The kitchen in your Virginia Beach home offers multiple ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. Although seemingly small steps, the tips offered below are generally free or inexpensive and yet will result in creating a more energy-efficient environment in your home–and on the planet.

APPLIANCES are, of course, the most familiar to us when we consider energy output. True, they are not free or inexpensive, but they can be a real drain on your money if they do not function efficiently. Those that have earned the Energy Star have met the EPA standards for energy-efficiency and are recommended.

Refrigerators account for about 15% of your total electricity bill, but newer models use far less than those manufactured years ago. Consider the size you need when purchasing a new to avoid wasting energy cooling nothing.

Dishwashers offer opportunities to save, too. Run them only when they are full and scrap the dishes prior to washing so that you can use the light or normal wash cycle. Also, set the drying cycle to air dry to say energy.

Microwaves and toaster ovens are good alternatives to the use of a large oven in your Virginia Beach home, especially for smaller meals. You might also look into the use of light ovens (similar to a microwave but browns and roasts like a regular oven), induction cooking (extremely efficient because all the het goes into the food), and solar cookers (free and clean energy for slow cooking).

COOKWARE: Selecting the correct size, shape, and type can also prevent energy waste.

Read the rest of this entry »

So you’ve finally found the piece of  Virginia Beach real estate you’ve searched for months! What next? Before you sign a contract, make sure it contains a home inspection contingency, a clause stating that your offer is contingent dependent on the results of a home inspection.

A home inspection is of primary importance because it allows you to obtain an unbiased professional assessment of all the components of the property. It is a step necessary for you to decide if you will stay with your original offer, renegotiate based on documented issues and needed repairs, or back away from the purchase of that piece of  Virginia Beach real estate altogether.

Selecting a qualified inspector is vital. Your realtor can provide you with the names of reputable firms, or you can go online to research services offered and credentials. Specific information you should know about the inspector and the inspection process included the following:

1. Credentials and background: Is he/she licensed in your state? Is he affiliated with any respected organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors? Membership in these groups requires that inspectors follow strict guidelines about ethics and continuing education. Be sure to inquire about experience and training. A construction-based background is a plus, as is attending a college with an emphasis on construction or attending a home inspection school.

Read the rest of this entry »

There were 1,901 Virginia Beach foreclosure homes for sale with 409 new foreclosures in May 2010. The average selling price of a Virginia Beach home was $257,165 in May and the average foreclosure selling price was $231,877, a savings of $25,288 according to RealtyTrac.com.

Virginia Beach Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index

Home price appreciation was 0.00% with 409 new foreclosures.

Virginia Beach foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or repossession notice – each month. Home price appreciation is based on month-over-month percentage change of the Home Price Index. The Home Price Index is calculated from home sales records.

Read the rest of this entry »

Given the state of the economy and our ever-increasing fascination with nature and fresh air, more and more Virginia Beach home owners are discovering the advantages of transforming their backyards or patios into outdoor living spaces. Entertaining at home is much less expensive and more relaxing than going out, and outside “rooms” increase useable living space, provide sensory stimulation, provide stress-free enjoyment, and serve as a multifunctional oasis for family and friends.

Before undertaking such a project, you should first decide on a location and then make a master plan, one that can be implemented in steps. Select a space that can be easily viewed from your home’s interior so that it will feel like an extension of your house. Easy access to the space from the house is also preferable.

The size and scope of an outdoor living space can vary greatly, ranging from a screened in porch to a large area featuring a spa or pool. Whatever the size, however, you will want to consider function, features, furniture, and flora.

FUNCTION: Most outdoor rooms begin as an extension of your kitchen and include some type of grill, space for food preparation, and often a small refrigerator or modular cabinetry.  Other defined areas may include a conversational grouping, a quiet secluded spot for reading or resting, or an area set aside for family activities such as badminton, croquet, or playing in the sandbox or on children’s equipment. Spas and pools generally define their own space.

Read the rest of this entry »

There were 1,739 Virginia Beach foreclosure homes for sale with 403 new foreclosures in April 2010. The average selling price of a Virginia Beach home was $266,599 in April and the average foreclosure selling price was $214,453, a savings of $52,146 according to RealtyTrac.com.

Virginia Beach Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index

Home price appreciation was 0.00% with 403 new foreclosures.

Virginia Beach foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or repossession notice – each month. Home price appreciation is based on month-over-month percentage change of the Home Price Index. The Home Price Index is calculated from home sales records.

Virginia Beach Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

February Virginia Beach foreclosure activity was lower 0.03% lower than national statistics and 0.02% higher than Virginia statistics.

Virginia Beach Foreclosure Activity by Month

The number of Bank-Owned Virginia Beach homes decreased in April from 118 homes in March to 82. The number of Auctioned Virginia Beach homes increased from 194 to 321. The six month Virginia Beach foreclosure trend is rising.

Are you or someone you know behind on your mortgage payments and facing a Virginia Beach foreclosure? You do have options. A foreclosure is not the only way. A short sale may be the answer to saving you, your family and your home. I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE). I have the training, knowledge and experience needed to help save your Virginia Beach home from foreclosure. The clock is ticking. Don’t hesitate. Give me a call for a private consultation.

Learn more about selling your Virginia Beach home by visiting ButlerTeamHomes.com and ButlerTeamHomes.net.

What’s your Virginia Beach home worth?

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a government agency whose main objective is to help people who do not qualify for conventional lending programs obtain home loans. The FHA is not in itself a lender; rather it insures a loan, thus making banks/lenders more willing to grant a home loan on Virginia Beach VA real estate to those in underserved groups.

Because of the economic downfall and the increased number of foreclosures, the FHA, in an effort to strengthen its capital reserves, as made significant changes to its policies, effective this summer. Basically, the changes involve insurance premiums, FICO scores (credit rating), seller concessions, and increased enforcement of lenders.

Mortgage insurance premiums: The previous upfront premium payment of 1.75% of the loan amount has been raised to 2.25% . The option of financing this amount into the loan is still available. In addition, the FHA has requested the authority to increase the annual MIP from its current .55% in an effort to reduce the upfront MIP costs.

FICO scores: The new minimum score for those with a 3.5% down payment has increased to 580 (up from 500). For those with a score of less than 580, a 10% down payment is required.

Read the rest of this entry »

The coming of spring often brings about a need to refresh, renew, and clean out unwanted items from your Virginia Beach real estate. During the winter months you have most likely accumulated a wealth of merchandise that no longer fits your decorating taste or your digital needs—-or your body, for that matter. While the temptation to simply toss these products into the trash may be a strong one, do take a few minutes to consider both the hazards of doing so and the rewards of recycling instead.

As you are purging your home, you will most likely also be giving it a thorough, old-fashioned cleaning, and that’s good–except for the “old-fashioned” part. Because of the recent emphasis on greening the planet, eco-friendly cleaning products are now widely available and should be used whenever possible. How do you know if a product is environmentally safe? Read on…

• Read labels: The fewer the chemicals listed in the ingredients, the better.

• Look for the DfE logo: Products bearing this seal have been deemed safe by the EPA.

• Seventh Generation products: Haven’t sought the DfE seal, but products are eco-friendly. In addition, the company is pushing Congress for tougher regulations on toxic chemicals.

• Use common household cleaners: These are effective cleansers–and much less expensive, too. Baking soda, lemon juice, and white vinegar are generally good all-purpose cleaners. Note: vinegar should NOT be used on marble!

Another aspect of the spring clean-up is the identifying and clearing out of unwanted items and disposing of them in a “green” way.

Read the rest of this entry »

Buy or Refinance Your Virginia Beach Home NOW!!

1.  Home Buyer Credit Act

• DEADLINE: April 30, 2010 (June 30^th with a signed, binding contract).
• ELIGIBILITY: First-time buyers and repeat buyers (those who have owned and lived in one residence for 5 consecutive years of the last 8).
• INCOME LEVELS; $125,000 individual and $225,000 for couples.
• PURPOSE Allows Virginia Beach home buyers to receive a tax credit (which may be claimed on this year’s taxes) of $6500 to $8,000.

***Remember that a tax credit is a dollar-for dollar reduction in what a taxpayer owes. If the credit exceeds the amount owed, a refund will be issued.

2. Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP)

Read the rest of this entry »

There were 1,635 Virginia Beach foreclosure homes for sale with 312 new foreclosures in March 2010. The average selling price of a Virginia Beach home was $250,842 in March and the average foreclosure selling price was $217,846, a savings of $32,996, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Virginia Beach Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index

Home price appreciation was 0.00% with 313 new foreclosures.

Virginia Beach foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or repossession notice – each month. Home price appreciation is based on month-over-month percentage change of the Home Price Index. The Home Price Index is calculated from home sales records.

Read the rest of this entry »

Just because you have purchased insurance for your Virginia Beach real estate, don’t think that your responsibility has ended there. It is important that you inventory your possessions and keep that list up to date, at least annually. In addition to making a list of items, it is wise to also photograph them–and even better, videotape entire rooms! (And do remember to keep the list, photos, and/or tape in a place where they can not be destroyed by fire, flood, etc. A bank safety deposit box would be ideal.)

Suggestions for making a Virginia Beach Real Estate inventory include:

• Organize it by room.

• Describe each item, including make and model, and where it was bought. Record the serial number, if the item has one.

• Attach sales receipts, purchase contracts, and appraisals to your list.

• For clothes, count each type of item, such as pants, shoes, shirts, coats, etc. Particularly note those that are valuable.

• Supplement your written list with photographs. Make sure you label the photos. *If you have a video camera, videotape each room. You can also add a narration as you tape.

• Don’t forget items that are in drawers, closets, attic, and basement.

• Use your computer. Make your list, scan in receipts, photos, and other papers. Keep these in a fireproof box. Make a copy of your inventory and photos and store them away from the house.

• Add valuable new items (such as a new entertainment system) to the inventory when you purchase them. Review and revise the list annually.

What is generally covered?
Under the HO-3 policy type (the most popular), damage caused by perils and hazards such as fire, lightning, smoke, windstorm (in certain parts of the country), hail, vandalism, falling objects, theft, weight of snow or ice, vehicle striking the structure, building collapse, water damage from bursting pipes, and structural damage from an electrical surge are covered.

What is usually excluded?
Under the same HO-3 policy, damage not covered includes that caused by an earthquake, floods, windstorms (in certain parts of the country), war, pets, birds, rodents, or insects, sewer backup, pollution. Damage done by you or that which is the result of normal wear and tear is also excluded.

Read the rest of this entry »