There are several loan options available to home buyers and your lender will be able to explain and review each program with you. THIS IS A SIMPLIFIED overview of the FHA  program for you to consider. PLEASE VIEW THE VIDEO I'VE INCLUDED ON THE FHA PROGRAM.   The Dept of Housing and Urban Development oversees the Federal Housing Administration. An FHA loan is one that is insured by the government and the program helps first time buyers who otherwise may not qualify for a loan.   Whether you're a first time home buyer, a move up buyer or are refinancing, FHA allows you to purchase a home with a low down payment and flexible fha guidelines. No income limits or credit scoring, as long as you have reasonable credit many buyers will qualify for an FHA loan. Getting pre-qualified is the first ... 03/07/2009

It's still winter in Central Virginia and the burning question the kids will be asking tonight - Is there school tomorow? The Weather Channel is forcasting LOTS of snow for the Lynchburg area: There is a winter storm warning for Lynchburg and surrounding counties until 11am March 2. WSET.COM is forcasting 5-10 inches in Central and Southside Virginia by morning.  The counties surrounding Lynchburg, Virgina are large and while we don't normally have a lot of snow, black ice on the roads can be a hazard.   The streets in your neighborhood may be clear, but there may be dangerous conditions elsewhere. Please don't drive unless absolutely necessary.   For the latest information on local weather, school closings and delays, check out the following links: Lynchburg, WSET.COM NATIONAL WEATHER... 03/01/2009

          Wondering if there's anything to do in Downtown Lynchburg? We spent another fun evening at The Grand Ballroom in Lynchburg on Friday night. The Steve Freeman Band played starting at 7pm. The crowd enjoyed great food and dancing to great music:           If you'd like to enjoy an evening out at The Grand Ballroom YOU’LL HAVE TO HURRY.  The Grand Ballroom is booked solid in April for wedding receptions and graduations so these Friday night events are limited. The Grand can accommodate over 300 people and include food, entertainment and transportation services. They offer complete special event and wedding packages with personalized services. 742 Commerce Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504 Corner of 8th and Commerce Street (434) 660-5504 (434) 385-7760 www.thegrandcatering.com join the ... 03/01/2009

I have worked with tons of folks relocating to Lynchburg, Campbell County and Bedford County since 2003.  As we drive around looking at homes and enjoying the countryside I usually end up giving a little history lesson on Central Virginia.  I have lived here since 1988 and you would think from the stories that I can tell that I knew the founding father, John Lynch, himself!  I am in love with this area and passionate about it's history and its future.  There is much to discover and explore.  The people of this community are very proud of the history. Take some time to learn and explore here. 02/28/2009

I've been receiving a lot of calls regarding SALSA NIGHTS in Lynchburg, so here is an update: LET’S MAKE THE BIGGEST GROUP DANCE IN THE HISTORY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA! This is the LAST Salsa event before Spring Break   Salsa Nights – CASINO STYLE (1 Night Only) What is Casino Style Salsa? Casino Style is also known as “Rueda.” The word “Rueda” means "wheel" in Spanish so "Casino Rueda" is danced in a wheel using salsa moves. Folks form a circle and go through dance patterns that involve switching partners. BEGINNERS – Eddie Reyes (2nd Floor). BEGINNERS / INTERMEDIATE. Finley Walker (2nd Floor). INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCE. Tanya Hedrick (1st Floor Behind Library). = SWING = Beginners/Intermediates: 1st Floor with Daniel Klock. ***PRICE:$3 before 9pm. $5 9pm onward (Guest List. Gues... 02/25/2009

Investors may be unaware of the Housing Voucher or Section 8 Program available from HUD (Housing and Urban Development). My husband and I have been partnering with this program in Lynchburg, Virginia for over 10  years.  I CAN ONLY SPEAK FOR US, but our experience with the local Public Housing Agency has been positive. There is a need for decent, safe housing in Lynchburg- in all neighborhoods- and the PHA has a waiting list of qualified tenants. We have reasonably priced properties listed in the Greater Lynchburg area and for the first time investor, this can  be a great introduction to owning investment property. My husband and I have over 25 years experience and are glad to share that experience. Out of area owners- for a small fee, you could hire a local Property Management company ... 02/25/2009

02/24/2009

I was invited to join the Lynchburg Jazz group on facebook where they've created a dinner event in downtown Lynchburg.  Every Friday between 7-11pm-  you can enjoy dinner and live music in The Grand Ballroom (Your Jazz & Blues place! Live artists every Friday night. Flavorful homestyle meals with refreshing wines and beers) .  My husband and I decided we had to check it out this past Friday night. The Grand Ballroom is located at 742 Commerce Street in Downtown Lynchburg. The Grand Ballroom is a venue for wedding receptions. They also host reunions, graduations, social events and corporate events.   This building is a great example of the restoration efforts in downtown Lynchburg. The Grand Ballroom’s interior columns are decorated with white lights, and the tables were dressed in white... 02/23/2009

HOW ABOUT THIS FOR POSITIVE REAL ESTATE NEWS: Did you happen to see today's episode of TODAY? Barbara Corcoran talked about several areas of the country where you can find bargains in housing. First up was Lynchburg, Virginia where a Brick 3 bedroom home with 2 fireplaces could be had for $192,000. .  How's this for an endorsement: "Lynchburg is at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has a great economy, is one of the few towns where housing prices have remained totally stable, because they're cheap and everyone wants them." .msnbcLinks {font-size:11px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #999; margin-top: 5px; background: transparent; text-align: center; width: 425px;} .msnbcLinks a {text-decoration:none !important; border-bottom: 1px dotted #999 !important; font-weight:... 02/19/2009

I was searching online  for local photo's that capture the beautiful Central Virginia area in which I live. I came across Lynchburg Photographer Robert Miller's work quite by accident. Once I saw these photographs, I had to stop and view the entire portfolio. Robert has captured the landscapes and buildings I've looked at for over twenty years and will never look at the same way again.                    When I study Robert's work, I am in awe of the composition, the lighting and the technique's he used to achieve the shot.         Foggy Wood, appeared in the March 2008 print edition of National Geographic   Robert's work:  Robert is known for his landscape and wildlife photography along the Blue Ridge Parkway. He has been featured locally and in national publications including National... 02/17/2009

What can anyone tell me about Lynchburg Virginia?  I posted a blog about some members of Activerain that I gave a private tour to on their visit to Las Vegas. For anyone that missed it here it is: (Free) ride from the Airport and (Free) Lunch or Dinner!   Debbie Malone emailed me on a Friday night when her daughter Kat & her friend Mike were in Las Vegas for a seminar on Real Estate. Debbie asked if I would show the kids around Las Vegas and I said sure, any members of Activerain are friends of mine.  I just received this box in the mail today from Debbie with a wonderful card attached thanking me for showing Kat & Mike around Las Vegas. As you can see in the photograph below Debbie sent me a map, t-shirt, coffee cut and some Real Estate information on Lynchgurg Virginia, bless her hea... 02/17/2009

Despite the negative national economic news, a report this past week from the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service is promising for Central Virginia. It concerned the growth in our local community from 2007 to 2008. Though certainly not large increases, the population in Lynchburg, Bedford City and the surrounding counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell continue to rise thanks in part to low taxes and a stable local economy.       Local Population Growth                                         2007                            2008                            Change Lynchburg City     70,056                         70,732                         +1% Bedford City                6,056                           6,356                           +5% Amhe... 02/11/2009

Meet Sonya Potter-Braxton, sales representative at Royal Autos in Lynchburg, Virginia. Sonya has years of experience selling new and pre-owned vehicles. She is familiar with the entire GM collection of vehicles including Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC and Cadillac. Royal Autos is running the following promotion: RIGHT NOW FROM FEB.3RD THROUGH MARCH 3RD,  YOU COULD RECEIVE ONE OF THESE FINANCING OPTIONS ON SELECT GM MODEL PRODUCTS:     -- 0% FINANCING FOR 36/48/60 Months!!!!  NOT TO MENTION 1.9% FOR 72 Months.   -- 2.9/4.9/5.9/6.9% and CUSTOMER BONUS CASH for owning a gm product 1999 or newer!!!!   -- $1000 - $4500 in REBATES and CUSTOMER CASH and allow us to find financing for you!!   (MUST QUALIFY TO RECEIVE SPECIAL RATES) Royal Autos is located at: 801 Graves Mill Rd Lynchburg, VA 24... 02/11/2009

The groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter but I'm looking forward to an early spring! If you've got cabin fever, consider a day trip to Natural Bridge in nearby Rockbridge County. Located about an hour's drive from the city of Lynchburg,  Natural Bridge is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the United States. Natural Bridge is a geological formation, 215 feet high and 90 feet across.  U.S.Highway 11 runs over the top of the bridge. Natural Bridge: Once considered one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of the World" A designated National Historic Landmark A Virginia Historic Landmark Listed in the National Register of historic places Europeans have been visiting the site since the 18th century. It is believed that George Washington surveyed the area and at one time. Thomas Jeffer... 02/04/2009

Debbie Malone | RE/MAX 1st Olympic | malone1981@aol.com | (434)546-0369 783 Wyndhurst Dr, Lynchburg, VA This is a spacious end unit townhome in Wyndhurst. Located across from Jamerson YMCA. The living room features a gas log fireplace and bay window. 4BR/3.5BA Townhouse offered at $183,900 Year Built 2004 Sq Footage 2,324 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 1 partial Floors Unspecified Parking 3 Uncovered spaces Lot Size 2,701 sqft HOA/Maint $60 per month DESCRIPTION The entire terrace level is self contained: Large bedroom, heated tile flooring in bath and hall, full kitchen and living area see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Tile floor Family room Living room Breakfast nook Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Microwave Basement Washer Dryer Laundr... 02/04/2009

  A History Of Hope: In 2007, local resident Roy Emeigh had a conversation with his son who said, "Dad, if I were a businessman like you, I would start a Christian skateboarding company and call it Hope." The family discussed the skateboarding culture—the good, the bad, and the extremely ugly.  They agreed that a positive message of hope and salvation could make a difference to many skateboarding and snowboarding enthusiasts. Hope became a trademarked and incorporated reality in late 2008. Today, they offer the highest quality skate decks, supplies, and apparel. Hope is committed to providing excellent graphics, finest quality products, and unsurpassed services without ever compromising our moral values and beliefs in the process.   HOPEBOARDS WEBSITE You can buy HOPE apparel at the on... 01/27/2009

Time to break out the Tom Brady Pez Dispenser- after two years the MAN CAVE is finished and we were down to pricing custom TV cabinets - YIKES, more than the cost of the TV - so on to Plan B. I went to one of my favorite local sources, Goodwill and found the perfect SEVEN FOOT LONG cabinet for $35.00.  I was thrilled, however I could see by the skeptical look on my husbands face that he didn't share my vision. I saw a quality piece of furniture in need of some TLC and he envisioned a trip to the dump.            I saw a diamond in the rough, he saw junk. The same can be true in the Real Estate Market. For a first time buyer it's overwhelming to go into an outdated or neglected home if you don't know where to start and understandably it can scare them off. Realtors who invest in real est... 01/27/2009

  Small business is the backbone of our economy and small business is hurting. In 2009, I've committed to doing all I can to promote the businesses that make Central Virginia what it is. I've written a lot of posts on local businesses; nothing special, just a profile or an endorsement of their product or service. What is exciting to me: These businesses are being contacted by the public & have new clients-because of my Activerain blog.   -A lady decided to buy a co-workers home and googled closing agency, lynchburg. She found my blog on Pioneer Closing Agency, called the owner and set up a closing.  THE LADY READ MY BLOG WHILE WORKING IN IRAQ.   Google closing agency, Lynchburg and these are the first few results: Pioneer Closing Agency maps.google.com 1658 Graves Mill Rd Lynchburg, VA... 01/24/2009

  I love football and though our hopes for the year were dashed early with Tom Brady's injury, the Patriots had a great year, ending with an 11-5 season. After a rough start, Matt Cassel proved himself to be a pretty good quarterback too. Watching the games every week and fantasy football with friends and family we enjoyed this season and the playoffs. And my husband didn't bring the toilet bowl award home this year. Now it's down to one game.   The Arizona Cardinals didn't have much of a chance in a Foxboro Snow Game, but they looked great yesterday. So did the Steelers. We're looking forward to a great Superbowl on February 1st in a much warmer Tampa, Florida.     Best wishes to the Cardinals, Steelers and their FANS! 01/19/2009

It's winter in Central Virginia and the burning question the kids will be asking; Is there school today? The counties surrounding Lynchburg, Virgina are large and while we don't normally have a lot of snow, black ice on the roads can be a hazard. Though the streets in your neighborhood may be clear, there may be dangerous conditions elsewhere. For the latest information on local school closings and delays, check out the following links: Lynchburg, WSET.COM NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE Roanoke Weather Info LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES Would you rather get your news by radio? LOCAL RADIO STATIONS Public Schools: LYNCHBURG CITY SCHOOLS BEDFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS CAMPBELL COUNTY SCHOOLS AMHERST COUNTY SCHOOLS APPOMATTOX COUNTY SCHOOLS ROANOKE CITY SCHOOLS  Private Schools Liberty Christian Academy Holy... 01/19/2009