West Virginia’s September 2019 Recap

Home Price News

CoreLogic published its national Home Price Index for August 2019 at the end of September, and reports indicate a year-over-year increase of 3.6% compared with August 2018. Month over month, prices increased 0.4% compared with July 2019. This 3.6% increase represents a marked slowdown from earlier in the year, especially in the lower end of the market. According to Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s Chief Economist, “Prices for the lowest-priced homes increased by 5.5%, compared with August 2018 when prices increased 8.4%. This moderation in home-price growth should be welcome news to entry-level buyers.” While we’ve seen a moderation in home-price growth, the news for current homeowners is still positive, as CoreLogic’s forecast indicates a continued rise in home prices at 5.8% on a year-over-year basis from August 2019 to August 2020.

What does this mean for homes in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle? CoreLogic has determined that market conditions in the DC-Metropolitan Area, which includes Jefferson County, are considered “overvalued.” However, neighboring Berkeley County’s housing market is considered at-value in communities such as Martinsburg, Inwood, and just over the border in Winchester, VA. As more Millennials enter the housing market, West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle is proving to be a promising market for new homeowners.

Chart: home prices current levels (.04% month-over-month, 3.6% year-over-year) and 2020 forecast (.03% month-over-month. 5.8% year-over-year).
CoreLogic’s current and forecasted home price growth, Aug 2019- Aug 2020.

West Virginia’s Business Leaders Exploring Economic Partnerships

In September, Governor Jim Justice met with Hungarian representatives and signed an economic cooperation document called a “Memorandum of Understanding.” The deal will bring Hungarian businesses to West Virginia and with them jobs, international interest, and opportunities for exciting new partnerships and trade. Hungarian representatives said they chose to do business in West Virginia because of the abundance of natural resources, as well as an affinity for the Hungarian immigrants to the state in decades past. Says Peter Szijjarto, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, “We Hungarians had some contribution to the success of the industry here in West Virginia given the fact that some coal miners arrived here from Hungary. They took part in building up the industry here and we are proud of them.”

There is currently no defined timetable, but Hungarian officials indicated they would like to begin the economic partnership soon.

Fall Color Peak Weeks!

West Virginia is gorgeous. At no time during the year is that more obvious than fall, when the leaves begin to turn colors. Now is the perfect time to take a road trip around and take in the natural beauty of the season. The West Virginia Tourism Office released its fall foliage forecast – go to West Virginia Tourism Office’s Fall Info Page for all the details you need to plan the perfect trip. Be a tourist where you live!

40th Annual Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival

One of our favorite yearly celebrations, Martinsburg will host the Apple Harvest Festival on October 17-20, 2019. After a long summer of warm and dry, come enjoy one of Martinsburg’s most loved community celebrations. Activities include an apple pie baking contest, a Royal Gala, parade, pop-up shops, an art fair, a car show and more! Don’t miss out! See what this wonderful community has to offer. Get the details: MSAHF.

Your Local Real Estate Expert

West Virginia’s monthly housing news and insights from around the state help us develop better ideas to build even stronger communities. We love our state and the people who live here with us. Contact us today for all your panhandle real estate needs!

West Virginia’s August 2019 Recap

Staircase on the trail to Jefferson Rock, in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Late Summer Housing News

The big news in August centered around the economy, including escalating trade wars, interest rate cuts, and bond yields that reached what’s called a “yield curve inversion,” which can indicate a recession is looming. All of these factors have a ripple effect in the housing sector. As of September 6th, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage (conventional) is 3.75% and trended downward throughout August. At the same time, CoreLogic’s Home Price Index report is forecasting a 5.4% increase in home prices on a year-over-year basis. What does that mean? Interest rates are falling which means it can be more affordable to take out a mortgage loan, but this is mitigated by the continued increase in home prices.

Locally, West Virginia’s housing market remains strong, which is in keeping with national trends. Home growth increases year-over-year are at 3.36%. Mortgage delinquencies are still in a long-range steady decline, but with a slight edge up in July 2019. Regionally, low unemployment, increasing home values, and real income increases are keeping West Virginia in a steady economic pattern that is keeping more people in their housing.

Looking for work? Start here:

The company Job Case has launched a new website called Discover WV Jobs. Job seekers and employers from around the state can now search for work or workers. Touted as a “social media platform for the future of work,” the site also provides tools for resumes, profiles, and community forums for users to share advice, tips, and triumphs with each other. Presently, jobs in construction and healthcare are the most in need of workers to fill positions.

Check out the site: http://www.DiscoverWVJobs.com

West Virginia’s “Last Dollar In” Showing Promise

The program, passed in the last legislative session, creates a grant program that provides tuition assistance to community and technical colleges. Students are required to learn how much in assistance they can get from state and federal grants, and West Virginia will supply the rest of the needed funds. The grant program was implemented this year, and Sarah Tucker, the chancellor for the state Community and Technical College System, states, “we’ve got 2,000 students who are going to school for free in the state of West Virginia,” either because of the grant program or because they learned they qualify for a federal Pell Grant. The program is just getting started, but with more training and technical education, these students are more prepared to meet the needs of in-demand jobs.

Learn more: Tucker Happy With WV Invests

Mountain Heritage Fall Festival

A favorite of mine, the Mountain Heritage Fall Festival is coming September 27, 28, and 29. Over 200 regional artisans and craftspeople participate in the annual festival, and it’s amazing. Three days of art, craft, bluegrass music, wine tasting, food, and more! The festival is being held in a new location this year, so be sure to check out their website for more information. (There’s a coupon available there, too.) Learn more about it here.

YOUR WEST VIRGINIA LOCAL EXPERT

West Virginia’s monthly housing news and insights from around the state help us develop better ideas to build even stronger communities. We love our state and the people who live here with us. Contact us today for all your panhandle real estate needs!

West Virginia’s July 2019 Recap

Historic Harpers Ferry buildings along Shenandoah Street

June and July have been strong economically, with a Federal Reserve rate cut, strong housing, and other economic factors, as well as low unemployment and rising household income. A defining characteristic of West Virginians is our ability to weather some economic uncertainty and thrive. This month’s recap shows us just how our communities endure and grow.

Interest Rate Cut

The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by one-quarter of a percentage point on July 31st in an effort to provide a continued boost to the economy. The new lending rate is now set between 2 percent and 2.25percent. Lower rates typically ripple through the economy by spurring business investment and increasing consumer spending. Interest rate cuts are always felt in the mortgage and housing sector, both for purchasing and refinancing. What this means for the overall economy as we head into the 4th quarter remains to be seen, especially in light of pending proposed tariffs on Chinese imported goods. Read more: Federal Rate Cut

Housing Forecast

Freddie Mac is a leading source for mortgage rate forecasting, and they recently cut their previously-predicted rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages from 2019 from 5.1 percent to 4.1 percent. This is significant as it can mean a larger home or a more desired neighborhood for buyers, and provide budget breathing room for people refinancing. With inventory still tight, an interest rate drop like this could be what they’ve been waiting for. However, this can also drive home prices up. At the moment these are predictions, so the true impact of the historic low mortgage rates remains to be seen.

Statewide, housing and employment numbers remain strong. Employment rose 0.3 percent in June, real personal income rose 1.3 percent, and unemployment is down 0.5 percent over June 2018. Housing remains strong as well, with state-wide home values appreciating 1.8 percent in May and 3.0 percent on a year-over-year basis. West Virginia’s mortgage delinquency rate has decreased yearly since 2011. Personally, I love seeing the growth and strength in our state’s economy and housing. I hope to see it continue! Economy Snapshot

School Supplies For Tickets

Spencer is offering to forgive unpaid parking tickets in exchange for school supplies! What a fantastic idea – buying one item from a list of elementary, middle, or high school supplies will wipe your parking ticket slate clean! It’s a one-for-one program (one school supply item = one unpaid ticket cleared) and supplies can be dropped off at the city’s municipal building. I call that a win-win.

Readers Needed!

Read Aloud West Virginia, a non-profit focused on changing “the literacy culture of West Virginia” is looking for volunteers to regularly read to children around the state. They currently have 205 schools throughout West Virginia enrolled in the program, including Berkeley County. With schools starting up again this coming week, now is a perfect time to get started making a difference. Go to their website to learn more about this fantastic organization and find a school near you!

West Virginia Football’s Exciting New Era

New head coach Neal Brown is proving to be an exciting addition to the program. The team held their first official practice in late July and the players have reported a feeling of energy they haven’t felt for a long time. The Mountaineers are ranked number 7 in the Big 12 and are set to open their season against James Madison on August 31st. We can’t wait! Check out the game schedule and get tickets.

Your West Virginia Local Expert

West Virginia’s monthly insights help us develop better ideas to build even stronger communities. We love our state and the people who live here with us. Contact us today for all your panhandle real estate needs!

West Virginia’s June 2019 Monthly Recap

National 30+ day mortgage deliquency rates - fell to 3.6% in April 2019 - a 0.7% year over year decrease

Delinquency Rates Hit 20-year Low

Spring numbers started trickling in at the end of June, and one of the biggest pieces of information to come from those reports is a nearly 20-year low on serious delinquency rates. CoreLogic estimates the 30+ day delinquency rate for April 2019 stood at 3.6%, a 0.7% decline over April 2018.

“Thanks to a 50-year low in unemployment, rising home prices, and responsible underwriting, the U.S. overall delinquency rate is the lowest in more than 20 years.”

-Dr Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic Chief Economist

CoreLogic also found that nationally, home prices were up 3.6% for May. Interest rates have dropped nearly a full percentage point since November 2018, and it appears this was a welcome boost to the housing market. Projections for the next year show steady home price increases as well.

In West Virginia, serious delinquency rates followed the national trend of decreases, and home prices increased 2% year-over-year as of the end of May 2019. With low unemployment rates, low mortgage rates, and year-over-year home values rising, West Virginia is enjoying an increasingly healthy state economy.

Martinsburg’s Immanuel House ID Assistance Ministry

It can be difficult to obtain a state ID. You’d be surprised! Without an ID, people can have difficulty cashing checks, getting a job, and renting an apartment. The Immanuel House program helps people navigate the process and covers the $50 fee to get an ID issued. That one seemingly simple thing can make a huge difference in someone’s life. We love the work they’re doing. Read more: Immanuel House ID Program

Veteran’s Resources Fairs

Operation Welcome Home and the West Virginia Army National Guard Family Resources Center have partnered with over 65 vendors in the state to provide resources and assistance to Veterans and their families. The fairs will be in Morgantown at the Morgantown Readiness Center on Thursday, July 11th from 2-6pm, and at the Loyal Order of Moose lodge in Charleston on August 24th from 1-4 pm.

This is such a wonderful way to connect our vets and their families to much-needed and valuable resources such as assistance agencies, employment agencies, legal aid, and even health screening and mental health resources. They’re even offering haircuts. Learn more: Veteran Resources Fairs Coming

Too Early to Talk Football? I Think Not.

College Football rankings have started to hit the news and West Virginia is ranked 50th out of 130 teams. Not too shabby. New Head Coach Neal Brown has a 35-16 overall record coming into his first year at West Virginia, and several offensive and defensive players are returning. It’s shaping up to be a really exciting season. Stay tuned! Read the latest analysis.

Your West Virginia Local Expert

West Virginia’s monthly recap helps us develop better ideas to build even stronger communities. We love our state and the people who live here with us. Contact us today for all your panhandle real estate needs!

Enjoy West Virginia Biking Trails

A mother, father, boy, and girl biking on country biking trail

Did you know our region has some incredible biking trails? Biking is a wonderful, healthy hobby and we have some fantastic options for cyclists to get out and enjoy the beauty of West Virginia with paved paths, mountain biking, and more. Now is the perfect time of year to take advantage of them. Check out our favorite West Virginia biking trails and don’t miss our tips for a successful outing!

Safety First

I know for some of us, we remember just jumping on our old banana-seat bike and hitting the road without much thought. Times have changed! Some basic safety rules and laws for West Virginia cyclists:

  • All traffic laws apply if you are on the road with cars.
  • Children under the age of 14 are required to wear a helmet – if your child is 15 or older they can go without, however – please ride with your helmets! Better safe than sorry.
  • If you think your ride may last into the evening, West Virginia requires your bike to be equipped with a light on the front, and a reflector on the back.
  • You can’t put your kid or a friend on the front of your handlebars, grab a car fender and hitch a ride, or other crazy 1970’s stuff we used to get away with. Be smart!

Local Biking Resources

If your bike needs a little TLC or even a complete overhaul, Martinsburg happens to be home to one of the best bike pro shops in the country. Eastern Panhandle Bicycle has everything you need to outfit yourself with a new bike, new equipment, or they can fix what you have and make it road- or trail-ready.

Another great bike shop we recommend is Shepherdstown Peddle & Paddle. They are a “full-service bike, kayak, and canoe shop.” Here you can rent, repair, buy (new or used) and even book guided bike tours. Shepherdstown Peddle & Paddle also rent kid’s bike trailers. They’re local experts and a great group to get insider tips from.

The non-profit Panhandle Pedalers Cycling Club is a local biking advocacy group located in Charles Town. They offer weekly rides, scheduled events, and advocate for bicycling activities throughout the panhandle.

Michelle’s Favorite West Virginia Biking Trails

C&O Canal trail at mile marker 9

The Route 9 Pathway – This 8.1-mile paved, point-to-point trail is great for all skill levels and takes you from Martinsburg to Bardane. You will share the trail with walkers and runners, so be aware of your surroundings. The trail is in its peak season right now, so get out and enjoy!

 

The Winchester Green Circle Trail is a 12.5-mile loop trail is good for all skill levels and offers several activity options. It even features a lake! This moderately-traveled loop trail isn’t quite completed yet, but the ride is definitely worth it. So pretty!

The Hite Park Trail in James Hite Park is a great stop for a quick ride. The two-mile loop on crushed gravel is easy and a great way to introduce your children to cycling.

For a longer journey, the C&O Canal Towpath is a long route you can take in chunks when you have time. Pick a section and plan for a day. One section you can try that won’t keep you out all day is the Towpath Detour – a 4.8 mile paved stretch of the trail that will challenge you (but not too much!)

West Virginia’s Local Expert

There are so many wonderful things in West Virginia – let’s get you settled here! Our growing, strong communities want YOU. Contact us today to start your home search.

West Virginia’s May 2019 Monthly Recap

Appalachian Trail sign with trail behind. Celebration of National Trails Day, June 1

Welcome to West Virginia’s May 2019 Monthly Recap! We like to keep our eyes on the local market and bring you the stories and regional updates to help you stay in the loop on what’s happening in West Virginia. May 2019 saw some exciting news. Read on!

Interest Rates at Historic Lows

30-year fixed rate mortgage rates averaged 3.99% in the week of May 30, down from 4.06% the previous week, according to Freddie Mac. Analysts attribute this rate drop, a 16-month low, to growing concerns over the U.S.-China trade war and slowing global growth. For West Virginia, home values have steadily appreciated over the course of the first half of 2019, and current data on delinquency rates show a downward trend throughout the first quarter of this year. While the market has shown signs of softening, unemployment is relatively low (4.9% in April 2019, the lowest rate since November 2008) and the decline in 90+day mortgage delinquencies are good signs of a steady economy.

Learn more: Mortgage rates sink below 4% as the trade war slaps markets

West Virginia Chamber, manufacturers association support the Student Success Act

West Virginia’s Student Success Act, which originated in the state Senate, proposes a significant investment into the state’s public education system. Key provisions of the act include:

  • A five percent pay raise for teachers and school service personnel
  • Increased funding and greater flexibility on how systems spend school aid funds
  • Open enrollment across county lines and more alternative schools
  • More funding for counselors, nurses, and mental health professionals in schools

Rebecca McPhail, president of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association, states, “Successful business and industries are built on innovation, competition, evaluation, and evolution. Strong education systems must demonstrate these same qualities. Members of the WVMA support efforts to leave behind the status quo mentality in West Virginia education and increase student achievement.”

Learn More: West Virginia Chamber, manufacturers association support Student Success Act

Martinsburg Reimbursed $4.9M related to PFAS Cleanup

The U.S. Air Force is reimbursing the City of Martinsburg for expenses related to the cleanup of the city’s water supply after two industrial chemicals – perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFAS) were found in the city’s drinking supply in 2016. The plant was closed shortly after the EPA discovered the contamination and determined it was caused by firefighting foam used by the Air National Guard at the Eastern Regional Airport. A filtration system was put in place and the system went back into operation in December of 2017. This marks a high level of coordination between city, state, and federal lawmakers to ensure the health and safety of the region’s residents. Lawmakers are working together to ensure the future safety of the city water supply.

Learn more: Martinsburg to receive $4.9M related to PFAS cleanup

National Trails Day

Saturday, June 1st was National Trails Day! We hope you got out and enjoyed the view from one of the beautiful hiking trails throughout the state. At Chief Logan State Park, naturalist Lauren Cole led a hike on the 2.5-mile Rattlesnake/Coal Mine Trail, and hikers received a patch and certificate of accomplishment upon completion. Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of our state!

Your West Virginia Local Expert

West Virginia’s monthly insights help us develop better ideas to build even stronger communities! Contact us today for all your panhandle real estate needs!

West Virginia and Virginia Real Estate Transactions Jan – June 2019

West Virginia real estate transactions Jan - Jun 2019

A partial list of the real estate transactions from January through June 2019 are below. These are our listings and do not include properties we’ve helped buyers secure, as we do not own the rights to those images.

MLS #
Address
City
Bedrooms
Baths
Closed
WVJF109024
102 Evvits Drive
Ranson
2
1
1/4/2019
WVJF102834
147 Cave Quarter
Charles Town
3
2
1/4/2019
WVJF100164
42 Pommel Lane
Charles Town
3
3
1/4/2019
VAFV103396
123 Parkwood Cir.
Winchester
3
2/2
1/11/2019
1009948136
307 Johnnycake Lane
Harps Ferry
3
2/1
1/11/2019
WVBE134042
196 Persimmon Lane
Gerrardstown
2
2
1/14/2019
WVBE100254
57 Burdette Dr.
Martinsburg
3
2/1
1/28/2019
WVBE127636
419 Stephen St., East
Martinsburg
3
2
1/31/2019
WVBE1004364
102 Binns Ct.
Martinsburg
3
3/1
2/13/2019
WVBE134368
951 Nancy Jack Rd.
Gerrardstown
3
1/1
2/14/2019
WVBE127568
30 Piccadilly Ct.
Falling Waters
3
2/1
2/14/2019
WVBE134226
2016 Eagle School Rd.
Martinsburg
3
1/1
2/15/2019
WVBE104636
870 Nestle Quarry Rd.
Falling Waters
4
2/1
2/22/2019
1002345388
217 Elnina Dr.
Hedgesville
3
1/1
2/26/2019
WVBE134044
1115 Washington Ave.
Martinsburg
3
2
3/1/2019
1009541890
693 Thoroughbred Dr.
Charles Town
2
1/0
3/5/2019
WVBE100094
32 Grove Farm Ln.
Martinsburg
3
1/0
3/5/2019
WVBE100316
107 Vista Ln, N.
Martinsburg
3
2/0
3/8/2019
1009934048
18 Goldenrod Dr.
Charles Town
3
1/0
3/8/2019
WVJF131934
459 Mountainside Rd.
Harpers Ferry
3
1
3/15/2019
WVJF100104
113 Church St. N.
CHarles Town
3
1/0
3/15/2019
1002217294
56 Conner Bower Rd.
Hedgesville
2
2/0
3/20/2019
WVJF109088
1318 Steed St.
Ranson
3
3
3/22/2019
VAFV127594
243 Broad Ave
Winchester
3
2
3/25/2019
WVBE159896
686 Nancy Jack Rd.
Gerrardstown
2
1/1
3/27/2019
WVBE133912
509 N Third
Martinsburg
3
1
3/28/2019
WVBE124398
34 Blazing Ridge
Hedgesville
3
2
3/29/2019
WVJF131986
1123 Brucetown Rd.
Kearneysville
3
2
4/4/2019
WVMO108488
762 Forestview Dr.
Berkeley Springs
3
2
4/8/2019
1000470282
1471 Washington St. W.
Harpers Ferry
2
2/0
4/8/2019
WVBE160638
196 Persimmon Lane
Gerrardstown
3
2
4/12/2019
WVBE160298
153 Tammy Ln.
Martinsburg
3
2
4/15/2019
WVBE134222
74 Excursion Dr.
Martinsburg
2
1
4/15/2019
WVBE156266
1458 Nadenbousch Ln.
Inwood
3
1
4/26/2019
1001961818
110 Preakness Pl
Martinsburg
4
2/1
5/3/2019
WVJF119392
65 Dillow Lane
Harpers Ferry
2
1
5/9/2019
WVMO114442
354 Givens Lane
Berkley Springs
3
3
5/17/2019
WVBE166594
343 Good Dr.
Martinsburg
3
3
5/20/2019
WVBE160934
284 Blair St.
Martinsburg
3
1
5/23/2019
WVBE160924
330 Good Dr.
Martinsburg
3
3
5/30/2019
WVJF120556
337 Cedar Dr.
Kearneysville
3
2
6/12/2019
WVMO115160
118 Key Acres Dr.
Berkeley Springs
3
2/1
6/14/2019

Is It Time to Downsize Your West Virginia Home?

cozy living room with chairs in home after downizing

Are you thinking about downsizing? There are a variety of reasons you may want to simplify and move to a smaller, more manageable home. Despite having wonderful memories in your current home, now may be the time to make new ones in a new space. However, before you decide, it’s important to have a plan in place. Here are 9 things to consider when thinking about downsizing, both in general and specific to West Virginia.

9 Things to Consider When Downsizing in or to West Virginia

  1. Why are you considering downsizing? Does your current home feel too big or too empty? Is it straining your finances? Do you want to distance yourself from bad memories? Does it feel too far away from family? When considering this change, be sure to have a professional realtor who can guide you and take some of the emotion out of it so that you stay on track with your financial goals. It’s best to take your time to find the best solution and research based on these tips and questions to ask yourself.
  2. Special needs for your physical or mental health. You may have a desire to spread out and buy land with some space: acreage, off-the-beaten-path. While it sounds lovely, it’s not for everyone.  It can be far from relaxing when you have to seriously consider every trip to the store to make sure you don’t forget anything and have to go back if that drive is an hour both ways. Also, do you rely on neighbors from time to time or hope someone would be willing to check in on you? What about doctors, hospitals, mental therapy, support groups, church, clubs? Those are all part of your mental well-being. How far do you want to be from them? Are you OK starting from scratch to build these, or do you need to stay near all of your existing doctors and groups? This will affect the distance of your move greatly.
  3. Do you have new or upcoming health concerns? This would include mobility, extra equipment required in your home, vision issues. This will greatly affect the layout of your home. You may need to only consider homes with a single level. Perhaps you need to have an attached garage to make it easy to get to your car in any weather. What about ventilation, air filtration? Flooring – will a stone floor be too slippery? Will carpet cause respiratory issues or aggravate them? How about that little step out the back door to the patio or yard? Does it all need to be level or ramped? Are the showers, doorways, and halls friendly for wheelchairs if you need them? In West Virginia, swamp coolers are common. If you need more filtered air than that, be ready to add it yourself. Older homes have older foundations, walls and other features prone to moisture.
  4. Pets – assuming you are bringing them or will you add one in your new home? Is it an area prone to ticks, animal attacks? Do your cats need to plan on becoming indoor cats only? Will you be able to walk your dog on short notice, or do you have to make a big effort?
  5. Who will help you with this move? Can you count on your kids to help you pack? They may not be super helpful if they are bringing a lot of emotion to your decision. You need to be prepared to do this on your own. Set aside money to hire movers. There is an age we get to when it’s no longer a fun day helping your pals and laughing over pizza and beer after. When we’re ready to downsize, we know the value of a professional mover. We can’t stress enough to thoroughly check references, reviews, call past clients, talk to people who have moved in recently. Your local realtor may be able to point you to a few. It can go seriously wrong. Don’t let your story be the one shared by well-meaning friends grateful it didn’t happen to them.
  6. Perhaps people will visit you here, including your family. Where will they stay? Is there enough parking? Do you have enough beds for them or are you relying on air mattresses and your RV stored on-premise? That could be handy, but make sure they know ahead of time.
  7. Transportation needs. Do you have reliable transportation or are you dependent on public transit, buses and the like? You’ll want to be able to easily get where you need when you need – day, night, weekends, good and bad weather. Do you have a lot of cars in various conditions to store? It may be time to thin those out, too. Do you need easy access to an airport for business travel or family emergencies? If you have that need more than a few times a year, you’ll want to carefully consider the proximity.
  8. Check the reviews for the common business services you’ll need. When you move to a new area that means new grocery stores, mechanics, HVAC servicer, gardeners, hardware stores, hair salons, dentists, doctors, restaurants and more. If you are considering an older home, you’ll really want your on-call repair team vetted. Stop by some of the businesses when you are there exploring. Meet the owners. They may have additional insights into common problems to the specific area that you can avoid armed with this knowledge.
  9. Local rules, local laws. What are the quirky laws unique to the area you are considering? City/County laws do vary and if you are moving to another state, really be aware. It’s on you to know the laws of the land. This includes CCRs – those associations that we love and hate. Are there visitor and additional car limits? Quiet hours? If you want to make changes to your new home, how difficult is it to get it approved? What’s the permit process? While you’re at it, check the crime rate in the area. Bars on the windows and doors aren’t a local custom or decorating style, really.

Are you considering downsizing in West Virginia or moving to our beautiful state from somewhere else? Let’s talk first. We want your next move to be a happy experience all the way around.

BONUS: Some crazy laws in West Virginia you need to know about:

  • Whistling underwater is prohibited.
  • When a railroad passes within 1 mile of a community of 100 or more people in it, they must build a station and stop there regularly to pick up and drop off passengers.
  • Roadkill may be taken home for supper. Don’t knock it. Readily available and there are even cookbooks just for the meal treasures you find.
  • It is illegal to snooze on a train.
  • A tax of 1 cent is levied for every 16 and 9-ounce containers of coke sold in a store.
  • A person may not hold public office if he or she has ever participated in a duel.
  • For each act of public swearing, a person shall be fined one dollar. (Basically, Mom’s swear jar.)
  • Only in the city of Alderson: One may not walk a lion, tiger or leopard, even on a leash.

When You’re Ready, So Are We

Once you’ve decided it’s time, we are here and ready to help you find the home and neighborhood you love. Contact us today and we’ll get started!

West Virginia’s December 2018 Recap

West Virginia's December 2018 Recap

Over the Past Year, the National Median Home Price Increased by Less than Six Percent While the Principal-and-Interest Mortgage Payment Increased over Sixteen Percent.

CoreLogic predicts the median sales price will “rise 2.7 percent in real, or inflation-adjusted, terms” between September 2018 and September 2019. This suggests a monthly mortgage payment increase from $912 in September 2018 to $994 by September 2019 (an 8.9 percent year-over-year gain or, nominally, an 11.3 percent rise).

Homebuyers are likely to see more of their incomes devoted to mortgage payments.

What will this mean for West Virginia’s home prices and economy 2019?

Ed Gaunch is Elected as the New State Commerce Secretary and One Main Goal is to Help Existing Businesses in WV Flourish.

Gaunch noted that he has no intention of ignoring new businesses, but aims to put an emphasis on these existing industries by asking questions surrounding, “How can we help you?” For example, “How can we help you expand?” and “How can we help you be more healthy and hire more West Virginians?”

Gaunch’s former expertise positions him perfectly to shift focus and oversee seven state agencies. The challenge is right up his alley.

“As it relates to the health and welfare of workers, substance abuse, roads, broadband, workforce participation rate and educational outcomes,” he said, “these impact what we are trying to do. We need to help those departments and make sure we are in sync with them, rowing in the same direction.”

Gaunch announces, “I’m the strategic person who looks at all of these agencies, makes sure they’re in sync, and makes sure they all have a common goal and mission. The goal is to attract business to our state.”

West Virginia’s Health Care Industry is on the Rise and Bringing Job Opportunities With It.

Since the recession of 2008, many WV industries have not seen as much of a positive recovery as we would like. Healthcare, on the other hand, is one of the few that have continued to flourish. Aside from a few slow spots, this sector has contributed to robust job growth in the last decade.

With the decline in the coal industry of our state, healthcare is facing pressure to continue this steady increase. High demands stem from variables such as WV being an aging and growing population as well as the naturally higher costs that come with advances in medicine and medical technologies.

Officials note that focusing on individual wellness and lowering costs will be a key to keeping this industry alive and booming. There is no lack of optimism with many state economists that this is exactly what the next few years will bring.

Music Education Comes to Berkeley Springs Primary!

Music Workshop, a free, supplemental music education program, is being implemented by Berkeley Springs Primary School. The program is designed to either provide music education in schools where instruction has been cut, or as an add-on enhancement to current music programming. Berkeley Springs joins students in 49 other states enjoying this free program. Data on music education shows that it is an integral and important part of a student’s educational experience and Berkeley Springs is the first in the state to adopt the program. Congratulations and enjoy the music!

Your West Virginia Local Expert

West Virginia will continue to grow and benefit from our strong communities. Contact us today for all your panhandle real estate needs!

Source: wvmetronews.com

Panhandle Zombie Homes

zombie homes

What are “Zombie Homes?”

“Zombie homes” are unoccupied properties. During the mortgage crisis, “zombie homes” could be found in all manner of neighborhoods. You may even have seen some in your area.  Many of these properties are rehabbed eventually but still present some unique housing issues. Read on:

Some heavier reading, but here is some valuable information we thought consumers might like access to:

  • The Fight Against Zombie Homes by David Wharton
    Even as the housing market booms, vacant and abandoned “zombie properties” continue to plague many municipalities, a lingering reminder of the housing crisis. Here’s how the real estate industry and communities around the nation are working together to take down these zombies.
  • “Unforeseen Consequences” by Jeff Dickstein
    A decade after the housing market’s collapse, some anticipated and unanticipated impacts of the Dodd-Frank Act on the appraisal industry are beginning to be felt.
  • The Housing Choices of Older Americans
    “Today’s retirees are more likely to leave the workforce with a mortgage and other debts that can put stress on monthly cash flow,” said Peter Bell, President, and CEO of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA).

We’ll Help You Find What You’re Looking For

Whether you are interested in a move-in ready home or want to redo a home that needs some TLC, we are here and ready to help you find the home and neighborhood you love. Contact us today and we’ll get started!

Contact Us

Prime Location Realty, LLC
304-262-0800
877-817-7463
724A Foxcroft Ave.
Martinsburg, WV 25401

Michelle Garrett, Broker/Owner
Broker License Information:
WV – 0007685
VA – 0225095587

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