Ruben's Real Estate Blog
The Broken Egg Bistro is just one of those great places in Hampton Roads that you want to keep all to yourself. But they're so terrific, you just have to tell a few folks. Of course, they tell a few folks, and you know the rest. The Broken Egg has experienced that very phenomenon.
Before BE arrived to Chesapeake, in it's stead sat a nifty little ecletic Coffee Shop, dotted with bookcases, local artisan's works, chairs & sofas from everywhere, tucked in nooks and hide-aways where you could read, sip on coffee, and even listen to live music. It was a cool place. Unfortunately, their service was slow, food wasn't that great, and sadly it did not survive.
Then the place was gutted and remodeled by new owners, and what a difference! The magic started: it had a trendy look & feel, it was a great meeting place, and the food was delicious! The Broken Egg began serving amazing breakfasts at extremely reasonable prices (and remain fairly priced). Soon after, they were open for a lunch crowd. Now at both their Che
Last week I closed on a HUD foreclosure for two terrific young people; a brother and sister both attending Old Dominion University. With a modest budget, and a willingness to do some repairs, we sought foreclosed government properties. After ruling out many homes, we found a hand full that fit our criteria, and quickly landed on one terrific purchase!!
HUD properties are a great buying opportunity for both buyers and investors. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the purchasing of HUD homes provided directly by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
What is a HUD home? The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a part of HUD--the part that provides federal mortgage insurance. If a foreclosed home was purchased with a loan insured by the FHA, the lender can file a claim for the balance due on the mortgage. FHA pays the lender's claim, then transfers ownership of the property to HUD, which sells the home.
How much do HUD homes cost? HUD homes are appraised, then priced at fair market value for their location. The price of a home in need of repairs is adjusted downwards to reflect the investment the new owner must make to improve the home.
Will HUD make the repairs? HUD homes are sold as-is. The new owner is responsible for all repairs and improvements.
How do I find a HUD home? You can v
Hiring the right real estate agent can be complicated. Every agent wants to be picked for the job. A good referral from a friend or co-worker is always a good start, but you'll want to do some homework. Have a face to face with a few agents and find who you connect with. It won't be easy earning your trust and confidence in just a short interview, but you will want to know work diligently on your behalf. Below are 10 key questions to ask when hiring a real estate agent. Their answers will help you identify the agent best suited to represent you in either buying or selling a home.
1. How long have you been a real-estate agent? Newer agents are eager to work and want to do a good job for their clients. However, in this industry, experience matters! If that agent is seasoned and keeping up with the changes in technology, the better representation you're likely to receive. 2. Are you a full or part-time agent? Part-timers can be good agents, but their limited availability to serve you may hinder the process. If you're a Buyer, that agent should be able to help you look for properties with a schedule that works for you. If you're a Seller, they must give your home the investment of time that it takes to properly market your home on numerous websites,
Its Saturday night and your day has consumed you. The house looks like a train wreck from the kids' sleepover the night before. You'd love to go out for a romantic dinner, but the baby sitter isn't available tonight. And you certainly don't want to wade through a messy kitchen to try to figure out what to make. Then it hits you... Reginella's!! Its almost melodic; that one place everyone in the household will agree to.
Granted, its not that romantic Italian ristorante with the corner table you adore, nor does it have the live piano music and exceptional wine choices. However, they do make some pretty yummy pizza!
Located in Loehman's Plaza (4000 Virginia Beach Blvd), between the Orbendorf Central Library and Bally's Gym, Reginella's Italian Ristorante is a casual, kid-friendly, reasonably priced, local eatery. I've been coming here with my family since 2001 and have been quite satisfied. My children love the freshly baked bread an
It appears the sun, moon and stars are aligning to create an amazing year... FOR RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS!
The Writing on the Wall
In direct response to increased short sales and foreclosures of recent years, and our overall economic slowdown, a decline in home ownership is translating into rising rents. Apartment developers and investors took a "wait-n-see" posture, not knowing how the recent turn in the market would evolve. As such, they discovered they were late in keeping up with this new housing trend. Today, the National Multifamily Housing Council reported that two thirds of developers surveyed asserted that construction is underway. Twenty percent are breaking ground on new projects and more than fifty-four percent of them said they believe they are still considerably below demand.
Interestingly, families who have lost their homes would prefer to rent a single family home rather than crowd into an apartment. Since multifamily rental housing can’t keep up with the demand, renters are turning to single family homes to meet that need.
The average national vacancy rate is 9.2%, which is 1.4 points lower than last year. This 9.2% rate
As we approach the Spring season, we are sure to see a rise in activity in our local market. However, it is important to realize that we are still considered to be in a "Buyer's Market". Therefore Sellers should continue to be patient with their listings, give serious consideration to pricing, and make certain their property shows as well as possible.
With mortgage interest rates still around 4% for 30 year fixed loans, this is an all time Carpe Diem moment to PURCHASE!! Rental rates are forecast to rise over 2012, so it would benefit current renters to take full advantage of this buying season to avoid the anticipated surge in rental hikes. Investors... you too can grab hold of some tremendous investment opportunities!
*Source: REIN MLS (Real Estate Information Network Multiple Listing Service)
If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Hampton Roads, please call Ruben at 757-581-9058 or email me at only1ruben@hotmail.com. I'd love to serve as your Realtor! Only1Ruben.com
As we approach the Spring season, we are sure to see a rise in activity in our local market. However, it is important to realize that we are still considered to be in a "Buyer's Market". Therefore Sellers should continue to be patient with their listings, give serious consideration to pricing, and make certain their property shows as well as possible.
With mortgage interest rates still around 4% for 30 year fixed loans, this is an all time Carpe Diem moment to PURCHASE!! Rental rates are forecast to rise over 2012, so it would benefit current renters to take full advantage of this buying season to avoid the anticipated surge in rental hikes. Investors... you too can grab hold of some tremendous investment opportunities!
*Source: REIN MLS (Real Estate Information Network Multiple Listing Service)
If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Hampton Roads, please call Ruben at 757-581-9058 or email me at only1ruben@hotmail.com. I'd love to serve as your Realtor! Only1Ruben.com
As we approach the Spring season, we are sure to see a rise in activity in our local market. However, it is important to realize that we are still considered to be in a "Buyer's Market". Therefore Sellers should continue to be patient with their listings, give serious consideration to pricing, and make certain their property shows as well as possible.
With mortgage interest rates still around 4% for 30 year fixed loans, this is an all time Carpe Diem moment to PURCHASE!! Rental rates are forecast to rise over 2012, so it would benefit current renters to take full advantage of this buying season to avoid the anticipated surge in rental hikes. Investors... you too can grab hold of some tremendous investment opportunities!
*Source: REIN MLS (Real Estate Information Network Multiple Listing Service)
If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Hampton Roads, please call Ruben at 757-581-9058 or email me at only1ruben@hotmail.com. I'd love to serve as your Realtor! Only1Ruben.com
As we approach the Spring season, we are sure to see a rise in activity in our local market. However, it is important to realize that we are still considered to be in a "Buyer's Market". Therefore Sellers should continue to be patient with their listings, give serious consideration to pricing, and make certain their property shows as well as possible.
With mortgage interest rates still around 4% for 30 year fixed loans, this is an all time Carpe Diem moment to PURCHASE!! Rental rates are forecast to rise over 2012, so it would benefit current renters to take full advantage of this buying season to avoid the anticipated surge in rental hikes. Investors... you too can grab hold of some tremendous investment opportunities!
*Source: REIN MLS (Real Estate Information Network Multiple Listing Service)
If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Hampton Roads, please call Ruben at 757-581-9058 or email me at only1ruben@hotmail.com. I'd love to serve as your Realtor! Only1Ruben.com
I read a recent blog on Inman News by Mary Umberger where she discussed the horrible impressions given to potential buyers when homeowners don't update outdated decor items. Inevitably, buyers' eyes gravitate toward ugly, overly shiny, tacky, brassy light fixtures, doorknobs, light switch plates, and think "CHEAP"!
No kidding! When done litttle by little, changing out ugly door knobs & hardware and light fixtures, for the now fashionable oil-rubbed dark bronze or nickle finishes, it will make a remarkable difference... at a reasonable price. This small change provides a quiet, toned down elegance. Polished brass is quite out!
Dark-toned fixtures and hardware at work. Photo/Sea Gull Lighting.
In a smaller home, these changes can be done in a day for about $300 - $400 in materials, if you do it yourself. If you're not so handy, incorporate the help of a friend and in exchange, fix them a nice dinner! Check out available styles at Lowes, Home Depot, online, or a local retailer specializing in lighting and such. In a larger home, these changes will be substantially more expensive and will take much more time. So either do it in stages, or pick spec
As we approach the Spring season, we are sure to see a rise in activity in our local market. However, it is important to realize that we are still considered to be in a "Buyer's Market". Therefore Sellers should continue to be patient with their listings, give serious consideration to pricing, and make certain their property shows as well as possible.
With mortgage interest rates still around 4% for 30 year fixed loans, this is an all time Carpe Diem moment to PURCHASE!! Rental rates are forecast to rise over 2012, so it would benefit current renters to take full advantage of this buying season to avoid the anticipated surge in rental hikes. Investors... you too can grab hold of some tremendous investment opportunities!
*Source: REIN MLS (Real Estate Information Network Multiple Listing Service)
If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Hampton Roads, please call Ruben Vera at 757-581-9058 or email me at only1ruben@hotmail.com. I'd love to serve as your Realtor! Only1Ruben.com
