NRVLiving - Real Estate. Simplified.

Bloggers Invade Christiansburg

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Don't know if saw the article last month in the Roanoke Times about the number of Christiansburg residents who, according to the article's author, are "'pajamas journalists' -- keystroke correspondents eager to bestow percipience on the politics, issues and bones of contention rattling local government."

Call them what you will, but folks paying attention to local issues and writing about them online is a good thing, in my opinion.  It's another source of information, a different voice, and the anonymity of the Internet - whether that's truly a good thing or not - encourages conversation.  So when I read the article - I'd encourage you to click through and read it - I knew we had to have some of these bloggers on the NRVLiving Real Estate Show.

Carol Lindstrom of DepotDazed, and Councilman Brad Stipes of AdvanceChristiansburg, both agreed to join us, and our heartfelt thanks to both of them for taking some time on a Saturday morning to do that.  The focus of both of these blogs seems to be transparency (the buzzword of the year, I think), dissemination of information and a call to action.  All worthwhile causes, and based upon the number of readers they've got, and the amount of comments they're seeing, I'd say it's working.  You can download the segments here and listen to them on your own media player.  I'd also encourage you to visit both blogs and subscribe - if you're a Christiansburg resident, interested in living in Christiansburg, or just like to keep up with what's happening in the New River Valley, these are two sites you must keep up with.

The Segments

Segment 1 with Carol Lindstrom of DepotDazed.com

Download 01_carol_lindstrom.mp3

Segment 2 with Councilman Brad Stipes of AdvanceChristiansburg.com

Download brad_stipes.mp3

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NRVLiving Radio Show, April 12 2008

Apologies for the missed shows the last couple of weeks, we've had some miscommunication with the station and things just didn't work out.  We're back on track now, and we're geared up for our month long focus on the NRV Green Home Tour!

Download 41208_nrvliving_real_estate_show.m4b  

Our thanks to Justin Boyle of Green Valley Builders, and Nell Boyle (no relation) of Breakell Construction for their participation in this week's show.  This Saturday, we'll have another interview in preparation for our live remote from the Green Home Tour at the Blacksburg Rec Center on April 26th!  Don't forget that we'll THEN be hosting an open house at our very own Green Home in Floyd the following afternoon! 

If you can't listen on the radio but are near a computer, you can always stream the show live every Saturday morning at 10am by visiting 810AM WPIN and clicking "Tune It".

See you next week, Saturday from 10:00-10:30! 

 

Green Home Tour Coming To Blacksburg

More information forthcoming early next week, but if you caught the NRVLiving Real Estate Show this weekend you heard us talk about the Green Home Tour that will be rolling into Blacksburg on April 26th. 

You can find out more about the Tour by visiting their blog, or stay right here and we'll post more information on Monday!  And don't forget that the following day, April 27th, we'll be hosting an open house of one of our own green home listings, at 153 Gracie Lane in Floyd!  Check out the video!

Our Radio Show Saturday, March 1

Good show on Saturday, I hope you had the chance to hear it but if you didn't, or want to listen to something you missed the first time, you can download it here:

Download 3108_nrvliving_real_estate_show.m4b

Our thanks to Mike, a new agent in Pulaski, who called in and asked for more information regarding documentation in the real estate transaction.  Your questions are always welcome, as well - you can either email them to me prior to the show, or call in to 866-961-1430 and ask on the air. 

Don't forget, if you can't listen on the radio but are near a computer, you can always stream the show live every Saturday morning at 10am by visiting 810AM WPIN and clicking "Tune It".

See you next week, Saturday from 10:00-10:30!   

Cabinetry By Design

Thanks to Beth Mann from Cabinetry By Design for joining us on the show this morning. More to come on Monday, but thought you might want to check out her site!

Thoughts & Musings ....

I've come across a few things that I just haven't gotten around to talking about, 'cause in between searching for the new Hokie Express and actually trying to sell a property or two this week, I've just run out of time.  So, here are a few things I thought might be of interest:

• It takes a Village.
• NVAR shuts down a Facebook group comprised of it's own members.  Go here.  Or here.  NAR making friends and influencing people.
• The front door of Blacksburg.
• The NRVLiving Real Estate Show live and in prime time tomorrow, 10am.  We'll have Beth Mann from Cabinetry By Design in studio, and Mark Weddle will stop by to make a Big HUGE announcement!  810am or 810wpin.com, call in at 866-961-1430 if you have a question you'd like to ask!

Saturday's Show

If you're into dead air, quiet mikes and bumbling hosts, then Saturday's NRVLiving Real Estate Show is for you!

Not our best work, I'll admit.  I had Producer Mike scrambling all morning, and we missed a few things - like turning his microphone on.  But we still covered some good topics, I think, including:

*  10 DIY Tips To Avoid Mistakes

*  Fed Chairman Bernanke snakes through Washington anonymously

*  Saturday, January 26th's Open House in Blacksburg - two videos there regarding the open houses, with more to come.

Don't miss our show live, on-site this Saturday in Blacksburg's Maple Ridge!  We'll be hosting two open houses, giving away prizes - including NRVLiving Gear and an Apple iPod Nano!  Thanks to State Farm Insurance, Salem Financial and Albright & Bongard for their participation, we hope you'll come by and see us!  Keep following the blog and NRVLiving TV for further information!

 

Download 11908_nrvliving_real_estate_show.m4b - give your media player a couple of minutes to load.

Don't forget, you can always stream the show every Saturday morning at 10am by visiting 810AM WPIN and clicking "Tune It".

See you next week, Saturday from 10:00-10:30!   

More Information On Our Live Radio Open House!

From our YouTube channel (subscribe here):

The View Behind Us

2007 - infamous in the New River Valley?  On Saturday's NRVLiving Real Estate Show, Steve and I discussed 2007 in the New River Valley, and talked with Blacksburg Mayor Ron Rhordam about what to expect in 2008.  We won't belabor the point - the New River Valley had some really crappy this year, but through it all we showed the WORLD why this is a great place to be. 

Download 122907_nrvliving_real_estate_show.m4b

Don't forget, you can always stream the show every Saturday morning at 10am by visiting 810AM WPIN and clicking "Tune It".

See you next week, Saturday from 10:00-10:30!   Have a great New Years, everyone!

The Mortgage Freeze on Saturday's Radio Show - 12/8/07

You've heard about it for more than a week now ... President Bush's plan to freeze rates on certain types of mortgages.  Well, on last Saturday's show we spent a lot of time discussing it even more.  Needless to say, Steve and I weren't in total agreement about the plan - he feels as if it's a mortgage TEASE, and I think there are some benefits to be had.  I might feel a bit differently now, but you can check out the show by clicking on the link below:

Download 12807_nrvliving_real_estate_show.m4b

Don't forget, you can always stream the show every Saturday morning at 10am by visiting 810AM WPIN and clicking "Tune It".

See you next week, Saturday from 10:00-10:30! 

Radio Show 12/1/07

Sorry for the delay, but Saturday's NRVLiving Real Estate radio show is now up and ready for download.  Don't forget, you can always stream the show every Saturday morning at 10am by visiting 810AM WPIN and clicking "Tune It".

We only covered one topic this week ... it's regarding an Australian product called Timbercrete, produced locally in Floyd VA as Auz-Bloc.  What's so interesting about Auz-Bloc?  It's a revolutionary construction material that's cheaper to build with, offers six-times the thermal insulation of conventional bricks, and has the highest possible fire safety rating, among others.  The production of the blocks is faster and cheaper than conventional construction, in part because it's manufactured locally, but it's also made almost completely from recycled timber waste so it's truly good for the environment.

Check out the interview with Bill McGuire of Auz-Bloc, and if you'd like to see an Auz-Bloc home in action  contact me directly.  You can check out the show by clicking the link below, and don't forget that you can always stream 810AM by visiting their website and clicking "Tune It".

Download nrvliving_live_dec_1_2007.m4b

See you next week, Saturday from 10:00-10:30! 

Radio Show 11/24/07

The Thanksgiving edition of the NRVLiving Real Estate Show is up and ready for download.  Don't forget, you can always stream the show every Saturday morning at 10am by visiting 810AM WPIN and clicking "Tune It".

Topics this week included:

* Did you hear there was a big football game in Charlottesville this past weekend?  Well, we've got a conversation with Steve regarding the differences between Blacksburg and Charlottesville
* I got pissed off this past week - not uncommon for me to get bent out of shape about something, but usually I come back to Earth pretty quickly.  This time, however, someone said something to me that just got me fired up ... and several days later, I'm still annoyed!

You can check out the show by clicking the link below, and don't forget that you can always stream 810AM by visiting their website and clicking "Tune It".

Download nrvliving_live_nov_24_2007.m4b

See you next week, Saturday from 10:00-10:30! 

Saturday's Upcoming Show

It's Thanksgiving, yes, but the NRVLiving Real Estate Team isn't taking time off!  Through the magic of modern technology (and pre-recording), we've got an interesting show coming up for you.  First, in honor of some football game this weekend, we'll showcase the similarities - and differences - of Blacksburg and Charlottesville.  And then, as I'm apt to do, I got my pants in a bunch the other day while having a conversation with someone at a local restaurant.  I've since settled down, but we'll cover why the New River Valley IS one of the best places to live.  It's not a sleepy little Southwest VA region anymore folks - we'll show you why.

No Mortgage Minute with Mark Weddle this week - we gave him the week off.  After all those free appraisals he's been giving away, we thought he could use some time with his family.  Don't forget - if you're looking to refinance or start a new loan, Mark is offering a FREE APPRAISAL to anyone who closes by the end of the year!  Just tell him you heard about it on the NRVLiving Real Estate Show! 

Remember that you can get the show on the radio at 810AM, or stream it from your computer by visiting their website!  Or, if you can't check it out live, come back here and we'll have it posted for you to listen at your convenience!  It's all about making "Real Estate. Simplified."

Check it out, and if you have topics you'd like to hear covered make sure to email us and let us know!

Show Schedule ...

Friday Mornings, 8:30am on News Talk Radio 810AM
Saturday Mornings, 10:00-10:30am on News Talk Radio 810AM

And 24-7 @ NRVLivingRadio.com!

Radio Show 11/17/07

Last Saturday's show is up and ready for download!  Don't forget, you can always stream the show every Saturday morning at 10am by visiting 810AM WPIN and clicking "Tune It".

Topics included:

* a conversation with Steve about the future of commercial development in the New River Valley
* Mortgage Minute with Mark Weddle
* a surprising discovery about the market here in the New River Valley between October 2006 and October 2007

Don't forget that if you need to open a new loan, or refinance a nasty Adjustable Rate Mortgage or your existing loan, and you contact Mark at Salem Financial between now and the end of December, he'll PAY for your appraisal!  A free appraisal!

You can check out the show by clicking the link below, and don't forget that you can always stream 810AM by visiting their website and clicking "Tune It".

Download nrvliving_live_nov_17_2007.m4b

See you next week, Saturday from 10:00-10:30!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Radio Show 11/10/07

Apologies for the delay in getting last Saturday's show up on the blog ... honestly, I don't have a clue what happened.  The system we use to automatically record was taking a siesta, apparently.  Here it is, the full show is below.  Don't forget, you can always stream the show every Saturday morning at 10am by visiting 810AM WPIN and clicking "Tune It".

Topics included:

* a new "affordable" condominium project in Blacksburg
* how to avoid paying taxes on the sale of investment properties
* an interview with Armada Hoffler regarding Smiths Landing

Also, we introduced a new segment called "Mortgage Minute".  Every week, Mark Weddle of Salem Financial will give us 60 seconds on what's happened in the mortgage markets during the week.  And he started it off with a bang - through the month of December, he's offering a FREE APPRAISAL to anyone who mentions they heard the Mortgage Minute on the show!  That could be a huge savings of several hundred dollars, so be sure to check that out!

You can check out the show by clicking the link below, and don't forget that you can always stream 810AM by visiting their website and clicking "Tune It".

Download 01_11_10_07_full_show.mp3

See you next week, Saturday from 10:00-10:30!

NRVLive - National Syndication Next?

Congratulations should go out to John Harper of NRVLive, who yesterday announced that his show, NRVLive on 810AM, will be picked up by another station beginning in January of 2008.  NRVLive will begin covering goings-on not only here in the New River Valley, but also Central VA, South Virginia (where IS that, exactly?) and Winston-Salem NC. 

I can tell you that John has been working hard to revamp NRVLive and it's really picking up steam.  You can even call in and get involved yourself - just dial 866-961-1430 or 540-961-1430.  The show runs every weekday from  7am-9am on 810AM WPIN.  Great news John, congratulations!

Saturday's Upcoming Show

Saturday will be here before you know it, and you know what that means!  Hokie football! Oh, and the NRVLiving Real Estate Show to get you started.  We'll be covering several different topics on Saturday's show, including:

- an interview with Armada Hoffler, general contractor for Smiths Landing
- how to avoid paying taxes on the sale investment properties
- a new project in Blacksburg that just might be relatively affordable

We're also going to introduce a new segment we'll be doing each and every week with Salem Financial, so stay tuned for that!  Remember that you can get the show on the radio at 810AM, or stream it from your computer by visiting their website!  Or, if you can't check it out live, come back here and we'll have it posted for you to listen at your convenience!  It's all about making "Real Estate. Simplified."

Check it out, and if you have topics you'd like to hear covered make sure to email us and let us know!

Show Schedule ...

Friday Mornings, 8:30am on News Talk Radio 810AM
Saturday Mornings, 10:00-10:30am on News Talk Radio 810AM

And 24-7 @ NRVLivingRadio.com!

Saturday's Show - 11/3/07

We were jam packed today with several different topics, hope you were able to listen in.  Don't worry if you weren't - the full show is below.  Don't forget, you can always stream the show every Saturday morning at 10am by visiting 810AM WPIN and clicking "Tune It".

Steve and I started off by talking a bit about selling your home during the holidays.  Sometimes, circumstances are such that it's a necessity to sell your home during the Thanksgiving - Christmas window.  It can be a little daunting to think of having strangers traipsing through your home, but trust us - the buyers we work with during the holidays are almost ALWAYS ready, willing and able buyers.  If they're taking the time to look at your home, make sure it's ready to be seen!  We also covered the Fed's October 31st rate cut, and how it'll affect mortgage rates.  You just might be surprised to learn that it won't have the effect you were expecting ...

Finally, we were joined by Doug Fikse, president of OnQ/Legrand and future resident of Smith Mountain Lake.  Doug and his wife Polly are building a home at the Lake, and we talked with him about some of the Smart Home features he was having installed.  It's an interesting listen for anyone who, like us, is interested in gadgets!

You can check out the show by clicking the link below, and don't forget that you can always stream 810AM by visiting their website and clicking "Tune It".

Download saturday_show_113.m4b

See you next week, Saturday from 10:00-10:30!

Saturday's Interview with Joel Burchette

Apologies for the quality - we're getting interference from somewhere during the transfer from radio to Web - but Saturday's show with Joel Burchett is now available for download.  Don't forget, you can always stream the show every Saturday morning at 10am by visiting www.810wpin.com and clicking "Tune It".

Joel came in studio to talk about the growth and revitalization occurring within the Town of Pulaski.  He's excited about what he's seeing happening on the streets, and as a Town Council Member, he's fortunate enough to be privy to some of the Town's future improvements.  He feels as if it's a place that's going to be talked about very, very soon ... Check it out.

Download 10_27_07_joel_burchett.m4b

Saturday's Radio Show (11/3/07)

Loads of topics on tomorrow's show.  First, we'll recap the latest on the Fed's rate cut from earlier this week.  The cut doesn't help real estate as much as you might think.  We'll also talk about ways to make sure your home gets noticed during the holidays - we're listing a couple of properties here in the next few weeks, and with the holidays fast approaching we - as well as our Sellers - want to make sure the homes get noticed.  We have some ideas how you can accomplish that. 

And as a special treat, we'll also replay an interview we did with Doug Fikse, president of OnQ Legrand.  Doug and his wife Polly are building a home at Smith Mountain Lake and Doug's got some really neat gadgets he's putting into the home.  As gadget geeks ourselves, we were thrilled to have a chance to talk with him.  You'll want to make sure you check this one out!

You can pick up the show on 810AM, or stream the show from your computer at 810wpin.com - just hit the "TUNE IT" button on the right and listen live!  Or, if you can't check it out live, check back here and we'll have it posted for you to listen at your convenience. 

Check it out, and if you have topics you'd like to hear covered make sure to email us and let us know!

Show Schedule ...

Friday Mornings, 8:30am on News Talk Radio 810AM
Saturday Mornings, 10:00-10:30am on News Talk Radio 810AM

And 24-7 @ NRVLiving.com!