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Tis The Season...To Buy A New Home!
December 2, 2011
With the holiday season fast approaching its an excellent time to be thinking about the absolute BEST gifts to give your family and friends. Sure they would proabally enjoy a new Ipad but what could you give them that could give them a lifetime of use and enjoyment? The best gift you could give them would be a downpayment on a new home. Now is a perfect time to take advantage of an underperforming housing market and help them accomplish thier dreams in life too! Take advantage of low home prices & interest rates. The housing market will recover and by helping someone buy a new home now they will benefit from appreciation in home value and financial freedom. But how can you collect/give money the best way? Use the link below to create your very own gift registry account and have money transferred directly to your account from anywhere in the world!! The best part? Your never to young to start saving for that downpayment so have people deposit money in it in place of birthday or Christmas presents!! http://www.depositagift.com/howitworks
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
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How Much Home Can I afford?
November 21, 2011
This just might be one of the MOST important questions you will ever ask yourself. Themost important factor in determining the answer to this question is yourdebt-to-income ratio. This ratio is based on how much personal debt you arecarrying in relation to how much you earn. Lenders use this to determine how much mortgage debt you are able to handle. Lenders usually agree that your debt-to-ratio should be 36 percent. A score above 36%is seen as risky and may be denied or you may be forced to pay a higher interest rate. A good rule to follow is that no more than 28% of your gross monthly income should go to housing expenses.
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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The Economics of Land

November 21, 2011

After a few years in a down housing market, raw land that was once destined to be the home of future subdivisions and retail outlets is being converted back into farmland. Duringt he heat of the market, developers from California to Florida paid top dollar for prime land in hopes of creating the next best subdivision. With rising crop prices and a recovering housing market, the economics of land investment have changed.

"Right now, people are working that land for whatever value it has, which usually means they're farming it or selling it to farmers," said Vernon Crowder, an economist with Rabobank International, a major U.S. agricultural lender based in the Netherlands.

These changing dynamics have turned farmers into land speculators and beneficiaries of the housingbust—sometimes buying back the same land they had sold earlier.

This represents a dramatic demographic shift. Since the end of WWII, developments have spread out from cities to surrounding areas creating suburbs and exurbs. At the height of the housing market, developers were pouring a tremendous amount of money into the exurbs to those looking for cheaper homes away from the hussle and bussle of the city. This way of life was ok when gas was cheap and jobs were easy to come by.

I think this will be an increasing trend in real estate for the next few years.Like every other trend this is just a result of the long term economic cycle. I see this as part of a solution to healing the housing market. With more land being diverted to farm use, the amount of land available for other uses will shrink resulting in higher land and home prices,while beautifying our countryside!

Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).

Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com

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The Twilight Saga's Cullen Home

November 21, 2011

The Twilight Saga's Cullen Home
November 21, 2011
Regardless of wheter you love or hate the Twilight Franchise, you can agree that the Cullen home is pretty amazing. The house was designed by Skylab Architecture. A lovely entrace! Too Cool!! Love the natural light!! I think I would actually cook in this kitchen Labels: Architecture, Cullen_House_Twilight, High_Fashion_Product, Hoke_Residence, Home_Decor, Interior_Design, Skylab_Architecture Do vampires eat?? Thats a lot of graduations!! More Info availble: http://blog.highfashionhome.com/2011/11/cullen-house-from-twilight.html http://www.home-designing.com/2009/06/twilight-house-edward-cullens-home-decor Buy Tickets at http://www.fandango.com/regalharrisonburgstadium14_aamsg/theaterpage

Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).

Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com

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Why Chose Augusta County, VA?

November 7, 2011 Filed In: augusta county

Economy
Augusta County has a diverse economy. While manufacturing accounts for approximately 30% of the jobs in the County, the governmental, services, and trade sectors are also very strong. In fact, the Augusta Correctional Center and Target are two of the County's largest employers. Please see our Links page for the area's other major employers.

Agriculture
Agriculture has traditionally been an important part of the County's economy. As of January 1, 2000, Augusta County had 29,000 beef cows and 8,800 sheep and lambs, ranking first in both categories in Virginia. According to the latest Census of Agriculture, there are 1,691 farms in Augusta County covering more that 306,048 acres. The average farm in the County is 188 acres. The market value of agricultural products sold was over $143,914 million in 2006.

Tourism
Another significant component of the area's economy is tourism. Attracted by the scenic beauty of the area and the easy accessibility via the interstate system, thousands of tourists visit the area each year. The economic benefit of the tourism industry is significant. In 1999, visitors spent more that $60 million in the County and generated over $2.5 million in local meals and lodging taxes.

Income
In 1998, the adjusted gross income for married couples in the County was $43,190. The per capita personal income for the Augusta-Staunton-Waynesboro area in 1999 was $23, 612. While total income is important, a better indicator of the wealth in a community is the effective buying income of households. In 1999, the effective buying income of Augusta County households was $32,834. Twenty-four percent of households in the County had a buying income of $50,000 or more.

Housing
According to the last 2000 Census data, there are 18,903 families and 24,818 households in the County. There are more that 26,700 housing units in the County, of which 24,818 are currently occupied. Over 80% of the housing units (20,628) are owner occupied. The average household size in the County is 2.57.

Retail Sales
In 2000, taxable sales in Augusta County exceeded $316 million, up 2.6% from 1999. Not surprisingly, the highest amount of sales comes in the food group sector which includes grocery stores and restaurants. Other leading sectors include general merchandise and machinery, equipment, and supplies.

Labor Force
Augusta County has a labor force of nearly 32,000 workers. Combined with the Cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, the area labor force is over 52,000 strong. The County's unemployment rate is traditionally lower than both the state and federal unemployment figures.

Josh Law - Tom Barnum - Pete Laver

Information Taken From
http://www.co.augusta.va.us/Index.aspx?page=425

Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).

Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com

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Winter! Is that you knocking?
November 7, 2011
With winter approaching it's a good idea to go ahead and make sure your home's ready for bad weather. · If you plan to use a fireplace or woodstove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Make sure you have a smoke & carbon monoxide alarm installed. · If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure that they have access to unfrozen water. · Insulate walls and attic. · Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. · Insulate any water lines that run alongouter walls (water will be less likely to freeze). · Service snow-removal equipment. · Install easy-to-read outdoor thermometer. · Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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Does Your House Look LIke a Haunted House?

October 31, 2011

Happy Haloween!!

As trick-or-treaters prepare for a night of mischief its important that you take a look at your house and make sure its not that house that neighborhood kids dare each other to go to. Here are a few quick things you should look for.

• Are the sidewalks and driveways in good shape?
• Is the paint chipping or faded?
• Are the windows clean and their frames in good repair?
• Is the lawn mowed? Are the shrubs, flowers, and trees healthy-looking?
Josh Law - Tom Barnum - Pete Laver

Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).

Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com

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Stay Safe This Halloween!
October 31, 2011
What kid doesn't enjoy prowling around town late at night loading up on FREE candy?!? Follow my tips below to keep you and your family safe on this night of mischief! Use the buddy system – Kids should never go trick or treating without a sibling, friend, or parent. Never go into a stranger's house – Only get candy from houses that give it to you at the door. If someone invites you in leave IMMEDIATELY! Set a curfew – If you aren't going trick or treating with your kids, set a time that they need to be home by or a time for them to check in with a phone call. That way, you know that they are safe. GIVE THEM YOUR CELL PHONE TO CARRY! Choose flame resistant materials for costumes – Since there can be candles and other open flames at houses, choose a fire resistant material for costumes to avoid burn injuries. Eat a snack / dinner before trick or treating – To prevent your kids from eating as much junk food. Always cross streets at interections and walkways – Make sure your child knows how to cross a street and to only cross at designated intersections. Always check candy before giving it to your child – Make sure none of the candy is open or looks like it was tampered with. If you have small children, make sure the candy is not a choking hazard. Go on your local police website and search for sex offenders in your neighborhood - While this may seem overly precautious, you may want to steer clear of these houses or areas. Visit http://www.familywatchdog.us/ Wear something reflective in your costume and carry a flashlight – It's going to be dark out by the time you go home, so make sure cars can see you at night. Put reflective tape on the costume and trick or treating bags. Create well fitting costumes – Kids will be running from house to house, so make sure their costume is suitable for running. Make sure face marks still allow your child to see their full range, make sure capes are not too long to trip over, and ensure any swords are not too sharp. Have them wear gym shoes. Test your skills at http://www.halloweenmagazine.com/safety-game/house-light.html Josh Law - Tom Barnum - Pete Laver www.AugustaRealEstateTeam.com www.RockinghamRealEstateTeam.com
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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Open House - Sunday 1-3
October 26, 2011
400 Glenfield Ct, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 Motivated seller bring offers!! Lovely 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath split foyer townhouse located in the heart of Harrisonburg. Only a 7 minute drive to JMU. Perfect for the first time homebuyer or investor looking to be in the center of it all!! Additional Info. - constructed in 1992 - .114 Acres - Located in Northfield Estates - 1160 SF - 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Bath School Info - Spottswood Elementary - Thomas Harrison Middle - Harrisonburg High http://76999.rockinghamrealestateteam.com Hope to see you there this coming Sunday, October 30th from 1-3!!
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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Why Rockingham County?
October 21, 2011
Rockingham County is centered in a beautiful country setting near major cities, colleges and universities with year-round recreation and a labor force with outstanding work ethics. These attributes make Rockingham County, Virginia, a great place in which to work, live and play. The County offers many opportunities and amenities to citizens, visitors, and businesses alike. An affordable cost of living and doing business Harrisonburg Rockingham MSA Ranked 10 in top 25 Metros for Quality Public Schools. Harrisonburg Rockingham MSA a 5-Star Business Opportunity Metro (more) Harrisonburg Rockingham MSA, Rated No. 2 Most Secure Place (more) Excellent public school systems and higher education institutions, including James Madison University, Bridgewater College, Eastern Mennonite University, and Blue Ridge Community College. The colleges and universities offer area residents many cultural opportunities that are not available outside of an urban area. Excellent commercial and industrial building sites, and a variety of residential neighborhoods An abundance of cultural amenities including many historical sites, including the Cross Keys and Port Republic Civil War Battlefields, Many enjoyable camping and other outdoor recreational opportunities in the George Washington National Forest and Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive. A major tourist attraction, with facilities such as Massanutten Resort which offers the amenities of a planned, four-season resort community Extensive local and state availability of funding and incentives for businesses, and much more! These amenities and the surrounding beauty of the area are a main attraction for businesses and tourists. The heritage of the area is reflected in the attitude of its industrious and neighborly people. The County has become home to those who continually discover its beauty This article can be viewed at http://www.yesrockingham.com/v.php?pg=12 Josh Law - Tom Barnum - Pete Laver
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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How To Prepare For Homeownership
October 17, 2011
10 Ways to Prepare for Homeownership 1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income. 2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list. 3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you'd like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety. 4. Start saving.Do you have enough money saved to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment? Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. Also, don't forget to factor in closing costs. Closing costs — including taxes, attorney's fee, and transfer fees — average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price. 5. Get your credit in order.Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate and to correct any errors immediately. A credit report provides a history of your credit, bad debts, and any late payments. 6. Determine your mortgage qualifications.How large of mortgage do you qualify for? Also, explore different loan options — such as 30-year or 15-year fixed mortgages or ARMs — and decide what's best for you. 7. Get preapproved. Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan. You might need W-2 forms, copies of at least one pay stub, account numbers, and copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements. 8. Weigh other sources of help with a down payment. Do you qualify for any special mortgage or down payment assistance programs? Check with your state and local government on down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers. Or, if you have an IRA account, you can use the money you've saved to buy your fist home without paying a penalty for early withdrawal. 9. Calculate the costs of homeownership. This should include property taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities, and association fees, if applicable. 10. Call Josh, Tom, & Pete!! VISIT www.AugustaRealEstateTeam.com www.RockinghamRealEstateTeam.com
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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The All American Home -
October 14, 2011
Earlier this week ABC News featured a home made entirely from products made in America. Builder Anders Lewendal believes this to be the "blueprint for creating jobs in America." Everything from the bathtub to every nut and bolt was manufactured in America. Over 30 states and their products will be represented in the home. Although building entirely from American made products is more expensive, the price of this nearly finished home is only 1 or 2 percent more than a comparable housemade with foreign materials. Lewendal believes that if builders used only 5% more of goods produced in America 220,000 jobs would be created. Resources: http://news.yahoo.com/video/business-15749628/home-made-in-america-can-it-work-26901163.html#crsl=%252Fvideo%252Fbusiness-15749628%252Fhome-made-in-america-can-it-work-26901163.html http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2011/10/how-to-build-a-made-in-america-home/ http://www.buildingonline.com/news/viewnews.pl?id=11043&subcategory=70 Josh Law - Tom Barnum - Pete Laver
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES
September 26, 2011
Shenandoah Valley Job Opportunities Housing & job growth are two fundamental components in regaining global economic stability. This past March, National Association of Realtors President Ronald Phipps said that research indicates home sales in America generate over 2.5 million private sector jobs during the average year (Realtor.org). It's clear how important each are to the other. Improving the economy will take time, hard work, and most importantly cooperation. The Rockingham & Augusta Real Estate Team hope you find the following links to local job opportunities helpful. GOOD LUCK! https://services.ci.staunton.va.us/MSS/employmentopportunities/default.aspx http://www.rmhonline.org/rmh_human_resources/pages/RMH_open_positions.html http://www.snagajob.com/jobs/Virginia/Staunton_jobs.html http://www.augustahealth.com/careers/open-positions http://www.mckeefoods.com/careers/HRAppJobView.aspx http://www.careerbuilder.com/Jobs/Harrisonburg/ https://joblink.jmu.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1317068348521 "Home Ownership Essential to JobGrowth and Economy, Say Realtors." Realtors.org. N.p., 9 Mar. 2011.Web. 26 Sept. 2011..
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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Why Buy A Home This Fall?
September 18, 2011
Why Fall Is a Great Time To Buy A New Home Everyone knows that the summer months are the busiest months for the real estate market. But is summer always the best time to buy or sell a home? The best answer isthat the best time to buy or sell depends. It depends on your current situation, your needs, and your motivation. Many of you also know that as fall approaches the market slows. According to Jack Harris, a retired economist at the Texas A&M University Real Estate Center, the market will slow in early fall then pick up briefly in October. According to Bankrate.com, there is a greater choice of homes for sale in the summer months, but fall provides an ample selction of homes and extra benefits. In the summer months, there are more buyers looking for new homes. Sellers can use this to their advantage and hold their asking price because of the high demand. As summer sizzles away and the cool autumn breezes approach, they lose this advantage and it passes along to the buyers. With fewer buyers looking, fewer offers will be made, and more attention will be given to your offer. With theholiday season approaching many people are ready to sell quickly. They don't want the cherished time they spend with their loved ones to be interrupted with realtors or having to work with showings. Sellers can be extremely motivated this time of year. Many want to be in their new home by Christmas and dread the thought of having to deal with their old house in the New Year. According to Money.CNN.com, Fall is also a great time to buy a vacation home. Vacation homeowners try to maximize their rental income and wait until fall to list their properties. Lower home prices and historic low interest rates are making this a great year to find that bargain second home. Resources: http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/real-estate/buying-season.asp http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/real_estate/1009/gallery.Time_to_buy_your_dream_vacation_home/index.html Josh Law – Tom Barnum – Pete Laver
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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News Right Out Of The Daily News Record
September 9, 2011 Filed In: in the news, interest rates, local real estate market, real estate
The headline stares at me right out of today's September 9th Daily News Record: FIXED MORTGAGE RATES LOWEST IN SIX DECADES According to this article, the average rate for 30-year fixed mortgages fell to 4.12 percent and the average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage fell to 3.33 percent. Really, did that say 3.33 percent?
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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Safe Long Term Investments
August 22, 2011 Filed In: affordable housing, deals, home buyer incentives, investing
As Wall Street tumbles and the Dow Jones Industrial Average falls many investors are on the look out for safer investments. With the fear of market volatility in the future many market experts are encouraging their clients to invest in something other than stocks. Their advice? Buy a house or a 2^nd homeon the beach! Sounds good to me! I'm more than willing to invest in a house that would protect me from inflation, with the potential to appreciate in value. Relaxing by the waves at my beach house wouldn't be that bad either. Now is a great time to invest in real estate. There are plenty of incentives out there to entice home buyers to buy, buy, buy. To begin with, home prices are still down in many areas of the country with mortgage rates at historic lows. Need more convincing? The recent debt deal is also likely to keep mortgage rates low for a little longer. Once the details of the debt deal are finalized this incentive could be history. Major hurdles that buyers will continue to face will be making the down payment on a house, having good credit, and a stable job. According to Greg McBride a senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com, "If you're financially prepared to do so, it'sa great time to buy a house. He also mentioned, "Affordability is tremendous,and if you're in a position where you have the financial security that others are lacking, you're in a great position to grab a good deal." Rebecca Hall, a financial planner in Reston, VA said several of her clients have decided to invest in real estate over putting more money in the stock market. She said people don't see the real estate market as volatile and stressed the importance of seeing real estate as a long term investment. Resources: http://blogs.smartmoney.com/advice/2011/08/18/forget-the-market-buy-a-house/ Josh Law – Tom Barnum – Pete Laver AugustaRealEstateTeam.com RockinghamRealEstateTeam.com Augusta County, Rockingham County, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Churchville, Craigsville, Crimora, Deerfield, Fishersville, Fort Defiance, Greenville, Lyndhurst,Middlebrook, Mint Spring, Mount Sidney, Mount Solon ,New Hope, Sherando,Spottswood, Steeles Tavern, Stuarts Draft, Swoope, Verona, Waynesboro, & Weyers Cave
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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Are Rents Going Up?
July 28, 2011 Filed In: affordable housing, buying, foreclosure
Why would I blog about rents? I do because the cost of renting a house directly impacts consumers decision to buy a house. A number of sources including MSN Money project that we are going to see rents go up nationwide. According to a recent article: "For the last decade, rents have been stuck, rising at an average of just about 1% a year. Now, one expert predicts, they could rise by 7% a year (on average, nationally) for the next two years, boosting the average rent to $800 a month" Why are rents going up? Many conclude that as the foreclosure crisis has displaced many owners and made them renters, there is a greater demand for rental housing. And as rents increase, the stability of a fixed payment on a home becomes more and more attractive to renters. Locally, we are hearing of this taking place where people are now considering purchasing their home instead of being subjected to the upcoming rental increases. Better to pay your own mortgage than someone elses.
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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Are The Harry Potter Stars Real Estate Investors???
July 20, 2011
Have you ever wondered where the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardly live when they are not protecting the Wizarding World? They trade their dorms for multiple multimillion properties that rival the elegance of royalty. Daniel Radcliff has made millions playing the most famous wizard of all time in the Harry Potter franchise. Knowing the benefits of homeownership, he has since become an avid real estate investor. In 2007, he purchased his first piece of property, a fifth-floor apartment in New York witha price tag of only 5.2 million dollars. Located in the heart of SoHo, this property was never even lived in by the star and is used solely as a rental property. His property portfolio also includes an apartment in Manhattan and a flat in Fulham, West London. He recently purchased a townhouse in New York City worth 5.7 Million dollars. Harry is not the only one investing in property. His co-star Rupert Grint purchased a Hertfordshire manor house with 22 acres at a price of $5.4 million. This property was built in the 18^th centuryand has five reception rooms and six bedroom suites. His country estate also came with two cottages and an indoor and outdoor pool. Academic overachiever Heromonie Granger played by Emma Watson is no troll when it comes to her money either. Its reported that she spent almost $2 million on a chalet in a ski resort somewhere in France. It's clear that they are teaching more than spells at Hogwarts. Apparently, they're teaching the benefits of homeownership too. By buying a home, they are able to have a place of their own, and can enjoy thefreedom and flexibility of not having someone tell them what to do. One of the biggest advantages of buying a home over renting is the ability to build equity over the years that you own the home. As your home's value increases, you willbe able to use it as leverage to take out lines of credit. Even after they hang up their wand, they can sit back and relax knowing that their home is working for them. The biggest advantage of buying a home is the pride that comes along with accomplishing the American/global dream of homeownership. Resources: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1221508/Harry-Potters-Daniel-Radcliffe-property-empire-tops-10m-buys-New-York-home.html#ixzz1SfHEYFzS Josh Law www.AugustaRealEstateTeam.com Specializingin Real Estate in Augusta County, Rockingham County, Staunton,Harrisonburg, Churchville, Craigsville, Crimora, Deerfield, Fishersville, FortDefiance, Greenville, Lyndhurst, Middlebrook, Mint Spring, Mount Sidney, MountSolon ,New Hope, Sherando, Spottswood, Steeles Tavern, Stuarts Draft, Swoope,Verona, Waynesboro, & Weyers Cave
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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The Trumps Come To Charlottsville!!
July 3, 2011
In 1990, Patricia Kluge divorced one of America's richest men and won a settlement worth over $100 million. She used the money to live a life of luxury and to fuel her business dreams. One of her biggest desires in life was to open a vineyard, which became her main focus after her divorce. As part of the divorce settlement she was allowed to keep their Virginia property ,a breathtaking estate nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains just minutes away from Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Kluge was forced to declare personal bankruptcy last month, and was forced to sell her precious Virginia Vineyard. She didn't sell her property to just anyone. She sold it to Billionaire real estate mogul Donald Trump. Over the past few months, Trump has purchased most of her Virginia estate. With the help of Kluge and her son, he purchased the 1,000 acre vineyard for a fraction of its true value. Trump now has his eyes set on her mansion. Bank of America currently owns the house after foreclosing. This 24,000 square foot palace, has 45 rooms, a home theatre, a spa, 3,500 bottle wine cellar and a 2,000 square foot sitting room,and a $16 million dollar price tag according to The Wall Street Journal. The only thing this house is missing is a front yard. Guess who owns it. Trump owns it along with most of the driveway, and the backyard making it nearly impossible to sell to anyone besides Trump who offered 3.6 million for it. He's even posted "No Tresspassing" signs at the property to ward off potential buyers. When the vineyard hit the auction block in May Trump won the bidding war at 6.2 million. A steal considering that the banks and lenders valued the property at $60 million. Donald Trump's son, Eric is now running the vineyard with assistance from Ms. Kluge. Resources http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304314404576413984028888352.html?KEYWORDS=trump Check out the Soon To Be Trump Vineyard Online http://www.klugeestate.com/ Josh Law SEEEVERY LISTING IN THE….. Augusta County, Rockingham County, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Churchville, Craigsville, Crimora, Deerfield, Fishersville, Fort Defiance, Greenville, Lyndhurst, Middlebrook, Mint Spring, Mount Sidney, Mount Solon ,New Hope, Sherando, Spottswood, Steeles Tavern, Stuarts Draft, Swoope, Verona, Waynesboro, & Weyers Cave www.AugustaRealEstateTeam.com
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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Riverheads High School Celebrates 50 Years!
June 20, 2011
Imagine it's 1962. JFK has been president a little over a year. The price of a new home is $18,000, and a gallon of gas cost 30 cents. Your dreading the start of high school yet excited to see the brand new building you'll grow to call home for the next four years. Summer simmers away and the colors of fall fill the country side. Your about to embark on one of the most memorable journeys of your life aka High School! In the fall of 1962, Riverheads High School opened its doors to the very first class of students. Come June when the graduating class of 2012 receives their diplomas, the school will have completed 50 years of educating, memory making, and most importantly 50 years of Red Pride!! Being a Riverheads Gladiator is pretty exclusive. Fewer than 5,000 people have had the privilege of receiving the Riverheads Diploma. Fewer than 5,000 people have had the privilidge of Mr. Hull's 5 foot tall speakers blaring Donald Duck Christmas songs in the hallway and the stigma of being a "low-life freshmen." Fewer than 5,000 people have felt Mr. Wilkerson's wrath and heard his frequent shouts of the word "blivet" and felt his terrifying encouragement. I frequently think back to that day in the 10^th grade in his Algebra II Trig class. I had no idea whatsoever was going on in his class and he would always call on me. Always. Sometimes several times a day. Well this day he had it out for me more than usual. I can remember as though it were yesterday him setting at his desk saying, "Lets get an intelligent answer, Josssh." Looking back this is proabally one of the funniest/teriffying memories I have of Riverheads. Fewer than 5,000 people have felt the community that gave back, and refused to lay down while its members did without. I can't remember how many times throughout the years we collected money for local charties or community members that had lost everything they owned. That's what sets Riverheads apart. In the fall of 2011, Riverheads will begin to compile newsclippings, photos, stories, ect. Into a memory book and plans to kick off a year full of events commemorating its 50^th year! Please submit your articles to lotswife@comcast.net Checkout the RHS Homepage for more updates!! http://www.augusta.k12.va.us/riverheadshs/site/default.asp Josh Law - Realtor www.AugustaRealEstateTeam.com THE BEST WAY TO BUY OR SELL A HOME IN... Augusta County,Rockingham County, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Churchville, Craigsville, Crimora, Deerfield,Fishersville, Fort Defiance, Greenville, Lyndhurst, Middlebrook, Mint Spring, MountSidney, Mount Solon ,New Hope, Sherando, Spottswood, Steeles Tavern, Stuarts Draft,Swoope, Verona, Waynesboro, & Weyers CaveREAL ESTATE - REAL RESULTS
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Feb 06, 2012 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Rockingham Real Estate Team at 540-421-7447 or rockteam@cbfunkhouser.com
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Rockingham Real Estate Team
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