Fredericksburg City:

• 149 days on market – this is 85 days more than in July 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 93.48% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 12.08 months of inventory on the market
• 13 homes sold in July 2010 – this is 10 less than in July 2009
• The most popular price range was $250,000-$299,999.   
• The median sold price was $283,250, compared to $218,000 in July 2009
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 7, FHA – 2, VA – 1, Cash – 3

Orange County

• 166 days on market – this is 11 days more than in July 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 85.94% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 14.81 months of inventory on the market
• 26 homes sold in July 2010 – this is 10 less than July 2009
• The most popular price ranges were $200,000-$249,999.
• The median sold price was $161,500, compared to $209,000 in July 2009 
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 5, FHA – 10, VA – 4, Other – 2, Cash – 7

Spotsylvania County

• 68 days on market – this is 31 less than July 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 93.26% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 7.88 months inventory on the market
• 125 homes sold in July 2010 – this is 37 less than in July 2009 
• The most popular price range was $200,000-$249,999
• The median sold price was $203,850, compared to $218,450 in July 2009 
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 37, FHA – 40, VA – 33, Cash – 12, Other – 3

Stafford County

• 62 days on market – this is 12 less than July 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 94.43% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 5.77 months inventory on the market
• 154 homes sold in July 2010 - this is 2 less than in July 2009 
• The most popular price range was $300,000-$399,999
• The median sold price was $242,500, compared to $238,250 in July 2009 
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 28, FHA – 42, VA – 59, Cash – 17, Assumption – 1, Other – 6, Seller Financing – 1

Prince William County

• 39 days on market – this is 22 less than July 2009 
• Sellers received, on average, 96.92% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 4.97 months inventory on the market
• 593 homes sold in July 2010 - this is 194 less than in July 2009
• The most popular price range was $200,000-$249,999
• The median sold price was $240,000, compared to $200,000 in July 2009
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 144, FHA – 234, VA – 95, Assumption – 12, Cash – 99, Other – 9

Caroline County

• 80 days on market – this is 53 less than July 2009 
• Sellers received, on average, 91.90% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 11.43 months inventory on the market
• 30 homes sold in July 2010 - this is 15 less than in July 2009
• The most popular price range was $100,000-$119,999
• The median sold price was $127,950, compared to $134,000 in July 2009
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 10, FHA – 8, VA – 2, Cash – 9, Other – 1

All data provided by MRIS.

Let’s see who’s available for adoption at the Fredericksburg SPCA! 

Meet Ollie!

Ollie is an all white, domestic short-hair, 3 year old male.  He has sparkling blue eyes that will melt your heart.  He prefers to be an only cat, but is good with adults and children.  He loves to be petted and cuddled.  He also enjoys window watching.  Ollie is up-to-date on his shots and is neutered.  if you have the room in your heart and home for Ollie, please contact the Fredericksburg SPCA today to make an appointment to meet him.  You won’t be disappointed!

 

 

Meet Buckets!

This little guy is a bundle of joy!  Bucket’s is a 2.5 month old labrador retriever mix.  He is good with adults and children.  He is a puppy with loads of energy, so be ready to play and and give him lots of attention.  obedience training is highly recommended for Buckets.  He is up-to-date on his shots and neutered.  If you need a little ray of sunshine in your life, contact the Fredericksburg SPCA today to set up a time to meet Buckets.  He’s ready to be a part of your family!

There are currently 84 cats and 27dogs up for adoption at the Fredericksburg SPCA.  If you want to help, but just can’t commit to adoption, the SPCA is always looking for donations and volunteers. 

The Fredericksburg SPCA is located at 10819 Courthouse Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407.  They can be contacted at (540) 898-1500. 

It’s here again.  It’s Virginia’s tax free holiday for school supplies and clothing.  The holiday runs from Friday, August 6 – Sunday, August 8, 2010.  Each eligible school item must be priced at $20 or less and each clothing and footwear item must be priced at $100 or less. 

Eligible School Supplies:                             

Binder pockets

Binders

Blackboard Chalk

Book bags

Calculators

Cellophane tape

Clay and glazes

Compasses

Composition books

Crayons

Dictionaries and thesauruses

Dividers

Erasers (including dry erase marker erasers and dry erase marker cleaning solutions)

Folders; expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila

Glue, paste, and paste sticks

Highlighters

Index cards

Index card boxes

Legal pads

Lunch boxes

Markers (including dry erase markers and dry erase marker kits)

Musical instruments, musical instrument accessories, and replacement items for musical instruments

Notebooks

Paintbrushes for artwork

Paints (acrylic, tempera, and oil)

Paper; loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board and construction paper

Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes

Pencil sharpeners

Pencils

Pens

Protractors

Reference books

Reference maps and globes

Rulers

Scissors

Sheet music

Sketch and drawing pads

Textbooks

Watercolors

Workbooks; and

Writing Tablets

This is an all inclusive list.  Computers are not eligible, however, some retailers may choose to pay the taxes for consumers who purchase this type of item. 

Eligible Clothing Items:

Aprons, household and shop

Athletic supporters

Baby bibs and clothes

Baby receiving blankets

Bandanas

Bathing suits, swim trunks, cover-ups and bathing caps

Beach capes and coats

Belts and suspenders

Bibs

Boots

Choir and altar clothing

Clerical vestments

Coats, jackets, and windbreakers

Corsets and corset laces

Costumes (sold not rented)

Coveralls

Diapers, children and adult, including disposable diapers

Dresses

Ear muffs

Footlets

Formal wear for men and women (sold, not rented)

Fur coats and stoles, shawls and wraps

Garters and garter belts

Girdles

Gloves and mittens for general use

Golf clothing, caps, dresses, shirts, skirts, pants

Gym suits and uniforms

Hats and caps

Hosiery

Insoles, inserts for shoes

Jeans

Jerseys (both athletic and non-athletic)

Lab coats

Legwarmers

Leotards and tights

Lingerie

Neckwear, including bow ties, neckties, and scarves

Nightgowns

Overshoes and rubber shoes

Pajamas

Pantyhose

Raincoats, rain hats, and ponchos

Robes

Rubber pants

Rubber thong/flip-flops

Sandals

Scarves

Shirts and blouses

Shoes and shoe laces

Shorts

Skirts

Slacks

Slippers

Slips

Sneakers

Socks and stockings, including athletic socks

Steel toed shoes

Suits

Suspenders

Underwear

Uniforms, athletic and non-athletic

Vests

Wedding apparel, including veils (sold not rented)

This list is not all inclusive. 

If you would like more information on the 2010 Virginia Tax Free Holiday for school supplies and clothing, please click here.

The 272nd Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair is in full swing!  This is the oldest fair in Virginia and quite possibly the oldest fair in the united states.  Originally the fair was held twice a year.  Cattle, everyday necessities, goods, and other merchandise was sold.  Horses racing, hot air balloon rides, and circuses have also been a part of the fair’s history.  Today the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair focuses on livestock competitions and sales, music acts, the Miss Fredericksburg Pageant, food, and carnival rides.  This year the Board of Directors have brought back a clown circus, petting zoo, and animal races – this time it is pigs and other small animals; as well as a Demolition Derby, motor sports, Barbarian Fight Club, beer concessions, and smoked turkey legs. 

The Fair’s Hours of Operation are:

Monday – Thursday        5pm-10pm

Friday -                                3pm-10pm

Saturday -                           10am-10pm

Sunday -                               12pm-10pm

Gates close at 10pm, but rides continue to operate until 11pm.

Cost of Admission:  Adults: $7    Seniors:  $5    Children Under 3:  FREE 

Tuesday Admission:  Adults and Seniors:  $2   Children Under 3:  FREE

Here are some highlights for this week’s events:

Monday, August 3

5:00 PM                 Fast Action Motorsports

5:00 PM                 NOJOE’s Clown Circus

5:00 PM                 Carolina Camel Ride, Pony Rides and Petting Zoo

7:00 PM                 R & R Productions Demolition Derby (Motorsports Park)

8:00 PM                 Teen Miss Fredericksburg Fair Pageant Ages 13-16  (Fairway Stage)

Tuesday, August 3 – $2.00 Day!

5:00 PM                 Fast Action Motorsports

5:00 PM                 NOJOE’s Clown Circus

5:00 PM                 Carolina Camel Ride, Pony Rides and Petting Zoo

7:00 PM                 Will Gravatt (Country/Western) (Fairway Stage)

Wednesday, August 4

5:00 PM                 Flower Show

5:00 PM                 Hot Dog/Pig Racing

5:00 PM                 Fast Action Motorsports

5:00 PM                 Kamp Kreatures Puppet Stage Show

5:00 PM                 Carolina Camel Ride, Pony Rides and Petting Zoo

7:00 PM                 Colgate Country Showdown with Brian Strobel  (Fairway Stage)

7:00 PM                 R & R Productions Powder Puff Demolition Derby  (Motorsports Park)

Thursday, August 5

5:00 PM                 Hot Dog/Pig Racing

5:00 PM                 Fast Action Motorsports

5:00 PM                 Kamp Kreatures Puppet Stage Show

5:00 PM                 Carolina Camel Ride, Pony Rides and Petting Zoo

7:00 PM                 Barbarian Fight Club  (Fairway Stage)

7:00 PM                 R & R Productions Demolition Derby (Motorsports Park)

Friday, August 6

3:00 PM                 GEICO NASCAR Appearance

3:00 PM                 Hot Dog/Pig Racing

3:00 PM                 Fast Action Motorsports

3:00 PM                 Kamp Kreatures Puppet Stage Show

3:00 PM                 Carolina Camel Ride, Pony Rides and Petting Zoo

4:00 PM                 Rides Opens

7:00 PM                 Tonny Petersen’s Hell Drivers (Motorsports Park)

7:00 PM                 Colgate Country Showdown with Brian Strobel & Glen Shelton  (Fairway Stage)

Saturday, August 7

10:00 PM               Livestock Judging – OPEN

10:00 AM               GEICO NASCAR Appearance

10:00 AM               Hot Dog/Pig Racing

10:00 AM               Fast Action Motorsports

10:00 AM               Kamp Kreatures Puppet Stage Show

10:00 AM               Carolina Camel Ride, Pony Rides and Petting Zoo

11:00 AM               Rides Opens

1:00 PM                Mud Bog (Motorsports Park)

7:00 PM                Steve Jarrell (60’s/ Beach Music) (Fairway Stage)

Sunday, August 8

12:00 PM               Carolina Camel Ride, Pony Rides and Petting Zoo

12:00 PM               GEICO NASCAR Appearance

1:00 PM                 Rides Opens

 2:00 PM                Gospel Music  (Keith L. Armstead) (Fairway Stage)

 

Fredericksburg City:

• 51 days on market – this is 55 days less than in June 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 93.81% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 9.76 months of inventory on the market
• 17 homes sold in June 2010 – this is 12 less than in June 2009
• The most popular price range was $250,000-$299,999.   
• The median sold price was $250,00000, compared to $259,900 in June 2009
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 4, FHA – 7, VA – 3, Cash – 4

Orange County

• 171 days on market – this is 21 days more than in June 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 90.54% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 9.36 months of inventory on the market
• 44 homes sold in June 2010 – this is 10 more than June 2009
• The most popular price ranges were $300,000-$399,999.
• The median sold price was $193,250, compared to $212,500 in June 2009 
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 14, FHA – 14, VA – 4, Other – 2, Cash – 9, Seller Financing – 1

Spotsylvania County

• 77 days on market – this is 38 less than June 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 92.51% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 4.97 months inventory on the market
• 192 homes sold in June 2010 – this is 10 more than in June 2009 
• The most popular price range was $250,000-$299,999
• The median sold price was $191,000, compared to $196,500 in June 2009 
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 42, FHA – 72, VA – 30, Cash – 34, Assumption – 4, Other – 8, Seller Financing – 1

Stafford County

• 55 days on market – this is 38 less than June 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 95.09% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 4.63 months inventory on the market
• 196 homes sold in June 2010 - this is 10 more than in June 2009 
• The most popular price range was $300,000-$399,999
• The median sold price was $265,811, compared to $237,450 in June 2009 
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 45, FHA – 57, VA – 70, Cash – 16, Assumption – 4, Other – 4

Prince William County

• 33 days on market – this is 45 less than June 2009 
• Sellers received, on average, 96.97% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 3.77 months inventory on the market
• 779 homes sold in June 2010 - this is 16 less than in June 2009
• The most popular price range was $300,000-$399,999
• The median sold price was $255,000, compared to $195,000 in June 2009
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 201, FHA – 314, VA – 134, Assumption – 11, Cash – 110, Other – 9

Short sale transactions are like snowflakes, no two deals are alike.  However, there are some parts of short sales that are the same from bank to bank and transaction to transaction.  I have updated my Short Sales Tab to reflect some of the constants in short sales.  I hope you find the information useful.  As always, be sure to check my blog posts about short sales.

The 4th of July is a fantastic time to be in and around the Fredericksburg area.  The rich Revolutionary War history and Fredericksburg’s part in masterminding and securing America’s freedom makes this our own special holiday.  If you are looking for something to do this weekend, here is a list I’ve compiled.

 

 

 

 

 

Stafford County

“The Complete History of America” Musical performed at the Riverside Dinner Theater. 

Friday, July 2- Sunday, July 4  (6:30pm dinner seating)  Tickets:  $42

www.rsdinnertheater.com/dt/upcomingspecialevents_2.aspx

Fabulous 4th of July at Ferry Farm

Saturday, July 3  (10am-5pm)  small admission fee

Interact on an 18th century farm while farm workers perform daily tasks around George Washington’s childhood farm.  Learn how the Patawomeck Indian tribe functioned in the 16oos.  Enjoy crafts, games, and live music.  Food vendors will be on site.  Trolleys will be running from the Fredericksburg City street festival, as parking is limited at Ferry Farm.

www.ferryfarm.org/events.html

Stars and Stripes Weekend at Potomac Point Winery

Wine tours and wine tastings will take place all weekend long at regular fees.  The band Blackstone will be playing on Sunday from 1-5pm.  A special July 4th menu is available for purchase. 

Saturday, July 2  (11am-9:30pm)       Sunday, July 3  (11am-6pm)

 

Spotsylvania County

Independence Day Kickoff Celebration – at Lake Anna Winery

The vineyard will feature live music, lite appetizers, and wine sold by the glass.  The $10 admission includes a winery tour and a souvenir wine glass. 

Friday, July 2 (6-10pm)

www.lawinery.com

Stars and Stripes Spotsylvania Spectacular

A fun event for all age groups.  Come and enjoy pony rides, moonbounces, a petting zoo, a tour of the historic Spotsylvania Courthouse and 1855 jail, and much more.  There will be 3 stages playing Bluegrass music, and the night is finished with a huge fireworks display!  Vendors will be on site for food and drink sales.

Saturday, July 3   (3-10pm)

www.spotsylvania.va.us/

 

Fredericksburg City

33rd Annual Rappahannock River Raft Race sponsored by the Fredericksburg Jaycees

Come watch this very entertaining and traditional Fredericksburg event.  Prizes will be awarded in several categories.  The race starts at 11:30am at the Port of Falmouth Park on River Road in Stafford and will end at approximately 4pm at the City Docks on Sophia Street.  If you are interested in participating please contact the Fredericksburg Jaycees at fburgjayceescdvp@gmail.com.  Entry fees do apply. 

Saturday, July 3

Fredericksburg City Heritage Festival

The always fun Heritage Festival will take place over two days this year since July 4th falls on a Sunday.  The traditional street festival will be on Saturday, July 3 from (10am-4pm).  The Heritage Day Parade will begin at 9:30am on Carolina Street and is still looking for entries for this year’s parade.  The parade is limited to bikes, strollers, wagons, and walking. 

Heritage Festival 5 Mile – Saturday, July 3 (7:45am) at the Fredericksburg Visitor’s Center on Caroline Street    Registration is $20 pre-race day and $25 race day  Cash prizes will be given to the top 3 male and top 3 female runners.  http://www.racetimingunlimited.org/raceinfo/HF10Info.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

The fireworks will take place on Sunday, July 4 at Pratt Park. Music will begin at 8pm and fireworks will begin at dusk.  The Frederickbsburg Jaycees will be on hand selling glow-in-the-dark jewelry to help make the celebration even more exciting.   Be sure to bring your own refreshments and blankets and chairs to the fireworks display.   

Heritage Day Festival and 5 Mile Run – Saturday, July 3

Fireworks – Sunday, July 4

As the market changes, so does the way we handle certain transactions.  I have updated the Foreclosure section of Sarahiously Speaking to give more up-to-date information about the foreclosure process in Virginia and purchasing properties at the courthouse steps and purchasing REO properties.  I hope you find the new information useful.  And, as always, feel free to leave comments of questions!

Fredericksburg City:

• 145 days on market – this is 21 days more than in May 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 80.7% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 11 months of inventory on the market
• 16 homes sold in May 2010 – this is 4 more than in May 2009
• The most popular price range was $250,000-$299,999.   
• The median sold price was $212,500, compared to $103,500 in May 2009
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 4, FHA – 3, VA – 1, Cash – 8

Orange County

• 104 days on market – this is 50 days less than in May 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 88.54% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 14.21 months of inventory on the market
• 29 homes sold in May 2010 – this is 9 more than May 2009
• The most popular price ranges were $140,000-$159,999.
• The median sold price was $149,900, compared to $164,950 in May 2009 
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 8, FHA – 13, VA – 2, Other – 2, Cash – 4

Spotsylvania County

• 85 days on market – this is 13 less than May 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 91.8% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 5.88 months inventory on the market
• 160 homes sold in May 2010 – this is 14 less than in May 2009 
• The most popular price range was $200,000-$249,999
• The median sold price was $196,500, compared to $202,500 in May 2009 
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 31, FHA – 69, VA – 35, Cash – 16, Assumption – 3, Other – 6

Stafford County

• 61 days on market – this is 42 less than May 2009
• Sellers received, on average, 94.6% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 6.57 months inventory on the market
• 136 homes sold in May 2010 - this is 35 less than in May 2009 
• The most popular price range was $200,000-$249,999
• The median sold price was $247,400, compared to $245,000 in May 2009 
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 21, FHA – 45, VA – 47, Cash – 15, Assumption – 6, Other – 2

Prince William County

• 32 days on market – this is 46 less than May 2009 
• Sellers received, on average, 96.97% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 4.13 months inventory on the market
• 714 homes sold in May 2010 - this is 161 less than in May 2009
• The most popular price range was $200,000-$249,999
• The median sold price was $240,000, compared to $190,000 in May 2009
• Financing Terms:  Conventional – 153, FHA – 317, VA – 117, Assumption – 11, Cash – 114, Other – 2

All data provided by MRIS.