A&N closing 48 Virginia stores

All 48 A&N stores, including locations in Waynesboro and Staunton, are closing.
The Henrico County-based retailer of athletic footwear and sportswear cites increasing competition, sluggish sales and mounting losses for its decision. A liquidation sale began Friday.The family-owned company had pursued other alternatives, including selling the athletic footwear and sportswear chain.


For additional local real estate information, information about me and my services, to request home listings by E-Mail, to request a market analysis on your current home, or to tour the MLS Listings please visit my web sites at http://www.RichmondVAHomes4Sale.com or http://www.e-richmondhomes.com/.

Why Use a Realtor® ?

When you have decided to buy or sell real estate, the services of a qualified real estate professional are of utmost importance.


I have a good working knowledge of local real estate market conditions, am prepared to deliver a high standard of service to customers, and I have the support of a large real estate company. Most importantly, I will save you time and money.

Here are the advantages of working with me:

When buying a house:

• I am an experienced negotiator who will manage your offers and counter-offers.


• I am familiar with the neighbourhood and can give you information on local real estate values, taxes, utility costs, services and amenities.


• I am familiar with the entire real estate purchasing process and can advise you of your legal and financial options as well as recommend appraisal, home inspection and contracting services.


• I can pinpoint property that fits your needs and dismiss those that do not, saving you time.


• I know the potential problem areas in a home/neighbourhood and can guide you away from "lemons."

When selling a house:

• I know real estate values in your neighbourhood and will help set an agreeable and competitive price on your property.


• I will establish a marketing strategy for your property ensuring that it is exposed to scores of potential buyers.


• I take care of the many tasks involved in selling property (from placing your listing to putting up the for sale sign). This ensures that the transaction is simple and low-stress for you.


• I am an expert in the real estate selling process and as such will advise you of your rights, options and obligations.


• I am an experienced negotiator and will work for to get you the best price possible price.
  

A qualified, competent real estate agent will help you navigate the myriad of decisions that arise when buying and selling a home. An agent provides value to the homeowner in many ways:

• Pays for all marketing and advertising costs.


• Adds experience and expertise in all aspects of the sales process including marketing, financing, negotiations and more.


• Handles all showings.


• Brings a network of known, trusted real estate professionals. If your agent doesn't have the answer, he or she likely knows someone who does.


• Always has your interests in mind so you always have someone on your side.


• Can handle and advise on all price and contract negotiations.


• Provides you with all the possible options and opportunities without holding back.


• Gives an unbiased, realistic view of your home and your options. Unlike buyers and sellers, an agent has no emotional attachment to property.


• Has the knowledge to help you ask the right questions.


• Being a third party, potential buyers are more likely to tell your agent the truth about your home, even if it is unflattering. This objective viewpoint will help you make the necessary changes to get your home sold.


• Your time is valuable. A real estate agent allows you to spend your time how you want.

For additional local real estate information, information about me and my services, to request home listings by E-Mail, to request a market analysis on your current home, or to tour the MLS Listings please visit my web sites at http://www.RichmondVAHomes4Sale.com or http://www.e-richmondhomes.com/.

CMA! what and why?

CMA is real estate shorthand for "Comparative Market Analysis." A CMA is a report prepared by a real estate agent providing data comparing your property to similar properties in the marketplace.

The first thing an agent will need to do to provide you with a CMA is to inspect your property. Generally, this inspection won't be overly detailed (she or he is not going to crawl under the house to examine the foundation), nor does the house need to be totally cleaned up and ready for an open house. It should be in such a condition that the agent will be able to make an accurate assessment of its condition and worth. If you plan to make changes before selling, inform the agent at this time.

The next step is for the agent to obtain data on comparable properties. This data is usually available through MLS (Multiple Listing Service), but a qualified agent will also know of properties that are on the market or have sold without being part of the MLS. This will give the agent an idea how much your property is worth in the current market. Please note that the

CMA is not an appraisal. An appraisal must be performed by a licensed appraiser.
The CMA process takes place before your home is listed for sale. This is a good assessment of what your house could potentially sell for.

CMAs are not only for prospective sellers. Buyers should consider requesting a CMA for properties they are seriously looking at to determine whether the asking price is a true reflection of the current market. Owners who are upgrading or remodeling can benefit from a CMA when it's used to see if the intended changes will "over-improve" their property compared to others in the neighborhood.

Click here if you would like a free CMA.
For other helpful seller information click here.
For other helpful buyer information click here.

Richmond Real Estate - Market Conditions!

As a homeowner it is important to understand the market conditions in your neighborhood. One way to stay informed is to check the recent sold prices in your area. In the past, this information has only been available to real estate professionals.

I believe it is vital for homeowners to have all of the information available in order to make good decisions about their real estate investments.

So go ahead! Find out what the neighbor's home sold for! Use my Instant Home Sales Report to find out the recent sold prices near your address!

Then, stay informed! Sign up for my Free Neighborhood Newsletter to receive recent sold prices near your address automatically each month!

CONTACT ME for assistance with RICHMOND REAL ESTATE

Mohamed Mekhimar , Realtor®, Accredited Buyers Representative , RE/MAX Commonwealth, mekhimar@remax.net, (804) 243-0605 Cell, (804) 288-5000 Office, (804) 288-8989 Fax, http://www.richmondvahomes4sale.com/, Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Richmond Realtor - Real estate question and answer!

Q: How much does it cost me to have a Realtor help me find a home?

A : Realtor Fees: Realtors are paid by commission only . A Realtor's services should be at NO COST to you as a HOME BUYER . When a Home owner chooses a Realtor to SELL their home, they negotiate a commission to be paid to the listing Realtor. A portion of that commission is made available to the licensed Realtor that finds a qualified Buyer for that property. This ensures that all home buyers, regardless of being a first time buyer, or an experienced investor have the benefit of a licensed real estate professional. If a Realtor tells you that there is a charge to you as a Buyer, for their services, you may want to shop around. The only exception to this might be if your home search is extended over an extremely long period of time, or if your Realtor is racking up hundreds of miles driving you to search for homes day after day after day. You wouldn't go to court without an attorney to represent you, so why would you make one of the largest investments in your life without consulting a professional. Never again will something so free, save you so much in the long run. Good Luck Home Buyer.
ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE

CONTACT ME for assistance with RICHMOND REAL ESTATE

Mohamed Mekhimar , Realtor®, Accredited Buyers Representative , RE/MAX Commonwealth, mekhimar@remax.net, (804) 243-0605 Cell, (804) 288-5000 Office, (804) 288-8989 Fax, http://www.richmondvahomes4sale.com/, Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Richmond Virginia Calendar of Events!

Jakob A. Finci Lecture: Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing, and Reconciliation
Virginia Holocaust Museum January 17, 2008 Jakob A. Finci Lecture: Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing, and Reconciliation Sixty Years of Life and Death in Bosnia - 5:30-6:00 Reception, 6:00-7:00 Program - FREE- In partnership with the Council for America's First Freedom, Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and the World Affairs Council of Greater Richmond, Jakob Finci's will offer a unique perspective as President of Bosnia's Jewish Community as he reflects not only on the historical realities of hatred and violence, but also on the reconciliation to which he contributed so significantly during Bosnia's civil war.

53rd Annual Virginia Boat Show
Showplace Exhibition Center, The January 18, 2008 - January 20, 2008 All types of power boats will be displayed. Exhibitors representing marinas, marine electronics, wake boards, and more will also have displays. Friday noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 am. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $6; ages 6-16 $2; children under 6 are free.

Richmond Volleyball Club- Monument City Classic
Greater Richmond Convention Center/Global Spectrum January 18, 2008 - January 21, 2008 The Largest Volleyball Tournament in Virginia Under One Roof- Welcome to the fourth annual Monument City Classic. The tournament will still be held in the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Open / Club Divisions for the 14's - 18's are now offered. New for this year, a 12's division that will play Saturday and Sunday (January 19 and 20). There will be twenty four teams accepted in the 14 / 15/ 16 /17/ 18 and under divisions and sixteen teams in the 12 and under division.

Elsbeary Hobbs' Drifters
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen January 19, 2008 Few other vocal groups have had as much artistic and commercial success as The Drifters, one of the biggest selling groups of all time. The legendary Elsbeary Hobbs, best known for his unique, deep, bass voice, performed some of the greatest Drifters' hits. Today, Hobbs' wife, Odessa, has united many of her late husband's former band members as the Elsbeary Hobbs' Drifters to commemorate much of the great material. $35 all ages.

Kriegspiel: War Games
The Museum of the Confederacy January 19, 2008 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. Cost: $20 for members, $25 for non-members, lunch included, Ages 12 to Adult Celebrating Jefferson Davis's 200th birthday and his tenure as Commander in Chief of the Confederate States of America, the MOC will be conducting our popular war games throughout the year. MOC staff will teach the basic strategies of war and then split the into teams for competition. To register please call 804-649-1861 x. 32 or visit http://www.moc.org/.

International Equine Business Alliance
Greater Richmond Convention Center/Global Spectrum January 22, 2008 - January 28, 2008 Projected attendance 2,000. With more than 385 booths already, IEBA Expo is the largest exhibition in the East, with the leading manufacturers placing their largest booths and greatest customer/buyer emphasis in Richmond.

U.S Figure Skating- Eastern Sectional The Richmond Coliseum January 23, 2008

Lecture: Skeletons on the Zahara by Dean King
Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard, Richmond January 24, 2008 In 1815 the American sailing ship Commerce ran aground on the northwestern shore of Africa. In his prize-winning book, Skeletons on the Zahara, Dean King recounts the misfortunes of the shipwrecked crew. They were captured by Arab slave traders and marched across the desert, subjected to heat, starvation, and cruelty. At last the survivors made it back to the coast where they were ransomed and freed. Lecture is free with VHS admission.

Capital Ale House Karneval Celebration
Capital Ale House Downtown Music Hall January 25, 2008 - February 05, 2008 Karneval is a festival season that starts 12 days after Christmas. The main events are usually during February just prior to the Lenten season. It involves public celebrations combining some elements of a circus and public street party where people often dress up or masquerade during the celebrations. Everyone is familiar with the United States' Mardi Gras festivities but it is celebrated around the world. Brazil is famous for it Carnival in Rio

Adrian Cronauer Lecture
Virginia War Memorial January 31, 2008 7:00 pm - Free and open to the public 200 seat auditorium The well-known film, GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM, chronicled the life of Adrian Cronauer during his tour of duty in Vietnam as a radio DJ. Come to the Memorial to hear Mr. Cronauer tell his personal story and describe his work searching for MIA's worldwide.

Virginia Youth Soccer Association- Coaches Workshop
Richmond Marriott Hotel January 31, 2008 - February 03, 2008 Each year VYSA invites many presenters from across the country and from other countries to share their knowledge and experience in soccer to help our members better serve their players, coaches and administrators. Coaches, Administrators, Boards of Directors, Referees, Parents and Volunteers are all encouraged to attend and learn from the best on a variety of topics related to youth soccer. Keep watching this web site for updates as we plan this years event.

For additional local real estate information, information about me and my services, to request home listings by E-Mail, to request a market analysis on your current home, or to tour the MLS Listings please visit my web sites at http://www.RichmondVAHomes4Sale.com or http://www.e-richmondhomes.com/.

The first quarter - Richmond events

January
Art After Hours - Be a part of one of the coolest ways to visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy weekly live music and poetry readings while enjoying beer and wine on Thursday evenings in January and February. The fun continues from March through December with Third Thursdays, the museum's monthly cultural event.

Kids Carniball - Bring the kids to sample international food and music while celebrating culture and traditions from other countries at the Children's Museum of Richmond. Featured countries change each year, with 2005's event celebrating China and 2006 focusing on Greece.

February
Maymont Flower and Garden Show - Start planning your spring planting with landscape exhibits, lectures and a marketplace of fresh items and ideas at this garden lover's paradise.

March
CAA Men's Basketball Championship - It's only the beginning of March Madness when the Colonial Athletic Association schools battle it out for the division title and a spot in the field of 65. Be sure to cheer on the Richmond Region's own Virginia Commonwealth University Rams.

Church Hill Irish Festival - Irish musicians, bagpipers, dancers and more descend on the Region's Church Hill neighborhood for this annual weekend-after-St.-Patrick's-Day event.

Ashland Variety Show - Randolph-Macon College hosts this bi-annual musical variety show with singers and dancers of all ages.


For additional local real estate information, information about me and my services, to request home listings by E-Mail, to request a market analysis on your current home, or to tour the MLS Listings please visit my web sites at http://www.RichmondVAHomes4Sale.com or http://www.e-richmondhomes.com/.

Historic Richmond Virginia..easy to Love!

Richmond, VA was visited in 1607 by Captains Christopher Newport and John Smith. In 1737 William Byrd II named the city Richmond because the bend in the James River is similar to that of the Thames in Richmond, England. Here you'll find more than 400 years of history including the second successful English settlement, the site of Patrick Henry's famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech and the former capital of the Confederacy. The Richmond Region is also an area of firsts. From the first American hospital and first U.S. canal system to the nation's first African American governor and the South's first television station, we're continuing to make our mark.

But Virginia's Richmond Region isn't just about history. We have upscale shopping, fabulous restaurants, heart-pounding sporting events, world-renowned museums, vibrant culture, elegant homes and gardens and family fun for everyone. See the only Class IV rapids in an urban U.S. setting, view the largest collection of Faberge objects outside of Russia, or tour the nation's only historic designated avenue - the choices are limitless.

More than 5 million visitors come to the Region each year. We hope you'll be one of them. Stay for a while and see why the Richmond Region is easy to love.


For additional local real estate information, information about me and my services, to request home listings by E-Mail, to request a market analysis on your current home, or to tour the MLS Listings please visit my web sites at http://www.RichmondVAHomes4Sale.com or http://www.e-richmondhomes.com/.

Effective Pricing Leads To A Sold Sign On Your Property!

According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors, almost 80% of home buyers surf the Web to begin their home search. That means home buyers are well aware of what properties are available on the market and the prices they are selling for. Therefore, now more than ever, pricing is the key to selling your home.

Some sellers think that a higher price will give them some negotiating room. But in fact many buyers don't even look at a property that is overpriced, much less make an offer on it.

This can lead to the property's becoming "shop-worn." Buyers often inquire about the length of time a property has been on the market. If it has been on the market a long time, they wonder if there is something wrong with it. The sellers then have to drop the price, taking less than they might have if they had priced it correctly to begin with.

Homes that are well-priced attract the buyers in their price range. The buyer's perception is that the home is a good buy, and then the seller is positioned to receive the listing price or close to it.

Please feel free to call or e-mail Mohamed 804-243-0605 info@e-RichmondHomes.com if you have any pricing or general real estate questions. We would be happy to provide you with a free market evaluation on your home to ensure it is competitively priced in the marketplace so you will receive the best offer.

Happy new year