In previous blog entries, we’ve talked about working with a professional property manager to help avoid the pitfalls ofowning investment property. In fact, good property managers can save many times the cost of their services over a period of years. One misstep with fair housing law, an improperly handled mold issue, or ineffective tenant screening can cost tens of thousands in lost rent, legal fees, fines, or settlements. A good property manager truly is worth his or her weight in gold.

However, in a market with thousands of real estate licensees, how can you know who is qualified to do the job? Many real estate firms offer rental management among their services. Novice landlords can have a particularly difficult time understanding the process, and as

The Real Estate Group and Southern Bank have teamed together to present the “Teachers in the Bleachers” Ticket and School Donation Contest!

Help us fill Harbor Park with Hampton Roads Educators at Teacher Appreciation Night on Saturday, June 3, 2017. Each year you help us in selecting a school to receive a donation from Southern Bank and The Real Estate Group. In addition, you could win a 4-pack of Fun Cards to Busch Gardens Williamsburg!

To help us find that super scholar and to have a chance at winning Busch Gardens tickets, head to our Facebook page, tag your favorite teacher, and share our contest image.

To thank the community for tagging exceptional educators, we are entering those who help us find them into a drawing for a family four pack

There are significant steps investors should take to ensure the safety of their rental property.  Hiring a professional manager is an excellent risk reduction strategy, as is procuring the right types of insurance. Failure to obtain the adequate amount of coverage can expose a landlord to substantial losses.

The following are questions you should consider and ask your insurance provider if you are considering becoming an investor or currently have property rented.

Does my property have the right types of insurance for an investment/rental property?

This is the key question to ask. Many people do not realize a normal homeowner’s insurance policy is generally invalid within 30 days after vacating, converting it to a rental property. You should put

We’ve talked in a previous blog post about getting a house ready to go on the market and how to get the most out of the space. However, a professional home stager can help highlight a house’s strengths, downplay its weaknesses and appeal to prospective buyers.

But if you know your own house’s strengths and weaknesses, you might be able to achieve the same effect as if you had hired a home stager.

Use Color Creatively

Color can be incorporated into a room in so many ways, so it can be used creatively. From unique pieces of art to a grouping of candles to decorative pillows, a pop of color can catch a buyer's

To pick the right pop of color, use a color wheel. A color wheel can tell how colors relate to each other, which ones might work

In a previous New Homes and Development entry, we spoke about the choices available for new homes: school choices and lot size choices, and the number of bedrooms/baths, etc.

In this entry, we delve deeper into other choices. Do you like having lots of choices, or is that too much to think about? If you’re not quite sure which side of the fence you sit in regards to making choices, here is a quick guide.

What is a Production or Tract Builder?

There are, in essence, two types of homebuilding for buyers to consider: “Production” or “Tract” building. Production builders are found in neighborhoods with several lots, with possibly hundreds of homesites from which to choose. In some cases, one builder could have the entire neighborhood. Often the

Article courtesy of Veterans United Home Loans and Samantha Reeves. Infographic below courtesy of Veterans United Home Loans.

Every day, U.S. military members around the world defend freedoms we often take for granted. But when their time serving our country comes to an end, these freedoms can become their greatest challenge.

Finding employment and a place to call home is no easy task for the thousands of veterans who transition back into civilian life each year. That’s why Veterans United Home Loans, the nation’s leading VA purchase lender, decided to create a list of veteran-friendly cities to help these individuals narrow down their house-hunting search. Because when it comes to finding a job and a place to live, some cities may provide a better