EVERYTHING WILLIAMSBURG!

TROOPS & SPOUSES TO TEACHERS in VIRGINIA

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 13:39:49 -0500

The Spouses to Teachers program no longer exists, and there's a new initiative being advertised by the Dept of Defense that is NOT under our purview. It is called the Military Spouses Career Advancement Account. It is being run by www.militaryonesource.com.

The Troops to Teachers program info may be still be obtained at www.odu.edu/troopstoteachers.

NEED A CAREER CHANGE?

You may just find it with...

TROOPS and SPOUSES TO TEACHERS

Are you a Soldier or military spouse interested in becoming a teacher in VIRGINIA? Troops to Teachers provides a $5,000 stipend to pay for any approved teacher licensure program, in any state, at any accredited college, to military personnel with bachelor's degree. The Spouses to Teachers program offers up to $600 to reimburse participants for the required tests leading to a teaching license.

TROOPS TO TEACHERS is a U.S. Department of Education and Department of Defense prgoram that helps eligible military personnel begin a new careeer as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed. SPOUSES TO TEACHERS stem from the TROOPS TO TEACHERS program. It is also a Department of Defense project designed to assist spouses of active duty and reserve military members to become public school teachers.

Click here for more information about TROOPS TO TEACHERS in Virginia. Please visit TROOPS TO TEACHERS National website.

Click here for more information about SPOUSES TO TEACHERS

Courtesy of YVETTE SMITH, SRES® REALTOR® Williamsburg Real Estate 757-753-7472 Direct line 757-645-2155 Office

WILLIAMSBURG LOCAL Gets GRAMMY Nomination!

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:29:32 -0600

WILLIAMSBURG LOCAL Gets GRAMMY Nomination!

Williamsburg native, Bruce Hornsby received his 13th Grammy nomination last week. The nomination is for the collaboration on "Family & Friends: Rambling Boy" by Charlie Haden. Pat Metheny and Jerry Douglas also took part in the collaboration. It has been nominated in the Best Country Instrumental Performance.

Bruce Hornsby has won 3 Grammys in his career of more than 30 years. Bruce was born in WILLIAMSBURG, VA and he and continues to reside here with his family.

The Grammys air in February.

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
Long and Foster, REALTORS®
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

HOW DO I PRICE MY HOME TO SELL?

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:47:05 -0500

How do I price home my home to sell? Good question! Do you want it to sell sooner or later? I bet you'll say sooner! In that case, pricing your home correctly is critical to the end result that you desire. Read on to find out more...

FIRST, NEVER, NEVER select your REALTOR® based on the list price they recommend. Although, a higher list price could result in a higher net to you, just the opposite may oocur and often happens. You have an overpriced listing. It is far more important to select a REALTOR® who is will tell you the truth, even when it's not what you want to hear. Choose your REALTOR® based on their expertise and their specific marketing strategy for your home.

SECONDLY, You need to look through the eyes of a prospective buyer. What homes will they be looking at in addition to yours? How does your home compare (Price, Condition, Size) to the others. Your REALTOR® will help you establish a price range to position your property to sell. How fast you need to see as well as condition of your home will be KEY factors in narrowing this price range.

NEXT you'll need to analyze the effects of appraised value. What does that mean? It means that 90+% of all buyers get mortgages, most purchases are subject to an appraisal. Because appraisers appraoch value from a different perspective, it can often result in a different price. They look at closed sales within the past 6 months to determine value.

KEY things to REMEMBER:

1. VALUE is determined by what a buyer gets OUT of a product...not what an owner has in it.

2. Surrounding property values influence the selling price of your property.

3. Prices in a real estate market rise and fall over time.

To sum it all up, one can safely say that your home is worth what a buyer in today's market is willing to pay for it. Much like shopping for a car, home buyers make their choices based on comparisons to similiar homes. That is why pricing your home is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT decision you will make in marketing it and ultimately selling it!!

If you have questions about selling your home in Williamsburg, VA, call Yvette Smith, Williamsburg's Preferred REALTOR®

Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
Williamsburg Real Estate Blog
757-753-7472 Direct line
757-645-2155 Office
757-240-5674 Fax
5350 Discovery Park Blvd
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@lizmoore.com

Blog Action Day – Poverty Affects People in Your Own Back Yard

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:09:54 -0500

Petra Norris has done a great job for Blog Action Day! I just wanted to share it again.

All the best,

YVETTE SMITH
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472

Via Petra Norris, Broker - Lakeland Realtor® Lakeland Florida Real Estate,:

Blog Action Day – Poverty Affects People in Your Own Back Yard

Poverty is not only in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan...

It's happening right here in our own back yard

America - The Land of the Free, the land with endless opportunities, living the American Dream.....

Growing up in Germany in the 70's with six brothers and one sister, mom was working in a brewery and dad was a heavy equipment operator putting asphalt on the road. We had a roof over our head, food on the table and hand-me-down clothes to wear. Money was always tight with dad working only in spring, summer and fall. I never knew our financial dilemma when I was growing up, my parents never talked about money in front of me and my siblings. Poverty was in our family, I just did not notice.

Today, I took a walk around Lakeland's Munn Park. I noticed a guy sitting on the bench reading a book with a backpack next to him. I asked him if I could sit next to him and off we were talking about life. I asked him where he came from and where he lived. He started talking about living on the streets, being homeless, staying at The Lighthouse Ministry in Lakeland when he can; being an alcoholic and that he lost his only son in a motorcycle accident a few years back only made things worse. Losing his son, he told me, was a real heartbreaker that he has not been able to get over. I commented that losing a child is worse than losing a spouse, but he would have to take that first step to turn his life around. He seemed to me that he has trouble when getting a step ahead something happens, like loss of work, he would fall down again, making it even harder to get up again.

"It is not easy for men to rise whose qualities are thwarted by poverty." By Juvenal (55 AD - 127 AD)

Poverty is happening in your own backyard; even here in this beautiful town Lakeland Florida, all you have to do is look around you. Poverty could be in your own neighborhood, with foreclosures on the rise, folks losing their jobs. More and more people are living one paycheck away from disaster.

Today is Blog Action Day and the theme is "Poverty". Please join me and thousands of others to make a difference in somebody's life by lending a helping hand. By lending a helping hand you may put food on their table, clothes on their back or even have a warm place to sleep.

Written by Petra Norris - CDV TransAtlantic - Lakeland Florida

RETIRE IN WILLIAMSBURG VA

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 11:03:17 -0500

TIRED or JUST READY TO RETIRE?

Don't wait another day! Come join me for a sneak peak and lunch at WINDSORMEADE of WILLIAMSBURG.

We will tour one of WILLIAMSBURG'S most vibrant RETIREMENT communities. See the beautiful NEW residences and experience the WEALTH of services and amenities of the Good Life at Windsor Meade.

Dates and times are:
Thursday, August 7th @ 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, August 28th at 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, September 9th at 10:30 a.m.

Or call Yvette Smith for your personal guided tour of WINDSORMEADE of WILLIAMSBURG today!! You'll be glad you did!

YVETTE SMITH, Senior Real Estate Specialist® Realtor®

WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE

757-753-7472 Direct Line

757-645-2155 Ofiice

757-240-5674 Fax

The Gift of Giving

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:15:00 -0600

TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE

Holidays can be hectic. There's shopping, cooking, traveling and of course the every day details of life. During this time of the year, people's minds are not focused on donating blood. That can mean area blood supplies can reach critical levels. Winter months, just like the summer months, especially around the holidays, are tough times for blood collection.

According to the Red Cross website, blood types O-positive and B-negative are at critical levels. Blood types including A and B-positive and O and A-negative is the most needed and most requested by hospitals because it is the universal blood type.

According to the American Red Cross, only 5% of people who could give blood actually do. Blood can be donated every 56 days, and is used in a variety of health and trauma situations.

To give blood:

You must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with a parent's consent).
Minimum weight of 110lbs.
You must have not donated whole blood in 8 weeks (56 days) or double red cells in 16 weeks (112 days).
You must be healthy, well enough for normal activities.

During the holiday season, the need for blood actually goes up because of the increased number of people on the roads, which can lead to more traffic-related incidents and accidents.

THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE IS THE GIFT OF LIFE...DONATE BLOOD!

For more in-depth guidelines or to find out where you can donate in your town, visit the Red Cross website.

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

INDOCTRINATING SELLERS

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:29:53 -0600

INDOCTRINATING SELLERS

Upon reading the article from Inman News - Death of a Listing Presentation, I have put to rest the presentation portion of the listing presentation and adopted EDUCATION. Managing a seller's expectation is done through preparation. We are better able to do that if we give them the (as Lenn Harley would say) Hard Core Real Estate Talks! I've come up with some things that should be explained during your education process:

1. You should let the seller know HOW they can contact you. Is it email? What's your response time for replying to emails? What is your response time for a phone call? How soon can they expect to hear from you after leaving a voice mail? This is important, you're setting the stage for the entire relationship. TELL THEM NOW what they can expect!

2. Explain to them a BUYER'S MARKET versus SELLER'S MARKET. Then SHOW them facts. Show them the current inventory and explain how many months of inventory there are in the area.

3. Give them numbers! But at the same time, don't OVERWHELM with too much data.

a) Average days on market - overall market and their sub-division (if applicable).

b) Number of homes for sale in their price range - overall market and their subdivision.

c) Number of homes that have sold in the last 6 months/1 year.

d) Homes comparable to theirs that are currently on the market - high price/low price

This will kill many birds with one stone. A seller can gage how long their home will be on the market, at a minimum. A seller would know how many listings their up against. A seller would know where their asking price will be in comparison with the others. They will know (if they don't already), what's been going on in their neighborhood.

4. What is being OFFERED on homes that are selling? Seller assistance on closing costs, home warranties, bonus' to selling agents. A seller should know if/what other sellers are doing to make their home more appealing to buy.

5. Here's a big one. What will the BUYERS SEE when considering their home? Provide the seller with printouts of active listings and go over details of the features of those homes. Everyone usually (almost always) thinks their house is BETTER than the others. A good way to show them that is to take them on a tour of the competition's homes.

Ask the seller questions. Find out their motivation.

Are you willing to sell your house at fair market value? (Typical response: "But I'm not willing to give it away.") At what price would you consider you were giving it away?"

Sellers must know that this is a TEAM effort. Everyone is working toward a common goal. That goal is to get their home SOLD!

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
Long and Foster REALTORS®
6610 - J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Supply & Demand Report for Williamsburg-James City County 11/6/08 -12/6/08

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 14:39:23 -0600

SUPPLY and DEMAND Report for WILLIAMSBURG - James City County

November 6, 2008 - December 6, 2008

RESIDENTIAL
Area: JAMES CITY COUNTY	MLS Total
Current Active Listings
Number	888
List Price Average	489,981
Average Days on Market	189
Total Sold
Number	39
List Price Average	400,735
Sales Price Average	378,179
Average Days on Market	151
Under Contract Listings
Number	22
List Price Average	331,530
Average Days on Market	182

If you are someone who is looking to BUY a home in Williamsburg - James City County, NOW is YOUR time! There are literally hundreds of properties to choose from depending on your price, financing, criteria, etc. WHY NOT take advantage of this market to UPGRADE, DOWN-SIZE, buy a VACATION HOME, or buy a CONDO for your college-aged son or daughter? The possibilities are endless. WHY WAIT? Call me today so that I can help you plan for your tomorrow!

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
757-753-7472
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
Long and Foster, REALTORS®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

We believe this information is accurate, but we have not independently verified it and we do not vouch for its accuracy. Recipients of this information are urged to take whatever steps they feel appropriate to verify the accuracy of any information of special importance.

Prepared by Williamsburg Multiple Listing Service on Saturday, December 06, 2008 2:25 PM

How You Can Go GREEN This Christmas!

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:08:06 -0600

How You Can Go GREEN This Christmas!

When you decorate this holiday season, consider going au naturel - without lights! You can make or buy wreaths and garlands of natural materials that can be composted or will naturally decompose. Natural greenery can be found at local farm stands throughout your town.

Yes, an artificial tree can be used for years, but it will eventually end up in a landfill somewhere. A cut, live tree from a tree farm is better because tree farmers are continually replacing harvested trees. And, because live trees can be recycled after Christmas. Williamsburg-James City County Recycling allows residents to drop off live trees until February 29, 2009. The trees are then mulched or composted by the Virginia Peninsula Public Service Authority.

But, if you must have Christmas lights, consider exchanging your incandescent tree bulbs for LED (Light Emitting Diode) ones. They cost a little more, but LED lights use more than 98 percent LESS energy and can last up to 10 years and stay cooler.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 25 percent more trash than usual is generated between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Buy gifts without a lot of packaging or that require minimal wrapping. RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE! Use your own reusable shopping bags for your purchases when you shop. Place gift boxes and wrapping paper tubes in recycling containers for weekly pickup.

You will find that it's the little things that mean so much and make a big difference!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
Long and Foster, REALTORS®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Supply & Demand Report for Williamsburg-York County 11/6/08 -12/6/08

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 14:48:49 -0600

SUPPLY and DEMAND Report for WILLIAMSBURG - YORK COUNTY

November 6, 2008 - December 6, 2008

RESIDENTIAL
Area: York County	MLS Total
Current Active Listings
Number	94
List Price Average	441,161
Average Days on Market	127
Total Sold
Number	2
List Price Average	230,500
Sales Price Average	223,500
Average Days on Market	103
Under Contract Listings
Number	6
List Price Average	243,617
Average Days on Market	98

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
757-753-7472
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
Long and Foster, REALTORS®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Supply & Demand Report for the City of Williamsburg 11/6/08 -12/6/08

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 14:35:18 -0600

SUPPLY and DEMAND Report for the CITY of WILLIAMSBURG

November 6, 2008 - December 6, 2008

RESIDENTIAL
Area: City of Williamsburg	MLS Total
Current Active Listings
Number	92
List Price Average	475,183
Average Days on Market	217
Total Sold
Number	3
List Price Average	651,300
Sales Price Average	619,167
Average Days on Market	209
Under Contract Listings
Number	4
List Price Average	302,600
Average Days on Market	94

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
757-753-7472
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
Long and Foster, REALTORS®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Fun Days in December! Ho, Ho, Ho!

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:55:12 -0600

FUN DAYS IN DECEMBER! HO, HO, HO!

Today, December 1, is World AID's Day. A day when individuals and organizations from around the world come together and bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic.

December, the last month of the year, is a month of many fun occasions. The more obvious is Christmas (25th) and New Year's Eve (31st). As you shop this month, whether on the Internet or in the stores, be aware of thieves. This month is Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month. As we round out the year and ponder on the New Year to come, you can begin your business plans. It's not too early to start thinking about what camp to send the children to. December is National Write a Business Plan Month and Choose a Summer Camp Month! December is also Bingo's Birthday month for those of you who love B-I-N-G-O the way I do!

There are a number of Weekly Observances this month that I will celebrate. First, Tolerance Week (1-7), I shall strive to have lots of tolerance during the shopping season! National Handwashing Awareness Week (7-10) - I have two boys, need I say more about handwashing?! It's About Time week (25-31), time to make those resolutions. There is also Chanukah/Hanukkah (22-29) and Kwanza (26 -1/1).

Here are more special days in December:

2 Special Education Day

3 Special Kids Day

5 Bathtub Party Day (Have fun with on this day!)

10 Human Rights Day

13 Day of the Horse

16 National Chocolate-covered Anything Day (Ummm, I thought this was everyday!)

17 Clean Air Day

21 World Peace Day/Solstice

26 National Whiner's Day (For all of the listings)

28 & 29 National Chocolate Day ( So good it had to have 2 days!)

31 Make Up Your Mind Day (Every homebuyer on this day WILL write an offer!)

31 No Interruptions Day ( Tell that to the kids!)

HAPPY ALL OF THESE DAYS TO YOU!

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
755-753-7472
Long and Foster, Realtors®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Holiday Concerts in WILLIAMSBURG

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:30:52 -0600

HOLIDAY CONCERTS in WILLIAMSBURG @ William & Mary

If Thanksgiving did not get you into the holiday spirit, try a little music! The College of William & Mary is sponsoring a number of holiday concerts that will surely get your sleigh bells ringing!

Wednesday, December 3, 8 p.m.
William & Mary Symphony Orchestra
        Akiko Fujimoto, conductor
        "Carmen" Fantasy by Saraste featuring Renowned violinist Charles Castleman and Johannes Brahms' Symphony
        No. 4 in E minor
        $8 general/$2 students/free for children under 12

Thursday, December 4, 8 p.m.
William & Mary Wind Symphony
        Angela Holt, conductor
        Holiday musical journey from America, around the world and back to America, with a special appearance by the             W&M Middle Eastern Ensemble.
       $7 general/$3 students and seniors

Friday, December 5-6, 8 p.m.
William & Mary Choir, Women's Chorus & Botetourt Chamber Singers
        Brian Bailey, conductor
        Choral Holiday Concert of music by Mendelssohn, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Duruflè, Vaughan Williams and more!
        $10 general/$5 students

Saturday, December 20, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. & December 21, 2 p.m.
        The Virginia Regial Ballet and Heidi Robitshek presents:
        The Nutcracker! A Spectacular Williamsburg tradition for over 30 years!

All at the Phi Betta Kappa Memorial Hall, 601 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg. Call 757-221-2674 for more information.

Happy Holidays to All!

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
Long and Foster Realtors®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY...

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:04:11 -0600

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
Long and Foster Realtors®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE MARKET (February & March)

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:37:11 -0500

The following report is a statistical view of the homes bought and sold in Williamsburg, VA from MARCH 1, 2008 TO APRIL 1, 2008. This includes Residential property only and it is broken down into the 3 counties that make up Williamsburg, VA.

Units Volume Avg. Sales Price Median Sales Price Avg. Days on Market
All Listings Sold: 70 $23,581,013 $336,872 $294,710 113

James City Co             53             $18,702,613                 $352,879                      $299,900                              120
City of Williamsburg      7               $1,709,400                 $244,200                      $217,000                                73
York County               10               $3,169,000                  $316,900                      $276,000                              105

OK, now here is the previous month (February 1, 2008 to February 29, 2008) in Williamsburg, VA...

Units Volume Avg. Sales Price Median Sales Price Avg. Days on Market
All Listings Sold: 70 $25,888,690 $354,640 $320,000 144

James City Co            57              $19,866,290                  $348,531                       $320,000                            131
City of Williamsburg     7                $2,740,500                   $391,500                      $307,500                            250
York County                9                $3,281,900                  $364,656                       $389,000                            144

Last month, the average sales price of homes in Williamsburg, VA increased from February to March. At the same time, the average days on the market decreased, which is a good thing (homes are selling faster than the previous month).

As you can see the Real Estate Market is doing pretty well compared to other places in our nation. NOW, is the perfect time to relocate or retire in Williamsburg, VA. If you want to know more about Williamsburg, VA, consider giving me a call to assist you with your Real Estate needs!

I hope that I have enlightened and informed you!

Yvette Smith
Williamsburg, VA
www.athomeinwilliamsburg.com
757-753-7472

EVERYTHING WILLIAMSBURG!

TROOPS & SPOUSES TO TEACHERS in VIRGINIA

TROOPS and SPOUSES TO TEACHERS

Click here for more information about TROOPS TO TEACHERS in Virginia. Please visit TROOPS TO TEACHERS National website.

Click here for more information about SPOUSES TO TEACHERS

Courtesy of YVETTE SMITH, SRES® REALTOR® Williamsburg Real Estate 757-753-7472 Direct line 757-645-2155 Office

WILLIAMSBURG LOCAL Gets GRAMMY Nomination!

WILLIAMSBURG LOCAL Gets GRAMMY Nomination!

Bruce Hornsby has won 3 Grammys in his career of more than 30 years. Bruce was born in WILLIAMSBURG, VA and he and continues to reside here with his family.

The Grammys air in February.

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE757-753-7472Long and Foster, REALTORS®Williamsburg, VA 23188YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

HOW DO I PRICE MY HOME TO SELL?

How do I price home my home to sell? Good question! Do you want it to sell sooner or later? I bet you'll say sooner! In that case, pricing your home correctly is critical to the end result that you desire. Read on to find out more...

KEY things to REMEMBER:

1. VALUE is determined by what a buyer gets OUT of a product...not what an owner has in it.

2. Surrounding property values influence the selling price of your property.

3. Prices in a real estate market rise and fall over time.

If you have questions about selling your home in Williamsburg, VA, call Yvette Smith, Williamsburg's Preferred REALTOR®

Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®Williamsburg Real Estate Blog757-753-7472 Direct line757-645-2155 Office757-240-5674 Fax5350 Discovery Park BlvdWilliamsburg, VA 23188 YvetteSmith@lizmoore.com

Blog Action Day – Poverty Affects People in Your Own Back Yard

RETIRE IN WILLIAMSBURG VA

TIRED or JUST READY TO RETIRE?

Don't wait another day! Come join me for a sneak peak and lunch at WINDSORMEADE of WILLIAMSBURG.

We will tour one of WILLIAMSBURG'S most vibrant RETIREMENT communities. See the beautiful NEW residences and experience the WEALTH of services and amenities of the Good Life at Windsor Meade.

Dates and times are: Thursday, August 7th @ 10:30 a.m.Thursday, August 28th at 10:30 a.m.Tuesday, September 9th at 10:30 a.m.

Or call Yvette Smith for your personal guided tour of WINDSORMEADE of WILLIAMSBURG today!! You'll be glad you did!

YVETTE SMITH, Senior Real Estate Specialist® Realtor®

WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE

757-753-7472 Direct Line

757-645-2155 Ofiice

757-240-5674 Fax

The Gift of Giving

TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE

According to the Red Cross website, blood types O-positive and B-negative are at critical levels. Blood types including A and B-positive and O and A-negative is the most needed and most requested by hospitals because it is the universal blood type.

According to the American Red Cross, only 5% of people who could give blood actually do. Blood can be donated every 56 days, and is used in a variety of health and trauma situations.

To give blood:

You must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with a parent's consent).

Minimum weight of 110lbs.

You must have not donated whole blood in 8 weeks (56 days) or double red cells in 16 weeks (112 days).

You must be healthy, well enough for normal activities.

During the holiday season, the need for blood actually goes up because of the increased number of people on the roads, which can lead to more traffic-related incidents and accidents.

THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE IS THE GIFT OF LIFE...DONATE BLOOD!

For more in-depth guidelines or to find out where you can donate in your town, visit the Red Cross website.

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE757-753-74726610-J Mooretown RoadWilliamsburg, VA 23188YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

INDOCTRINATING SELLERS

INDOCTRINATING SELLERS

2. Explain to them a BUYER'S MARKET versus SELLER'S MARKET. Then SHOW them facts. Show them the current inventory and explain how many months of inventory there are in the area.

3. Give them numbers! But at the same time, don't OVERWHELM with too much data.

a) Average days on market - overall market and their sub-division (if applicable).

b) Number of homes for sale in their price range - overall market and their subdivision.

c) Number of homes that have sold in the last 6 months/1 year.

d) Homes comparable to theirs that are currently on the market - high price/low price

4. What is being OFFERED on homes that are selling? Seller assistance on closing costs, home warranties, bonus' to selling agents. A seller should know if/what other sellers are doing to make their home more appealing to buy.

Ask the seller questions. Find out their motivation.

Are you willing to sell your house at fair market value? (Typical response: "But I'm not willing to give it away.") At what price would you consider you were giving it away?"

Sellers must know that this is a TEAM effort. Everyone is working toward a common goal. That goal is to get their home SOLD!

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE757-753-7472Long and Foster REALTORS®6610 - J Mooretown RoadWilliamsburg, VA 23188YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Supply & Demand Report for Williamsburg-James City County 11/6/08 -12/6/08

SUPPLY and DEMAND Report for WILLIAMSBURG - James City County

November 6, 2008 - December 6, 2008

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®757-753-7472WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATELong and Foster, REALTORS®6610-J Mooretown RoadWilliamsburg, VA 23188YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

How You Can Go GREEN This Christmas!

How You Can Go GREEN This Christmas!

When you decorate this holiday season, consider going au naturel - without lights! You can make or buy wreaths and garlands of natural materials that can be composted or will naturally decompose. Natural greenery can be found at local farm stands throughout your town.

But, if you must have Christmas lights, consider exchanging your incandescent tree bulbs for LED (Light Emitting Diode) ones. They cost a little more, but LED lights use more than 98 percent LESS energy and can last up to 10 years and stay cooler.

You will find that it's the little things that mean so much and make a big difference!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE757-753-7472Long and Foster, REALTORS®6610-J Mooretown RoadWilliamsburg, VA 23188YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Supply & Demand Report for Williamsburg-York County 11/6/08 -12/6/08

SUPPLY and DEMAND Report for WILLIAMSBURG - YORK COUNTY

November 6, 2008 - December 6, 2008

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®757-753-7472WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATELong and Foster, REALTORS®6610-J Mooretown RoadWilliamsburg, VA 23188YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Supply & Demand Report for the City of Williamsburg 11/6/08 -12/6/08

SUPPLY and DEMAND Report for the CITY of WILLIAMSBURG

November 6, 2008 - December 6, 2008

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®757-753-7472WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATELong and Foster, REALTORS®6610-J Mooretown RoadWilliamsburg, VA 23188YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Fun Days in December! Ho, Ho, Ho!

FUN DAYS IN DECEMBER! HO, HO, HO!

Today, December 1, is World AID's Day. A day when individuals and organizations from around the world come together and bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic.

Here are more special days in December:

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
Long and Foster, REALTORS®
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
Williamsburg Real Estate Blog
757-753-7472 Direct line
757-645-2155 Office
757-240-5674 Fax
5350 Discovery Park Blvd
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@lizmoore.com

Dates and times are:
Thursday, August 7th @ 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, August 28th at 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, September 9th at 10:30 a.m.

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
Long and Foster REALTORS®
6610 - J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
757-753-7472
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
Long and Foster, REALTORS®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
757-753-7472
Long and Foster, REALTORS®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
757-753-7472
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
Long and Foster, REALTORS®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
757-753-7472
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
Long and Foster, REALTORS®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®
WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE
755-753-7472
Long and Foster, Realtors®
6610-J Mooretown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com

Wednesday, December 3, 8 p.m.
William & Mary Symphony Orchestra
Akiko Fujimoto, conductor
"Carmen" Fantasy by Saraste featuring Renowned violinist Charles Castleman and Johannes Brahms' Symphony
No. 4 in E minor
$8 general/$2 students/free for children under 12

Thursday, December 4, 8 p.m.
William & Mary Wind Symphony
Angela Holt, conductor
Holiday musical journey from America, around the world and back to America, with a special appearance by the W&M Middle Eastern Ensemble.
$7 general/$3 students and seniors

Friday, December 5-6, 8 p.m.
William & Mary Choir, Women's Chorus & Botetourt Chamber Singers
Brian Bailey, conductor
Choral Holiday Concert of music by Mendelssohn, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Duruflè, Vaughan Williams and more!
$10 general/$5 students

Saturday, December 20, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. & December 21, 2 p.m.
The Virginia Regial Ballet and Heidi Robitshek presents:
The Nutcracker! A Spectacular Williamsburg tradition for over 30 years!