EVERYTHING WILLIAMSBURG!

Trying to decide where you should buy your next home?

Well, Williamsburg, VA is a great choice! Why? Here, let me give you 51 Reasons (in no particular order):

Prime Outlets      Great Wolf Lodge   Cardinals in abundance in the Spring Yankie Candle Factory                          Busch Gardens

Colonial Williamsburg Kimball    Theater R.F. Willkinson YMCA Colonial Parkway from Jamestown to Yorktown     Summer Breeze Concert Series                   Williamsburg Winery

Water Country USA         Sno-To-Go             Newtown Cinema 12             Kidsburg Park
              Tavern Ghost Walks           Ripley's Believe It or Not!             Revolutionary City
4th of July Fireworks @ Busch Gardens & Colonial Williamsburg Considered one of the top 5 places to retire in America           Go-Karts Plus                   LPGA Michelob Ultra Open

Phi Beta Kappa Hall-Performing Arts Series
First Night Williamsburg

The Virginia Gazette - Last Word    Dessert at the Trellis - "Death by Chocolate" Grand Illumination at Christmas              Newtown          
Wonderful Golf Course communities - Kingsmill, Ford's Colony, Stonehouse, Greensprings Plantation, Governor Land, Colonial Heritage

The Fife & Drum Corps of Colonial Williamsburg

Dewey Decibel Concert Series at the Williamsburg Library Theatre Virginia Shakespeare Festival @ William & Mary DeWill Wallace Decorative Arts Museum The Williamsburg Antique Mall

CoCo Chocolatier            Farmer's Market on Duke of Gloucester Street               Waller Mill State Park Williamsburg Pottery Factory          Jamestown Settlement Historic Jamestown     The Virginia Arts Festival presents performances by the world's top-flight artists in classical music, dance, theatre & jazz

The Williamsburg Symphony, Classical Music Series            Busch Neck Farm - Pick-your-own strawberries, apples, blueberries, asparagus sweet corn, peaches & pumpkins Aromas Coffeehouse GreenLeafe Cafe - Shrimp PoBoy Wrap      The Old Chickahominy House - Blueberry Pancakes                            Capital-to-Capital Bike Trail

The Christmas Mouse            William & Mary Football/Tailgate Parties

Concerts on Duke of Gloucester Street
                                                  Pumkinville at Halloween

Consider calling me, Williamsburg's Preferred Realtor®, for your all of your Real Estate needs. I hope that I've enlightened & informed you!

Yvette Smith 757-753-7472

WILLIAMSBURG

POPULATION: 12,434

AREA: 9.05 square miles

FOUNDED: As Middle Plantation in 1633; established as Williamsburg in 1699

MEDIAN AGE: 24.2

LANDMARKS: Wren Building, Governor's Palace, Colonial Capitol, Courthouse of 1770, Bruton Parish Church

MAYOR: JEANNE ZEIDLER

Don't be surprised to see men in breeches waiting in line at the bank and women in mob caps picking out food at the supermarket in Williamsburg!

The historic flavor or Colonial Williamsburg blends with the daily life of city locals and students at the College of William and Mary (the second oldest university in the country). It's a common scene for costumed Colonial interpreters to mingle with the packs of students in downtown eateries and shops!

CW, as it's nicknamed, has more than 500 original and reconstructed 18th century buildings. The recent addition of a program called Revolutionary City, which allows guests to watch real-life scenes in the former Colonial capitol, has been popular. Why, just last summer, British Queen Elizabeth II stopped in to celebrate Jametown's 400th.

I hope that I have enlightened and informed you about Everything Williamsburg! Stay tuned for my next blog where I will give you 51 reasons to live in Williamsburg!

Yvette Smith
Williamsburg’s Preferred Realtor®
757-753-7472

Many people don’t realize that there are a number of alternatives to foreclosure. The most important thing to remember is that you should involve a knowledgeable Realtor as early as possible, because the more time that you have, the more options will most likely be available to you.

First, an agent will perform a “CMA” (competitive market analysis) on your home, to see what your property would sell for in today’s market, and how long it will take to get it sold. Next, the agent will prepare an estimate of your proceeds, to determine your equity position. Any unmade mortgage payments and late fees will need to be added to your outstanding balance, before determining the amount of equity (if any) that you have. The agent will also project any mortgage payments that will need to be made between now and when the home is expected to settle.

If you are several months or more behind in your payments, and/or have not lived in your house long, it is possible that you will find yourself in an “upside down” equity position, which means that you owe more on the house than you can net from its sale.

The last thing that the bank wants to do is foreclose on your property…it is a very expensive, time consuming process. Accordingly, there are systems within most banks and mortgage companies to help consumers avoid foreclosure…either by working out alternative payment schedules, or forgiving the amount needed to make a sale work. The type of mortgage that you have will determine the process for applying for “forgiveness” of the shortfall.

VA has a “compromise” program. Under certain circumstances (legitimate hardship, a sale at market value supported by an appraisal, etc.), the VA will forgive the amount you would need to bring to the table to complete a sale. HUD has a comparable short sale process, and many conventional loans can also be successfully negotiated through their loss mitigation departments to avoid foreclosure. Second mortgages, in particular, are inclined to negotiate a solution, because they risk losing their entire investment in the event of a foreclosure.

If you are facing financial challenges, involve a professional Realtor early. It's always possible that demand may push the value of your property high enough that you can sell your home, pay off your mortgage(s), and even have some money left over. And if not, the right Realtor can successfully navigate you through the steps necessary to negotiate with your mortgage company to avoid foreclosure, and the negative impact that can have on your credit.

It would be my pleasure to assist you in your time of need.  Call me today for all of your real estate needs.



757-753-7472

WHAT'S THERE TO DO IN WILLIAMSBURG?
5/18 -5/19



Well, there's plenty to do in Williamsburg!  Take a peak at what's going on...    

SUNDAY

AMERICAN LEGACIES:  STAGE & SCREEN CLASSICS - Presented by the Virgina Chorale, 3 p.m. at the KIMBALL THEATRE.  Tickets are $10-$32.  Call 565-8588.

BOOK SIGNING - Aleck Loker signs "Profiles in Colonial History" 1-3 p.m. at William & Mary Bookstore. FREE!!

CHILDREN S' BIKE RIDE - Children welcome to ride with their parents 1-12 miles on the Virginia Capitol Trail with riders from Williamsburg Area Bicyclists.  Meet at 2 p.m. at Jamestown High.  FREE HELMETS while they last.  Refreshments.  Call 229-4907  

DRUMMER'S CALL -  A demonstration of soldiers and their field music from various military units active during the American Revolution.  11 a.m. at the Magazine. Colonial Williamsburg admissions pass or Good Neighbor card required.

GLORY AT THE GARDENS - Busch Gardens Europe presents a concert at 2 p.m. by Thousand Foot Krutch, Pillar, Building 428, and This Beautiful Republic.  www.buschgardens.com

SERVICE INDUSTRY NIGHT W/KARAOKE -  J.M. Randalls; 9:30 Call 259 - 0506                          

JAZZ BRUNCH  - Opus 9 Steakhouse - Dana Fitzsimons Trio performs 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

TAXI ON THE DARK SIDE - at the KIMBALL THEATRE - shows at 7 and 9 p.m. Call 565-8588

PAWS TO READ @ YOUR LIBRARY - 2:30 p.m. at the WILLIAMSBURG Library Youth Services Program Room.  Trained therapy dogs listen as children read.  FREE, but signed permission slip required.

REVOLUTIONARY CITY - "Citizens at War, 1776-1781," 3-5 p.m. Historic Area east end, from Botetourt Street to the Capitol.  Call 220-7645.


MONDAY

BINGO - Williamsburg Moose Lodge - First game 7:15 p.m.                                   

BINGO - Held at Historic Triangle Community Services Center.  Doors open at 6 p.m.

MEET THE CONSERVATOR OR CURATOR - 2:30 p.m. at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.  Call 220-7724.

REVOLUTIONARY CITY - "Building a Nation:  The Transformation from Subjects to Citizens," 3-5 p.m.  Historic Area east end from Botetourt Street.

SMALL WONDERS - Tour the exhibit "A Child's Eye View" 2:15 and 3:30 p.m. Monday and Saturday thru June 14 at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.  Call 220-7724

I hope that I have enlightened & informed you!!  Feel free to contact me about Real Estate.

Yvette Smith
757-753-7472

Williamsburg's Preferred Realtor®

 IT IS MY PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE:

4008 TETTINGTON DRIVE

 This wonderful home shows pride of ownership. Immaculate 3 or 4 bedroom home. There are 3 first floor bedrooms including a huge master bedroom & bath suite. A Bonus room can be 4th bedroom. Wayne Harbin quality & detail. This home has a very spacious kitchen with work island, lots of counter top space & a huge eat in area. The sunroom washes the whole house in morning light. Great level cul de sac lot.

GENEROUSLY OFFERED AT $468,00

Come to Williamsburg for a permanent visit.  You won't regret it!  The cardinals are calling your name!  Won't you take advantage of all Williamsburg has to offer?  Our Prime Outlet Mall has just expanded with 25 new stores!  Busch Gardens is now open!  Yippee!!!  If you purchase this home, you'll be within 15 minutes of each of these places.  Think about it, then call me for more information.

Yvette Smith
757.753.7472
Williamsburg's Preferred Realtor®

Traditionally, one of the steps of the settlement process is the property survey.  A professional surveyor diagrams the property to be purchased, and notes features which may not otherwise be discovered prior to closing.  For instance, a recorded easement by a public utility would be detected by a title examination in the courthouse, but not a fence that was mistakenly installed by a neighbor several feet over the property line.

Many people don't realize that in many cases surveys are no longer required by the mortgage company in order to close on resale homes.  Enhanced lender title insurance policies which are now used by most settlement agents simply "insure over" many of the minor infractions (fences, sheds, etc.) commonly discovered by a survey.  And, while I'm all for saving a few hundred dollars, I would still recommend that buyers should invest the $225-$250 in a survey before they close.

If a survey determines that your wooden privacy fence is actually on the neighbor's property, or your garden shed is in the middle of a utility easement, what should you do?

Your settlement attorney can explain in detail the implications of this predicament, but from a practical standpoint, I would advise weighing the risks against the alternatives.

If the fence is not on your property, it is possible that your neighbor may take it down.  Which of you will maintain the fence?  Often, a friendly conversation between neighbors can confirm mutual understanding, and put your mind at ease.  If your garden shed is in the middle of an easement, you should consider how difficult/expensive it will be to move in the event that becomes necessary.  What kind of easement is it, and what is the likelihood that it will ever be a problem?  If it's an inground swimming pool that is in the middle of an easement, that is a much more serious issue, and you should consult your attorney on the appropriate steps to solve the problem.

Other title problems which a survey will uncover are building setback violations.  Each locality has a prescribed setback distance which builders must abide by when siting a house on a lot, both in the front and on the sides.  Those city or county setback guidelines can be further restricted by individual neighborhood association policies.  In the event that the home you're buying violates the setback requirement, you will have to get a variance from the appropriate authority to clear the title problem.  This process could be time consuming, which is another reason to order the survey early in the settlement process.

A typical survey costs between $225 and $275, but can run substantially more if you are purchasing acreage, or property that has not been surveyed in a very long time.

I hope that I have enlightened & informed you!

Yvette Smith
757.753.7472
Williamsburg's Preferred Realtor®

1.    What methods should be used to accurately pinpoint the value of my
home? In this fast-paced market, how can I be certain that I'm getting top
dollar? How often are low appraisals encountered?

2.    What repair issues might I face as a result of a home or termite and
moisture inspection performed after I've already negotiated price and
terms?

3.    Are there any fees that will be charged above and beyond the brokerage
fee? If so, what will they be used for? What's included in the brokerage
fee?

4.   Specifically, how will my home be marketed, and how will results be
measured? What types of marketing materials will be used (e.g. Will
highlight sheets include room dimensions and multiple photos?)

5.    Will I have exclusive representation, or is it possible that my agent could be
a dual agent, juggling the buyer's interests as well as mine?

6.    If we encounter any legal issues during the process, will I have access to a
real estate attorney at no charge?

7.    How will prospect inquiries from ad and sign calls be handled? What about
internet leads?

8.    How will incoming offers on my property be analyzed to ensure that my
bottom line is best protected, and that the prospective buyer is qualified to
purchase?

9.   Who can help us with moving details such as reliable contractor referrals
and utility transfers?

10.     What kind of communication can I expect from my agent throughout the
process?

I am dedicated to all your real estate needs while providing a worry-free move!  And as always, I hope that I have enlightened & informed you!

Yvette Smith

Williamsburg's Preferred Realtor®

1.  Fresh paint.  Choose a neutral color, and give the interior a bright new look.  You may want to consider doing some early packing, and not re-hang all of your pictures.  Less clutter will make rooms appear larger, and the new owner will appreciate not having to fill holes.

2. Landscaping.  A carefully manicured lawn, and weed-free beds are an indication that the property is well cared for.  Mulch and some color in the flower beds go a long way toward creating that important curb appeal.

3.  Replace carpet and vinyl.  New flooring in a neutral color allows the buyer to feel that they are moving into a "new" home.

All three of those improvements tend to encourage a FULL PRICE offer on your property, because the prospective buyer is not moving in with a laundry list of "to-do's" which are likely to be estimated at a higher cost than you'll actually pay.  By doing them in advance, you preclude a buyer for reducing his offer price by the amount he feels he'll need to invest.  Other additions that aid in marketability are minor kitchen and bathroom remodeling, such as replacing dated counter tops and appliances, and refacing/replacing out of style cabinets.

Carefully consider any major renovations such as room additions, garage conversions, swimming pools, etc.  It's important that you make those investments to enjoy while you are living in the home, because chances are that you will not recoup but a fraction of your cost.  Garage conversions, for instance, may add a great bonus room or extra bedroom, but when it comes time to sell, you'll have to subtract the value of the garage that you no longer have.  If garages are customary in your area, the loss will most likely exceed the gain.

It's also important to evaluate the improvement based on what is typical in your neighborhood...it is easy to fall into the trap of "over improving," and ending up with the greatest home on the street, which is never a sound financial move.

In today's market, your best bet is probably to take a serious look at moving up, rather than sinking a lot of expense into an existing home.  A professional realtor can help you evaluate your prospective home improvement projects in advance, to make sure that you are enhancing your greatest asset!  

I hope that I have enlightened & informed you!

Yvette Smith

Williamsburg's Preferred Realtor®

The following are the residential tax rates for various cities in Hampton Roads Virginia.  The rates are per $100 of assessed value. Not bad...

So, what does all of this mean to you?  Now, is a great time to purchase your home.  Sure, the market has slowed in Hampton Roads, but it is still better than the state average.  In 2007, 23,071 homes were sold, including new construction and existing homes...down from 26,740 sold in 2006.  But, the average price for a home sold in 2007 was $281,066, up from $276,104 the previous year. 

All economic indicators point to a housing recovery that is prected to come SOONER in Virginia and Hampton Roads than in many other areas of the country. Translation, the Real Estate market will heat up here, in Hampton Roads, first!!!  Call me today so that you can take advantage of tomorrow!!!!

I hope that I have enlightened & informed you!

Yvette Smith

Williamsburg's Preferred Realtor®