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If you’re trying to figure out what you want to do to ring in the new year. Here is a great  guide to some events going on in the area http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/guide-new-years-events. If you prefer to go out for a nice meal you can also check out some of the restaurant specials for the evening here http://www.downtownnorfolk.org/enjoy/dining.

Have a great holiday and a happy new year!

If you’re looking for something holiday related to do this weekend go see The Nutcracker, a time honored holiday tradition. Ballet Virginia International presents the Nutcracker at the Harrison Opera House December 18-20. Guest artists from renowned companies will join Ballet Virginia International Company as well as over 100 local children. For additional information, please see the links below.

http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/ballet-virginia-international-presents-nutcracker

http://balletvirginia.org/

According to REIN  (Real Estate Information Network) in Virginia Beach, VA there was an increase in residential settled sales in November as well as a decrease in the number of active listings. This combination resulted in a reduction in the over all inventory and under contract sales continued to demonstrate positive movement. For the rest of this story please see the following link http://www.reinmls.com/files/pdf/press/405d97f5.pdf

The city council voted to pursue a federally funded study that would examine the posibility of extending the light-rail to Chesapeake.

The starter light rail is currently under construction in Norfolk and will extend 7.4 miles. There is also a study underway that will determine the outcome of extending the light-rail to Norfolk Naval Base and Virginia Beach. 

For more details please read the article from the Virginian Pilot. http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/chesapeake-seeks-study-joining-lightrail-line

The holidays are practically here already! If you are looking for fun things to do this season, here are a few recommendations:

- The Grand Illumination Parade Saturday, November 22, 2009

-MacArthur on Ice

- Holiday Lights at the Beach

- Holiday Treet Lighting

And many more! For additional information please read this article from the Virginian Pilot Online http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/holiday-spectacles-around-hampton-roads

It’s going to be a great Holiday season!

The first time home buyer tax credit has been extended until April 30, 2010 for buyers purchasing a principal residence and has been expanded to “move up” buyers (existing home owners). These are some of the conditions for sales occurring after November 6, 2009:

• $6,500 tax credit for existing home owners who qualify
• $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers
• $125,000 income limit for single taxpayers and $225,000 income limit for married taxpayers filing jointly

For additional information about the tax credit please visit the Federal Housing Tax Credit Website here, or please feel free to contact me by email or phone.  I look forward to helping you find your dream home in Norfolk, Virginia!

If you’re looking for something to do for Halloween weekend, there are plenty of options! The Masquerade in Ghent Halloween  block party starts at 5:00 p.m. today at 20th and Manteo Street.

If you’re up for something spookier you could try the Portsmouth Ghost Walk. The Ghost Walk is one night only (tonight!) and is $10 per person.

Check out this link to Halloween Happenings page from Hamptonroads.com  

Have a happy & safe Halloween!

Many city dwelling dog owners face the issue of not having enough space for their dogs to run and get adequate exercise. I know my three dogs love going to the dog park because they can run and play without a leash. 

It is hard to find an open space that doesn’t conflict with people, buildings, or cars. Thankfully residents in Norfolk are addressing this issue and are partnering with the City to create parks that protect dogs and allow them to have fun, too. There are currently 13 dog parks in Norfolk, 4 of the parks are fenced including the Bea Arthur Dog Park , located at PETA headquarters.

Here is a map of all of the dog parks in the area. There is nothing better than watching your dog run free- ears and tail flying!

Dog Parks Locations: Recreation, Parks and Open Space - City …

The 2009 Stockley Gardens Fall Arts Festival will also take place this Saturday and Sunday. The festival takes place twice-yearly on the 3rd weekend in May and  the third weekend in October. The event draws 50,0o0 people per year and raises money for Hope House Foundation. Admission is free and there will be an abundance of art, music, friends, and food. It is going to be a busy weekend in Norfolk!

For additional information about the Festival and Hope House Foundation. Please visit this link.

Visit  Town Point Park at the downtown waterfront  this Saturday and Sunday, October 17th & 18th for the 22nd annual Wine Festival . Over 30 wineries will be represented at this event. Wines will be available for tasting and purchasing by the bottle or case. Please visit the Festevents website  for ticket information and other event information.

Picture from previous Wine Festival