tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211492332012-01-21T15:52:01.755-05:00Hampton Roads Real Estate BlogA blog dedicated to the real estate market of Hampton Roads (Southeastern Virginia), including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Smithfield, and Isle Of Wight . Here you'll find up to the minute information about the real estate market, tips for selling or buying a home, and much more.Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.comBlogger461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1157634381844578942006-09-07T08:59:00.000-04:002007-03-31T15:47:55.903-04:00Butler Team BlogWe have enjoyed chatting with you here and hope you will take a look at our new Blog! Tags: butler team, butler team blog, new blog for the butler teamDave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1152909652942267822006-07-14T16:32:00.000-04:002007-03-26T21:46:46.050-04:00South Hampton Roads LegislationChesapeake – Belharbour Station at SoNo, a proposed mixed use development containing 350 condos, 230 apartments and 150,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, received the approval of the city’s Planning Commission this week. The project will require City Council approval later this month or early next month. If approved, Belharbour Station at SoNo will be Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1152867737081608652006-07-14T04:48:00.000-04:002006-07-14T05:22:44.380-04:00Summer Breeze ConcertsDave and I discovered the Summer Breeze Concerts at Merchants Square in Williamsburg by chance a couple of years ago and it remains one of our most enjoyable summer activities. Free concerts are held on the square weekly during July and August. You can bring your lawn chairs and coolers and tailgate it, or do as we do and enjoy a light dinner and wine on the patio at The Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1151668649843114952006-06-30T07:49:00.000-04:002007-04-03T13:17:37.393-04:00Interest Rate HikeThe Federal Reserve Board has hiked rates for the 17th consecutive time over the past two years, bringing the Fed Funds Rate to 5.25%.But what was most important about the news was the wording of the policy statement, saying that "economic growth is moderating...and inflation expectations remain contained...yet the Committee judges that some inflation risks remain."So what does Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1151411121332824642006-06-27T08:16:00.000-04:002006-06-27T08:25:21.346-04:00No Grantor's Tax Increase...Yet!The debate's not over yet, but this past week's passage of a 2007 state budget does not include an onerous grantors tax increase. For months, the Virginia Association of Realtors has actively opposed proposals that would have funded transportation improvements in Virginia by quadrupling the tax owners pay when they sell real estate. Thanks in large part to VAR's Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1150974238132026052006-06-22T07:00:00.000-04:002006-06-22T07:03:58.146-04:00Landscaping Improvements Pay Off BigMoney spent sprucing up the yard with trees, shrubs, lighting, and patios is well worth it — especially when it comes time to sell the home, a new study says. The report, by Arbor National Mortgage, found that 84 percent of real estate professionals believe a house on a treed lot would fetch at least 20 percent more than one on a lot without trees.Another of Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1150820269550155052006-06-20T11:35:00.000-04:002006-06-20T12:25:13.736-04:00Second Homes - thinking out of the boxMany buyers think a second home is out of their reach. But sometimes all it takes is thinking out of the box. Consider these possibilities:1. Buy land. Purchase the land first with the plan to build on it further down the road.2. Go for 'access'. Buying a property with waterfront access instead of waterfront can be more affordable.3. Consider having neighborsDave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1150385037400717412006-06-15T11:12:00.000-04:002006-06-15T11:23:57.416-04:00East Beach CondosEast Beach has announced the opening of it's new luxury condominium complex, East Beach Villas at Pretty Lake. This is the first opportunity for condominium living in East Beach, Norfolk's premier waterfront community. What could be better than to be able to walk to the bay, the harbor and soon to restaurants and shops. You'll want to take a look._______________________________Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1150238434681842282006-06-13T18:35:00.000-04:002006-06-13T18:40:34.693-04:00Boardwalk Art ShowVirginia Beach's Boardwalk Art Show is one of the oldest and best outdoor art shows on the eastern seaboard. I always find it a great place to start my Christmas shopping. June 15-18. Four days of art, shopping, food and nightly entertainment...don't miss it!Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1149777346212089712006-06-08T10:32:00.000-04:002007-03-26T18:56:01.920-04:00Who Needs A Survey?A property survey is a map of a property showing where structures, easements and boundaries are located. To most buyers, being required by the mortgage company to have an updated survey for closing just seems like a waste of money. And, who wants to spend more money than absolutely necessary?But, a survey is like insurance. The chances of you ever really needing it are slim, Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1149608207783898832006-06-06T11:32:00.000-04:002006-06-06T11:36:47.813-04:00What Is A Contingency Contract?Sandra Nickel, Realtor in Montgomery, AL, has an excellent post on contingency contracts. What are they and should you as a seller accept one. It is short, sweet and informative.Please contact us with any questions you have about contingency contracts or real estate in Hampton Roads.Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1149204297710145912006-06-01T19:09:00.000-04:002006-06-01T19:27:17.020-04:00Hurricane PreparednessWell, hurricane season arrived today and runs through November 30. Our local newspaper, The Virginian Pilot, has a great article today, How Do I Make A Hurricane Kit. Of course, this is something none of us like to think about, but with predictions of another busy hurricane season, it is something we need to think about.Another cool item on The Virginian Pilot website is a Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1149100047994934052006-05-31T14:19:00.000-04:002007-03-03T21:24:57.940-05:00Mistakes Home Sellers MakeOrange County Realtors, Drew and Linda Hartanov, have a great post on their Blog... 4 Common Mistakes Home Sellers Make and How To Avoid Them.Take a look and then contact us, 866-222-0158 #302 with any questions you might have about how these mistakes relate to the Hampton Roads housing market.You can receive a Market Valuation of your home by visiting: Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1148589669914117792006-05-25T16:32:00.000-04:002006-05-25T16:41:09.950-04:005 Powerful Buying Strategies1. Don't Get "Pre-Qualified!" Get "Pre-Approved"Do you want to get the best house you can for the least amount of money? Then make sure you are in the strongest negotiating position possible. Price is only one bargaining chip in the negotiations, and not necessarily the most important one. Often other terms, such as the strength of the buyer or the length of escrow, Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1148511019982706022006-05-24T18:40:00.000-04:002006-05-24T18:50:32.580-04:00Encroachment Is The Downfall Of OceanaThe Inspector General has ruled that Virginia and the city of Virginia Beach have failed to meet a federal demand for controlling development around Oceana Naval Air Station resulting in the ultimate closure of Oceana Naval Air Station.Virginia Beach refused to permit condemnation of homes and businesses in a high-risk “accident potential zone” along Oceana’sDave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1148049921212367622006-05-19T10:45:00.000-04:002006-05-19T10:45:21.800-04:00Pay-Per-View Going AwayIn June 2006, Hampton Road's MLS, Real Estate Information Network (REIN), instituted a program which required consumers to pay for detailed information on homes for sale. This information had previously been available at no cost and the pay-per-view program alienated both the consumer and agents, as the fee was charged on all agent's individual websites, not just the MLS Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1147949375778692082006-05-18T06:42:00.000-04:002006-05-18T06:49:48.726-04:00Hampton Roads Real Estate Market In Full BloomThe Hampton Roads real estate market is in full bloom this spring with appreciation up 11% in April compared to April 2005. The average sales price last year at this time was $253,113 and this year it is $277,065. This is great news for local sellers and makes this spring an excellent time to put your house on the market.Spring is usually our busiest Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1147873009176548312006-05-17T09:36:00.000-04:002006-05-17T09:38:08.683-04:00Norfolk Cuts Real Estate Tax RateThe Norfolk City Council has voted to reduce the real estate tax rate by $.08, bringing the rate down to $1.27 per assessed value from $1.35. Even with this decrease, most Norfolk homeowners will still see an increase in ther real estate taxes this year due to a 25.8% increase in assessments.The Council also approved the state's first tax deferral system. This Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1147354058320108152006-05-11T09:19:00.000-04:002006-05-11T09:28:32.960-04:00The Virginia Beach Planning Commission endorsed a plan for a new high-end waterfront community even though the proposed developement is twice as dense as the city guidelines for the location.City Council will make a final decision on this developement within the next 30-45 days.Click here for the complete story._______________________________________________________Want to buy or sell a home in Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1146746256421913432006-05-04T08:31:00.000-04:002006-05-04T08:37:36.796-04:00Post-Contract PitfallsSelling a home is like climbing Mount Everest – getting a signed contract is a great accomplishment, but that's only half the journey. The typical home sale today involves more than 20 steps after the initial contract is accepted to complete the transaction.Much of what needs to be done before the closing is the responsibility of appraisers, loan processors, attorneys, and Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1146528809920043492006-05-01T20:12:00.000-04:002006-05-01T20:13:29.996-04:00Join us for Monday Morning Coffee.Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1146101373625682902006-04-26T21:13:00.000-04:002007-03-26T23:52:54.700-04:00Considering a Home Remodel? Make Sure It Will Pay OffIf your family has to wait in line to take a shower, or if you're storing pots and pans in the laundry room due to lack of cabinet space, it could be time to consider a home remodeling project. Not only will an updated space make your house more pleasant for you and your family, it can pay off in higher resale value.To find out if your project Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1145887176068528102006-04-24T09:59:00.000-04:002006-05-01T20:12:47.253-04:00WOW!What gorgeous weather we had yesterday and another beautiful day forecast for today. How lucky we are to live in Hampton Roads!!If all that yard work you did yesterday is in preparation to sell your home, visit www.VirginiaBeachHomeSellers.com. A current market value of yur home will be emailed to you...without having to talkw with an agent.And join us for Monday Morning Coffee.Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1145531589513387622006-04-20T06:59:00.000-04:002006-05-01T20:11:57.183-04:00Spring Has Sprung In Hampton Roads!The South Hampton Roads spring real estate market is in full bloom. Both sales and prices are up, making this a great time to buy or sell a home.March sales are not quite up to the 2005 level, with 1716 residential homes sold March 2006 compared to 1772 in March 2005. But, the good news is, there is a strong 12% increase in the average sales price compared to a Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1145291791208311972006-04-17T12:34:00.000-04:002006-04-17T12:38:52.920-04:00Hampton Roads City LegislationChesapeake - City Council passed an emergency ordinance that provides additional tax relief measures for some senior citizens. Beginning Tuesday, the gross income threshold to participate in the real estate tax relief program was raised to $59,000 from $45,000 and the net worth threshold was raised from $200,000 to $207,000. This means that more seniors will be able Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1144943244802299232006-04-13T11:45:00.000-04:002006-04-13T11:47:25.506-04:00Housing Market To Stay on High PlateauHome sales should remain strong this year according to a report just released from the National Association of Realtors. The association expects sales to move up and down somewhat over for the rest of the year, but are predicting 2006 as being the third strongest year in history.NAR President Thomas M. Stevens from Vienna, Va., said home prices are expected Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1144277728989525502006-04-05T18:32:00.000-04:002006-04-05T18:57:37.290-04:00Access Your Free Credit ReportOne of the first steps to buying a home is arranging for financing and getting a pre-approval letter from a lender. This is a good time to take advantage of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This law requires the 3 credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, TransUnion - to provide you with a free credit report once a year.Your credit report Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1144065989359089522006-04-03T08:06:00.000-04:002006-04-03T08:06:43.856-04:00Mortgage Rates Edge Up This Week In Response to Fed ActionsFreddie Mac (NYSE:FRE), Friday, released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market SurveySM (PMMSSM) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.35 percent, with an average 0.5 point, for the week ending March 30, 2006, up from last week’s average of 6.32 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.04 Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1143727382046716192006-03-30T09:00:00.000-05:002007-03-28T01:09:33.243-04:00Where Does Your Mulch Come From?You may want to check with the companies that you hire to do your mulched beds this year, to make sure they know where the mulch they use is coming from. Or, if you buy your own mulch, be very careful about buying mulch it. After the hurricane in New Orleans many trees were blown over. These trees were then turned into mulch and the state is trying to get rid of Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1143589843194203462006-03-28T18:42:00.000-05:002006-03-28T18:50:43.676-05:00Homeownership TrendsThe Center For Housing Policy has released a new study detailing home ownership trends for the last 25 years. The sad news is working families with children are less likely to own their own homes now than they were in 1970. Although this is sad, it is not unexpected in light of the double digit housing price increases we have seen across the country in the last few years.To Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1143462503152877682006-03-27T07:23:00.000-05:002006-03-27T09:07:44.700-05:00Let Yourself Be HeardThe Governor will hold town hall meeting Wednesday in Chesapeake concerning transportation and tax increases for state road and transit projects. Here is a chance to voice your opinion!Join us for Monday Morning Coffee!Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1143120904356962142006-03-23T08:34:00.000-05:002006-03-23T08:35:04.646-05:00What A Difference A Year MakesA lower level of home sales expected this year will create a more level playing field for buyers and sellers on the heels of a five-year sellers’ market, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. This is certainly true for the Hampton Roads real estate market! February home sales dropped 63% from February 2005 and the average market time has almost Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1143054576790863152006-03-22T14:00:00.000-05:002006-03-22T14:09:37.436-05:00Standardized Credit Score Is UnveiledIn an effort to make it easier for lenders and borrowers to understand consumer credit scores, the three biggest U.S. credit-reporting firms — Equifax Inc., Experian, and TransUnion — have banded together to standardize the method of calculation. The three firms have long used their own formulas to calculate credit scores, with varying grades sometimes Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1142518733662755872006-03-16T09:14:00.000-05:002006-03-16T09:18:55.560-05:00CLUE Reports And How They Effect YouOne of the biggest issues for buyers and sellers today seems to be overall rise in homeowners insurance, especially in the aftermath of recent natural disasters, like Hurricane Katrina. People are looking for ways to reduce these costs, and we’re getting a number of questions about CLUE Reports, and how they are being used by insurance companies.What are CLUE Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1141297186881088972006-03-02T05:51:00.000-05:002006-03-02T05:59:46.976-05:00What Is Your Home Really Worth?A new website claims to give the numbers in Hampton Roads and beyond. Wherever you live in Hampton Roads from Newport News to Virginia Beach to Isle Of Wight, if you plan to buy or sell a home, one of the most important pieces of information you will need is the home's current value in reasonably accurate terms.Well, Zillow.com is a new national website that Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1141056924777117272006-02-27T11:05:00.000-05:002006-03-27T07:23:13.696-05:00INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:"A man can't get rich if he takes proper care of his family."~ Navajo sayingTHE FAMILY OF MAN!Even on the simplest level, this old Navajo saying should have some relevance on every rung of the ladder of wealth - and we're talking strictly material wealth here. This quote illustrates the noble virtue of philanthropy, but also addresses the issue of "charity begins at home."WeDave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1140649832144375292006-02-22T18:03:00.000-05:002006-02-22T18:35:06.170-05:00New Efficiency Regulations Impact HomeownersThe United States Department of Energy (DOE) initiated new regulations, in January, regarding air conditioning. Manufacturers rate this type of equipment and others, such as heat pumps, on their efficiency using what's known as SEER ratings, Seasonal-Energy-Efficiency-Ratio.For several years, the minimum efficiency standard has been 10 SEER. On Jan. Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1140101793715399412006-02-16T09:20:00.000-05:002006-02-16T09:56:34.140-05:00Region's median home price jumped 31.5 percent last yearThis is the headline from Hampton Roads leading newspaper, the Virginian Pilot.According to statistics from the National Association of Realtors, Hampton Roads ranked 7 out of 145 markets surveyed, in terms of median price increases for existing single-family homes in 2005. This ranking reflects a 31.5% increase over 2004 and a median price Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1139820420537784382006-02-13T03:39:00.000-05:002006-02-13T04:37:18.416-05:00Monday Morning CoffeeINSPIRATION FOR TODAY:"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing."~ George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)MAKE SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING!When's the last time someone told you it's okay to screw things up? Well, unless you're a neurosurgeon or a ballot counter, it's okay! For most of us, a mistake is an action that can be Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1139492612160987842006-02-09T08:39:00.000-05:002006-02-09T09:21:20.150-05:00A Favor to Ask, it only takes a minute....The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman.It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "donating a mammogram" for free (pink window in the middle). This doesn't cost you a thing. And, you can do itDave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1139260539367437402006-02-06T16:08:00.000-05:002006-02-06T16:18:10.183-05:00INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:"In Italy, for thirty years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had five hundred years of democracy and peace - and what did they produce? The cuckoo clock."~ From the movie "The Third Man" (1949)Where do inspiration and Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1138885582705910412006-02-02T08:05:00.000-05:002006-02-02T08:09:10.373-05:0010 Common Mistakes That Cost Sellers DollarsNow that we are experiencing a more balanced real estate market, Sellers have to do more than place a sign in the yard, set a price 20% higher than the house down the street that sold last week and have 2-3 offers in their hand in a couple of days.Buyers are more discriminating. They will not accept a home with the defects they might have put up with Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1138630818857589872006-01-30T09:12:00.000-05:002006-01-30T18:47:51.583-05:00Inspiration for today,"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." Bill Cosby "Who Is Grading Your Exam?" or learn more about the meaning of success.Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1138283766532949682006-01-26T08:52:00.000-05:002006-01-26T08:56:06.920-05:00Teens May Lose Phone Privileges In Cars The Virginia General Assembly is considering a bill to restrict cell phone use for drivers under 18, even with a hands free device.This seems like a no-brainer, as 16 year olds have higher accident rates than any other age group. As a parent, I am relieved and grateful my children are no longer teenagers!Have teenagers? Want to influence your legislator on Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1138031565423320912006-01-23T10:50:00.000-05:002006-01-23T10:52:46.283-05:00Buyers and Sellers in the Hampton Roads, VA real estate market continue to be frustrated by the local MLS service (Real Estate Information Network) policy to charge consumers for access to detailed listing information provided through individual agents' and brokers' web sites. This program is called MLS ePass. To get complete information (excluding property address) you are asked to pay for an Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21149233.post-1137624299468992602006-01-18T17:43:00.000-05:002007-04-09T21:14:24.316-04:00Press Release: Top Agents Attends Invitation-Only CyberStar® GatheringDave & Ruth Ann Macklin were among 130 top real estate agents who were invited to attend The Allen F. Hainge CyberStar® Summit recently in San Antonio, TX. The nationally recognized CyberStar® Summit is an annual invitation-only networking and idea sharing conference open only to outstanding real estate agents from the US, Dave & Ruth Ann Macklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03191690303720945700noreply@blogger.com2