WVHomesBlog.com

OPEN HOUSE

• When: Saturday - September 13th
• Where: 140 Leviticus Drive - Woodridge Community
• Time Open: 10AM - 2PM

This is not your typical split-foyer!

• Built 2005, loaded with upgrades and well maintained throughout featuring gas fireplace w/ceramic tile hearth, double-door refrigerator, glass top range, built-in microwave, Hunter ceiling fans, designer Kohler kitchen sink and breakfast bar.
  
• The home is T-1 hard wired throughout for internet, sound system and HD theater hookups in all rooms with surround system in the living room. The recently stained deck located off the dining area is buffered by mature hardwood trees.

Directions: Interstate 81-Exit 12, Turn east toward Inwood, Turn right at traffic light onto Route 11, Turn left at traffic light (Sheetz) onto Route 51, Drive 2 miles and turn left on Three Run Road, Drive 1 mile and turn left on Leviticus to #140 on right

In spite of hurricane Hanna's threat, spirits weren't dampened for the West Virginia State BBQ and Bluegrass Festival, "Pickin' in the Panhandle", held this weekend at the Lazy-A Campground. Attendance may have been light for the Saturday kickoff due to rain, but folks rolled in Sunday taking advantage of the perfect weather and festivities.

The highlight of the weekend was the great music preformed by nationally renowned bluegrass bands on the main stage. Musicians were also performing at the popular Pickin' Porch concession and beer garden area. Senator Robert Byrd sent a representative onstage offering his sentiments that he could not attend. God bless him, he loves his fiddle and did it justice in the day.

Fierce cook-off competitions always arise at such events and this weekend was no exception as the ribs, chicken, and brisket rolled off the grill for the judges to decide the contest winners. There was something for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend of festivities including craft vendors and the kids' korner. It was evident that there was not age barrier for fun this weekend.

Debbie Small was recently recognized as "2008 Realtor of the Year" by The Eastern Panhandle Board of REALTORS® at their annual awards banquet. This honor is awarded to a member recognized for their outstanding service and achievements. Short lists of accomplishments have included:

Service

Awards

With the Nehemiah grant program drawing to a close, there is still time if you need to shift to another property. Here's the perfect scenario.

Let's say you, the home purchaser, have been approved for an FHA loan using the Nehemiah grant assigned a case number prior to August 31 with the condition that settlement must occur by October 1 to qualify for the Nehemiah assistance. The offer you submitted was on a property with short sale conditions but weeks, or possibly months, have gone by awaiting approval from the lender holding the seller's note. This is not at all uncommon.

You would be well advised to find another house quickly that is not a short sale. Your lender can amend your grant package changing the property address and using the existing case number to meet the settlement deadline.

According to my sources, the hammer has slammed down on the non-profit AmeriDream program bringing a close to this DPA chapter. The "heads up" is that if a home buyer is purchasing a home, their loan must be in process with a valid contract by August 29, 2008 and closed by September 30, 2008. I suspect that the Nehemiah program will soon be history as well, if it isn't already.

Typically, I play the devil's advocate and can see both sides, but I feel this is going to have a further negative impact on the housing market. As we're all aware, the onset of foreclosures and short sales has caused declining housing values and sent Fannie and Freddie running scared. The obvious positive is that buyers who were previously shut out of the housing market are slowly re-entering and taking advantage of the lower pricing. The profile of today's median price range buyer either needs assistance with closing costs, down payment or both. Without these entry level buyers, inventory will continue to mount fueling the fire for recession.