The Shore Drive Blog : March 2008

2216 Sunvista Drive, Pelican Dunes/Aeries on the Bay, off Shore Drive

THIS HOME HAS RENTED, 9 April, 2008 @ $1995/ month

3/10ths of a mile walk to Bay Beach (bottom right photo) on the street, shorter by trails.  $1995 / month, yearly lease.  NICE SINGLE FAMILY HOME NEAR CHESAPEAKE BAY BEACH. OPEN FLOOR PLAN, LARGE BEDROOMS. HAS NEW WINDOWS, SIDING, HEAT PUMP, CARPET & PAINT. REAR DECK, OUTSIDE SHOWER, 1-1/2 CAR GARAGE. WASHER, DRYER, DISHWASHER, SECURITY SYSTEM. CLOSE TO REC CENTER, MARINAS, RESTAURANTS & BAY. JETTED TUB IN MASTER BATH.. Call Mark @ (757) 409-5658.

http://www.markamoore.com/0805305

mmoore@exis.net

Thanks for looking.

While in 2000 we by definition experienced a recession, not many people felt it.  The housing boom was just beginning and many were moving up, or at least felt like it.  It seemed everyone learned about it after it was long gone.

Now all the experts seem to be tiptoeing around the official declaration, so as not to exacerbate the current economic recessionary trend.  In my opinion, if the masses think we are experiencing a recession, it is a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.  Certainly as agents we feel like we are in one.  But comparing today's market directly with the one from 2-3 years ago is not really fair, as that market was very unusual.

We are now hearing the word "stagflation" again, which is defined as slow economic growth and rising unemployment, possibly including recession.

The local and regional economy where I reside appears to be doing better economically than the national average.  But even if the numbers can show that the country is not technically experiencing a recession, does it really matter to you and I?

-Mark

Ocean Park is a neighborhood located in the northern part of the City of Virginia Beach.  It is bordered to the east by Lynnhaven Inlet, to the north by the Chesapeake Bay, to the south by The Lynnhaven River, and to the west by Pelican Dunes/Aeries on the Bay neighborhoods.  It consists primarily of single family homes, duplexes, duplex condos, and townhomes (Mariner's Landing).  There are a few undeveloped lots remaining as well. 

Ocean Park began to take shape in the early 1900's.  With the construction in the 1950's of the first half of the Lesner Bridge over Lynnhaven Inlet, came vehicular traffic on Shore Drive.  For decades it has been the home of the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad.

In the 40s and 50s, more small beach cottages were built often with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath.  A railroad track bisected the neighborhood and it's trestle was all that crossed Lynnhaven Inlet at this time.  The beach was fished by commercial fishermen who still harvest from the old pound nets.

The neighborhood has a variety of home styles.  Recently there has been a bit of building/redevelopment activity.  Many of the old small homes are being replaced by larger, 2-unit condominiums.  This process is referred to as "infill development".  This redevelopment over time creates an eclectic variety of homes, but has also increased population density.  If you are someone who likes subdivisions where all of the homes are somewhat similar to one another, Ocean Park may not be for you.

Ocean Park does have a very active civic association.   Ocean Park has recently becomethe location of the city boat launch facility at the base of the Lesner Bridge at the old dredge spoils site.  Here there is a parking facility, bath house, and beach access.  Nearby is also a small city park with playgrounds for children.

Public schools that Ocean Park feeds into are Thoroughgood Elementary, Great Neck Middle, and Cox High Schools. 

Feel free to post additions, corrections, or questions about Ocean Park.

Cape Story by the Sea is a neighborhood located in the northeast part of the City of Virginia Beach.  It is bordered to the east by Cape Henry Shores and First Landing State Park, to the north by the Chesapeake Bay, to the south by Long Creek and then Bay Island, and to the west by Great Neck Road.  It consists primarily of single family homes, with some duplexes, duplex condos, and at least one small (bay-front) apartment building.  There are still a few vacant lots as well. 

Cape Story began to take shape when lots were platted in the early 1950s and marketed by Ewing Nusbaum Hutcheson Realtors.  Buildable interior lots could be bought for around $200, yes $200.  The bay-front lots were much more expensive at a whopping $700.  This was 1951, and demand was not high.  That would soon change, however.  Even just a year later, similar interior lots were up to $335 and bay-front lots were over $1000.

 Cape Story Beach to Cape Henry - Neighborhood Park/Trail to State Park - Long Creek to the East

In the 50s and 60s, small beach cottages were built typically with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath.  A railroad track bisected the neighborhood where the bike path is today.  The beach was fished by commercial fishermen who still harvest from the old pound nets.

The neighborhood has a variety of home styles.  Recently there has been a bit of building/redevelopment activity.  Many of the old small homes are being replaced by larger, more modern structures.  This process is referred to as "infill development".  There have been interior lots that have sold for over $380,000, that have had structures needing to be torn down.  This redevelopment over time creates an eclectic variety of homes.  If you are someone who likes subdivisions where all of the homes are somewhat similar to one another, Cape Story By The Sea may not be your cup of tea.

Cape Story does have a very active civic association.   Each year they organize the Spring Fling, 4th of July parade through the streets and fireworks display over the bay,  Fall Oyster Roast, and a Santa visits the neighborhood's park in December.

Public schools that Cape Story feeds into are John B. Dey Elementary, Great Neck Middle, and Cox High Schools. 

Hopefully you found this post informative.  Feel free to post additions, corrections, or questions about Cape Story By The Sea.

Regarding a recent blog about newspaper advertising, I am curious as to whether those under the age of thirty or so read their local paper.  I am 38 and I try to read the paper every day, and I specifically pay attention to Saturday's Real Estate Weekly.  I do look specifically at ads from other agents.  The newspaper ads still do a good job with name recognition, I believe.

You constantly hear of the companies that own newspapers whose profits are decreasing, even plunging on the print side.  They make up profits on their internet side.

My question is "do those under 30 read the paper?"

 -Mark

 This is a vacant 60'x115' lot zoned single family.  Neighborhood is bordered to the north by the Chesapeake Bay, on the east by First Landing State Park, and Long Creek to the south.  Lot is 4 homes away from the multi-purpose trail that leads to the state park.

Lot is just a short walk to Chesapeake Bay Beach shown below. 

Civic association dues are $10 per year and neighborhood has Fall Oyster Roast, Spring Fling, Fourth of July parade and fireworks show.

Agent is related to owner.  Owner would consider a trade or mutual sale of an existing house, contact agent for details.   Thanks for looking.  Call Mark A. Moore (757) 409-5658

Link to flyer                            http://www.markamoore.com           mmoore@exis.net

HOME RENTED FOR $2395 STARTING 1 MAY 2008 

Stunning views from this bayfront condo at Lynnhaven Beach (Virginia Beach).  $2395 / month includes water and sewer.  Watch summertime sunsets over the bay from every room.  Two reserved parking spaces.  Walk to Shore Drive restaurants and marinas.  Owner prefers non-smokers with no pets, but may consider a small pet.  Available now. Call Mark @ (757) 409-5658.

http://www.markamoore.com

mmoore@exis.net

Thanks for looking.

Who has luck with craigslist for finding renters or buyers?  I have been posting rental and sale listings for a year or so.  I do tend to delete and repost often to keep my listings higher up on the list, and that is sort of a pain.  I am not sure it is worth it as if a search is made old posts will be found for a 45 day period.

 Thanks,

 -Mark