Remember to fly our flag proudly.

Remember the fallen of all wars.

From every state of our great nation.

Many sacrificed all to protect our rights.

Remember those that still remain unknown.

Also, remember those that have returned and thank them for their service to our country.

Please don’t forget.  This is not just a holiday with a day off.  It is a day of remembrance and appreciation for those that have served.

These are those silver plaques usually placed along the highway, and most of the time in places where it is very difficult to slow down and read them.  Very few of them have places that you can pull off without putting your life in danger.

So as I can I have been collecting these for you.  Below is the latest one.

John Colter was quite a celebrity back in his day.  I believe I remember the movie about his escape from the Blackfeet Indians.

I hope you enjoy, and be sure to come back frequently and see what it new.

Also visit this Facebook page for more information on places in Virginia.  https://www.facebook.com/OurVirginia

If you have any questions about our market here in Waynesboro, Staunton, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Augusta County and Central Virginia please do not hesitate contacting me at Dave@valleyrealestatebrokers.com.  I am a REALTOR® and Associate Broker with Valley Real Estate Brokers, LLC

“Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Virginia” 434-242-1769

Here is a map to help you find your way or you may contact me for directions at shockley.dave@gmail.com or call 434-242-1769.

Also, if you would like a FREE copy of  the 18 page “Home Buyers How to Guide” email me and I will email you a copy.

If you have any questions about our market here in Waynesboro, Staunton, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Augusta County and Central Virginia please do not hesitate contacting me at Dave@valleyrealestatebrokers.com.   I am a REALTOR® and Associate Broker with Valley Real Estate Brokers, LLC

“Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Virginia” 434-242-1769

If you are in the Central Virginia you don’t want to  miss the Daylily and Wine Festival at the Andre Viette Farm in Fishersville, Virginia.  Just across the mountain from Charlottesville.

Saturday, July 21st  10am to 7pm

Sunday, July 22nd Noon to 5pm

Lots of Vendors

• 23 Wineries will be represented
• Artists
• Music
• Crafters
• Seminars and live entertainment
• Children’s Tents

And what would a festival be without food.

For more information click on the link below.

http://www.viette.com/v.php?pg=733

Directions:

994 Long Meadow Road
Fishersville, VA 22939
(800) 575-5538

1. Traveling south on Interstate 81, take Exit 225, turn East (left) onto Route 262 (this turns into Route 254 East),
   turn South (right) on Route 608 – Our nursery is 2 1/2 miles on the right.
2. Traveling North on Interstate 81, take Exit 222, turn East (left) onto Route 250 towards Fishersville, in Fishersville, turn North (left) onto Route 608 towards New Hope – Nursery is 2 1/2 miles on left.
3. Traveling West on Interstate 64, take Exit 91, turn North (right) on Route 608/285, turn West (left) on Route 250
   (one block), turn North (right) to get back on Route 608 – Nursery is 2 1/2 miles on left.

If you have any questions about our market here in Waynesboro, Staunton, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Augusta County and Central Virginia please do not hesitate contacting me at Dave@valleyrealestatebrokers.com.  I am a REALTOR® and Associate Broker with Valley Real Estate Brokers, LLC   Licensed to sell real estate in Virginia.

Once you receive your copy and have had an opportunity to review it I would love for you to come back and leave your comments, suggestions or questions below.

Below is just a little of what is on page one (1) of this free 18 page booklet.

Home  Buyers  INFORMATIONAL  BOOKLET

Getting your Financial Picture in Focus

Here’s some important advice no matter where you live.  Here in Central Virginia or elsewhere: as soon as you have made the decision that you want to buy a house, one of your first steps should be to make certain that you have a clear picture of your financial situation. At a minimum, you will most likely want to do the following:

Run a Credit Report to make certain that there are no discrepancies or problems in your credit history.

Do an analysis of what your current financial situation is: where the money comes from and where the money is presently going.

Develop a Household budget for your current situation. Get into the habit of using it on a consistent basis!

Keep your spending patterns in check.

Do an analysis of how a house purchase will affect your budget.

Begin to gather items such as: last 3 years Income Tax returns, current copies of pay stubs, records of any past derogatory credit history that has since been paid off, and records of any supplemental income you may have. If you are self employed, you will need all business records and tax returns for the last 3 years. Having these items close at hand will save an enormous amount of time when the Mortgage Company begins to ask for them (and ask for them they will!)

Do not incur any new debt. Many mortgage applications have been stopped in their tracks because the applicants had decided a week before the application that a shiny new car with a big finance or lease payment would look just perfect in the driveway of their new home. Since mortgages are based on debt to income ratios (the amount you pay out monthly versus the amount you bring in) a newly acquired debt could be enough to throw the ratios off and make the mortgage unobtainable.  With the new low interest rates you do not want to create a problem qualifying.

If you have any questions about our market here in Waynesboro, Staunton, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Augusta County and Central Virginia please do not hesitate contacting me at shockley.dave@gmail.com.  I am a REALTOR® and Associate Broker with Valley Real Estate Brokers, LLC   Licensed to sell real estate in Virginia.

Located close to Gypsy Hill Park and the 262 by pass, these one story townhomes are waiting their new owners. This model home is completed, but others are presently under construction, offering an open floor plan with all the amenities you’ll need. Large family room with fireplace just off the fully equipped kitchen with bar type seating, dining area, 2 bedrooms plus an 12×12 office. 2 car garage, deck and front porch. Lawn mowing and snow removal provided.

Directions:  From Downtown Staunton, West on Churchville Ave., right on Belmore, left on Stocker, left on Kellsye Way.

If you have any questions about our market here in Waynesboro, Staunton, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Augusta County and Central Virginia please do not hesitate contacting me at shockley.dave@gmail.com.  I am a REALTOR® and Associate Broker with Valley Real Estate Brokers, LLC   Licensed to sell real estate in Virginia.

Few things in your life will be as exciting or nerve racking as locating and purchasing your first or second home.  It’s not unusual for good and bad to emotions to converge during the search process.  Don’t despair, this is a normal reaction.  Even seasoned home buyers go through the same thing.  The tips below will help you organize a house buying plan.  This in itself will help relieve a lot of tension.

You have already made a start by deciding to take the leap towards home ownership.  However, before you leap you need to take time to prepare.  It is very tempting to just start looking, and it is very easy to do so with all of the information at your finger tips.  Doing so without being prepared can be disastrous and can cost you time and money.

Get your financial house in order first!  Getting this out of the way in the beginning will save you an enormous amount of time, heartache and aggravation.

You will need to determine what your budget will comfortably allow and then stick to it.  What!!!!  You don’t have a budget?  You should prepare one if you don’t.  There is plenty of information on the internet to help you with this.  By having a budget you will avoid spending yourself into a “house poor” situation.

Speaking to your local loan officer can also be a great help.  If you haven’t already selected one your agent can provide you with a list that may be helpful.

Next get familiar with the areas that you are considering to help narrow your search.

Decide on what your minimum requirements will be as well as those additional features that you would like.  For example do you really need a four bedroom or will a 3 bedroom with a bonus room work just as well.

Make a good list of items that you do not want in a house.  (steep driveway, small yard, small kitchen etc.)

What locations will work best for schools, work, shopping etc.

Then begin to familiarize yourself with the home buying process in your area, and the paperwork necessary.  Talk with a friend that has been through it or better yet contact a REALTOR®.  This can also keep your stress levels down.

When looking for an agent you need to find one that you feel comfortable with and that will listen to your needs and wants.  Make sure they explain the agency relationship that you will be involved in.  It is important to have representation once you are at the point of visiting properties.  You could get caught up in the emotional process and not end up with the representation that you need.

When you start visiting properties carry a notepad and your digital camera so you can compare homes later at your leisure.  If you look at more than a few properties features of the homes may start to run together.  The notepad and camera will help you avoid this.

The important thing is to purchase the home that is best for you.  By maintaining your perspective and your emotions the process will be a lot more enjoyable.

FREE Home Buyers How To Guide.  Just email me at shockley.dave@gmail.com and you will be sent a PDF file for this 18 page booklet.  Your email address will not be sold or given to others.

If you have any questions about our market here in Waynesboro, Staunton, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Augusta County and Central Virginia please do not hesitate contacting me at shockley.dave@gmail.com.

I am a REALTOR® and Associate Broker with Valley Real Estate Brokers, LLC   Licensed to sell real estate in Virginia.

Canopy Beds Aren’t Just for Little Girls.

If you have any questions about our market here in Waynesboro, Staunton, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Augusta County and Central Virginia please do not hesitate contacting me at shockley.dave@gmail.com.  I am a REALTOR® and Associate Broker with Valley Real Estate Brokers, LLC   Licensed to sell real estate in Virginia.

 Tips: 7 Steps to Preparing for an Open House

1. Hire a cleaning service. A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt will turn off a prospect faster than anything.

2. Pay attention to the outdoors. Mow your lawn, and be sure toys and yard equipment are put away.

3. Serve cookies, coffee, and soft drinks. It creates a welcoming touch. But be sure the kitchen has been cleaned up; use disposable cups so the sink doesn’t fill up.

4. Lock up your valuables, jewelry, and money. Although the real estate salesperson will be on site during the open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.

5. Turn on all the lights. Even in the daytime, incandescent lights add sparkle.

6. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (a basement or bath), and let the salesperson know where to find them.

7. Leave. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.

Below are 10 More Tips to Make Your Home Irresistible: 

1. Add a touch of color. Use fresh or silk flowers to breathe life and color into the main rooms. A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room.

2. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, fresh towels, and fancy guest soaps.

3. Does it smell good? Set out potpourri or fresh baked goods for a homey smell. Make sure that there are no lingering scents from cigarettes or pets.

4. Help them envision living there. Set the table with pretty dishes and candles, and create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture themselves there. For example, in the basement lay out a chess game.

5. Beautify the entrance. Buy a fresh doormat with a pretty pattern or a clever saying.

6. Make the rooms feel bigger. Take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room to create a sense of spaciousness.

7. Accentuate counter space. Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items to give the illusion of more counter space.

8. Lay logs in the fireplace. Or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.

9. Depersonalize the rooms. Put away family photos, mementos, and distinctive artwork.

10. The lawn should sparkle. Turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes to make the lawn sparkle.

If you have any questions about our market here in Waynesboro, Staunton, Fishersville, Stuarts Draft, Augusta County and Central Virginia please do not hesitate contacting me at shockley.dave@gmail.com.  I am a REALTOR® and Associate Broker with Valley Real Estate Brokers, LLC   Licensed to sell real estate in Virginia.

Small Kitchens that Still Inspire.

I highly recommend this site for other design and decorating ideas.

Thanks Kearney