4 buildings spread across three lots, one of which is vacant. 2 buildings vacant and historical. Must see this opportunity for all that it can be. TONS of possibilities, included but not limited to, rent on 2-3 buildings,possible residence in renovated buildings.

Large stone-front home located in the Hedgesville school district. This home boasts 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths throughout it's 2800 sq/ft. Main level has large kitchen with breakfast room and family room in one open area. The basement is currently unfinished for storage, but can be an additional 1,400 sq/ft of living space. Priced to sell quickly, call today!!!

Beautifully kept home with LOTS of space. Open floor plan and cathedral ceiling makes this home spacious and stunning. The main level has 3BR's, 2 full BA's and laundry. Basement has large finished rec room with wood stove and storage area. Deck looks out over HUGE .69 acre lot which could be subdivided for investment purposes! Property is located just less than 15 minutes from both Winchester, VA and Martinsburg, WV. Come see how perfect this home is today!

This charming property provides a convenient location with seclusion and privacy. The 4BR/3BA home is surrounded by over two acres of rolling beautiful land enclosed with trees. The tiered deck looks out over the back landscaping, greenhouse and workshop. Two wood stoves are inside providing wonderful character across over 2,600 sq/ft of finished space. Call today to see tranquility for yourself!...

You're going to love this place whether you use it as a cabin or live in it year-round.  Cape cod sits on 15 acres bordering Meadow Branch Creek.  The other side of the creek is Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area - 22,928 acres! Oak-hickory forest covers 3,500 acres while Virginia pine-oak forest blankets the majority of the area. Sleepy Creek is primarily managed for deer, turkey, grouse, squirrel and raccoon, with wild turkey the featured game species. Sleepy Creek Lake, 205 acres, contains a good sport fishery for largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Boat launching facilities are situated at the dam spillway and near the midpoint of the lake. The area also has a rifle range.
Re the house itself - a screened in front porch welcomes you.  Sit a spell and enjoy the view, relax, read a book, etc!  Front door opens to cozy living room.  Hear the laughter of family and friends and the crackling of the fire in the wood burning stove.  To the right is the kitchen - it's HUGE!  Ample cabinets and counter space and a HUGE table in the middle!  There is also a flu for another wood stove in the kitchen should you choose!  There is a main floor bedroom and full bathroom to the left of the kitchen and to the right of the kitchen is a mud room and back door entrance.  Upstairs you will find a landing with a half bath and knee wall for furnace access.  Two great bedrooms with the cape cod architecture that is so charming complete the second level!  Furniture is included in the sale - completely ready for you!!
Property goes all the way down to the creek.  There is a campsite there with two hook-ups of electric/water/sewer - perfect for a large gathering so that some of your guests could bring their campers!  Sit around the campfire area and tell stories til the wee hours!  And, walking distance to Devil's Nose swimming hole!
Just 3 miles across the Berkeley/Morgan county line off of Rte 9, yet feels like you are a million miles from civilization!!!  Call today for a showing!

This is a slice of heaven in WV with 25 very secluded acres.  Elegant brick front colonial has 2 story foyer with hardwood floors and hardwood stairs to welcome you.  To the right is the formal living room with a propane fireplace.  Pocket doors open to the formal dining room with crown molding, chair rail and bay window.  Next is fabulous sun room with sky lights and ceramic tile with compass rose design in the middle.  Breakfast nook has built in desk, pantry and lots of room for kitchen table - skylights and ceramic tile with design around table space.  Gourmet kitchen features Corian countertops, kitchen island with gas stove, double wall oven, side by side refrigerator, wine rack, pass-thru window to family room and ceramic tile floors.  Relax in the family room after long day at work with roaring fire in the wood burning fireplace, and surround sound to enhance your favorite movie.  Upstairs you will find a lovely landing with many potential uses.  French doors open to the master suite - what could be more romantic than a propane fireplace, luxury bath with Jacuzzi tub, separate shower, double vanity and walk-in closet?  You deserve this!  Bedrooms 2, 3 and 4 are quite spacious.  Pull down the stairs to the attic and you will find it floored, walls are studded and it could easily be turned into more living space!  Approximately 2 acres of the backyard are fenced and approximately 1 acre of the barnyard is fenced.  Total of four 10' gates - remainder of property is wooded.  In the barn you will find a huge workshop.  There are 2 horse stalls and more storage on the main level. Go up the circular stairs and there are three finished rooms and a full bathroom - could be office space or even au pair living quarters!  The 2 story loft has overhead winch running end to end - easily load hay into the loft or the mezzanine.  The sky lighted silo roof rotates - perfect for telescope! 
For outdoor enthusiasts:  minutes away from Tomahawk MX park; bring your horses, goats, chickens, llamas, etc!
For nature lovers:  morel mushrooms, maple trees (make your own syrup); fossil hunting; fruit trees and elderberries for jelly/wine.
For the carpenters:  addition to home has 2x6 walls.  400 AMP service in house with 2 panels and 100 AMP service in barn with welding outlet.  There are gutter guards on house and barn.  There is lots of harvestable timber on the property!  The outdoor wood stove heats house and barn and water for each and is zone controlled with separate thermostats.  Energy options:  wood, propane or electric!
There is so much more to say about this fabulous property. Call me today for a private showing!  If you've not yet contacted a lender, I will gladly give you the names and numbers of lenders who will take the time to find you the best package and get you pre-approved!  304-261-8517

Custom brick home on 3+ wooded ac. 1st level mstr suite w/sitting room & private covered porch. Mstr BA w/sunken tub/steam shower/dbl van. Hdwd floors. FR w/cathedral ceilings/stone FP. Formal LR w/FP. Gourmet kitchen w/island/granite/ceramic floors. Pick appliances within bldr allowance. Zoned gas heat/heat pumps. Back porch w/mtn views. Paved drive/3 car garage. Full unfin WO bsmt

Completely renovated in 2009 – this cabin comes with new roof, new floors, new kitchen, newer appliances, new bathroom, fresh paint - what more could you ask for with this perfect get-away? No matter the season, you'll find the reason to come as often as you can!  And, it comes completely furnished!  Located on1.01 acres with plenty of parking in The Woods Resort just 90 minutes from the beltways but a world apart from everyday hassles!  Enter into the front door and see the new laminated flooring and fresh paint!  To the right is main level bedroom with new carpet and lots of closet space.  To the left is brand new bathroom including the flooring – pedestal sink and lovely mirror and light fixtures with shower/bath combo.  Continue down the center hall to the brand new kitchen  with new cabinets, countertops, appliances, sink, faucet, and flooring -  ready for you to prepare meals for family and guests.   The dining area has sliding glass doors to the wrap around deck creating great flow for entertaining inside and out.  The living room features wood burning stove with beautiful stone backdrop. Hear the crackling fire as you relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city, the hectic schedules...you're going to want to come here as often as you can! The windows are two stories high and frame a beautiful picture of the wooded outdoors!  Which season will be your favorite as the colors change?  Upstairs is the large loft bedroom with area for sitting, too!  Wake up and see the fabulous view or peek over the edge and see the beautiful, open downstairs area!  Enjoy a cup of coffee on the outside deck and watch the deer, squirrels, fox, raccoons and the fabulous collection of birds!  Side deck could easily be turned into screened in 3 season room. Below the cabin is a 10 x 12 insulated storage area.  There is space in the kitchen for stacked washer/dryer that come with the house and are currently in this storage area.  All furnishings come with this package – ready to enjoy year round!  

The Woods is bordered on three sides by the 23,000-acre Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area. Sleepy Creek contains more than 75 miles of hiking trails and a 205-acre lake for fishing and canoeing.  Or you can hunt deer, turkey, grouse, squirrel and raccoon, with wild turkey being the featured game species.

History buffs enjoy Harpers Ferry National Park, historic Shepherdstown (oldest town in W. Va.), Antietam Battlefield and Berkeley Springs (a favorite retreat of George Washington). Each summer, the Contemporary American Theater Festival comes to nearby Shepherdstown, offering new, cutting-edge plays from America's best playwrights.

Nearby outlet centers are favored by Woods' guests. Great buys can be found in women's apparel, menswear, luggage, glass, collectibles and much more.

For the adventurous, whitewater rafting and kayaking, professional auto racing and thoroughbred racing are also close by.

Call today to schedule a showing!

Fabulous A-Frame on 20 acres ready for livestock and/or crops!  Two 4 acre (approx) sections are fenced, a barn and a storage building complete the package. There are also riding trails throughout the subdivision.  Enjoy the mountain views from the deck; walk down to the river access and enjoy a picnic or canoe ride! 

Open floorplan features "wall of windows", large living room, kitchen with island and dining area!  The pine ceilings are incredible and the view of the loft and all that wood from below is gorgeous!  The main level has 2 bedrooms and a full bath.  Upstairs is another bedroom, full bath and loft area to be used as whatever you'd like!  Full, unfinished basement can be finished for more living space or used for ample storage! 

Imagine living here - hear the sounds of the frogs and enjoy the tremendous amount of stars at night...the spectacular views of the mountains...the many ways of enjoying the river...watching the wildlife (deer, turkey, fox, bald eagles)...the fresh air...the quiet...the privacy... and the delightful community. 

Located in WV, just 20 minutes from Winchester - easy commute to many places!

Call today to schedule a showing!  This is a potential short sale - listing agent is a Certified Distressed Property Expert and ONLY ONE OFFER will be submitted to the bank for third party approval.

What is a short sale?  First and foremost, it may be a viable way to avoid a foreclosure.  More specifically, for the homeowner who can no longer make their mortgage payment because of a real hardship, i.e. job loss, job transfer, divorce, or an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) that is resetting at a higher interest rate, a Short Sale may be an option for the homeowner worried about foreclosure.  A Short Sale is a detailed but fairly straightforward process that can work to benefit Buyer, Seller and even the Lender. The Buyer gets a home for a good price, the Seller gets to avoid the disruption of a foreclosure and a serious “hit” on their credit rating, and the Lender avoids the delay and expense of foreclosing on a property they don't want to own.  (A REALTOR® may be able to help you decide if a short sale is a viable option.)

Even though Short Sales have been a staple for investors for some time, until recently, most homeowners probably thought the only option was letting the Lender foreclose.  However, a foreclosure may stay on your credit record for 7 to 10 years, which is why some experts are now advocating a Short Sale.  If your Lender agrees to a Short Sale, you may then hire a REALTOR® to find a Buyer for the house; you may accept an offer for less than is owed to the Lender, the Lender may then agree to absorb some or all of the loss (the Lender may still demand the homeowner share in the loss.)

Before submitting an offer, the REALTOR® will first perform a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine the price at which similar properties are being marketed, and the average price of those that have sold recently.  This information is submitted to the Lender along with a hardship letter from the Seller explaining why they cannot continue to pay the mortgage, plus supporting documentation such as tax returns, bank statements, and information and photos of the home.  The way mortgages are sold, the Lender can be anywhere in the country and certainly not aware of local real estate conditions.  (This is when the REALTOR® can become your local market expert and your staunchest advocate.)

The Lender may then order an appraisal or a Broker Price Opinion (BPO) from an independent party.  This appraisal or BPO is the key to the whole process. If the property is valued too high, the Lender may not accept a low offer.  Often Lenders will accept an offer lower than the BPO, but usually not much more than 10% lower, though that may vary depending on the company and perhaps the circumstances.  The sales contract should specifically disclose to all parties that the offer is contingent on the Lender accepting the net proceeds of a Short Sale offer.  In fact, if the property is listed for sale by a REALTOR®, the listing must disclose that the property may become a Short Sale and that the offer is subject to Third Party Approval. 

 The homeowner should display a genuine desire to get a grip on spending and finances when attempting to negotiate a Short Sale.  One way to show good faith is to scale back spending.  Charging expensive jewelry on a credit card for example, may cause a Lender to be less inclined to do a homeowner any favors on the sale of a home.

On the down side, this process does take time, and a response from the Lender may take months. Expect at least 2-3 months or longer before a Short Sale can be finalized, even if the Lender accepts the first offer.  If they do not accept the first offer, the Lender may wait to see if other offers are forthcoming.  Often, the Lenders are not communicative during this waiting period as the decision-making process goes behind closed doors with anonymous number-crunchers.  (The homeowner should contact the Lender at the beginning of the process and introduce his/her REALTOR® to open the lines of communication.)

If the property is an investment and not the Seller’s primary residence, the IRS may treat the amount of the mortgage that is forgiven by the Lender as taxable income and the Seller may need to come up with the cash to cover the taxes.  (The homeowner should contact an accountant for any tax information or assistance.)

While the Short Sale may be a viable option for homeowners facing hardship, the better option of course, is to find some way to stay in the home and to get caught up on mortgage payments.  One of the first steps is to determine if the Lender is willing to restructure the loan, or forego a couple of monthly payments to help a homeowner get back in good standing. Apparently, more and more Lenders are willing to make accommodations to avoid taking the property back.  Lenders hate to take over homes, especially in a declining market, so if a Short Sale seems to be in your future, you shouldn’t under-estimate the willingness of your Lender to make concessions.

Dan Peck, REALTOR® Manager

GRI, CRS, ABR

The Jeanne & Dan Team

RE/MAX In Action

Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, Harpers Ferry

 Last week a leading gauge of US home sales showed unexpected strength. April Pending Homes Sales rose 6.3%, way over expectations of a 1.0% drop! This measure of signed sales contracts registered a level of 88.2; it’s highest in six months. A 100 reading equals the average sales activity in 2001. Experts are saying the April figure suggests the pace of home sales has clearly stopped its free fall and might soon rebound. The index measures existing home sales, currently about 85% of the market.

The other economic news that was positive for housing came from Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke. In a speech Monday, he said he believes the economy is out of danger and the Fed would now pay "close attention" to inflation. Experts immediately interpreted this to mean rate cuts are officially over. Some feel a hike may come as soon as August and many consider a 0.25% increase likely for October. This is good news because while the Fed was in rate trimming mode, many potential homebuyers stayed on the sidelines, waiting for rates to fall more. Now they need to get back in the game and make sure they don't wait and get caught with rates climbing back up! 

Perhaps the honor Ms. Kozak is proudest of, however, is the Carol Snyder Memorial Good Neighbor Award which was presented to Jeanne for outstanding service to clients, the community (both locally and nationally) and her profession.  A few of the many good deeds mentioned are her semi-annual trips to the Mississippi Delta region to build houses for Habitat For Humanity, a fund raiser for The Family Readiness Group in support of the local Air National Guard and Army National Guard bases, and her many acts of kindness to those in need.

Jeanne. Kozak places a great priority on results and getting things done.  Highly recognized for this by her peers, Jeanne is currently serving as President Elect of The Eastern Panhandle Board of Realtors where she participates on several committees.  She also serves on the Board of Directors of the West Virginia Association of Realtors.

Originally from Kansas, Jeanne relocated to West Virginia and entered the banking industry in the early 80’s.  Later she and her husband started a new homes construction company for which Jeanne still holds a West Virginia Contractor License.  This was the perfect blend of careers and experiences to prepare Jeanne for her third and present career in real estate.  Her will to succeed was apparent from the start, with Rookie of the Year honors bestowed upon her in 1991.

Jeanne admits she struggles to find personal time, but whenever possible she enjoys relaxing at home with her Jack Russell Terriers, attracting bluebirds and purple martins to her feeders and nest boxes, and working in her gardens.

DRYER SAFETY TIPS

Thousands of home fires and injuries occur each year as a result of excessive heat buildup in clothes dryers caused by blockage of the airflow through the dryer and the attached venting system. Most of these fires could easily be prevented with simple and regular maintenance.

Lint screens and enclosures should be checked and cleaned after each load. Lint should also be regularly removed from accessible points at the dryer vent hose connection and exterior vent cover. Even with the regular cleaning of a dryer lint trap, it is possible for a significant amount of lint to accumulate at one or more points in the duct.

Vent system blockage also causes the dryer motor to work harder and possibly overheat. This excessive heat can result in the ignition of trapped lint or other combustible materials in or close to the duct or can prevent proper drying of the clothes – often the first sign of a problem with a dryer venting system.

The entire venting system should be periodically checked for damage, leakage, or blockage from lint, bird nests, rodents, etc. Any substantial blockage, whether from lint build-up or other restrictions in the vent hose or ductwork, such as crimped sections, undersized fittings, etc., will obstruct the airflow through the dryer as well as the venting system.

Lightweight, flexible plastic or aluminum vent materials are especially susceptible to blockage, damage, or burn though. Screws should not be used to hold sections together, as even only one screw can be enough to catch some lint, allowing for the build-up of lint that can eventually obstruct air flow. While more difficult to work with, solid, metal ductwork is the best option for dryer venting systems.

At least annually, the vent duct should be disconnected and cleaned out along its entire length, including the exterior damper and cover and portions of the system within the dryer itself (with electric power off). The base of vertical sections will likely contain the most accumulated material.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.

Copyright ©  HMA Franchise Systems, Inc.

WINTER-END ROOF CHECK

The cold and storms of the winter season can wreak havoc on the exterior of a home and the surrounding property. Sometimes it isn’t that there is significant damage, but simply the fact that it may have been several months since you last paid attention or attempted any outdoor maintenance. Now is the time to do a winter-end check to make sure everything is in order and ready to withstand those spring time showers and the pending heat of summer.

While all exterior areas should be checked periodically, one area that typically requires special attention at the end of the winter season is the roof. To identify possible roofing concerns, look for:

• Ceiling stains – A possible warning sign that your roof system needs repair or replacement. If localized, it may be an isolated point of damage or flashing leak. Ceiling stains can also be associated with excessive attic moisture and/or ice dam conditions, which may require additional attic ventilation and/or insulation to prevent a recurrence. If there are stains on lower level ceilings, a plumbing leak could be the cause.
  
• Loose or missing shingles – Any loose or missing shingles should be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid additional leakage and damage to the roof deck or interior of your home.
  
• Loose, lifted or cracked flashing – This is the metal or other type membrane found at the base of chimneys and roof penetrations. Damaged flashing should be repaired to prevent leakage.
  
• Lifted or curled shingles – This may be an indication the roof is worn and near or at the end of its service life. If found just in an isolated area, spot replacement may be possible, but if widespread, get a professional opinion on the roof’s condition.
  
• Heavy granules buildup in gutter or at base of downspouts – The granules on roof shingles gradually wear away to the point where the underlying material is exposed over large areas. Once this happens the rate of shingle deterioration accelerates. If excessive, it may indicate aging shingles that need replacement.

If you have questions on your roof system, consider utilizing the services of a professional home inspector or qualified roofing contractor to determine conditions.

The increase in sales is encouraging although it's uncertain whether the positive growth rate can be maintained with the return to more-normal winter temperatures as we move into 2007," wrote Paul Ferley, an economist for BMO Nesbitt Burns. "As well, some caution is still warranted on the possibility of housing spilling over into other areas of the economy given the return to declining home prices."

To find a local quality contractor click here! click here

Pre-Hiring The following information can be used as an outline for choosing a reputable contractor. By utilizing this information, you can potentially eliminate problems by choosing the right contractor the first time. Before committing to a construction project of any kind you should know the following.............

Questions to ask Yourself.
What work needs to be done? Will the work add value to the property? How much do you have budgeted for the work? What inconveniences will be experienced while work is being done?

Getting Bids
You should get at least three competitive bids for your project. Bids will vary from contractor to contractor. Sometimes these bids will vary dramatically. Going for the lowest bid is the basic idea but, beware of the "low ball" bid. This can result in unsatisfactory work that will cost you more in the long run. Make sure that the bids include quality materials that are guaranteed by the supplier or manufacturer. Competitive bids are free of charge and will ensure you pay a competitive price for your project.

Contractors License?
Ask to see their current license. Most states require that contractors be licensed. You should also verify licensing with your Local State License Board. Licensing Info "Click Here"

Contractors Insurance?
Ask for proof of insurance. Take the information and call the insurance company to verify that it is currently up to date. Also, if they have other employees, ask if they have workman's compensation. This is required by law. If the contractor is not insured you could be liable for any accidents. Don't put yourself in this situation.

References
Ask for references!! This can be one of your most valuable resources. You can ask specific questions about the contractor such as " Was the job done in a timely manor ?, Was the work satisfactory ?, Would you refer the contractor to friends or family ?" Also, contact local consumer agency such as the Better Business Bureau or the state registrar to see if any complaints have been filed. Numbers are listed above with the link Local State License Board.

Signing a Contract
Make sure that you understand every detail of the contract before signing. The contract should include complete information on the contractor (ex. name, address, phone numbers, license numbers, etc...) and description of the job (ex. materials, time schedule, clean up after completion, total price, payment terms, etc...). NEVER pay everything up front. The best way to pay for your project is in two separate payments called "draws". One draw in the beginning of the job and the other after the job is completed. This is a happy medium that gives you protection and at the same time allows the contractor to have enough money for needed business supplies and payroll. Sometimes in larger commercial jobs two draws would not make much sense. In this situation several draws should be made as the work progresses. The goal is to find a balance that does not put either the contractor or the client at risk. Also, any warranties need to be in writing. Don't take anything for granted. Get a copy of the contract for your records.

During and Completion
Get involved with the contractor and his crew. Tell them exactly what you want. When the job is done do a final walk through and make a punchlist. Have the contractor touch up or fix anything that is unsatisfactory. Follow Up Upon completion the job should be done up to your standards. The contract and labor warranty are very important things to remember, the contractor should guarantee the labor side of the warranty against certain defects. A one to three year warranty is not uncommon. So, You should be covered by labor (contractor warranty) and there will be a manufacturer warranty that covers the material side of the contract. Another thing to remember: if problems arise during or after the job is completed you can call the state registrar of contractors. If there is no state registrar then call the agency of the level of government that is in charge of that division. They will be able to give you numbers to assist you with your problem. The BBB. is a good number to call also but, they are generally there only to take and keep records of complaints. We want to give you numbers to call for agencies that can take action and help you directly with your problem.