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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Outer Banks Is A Great Vacation Home Marke

The Outer Banks Is A Great Vacation Home Market
“The Good Life”
The Outer Banks of North Carolina has become the prime east coast destination for vacationers to escape to the beach and relax. The OBX offers unique local appeal with historic relevance like the legends of Blackbeard the Pirate or the birth of aviation.
The east coast is covered with resort towns that have become heavily populated, and most beach towns on the east coast are covered with shopping, high rise developments, parks and  huge condo units.  The Outer Banks has preserved its quaint charm throughout the years, and its unique feel attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Starting at the Virginia Border, the Outer Banks spans three counties and runs south along the North Carolina coast for about 130 miles.  One reason for underdevelopment on the OBX is the thinness of the islands.  Most homes are either oceanfront or within short walking distance to the ocean.  Towns such as Duck and Corolla have become very popular for vacation home owners because these are popular rental markets.
In a recent USA Today article the Outer Banks was classified into three different areas.  They are as follows:
• Northern beaches: This area includes the towns of Duck, Corolla, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills. “Favorites include Duck and Corolla, and it’s mostly single-family homes, though at the low end you can get a one-bedroom waterfront condo for under 0,000. Most homes are in the 0,000-0,000 range, though Corolla is known for larger oceanfront homes up to million,” a local Outer Banks realtor notes. North of Corolla, where Highway 12 ends, nearly 15 miles of dunes stretch to the Virginia border, dotted with vacation homes accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles: “That’s a whole different buyer seeking remote privacy.”
• Southern beaches: Hatteras Island is even less developed than the Northern beaches, and it is well-known for its excellent fishing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and surfing. It is also at least another 30 minutes farther from the mainland bridges and includes more protected lands. Avon, Hatteras Village and Rodanthe, where the Richard Gere romance Nights in Rodanthe was set, are the most popular towns, and prices are lower than farther north. “Low-end one-bedroom condos start around 0,000, and the high end would be a seven-bedroom oceanfront home for about .5 million,” a local Outer Banks realtor notes.
• Mainland: The main bridge from the Outer Banks connects to a peninsula jutting into Albemarle Sound, including the town of Powell’s Point 4 miles from the bridge. “We consider it part of the Outer Banks even though it’s on the mainland,” notes a local Outer Banks realtor, who mentions that the Kilmarlic Club is popular with second-home owners. A master planned golf community with amenities like tennis and health club “started less than 10 years ago. All are single-family homes, from the mid-0,000s to the 0,000s.”
Continually increasing in popularity, there is enormous opportunity in these rental markets.  If you are interested in owning a second home on the Outer Bank
Welcome to Seaside Vacations. Family-owned and operated, Seaside Vacations has spent the last 20 years bringing friends and families together to reconnect and experience meaningful and relaxing vacations on the Outer Banks. We believe that quality time with friends and family should no longer be a luxury, but a way of life.

Article from articlesbase.com

Monday, December 6, 2010

Suffolk News! Pams Magic Bus!

            www.DriverEvents.com

Driver Village is located in Driver,Virginia. Here you will find small-town charm with a blend of historic landmarks and warm southern hospitality. Driver Village is a place where people know each other-from the people who call it home to the businesses and to our city government. We have built a community that is quaint, life is fun and is the perfect place to spend a quiet weekend or a lifetime!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Giannas Pizzaria Italian restaurante comes to Harbour View Suffolk

I had a chance to have lunch at Gianna's today.  It was just like East Side Pizza in Portsmouth.  I am so glad to have them close to The Riverfront.  They have great food.

We love their subs and their pizza and Greek salads is great.
Gianna is the daughter of the owners.  This is a great family restaurant and a good addition to the dining selections in Harbor View.  North Suffolk
Try it.
C

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Sat at Virginia Tech game vs Virginia


Wow ! What a huge stadium. My first Va Tech game but surely will not be my last.
The game was a blow out but exciting. It was also cold but the fans were great.
Go Hokies!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Buffalo Wild Wings comes to Harbour View

Read Article from Suffolk News Herold


The economy may have slowed, but business is still booming in North Suffolk.
The newest business addition to the area will be a Buffalo Wild Wings in the Harbour View West Shopping Center.
The restaurant will be located across from Harris Teeter and is scheduled to open in the summer of 2011, according to Vicki Zima, regional marketing manager for Buffalo Wild Wings.
“We are the headquarters for wings, beer and sports,” Zima said. “We have a great atmosphere, 40 high-definition televisions and numerous big screens and all major sports packages so our customers can watch any game that’s on.”
Harbour View’s will be the seventh location in the Virginia Beach area, according to Zima. It is one of two planned for 2011, and another is in the works to arrive in 2012.
The restaurant will also bring 100 to 125 jobs to the community, as well as support for local vendors — the restaurants use all local vendors for produce and supplies, Zima said.
“We also pride ourselves in being involved with the community,” Zima said. “We do numerous fundraising events for organizations and do a lot of work for sports teams from high school to college to intercollegiate to Little League.”
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar was founded in 1982. Its restaurants feature a variety of menu items including its namesake Buffalo, N.Y.-style chicken wings. The Buffalo Wild Wings menu specializes in 18 signature sauces and seasonings.
There are currently over 700 Buffalo Wild Wings locations across 43 states.

Suffolk returns land to Nansemond tribe Adds culture to Suffolk, Va



Associated Press
Posted on November 26, 2010 at 11:57 AM

I  wanted to share this as it is good stuff for all of those who reside in Suffolk or are thinking about moving into Suffolk.  

SUFFOLK (AP) -- Suffolk has returned 100 acres in Lone Star Lakes Park to the Nansemond tribe.

The Virginian-Pilot reports that the city agreed to give the prime riverfront land to the tribe last week.

The tribe plans to construct an $8 million replica of a 17th century village, cultural center and burial ground on the property. The privately funded project will be called Mattanock Town.

Nansemond chief Barry Bass told the newspaper that the tribe wants Mattanock Town to be a working village.

He says the tribe will seek grants, corporate sponsors and individual owners after it officially takes ownership of the property.

------

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Selling Tips - Getting the best Value for your Home

Pricing Your Home to Sell

Need Help?

Let one of our experienced agents help you today!
Learn How 

Getting the Best Value for Your Home

Getting ready to get into the real-estate market?

Most sellers today are nervous and unsure. They wonder: is taking a loss on our house inevitable?
The answer is no! A strategic sales plan, coupled with a smart buy in your new location will ensure that you recoup the maximum value for your home.

Your Strategic Sales Plan

Consult with an expert, local real estate agent to ensure your house is priced competitively and well-staged. Why? Because while there are always three factors to getting a home sold—location, price, and condition—only two are under your control: price and condition. Of the two, which is more significant? Price. Remember that price will correct bad condition, but condition will never overcome a bad price.
Act fast. You’re in a race against time—the best price you’ll get in today’s market is the one you get now. If you wait, it will be lower. And every month the price on your home decreases, your costs remain the same. For example, Keller Williams research shows that sellers who listed their home at the price the agent originally recommended, sold the home 38 days faster. This is over a month of mortgage and tax payments! For a home that cost $200,000 at time of purchase, with 20 percent down and an interest rate of 6.5 percent, selling a month sooner results in a savings of $1101.31 for the mortgage alone, not including the taxes and insurance that the homeowner would be paying during this time.
Don’t worry about where the market has been, keep your focus on where it is going. The price your neighbor down the street got six months ago is not relevant in a market where your house is competing with others from all across town. Again, a local real estate agent will have the kind of long-term, wide-ranging data that will help you decide how to pinpoint your price with precision.

Suffolk News - Nut Cracker at the Hilton Garden Inn

The Nutcracker, presented by Ballet Virginia International with Symphonicity

Posted toLocal Events Dance

FROM THE PROMOTER
Ballet Virginia International is proud to present this Hampton Roads family tradition. Internationally renowned guest artists along with Virginia Beach's own Symphonicity will join Ballet Virginia International's Performing Company as well as over 100 local children and local guest celebrities in this time honored holiday classic. Clara and her friends will also host a Nutcracker Tea Party with light lunch at Noon before Saturday and Sunday's matinee performances. Tickets can be purchased at the Sandler box office or at www.coxtix.com. For more information, visit balletvirginia.org or call (757)446-1401.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Chick Fil A opening in North Suffolk near Harbour view

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/new-chick-fil-a-opening-in-suffolk

Creating over 70 new jobs in Suffolk !

Are you moving in to the hampton Roads area?  North Suffolk is centrally located to Virginia Beach and Newport News.  Medical Facilities have been opened in Harbour View area in the past several years bringing young and experienced medical professionals to the area. If you are moving in or moving from Suffolk i can help you with your move.

All you have to do is call
Check out a couple of my Suffolk listings.

www.1412wilroyrd.info

www.411blueheronpointe.info

Call me if you want more information
Christine Parrish 757-816-7000

Outer Banks of NC - One of the preferred Vacation Spots

http://travel.ezinemark.com/outer-banks-one-of-the-most-preferred-tourist-destinations-31aec36d893.html

Outer banks of North Carolina,  also referred to as the OBX  is still one of the best vacation spots on the east coast.  Affordable and close enough to drive.
The attractions on the beach are unique.  The largest Dune Jockey's Ridge is famous for kite surfing and there is a unique shop called  Kity Hawk Kites  www.kittyhawk.com where you can rent hang gliding equipment , get lessons or purchase neat kites to fly on Jockey's Ridge.

Another attaction is the Wright Brothers Memorial.  Neat that this area was where the first plane was launched.  They even have a replica of the first plane the the Brothers experimented with.

More history exists on the beach and going towards Manteo only 15 minutes from Nags Head, you can see the Lost Colony Play.  This play is a recreation with actors of the story of the Lost Colony.

If you are looking for just relaxation there is plenty of beautiful beach or fishing off  the shore or on piers.
Food is great too. There are a number of good chain restaurants however the local mom and pop restaurants have the best food with cooks that have explored recipes around the globe and recreated them in this town.

A place to invest is always an option.  The beach has good rental activity and houses rent very well.
Want to explore your options on owning a vacation rental house or just a second home for a get away.
Contact me to discuss. I have owned a home on the beach for the past 15 years and have loved every minute of it.

Christine Parrish
757-816-7000
www.christineparrish.com
www.realestatebychristine.com

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

5. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina ocracoke-islandOutermost of the Outer Banks, Ocracoke is a 16-mile slash of unspoiled sand along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The remote isle was settled in the 1750s and history hounds can admire the East Coast's oldest operating lighthouse (built 1823) and browse Civil War artifacts at the Ocracoke Preservation Museum. Over 250 historic structures remain standing on the island (often on stilts), most utilizing materials from scuttled ships. The culinary, shopping, and nightlife scenes are worth the trip as well. Fisherman angle for Spanish mackerel and speckled trout, which is then served alongside oyster stew simmered with bacon at generations-old family-owned restaurants. Shops carry authentic crafts from quilts to woodcarvings, and CDs by such well-regarded locals as Molasses Creek and Mya Rose, who play bars like Deep Water Theater and Mango Loco.

Fun Fact: Isolated Ocracoke developed its own distinct dialect, a "brogue" which you can still distinguish among older residents.

Interests Rates still low.

The holiday season is coming soon.  The homes on the market will be decorated and beautiful.  If you are thinking about buying lets get qualified and go house shopping.

Join my website at www.christineparrish.com  click search saver and register to search your own searches with criteria just for you. You may get qualified there also.

When you see something you like let me know.

Secretariat - 1973 Tripple Crown Winner - Disney movie

I went to see Secretariat the movie.  What a horse.  I remember when I was 12 yrs old and watched him run these races.  His story is an inspiration to all.  His owner, Penny Twiddy who believed in him made a cameo appearance in the recent movie.  
I really enjoyed watching the movie and highly recommend it.  

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

North Suffolk gets a Chick fil A

Chick-fil-A brings new opportunities

Published 11:45pm Friday, October 29, 2010 by Suffolk News Herold
By Leila G. Roche
Staff Writer
The Chick-fil-A cows are bringing their mission to “eat more chikin” to the residents of North Suffolk.
A Chick-fil-A restaurant on College Drive, across from the Harbour View East shopping center, is scheduled to open Nov. 18.
“We’re just about ready to roll,” said Dan Curran, franchise owner. “They’re paving the parking lot now, and it’s just a matter of shining it up and making it look pretty for the big day.”
The restaurant is home of “the original chicken sandwich” and sells a variety of chicken meals. There are nearly 1,500 restaurants in 38 states and Washington, D.C., that open Monday through Saturday.
The first 100 customers at the doors will receive free Chick-fil-A for life. The night before, Curran is pulling out the stops and will have entertainment, games and an ice cream party for those waiting in line.
Curran and his family moved from near Cleveland, where they owned a store, to open the College Drive store.
“We searched around in several different states for an ideal place to move the family to,” Curran said. “We have five children, two of them in college. The forethought was to move somewhere the kids would want to come back to. I want to babysit my grandkids someday, and this community offered everything we were looking for.”
Having not been here for long, Curran is already busy reaching out to the community.
At the night of the “first 100,” there will be a station to write cards and put together care packages for the deployed military troop Curran is working to adopt.
He also already approached area schools, first responders, churches and charities about partnering with them to support their organizations.
The new store will bring 70 jobs to the area, for which Curran said he has already received 1,100 applications.
While the birth of another new business to the area is worthy of celebration, city economic development director Kevin Hughes is particularly excited about the byproducts the project includes.
“The exciting thing about the Chick-fil-A is the roadway project and the public/private partnership between the city and the landowners,” Hughes said. “It’s a win-win project all the way around.”
The project has added an access road, which has already opened, to be used by residents of the 1,400 homes in the Burbage Grant neighborhood and provides a direct access point to the Lakeview Technology Center without employees and visitors having to drive through the residential neighborhood.
The new road is a half-mile extension of Burbage Drive, which connects to College Drive.
Previously, there was only one road in and out of the neighborhood, which includes an elementary school. City officials have been looking for opportunities to create multiple exits from neighborhoods in case of emergencies.
The city of Suffolk contributed nearly $3.5 million to extend Burbage Drive. The money came from part of the Route 17 Special Taxing District. The private sector also provided funding and property. Businesses such as Battlefield Associates and Lakeview Technology Center provided the necessary land and right of way needed for the project.
The Chick-fil-A project also created four or five more out parcels available on College Drive, which Hughes said he hopes will bring even more new business to the area.
The Chick-fil-A cows are bringing their mission to “eat more chikin” to the residents of North Suffolk.
A Chick-fil-A restaurant on College Drive, across from the Harbour View East shopping center, is scheduled to open Nov. 18.
“We’re just about ready to roll,” said Dan Curran, franchise owner. “They’re paving the parking lot now, and it’s just a matter of shining it up and making it look pretty for the big day.”
The restaurant is home of “the original chicken sandwich” and sells a variety of chicken meals. There are nearly 1,500 restaurants in 38 states and Washington, D.C., that open Monday through Saturday.
The first 100 customers at the doors will receive free Chick-fil-A for life. The night before, Curran is pulling out the stops and will have entertainment, games and an ice cream party for those waiting in line.
Curran and his family moved from near Cleveland, where they owned a store, to open the College Drive store.
“We searched around in several different states for an ideal place to move the family to,” Curran said. “We have five children, two of them in college. The forethought was to move somewhere the kids would want to come back to. I want to babysit my grandkids someday, and this community offered everything we were looking for.”
Having not been here for long, Curran is already busy reaching out to the community.
At the night of the “first 100,” there will be a station to write cards and put together care packages for the deployed military troop Curran is working to adopt.
He also already approached area schools, first responders, churches and charities about partnering with them to support their organizations.
The new store will bring 70 jobs to the area, for which Curran said he has already received 1,100 applications.
While the birth of another new business to the area is worthy of celebration, city economic development director Kevin Hughes is particularly excited about the byproducts the project includes.
“The exciting thing about the Chick-fil-A is the roadway project and the public/private partnership between the city and the landowners,” Hughes said. “It’s a win-win project all the way around.”
The project has added an access road, which has already opened, to be used by residents of the 1,400 homes in the Burbage Grant neighborhood and provides a direct access point to the Lakeview Technology Center without employees and visitors having to drive through the residential neighborhood.
The new road is a half-mile extension of Burbage Drive, which connects to College Drive.
Previously, there was only one road in and out of the neighborhood, which includes an elementary school. City officials have been looking for opportunities to create multiple exits from neighborhoods in case of emergencies.
The city of Suffolk contributed nearly $3.5 million to extend Burbage Drive. The money came from part of the Route 17 Special Taxing District. The private sector also provided funding and property. Businesses such as Battlefield Associates and Lakeview Technology Center provided the necessary land and right of way needed for the project.
The Chick-fil-A project also created four or five more out parcels available on College Drive, which Hughes said he hopes will bring even more new business to the area.

Monday, November 1, 2010

MLB Baseball news

Game 5 the Sanfrancisco Giants beat the Texas Rangers  3-0 First time to win the World series since 1954.  They played well, pitched and hit well.
Tim Lincecom against Cliff Lee was a 2 time winner in this series.  Buster Posey the catcher 23 yrs old was an amazing hitter, catcher and player for a rookie.  I enjoyed watching them play.  

Baseball is done for this year!  


Wednesday, October 27, 2010

MLB Baseball

For all of you Ranger and Giant fans. First world series game Giants are hitting Cliff Lee.  Those Giants want it tonight.
Stay tuned

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Nansemond Suffolk vs Greenbrier Christian Homecoming game

http://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2010/10/22/saints-blank-greenbriar-christian/

Driver Days was a smash!

http://www.facebook.com/ChristineCparrish

Check out the fan page to see what we are up to!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Your Invited to an Event

We will have a booth at the Driver Days Festival.  Candy and treats for the kids, free raffle for gift baskets and prizes.  Lots of fun and food.  Hope to see you there.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Driver Days Fall Festival - October 23rd and 24th




Join me at DRIVER DAYS for your FREE CMA, FREE RAFFLES
and other PRIZES!! There will be representatives from
Keller Williams Realty, New American Mortgage and
Moseley Real Estate School
available at the event.





Down-home hospitality combined with good food, live music,
living history demonstrations, pet costume contest and motorcycle ride to highlight the unique shops in the quaint village in Northeastern Suffolk.
Proceeds benefit
the Driver Volunteer Fire Department
and local charities.
Sat., Oct 23rd
9am-6pm
Sun., Oct 24th
11am-5pm
Free general admission
              Driver Village, Suffolk, Va
 
            

Thursday, September 16, 2010

1412 Wilroy Road, Suffolk, Va

Join us for an OPEN HOUSE
on Sunday, September 19th
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Come see this beautiful completely
remodeled Cape Cod located at
1412 Wilroy Road, Suffolk, Virginia

Refreshments will be served

Virtual Tour




 

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Fannie Mae When can you buy after foreclosure

Underwriting Borrowers with a Prior Foreclosure
A variety of foreclosure alternatives are available to borrowers who are having difficulty making their mortgage payments. In Announcement SEL-2010-05, Underwriting Borrowers with a Prior
Preforeclosure Sale or Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure, Fannie Mae announced changes to the
policies regarding the amount of time that must elapse after a borrower experiences a
preforeclosure event (preforeclosure sale, short sale, and deed-in-lieu of foreclosure). The
changes highlighted the importance of borrowers working with their servicers to avoid
foreclosure.
As a follow-up to that Announcement, Fannie Mae is now modifying the waiting period that must
elapse before a borrower is eligible for a new mortgage loan after a foreclosure. The
combination of the waiting period policies for foreclosures and preforeclosure events continue to
favor borrowers who work with their servicers to avoid foreclosure by allowing these borrowers
to be eligible for a future Fannie Mae loan in a shorter period of time.
This Announcement describes the policy changes in detail. The changes will be reflected in the
Selling Guide, B3-5.3-07, Significant Derogatory Credit Events – Waiting Periods and Reestablishing
Credit, when it is updated on June 30, 2010.
Waiting Period After a Foreclosure
Currently, the waiting period that must elapse after a borrower experiences a foreclosure is>

Waiting Period After a Foreclosure
Currently, the waiting period that must elapse after a borrower experiences a foreclosure is
seven years. However, Fannie Mae allows a shorter time period – five years – if certain
additional requirements are met (e.g., minimum down payment and credit score, and occupancy
requirements). These requirements are being modified to remove the five year option. Unless
the foreclosure was the result of documented extenuating circumstances, which only requires a
three-year waiting period (with additional requirements), all borrowers will now be required to
meet a seven-year waiting period after a prior foreclosure to be eligible for a new mortgage loan
eligible for sale to Fannie Mae.
The additional requirements that apply to borrowers with documented extenuating
circumstances are also being updated to reflect a maximum LTV ratio of the lesser of 90% or
the LTV ratio per the Eligibility Matrix for all transactions.
The following table describes the waiting period policy changes for foreclosures

Information provided by Amy House of New American Mortgage

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

military and certain federal employees may still be eligible for the tax credit.

First-Time Homebuyer Credit: Members of the Military and Certain Other Federal Employees

The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which was signed into law on Nov. 6, 2009, extends and expands the first-time homebuyer credit allowed by previous Acts. The new law:
Extends deadlines for purchasing and closing on a home.
Authorizes the credit for long-time homeowners buying a replacement principal residence.
Raises the income limitations for homeowners claiming the credit.
Under the new law, an eligible taxpayer must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2010 and close on the home by June 30, 2010. For qualifying purchases in 2010, taxpayers have the option of claiming the credit on either their 2009 or 2010 return.
For the first time, long-time homeowners who buy a replacement principal residence may also claim a homebuyer credit of up to $6,500 (up to $3,250 for a married individual filing separately). They must have lived in the same principal residence for any five-consecutive year period during the eight-year period that ended on the date the replacement home is purchased.
People with higher incomes can now qualify for the credit. The new law raises the income limits for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009. The credit phases out for individual taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) between $125,000 and $145,000 or between $225,000 and $245,000 for joint filers. The existing MAGI phase-outs of $75,000 to $95,000 or $150,000 to $170,000 for joint filers still apply to purchases on or before Nov. 6, 2009.
Several new restrictions apply to homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009.
Purchasers must attach a properly executed settlement statement to their return.
No credit is available if the purchase price of the home exceeds $800,000.
The purchaser must be at least 18 years old on the date of purchase. For a married couple, only one spouse must meet this age requirement.
A dependent is not eligible for the credit.
The new law gives the IRS broader authority to deny first-time homebuyer credit claims, without having to first audit a taxpayer’s return. Known as math error authority, this authority applies, retroactively, to credits claimed on original and amended 2008 returns, as well as to claims yet to be filed.
Additionally, there are new benefits for members of the military and certain other federal employees:
Members of the military and certain other federal employees serving outside the U.S. have an extra year to buy a principal residence in the U.S. and qualify for the credit. Thus, an eligible taxpayer must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2011. If a binding contract is entered into by that date, the taxpayer has until June 30, 2011, to close on the purchase. Members of the uniformed services, members of the Foreign Service and employees of the intelligence community are eligible for this special rule. It applies to any individual (and, if married, the individual’s spouse) who serves on qualified official extended duty service outside of the United States for at least 90 days during the period beginning after Dec. 31, 2008, and ending before May 1, 2010.
In many cases, the credit repayment (recapture) requirement is waived for members of the uniformed services, members of the Foreign Service and employees of the intelligence community. This relief applies where a home is sold or stops being the taxpayer’s principal residence after Dec. 31, 2008, in connection with government orders received by the individual (or the individual’s spouse) for qualified official extended duty service. The credit is still allowable even if this happens during the year of purchase. Qualified official extended duty is any period of extended duty while serving at a place of duty at least 50 miles away from the taxpayer’s principal residence (whether inside or outside the U.S.) or while residing under government orders in government quarters. Extended duty is defined as any period of duty pursuant to a call or order to such duty for a period in excess of 90 days or for an indefinite period.
Question and Answer
Q. Are both spouses required to be overseas for the requisite time period in order to qualify for the 2011 extension to claim the credit?
A. Only one spouse must be overseas on official extended duty for the requisite amount of time for either spouse to be eligible for the 2011 extension of time to purchase a principal residence and claim the credit.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Ocean front/Nags Head/8 BR For RENT -CLICK HERE

This house is available in May and the first week of June. Click on title for details.
Christine Parrish 757-816-7000

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

New Programs for first time home buyers

Now that April 30 has passed, there are incentives available for first time home buyers. Rates are still at an all time low and property values in this range are great. This is the time to buy a home.
Whether you are a first timer or you are an investor the market is full of deals.
Visit my web site at www.christineparrish.com and set up your own criteria search.
Have fun, call me if you have questions about any property you see that is interesting.
Christine Parrish 757-816-7000

Mother's Day weekend

Did all you moms have a sweet mother's day weekend. I was riding around Gods Country in the Shenandoah Valley in Staunton. I met a great couple that are from the OBX who moved there opened up a pizza restaurant. What a treat to meet beach people in the Valley.

Back home to the real world now.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Short Sales in Hampton Roads

Lets talk about Short Sales. "Short sale" is a term used to describe a property that has a mortgage balance HIGHER than the market price or sales price.
If you are in this situation and want or need to sell your property, you still can. I know you are thinking that you can't afford to come to the closing table with cash and in some cases hundreds of thousands of dollars to close. So, what are your options.

Short sales take some time and expertise. My goal as an listing agent for you is to keep the bank from foreclosing on your property. It starts with a consultation to determine how much relief you need then determining how we can convince your mortgage company that you are entitle to the relief of the difference of your mortgage and the offer we submit to them. These deals are each unique and require an experienced agent to work through the requirements to get a positive end result.

Are you in this boat? Need to sell? Have to move? Purchased in 2005 with 100% mortgage and now owe more than we can sell your property for in 2010? Call me. I have answers, resources and know how to get these properties sold and help you move on.

A consultation is free. 757-816-7000 Christine Parrish

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

The OBX of North Carolina

The OBX is a drive to and very popular spot on the east coast. OBX NC, is holding strong on the values during this down economy. Mainly because the income from the rental market helps to pay the mortgage and additional expenses. The rental market is reaching record highs this season which is a help to the investors who own or purchase in this market.

We all know what your return is on your money in the Stock market or bank CD's. Your money is well spent in Real Estate and with the right investment you will build wealth and be able to enjoy the beach.

Call me to discuss options in this market.
Christine Parrish 757-816-7000

Time is running out!

The spring selling season is upon us and opportunities abound to boost the housing market and get it on a positive track. We have the advantages of low interest rates, affordable housing stock and the homebuyer tax credits that expire within just a few weeks. We also have an ever-growing supply of short sale inventory – and the sooner those houses can be sold, the better for all involved.

April 30 is quickly approaching
The homebuyer tax credits have been pivotal in helping move inventory. At this time, it appears that the government will not offer another extension. Any first-time or move-up buyer who is interested in taking advantage of the tax credit must have a binding sales contract by April 30, 2010 – with the home purchase completed by June 30, 2010.

Time is of the essence
Short sales remain significant factors in today’s marketplace, allowing more prospective buyers than ever to become homeowners. Because these transactions are more complex, it is imperative that real estate and lending professionals work efficiently as coordinated teams to help our customers.
We are not hearing that the tax credit will be extended. Hopefully we will have new programs for lending that will keep the purchasing moving.

I am committed to helping you.
Christine Parrish 816-7000

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Happy Easter Everyone

Went to the beach in Nags Head to my house. What a beautiful weekend. I played some tennis, ate some sea food, and lay in the sun. Went to a new church. I love the beach. Hope you had a great weekend.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Sellers News

Click on Seller News to hear the story. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/36049790#36049790

There are reforms to help sellers who are in a short sale situation. Listen to the story.

Have a short sale property and don't know what to do? I have answers. Call me to discuss maybe I can help you through to a good ending.
Christine Parrish

757-816-7000

Monday, March 22, 2010

Advantages of investing in Real Estate!

Real estate investing in a general sense involves the purchasing of real estate for profit. With real estate investments, profits are gradually accumulated by renting out properties in what's known as a cash flow method. Or, properties are improved and upgraded, then resold for a capital gain. Real estate investors may also wholesale properties as a way to make profits.

Advantages of Real Estate Investing

There are many entrepreneurs out there who argue that real estate investing is a win-win situation where you simply cannot lose money. Of course, this has to be false because there is no fail-safe way to invest in anything without some risk. Despite the risks, there are plenty of advantages to investing in real estate.

The first major advantage to investing in real estate is that you are purchasing an extremely expensive product. Therefore, each property you sell generates more profit potential.

Next advantage with real estate investing is leverage, or the ability to borrow based on the value of the property. It is much easier to finance real estate than any other investment product. Investing in other assets requires you to have the full purchase payment available to obtain that asset. However, when investing in real estate, you only need to have a fraction of the purchase price available (like a 5%, 10% or 20% down payment per say). As a result, real estate, although extremely expensive, is still easier to buy than say, a piece of industrial equipment of the same value.

Furthermore, local advantages in real estate investments is very rarely discussed, yet it stands to reason that you would know your city, town, and neighborhood better than any real estate investing expert from another part of the country or world. This is an advantage that the beginner real estate investor can capitalize on.

One way a beginner can get started in real estate investing with minimal personal risk is to bird dog. ‘Bird dogging' is when you search for good deals for another, more experienced investor. This way the beginner learns to find, recognize, and understand a good value.

It should also be noted that the bulk of the world's assets are in real estate.
Looking for a property bank or government owned?  First time home buyer? Together your in the hot seat.
You can search foreclosures on my web site at http://www.christineparrish.com/

Anyone for Tennis?

Have tennis experience or are you interested in playing tennis?  Check out our Chesapeake/Suffolk league which play at Western Branch courts in Chesapeake., Behind Chuckee Cheese There is room for beginners up to 4.5 players.  You can go to http://www.wtt.com/ for more information or contact me by phone at 757-816-7000