Sarahiously Speaking

Dorothy Hart Community Center Parking Lot (9pm)

I’m sitting in my family room at 8:55pm listening to construction vehicles two blocks away.  Some may wonder why I’m listening to construction vehicles at 8:55pm.  Well, the City of Fredericksburg has decided that it’s time to dig up the parking lot at the Dorothy Hart Community Center on Canal Street.  Having just renovated my house and also lived with my neighbors putting an addition on their home, I could swear that there are noise ordinances dealing with construction and demolition.  So, I decided to look them up.  In fact, there are noise ordinances for construction and demolition. 

According to Ordinance No. 03-21

Construction or repair of buildings; excavations of streets and highways; unloading of construction materials. Sound emanating from the construction, demolition, alteration, or repair of any building, from the excavation of any street or highway, or from the unloading of construction materials that is plainly audible across a property boundary between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays or between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays.

Well, it’s a Thursday night.  It is now 9pm.  I can still hear loud construction equipment working on the parking lot.  So my question is:  Why does it appear that construction on City property can violate the City’s noise ordinance?  Oh, there’s a loophole?   Yes: 

The city manager shall be authorized to issue permits to persons allowing the production of noise that might otherwise be prohibited under this article, provided that such permits shall be limited to a specific event, time period, or activity. Such permits shall be issued in accordance with regulations promulgated by the city manager and published in the city administrative manual.

So, the city manager can grant a permit for the city to work well past the time the city has set forth as acceptable times to make loud noises.  Of course!  That makes perfect sense.  This is the same City that has razed historic buildings, recently, without cause.  As a tax payer in Fredericksburg City, I’m getting a little tired of city officials operating under a different set of rules.  I’m tired of city officials applying city ordinances and codes willy-nilly, whenever it serves their purposes.  I’m getting tired of my phone calls not being returned by city officials.  I’m tired of being treated like I don’t pay their salaries when I need their services.  And tonight, I’m getting tired of listening to a construction crew dig up a parking lot and crush the concrete into tiny pieces.  It’s not like I live in a business district.  I live in a residential part of town.  I can’t imagine what the home owners across the street from this parking lot are thinking right now. 

I find it interesting that the City of Fredericksburg doesn’t have enough money to repair roads, but they have enough money to repave a parking lot reserved for official city vehicles.  I’m sure those vehicles will be much more confortable sitting on their fresh asphalt in a few days.  Meanwhile, I have an 8 month old who keeps getting woken up by this construction.  By the way, it’s 9:12pm and they’re still working on this parking lot.

Small town living is always interesting and Fredericksburg, Virginia is no exception.  Fredericksburg will be holding its annual Christmas Parade this Saturday, December 5.  However, something will be noticeably different during this year’s parade.  There will be no candy thrown from floats or handed out to parade attendees.  Turkey Hill will also not be allowed to hand out their traditional ice cream sandwiches.  Why the change?  Well, it appears that City Council and the Clean & Green Commission have decided that they would rather not deal with the litter that is left behind after the parade.  So, if you or your family is expecting interaction from the floats, don’t hold your breath.  Again, nothing can be passed out to parade attendees this year.  NOTHING!

Now, I do agree that the amount of trash that can be left behind after a parade can be overwhelming.  I also know that the icy/ snowy weather during the parade of 2008 did not help matters.  But, really!?!  City Council and the Clean & Green Committee – you are stealing the spirit of the holidays!  This town has no problem wasting money and tax dollars in other areas, but a Christmas parade that is put together by a non-profit organization has become a target of their scorn.  While derelict building sit wasting away and dog poop is drying on city sidewalks, they’ve decided to concentrate on one parade that brings this city and the surrounding area together.  Is this decision a big deal?  Well, some former parade float participants seem to think so and they’ve removed their entry from the event.  And, I think quite a few attendees will be more than a little disappointed when the highlight of the evening is counting just how many baton twirlers you can fit in one parade.  (We have alot of baton twirlers in this area). 

There are other ways to combat the litter.  The city admits there are not enough trash receptacles in the downtown area.  There are definitely no recycling bins made available to the public during street events.  How about getting more volunteers to do a city clean-up effort after this type of event?  There are plenty of high school students and civic organizations looking for volunteer opportunities.  But to steal the spirit of the holidays out of the grasp of children.  It’s a shame.   What’s next?  Will all downtown events be cancelled because there is the possibility of litter and (*gasp*) fun?  I hang my head in shame for City Council.  Sorry kids, Fredericksburg is scaling the holidays back this year so they can afford to buy overpriced parcels of land along the river.

Num Num Num!  It’s almost turkey leg time again!  The Fredericksburg Fair will be in town again July 24 – August 2, 2009. This year will consist of some traditional attractions, as well as some new events to look forward to!  This year’s schedule includes the following activities (click here for a full list of activities):

More information about this year’s fair can be found at www.fredfair.com.  Hope to see you there! I’ll be the girl behind the turkey leg!

It’s that time of year again!  The Bluemont Concert Series will be starting again next weekend in Fredericksburg.  Admission is $5 per person, $4 for Bluemont Friends and Seniors, and $2 for children under 12.  The concert takes place at Maury Stadium on the corner of Hanover Street and Kenmore Ave in downtown Fredericksburg.  If there is inclement weather then the concert is moved to James Monroe High School on the corner of Fall Hill Ave and Washington Ave. 

This summer’s schedule is:

June 27            Black Sheep – a mix of Reggae, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues

July 4               Scott Ainslie – Blues

July 11             Junkyard Saints – blends New Orleans R&B, Zydeco, Latin, Ska, Jump Blues and Mardi Gras Funk.

July 18             Martinsburg Jazz Orchestra – 18 piece Jazz ensemble

July 25             John McCutcheon – Folk

August 1           Notorious – Traditional and Acoustic Contemporary

August 8           The Lindsay Family – a family of horn players

August 15         Knicely Jazz Combo – Jazz, Blues, Swing, and Bluegrass

August 22         The Daryl Davis Band – 5 piece Rhythm and and Blues Rock Band

The Kenmore Plantation – houses one of America’s 100 Most Beautiful Rooms.  A must see on any visit to Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Fredericksburg City:

• 124 days on market – this is 3 days more than in May 2008
• Sellers received, on average, 76.75% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 14.92 months of inventory on the market
• 12 homes sold in May 2009 – this is 2 less than in May 2008
• The most popular price range was $100,000 and under.  All houses that sold were priced under $250,000. 
• The median sold price was $103,500,000, compared to $275,000 in May 2008
• 5 homes purchased with cash, 4 were FHA, 2 were conventional financing, and 1 was “other” financing

Orange County

• 154 days on market – this is 22 days less than in May 2008
• Sellers received, on average, 81.16% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 22.25 months of inventory on the market
• 20 homes sold in May 2009 – this is 5 less than in May 2008
• The most popular price ranges were $100,000-119,999, $160,000-$179,999, and $200,000-$249,999 
• The median sold price was $164,950, compared to $235,000 in May 2008 
• 2 homes were purchased with cash, 10 with FHA, 5 were conventional financing, 1 was VA, and 2 loans were assumed 

Spotsylvania County

• 98 days on market – this is 29 less than May 2008 
• Sellers received, on average, 89.64% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 5.43 months inventory on the market
• 174 homes sold in May 2009 – this is 54 more than in May 2008 
• The most popular price range was $200,000-$249,999
• The median sold price was $202,500, compared to $248,500 in April 2008 
• 27 homes purchased with cash, 58 were FHA, 44 were conventional financing, 29 were VA, and 2 were “other” financing

Stafford County

• 103 days on market – this is 26 less than May 2008 
• Sellers received, on average, 91.51% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 4.96 months inventory on the market
• 171 homes sold in May 2009 - this is 22 more than in May 2008 
• The most popular price range was $300,000-$399,999
• The median sold price was $245,000, compared to $281,100 in May 2008 
• 13 homes purchased with cash, 44 were FHA, 37 were conventional financing, 68 were VA, 8 loans were assumed, and 1 had “other” financing

Prince William County

• 78 days on market – this is 50 less than May 2008 
• Sellers received, on average, 93.34% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 3.71 months inventory on the market
• 753 homes sold in May 2009 - this is 29 less more than in May 2008
• The most popular price range was $300,000-$399,999
• The median sold price was $207,777, compared to $256,124 in May 2008
• 114 homes purchased with cash, 310 were FHA, 161 were conventional financing, 131 were VA, 33 loans were assumed, and 4 were purchased using “other” financing

Statistics provided and calculated using data supplied by MRIS.

The Marine Corp 1/2 Marathon is this weekend!  Above is a route map.  Several roads will be closed from 6am-noon to accommodate the marathon participants.  Please plan to avoid these roads accordingly. 

I would also like to extend well wishes and good health to run of my favorite Marine Corp 1/2 Marathon runners, @craig42k!  We will be giving you more cowbell on Prince Edward Street!

Fredericksburg City:

• 95 days on market – this is 85 days less than in April 2008
• Sellers received, on average, 90.50% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 12.85 months of inventory on the market
• 13 homes sold in April 2009 – this is 1 more than in April 2008
• The most popular price range was $100,000 and under and $200,000-$249,999 
• The median sold price was $210,000, compared to $277,500 in April 2008
• 4 homes purchased with cash 

Orange County

• 244 days on market – this is 106 days more than in April 2008
• Sellers received, on average, 83.20% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 22.32 months of inventory on the market
• 19 homes sold in April 2009 – this is 9 less than in April 2008
• The most popular price range was $180,000-199,999
• The median sold price was $195,000, compared to $240,500 in April 2008 

Spotsylvania County

• 91 days on market – this is 34 less than April 2008 
• Sellers received, on average, 85.19% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 6.33 months inventory on the market
• 155 homes sold in April 2009 – this is 28 more than in April 2008 
• The most popular price range was $140,000-$159,999
• The average sold price was $174,900, compared to $237,000 in April 2008 
• 20 homes purchased with cash 

Stafford County

• 113 days on market – this is 46 less than March 2008 
• Sellers received, on average, 89.57% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 6.91 months inventory on the market
• 129 homes sold in March 2009 - this is 1 less than in April 2008 
• The most popular price range was $300,000-$399,999
• The average sold price was $219,900, compared to $294,950 in April 2008 
• 14 homes purchased with cash 

Prince William County

• 87 days on market – this is 45 less than April 2008 
• Sellers received, on average, 92.8% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 3.97 months inventory on the market
• 741 homes sold in April 2009 - this is 102 more than in April 2008
• The most popular price range was $300,000-$399,999
• The average sold price was $175,000, compared to $262,000 in April 2008
• 163 homes purchased with cash 

Statistics provided and calculated using data supplied by MRIS.

Fredericksburg City:

• 52 days on market – this is 144 days less than in March 2008
• Sellers received, on average, 86.51% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 11.36 months of inventory on the market
• 14 homes sold in March 2009 – this is 1 more than in March 2008
• The most popular price range was $100,000 and under. 
• The average sold price was $235,850, compared to $265,100 in March 2008

Orange County

• 137 days on market – this is 30 days less than in March 2008
• Sellers received, on average, 82.15% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 16.56 months of inventory on the market
• 25 homes sold in March 2009 – this is 5 more than in March 2008
• The most popular price range was $140,000-159,999
• The average sold price was $169,908, compared to $255,868 in March 2008 

Spotsylvania County

• 123 days on market – this is 8 less than March 2008 
• Sellers received, on average, 86.55% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 6.85 months inventory on the market
• 151 homes sold in March 2009 – this is 22 more than in March 2008 
• The most popular price range was $140,000-$159,999
• The average sold price was $211,146, compared to $263,469 in March 2008 

Stafford County

• 111 days on market – this is 34 less than March 2008 
• Sellers received, on average, 89.51% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 6.66 months inventory on the market
• 138 homes sold in March 2009 - this is 55 more than in March 2008 
• The most popular price range was $200,000-$249,999
• The average sold price was $230,573, compared to $318,644 in March 2008 

Prince William County

• 102 days on market – this is 32 less than March 2008 
• Sellers received, on average, 90.43% of their list price when the home sold
• There is 4.11 months inventory on the market
• 750 homes sold in March 2009 - this is 248 more than in March 2008
• The most popular price range was $300,000-$399,999
• The average sold price was $210,060, compared to $299,586 in March 2008

The most common asked question in the last month has been, “So, when’s the market gonna turn around?” My answer is usually the same.  “The market will turn around when consumer confidence is up, employment numbers are up, the world’s confidence in the U.S.’s economy is up, when banks have either restructured or short sold the majority of their bad loans, when consumers stop thinking they can get something for nothing, and when we all finally take responsibility for each of our roles in the housing market collapse.  So, about 3-4 more years.” 

These are alot of variables that need to fall into place before we start to see a huge improvement in the housing market.  We are making strides toward stabalization in this area.  Many banks involved in the predatory lending market have now streamlined their short sale process; making it easier to either restructure a predatory loan product or sell the house at a loss.  The easier it is to sell a home and buy a home, the more confident a consumer will be to enter this market.  We are also seeing a decrease in the number of days homes are staying on the market.  I chalk this up to marketability and price.  If the house is in good condition and priced well, it won’t be on the market long.  Now, I’m not saying to price a home under market value, but to realize what market value is.  We are holding steady at the sales price to list price ratio, averaging in the mid-80% range.  And, the number of homes we are selling every month continues to rise across the board. 

The larger part of the equation is convincing consumers that not everyone deserves to own their own home.  I know!  This is blasphemy!  The American Dream is to be a homeowner.  But, nowhere in the American Dream does it say that everyone deserves to a homeowner, hence the dream.  I get calls every week from consumers who are still looking for a “great deal.”  They have caviar dreams, but a Happy Meal budget.  If there is one lesson we can learn from this market it is that we need to purchase homes for our needs, not our wants.  It is important that consumers are realistic about the market and what they can afford.  It is equally important for REALTORS to advise their clients on the market and help set realistic expectations within the limits of the client’s financial situation and current market availability. 

When’s the market gonna turn around?  When we finally learn from our mistakes and get back to old fashion values of working for the American Dream, not just taking it for granted.