The Liz Moore Market Watch

The Best Kept Secret in Williamsburg!

Liz Moore & Associates, and Debbie Cobb and Elaine Roberto, have been selected as the exclusive marketing company for Brandywyne, a community of maintenance free single family homes tucked away in a beautifully manicured setting, an easy stroll from the historic district of Colonial Williamsburg. Charming lamp posts and tree lined streets give Brandywyne a European village feel.

“We are thrilled to have been chosen for this opportunity” says Cobb, who has lived in Brandywyne since 2004, and is a huge fan of the resort style lifestyle. “There is a very special and unique sense of community here, and for those that want to participate, there is always something going on…everything from bridge, zumba and mah jong in the community clubhouse to water aerobics classes at the pool. Neighbors enjoy a short stroll downtown to enjoy events such as the Grand Illumination, a 4^th of July celebration, and everything Williamsburg!”

According to Roberto, “The winning combination of a City of Williamsburg location – with low taxes and the ability to walk downtown in minutes, and exceptional, quality built single family homes and great amenities - makes Brandywyne a must see for anyone interested in a no-maintenance lifestyle. All lawn care, including irrigation, is taken care of for you, freeing up your time to enjoy life!”

There are a limited number of opportunities to live in Brandywyne remaining, as the marketing is in its final phase, so don’t hesitate. Interest rates are at historic lows, and it’s a great time to explore a new home. To visit the models or for more information, call Debbie or Elaine at 345-8944 or e-mail brandwyne@lizmoore.com.

Stonehouse Dream Home Tour Coming Soon!

On Sunday afternoon, March 21st, local REALTORs led by Susan Krancer of Williamsburg Golf Properties and Liz Moore & Associates will host a “Dream Home” tour of listings in Stonehouse, conveniently located just minutes from Williamsburg.  22 resale homes will be open to the public, presented by 6 different local leading real estate brokerages, along with new homes in Ryan’s community Stonehouse Glen, from 1 – 5 in the afternoon.  All funds raised by advertising in the Dream Home Tour book will be donated to DreamCatchers, which is a therapeutic riding center for adults and children with special needs.  You can learn more about DreamCatchers by visiting www.dreamcatcherswilliamsburg.org.

There is a special website set up for the event at www.MyStonehouseHome.com.  If you haven’t visited Stonehouse recently, this would be an ideal opportunity to check it out.  In addition to a nationally acclaimed golf course, Stonehouse boasts a Resident Center with swimming, tennis, a playground, fitness center, gourmet kitchen, and built-in barbecue; Richardson’s Mill Pond Park with canoe storage, a boat dock, picnic facilities; miles of walking trails; RV/boat storage; common garden and soccer field.  It is truly a community within a community, and the residents love it!  Neighbors Del and Patty Humphreys said, “We chose Stonehouse because of the overall setting. Far enough away for peace and quiet yet close to everything...not only Williamsburg but just a short distance to the beach and Richmond and beyond. The landscape is beautiful and we take pride in our total community. Our neighbors are the best!”

You can also learn more about the big picture plans for Stonehouse at www.preservationstonehouse.com.

For more info, visit the event website, or call Susan Krancer at 757.784-0363.

Exciting New Plans at Stonehouse!

GS Virginia recently hosted a luncheon to celebrate the ground breaking of the initial phase of their exciting new development at Stonehouse.  Susan Krancer and I enjoyed a “VIP” invitation, as guests of GS Virginia in exchange for the preliminary marketing consulting that Susan provided as they researched the local market, working with Ginger Frailey, of G Frailey Associates out of Atlanta.

GS Virginia is the new developer at Stonehouse, having acquired the remaining undeveloped 4700 acres of the master planned community just outside Williamsburg several years ago.

Their visionary plans for the project are quite exciting for neighbors as well as the local real estate community.  Preservation is bounded by the historic York River, as well as Ware Creek – and features miles of spectacular views, wildlife, and natural resources.  Check out the scenery at www.preservationstonehouse.com! GS Virginia is currently exploring a potential marina site as well, which would enable residents to boat as well as kayak and canoe from their back doors.

Construction is already underway for the Laurel Grove Park amenity in the Preservation section of the community.  Tom Page, GS Virginia’s General Manager, shared architect’s renderings for the park, which will include a cottage clubhouse, fitness center, lap pool, a multi use field, and playground for all Preservation residents to enjoy.  Laurel Park is scheduled to open around Memorial Day in 2010.

Plans are also underway for 23 large estate lots (many of which are golf course sites) to be released shortly.

Page also shared the developer’s vision for the almost 3 million square feet of retail and commercial space of this mixed use project, which will round out the convenience factor for all Stonehouse residents, with plans for grocery shopping, dining, and many other business opportunities in this new growth corridor.

Interested in learning more?  Give us a call today, and we’ll be happy to share what we know about the new plans.  We’ll keep you posted as things develop.

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Should You Buy Directly From a Builder?

Generally speaking, no.  For the same reason that you shouldn't deal directly with a listing agent.  Builder reps and listing agents represent the opposite side, and it's important for you to have your own representation.

Here are a few examples of ways that having your own agent can benefit you:

1. Negotiating allowances at wholesale vs. retail cost, potentially giving you more money to spend on things like appliances, landscaping, and cabinetry.

2. Advising you on conditions of the contract that can be negotiated in your favor (typically new homes contracts are very builder friendly, with clauses that allow a builder 2 years to complete a home, for instance).

3. Helping you to shop mortgage companies and settlement agents can save you thousands over using the builder's choices, by getting you more favorable interest rates and terms, programs, etc.

4. Making sure that add-ons and options are incorporated into financing provisions, so that you avoid having to pay cash out of pocket and are protected by appraisal provisions.

5. Generally making sure that the prices and concessions are in line with current market conditions.

Parade of Homes

Liz Moore & Associates is fortunate to have been selected the exclusive marketing firm for Taylor Farms, the site of the 2008 Peninsula Housing and Builders Association Parade of Homes.  The Parade will be held on May 3rd - May 18th, 2008, and will showcase 12 Parade Homes.

Only 54 homesites, averaging just under 1 acre, will be found on 72 lush acres nestled between Tabb High School and the Poquoson River.  Although several of the Parade Homes are already under contract, there are still a few prime opportunities to secure a Parade Home opportunity.  Because the builders compete for award recognition, as well as the opportunity to showcase their work to thousands of visitors, Parade Homes provide an outstanding opportunity for a buyer.  These homes are packed with value, as well as some of the newest upgrades and features on the market.

Taylor Farms also features many of York County's finest custom builders:  Allen Parker Builder, Crestmark Custom Homes, Edgerton Contracting, Garnett Construction, J. Lloyd Builder, J.W. Wallace Construction, Marque Homes, Performance Contracting, Pritchard & Company, Realty Builders, Sturdivant Expressions, and The Kicotan Company.

Homes in Taylor Farms start in the $700's.  For details, visit www.taylorfarmsonline.com.