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        <title>The Real Estate Group Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Real Estate Group Blog for Hampton Roads, Williamsburg &amp; N. Carolina. Keep up on all the latest happenings and local market information.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/average-vs-median-understanding-real-estate-statistics.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/average-vs-median-understanding-real-estate-statistics.html</link>
            <author>maryelizabeth@realestategrp.com (Mary Elizabeth Allen)</author>
            <title>Average vs. Median: Understanding Real Estate Statistics</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
There’s an old quote that floats around about how statistics are one of the three kinds of lies. While it’s true that numbers can often be manipulated or interpreted to support nearly any viewpoint, an understanding of the basics of statistics can help you cut through the clutter to see what’s really being represented. By having better knowledge of the language used, you can view any statistic with a more critical eye and thus be better informed.


Average = a simple mathematical calculation that involves addition and division. Take your given set of numbers and add them together. Then divide that number by the amount of numbers you added together. Example: you have three home sale prices: $250,000, $175,000, and $260,000. Added together, they equal $685,000. Divided by 3 (the number of prices you had), the AVERAGE of these sale prices comes to $228,333.Two of the big numbers often cited in real estate statistics are “average” and “median.” For example, many reports will cite the average home price over a period of time, or claim that median income in an area has gone up or down. Sound familiar?  Most people have seen those statistics, or something similar, numerous times, but may not understand the important distinction between what is “average” and what is the “median”:




Median = the middle of any given set of numbers. Using the same numbers above, arranged in ascending order, they would be $175,000, $250,000, and $260,000. The middle number is $250,000, so therefore that is the MEDIAN home sales price.


As you can see, the same home prices yielded different median and average results. If one is used without the other, it could paint a very different picture of the current status of that particular housing market. For example, if the above prices represent the sales in Anytown for the second quarter, and the AVERAGE price for the first quarter was $240,000, an argument could be made that “prices are dropping!” On the other hand, if the MEDIAN price during the first quarter was $250,000, that would indicate that prices are steady. When viewed together, the numbers suggest one should delve further into why one is getting differing views of the same market. In this case, the sale price of $175,000 might be an outlier, skewing more common home prices downward.


That’s why it’s important to look at the data behind statistics when using those stats as part of a decision-making process. In addition to the example above, a given zip code might have a high AVERAGE home price (because of one or two sales in the luxury market) for a given time period, but a much lower MEDIAN price. Knowing the difference between the two, and investigating why they’re different, can give anyone looking to buy or sell a home more information with which to make an informed decision; it can influence your thinking about a listing or offer price or give you a better understanding of the income brackets that most often buy in your neighborhood. Consider these two statistics AND the data behind them to be just one more tool in your real estate toolbox!


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 16:39:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/its-termite-swarm-season-know-the-facts.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/its-termite-swarm-season-know-the-facts.html</link>
            <author>maryelizabeth@realestategrp.com (Mary Elizabeth Allen)</author>
            <title>It's Termite Swarm Season - Know the Facts</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 A guest blog post from George Pilkington, Universal Pest &amp; Termite, Inc.


FACTS: Termites are on the move in Hampton Roads. Spring is the time of year when most insects come alive, and termites are no exception. It’s important to know the facts about termites, how to treat them, and what a termite inspection and warranty mean.




Fact: Termites have been around since the time of the dinosaurs!


Fact:  Termites cause more damage than fires and storms combined in the U.S. 


Fact: The Hampton Roads region is consistently in the top 15 regions in the country for termite population and damage.


Fact:  Termite colonies eat non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!


Fact:  Termites have wings that they shed once they have found a good place to build a nest.


Fact:  All Termites are social insects and raise their young as a group.


Fact: Termites cause up to $2 billion in damage per year!


Fact: The total weight of all of the termites in the world is more than the weight of all the humans in the world.







FACT: People often confuse a flying termite and a flying ant; the diagram shows how to tell the two apart. The reproductive (or swarmer) termite does not do damage to a structure, as its only goal is to reproduce.



On the other hand, the worker termite? This caste member is the actual member of the family to consume cellulose from the structure. His job is to ingest and regurgitate to the rest of the colony. They can do a lot of damage in a very short amount of time: case in point, this home in Virginia Beach where the termites have infested a center beam underneath the house. See the “tubes” in the picture? That’s because the type of termite we have in this area is the subterranean termite. They have to stay in a dark/damp environment, so they build mud tubes for traveling through the structure.


 


TREATMENT: Termite prevention and treatment can be a labyrinth. With the development of termite baits, granules, and foam, as well as conventional treatments, choosing the best type of termite protection can be very confusing.




Fact: Most termite baiting systems are simply plastic containers with wood inside. These stations are inspected periodically and when/if termites are found in the stations, cellulose bait is then installed.


Fact: Liquid termite treatments can be either a detected or a non-detected termiticide. This means the termites either can tell the material is in the soil or they cannot detect it. If non-detected, this means they can then pick it up on their bodies and take it back to the colony for a larger effect.


Fact: With the development of non-detected termiticides, there should be little to no odor when treating.




 MYTH: The house was just inspected, so there are no termites.




Fact: A termite letter issued for closing is not a warranty against termites nor is it a guarantee that termites are not in the structure. Termite reports are simply a moment-in-time inspection that indicates any visible signs (or the lack thereof) of wood-destroying organisms, including termites.


Fact:  Most termite companies will not issue a termite warranty on a structure unless they perform a termite treatment.


Fact: Universal Pest &amp; termite offers a one-year termite warranty as added value that is included with the termite letter/report.




For more information about termite inspections, please Universal Pest &amp; Termite on the web at www.universalpest.com. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:12:00 -0400</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/help-for-tornado-victims-across-the-usa.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/help-for-tornado-victims-across-the-usa.html</link>
            <author>maryelizabeth@realestategrp.com (Mary Elizabeth Allen)</author>
            <title>Help for Tornado Victims Across the USA</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As many of our readers probably saw on the news this past weekend, the central United States was hit very hard by multiple tornadoes that touched down this last week. Cities and towns across the country are reeling from the devastation and trying to pick up the pieces. Fortunately for many of those communities, the American Red Cross was quickly on the scene across the country, showing up mere minutes after the storms passed and immediately reaching out to victims with crucial assistance in the form of food, water, shelter, clothing, counseling, and more.


As you can see from the pictures a friend in southern Indiana took this weekend and shared with us, the destruction is massive. Those piles of siding, wood, and metal were once someone’s home and haven. Those of us who live and breathe real estate understand to our core how painful the loss of a home can be; the juxtaposition of being grateful for still being alive and yet mourning the loss of something you’ve worked most of your life to achieve is at once both wrenching and confusing. This is where the work of the Red Cross is so crucial: supporting victims after the initial shock and need is over with long-term housing placement, the essentials needed to function, and counseling on how to deal with loss and starting the healing process.  


The Real Estate Group is asking all of our readers to give whatever you can to the Red Cross to help. Last week’s tornado outbreak across the country was unprecedented, with an estimated 74 tornadoes spawned and tens of thousands of lives impacted. Consequently, Red Cross resources are stretched to the limit trying to address the needs of so many hard-hit communities all across the central U.S. Please give to all of those around the country who need our help right now. To help, you can visit the Red Cross online donation page, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. You may also donate by mailing a check to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Let’s show the entire country that we here in Hampton Roads will come together and support fellow Americans in need wherever they may be! 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:50:56 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/dont-lose-the-lessons-from-heart-month.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/dont-lose-the-lessons-from-heart-month.html</link>
            <author>maryelizabeth@realestategrp.com (Mary Elizabeth Allen)</author>
            <title>Don't Lose the Lessons from Heart Month!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Now that March is here, everyone is looking forward to spring, warmer weather, and getting outdoors. As you look forward, though, don’t forget to look back to February! February was Heart Month, and the lessons learned for good health during that time shouldn’t be forgotten as soon as we all turn the page on the calendar.


Here are some simple things to remember—and do—to help take care of your ticker and keep it in great shape for the long term:




Learn about good fats and bad fats. Fat is actually an important part of a healthy diet, but it’s all about the type of fat you take in. Try to reduce your intake of saturated fats (read nutrition labels to see how much saturated fat is in the foods you like, and be prepared to be surprised) and trans fats (harder to find, but a key phrase on any ingredient list is “partially hydrogenated” oil). Meanwhile, replace what you’ve cut out with good fats—unsaturated—found in such things as olive and sunflower oil, nuts, avocados, and fish.


Ease up on the meat-based protein. Eating too much protein from meats that are high in saturated fats can raise your LDL, or bad cholesterol. Try occasionally substituting other types of protein in place of high-fat meats, such as beans, fish, yogurt, nuts, and peanut butter.


Watch those cholesterol numbers. There are many easy ways to cut your bad cholesterol intake, including: reading those nutrition labels (there they are again!), substituting olive oil or other veggie oils for butter when cooking, eating oatmeal (oatmeal is an anti-cholesterol powerhouse), consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables, and lowering your intake of meat and eggs. Paying attention to what fats you’re taking in (see #1) is also really important here.  


Exercise. Plain and simple. 30 minutes of exercise a few days a week can have a major impact on the health of your heart and many other systems in your body. Recent studies have shown that a combination of aerobic exercise and weight/resistance training has the biggest impact, but even small choices you make every day can add up to better heart health. Take the stairs; park far away from the store; walk the dog a little farther.


Lose some weight. Losing even a few pounds goes a long way towards a healthier heart. Your heart doesn’t have to work nearly as hard, your risk for heart disease goes down, and your metabolism may kick into higher gear, resulting in more efficient burning of sugars and carbs.




If you’re thinking of doing #5, it’s important for you to talk to your doctor about your various risk factors and if there is any kind of exercise you should avoid based on your medical history. To help the conversation with your doctor, you can prepare yourself with such information as your current diet, your current exercise level, and your Body Mass Index, or BMI. BMI assesses your body weight relative to your height, and is usually a good indicator of the amount of body fat you’re carrying. You can use an online BMI calculator, or calculate it yourself by multiplying your weight in pounds by 703, dividing that number by your height in inches, then dividing again by your height in inches. Then compare your final number to the following:




Underweight:  under 18.5


Normal: 18.5 – 24.9


Overweight:  25.0 – 29.9


Obese:  30.0 and above




Keep in mind that the BMI scale is only a generalized tool and not an exact scientific calculation, and there are certain exceptions to the numbers above. Still, it’s a place to start the conversation. Based on your BMI calculation and the other information you bring to the table, you and your doctor can decide on a healthy weight-loss goal that fits your body type, age, and lifestyle. That coupled with the other suggestions above will send you on your way to a healthier heart, even now that February is over!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:06:42 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/owning-a-home-is-still-a-great-idea.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/owning-a-home-is-still-a-great-idea.html</link>
            <author>maryelizabeth@realestategrp.com (Mary Elizabeth Allen)</author>
            <title>Owning a Home is Still a Great Idea</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
A lot of eyes are on the real estate market right now, from economists to politicians, investors to homeowners. Everyone wants to know what’s next, where the market is headed, who’s buying, and what’s selling. The whirlwind of discussion about economic factors and national trends can often overshadow the fact that, quite simply, owning a home is still one of the best investments you can make, both financially and emotionally. There are a number of reasons that support this claim, which can be divided into two categories:




Reasons that have been proven, over time, why it’s good to own a home.


Reasons why now might a good time for you to take the step into home ownership.




Let’s start with several historically sound arguments about the advantages of home ownership. First, the financials:




Tax writeoffs. A significant portion of the cost of paying for and owning a home is actually tax-deductible. The interest on your mortgage payments? Deductible. So are the property taxes you pay every year, as are the points you may have paid to bring down your loan's interest rate (points are, however, only deductible in the year you purchased the home).


Access, over time, to equity. As you pay down the balance of your mortgage loan each month, you build equity in your home. This equity can then be used as collateral against a home equity loan or line of credit, which can be tapped for emergencies, remodels, or any time cash is needed.


Long-term investment. Notice the phrase “long-term.” According to NAR, since 1968, home prices have grown an average of 5.5% a year, regularly outpacing inflation. For those who plan to be in their homes for many years, the slow growth of the value of the home is considered a solid investment.




Now, the more esoteric:




Your home is your canvas. Want pink-and-purple striped walls? You can do that. Think each room should have a different color and feel? Go right ahead. Your home is yours to furnish, decorate, remodel, and alter as you wish—no landlord approval needed.  


Your home gives you roots. Once you choose a home and make it your own, it becomes part of who you are. Memories are created there. Friendships are formed with neighbors. You become part of the community with your home as your base.




Finally, let’s look at how the current economic situation is providing reasons why now may be a good time to take the home ownership plunge:




Historically low mortgage rates. If you have the good financial standing to qualify, mortgage rates right now are unbelievably low. Locking in to one of these very low rates—as of today’s writing, averaging around a 3.85% interest rate on a standard 30-year fixed loan—can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. (Current homeowners should note that it’s also a fantastic time to refinance if you are locked in at a much higher rate.)


Low house prices. Along with mortgage rates, housing prices have also tumbled during the recession, causing frustration for sellers but opening up some great opportunities for buyers. Houses that may have been out of reach a few years ago may now fall squarely within your budget.


Many choices available. The high number of properties available for sale in our area means buyers have a lot of choices in terms of location, price, and style of home. This availability of choice often gives the buyer some negotiating power when it comes time to make an offer. In some parts of the country, the market is already balancing out, but Hampton Roads still favors the buyer overall right now.




Keep this in mind: all the reasons in the world to buy are invalid if you’re not ready. When contemplating any major life change, always do your research and find out if you’re in a position financially to do so. If you’re not sure where to start, contact a TREG agent. He or she will walk you through the process and help you decide if you’re ready to buy!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:06:38 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/acme-animal-control.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/acme-animal-control.html</link>
            <author> ( )</author>
            <title>ACME Animal Control </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
We wanted to introduce one of our preferred vendors ACME Animal Control who specializes in the removal of Nuisance Animal- Wildlife Removal- Bee Control.  


Brian Fiske owner of ACME Animal Control has 11 years of zoo experience and after seeing him interact with the animals he is extremely knowledgeable and very calm when dealing with the wildlife.  





(Yes that is Brian with a rattlesnake)  


The also have reptile shows and can bring the animals to you.  It is a big part of what he loves is by educating everyone about how to handle and to deal with the animals.  





 
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            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:55:55 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/merry-christmas-from-gary-and-santa-claus.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/merry-christmas-from-gary-and-santa-claus.html</link>
            <author> ( )</author>
            <title>Merry Christmas from Gary and Santa Claus</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas from Gary Lundholm and Santa Claus!  


"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. " ~Burton Hillis







 

 

If you plan to purchase or sell a home in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area,


you can visit our Hampton Roads Real Estate website at www.RealEstateGrp.com 


  Start your real estate search today in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton,Newport News &amp; NE Carolina!

 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:05:02 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/norfolk-dominion-garden-of-lights.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/norfolk-dominion-garden-of-lights.html</link>
            <author> ( )</author>
            <title>Norfolk Dominion Garden Of Lights</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Norfolk Dominion Garden Of Lights : 


Norfolk Botanical Garden6700 Azalea Garden RoadNorfolk, Virginia 23518(757) 441-5830


Daily until January 1, 2011 from 5:30pm - 10pm


Price per car : Sun - Thurs $10, Frid &amp; Sat $15 Cash only


This is a 2 mile synchronized light display fun for the entire family 



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:35:54 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/support-the-american-red-cross-during-the-holidays-give-the-gift-of-life.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/support-the-american-red-cross-during-the-holidays-give-the-gift-of-life.html</link>
            <author> ( )</author>
            <title>Support The American Red Cross During The Holidays - Give The Gift Of Life</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Support The American Red Cross in Hampton Roads during the holidays and give the gift of life.  


The American Red Cross is always looking for blood donations especially during the holiday season.   From December 19-31 2011 you will receive a Holiday "In Honor Of" card to give to a friend or loved one.  And while supplies last they will be giving donors a FREE soup bowl and spoon set &amp; Chef Cat Cora Recipe Card.  





Here is a list of blood drive locations in Hampton Roads :


Patrick Henry Mall - 12300 Jefferson Ave, Newport NewsDecember 20-24, 2011 2-7pm


Pembroke Mall - 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VADecember 20-23, 2011 2-7pm December 24 9:00am - 3pm


Gloucester County Moose Lodge - 6565 Moose Drive, Gloucester December 20, 2011 12-6pm


Subway Lynnhaven North - 2724 North Mall Dr, Virginia BeachDecember 21 &amp; 22, 2011 2-7pm 

Greenbrier Mall - 1401 Greenbrier Parkway, ChesapeakeDecember 21-23, 2011 2-7pm December 24 9:00am - 3pm

 


Chesapeake Square Mall - 4200 Portsmouth Blvd, ChesapeakeDecember 21 - 23, 2011 2-7pm December 24, 2011 9:00am - 3pm


Peninsula Town Center - 4401 East Claiborne Square, HamptonDecember 21, 2011 1-6pm


Norfolk Donor Center - 250 West Brambleton Ave, NorfolkDecember 21, 2011 2-7pm


Riverside Regional Medical Center - 500 J. Clyde Morris Blv, Newport NewsDecember 22, 2011 10:00am - 3pm

Great Bridge/Hickory Family YMCA- 633 S Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake

December 22, 2011 8:00am - 2:00pm


Sentara Williamsburg - 100 Sentara Circle, WilliamsburgDecember 22, 2011 12-6pm

Emmaus Baptist Church - 4200 Portsmouth Blvd, ChesapeakeDecember 23, 2011 2-7pm

 


 
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            <pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:30:23 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/2011-toys-trees-event-video.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestategrp.com/blog/2011-toys-trees-event-video.html</link>
            <author> ( )</author>
            <title>2011 Toys &amp; Trees Event - Video</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
2011 Toys &amp; Trees Event to benefit the Edmarc Hospice for Children was a huge success!  Thank you to everyone who participated!  



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            <pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:16:04 -0500</pubDate>
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