Cindy Sieloff's Real Estate News

Moving Carrier from Virginia to Florida - Got a Spare $Million?

2009-01-18T21:06:00.008-05:00

According to various news agencies, the Secretary of the Navy has signed a formal recommendation to move one of the Navy's aircraft carriers from Norfolk, Virginia to Mayport, Florida. Reportedly, the Secretary feels that having a carrier homeported in Florida will help protect the fleet against terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Many points can be argued against this move, including the fact that throughout history Norfolk has been sheltered from hurricanes by the shape of the coastline, while Florida has sustained many direct hits. As an example, look at the Air Force's closing of Homestead AFB in Florida rather than repair the hurricane damage it incurred. But the factor that concerns me the most is that it will take an estimated $1 Million to upgrade Mayport's base to accomodate the carrier. I personally feel that, in the midst of the current economic crisis, there are much better things to do with our tax dollars than to spend them frivolously for redundant military port facilities. To read a statement released by the Navy and the response of many of Virginia's elected officials, click here http://www.wtkr.com/Global/story.asp?S=9676605 I hope that somebody in the Department of the Navy or Congress comes to their senses before wasting a million dollars of our hard-earned money on this project.

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2009-01-16T09:48:00.004-05:00

Brrrrr! Having grown up in Kansas, you would think a little cold weather wouldn't bother me, but in the words of a famous song... "Baby, It's Cold Outside!" Even our little dog didn't take much time to do his business this morning before running back in the door and curling up on the couch.

Cold weather brings a host of potential problems for homeowners, so if you haven't already done these things, make sure you do soon:

Drain outside water faucets. When faucets and pipes freeze they can burst flooding your walls and home creating extensive damage.There should be a separate cutoff valve for each of your outside water faucets (known in the construction industry as a "hose bibb." When the weather is above freezing, turn off this valve by turning it to the right (There's an old saying that helps remember which way to turn the handle, screws, etc. It's "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey"). Then go outside and turn ON the outside faucet to let all the residual water drain. This is why you need to do this when the temp is above freezing so the residual water will flow out of the pipes and faucet. Also, if the water continues to run, you'll know you didn't fully close the valve! After draining the faucet, leave it open.

Have your heating system serviced and change the filters regularly. You want your heating system to function as efficiently as possible, so it's important to have the system serviced on a regular basis. And you should change your return air filters monthly to make sure air flows to the HVAC system properly. Not only is a dirty filter unhealthy, it can create a fire hazard!

Have your fireplace chimney cleaned. Burning wood in a fireplace causes creosote to build up in the chimney over time. If the build-up becomes excessive it can catch on fire, creating a very frightening chimney fire. Burning soft woods contributes to more build up so try to burn harder, properly seasoned hard woods and have that chimney cleaned regularly.

I hope these tips will help keep you comfortable and safe during this cold snap. One of the things I really like about living in Tidewater is that the temperature extremes don't last long. So, here's looking forward to warmer weather!

HomeArama 2009 Moves to Hampton Roads Crossing

2009-01-14T12:36:00.001-05:00

The Tidewater Builders Association recently announced that they are moving the yearly new homes showcase known as "HomeArama" from the North Shore neighborhood in Virginia Beach to Hampton Roads Crossing in Suffolk, Virginia. Both neighborhooods are being developed by Terry Peterson Residential, but the homes in North Shore are significantly higher in price and unaffordable for most buyers. Click the link to view an article about the venue change from the Suffolk New-Herald's December 19th edition on Terry Peterson's website http://www.hamptonroadscrossing.com/news.php

Inaugural Posting

2009-01-13T19:28:00.004-05:00

It seems only fitting with the inauguration of President-elect Obama only days away, that this would be the inaugural posting on my new real estate blog. I hope to provide news and information of value on the real estate climate in Tidewater, Virginia, which includes the cities of Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Suffolk. In addition, from time to time, I'll add a note of humor, trivia, or maybe even a favorite recipe. Visit frequently to check on the "State of the Market." And feel free to leave appropriate comments, suggestions, or just a greeting.