We've received some of the biggest news to hit newsstands in quite some time and it barely made the spotlight! News that the Treasury Dept has plans to purchase roughly $600 Billion in mortgage-backed securities should be posted on the front page of every news giant across the nation, but instead we see Somali Pirates & OJ's sentencing... Granted, pirates & OJ do have a knack for capturing our attention on a celebrity level BUT...the Treasury news is news that truly has the potential to start a boom like no other!  Let's decipher the $600 Billion... Under this proposal, the Treasury buys mortgage-backed securities...why?  Because by purchasing the securities, it pushes rates down.  Right now, interest rates on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage are hovering around 6% and the goal is to drive... 12/06/2008

Don't forget that November 7 and 8 is the Green Living & Energy Expo in Roanoke ... loads of exhibitors, presentations and more on topics like new ways to heat and cool your home, limiting your use of fossil fuels, and more. It's a big deal to have an event like this in Roanoke - shows us that the two valleys (Roanoke and New River Valley) are continuing to get more serious about making sure we're good stewards of the tremendous resources we have here.  And it's gaining attention elsewhere - check out some of these other great alternative energy links, courtesy of Carnival of the Green and Jim Duncan. 11/02/2008

I moved to this beautiful area 6 years ago and one of the reasons was the low tax rates.  I pay a YEAR now what I used to pay a MONTH in New York.  Below is the current local tax rate listing.  To see any homes or land currently available here in the beautiful Roanok Valley region, give me a call at 540-520-0168 or send me an email with your search requirements to edna@smithmtnlakeproperties.com Edna Jamieson,Realtor/ABR - Lakeshore Rentals & Sales Inc. www.smithmtnlakeproperties.com EOH 10/19/2008

We had 233 new listings added to our market for the past week up to 525pm Friday 10/17.  To see all these new listings go to the following link http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20081017212838994274000000&s=11&id=1 If you have any questions on any of these or any other listings in our market area, feel free to contact me Edna Ledoux Jamieson, Realtor/ABR - Lakeshore Rentals & Sales, Inc. at 540-520-0168 or email edna@smithmtnlakeproperties.com - web site www.smithmtnlakeproperties.com EOH   10/17/2008

Area veterans, Vinton town officials and citizens - dedicated to recognizing veterans past & present - wish to honor those who have made and continue to make personal sacrifices for our freedom.  Thus was born the idea of an outdoor, freestanding Veterans monument, constructed to pay homage to all veterans from Vinton and Roanoke County. Because of their bravery, we are "the land of the free and home of the brave." To meet the needs of this construction project, the Vinton Vision Committee is reaching out to the community, businesses, and individuals to help provide financial support for the building of the Veterans Monument. Ways to Give - DEAR CITIZENS: The Vinton/Roanoke County Veterans Monument Committee would like to extend to the public an opportunity to be part of an exciting his... 10/13/2008

Whoa!  You've got to be kidding me, did this day really happen?  Or rather, did this week really happen?  Or maybe the real question is:  DID THE PAST 6 YEARS REALLY HAPPEN?  Today Hank Paulson announced that the government is opening up the Federal Government's check book to bail out the very troubled financial market. I'm going to assume that if you are reading this that you are an American (frankly, I don't care if you're not, though I need to direct this towards a certain demographic.)  So that being the case, Hank and his homeboys Ben Bernanke, W, and the rest of the goons we elected decided that they needed to put us on the hook for this mess.  It is ironic that this happened after they took a very hard stand that they weren't going to do this anymore, this stance as recent as Mon... 09/20/2008

This was the comment that I just received from the reluctant listing agent of a vacant home I recently staged. He loved the staging but was not convinced that "just staging" was going to bring more buyers and in some ways he is probably correct.  It takes more than just staging to generate activity and bring about a successful sale. It takes the following things all working together to change a listing from "For Sale" to "SOLD":  A Price Point that is in line with today's market and current conditions.  You can not stage an overpriced home and expect it to generate activity and a sale.  When I stage a home that has been on the market for a while, I want to know if it is being shown.  If it is not being shown...that is a definite clue that the price is too high for today's market and in... 09/10/2008

Completely remodeled to Like New Condition! New kitchen, & appliances, new bathroom, refinished HW floors, fresh paint, new roof, new carpet, new heat pump, re-placement windows, new doors throughout, nice landscaping, upgraded 200 amp elec., new water lines, crown molding & all new fixtures! Backyard poses a canvas for any landscaper. Offered for sale at $219,950Click Here to see the Real Estate Show > For More Details About This Fabulous Home Please Contact: ROBYN K FLINT, ABR MKB, REALTORS-NORTH Home - (540) 473-2164Mobile - (540) 588-0243Rflint@MKBrealtors.comhttp://www.robynflint.com  MARTHA MCGUIRE MKB, REALTORS-NORTH Mobile - (540) 580-5982marthamcguire@usa.nethttp://www.marthamcguire.com This home has been professionally staged by Shows Great Home Staging and Web Solutions.   09/01/2008

This home went under contract 8 days after staging!  During the past couple of months I have had the pleasure of working with two savy investors who are also Realtors.  I just staged their 3rd vacant home after the previous two old in less than 30 days.  These homes have all been in the lower end price range which proves that starter homes benefit from staging.  Before: After:Before:After:This great home just went on the market on Monday and already they have had lots of showings, one offer, and are hoping for another offer soon!More proof...Investors who don't want their flips to flop, should always hire a stager!      08/16/2008

This exceptional farm will appeal to horse lovers because of it's spectacular views and easy access to both Roanoke and the Lexington Horse Center.  Situated on 20 acres (+/-), this fantastic Property offers lots of privacy. Hardwood floors throughout, large closets, lots of storage, large family room, deck off the kitchen and garden space, mudroom with laundry on first floor, first floor bedroom with bath and separate outside entrance. Wonderful 5 stall enclosed barn with tack room, feed room, rubber matted floors, lighted riding ring. Equipment-cattle shed and more.  Exceptional value at $435,000. This home has been staged to sell by Shows Great Home Staging and Web Solutions.  For more details please contact Susan Bailey or Kay Gauss of MKB REALTORS   08/13/2008

Shows Great Home Staging and Web Solutionshas had the pleasure of staging another home  refurbished by Roanoke Valley Homes. The previous two homes that we staged for them both sold in less than 30 days.  This home will appeal to both first time home buyers and home buyers looking for a simpler way of life.  So if you are starting out or just slowing down a little, this is one home you will want to see.  Offered for sale at $127,000, this immaculate 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, one level ranch features a landscaped yard, new appliances, new kitchen cabinets, new flooring, new bathrooms, and fresh paint throughout. House sits on a level lot right across from a public park, and minutes away from Hollins College. From the back deck you enjoy a private fenced yard, with views of the mountainside.Yo... 08/13/2008

In today's market, competition is fierce for upscale housing in Botetourt County.  Homes that used to sell faster than they could be built, are now languishing on the market for months.   Brenda Edmondson of Advantage Realty, who is representing Reese Mountain LLC, contacted Shows Great Home Staging and Web Solutions to stage and develop a web marketing program for their luxurious spec home in Santillane. This large, stately home offers a unique open floor plan with 10 foot ceilings, solid Brazilian cherry floors, seagul lighting, zoned dual heat, cherry cabinetry, granite counter-tops and so much more.  This is one house you must see.  This home was originally listed at $639,950 but has been drastically reduced to $529,950, making it one of the best buys in Botetourt County.  Below are... 08/13/2008

A few weeks ago I wrote about staging tips for porches (http://activerain.com/blogsview/590076/Staging-Tips-For-Porches) and received great comments and questions.  I would like to follow up to that post with information about a home we staged this week in the Old Southwest area of Roanoke City.  The Old Southwestarea of Roanoke has been designated a historical district.  The area has a lot of similarities to Richmond's Fan District and to Washington's Georgetown area. We had a lot of fun staging the outside areas of this wonderful old home.  Please take a look at what we did with the front porch.  We added some salvaged wicker, a small bistro table and chairs and some ferns.  I really think the porches will sell this special home. I found this wicker set at a yard sale for $25.  I pain... 08/01/2008

Shows Great Home Staging and Web Solutions has had the pleasure of staging quite a few of Tim Thompson of MKB REALTORS listings during the past few months.  To date, all have sold in less than 30 days.  Last week we staged his listing at 2402 Westover Ave. S.W.  We were moving our furniture and accessories in as the owners were moving out so we could have the house staged for Tim's Open House on Sunday.  Within a couple of days of staging there were multiple offers and it was SOLD!  A winning combination...An aggressive marketing plan and home staging!     07/15/2008

In the South we love our porches and verandas.  Front porches, side porches, back porches...they all add value and take us back to a time when we could gather with friends and family to enjoy a cold drink and good conversation.  It always try to stage add a little sizzle to the porches that I stage.  Below are a few tips for staging porches of all sizes and types: 1.  Add flowering plants and ferns when possible. 2.  A new welcome mat is important.3.  A colorful wreath for the front door adds a touch of color. 4.  Colorful cushions and pillows are a nice touch.5.  Porch furniture should be clean and freshly painted.6.  A nice throw or quilt draped across a swing is a nice touch. Below are a few photos of porches that we have recently staged:   Shows Great Home Staging and Web Solutions ... 07/12/2008

Real estate is one of the most exciting investments one can make, and it should be a fun and rewarding experience.  With Callie Dalton & Associates, you'll find everything you'll need to buy or sell a home, as well as learn about the market value of homes you may own in the area.  It is my goal to provide you with superior service at all times, so please tell me more about you! Thanks! Callie Dalton & Associates Phone: 540.769.0000 07/11/2008

I read yesterday on Jim Duncan's blog that he had been contacted by the Business Travel Coalition, who's email stated that Charlottesville could be an endangered airport due to, among other things, rising fuel costs. The email sent out said that Charlottesville was one of 100 regional airports that are being threatened.  "Well", I thought (and yes, I typically think with quotation marks) "Roanoke is a regional airport, could they be on that list?" Turns out that they are, along with Alexandria, Charlottesville and Newport News. I can't imagine that Roanoke Regional would shut down; I think it's much more likely that we're talking about reduced flight loads (which, if you've been to Roanoke Regional on a weekday afternoon it's hard to imagine even fewer flights!), but the Business Travel... 06/25/2008

We recently staged a wonderful home in Cortlant Meadows located in the Orchards of North Roanoke County for Joan Turner of Long & Foster Real Estate.  This home offers many extra features and some of the best views in the Roanoke Valley.  Furniture and accessories made a huge difference in this home.   By adding furniture and accessories to a large empty space, you can transform it into a room that is warm and appealing. Check out our before and after photos.Before: After Staging:   06/15/2008

As the real estate industry contracts, to survive you need to add more value to your client relationships than the next agent.  To do that, you need to deeply understand the challenges your clients face, and be the first agent to present new ideas to your clients that may offer them real value. One area that clients struggle with is building equity.  They want to extract equity to make further investments, but struggle to find extra cash monthly for extra principal payments. Or, they want to get their primary home paid off in time to retire free-and-clear. (Baby Boomers, in particular, are starting to wake up to the fact that they have to have a better strategy for taking control of their home financing to pay it off on their retirement schedule, not the lender's.)  Either way, they nee... 06/02/2008

The market is tighter than ever and if you are in search of a way to get tough deals done look no further.  I am an experienced local lender who knows what to do.  Whether your a realtor looking to work with someone you can trust who has built a reputable business.  Call me today and once you deal with me you will see that I have a passion land talent like no other for what I do.  I look forward to working more for you!Sincerely,  Jason R Bialek 05/05/2008