MLS Stats

Snowed in...

Even though Jordan didn't make it home, she had a wonderful Christmas with Zack and his family...

Matthew Christmas morning...

...and Santa Gloria...

...and for Gloria's VisualTour of her decorating fun, see below.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas - VisualTour

Happy Holidays from my Family to your Family!

Portland Snowed In

Well with Portland, OR snowed in Jordan can't get out and will spend Christmas there with Zack and friends. We shipped her Birthday and Christmans presents, so hope they get there in areasonable time. Our first Christmas without her - she'll be in our hearts and our thoughts are with her.

Matthew and Fig showed up last night. The cat is like having a kid around - should have child proofed the house again - he's into everything.

Happy Holidays, ALL!

Happy Holidays

Hope all have a wonderful Holiday Season...

We had 12 for lunch today - a lot of folks in our little house, but it was oh so special to have family visit. Gloria's aunts, uncles, nephews and families from Roanoke, NC and PA.

Pick up Jordan Tuesday at the airport and Matthew will come across the river for Christmas - always enjoyable to have our two young adults home again.

Sales Slow, but there are sales!

Thanksgiving Day

Had a wonderful dinner at The Tobacco Company and then Matthew helped start decorating the tree...

Jordan is having Thanksgiving with Zack's family on the left coast... miss/love her!

Happy Thanksgiving all around.

Peace on earth

During this time of Thanksgiving, we can only hope that those around the world can find peace in troubled times.

Enjoy today with your family - peace and joy on this day of Thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving to your family

Elf...

What a hoot!


http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/LCJThqNN93lcEEav1kJp

Beautiful Fall Colors

The leaves have turned and the cold nights confirm that Fall really is here. Looking forward to Thanksgiving with family and friends...

My favorite chore is starting this weekend - putting up the Christmas Tree and bringing up Gloria's 30+ crates of decorations. She does most of the decorating, thank goodness.

Lots of good opportunities on the housing market - great time to buy that first home, second home or investment property!

Dinner...

Dinner at the Cary's with the Usry's...

Gloria's Birthday

Enjoying Gloria's Birthday at the grand ole' Jefferson Hotel... we're both enjoying some time away to relax and enjoy ourselves. Ran into my tennis bud, Doug Wayne and his wife Carol while they enjoyed a tea at the Jefferson before attending the ballet. Surprise floral arrangement thanks to her friends (cohorts in crime) Vicki and Nancy.

Dinner in Lemaire last evening with Matthew and Morgan, and with friends tonight - special!

Feels like Spring

Well, the election is behind us and we can now move forward again.

Can't get over this warm weather - feels great. Variety is the spice of life and I'm sure the weather won't let us down there. Heard some folks saying we're due for a cold Winter...

Don't know where Matthew turned up this fish story...

VOTE!

VOTE!

VOTE Tuesday

Hope everyone takes their right to vote seriously and makes it to the polls in spite of the expected long lines!

And my update from CVRMLS...

VA Tech

Tech's leading FSU at half time... surprise. Hope they can keep it up. I know this is a building season, but why not get lucky!

Richmond Market

Richmond again shows it diversity with the latest housing reports - prices stayed flat for the 3rd quarter and sales marginally over 3rd quarter of last year.


Of course this is backward looking data and Richmond generally lags the state and country in general... the future will tell whether we have bottomed out or not, but it certainly seems that now is a good time to buy or move up. [Data from CVRMLS Report]

Mortgage Rates Drop

Interest rates dropped back down to 6.25... and Mortgage Power Plus has money to loan!

Homes in Richmond continue to sell...

Vote for the future

It seems to be a challenge this vote as to who can discredit the other in the ads - hate to see that and their jabs seem so transparent, who'd believe them - and neither party is totally clean anyway. Still philosophically, you have to vote your conscience and ignore the mud slinging.

Keep it fun

Weekend rates are 6.75 %, so what's the news hype? Visit Mortgage Power Plus today to get pre-qualified.

Guess the old addage, "Keep it fun!" applies more now than ever. Keep smilin'.

And the beat goes on... count down to VOTE!

No TV

Why waste time watching TV and getting depressed... Ha!

Busy at work... strange given all the hype in the news.

Time Off...

Took a weekend away to visit family and friends in North Carolina... always good to take a breather and get rejuvenated.

Time will tell...

Well, the talking heads continue to hype everything and the politicians jab each other... I'm sure we'll survive and it won't be as disastrous as some think.

On the real estate front house continue to sell and buyers are qualified every day.

De-leveraging Process and Business Model Evolution

Food for thought... Read.

Venting...

I generally prefer to count our blessings, but ever once in awhile I will vent my frustrations...

The "Thumb Generation" is better connected and able to "ACCESS" more information than any previous generation, but from what I read they can't "ASSESS" the information as well... And Corporate America continues to focus on the short term rather than building for the future - I think mainly due to the short lifespan of CEO's. It's not the housing/mortgage market et al, but the corporate greed driving our economy down. The news media continues to sell the news as entertainment creating the Matt Louer effect - "if Matt says so, it must be true." And my biggest pet pieve, MARKETING in this country continues to sell the "Experience" with no attempt to educate the public as to their products features/benefits and then there's the focus on incremental marketing of goods from cable TV to the culture fad of cell phone experience that counters free enterprise and, again, contributes to nothing more than greed. Unlock the phones and sell service at a reasonable price. And finally, walk the walk. Don't just talk the talk about providing service - even McDonald's assoicates aren't what they used to be.

SIGH!

Keep it fun!

Happy Birthday Matthew

Matthew is 28 today - Happy Birthday son. See you for your birthday dinner!

Gloria had her last radiation treatment yesterday - another reason to be joyous. Now she's in the recoup mode to get her strength and energy back from the past 7 months - surgery, chemo and radiation. Love that lady!

Tis the season

It really seems like these tropical storms are coming one after the other... hope we continue to remain lucky.

Gloria's girlfriend Vicki has a serious car accident last Friday and is doing well - she's in out thoughts and prayers.

Hokie Hi! Well Tech is in a building season and the arm chair coaches will certainly second guess Beamer from the initial Red Shirting of Taylor to each play judgement. I will already say there's always next year. In respect of my ECU friends, they look to have a strong season going with the first outings and it's now a matter of what the BCS thinks of the balance of their schedule...

Hooray

Hooray, Jordan will be home for Christmas December 23, but will head back the 27th... work schedule limiting her visit.

Matthew is headed to San Francisco on a project for work.

Hanna is weakening and hopefully will be through quickly. Some welcome rain and again, hopefully, not too much damage.

Gloria has a week and a half of radiation left and then she'll be through the treatments... none too soon for her. It's been a real test for her and I'm proud of her toughness.

SunShine

We certainly needed the rain, but must it all come at once - Ha!

Our thoughts and prayers are with those in the path of Gustav.



Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Dine Alone

Matthew dropped by to deliver some jewelry Jordan made and have a quick dinner with us... His blog Dine Alone reflects his visit to Oregon and his pictures on Flickr were great.

Safely Home

Matthew is safely home from visiting the left coast and his sister. Sounds like he had fun from reading his blog.

Portland

Dropped Matthew at the airport yesterday morning and he arrived to visit his sister safely.

Check out his blog... http://blog.chewylives.com/

Port removed

Gloria had her chemo port removed Friday - long day because they were late taking her in, but Dr Buckman did a great job and now it's a matter of healing from the surgery.

One more hurtle behind Gloria.

Radiation and more...

Gloria's radiation seems to be going quickly - it's a fast visit each day and so far no ill effects. In and out in just 15 minutes.

She is having her chemo port removed today which will make her more comfortable and sleep better since it does create some discomfort for her.

Moving forward!

Gloria's moving forward...

As most of you know, Gloria finished her chemo about a month ago.

She started her radiation yesterday and the doctor at St Frances was fantastic. She had all the answers - both what we asked and many we didn't know to ask. She tailored the area to be exposed to exactly what was needed and to reduce any of Gloria's concerns. Six weeks and that'll be done.

Gloria is doing great - all things considered. She is still weak from the deconditioning of the surgery as well as the effects of chemo - and is looking forward to getting stronger.

CVRMLS

Inventory of homes flat, Pending trending down, Solds consistent...

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Jordan's Visit

Jordan's gone back home to OR now, but got a picture after one of our Family Dinners while she was here... me, Jordan, Gloria and Matthew.

Roanoke

On the way home from Tech, Gloria and I stopped and spent some time with her aunt and uncle in Roanoke - good family time.


We also took time the next day to stop at the VA Vetran's cemetary to visit my Mom and Dad.

Hokie Hi!

Always good to walk the grounds at VA Tech.



Thursday was the first time I had the opportunity to visit the April 16 Memorial in front of Burress Hall. Very well done and worth seeing in person.

Each time I visit it seems the campus has changed more and I can hardly remember the school from my days there.

This trip was dedicated to an old friend who passed last Friday and his family held a service at the War Memorial Chapel to celebrate his life. Steve F. Jones will be well remembered by family and friends. Gloria and I were very moved by the service and his family and friends comments.

World's Loss

Well the world lost a great guy - Steve Jones's health failed him last Friday and he'll be sorely missed by his family and friends. Always a sense of humor and a pleasure to have known - he touched a lot of lives.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Perfect time to move up

Now is a great time to move up - might not get as high a price for your current house, but you'll also save on the next home and improve your equity position. And Richmond is still doing fairly well compared with some areas of the country.

Check it out...

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Happy Fourth

Hope everyone had an enjoyable Fourth - we were lucky to spend it with our wonderful neighbors of 30+ years and some of their family.

Last chemo

Today was Gloria's last chemo session and she got to "ring the bell" to celebrate completing her sessions. Jordan arrived from Portland in time to be there for the celebration.

We'll really enjoy having Jordan home for the 12 days of her visit.

Latest sales activity for CVRMLS single family homes...

Ms Gloria

Chemo went well for Gloria yesterday - long day and even reclining in a easy chair is tough for that length of time. Her back starting hurting at the end.

One more week of chemo and then she will have a radiology consult to see if she needs that.

One special lady with a great attitude - no wonder I married her 32 years ago.

Garmin

Mom's sister and her friend left today - a new Garmin GPS programmed to get them to their next destination on their way home to MO.

It's always great to spend time with family and the last time I saw her was in '05 when I was recovering from my surgeries.

Also got to celebrate our friend Bobby's 65th birthday - still young and not acting his age. Ha!

Family

Nice surprise yesterday... my Mom's sister, Charlotte came to visit and introduced us to her frience Charles. They'd been down to VA Beach for her grandson's wedding. Long way home to MO.

They're planning to stop by my two cousins on the way home including another wedding for my cousin's Lynda's son's wedding.

Family

Well, Gloria had another big disappointment Tuesday - her white count was too low and she couldn't do her chemo which delays the cycle and she had wanted to be sure to have it overwith so she could enjoy Jordan's visit in July.

Out of the blue, my Mom's sister called and will be stopping by Sunday - nice surprise. She's bringing her new guy by.

I've been doing "Happy Home Owner" stuff - replaced one ceiling fan, installed another and installed a new attic fan... crawling around on rafters makes this old bod sore. Guess I'm not getting any younger - Ha!

On the real estate front, some folks think we're moving forward instead of slowing down. Time will tell.

Happy Fathers Day

From my family to your family...


Charlie McDonaldcmcdonald@prurichmond.comPrudential Slater James River REALTORS®A: 2737 McRae Rd, Richmond VA 23235T: 804 915-4005F: 866 778-5835W: http://charlie-realtor.com/

My OSA Featured Properties My Visual Tours

Mortgage Power Plus

Mortgage Power Plus is now an affiliate of National City - one of the top ten lenders in the U.S. Click above for more info, mortgage calculators, get pre-qualified and more...

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Friends

What would life be without friends... the journey, and those along the way are what really matter.

Chemo Day

Well today was another long day for Gloria. She had done better this weekend following last week's heavy chemo, but the nausea hit her like a ton of bricks this morning. She also had a lot of chest pain and while the chemo treatment today went OK after they gave her some meds in her IV, she ended up going for a CAT scan to see what the chest pain might be...

She really stands up to all this better than anyone I know would.

Chemo update

Gloria's chemo is a little over half way and the change in meds seemed to help with the nausea some. We did find out they want her to do radiation as well which was not in the cards starting off... .

Well, our 32nd wedding anniversary is coming up June 12th and we'll enjoy celebrating that.

Sales Data for CVRMLS

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Mortgage Power Plus

Keep your eye on Mortgage Power... Mina Snead has some exciting news as Mortgage Power grows into Mortgage Power Plus!



And the French Open continues to be exciting to watch.



Anyone heard much about the Treo 800P due out in June?


Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

French Open Tennis

Federer is looking strong and with Henin retired, what will happen on the women's side? The red clay will challenge them all. Click above for an update at the official site.

Indy 500

INDY today... the one race I try to watch each year. Unified sanctioning bodies for the first time in years and three women in the field... should be interesting.

Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday weekend.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Tennis Weather

Well it seems the weather is finally settling down a little and we'll see some sunshine for the holidays... great tennis weather!

Search for 10,000 homes!

Search for your new home by clicking here.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

White count

Gloria's white count was too low to do her chemo this week... stuff happens, but it's disappointing because it delays getting through the process.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Happy Mother's Day

Hope everone had a great Mother's Day - lunch out with family, Matthew, and friends made ours special and a call from the left coast young adult, Jordan, completed the day. And we got home before the rains came.

Gloria's doing well this week [wearing me out in fact with outings - Ha!]

Scalping Party

Nothing like good friends and good food to... shave your head!

MLS data

CVRMLS...

Iceland Photos; Chemo cycle 2

Matthew's pics from Iceland - Go check out RVAnews to see my photo blog on Iceland!

Gloria started her second cycle of chemo Tuesday. She's such a special lady and strong!

Iceland

Well, Matthew should be on his way back home from Iceland tomorrow. That seems to be the "In" place to visit... sounds like he's enjoying the experience.

Stir Crazy

Well you can add stir crazy to Gloria's symptoms from the chemo - short shopping trips seem to be the best cure - Ha!

Black and white print make it true?

Real Estate is local to the area where you live, right down to the neighborhood. Keep that in mind when you read the newspaper or listen to the news. See yesterday’s blog for a good perspective on Virginia’s and our area’s facts for the past quarter. A real estate professional can help you learn the facts.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Real Estate Perspective

Foreclosures in the Richmond area was 28 per 10,000 Owner Occupied Units.

Keep things in perspective when you listen to the news media - they seldom seem to get the facts right, much less in perspective.

VAR says…

Just released: Virginia housing stats quarterly analysis
First the bad news: Statewide, home sales in Virginia were down 27 percent in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the first quarter of 2007. The statewide median sales price is also down nine percent for the same period. A possible national recession, foreclosures on the rise, tight credit markets, potential federal legislation--all of these factors make it difficult to predict where the market is going.

Here's the good news: Some areas of the Commonwealth saw a double-digit increase in the median sales price in the first quarter, including Charlottesville and Lynchburg. The state's mid-sized metros (Hampton Roads, Richmond and Roanoke) saw their median home prices unchanged over the same period. Virginia's housing market is performing better than many other states, and our diverse economy is a key factor in Virginia's ability to weather a downturn.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Speechless in Midlothian

Gloria was speechless when her girlfriends from NC, Nancy and Vicki stopped by to visit...

Surprise

A couple of Gloria's BP from NC will pay a surprise visit this weekend... I know she'll be excited to see them.

Second Chemo

Gloria's second chemo went well - shorter and easier, plus her nausea seems to be getting under control. She's got a week off and then starts the cycle again.

Thank all for their calls, thoughts and prayers.

Kids...

The kids were all home for Friday evening dinner. Jordan surprised her Mom with a visit from the left coast. Gianna's baby shower was fun from what I hear.

Gloria's first week after chemo was going well until Friday, Saturday and Sunday... Next treatment is tomorrow, so we'll see how that goes.

Good to have Jordan home, even if just for a short while. Matthew and Morgan were great to see as well, even though they're just across the river - Ha!

First Chemo

Yesterday was Gloria's first day of chemo and the folks at St Frances treated her like royalty and kept the event light with great humor.

Met Baylani the therapy dog - sweet girl, but quite the beggar.

Great time

The anniversary celebration was wonderful - very enjoyable. Look forward to pictures et al on the family web site.

50 Year wedding anniversaries

Happy anniversary to David and Mary Ida and also Joe and Alice – both couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries this coming week.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

CVRMLS Data

Jordan's visit to Japan

Looks like Jordan had a fun visit to Japan. Click Here.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Rivah

Always nice to visit the Rivah and friends there. And if you’d like a nice property near Deltaville check out Camp Cary.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Rates are good, Mortgage applications up...

Mortgage applications are up… click here.

Homes sales are up in February.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Happy Easter to all...

Happy Easter from my family to your family.

..and Jordan arrived safely in Japan for her visit with her friends. I'm excited for her and the opportunity to experience a new culture.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Economic Stimulus

What Does The Economic Stimulus Package Mean To You?

AND… what about the housing prognosticators?

"So you see -- all the prognostication in the world doesn't matter. It boils down to what's happening in the local marketplace." To read the rest of the story, click here...

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

TENNIS

Any time on the tennis court is good time. Had a good doubles match at MTC with some of my friends yesterday and enjoyed the match. Looking forward to getting out doors for the spring USTA matches as well.

My treatment for the keratosis on my face ended Friday and my "freckles" are going away. Wonders of modern medicine.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

VA Tech

VA Tech came within two points of pulling off the upset of NC…
Check it out.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

http://charlie-realtor.com/

Feels like summer around here… or at least spring, Ha!

Rates are still great, why wait for the market to rise… lots of good buys in the home market.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Midlothian Tennis Club

Made it out to the Grand Opening for the club's Atrium on Saturday... very well attended and good to see all that did attend. Nicely done guys!

Look forward to getting to work out some now that the exercise equipment is in.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Weather

This Richmond weather is crazy… 60 degree one morning and 31 the next.

I want to thank everyone who’s been so kind with their thoughts, prayers, cards and dinners following my wife’s surgery. It’s been much appreciated [and made my nursing job much easier since I haven’t had to cook - not a practiced skill for me.] Thank you each and every one from the bottom of our hearts.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

The Life of Chewy

The Life of Chewy


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Central VA MLS

Updated data....

BTW, rates were down slightly today to 6.125...

...so I hear.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

more about "flOw"...

Check it out... click above.

Congrats

And Flow won for 2007 Best Downloadable Game

(thatgamecompany / Sony Computer Entertainment)

Kellee Santiago, Jenova Chen, Martin Middleton, Hao Cui, John Edwards, Nick Clark

Flow Game

Our friend’s daughter, Kellee Santiago, along with her cohorts developed a new game for Sony and the Internet version is available here to try. It get’s away from the hectic, shoot ‘em up genre and is soothing to enjoy. Try it, it’s different.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Icy roads...

Brrrr… icy roads, drive safe neighbor.

Economy coming back/new construction improving… time will tell. There’s no crystal ball.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Low rates

Time to take advantage of the low interest rates? Many consumers must think so… click here.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Hooray

Had dinner with my son and we did his taxes Monday night... now I have to start mine - Ha!

Well, Hooray. I brought my bride home from the hospital yesterday. The trip home took it's toll, but she's glad to be home and appreciates all the call, cards and prayers.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Blessings

I’ve been off line for a few days, but I did want to say how blessed we are to have wonderful friends and to thank them for all their support during my wife’s surgery – she’s doing great thanks to their thoughts and prayers and the good doctors and nurses at St Mary’s.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Valentine's Dinner at Bonefish

Bonefish Grill is my Valentine’s favorite spot and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner along with our son.

Great time to buy?

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Happy Valentines

Happy Valentines from my family to your family! Enjoy time with your special someone.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Primary

I voted today – hope you made it out for the Primaries as well. Looked like a steady stream when I was there – No shop class at CHHS today! Ha!

Well, Andy had to wear a coat today – that’s what winter is about, Andy. Spring is around the corner yet, but my wife’s daffodils don’t know that – they’re sprouting already.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Davis Cup Tennis

The USA Team moves on in the Davis Cup World Group Ties, First Round. The Bryan brothers seal it for the US after 3.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Ruth's Chris

Well, we’re generally not into expensive restaurants, but last night we had a wonderful dinner with me, my wife and my son [sans my daughter who's on the left coast] at Ruth’s Chris here in Midlothian and it was one of the best steaks I’ve had in some time. Of course time spent with family is always special and thanks to the generosity of a friend, we had a wonderful experience thanks to their gift card.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Invest in the stock market?

So, should we invest in our house or the stock market? Well here’s a vote for one… [click here]

But we all know what the financial advisor always says… diversify, so both are right.

And the other side of the RE Investment Risk…

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Hot market

Hot Market – Arlington, VA

Our market in Richmond seems to be on the rise as well… gut feel.

Today’s Mortgage Rate – 5.625% and Stable.

With all this warm weather can spring be far behind?

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Richmond Real Estate

A Balmy 70+ degree day in January... who'd a thunk it!

Great day to buy real estate.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Super Bowl

Super Bowl was great… now we have to see which commercials won big as well… Ha!

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Market picking up?

Well the real estate market locally seems to be picking up, thanks to interest rates and the pent-up buyers from the slowing during the holidays… or so they say.

My Comcast woos seem to be behind me. After I sorted it out with tech support, their customer service actually called to see what I had to say – of course I told them they needed to communicate better during these conversion/upgrades.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Market Stats CVRMLS

Here’s the stats from CVRMLS so you can see what's progressing in the market place locally rather than listening to the nations news naysayers.




Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Comcast

Well, I finally figured out what's going on with Comcast and updated the three month old site they had reverted to as part of their "upgrade"... Hope it settles down because right now it seems a little flaky

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Comcast

Wonder what's going on with Comcast. I noticed I couldn't log into my web site to update it and Comcast confirmed they were making some updates, but I notice my web page is three months old and out of date... Grrrrr.

Life's too short, just grin and bear it...

Mortgage rates

Today’s Mortgage Rate – 5.75% and Stable, but the prime cuts doesn’t necessarily mean mortgage rates follow since they’re tied to forward looking T-bills, etc. Of course the Fed’s action will definitely help our credit card & other short term loans… so I’m told.

In our area the inventory of home [Active listing] is increasing from the low just at Christmas below 8,000. Only time and the crystal ball will tell whether this is normal seasonal changes or not. I’m seeing a lot more buyers in the market looking, so I think it’s a good thing with Mortgage rates near an all time low.

For my tennis buds, the Atrium at Midlothian Tennis is nearing completion and I’m looking forward to working out there soon. The indoor courts are great.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Mortgage Rates

Today’s Mortgage Rate – 5.75% and Stable.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Men's Tennis Final at AO

Did get to catch the rebroadcast of the AO men’s final and it was some great tennis as expected!

Suggestion: Get to know a professional real estate agent before you need one. It’s much better than doing business with a complete stranger.

My Personal brochure – click here.
Buyer’s beware – click here.
Download my presentation – click here.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

AO Tennis now history

Well the AO is now in the history books and the Serbs rose to the top this go around. I fixed my breakfast and caught the trophy presentation – I know that part of the world appreciated the live broadcast though. My wife joked that I should set my alarm for the 3:30 am broadcast… Ha! Sharapova - Ana

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Novak stops Fed express

Novak stops Fed express – Federer’s lose is hyped by the color commentators as a change in his rein, but I thinks that’s just hot air. Sure the competition is tough, but it’s not like he’s never lost before and the courts in AO are slower which doesn’t favor his game. Looking forward to the women’s final tonight – should be interesting.

The men’s final will be great too with the upcoming Novak and the new face of the Frenchman, Tsonga.

Realty Times – Six Signs It's Time For Home Buyers To Buy.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Tennis

AO – Well Federer held up well against James Blake and the young Frenchman made it to the finals. Jankovic couldn’t overcome her aches and pains against Maria’s superb play, and Ana made her first AO final. Novak Djokovic and Federer should be an exciting semi-final match and will set the stage for the final. Great play...

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Mortgage rates drop - Tennis

AO - Sorry I missed the Henin/Sharapova match – real shocker. The women semi’s are all Eastern Europeans… nice article here. On the men’s side, it’s mostly on track except for the Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who seems to be riding a boost of confidence… Some think it might be Novak Djokovic’s year.

Mortgage rates drop again… Interest Rates Update.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

New to Richmond?

Browse here for lots of great info on Richmond from shopping to restaurants to Richmond homes.

Hmmm. Campfire Stew tonight… a favorite!

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Football - Tennis

Well, senior moment – fell asleep before the overtime and missed the NYG field goal. Good game! (What I saw, anyway.)

The Australian Open continues with too many of the US players falling by the wayside , but some great tennis anyway. Fedder was taken to five sets and “Djokovic humbles Hewitt” – with his flair for showmanship and natural talent he’s definitely one to watch. Some great tennis all around – too much to even relate here…

My friend Darryl Ellyson at National City has some good points for Tax Deduction if you refi'd last year and also investor opportunities... click here.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

AO Tennis

Marty Fish went out and Andy Roddick is in a heated battle as I write – great tennis. Update... Well, Kohlschreiber was playing at a very high level and Andy almost held up to the end - lost in 5 sets, 8-6 in the final - WOW, what drama!



Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Housing Market Facts…

Home prices double every 10 years. Check out the facts rather than letting the naysayers jerk you around with their negative news reports. NAR’s new web site has some good info for you to plan your investment in your home – check it out here.

Baghdatis and Safin had a great match going 5 sets. Blake is playing well and Jankovic is rolling on strong. The AO is entertaining to watch and gets me anxious to be back on the court. Serena’s match is starting, so I’m out of here.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Australian Open Tennis

The AO continues pretty much on track – I got to see some of Andy Roddick’s match – amazing how much power AND spin they hit with. Lindsey Davenport kept her interview positive despite her loss, but she is coming back from a bigger priority – starting her family – and hopes to make the top 10 by year end. Good tennis all around – my friend TK, in Japan, said they were “anchored to the TV” enjoying the AO.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Australian Open Tennis; Go Green

The AO seems to be pretty much on track for most of the seeds. Sadly I haven't been able to watch much with the live broadcast time difference... just have to schedule myself better - Ha!

Hmmm… my son decided to holiday in Iceland, population 302,000. My daughter has a friend working in Japan, population 127,716,000, and decided to visit her. This generation is much more traveled than I was at that age. I'm excited for them.

Another follow-up for Going Green by our friends at HWA home warranty is here. It talks about office mostly, but can be applied elsewhere.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”

Tennis; Mortgage Rates

No big surprises so far in the AO… view highlights here.

Interest rates continue to drop… call Mina Snead at Mortgage Power for a Good Faith estimate and current rates.

RealtyTimes has a lot of good current information for the consumer… keep in mind that they generally present an overview or indexes and to get the local market info be sure to click on Local Market Conditions – Richmond is never the nations average and the national News prefers to focus on the negative and downturns rather that objective information. As always your local realtor can advise you on what is going on in the local market.

Visit my web site to learn more about me and my company – put the “Power of the Rock®” to work for you and let me be Your Family’s Real Estate Consultant “…for your family’s next move, and the next…!”