Senior Hampton Roads Real Estate Straight Talk!

Hampton Roads VA: An Ideal Place to Live for Seniors

Diana Rondinelli — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:57:30 +0000

A lot of people tend to think that the months of January and February are the doldrums of the entire year because it’s right after the rush of the holiday season and there isn’t really much going on except for a lot of snow.

As your Hampton Roads VA REALTOR, I’m here to dispel that rumor by telling you about a number of fun community events going on this week!

Shag Dance Lessons: You’re never too old to learn a new skill! Come learn this fun ballroom dance style at the Boogie on the Bay Shag Club, which offers free lessons on Mondays. No partner is requiredDuring these sessions, you’ll learn basic footwork, turns and lead-follow technique.

When: Mondays in January
Where: Locations vary in Portsmouth, Virginia
Admission: FREE
More Info: Email President@boogieonthebay.com

Astronomy Exhibit: Come check out this educational exhibit titled “Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery.” This exhibit features a variety of free program activities as well as educational exhibits on how far we’ve come in astronomy and the study of the universe. Some of these events are perfect to bring your grandchildren to!

When: Now through February 15
Where: Grissom Library, 366 DeShazor Drive in Newport News
Admission: FREE
More Info: Call (757) 369-3190

Sign Language Course: Learn a new language – with your hands! Hampton Roads area residents can sign up for beginner sign language courses this month, which will be held at a conference center in Virginia Beach.

When: Throughout January
Where: Holiday Inn Virginia Beach-Norfolk Hotel and Conference Center, 5655 Greenwich Road in Virginia Beach
Admission: $150 per student, which includes classes, 2 books, 2 DVDS and 2 pocket guides
More Info: Call 757-969-9876

Musical performance: Come see this incredible production of “Black Pearl Swings” at Wells Theatre. The play follows Pearl, a “living storehouse” of dozens of traditional African-American folk songs, who also happens to be imprisoned for murder. See what happens to her in this riveting play.

When: Now through February 5; times vary
Where: Wells Theatre, Monticell Avenue and Tazewell Street in Norfolk, VA
Admission: Prices range from $10 to $50
More Info: Call 757-627-1234

Hampton Roads, VA Real Estate

As you can see, the dead of winter doesn’t have to be boring at all for you and your loved ones in the Hampton Roads, VA area.

If you end up attending one of these events, let me know what you think of it!

And if you have any questions about the Hampton Roads real estate market as a home buyer or home seller, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Diana Rondinelli.

Until next time,

Diana

Happy New Year from the Hampton Roads Real Estate Market!

Diana Rondinelli — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:50:20 +0000

Happy New Year from your Hampton Roads VA REALTOR! I wish you and your loved ones a most happy and prosperous 2012!

While quitting smoking and getting in shape may be two of the most common New Year’s resolutions in the country, taking more time to “smell the roses” as it were often comes in near the top as well.

That’s why I regularly tell interested Hampton Roads home buyers about all the fun activities they could be enjoying if they lived in the area.

Continue reading to learn more about the fun activities going on this week!

Ring In the New Year Right with these Fun Community Activities

Here is just a sampling of the many community activities you could be enjoying in the Hampton Roads, VA area this week:

Art Exhibit: Come check out the vibrant and stunning works of Gloria Coker at the Sandler Center Art Gallery, now through February 28.

When: Now through February 28; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays
Where: Sandler Center Art Gallery, 201 Market Street in Virginia Beach
Admission: FREE
More Info: Call 757-385-2787

MacArthur on Ice: Check out this entertaining ice skating extravaganza in Norfolk. Featured activities include public skating, ice carving demos, lessons, and more! This is certainly a fun activity to enjoy with your visiting children and grandchildren!

When: Now through January 16
Where: MacArthur Center, 300 Monticello Ave. in Norfolk, VA
Admission: Regular admission is $6 for skating, $5 for skate rental
More Info: Call (757) 314-4409

Mystery Dinner Playhouse: Who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashioned murder mystery? Come enjoy a fantastic meal at Doubletree Hotel as you solve the mystery of who murdered the butler.

When: Now through January 7
Where: Doubletree Hotel, 1900 Pavilion Drive in Virginia Beach
Admission: $43.95
More Info: Call 888-471-4802

Your Hampton Roads, VA Real Estate Expert

I hope you get a chance to check out one of these events. If you do, please let me know what you think of it!

As a Hampton Roads VA REALTOR, I’m constantly striving to make navigating the Hampton Roads real estate market easier for interested home buyers.

That’s why you’ll find that I have a fairly comprehensive collection of tools that a home buyer may need, including:

If you’ve been thinking about relocating to the area, then contact me, Diana Rondinelli, to learn more about how I can make navigating the market easier for you.

Things to do in Hampton Roads VA This Week

Diana Rondinelli — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:38:11 +0000

Christmas may be over here in the Hampton Roads, VA area but that doesn’t mean that there’s not still plenty of activities to enjoy in the area!

Below, I’ve compiled a list of fun, senior-friendly events going on in the Hampton Roads area between now and the New Year.

I hope to see you at one of these events soon!

Living in Hampton Roads, VA

Confederate States Ship (CSS) Florida on Display: Come check out this ship of historical significance at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. It’s sure to give you a new understanding – as well as appreciation – for the “War Between the States” – and Hampton Roads’ role in it.

When: Now through the end of the month
Where: Hampton Roads Naval Museum, 1 Waterside Drive in Norfolk, VA
Admission: Prices vary
More Info: Call 757-444-8971

Christmas Decoration Walking Tour: Check out all the sights and sounds of the holiday season during this walking tour at Colonial Williamsburg – a good time for the whole family!

When: Now through the end of December
Where: Greenhow Lumber House in Colonial Williamsburg
Admission: Prices Vary
More Info: Call (800) HISTORY

Winter Wonderland Exhibit: Celebrate the 8^th annual celebration of Winter Wonderland: The Coleman Collection. This event will feature special performances, children’s activities, holiday displays, carolers, elves and more!

When: Now through the end of the year, closed Mondays and on Christmas Day. Times vary.
Where: Courthouse Galleries, 420 High Street in Portsmouth, VA
Admission: Prices Vary
More Info: Call (757) 393-8543

Hampton Roads: A Great Place to Be a Senior

If you get a chance to check out one of these holiday events, please let me know what you think of it!

And if you’re interested in learning more about investing in a Hampton Roads home, feel free to contact me, Diana Rondinelli.

As your Hampton Roads REALTOR, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have as well as provide you with such helpful home buying tools as:

Until next time,

Diana

Hampton Roads Real Estate Market Update for December

Diana Rondinelli — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:33:24 +0000

It was a good month on the Hampton Roads real estate market, especially for interested home buyers.

Not only did the median sales price drop, but so did the average listing price!

Continue reading to learn more about recent activity on the Hampton Roads real estate market, and how it may affect you as a home buyer.

Hampton Roads, VA Homes for Sale

Here’s an overview of the most recent real estate market data for the Hampton Roads area, based on the real estate website Trulia.com:

Currently there are 62 resale and new homes on the market, including 2 in the pre-foreclosure, auction or bank-owned stages.
Between August and October, the median sales price for a Hampton Roads home for sale was $175,000, which represents a decrease of 10.2 percent when compared to the same time last year.
During that same period, the average price per square foot for Hampton Roads homes was $109, down 9.9 percent when compared to the previous year.
Last year, the median sales price for homes in the area was $194,950.
During that same period, the number of home sales in the area increased by 190 percent.
During the week ending on November 23, the average listing price for a Hampton Roads area home was $221,887, which represents a 1.8 percent decrease when compared to the week before.
Last week, the average listing price was $225,961.

Your Hampton Roads, VA REALTOR

I hope you found the above information helpful as an interested Hampton Roads, VA home buyer.

For more information on the current state of the market or for help navigating the market, please contact me, Diana Rondinelli.

As an experienced Hampton Roads REALTOR, I specialize in helping Baby Boomers find their dream home on the local real estate market.

I offer these interested senior home buyers such helpful tools as:

Contact me today to see how I can help you on the Hampton Roads real estate market!

Until next time,

Diana

Explore the Arts in the Hampton Roads, Virginia Area This Week

Diana Rondinelli — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:04:43 +0000

Are you an interested Hampton Roads home buyer who is considering relocating to the area? If so, I recommend you check out some of the upcoming events going on here.

These events will help you see what a culturally rich part of Virginia this is and will illustrate just how great quality of life is here in the area.

Check Out These Upcoming Events in Hampton Roads This Week.

Here’s an overview of just some of the events going on in the area that celebrate the arts:

New Art Exhibit: Come check out the works of such celebrated artists as Kim Keever, Jean-Pierre Roy and Sayaka Suzuki at this art exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. These works will likely help pave the way for innovations down the road in the world of art.

When: Throughout December
Where: Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, 2200 Parks Ave. in Virginia Beach, VA
Admission: FREE
More Info: Call 757-425-0000

Urban Ballroom Lessons: Come learn some Chicago-style ballroom dancing, also known as urban ballroom, as well as techniques and etiquette at this dance class at Tropical Delights. No partner is required to take the lesson. Group, couple and individual lessons are available.

When: Throughout December
Where: Tropical Delights, 6220 Indian River Road in Virginia Beach, VA
Admission: $10
More Info: Email sevastep@hotmail.com

Play Performance: Come check out two comedies, “What If Everything You Knew About Santa Was a Lie” and “Corrupted Christmas Carols” this week at The Venue. On 35th. The first one is a fast-paced one act comedy while the other is a short musical comedy. Critics say that both will have you laughing in stitches by the end of the performance!

When: Throughout December
Where: The Venue on 35th, 317 Monticello Ave Norfolk, VA Admission: $15 for both shows. Price comes with Christmas cookies
More Info: Call (757) 627-4547

Investing in Hampton Roads, VA Real Estate

See what I mean? The Hampton Roads area is just full of culture! And if the arts is something you’d like to enjoy in your retirement, this might just be the place for you.

If you’re interested in learning more about some of the fun events going on in the Hampton Roads area – or to chat about possibly relocating to the area – then contact me, Diana Rondinelli.

And if you’re ready to start your search for your dream Hampton Roads home today, then be sure to check out some of my helpful home buying resources, such as:

Until next time,

Diana

Enjoy These Community Activities This Week in Hampton Roads

Diana Rondinelli — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:12:20 +0000

The Hampton Roads, VA area has become well known over the years for being an ideal place to enjoy retirement. That’s because there are so many amenities offered to those residents who are 55 and better.

But more than that, Hampton Roads, VA also emphasizes a high quality of life, no matter what your age.

Continue reading to learn more about some regional attractions that draw thousands of visitors to the area each year.

Enjoy These Great Regional Attractions in the Hampton Roads, VA Area

Here’s an overview of just some of the amenities that are conveniently located near the Hampton Roads area, which residents can enjoy each and every day:

The Historic Triangle: This iconic region of the Hampton Roads, VA area includes historic Jamestown, Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center in Williamsburg.
Colonial National Historical Park: Operated by the National Park Service, it includes a scenic 23-mile parkway known as Colonial Parkway that links Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg.
James River Plantations: Historic plantations where crops like tobacco were grown.
Colonial Williamsburg: Considered the largest living history museum in the country, Colonial Williamsburg can actually function as a real town and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Here you can see how children passed the time, people made clothing and more during the Colonial era.
Kingsmill Resort and Spa: If you’ve always envisioned yourself enjoying regular rounds of golf in your retirement, then I recommend you check out this award-winning golf course, one of many in the Hampton Roads area.
The National Maritime Center: This Norfolk attraction showcases the Battleship Wisconsin as well as provides tours of the nearby Hampton Roads Naval Museum.

And be sure to check out several of the other museums in the Hampton Roads area, including:

The Mariners’ Museum in Newport News
Virginia Living Museum in Newport News
Fort Monroe, “Freedom’s Fort” in Hampton
Virginia Air & Space Center in Hampton
Naval Shipyard Museum in Portsmouth
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum in Portsmouth

Hampton Roads, VA: Where the Quality of Life in Unbeatable

Even without all of the festivals and special events that come to the Hampton Roads area, there are a ton of ways to spend your free time with the local museums and attractions alone!

If you’re ready to take the next step toward making the Hampton Roads, VA area your permanent home, then contact me, Diana Rondinelli.

I’ll be happy to tell you about available listings in the area, answer any questions you might have, and provide you with such helpful home buying tools as:

Until next time,

Diana

Enjoy The Magic of the Holidays in Hampton Roads, VA

Diana Rondinelli — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:27:20 +0000

Now is a great time to be a Hampton Roads, VA resident. We here in this part of Virginia really know how to go all out in family-friendly holiday celebrations!

Continue reading to learn about where some of the best places to view holiday lights will be during this last week before Christmas.

Check Out These Incredible Holiday Light Displays in Hampton Roads, VA

Here are just some of the holiday light displays that you and your family could be enjoying this year as a Hampton Roads, VA resident:

Grand Illumination at Colonial Williamsburg: This one-night event at Colonial Williamsburg is a spectacular display of vibrant colors and holiday icons. There are even three syncnronized fireworks displays during the celebration! And to add to the effect, organizers set out hundreds of candles in the windows of historic shops, taverns and more in the area.

Hollydazzle: This Newport News holiday celebration features live music, carolers, bell ringers, concessions and more! This is the kind of program you’ll definitely want to take your grandchildren to. There’s even an opportunity to ride in a horse drawn carriage!

Celebration in Lights: Drive through this two-mile long holiday lights display near Newport News Park. More than 650,000 lights are hung up each year to make this one of the most unforgettable holiday lights displays you’ve ever seen! There are also several animated and still scenes throughout, including ones of a leaping reindeer, falling snowflakes and more!

The Garden of Lights: This display at the Norfolk Botanical Garden is also a drive-through winter wonderland. The unique thing about this attraction, however, is that visitors can drive their own car or use the open-air tram.

Winter Wonderland: Enjoy a memorable holiday lights display at the Courthouse Galleries in Historic Olde Town Portsmouth. This display, which is laid out in a large open room at the restored 1846 courthouse, features an array of themed Victorian settings, such as Santa’s Workshop, Snow Palace, Christmas Town 1890 and more. Several puppets and mechanical marionettes help to drive home the effect.

Celebrate the Spirit of the Holidays in Hampton Roads, VA This Year!

I hope you get a chance to take a tour of at least one of these holiday displays in the Hampton Roads area this month. If you do, let me know what you thought of it!

And if you’ve been thinking lately about relocation to the Hampton Roads VA area lately, contact me, Diana Rondinelli.

I’ll be happy to help you navigate the Hampton Roads VA market by providing you with such helpful home buying tools as:

Until next time,
Diana

Attention Baby Boomers: Check Out These Fun Events Going on in the Hampton Roads Area This Week

Diana Rondinelli — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:50:23 +0000

I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving celebration this past week. My family and I certainly enjoyed getting to catch up over some great food and great conversation!

If you’re a senior who is looking for a fun activity to do this week, you’ve come to the right Hampton Roads real estate site!

Continue reading to learn more about what’s going on this week – you never know, you might see something that piques your interest!

Hampton Roads Events for This Week

Carvers and Whittlers Club: This is actually a very popular hobby for many Hampton Roads residents who are 55 and better. Come learn about this delicate hobby to see if it’s something you may want to pick up in your free time!

When: 7 p.m. on Dec. 1 and Dec. 8
Where: Port Norfolk Fire Station at 645 Broad St. in Portsmouth, VA
Admission: FREE
More Info: Call (757) 420-4700

10th Annual Fair Trade Festival: This festival is full fun activities for people of all ages! Come out and enjoy the sights and sounds of this annual festival, which features fair trade coffees, chocolates, African beads, textiles and more!

When: Dec. 3 to 5, times vary
Where: Waterside Festival Marketplace at 333 Waterside Drive in Norfolk, VA
Admission: FREE
More Info: Call 757-627-3300

Jewish Songs and Songwriters Showcase: Come learn about the culture surrounding Jewish songs created between 1910 and 1965 during this entertaining and educational program.

When: Through the end of November
Where: Simon Family Jewish Community Center, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive in Virginia Beach, VA
Admission: FREE
More info: Call 757-321-2338

Living in Hampton Roads, VA Area

I hope you get a chance to make it out to at least one of these fun Hampton Roads area events. If you do, let me know what you think of it!

As your Hampton Roads real estate expert, I pride myself on being able to provide interested home buyers with all the information they need to make educated decisions on the local housing market.

That’s why I regularly write about fun things going on in the area that showcase why the Hampton Roads area is so special.

If you’re thinking about making Hampton Roads, VA your permanent home, then contact me, Diana Rondinelli, today.

I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have as well as let you know about available listings.

While you’re at it, feel free to check out some of my helpful Hampton Roads home buying tools, including:

Until next time,

Diana

Thanksgiving Weekend Events in the Hampton Roads Real Estate Market

Diana Rondinelli — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:21:55 +0000

With Thanksgiving nearly here, I hope Hampton Roads VA home buyers will have the chance to sit down with their families and enjoy some good food. If you’ve been searching the Hampton Roads VA real estate market, you might want to know what’s going on for the holiday season. Keep reading to discover some interesting events happening this Thanksgiving weekend.

Upcoming Events for the Thanksgiving Weekend

Foods and Feasts of Colonial Virginia: Discover how food was prepared back in the day by the colonists and find out what soldiers ate during the Revolutionary War.

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November 24 until November 26
Where: Jamestown Settlement, 2110 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg; Yorktown Victory Center, 200 Walter Street, Yorktown
Admission: $20
More Info: Call 757-253-4838

James River Plantation Progressive Candlelight Thanksgiving Tour: Learn about traditional Thanksgiving customs, as you tour churches from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This guided tour will last for two hours, with cider and cookies served at the end. Reservations are required.

When: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. November 26
Where: Piney Grove at Southall Plantation, Route 5 Virginia Scenic Byway, Williamsburg
Admission: $20
More Info: Call 804-829-2480

Christmas Open House: Visit St. Luke’s for an evening of organ music, a tour of the church, and delicious Christmas cake and wassail.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 26 and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on November 27
Where: St. Luke’s Church, 14477 Benn’s Church Blvd., Smithfield
Admission: Free
More Info: Call 757-357-3367

Investing in Hampton Roads Real Estate

With these three events, there’s something to surely please everyone.

If you’re considering a Hampton Roads home for sale, be sure to get in touch with us. With many years of experience, consider us your Hampton Roads real estate experts, who can get you the resources you need to make the right buying decision.

Until next time,

Diana

Things to do in the Hampton Roads Area This Week

Diana Rondinelli — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:49:23 +0000

There’s a little more than one week left before Thanksgiving. Do you know what you’re doing to celebrate this annual day of feasting? Are you going to visit family in another state or will you be entertaining company at your home this Thanksgiving?

Whatever you end up doing, I hope you’re about to enjoy it surrounded by friends and family.

And if you’re looking for something fun to do in the Hampton Roads area, continue reading for some fun things to do this week!

Enjoy These Senior-Friendly Events in Hampton Roads, VA

Beach House Tour: The Ultimate Beach House, also known as the Idea House, will be open to the public for tours through November 27. This house, which was designed by the award-wining architect Steve Mouzon, is nationally recognized for its incredible interior decoration and exterior design. The tour will include a history of the 3,110 square foot home. Who knows – you might even get some ideas for your next Hampton Roads home from this tour!

When: Now through Nov. 27; times vary
Where: 4879 Coventry Lane Norfolk, VA
Admission: $10
More Info: Visit www.eastbeachnorfolk.com

55 and Better Art Expo: Come check out the works of some of the well known senior artist in the area during this showcase hosted by the Southside Artists Association.

When: Now through Nov. 15; times vary
Where: Portlock Galleries at SoNo, 3815 Bainbridge Blvd. in Chesapeake, VA
Admission: FREE
More Info: Call (757) 502-4901

Virginia Beach 4-H Beekeeping Club: Come learn about the art of beekeeping during this club meeting in Virginia Beach. All are welcome to attend to learn about the life cycle of bees as well as how to properly care for them. If you’ve been looking for a new hobby, this may be it!

When: 7 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 17
Where: Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 1444 Diamond Spring Road in Virginia Beach, VA
Admission: FREE
More Info: Call 757-363-3900

Relocating to Hampton Roads, VA

If you get a chance to check out one of these Hampton Roads, VA events, be sure to let me know what you think of it

And if you’re a senior who’s interested in investing in a piece of Hampton Roads, VA real estate, then contact me, Diana Rondinelli, today.

I’ll be happy to discuss with you the various residential communities in the area as well as answer any questions you might have.

To get the process started, please check out some of my invaluable Hampton Roads, VA home buying tools, including:

Until next time,

Diana