest real estate companies in the United States recently hired an outside consulting firm to conduct a compensation study with their agents. Know what the #1 complaint among the agents was? It wasn't the agent split nor the outdated office equipment; it was the company forcing the agents to charge the clients and customers a "transaction fee". Know what the CEO said? "Tough. It's not going away". It's been about 10 years since as an agent, I was instructed by upper management to charge this "fee". Over the years, the name of the fee has changed, the amount of the fee has increased, new policies have come out about how to "address" the fee with the consumer and the penalty the agent faces for not collecting the fee. And after 10 years, I still feel like a heel when I charge my clients the fee. At this point, most all of us know about Busby v. JRHBW Realty, Inc. d/b/a Realty South, Case No. 06-15308, 11th Cir. January 17, 2008. In basic terms, this case was about Busby seeking class action status for a claim that the Brokerage fee charged was unearned and in violation of RESPA Section 8(b). After this case, many brokerages began calling the "fee" a "flat fee commission". Well, I'm not the CEO of a brokerage nor am I an attorney. I understand that these "fees", by whatever they are called, generate quite a bit of revenue for the real estate companies. I also understand that in 10 years, I have never once witnessed consumer A, who pays the fee, getting more real estate services than consumer B, who doesn't pay the fee. But, all that being off my chest now, here's where my thoughts have brought me today: Annie Agent represents Buyer Bonnie in the purchase of a home. Annie looks at the MLS and finds a home she would like to show Bonnie that is listed by Listing Agent Leroy. Listing Agent Leroy has negotiated a commission with Seller Susie and made an offer of compensation to cooperating brokers of 10 apples. Annie Agent is a good, responsible agent and has disclosed to Buyer Bonnie in a buyer brokerage agreement that she will be paid 10 apples plus an orange (i.e. commission + flat fee/transaction fee or whatever you call it) for her real estate services. Annie Agent, in writing the purchase agreement for the home Buyer Bonnie wishes to purchase, requests Seller Susie to pay all of Buyer Bonnie's settlement expenses. Seller Susie agrees and the transaction proceeds to closing. At closing, Seller Susie is surprised to see that along with Buyer Bonnie's lender and title charges, she is also being asked to pay for an orange for Annie Agent on behalf of Buyer Bonnie. Seller Susie and Listing Agent Leroy are upset because when Annie Agent showed the listing, that is an agreement to accept the co-brokerage commission offered of 10 apples. The brokerage fee agreement signed between Listing Agent Leroy and Annie Agent also states that Annie Agent is to receive 10 apples (not 10 apples plus an orange) from the negotiated commission between Listing Agent Leroy and Seller Susie. Is Annie Agent's additional charge of an orange, which Seller Susie is being asked to pay, an interference in the commission agreement between Seller Susie and Listing Agent Leroy? If so, is that not in violation of the Realtor Code of Ethics: "Standard of Practice 16-16: REALTORS®, acting as subagents or buyer/tenant representatives or brokers, shall not use the terms of an offer to purchase/lease to attempt to modify the listing broker's offer of compensation to subagents or buyer/tenant representatives or brokers nor make the submission of an executed offer to purchase/lease contingent on the listing broker's agreement to modify the offer of compensation. (Amended 1/04)" What are your thoughts on this? Footnotes: A few interesting points that have now come up.... 1. If the Brokerage is now required to call the "admin fee" a "flat fee commission", does it now fall under "commissions earned" by the agent? Has the Brokerage amended their agreement with their agents to address this additional commission as earned revenue which should be based off the agent's split? 2. Again, since the "admin fee" is now a "flat fee commission", then the ONLY place it should be permitted on the HUD-1 would be line 701 or 702 (Total Real Estate Broker Fees). Many agents have said they are still seeing the fee on lines 1301-1305 (Additional settlement charges). ************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer

Virginia Beach Real Estate Market Report - April 2010

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Fri, 21 May 2010 05:30:48 -0700

Zillow Home Value Index You need the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player.Download the free Flash Player now!More Virginia Beach Home Values************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer

Norfolk, Virginia Real Estate Market Report - April 2010

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Fri, 21 May 2010 05:27:24 -0700

Zillow Home Value Index You need the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player.Download the free Flash Player now!More Norfolk Home Values************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer

Affordable Town Home for Sale in Chesapeake, VA

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Wed, 19 May 2010 05:16:30 -0700

Townhouse for sale in Chesapeake, VA

Overview Maps Photos Description

$127,800

TownhouseFor Sale

Main Features

3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Partial Bathroom1 UnitInterior: 1058 sqftLot: 0.04 acre(s)

Location

2701 Janice Lynn Ct.Chesapeake, VA 23323 To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Our recent listings Townhouse for $127,800 in Chesapeake, VAUpdated Ranch Home in ChesapeakeHome for Sale in Newport NewsAffordable Country Living!Spacious and Affordable Home in Hampton

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The 2010 Most Endangered Historic Sites in Virginia

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Tue, 18 May 2010 01:30:31 -0700

Yesterday, Preservation Virginia listed their annual list of the most endangered historic sites in Virginia. Seeing the pictures of these neglected and dilapidated sites that carry so much history within their walls and grounds is heart breaking. Hopefully, with the release of this latest list, a few properties will receive the care and attention they deserve. 1. The Old Albemarle County Jail, Charlotteville 2. Cornland School, Chesapeake 3. St. Francis De Sales School, Powhatan 4. Taylor Hotel, Winchester 5. Warm Springs Historic Bath Houses, Warm Springs 6. Gavis Residence, Winchester 7. Warwick Town, Newport News 8. Historic Family Cemeteries Across the Commonwealth 9. Carver School, Alexandria 10. Morrisena, Albemarle County For more information on the efforts of Preservation Virginia and/or these particular sites, contact the Richmond office at: 804-775-0802 or tcalhoun@preservationvirginia.org.************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer

Home for Sale in Deep Creek Landing, Chesapeake, VA

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 05:08:25 -0700

Updated Ranch Home in Chesapeake

Overview Maps Photos Description Video Neighborhood

$224,800

Single Family HomeFor Sale

Main Features

3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 1750 sqftLot: 0.25 acre(s)

Location

904 Levee Ln.Chesapeake, VA 23323

Our recent listings Affordable Country Living!Updated Ranch Home in ChesapeakeClassic Brick Ranch Home in PortsmouthSpacious and Affordable Home in NorfolkBrick Ranch Home on Culdesac in Chesapeake

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Home for Sale in Elizabeth Acres, Portsmouth, VA

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 03:02:52 -0700

Classic Brick Ranch Home in Portsmouth

Overview Maps Photos Description Video Neighborhood

$219,800

Single Family HomeFor Sale

Main Features

3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 1500 sqftLot: 0.25 acre(s)

Location

316 Charlotte Dr.Portsmouth, VA 23701

Our recent listings Classic Brick Ranch Home in PortsmouthUpdated Ranch Home in ChesapeakeSpacious and Affordable Home in NorfolkBrick Ranch Home on Culdesac in ChesapeakeSpacious and Affordable Home in Hampton

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VHDA/FHA Plus Loan Program is Changing Effective 5/1/2010

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:19:21 -0700

VHDA FHA PLUS PROGRAM CHANGES VHDA is changing the amount available for the second mortgage of the FHA Plus Program. · Borrowers with credit scores between 620 and 679 will be eligible for a second mortgage at a maximum of3.5% of the lesser of sales price or appraised value. · Borrowers with credit scores of 680 and greater will continue to be eligible for a maximum second mortgage of 5% of the lesser of sales price or appraised value. · The applicable credit score will be the lower of the middle scores of all borrowers. · Maximum second mortgage amount will be based on the credit score available at the time of loan commitment. No increase to the loan amount will be allowed for improved credit scores after loan commitment. · When making a loan reservation beginning May 1, 2010, a credit score for all loan programs will be required to be input in the reservation system. If the score changes it will be updated at the time of loan commitment. These changes are effective with reservations beginning May 1, 2010. ************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer

How the Students of Virginia Tech Are Commemorating April 17th

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 03:35:28 -0700

A short video depicting how the wonderful students of Virginia Tech will never forget.... ************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer

Home for Sale in Hampton, VA $129,800

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 10:43:38 -0700

Spacious and Affordable Home in Hampton

Overview Maps Photos Description Property Video Neighborhood

$129,800

Single Family HomeFor Sale

Main Features

3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Partial Bathroom1 UnitInterior: 1625 sqft

Location

630 G St.Hampton, VA 23661

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Ranch Home for Sale in Wakefield, VA $124,800

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 10:10:19 -0700

Affordable Country Living!

Overview Maps Photos Description Video Neighborhood

$124,800

Single Family HomeFor Sale

Main Features

3 Bedrooms2 BathroomsInterior: 1004 sqftLot: 1.40 acre(s)

Location

38165 Rocky Hock Rd.Wakefield, VA 23888

Our recent listings Affordable Country Living!Updated Ranch Home in ChesapeakeClassic Brick Ranch Home in PortsmouthSpacious and Affordable Home in NorfolkBrick Ranch Home on Culdesac in Chesapeake

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Home for Sale in Tarleton Oaks, Virginia Beach, VA $199,900

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 10:05:07 -0700

Beautiful and Affordable Home in Virginia Beach!

Overview Maps Photos Description Video Neighborhood

$199,900

CondominiumFor Sale

Main Features

2 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Partial Bathroom1 UnitInterior: 1316 sqft

Location

5873 Ludington Dr.Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Our recent listings Ranch Home for Sale in NorfolkBeautiful and Affordable Home in Virginia Beach!Affordable Country Living!Spacious and Affordable Home in HamptonAffordable Brick Home in Virginia Beach

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Home for Sale in Ballentine Place, Norfolk, VA

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 09:19:48 -0700

Ranch Home for Sale in Norfolk

Overview Maps Photos Description Video Neighborhood

$139,800

Single Family HomeFor Sale

Main Features

3 Bedrooms2 BathroomsInterior: 1100 sqft

Location

2631 McKann Ave.Norfolk, VA 23509

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License To Sell, You're...Not A Realtor?

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 06:22:02 -0700

Upgrade your house.....or else! Hello America! We have a new bill going through congress...I know this will get some press time or will it? I was scanning my in box for updates and this little gem was there. Here is a link that could cost every home owner in America...and don't worry you won't be able to sell your home either unless you make the required government required upgrades. This is a little know bill moving through congress that is called the Cap and Trade bill. Like everything that is done through congress attachments are part of how bills are done. They attach a deal here and a deal there and the middle class pays. If you noticed in the last bill the drug companies did fine. Now look at this one. See for yourself. The bill name HR 2454http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h2454/show Try this one on for size or Google HR 2454 Cap and Trade bill for yourself. There is more hidden in there than energy savings. It' like selling nukes to Iran! Take a look and step up and tell your congressman what you think. Do you think upgrading every home in America can happen? What about those families that are on the edge will they have the money to spend on upgrading? The sad truth is if they can't you will pay for them...and the local governments will have to raise taxes because they won't have the budget to hire extra people to let you stand in line to get a license for your home! Actually that is a little far fetched you won't be able to sell your home until the upgrades are done. Think we have seen foreclosures? How many people will walk away from their home if they can't sell? Let me know what you think...I am for energy but not at all costs. I thought we could have done much more to rid ourselves of the offshore oild purchases a long time ago but hey...I don't own a car company either. Take care thanks for stopping by.************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer

Criteria for Extending the First Time Homebuyer and Move-Up Homebuyer Tax Credit

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 03:20:53 -0700

The $8000.00 first time and move-up homebuyer tax credit will extend through May 2011/ with a closing by July 2011. This is for members of the uniformed services or Foreign Service and employees of the intelligence community. To qualify, the borrower must have been on a qualified official extended duty outside the United States. This duty had to be at least 90 days, serving on at a duty station, during the timeframe of January 1, 2009 and May 1, 2010, and needed to be either at least 50 miles from their primary residence or living in Government Quarters under Government orders. ************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer

Norfolk, Virginia Real Estate Market Report - March 2010

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 01:14:43 -0700

Virginia Beach, VA Real Estate Market Report March 2010

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 01:11:34 -0700

An Important Message to Families with Children in Virginia Beach

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 00:54:53 -0700

This information was forwarded to me by the Laurel Cove Civic League. It also includes information from the VA Rush soccer league and some families in the area. The 2nd police precinct is looking into this information. Please inform your children to be on alert! "Dear Parents and Coaches - Below is a trail of emails that were forwarded to us by another soccer club in the area regarding an important issue - This is not to cause any panic but we want to make you aware of these incidents and make sure that you are on the lookout. Hello Denise, I am the manager for XXXTEAM and several emails of people I know have come across my email today about a child predator. There is a man in a small blue pick up truck stalking and approaching children in our local neighborhoods. One incident yesterday was down the street from Brill field. The other incident happened near Great Neck Rec Center. Both incidents sent the children running for help. The police were notified on the incident near Brill field( 2 boys ages 12, 13). The other incident is just now being brought to the authorities attention-again 2 children (1 boy age 10 , 1 girl age 12). With the season beginning this weekend , I thought this is very important to get out. Please remind Parents to be on the lookout for this truck and to remind children to not to go up to a strangers car. If you need the names of these people I will give them to you. thanks for any help you can give to get the word out ! I will include most of the body of the 2 emails I received just for your eyes only please: Hi everyone, I just wanted to put a quick email out to people to let them know what happened to XXX and a friend tonight. XXXXwas at a friends house tonight playing basketball in the street. A royal blue truck stopped by and told the boys he was watching their 'plays'. The man sat in the road for a time. He then proceeded to ask the boys to come and see something he had in his truck. According to the boys, he took off his seat belt and was reaching for something. Fortunately, they both avoided going close to the truck and reported the incidence. The man did speed backwards down the street and then went forward before speeding out of the neighborhood. He had a mexican accent, shaved head, and a little goatee on his chin. XXXX thought he was about 40, but I'm not sure how reliable that is since I tell him I'm 29!! Anyways, it is an older blue small truck and the kids did not get the license plate. The police feel it could be more of an exposure incident than an abduction, but at this point I wouldn't take a chance. Please report any incidences to the police and they promised to put the word out to the schools. Please pass on as needed 2nd email: I live behind Cox High School in the Shorehaven area. I was shocked as I read this e-mail. Several weeks back, my two children were outside playing in our neighborhood and they also were approached by a man in a small pickup truck. They indicated that the man just watched them, but followed them as they moved throughout the neighborhood. They became increasingly uneasy and ran into the home of one of their teachers who also lives in the neighborhood. The man actually followed them down the drive. Luckily, their teacher's husband was home. She is a teacher at Great Neck Area Elementary School and is the individual who forwarded this e-mail to me. The report sent to me after sending out the info: Denise- This seems much more relevent based on the descriptions/circumstances of the previous reports. We live in the King's Grant neighborhood, very close to King's Grant Elem. My 9 year old son was walking to a friends house about a block away during one of the snow days earlier this year. Along the way a man in a yellow (not blue as the others described) pickup with a cab/cover over the bed, started following him, driving slowly. My son ran up to a house and the man sped away. My son described him as having tan skin, a long goatee and he was wearing a hat. The man didn't say anything to him, just stared and followed. In describing this incident to neighbors, another boy claimed to have had a similar incident with a man of the same description, also with a yellow truck. The man did motion that boy to the truck. The boy ran away to a house. I thought this information might be helpful, especially since it seems that there is more than one vehicle to be on the lookout for."************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer

Classic Colonial Home for Sale in Ballentine Place, Norfolk, VA

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 13:04:35 -0700

Classic Colonial Home in Norfolk

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$184,800

Single Family HomeSale Pending

Main Features

4 Bedrooms3 Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 2000 sqftLot: 10,912 sqft

Location

2830 Vincent Ave.Norfolk, VA 23509

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So Much Can Change in a Year....Part 2

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:42:17 -0700

If you haven't read Part 1, you can do so by clicking here. Making the decision to put our house on the market really hit home with the reality of our situation. We were fortunate to not be in financial trouble; we could handle the mortgage if Frank was out of work for a while...but for how long? Was the stress this would put on us really necessary? So, in May, we started packing things up, cleaned, painted, pressure washed, landscaped and stuck a "For Sale" sign in the yard in June. Being that I wanted to keep my emotions in check, I hired a Realtor (not myself) to list my home (one of the best decisions I have ever made). In spite of the flat market, it sold quickly. My husband became an interviewing machine...online interviews, phone interviews, in person, group...you name it, he tackled it. A few offers came in, but he wanted a company that was local, had a strong balance sheet and was imbedded in the community. He called me after "THE" interview. The position was exactly what he wanted. The company had all the qualities he was looking for. He prayed like I have never seen him pray before. He wanted that job so much....and it was located 330 miles across the state. The call came while we were at REBC San Francisco. I'll never forget it...I was talking with Brad Andersohn at Trulia HQ and I got a text message from Frank, "I need you ASAP". It was real. A real job. A great job. We were moving...in a week...across the state to Blacksburg, Virginia. "What am I going to do about my real estate business?" I suppose I had been in denial that this was actually happening. All I had worked for...all I had built up since 1998...what the hell was I thinking?!?!?! I had no desire to start a real estate business all over again in a new place. Could I commute? Should I live in Virginia Beach 4 days a week and Blacksburg the other 3? I had grown up in Virginia Beach and while the rest of my family no longer lived there, it was still my hometown. My friends were there, my business was ingrained there..my life was there. To be continued....************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer

So Much Can Change in a Year....Part 1

Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate (Nest Realty) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 03:31:26 -0700

When I woke up this morning (not too early mind you), I realized that a year ago today, my comfy little life as I knew it had changed forever. March 15, 2009....as my husband and I were heading to bed for the night, he got an email alert about his company, a large, international bank based overseas. The London papers were announcing a downsizing of the company in the USA and plans to significantly reduce the amount of business done in America. Needless to say, we didn't sleep much that night. Visions of pink slips and resumes and trying to find a job in a difficult economy took over any chance of counting sheep. The next morning, my husband was one of the few people who knew anything about what had been reported just hours before in London. When word did come from the home office in Chicago, it was vague and noncommittal. Then, Thursdays started happening. The dreaded Thursdays where the pink slips were handed out. Each Thursday morning, my husband and I would wonder, "will it be today?". To avoid the embarrassment of packing up his desk while security oversaw his departure, my husband started boxing up things and bringing them home, "just in case"... In the meantime, my real estate business was doing well. After 10 years in the business, I was used to the jump in business that spring brought and I focused more and more on my work, rather than the depressing state of my husband's. But, I could see the sadness...the worry. A man who prided himself on supporting his family was suddenly thrown into an unknown world of seeing his coworkers lose their jobs and wondering if and when his time would come. That night, we made a decision. We were not going to sit back and wait for the inevitable. We would look at this as an opportunity. To be grateful that we had been given notice of what was about to happen and use the time left to find another job...a better job...perhaps in another place. Using the skills I had learned through blogging and online networking, we worked on his LinkedIn profile, built a website for him, joined multiple online job search sites, contacted former coworkers and everything else we could think of to market Frank Merritt. He listened to interviewing books on his commute to and from work and searching for a new career became a full time job in itself. To be continued.....************************************************************************************** Tina Merritt and her Associates. can be reached at email: tina@nestrealtygroup.com or 757-287-6338. Our Network consists of both buyer and listing specialists helping buyers and sellers in Southeast Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson, Virginia. In Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Pulaski, Dublin, Floyd, Narrows, Pembroke, Pearisburg, Glen Lyn, Rich Creek, Check, Hiwassee, Indian Valley, Parrott, Newport, Shawsville, Pilot, McCoy, Long Shop, Fairlawn, Wythe, Draper, Willis, Sowers, Elliston, Eggleston, Ironto, Riner, Auburn, Rogers, Giles County, Montgomery County, Floyd County, Pulaski County. Visit our website: NestRealtyGroup.com Disclaimer