Mathews Real Estate

There are several homes for sale in Gwynn's Island, email me!

2011-06-22T11:21:00.000-04:00

Sold Listings Report for Mathews and Gloucester Counties, VA

2011-05-02T22:59:00.007-04:00

Gloucester County

01/01/2010-05/02/2010

Total New Listings During This Time Frame: 348

Medium Sold Price: $179,900

Average Sold Price: $194,292

Average Days on Market: 195

Total Sold Dollar Volume Residential: $15,823,112

Total Sold Dollar Volume Land: $497,399

Total Home Sales Sold Dollar Volume: $16,320,511

72 Home Sales

01/01/2011-05/02/2011

Total New Listings During This Time Frame: 310

Medium Sold Price: $191,900

Average Sold Price: $200,103

Average Days on Market: 220

Total Sold Dollar Volume Residential: $16,840,931

Total Sold Dollar Volume Land: $1,568,499

Total Home Sales Sold Dollar Volume: $18,409,430

77 Home Sales

Mathews County

01/01/2010-05/02/2010

Total New Listings During This Time Frame: 134

Medium Sold Price: $186,950

Average Sold Price: $208,740

Average Days on Market: 204

Total Sold Dollar Volume Residential: $5,159,730

Total Sold Dollar Volume Land: $267,500

Total Home Sales Sold Dollar Volume: $5,427,230

23 Home Sales

01/01/2011-05/02/2011

Total New Listings During This Time Frame: 146

Medium Sold Price: $151,500

Average Sold Price: $192,272

Average Days on Market: 273

Total Sold Dollar Volume Residential: $5,202,650

Total Sold Dollar Volume Land: $565,500

Total Home Sales Sold Dollar Volume: $5,768,150

24 Home Sales

Want detailed report on sold properties in the area? Email me and let me know what County you would like to get a Report for and I will send you detailed information, such as listing address, date sold, days on the market, list/sold price, etc.

Click here to request your Sold Listings Report Now!

New Pictures of Listing in Gwynn's Island

2011-04-25T11:46:00.000-04:00

We had such great weather yesterday and I couldn't help but drive over to my new listing at 635 Gwynnsville Rd in Gwynn's Island to take some new pictures of the property. Nothing like natural lighting and blue skies!

Busy Week in Mathews! Virginia Garden Week, Farmers Market, MY PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE IN GWYNN'S ISLAND and Mercy Creek at Southwind!! FUN!

2011-04-11T16:22:00.002-04:00

Spring is here, and Mathews is getting busier and busier! I noticed that the Court Green Farmer's Market is back full force, if you haven't been to the Farmer's Market lately, you have to, a lot has changed, new local vendors, a huge array of veggies, plants, arts and crafts, baked goods, eggs, you name it, you'll find it there. Do check it out! April 16, Saturday 9 am-1 pm

This Thursday, April 14 at noon, the Mathews Memorial Library will have another of its "Brown Bags and Books" event, Lenore Hart, author of “The Raven’s Bride,” will be featured. Her novel retells the emotional story of Edgar Allen Poe and Virginia Clemm. This event is free and open to the public; reservations are not required. Please bring a sack lunch if you wish; beverages will be provided. For more information call 725.5747 or visit www.mathewslibrary.org

Historic Garden Week in Virginia

Celebrating 78 Years of Preserving Virginia’s Heritage

This spring, visitors will step through the gates of more than 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks during “America’s Largest Open House,” April 16-23, 2011. Three dozen Historic Garden Week tours present a rich mosaic of some of the country’s finest properties at the peak of Virginia’s springtime color. Sponsored by The Garden Club of Virginia, local events are scheduled from the Atlantic Ocean to the Allegheny Mountains and will span the centuries from the early 17th through the early 21st. And one of these beautiful properties is right on Gum Thicket Rd. in our very own Gwynn's Island. Go to the Historic Garden Week in Virginia website and get tickets to tour this and other beautiful properties and gardens in Mathews and Gloucester this Saturday, April 16.

GUM THICKET. From Headquarters, turn right on Main St. to light; turn right on Hwy. 14 E for 6 mi., left on Hwy. 3 for 2 mi., right on 198 E for 7.7 mi., left on Cricket Hill Rd. #223 N for 1.8 mi., cross bridge onto Gwynn’s Island. Follow Old Ferry Rd. #633 for 1.8 mi., sharp right continuing on Old Ferry Rd. #633 for 0.6 mi., right on Gum Thicket Rd. #638 for 0.75 mi. Pass through wooden gates to dirt road, third drive on left.
   Classical themes, informed contemporary design, innovative materials, eco-technology and the owners’ extensive collection of global art all meet in Gum Thicket, completed in 2008. Familiar themes of Tidewater architecture, including brick, stone and a copper roof, welcome visitors. An even richer experience lies within. The first-floor walls are glass panels, encompassing a “Revival Pavilion” opening fully to the outside and a spectacular three-quarter view of the water. Green technology is evident throughout, including passive cooling, radiant heat, recycled glass counters and bamboo flooring, yet this remarkable house is designed to withstand a Category IV hurricane.
   The owners’ travels and wide-ranging interests in art and artifacts are apparent in their home. Not only do artworks adorn its walls, but they define much of its very structure. Among these highlights are pieces from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
   The towering and impressive painting over the fireplace is by 86-year-old South African artist Brian Bradshaw. The painting at the top of the stairs is by Peter Hurd, once an apprentice of N.C. Wyeth, but now famous in his own right. The dining table is of Indonesian teak and weighs nearly one thousand pounds. The sleek, open kitchen is by Italian design firm Snaidero.     Open for the first time.Rob Quartel and Michela English, owners.

Right around the corner from this house, I will be hosting an Open House, for one of my new listings, at 635 Gwynnsville Rd./Rt 637. So if you're around Mathews this Saturday come check it out, it will be from 11-4. It is an adorable country/beach cottage, with 3 bed/2.5 baths, a 750 sq ft guest house with 1 bed/1 bath, kitchen and living/office on almost 2 acres. The house was built in 1852, so come on all you old house lovers! You'll fall in love with this one. You can't not fall in love with it, immaculate, charming, cozy, that's what you can expect from it. All the attention to detail, the original hardwood floors, historic kitchen and fence, original kitchen cabinets, Hague Water System, Mitsubishi Split HVAC, and the list goes on and on and on. You have to see it to believe it, I kid you not. So come on over this Saturday, April 16 from 11-4 and preview this adorable house! Hope to see you there, call me at (804)815-3352 or email me at raquelott@gmail.com for details.

After you leave my Open House, you can head over to Southwind Pizza for a cold beer and some awesome live music featuring Mercy Creek. Don't miss it! Music starts at 8pm! It will be a fun filled day!

So, if you don't have any set plans for this upcoming weekend, here's what you can do:

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 7:00 PM WHERE: Third floor of the Halcyon Building, 40 Court Street Entrance

In Recognition of Autism Awareness Month: "Temple Grandin"

The story of a brilliant young woman who becomes a famed animal behaviorist while coping with the stigma of autism.

The film will be hosted by Lisa Peschel McCann and Jennifer Clark Baucom, owners of Bayside Children’s Therapy Network, Inc. in Gloucester who will lead a discussion based on their experience founding our region's first clinic to specialize in pediatric therapy.

Join us for a celebration of the history and possibilities of our most amazing children. Dessert will be served.

From there you have several choices for dinner or a night cap:

The White Dog Inn - on Church St

Southwind Pizza - also on Church St

Chef Todd's - on Main St.

Richardson's Family Restaurant - Main St and Church St

Sandpiper Reef - Hallieford

Then on Saturday, April 16, sleep in, then head over to the Court Green Farmer's Market, check out some yard sales, or the beautiful stores on Church Street or Main Street, such as August Soap on Church St. and Real Goods on Main St. Grab a light lunch and a cold drink, then go check out the Virginia Garden Tour Homes in Gloucester and Mathews, and then come to my Open House at 635 Gwynnsville Rd from 11-4 and after that go to the beach and then come back to Southwind Pizza for libations, dinner and Mercy Creek!

Hope to see you at the Open House and at Southwind on Saturday! See you there!

Raquel Ott, REALTOR®

(804)815-3352 Cell/Text
(804)234-8774 Anywhere Fax
raquelott@satmail.biz
www.raquelott.com

My profiles:
Contact me: raquel.ott

Spring is in the air! Busy week ahead!

2011-04-04T13:03:00.003-04:00

First Monday in April and I've had a busy couple of weeks! Had a closing last week on a short sale in Lancaster County, that went really well. We had submitted an offer in November, short sale was approved in February and we closed end of March. It was a great deal! There are great deals out there if you are not in a hurry, if you DON"T HAVE to buy, and don't have to move into the house within a certain period of time. So this one, where BB&T was the sole lender, took around 4 months from offer submission to seller and closing. Not bad. The buyer was able to buy an adorable home in Lancaster County for under $50,000!

In February, another buyer submitted an offer on an adorable farmhouse in Mathews, that needs some work, but has great bones and comes with 2.5 acres for less than $50,000 as well. Neither are usual in Mathews nor Lancaster County, but you come across those and when you do, you grab it! Closing on that one this week or next. With this one the cash buyer was ready to close within 2 weeks, but once we submitted paperwork, title company found out the deed to the property hadn't been recorded since the sellers had just purchased the property in December and subdivided it and had not recorded the deed. So that delayed closing by 3 to 4 weeks. You'll have that. But sellers should keep that in mind when flipping houses or buying and subdividing, make sure you are ready to sell and close, make sure everything is recorded prior to putting your property on the market, that will save everyone time, grief and money. But all my buyers and sellers happen to be a delight to work with, very patient people, which makes it all so much easier.

I have a contract on a beautiful waterfront property in Cobbs Creek and a Brand Spanking New Listing in Gwynn's Island that won't stay on the market long! If you don't know Gwynn's Island, you don't know what you're missing! Anywhere in the Island you get gentle breezes from the bay, even if you're not on the water. You're never far from the water there. This house for sale in Gwynn's Island on Gwynnsville Road sits on almost 2 acres and the main house has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The master bedroom has a walk in closet and there is so much attention to detail throughout the whole property. From the gorgeous refinished countertop and vanity in the master bathroom, the original hardwood floors, crown molding, granite countertops in the kitchen and wet bar, the exposed beams in the kitchen, the original cabinets, the sunroom, the new deck with outdoor shower, and the list goes on and on and on.

The sellers have put so much love into this house and the property, beautifully landscaped yard, front acre totally fenced in, fenced in brick patio/courtyard surrounded by mature Japanese maple trees and crepe myrtles and featuring an iron fence brought in from a graveyard in Richmond.

This is the home in Gwynn's Island, you are looking at the back deck, and the outdoor shower on the left. The deck overviews the backyard with its mature fruit trees, outbuildings and vegetable garden. Click on the picture to see additional pictures of the property. If interested in this property or if looking for homes for sale in Mathews, Middlesex and Gloucester Counties and pretty much anywhere in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, please call me, Raquel Ott, at (804)815-3352 or email me at raquelott@gmail.com and I will be glad to help you with any real estate questions or inquiries on this or other properties. I look forward to hearing from you!

Have a great week!

Charming New Listing in Gwynn's Island!

2011-04-02T19:49:00.007-04:00

Adorable Beach/Country Cottage right in the heart of beautiful Gwynn's Island, VA. LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! This quaint 3 bedroom/2.5 bath cottage/bungalow sits on almost 2 acres.

Oh, and it also has its own guest cottage! Cute 1 bedroom/1 bath guest cottage, very private, with its very own kitchen and amazing brick floored office. Here are a few pictures of the bedroom and kitchen in the 750 sq ft guest cottage:

In the property there is also a metal boat barn and a gardening shed. 1 acre is totally fenced in, perfect for kids and also for pets!

The courtyard and deck are great for entertaining, cooking out, sitting in the courtyard/brick patio on chilly nights. On the deck that overlooks the extensive well manicured yard is an outdoor shower! Now isn't that fun? The whole house has a great flow, making entertaining a breeze. Speaking of breeze, you're not far from the bay here, so if you're sitting out in the courtyard or deck, you can feel the gentle breezes from the bay!

7 Steps to Take Before You Buy a Home

2011-01-26T22:35:00.000-05:00

7 Steps to Take Before You Buy a Home

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: February 10, 2010

By doing your homework before you buy, you’ll feel more content about your new home.

1. Decide how much home you can afford

Generally, you can afford a home priced 2 to 3 times your gross income. Remember to consider costs every homeowner must cover: property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and community association fees, if applicable, as well as costs specific to your family, such as day care if you plan to have children.

2. Develop your home wish list

Be honest about which features you must have and which you’d like to have. Handicap accessibility for an aging parent or special needs child is a must. Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances are in the bonus category. Come up with your top-five must-haves and top-five wants to help you focus your search and make a logical, rather than emotional, choice when home shopping.

3. Select where you want to live

Make a list of your top-five community priorities, such as commute time, schools, and recreational facilities. Ask your REALTOR® to help you identify three to four target neighborhoods based on your priorities.

4. Start saving

Have you saved enough money to qualify for a mortgage and cover your downpayment? Ideally, you should have 20% of the purchase price set aside for a downpayment, but some lenders allow as little as 5% down. A small downpayment preserves your savings for emergencies.

However, the lower your downpayment, the higher the loan amount you’ll need to qualify for, and if you still qualify, the higher your monthly payment. Your downpayment size can also influence your interest rate and the type of loan you can get.

Finally, if your downpayment is less than 20%, you’ll be required to purchase private mortgage insurance. Depending on the size of your loan, PMI can add hundreds to your monthly payment. Check with your state and local government for mortgage and downpayment assistance programs for first-time buyers.

5. Ask about all the costs before you sign

A downpayment is just one homebuying cost. Your REALTOR® can tell you what other costs buyers commonly pay in your area—including home inspections, attorneys’ fees, and transfer fees of 2% to 7% of the home price. Tally up the extras you’ll also want to buy after you move-in, such as window coverings and patio furniture for your new yard.

6. Get your credit in order

A credit report details your borrowing history, including any late payments and bad debts, and typically includes a credit score. Lenders lean heavily on your credit report and credit score in determining whether, how much, and at what interest rate to lend for a home. Most require a minimum credit score of 620 for a home mortgage.

You’re entitled to free copies of your credit reports annually from the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Order and then pore over them to ensure the information is accurate, and try to correct any errors before you buy. If your credit score isn’t up to snuff, the easiest ways to improve it are to pay every bill on time and pay down high credit card debt.

7. Get prequalified

Meet with a lender to get a prequalification letter that says how much house you’re qualified to buy. Start gathering the paperwork your lender says it needs. Most want to see W-2 forms verifying your employment and income, copies of pay stubs, and two to four months of banking statements.

If you’re self-employed, you’ll need your current profit and loss statement, a current balance sheet, and personal and business income tax returns for the previous two years.

Consider your financing options. The longer the loan, the smaller your monthly payment. Fixed-rate mortgages offer payment certainty; an adjustable-rate mortgage offers a lower monthly payment. However, an adjustable-rate mortgage may adjust dramatically. Be sure to calculate your affordability at both the lowest and highest possible ARM rate.

More from HouseLogic

Learn how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgages can help you save on financing

Learn more about the costs of homeownership

Other web resources

Homebuyer counseling resources
Get a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus
G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has thrice survived the homebuying process. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Pending Home Sales Continue Recovery, Gradual Improvement Seen in 2011

2011-01-19T21:34:00.002-05:00

January 2011

Pending Home Sales Continue Recovery, Gradual Improvement Seen in 2011

Washington, DC, December 30, 2010

Pending home sales rose again in November, with the broad trend over the past five months indicating a gradual recovery into 2011, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator, rose 3.5 percent to 92.2 based on contracts signed in November from a downwardly revised 89.1 in October. The index is 5.0 percent below a reading of 97.0 in November 2009. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which normally occur with a lag time of one or two months.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said historically high housing affordability is boosting sales activity. “In addition to exceptional affordability conditions, steady improvements in the economy are helping bring buyers into the market,” he said. “But further gains are needed to reach normal levels of sales activity.”

The PHSI in the Northeast increased 1.8 percent to 72.6 in November but is 6.2 percent below November 2009. In the Midwest the index declined 4.2 percent in November to 78.3 and is 7.7 percent below a year ago. Pending home sales in the South slipped 1.8 percent to an index of 91.4 and are 7.2 percent below November 2009. In the West the index jumped 18.2 percent to 123.3 and is 0.4 percent above a year ago.

“If we add 2 million jobs as expected in 2011, and mortgage rates rise only moderately, we should see existing-home sales rise to a higher, sustainable volume,” Yun said. “Credit remains tight, but if lenders return to more normal, safe underwriting standards for creditworthy buyers, there would be a bigger boost to the housing market and spillover benefits for the broader economy.”

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is forecast to rise gradually to 5.3 percent around the end of 2011; at the same time, unemployment should drop to 9.2 percent.

For perspective, Yun said that the U.S. has added 27 million people over the past 10 years. “However, the number of jobs is roughly the same as it was in 2000 when existing-home sales totaled 5.2 million, which appears to be a sustainable figure given the current level of employment,” he explained.

“All the indicator trends are pointing to a gradual housing recovery,” Yun said. “Home price prospects will vary depending largely upon local job market conditions. The national median home price, however, is expected to remain stable even with a continuing flow of distressed properties coming onto the market, as long as there is a steady demand of financially healthy home buyers.”

Existing-home sales are projected to rise about 8 percent to 5.2 million in 2011 from 4.8 million in 2010, with an additional gain of 4 percent in 2012. The median existing-home price could rise 0.6 percent to $173,700 in 2011 from $172,700 in 2010, which was essentially unchanged from 2009.

“As we gradually work off the excess housing inventory, supply levels will eventually come more in-line with historic averages, and could allow home prices to rise modestly in the range of 2 to 3 percent in 2012,” Yun said.

New-home sales are estimated to rise 24 percent to 392,000 in 2011, but would remain well below historic averages, while housing starts are forecast to rise 21 percent to 716,000.

Yun sees Gross Domestic Product growing 2.5 percent in 2011, and the Consumer Price Index rising 2.3 percent.

The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

# # #

*The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing.

The index is based on a large national sample, typically representing about 20 percent of transactions for existing-home sales. In developing the model for the index, it was demonstrated that the level of monthly sales-contract activity parallels the level of closed existing-home sales in the following two months. There is a closer relationship between annual index changes (from the same month a year earlier) and year-ago changes in sales performance than with month-to-month comparisons.

An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001, which was the first year to be examined as well as the first of five consecutive record years for existing-home sales.

NOTE: The next Pending Home Sales Index will be released January 27, and existing-home sales for December will be reported January 20; release times are 10:00 a.m. EST.

REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not all real estate agents are REALTORS®. All REALTORS® are members of NAR.

Information about NAR is available at www.realtor.org. This and other news releases are posted in the News Media section. Statistical data, tables and surveys also may be found by clicking on Research.

Note:

Wishing Well at 11221 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews VA

2010-04-22T19:35:00.005-04:00

Here you can find detailed information on this beautiful 3 Bedroom/2 Bathroom American Foursquare centrally located in Mathews Courthouse, Circa 1910. Click on the links below for more information:

30 Second Video on Animoto
On Postlets
On realtor.com
On Zillow
On Google Maps
On Yahoo
On Trulia
Picture Album of 11221 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA

Sold Report for Mathews 2009/2010

2010-04-22T18:57:00.002-04:00

Beautiful American Foursquare in Mathews, VA $217,000

2010-04-22T18:29:00.000-04:00

Beautiful American Foursquare in Mathews, VA $217,000

Open House Weekend Update

2010-04-14T09:57:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm glad to report that the Open House Weekend at my new listing at 11221 Buckley Hall Rd went extremely well. The house is centrally located, which gave it more exposure than other Open Houses in town that weekend, that were located in more remote areas.
On Saturday, my friend Jill stopped by to give me some feedback on the house, and help me identify the architectural style of the house. She said it was an American Foursquare. While she was still there, another lady came in, and a couple came in at about the same time as well. They were referred by another agent. This was right at around 1pm. A little after 3pm, a cars pulls in, they knock on the door and ask it if is too late. It was 2 ladies offering their services as Stagers. As soon as they leave, at almost 4pm (Open House was from 1-3) someone else knocks on the door, it's the agent who sent her clients in earlier. While she is there, another knock on the door, it's a couple, the lady's grandmother used to live in the house a long, long time ago. She said she and her husband drive by often and always wanted to come in the house to see what had changed. So they came in, she said that she remembers that there were tenants upstairs, and that where the nursery is it used to be a small kitchen, with a tiny balcony, the balcony is not there anymore, the door still is.
Downstairs, she said where the dining room is it used to be her grandma's bedroom, and the den used to be her dining room.
It was an interesting visit.
To be continued...

Wishing Well on Google Maps

2010-04-09T15:41:00.001-04:00

View Wishing Well at 11221 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, Va 23109 in a larger map

Home Sweet Home in the Heart of Mathews, VA

2010-04-09T11:20:00.000-04:00

Home Sweet Home in the Heart of Mathews, VA

New Listing & Open House Weekend! Saturday & Sunday 1pm-3pm

2010-04-08T09:22:00.001-04:00

Raquel Ott | ERA Bay and River Real Estate | (804)815-3352

11221 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA

Location! Location! Location! In the middle of Mathews, walk to stores, restaurants, farmer's market! Close to public boat landing, beaches!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $217,000

Year Built	1910
Sq Footage	1,780
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	None
Lot Size	1.54 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Charming colonial circa 1910, centrally located in Mathews Courthouse, walking distance to schools, restaurants, post office and grocery stores,quick bike ride to Haven Beach. County says 3 bedrooms but there's also a bonus room currently used as nursery.

Warm up by the wood stove in the living room or enjoy the summer breeze on the front porch. Great first time home buyer opportunity, close to schools, and everything in Mathews.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Hardwood floor	- Tile floor	- Living room
- Office/Den	- Dining room	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Washer	- Dryer
- Laundry area - inside	- Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Front
Front Yard	View from Side
Kitchen

Contact info:

Raquel Ott

ERA Bay and River Real Estate

(804)815-3352

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 8, 2010, 5:12am PDT

Public Service Survey for People Relocating to Mathews and Surrounding Area: Leave a Comment

2010-03-10T12:01:00.003-05:00

I was asked by a friend who works at the Mathews Visitor's Center to answer the following question:

What are questions new people to the county ask?

trash pick-up

internet access...

What else?
She is trying to put together a package for newcomers, can we help her by answering that question? Leave a comment with your answer!
Thanks!
Raquel

Countdown to Spring!!

2010-02-17T22:44:00.002-05:00

Countdown till Spring!
I don't know about you, but I am ready for warmer, sunny days!
If you're a seller, you should start (or actually have started) getting ready to put your house on the market now, before spring!
If you're scheduling a trip to Mathews anytime soon, give me a call or email me to schedule some showings. There are lots of new listings on the market!

Sales Survey Comparison for Mathews & Gloucester
01/01/07 - 02/16/07
01/01/08 - 02/16/08
01/01/09 - 02/16/09
01/01/10 - 02/16/10

Wishing You a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2010!

2009-12-20T14:18:00.005-05:00

"The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee", not a very inspiring title, but a beautiful message.

The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full.
They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full.
The students responded with a unanimous 'yes....'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured their entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed..
'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car..
The sand is everything else---the small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Spend time with your children..
Spend time with your parents.
Visit with grandparents.
Take your spouse out to dinner.
Play another 18.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter.
Set your priorities.
The rest is just sand.
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.'
The coffee just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a coffee with a friend..

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, filled with love, warmth and peace, and that the New Years brings us all many many things to be grateful for, success, love and Happiness!

Searching for homes? Try our website!

Open House Tuesdays!

2009-10-13T21:02:00.007-04:00

Tuesday is Open House day for agents in this area. Today we had 6 of them, all in Gloucester and Hayes. One of them was canceled. The first one was in Holly Springs, great location, beautiful 2 story colonial, built in 1996. 3 Beds/2.5 Baths, 1710 sq ft on .68 acre. One of my favorite features on this one was the back deck with an above ground pool, and the tile floors downstairs. The house is listed in the $200's. Brent served barbecue and coleslaw which were really good. From there I headed to Hayes. This second one was a 3 Bedroom/2 Bathroom rancher, with a huge detached garage which is heated. Beautiful layout, nice rear deck, fenced yard. Great for a first home! Priced in the low $200's. Cathleen served a delicious hot crab dip with crackers, cheese, fruit and iced tea.
Not far from that one was another rancher, spacious 3 Bed/2 Bath home has it! Large bonus room over garage, office/study, private Master suite with full bath. Brand new carpet throughout. New windows, large fenced in back yard. Home Warranty. Amy has it listed in the low $200's.
Just down the road is Alison's listing, in the high $200's. Beautiful place, you must see it to truly appreciate it. Spacious eat in kitchen, family room, huge fireplace in family/living room, spacious master suite with lots of closets and a large walk in closet and large master bathroom as well. Beautiful kitchen with a bay window overlooking the rear deck that features a hot tub! Master suite opens up to rear deck as well. 2 car attached and 2 car detached garage! Must see! 3 Bed/2.5 bath, and 2391 sq ft!! Alison had sandwiches and lemonade.

Last but not least, is this 3 Bed/3.5 Bath Colonial on Quail Hollow. Darling home, great layout, top of the line stainless steel appliances, beautiful screened in porch, ready to move in! Another must see!! Priced in the high $200's.

Homes I've Previewed Lately

2009-10-10T09:46:00.034-04:00

Here are some listings I have previewed in the last few months. Some of them were open houses, some of them I showed or previewed for clients. Let me know if you would like more information on any of them!

This is a beautiful farmhouse in Mathews, with 40 acres, offered in the low $200's. Very private, lots of potential here.

This one is a cute farmhouse with over 17 acres in Gloucester. Beautiful grounds. Very Private.

3 Bed/3 Bath in North Gloucester, waterfront, on 2.42 Acres on the Piankatank

Cape Cod circa 1945 in beautiful Gwynns Island

The Hyco House in central Mathews. Centrally located right in town, great potential for a Bed and Breakfast, 8 Bedrooms/6 Bathrooms.

4 Bed/2.5 Bath Farmhouse in Mathews. 2463 sq ft, 1.95 acres; Inground swimming pool, waterviews of the Mobjack Bay. Needs a little TLC. Offered in the low $200's!!

3 Bed/3 Bath Farmhouse in Mathews, on 3.8 acres, circa 1900, 3000 sq ft

3 Bed/2.5 Bath farmhouse, circa 1850 in Saluda. On 2.5 acres

5 Bed/2 Bath Cape Cod in Mathews, circa 1922 on 1.9 acres. Offered in the $200's

4 Bed/2 Bath Victorian in Hallieford. 3.3 acres, quiet private setting, 3000 sq ft, built in 1924

Gorgeous farmhouse in Middlesex County, with deeded water access and waterview of the Rappahannock River. Move in ready. 4 Bed/3.5 Baths, circa 1649. 2831 sq ft, on 1.5 acres. Offered in the low $400's

3 Bed/2 Bath Colonial in Gloucester, circa 1846. Offered in the low $200's

3 Bed/1.5 Bath Cape Cod in Mathews. Completely updated, move-in ready. Beautiful landscaping. Low $200's

3 Bed/1 Bath Farmhouse on 25.804 acres in Mathews. Circa 1910, offered in the low $200's. This is grandma's house at its best. Very private and quaint.

So private! The Bluff in West Point on the Pamunkey River! Must see to appreciate it! 4 Bed/3 Bath Ranch on 3.43 acres. Endless views of the River. Great water depth.

Beautiful fixer upper Victorian, circa 1900 in Gloucester, waterfront on the York River. Offered in the low $400's

Privacy abounds. Beautiful setting on the on Harpers Creek off the Piankatank in Gloucester. 3 Bed/2.5 Bath on 5.24 acres.

4 Bed/2 Bath Colonial/Farmhouse in Mathews, beautifully restored, on 6.5 acres, circa 1834.

3 Bed/2 Bath ranch in Gloucester, on 2 acres.

3 Bed/2 Bath rancher in Gloucester on over 5 acres! Beautiful location! Parklike grounds!

3 Bed/3 Bath Farmhouse in Gloucester. Completely renovated, on 7.27 acres, mature trees, must see it to appreciate it! Picture doesn't do it justice.

Charming 3 Bed/2.5 Bath Waterfront Victorian in Gloucester, on the Piankatank. Very private setting!

Darling 3 Bed/2 Bath rancher in Mathews. Offered in the $150's. Completely renovated, custom cabinets, must see!

4 Bed/2 Bath farmhouse in Irvington. Walk to Irvington Shops, Vineyards and close to Carter Creek's Marinas

3 Bed/2.5 Bath Farmhouse in Irvington. G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!!!

Another one in Irvington! Too precious, close to Carter Creek, beautiful grounds, courtyard, fish pond. 3 Bed/2.5 Bath Farmhouse circa 1876.

I attended 5 Open Houses this week, and these are the listings I've seen:

Huge potential for a Bed and Breakfast this one. 4 Bed/2 Bath Historical Victorian in Mathews on 7.8 acres on Put in Creek off the East River. Amazing place, so many possibilities!

4 Bed/2.5 Bath Cape Cod circa 1928 on 9 acres in Mathews. Close to town and public beach. Offered in the low $200's.

Another one that you must see to really appreciate it. I was blown away. 3 Bed/3.5 Bath waterfront ranch/contemporary on 2.65 acres in Mathews, on the East River. Immaculate. Pier, jetski lift, great views, hot tub, too many features to mention. You must check this one out!

Another one that really needs to be seen to be appreciated. Some homes are just that way, just like people, some people photograph so well others you need to work really hard to capture its soul in one picture. This one is in Mathews, on Winter Harbor, 3 Beds/3 Baths on 6.85 acres! 777' of waterfrontage! MUST SEE!!

I always wanted to see this one, I showed the waterfront lot next to it which is also wonderful. On the Mobjack Bay, surrounded by mature trees, endless views of Mobjack Bay and spectacular sunsets! 3 Bed/3 Bath Beach house on 1.1 acre in Mathews.

Market Comparison Report June-August 08/09 Sales are Up!

2009-09-25T13:16:00.000-04:00

Market Comparison Report
Dates:	06/01/2009 to 08/31/2009
	06/01/2008 to 08/31/2008
Property Types:
Areas:	,Mathews-North,Mathews-Central,Mathews-South

	Jun 1 - Aug 31, 2008		Jun 1 - Aug 31, 2009		Difference		Percentage
Property Type	Units	Dollars	Units	Dollars	Units	Dollars	Units	Dollars
Residential	19	6,527,195.00	29	10,263,500.00	10	3,736,305.00	52.63	57.24
Land	6	801,500.00	6	548,970.00	0	-252,530.00	0.00	-31.51
Commercial	0	0.00	0	0.00	0	0.00
Totals:	25	7,328,695.00	35	10,812,470.00	10	3,483,775.00	40.00	47.54

New Company, Lots of Showings

2009-09-19T20:38:00.003-04:00

September has been a very busy month for me so far! It started with closing on a listing, the one on York Haven Lane was sold and closed on September 3rd, it sold for $630,000. Then right after that I was invited to join ERA Bay and River Real Estate, which I accepted and I am not a part of the ERA Bay and River team. I went to 6 open houses this week, showed 8 listings today (all older homes, older historical homes, before 1940's and older and will be showing 4 other listings tomorrow morning. Have shown listings in West Point, King and Queen, Jamaica, Saluda, Mathews, Gwynn's Island and Land in Lancaster, Northumberland and Mathews counties.

Market Activity in our MLS in July, for Mathews, Middlesex & Gloucester County

2009-08-03T20:20:00.001-04:00

Market Activity in our MLS in July

New Listings (158)
Price Change (148)
Sold (70)
Pending Listings (63)
Expired Listings (80)

For the buyers looking for Waterfront Home on Davis Creek in Gloucester:

2009-07-28T12:51:00.004-04:00

This is for the buyers that were looking for a waterfront home for sale on Davis Creek in Gloucester, there aren't any listings on Davis Creek in our MLS at the moment, there are however, 7 waterfront listing on the North River, in Gloucester, and they range in price from $485,000 for a beautiful 4 bed/2 bath contemporary romantic river home on 2.14 acres, really gorgeous, up to $2,200,000 for large luxury estates ( one has over 5.4 acres, the other 37+ acres of elegance on the North River). Interested? Want to hear about the other 4 listings? Contact me and we can schedule a showing!

Homes for Sale in Gwynn's Island, Va

2009-07-27T19:08:00.001-04:00

There are 10 active listings in Gwynn's Island, in our mls. They range in price from $189,900 up to $679,000. Looking for homes in that area? Let me know and I can email you the mls sheets for them!

Rivers, Streams, Bays and Creeks of Gloucester, VA

2009-07-27T10:18:00.006-04:00

York River
Jones Creek
Carter Creek
Briggs Cove
Cedarbush Creek
Poplar Creek
Mumfort Islands
Gloucester Point
Quarter Point
Gaines Point
Cowpen Neck
Allens Island
Cooper Point
Cuba Island
Timberneck Creek
Green Point
Chesapeake Bay
Sarah Creek
Northwest Branch
Bush Point
Northeast Branch
Jenkins Neck
Sandy Point
Big Island
Hell Neck
Gum Point
Guinea Marshes
Guinea Neck
Perrin River
Mobjack Bay
Monday Creek
Little Monday Creek
Browns Bay
John West Creek
Blevins Creek
Long Creek
King Creek
Glass Bay
Cedar Point
Cedar Neck
Lady Creek
Butler Creek
Thomas Creek
Bill Browns Creek
Holly Bush Creek
Rowes Creek
Thornton's Creek
Heywood Creek
Broad Marsh
Willetts Creek
Saddlers Neck
Vaughns Creek or
Vaughans Creek
Brays Landing
Bar Neck
Cod Point
Blunderring Point
Barren Point
Bryant Bay
Sterling Creek
Free School Creek
Whittaker Creek
School Neck Point
Robins Neck
Turtle Neck Point
Mud Point
Caucus Bay
Parsons Bay
Seven Cedar Point
Deep Point
Four Point Marsh
Two Stake Point
Ware River Point
Goat Point Creek
Sinclair Creek
Page Creek
Oldhouse Creek
Windmill Point
Roanes Wharf
Wilson Creek
Fox Mill Run
Deacons Neck
Ware Neck
Jarvis Point
Ware Neck Point
Silver Creek
Horse Point
Davis Creek
Lone Point
Ware River
North River
Severn River
Piankatank River
Anderson Point
Poropotank River
Poropotank Bay
Purtan Bay

Listing Presentation

2009-06-16T19:11:00.004-04:00

When you list your house with me, this is what you'll get:

Trulia
Zillow
Local MLS
Featured Listing on this Blog (My Main Blog)
Featured on IsaBell K. Horsley Real Estate, Ltd main website
Mass Mail to Chesapeake Bay and River Association of Realtors Members
A Forever Expanding Database/Mailing List with over 1,000 of Realtors in all over Virginia, who will receive an email with your listing when it is first listed, and periodically if any changes are made to the listing
Postlets : Online FREE Flyer service. Beautiful flyers that are automatically syndicated to Backpage, DotHomes, Enormo, FrontDoor, Google Base, HotPads, Oodle, Local.com, Lycos, Trulia, Vast & Zillow. Plus I share/post the flyer on Facebook, Twitter & Myspace, and, best of all, I post it on Craigslist very often. Every 2 days in a different Craigslist location such as: Norfolk/Hampton Roads, Richmond, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, Washington DC & Maryland.
I will take as many pictures as possible, with a 10 megapixel digital camera, and have as many pictures as any of these websites will allow me to. I will also have an online picture album with all the pictures, full sized and full resolution, so they are always available online, in one central location, and I will link to it from flyers, and wherever the property is listed.
Open House: When the house first comes on the market - an agent open house for all agents, then a public open house where postcards are sent to homeowners in the neighborhood, an ad on the paper announcing the upcoming open house and baloons and signs are placed at strategic places leading to the house - IF owners want an open house. We have not had much success with open houses lately, but I will hold one for you if you would like one.
High quality signage at property and in strategic areas leading to the property
Beautiful listing with pictures on the Gazette-Journal
Ads on other local papers, and newspapers in all over Virginia, depending on the listing, some listings sell better in Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads Newspapers than others.
Single Property Website - Street address domain name, mobile, SMS TXT Flyers, and one-click Feeds, Flyers and Widgets;

Working on a Listing Presentation Portfolio

2009-06-16T09:45:00.002-04:00

I am now working on a Listing Presentation to attach to this blog, to let all sellers know what my game plan is, how I can market their home to sell faster and for the best price.

In Memory of Matt - 1987-2009

2009-06-02T11:00:00.012-04:00

Today's post has nothing to do with Real Estate. Today we received the devastating news that Matt, Mathew Ryan Roberts, my 21 year old step son, was shot and killed by his girlfriend's dad last night. Only 21, barely of the drinking age, had so much potential, also very troubled. We had hopes for him, so handsome, could be so attentive at times, but led a very intense life. Came all the way from South Florida to find his way and peace here in small town Mathews, maybe spend time with me and his dad, hang out at the island, go out on jetskis meet some good friends, go to college. That never happened for as soon as he got here he always managed to associate with people who were not the best influence on him. I wish he could have been happier, and stayed out of trouble, but kids don't usually make the best decisions... and his lead to this tragic ending. I saw him two weeks ago, he was looking for a job, trying to get things right, looked good, smelled nice, seemed happy. He gave me a long squeeze then. That was the last time I've seen him, and I want that image of him to stay with me. Only 21...
Matt, like a lot of kids his age, loved video games, smoked Newports, loved weird cartoons and Adult swim... He liked movies... He could write like nobody else... Wanted to become a sports writer, or a sports caster... and he was good at it... Knew anything about sports, any teams, any sports... He was a damn good chess player... beat his own dad (and Terry too!!) at chess... He was a ladies' man... For the last few years, he's been a one lady's man... the one whose father eventually pulled the trigger on Matt...
Matthew was also a poet... he wrote a lot... wrote beautiful letters too... Here's one of his poems...

Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day
You fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way.
Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town
Waiting for someone or something to show you the way.

Tired of lying in the sunshine staying home to watch the rain.
You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today.
And then one day you find ten years have got behind you.
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.

So you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it's sinking
Racing around to come up behind you again.
The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older,
Shorter of breath and one day closer to death.

Every year is getting shorter never seem to find the time.
Plans that either come to naught or half a page of scribbled lines
Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way
The time is gone, the song is over,
Thought I'd something more to say.

wanting to demolish the bridges behind me
so that there's no choice left but to move forward

I am 20 years old.
I've been through a lot already, but not nearly enough.
Half the time I feel much older, the other half I feel younger.
I am still learning how to be honest with and about myself.

Matthew Ryan Roberts 1987-2009

http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-now-mathews-homicide.j2,0,6000680.story
http://hamptonroads.com/2009/06/man-shot-and-killed-overnight-mathews-county
http://www.wvec.com/news/topstories/stories/wvec_local_060209_mathews_homicide_.3f1f1af6.html
http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-local_mathomicide_0603jun03,0,487625.story
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=4226712&cl=13783979&src=news

Some Changes, Exciting New Places in Mathews, VA

2009-05-27T12:07:00.005-04:00

Well, if you haven't been to Mathews,Va since last summer, you have to come back this summer because there are so many new things going on here. For real. Richardson's Restaurant at the corner of Church & Main Street? MOVED. Moved down the street on Main Street across from the Bay School, where Bartlett's used to be. The new "Richardson's" is now called "Chef Todd's" and the service and food seem to be the same.
Southwind Pizza now opens an extra night a week, for dinner on Wednesdays, yay! There is another new restaurant in town called Stanstrings, in Cobbs Creek, they have really great food, breakfast, lunch and dinner, their pizza seems to be really good. I am sure Roz's Deli in Gwynns Island was already there last year, but some people are not aware of it as it is kind of "out of town". Great gourmet food, soups, wraps, sandwiches, wine, etc. And, what I have really been looking forward to all year: "The White Dog Inn", almost next door to Southwind Pizza, where the daycare "Bullfrogs and Butterflies" used to be. They are opening the first week in June (hopefully, if all go as planned) and they are going to have 2 guest rooms on second floor (B&B), a Coffee House/Shoppe, Bistro and Cocktail Bar.... Now how exciting is that??? Very, for me. They are going to have outdoor dining, outdoor bar, maybe live music from time to time, 1 or 2 beers on tap, among other great features. Also, the Pub, "Hops and Barley" closed last year, and will soon reopen under a different name and management. They would like to open this summer as well, maybe June, July? I need to get more info on that one, I took a picture of the posters they have up, and all I can remember is that they will have a buffet... More on that later. Ok, just saw that they put a sign up today, and they it says "Cap'n Ralph's Restaurant and Tavern". Also, the building where Richardson's used to be will reopen soon as well, under a similar name, Richardson's Cafe, I believe, and all I read in the poster was that they will serve your usual diner fare, with a healthy twist, plus ice cream. Also, the Dry Cleaners (Village Cleaners) now only occupies part of the building and the front of the building is going to be a gourmet store, with local gourmet foods, local stuff, wines from Virginia, etc. I am not sure of what they're calling the store. Ok, I just checked, they have a sign up and they are called "Real Goods". And last, but not least, Maggie's closed and now where Maggie's used to be is "Total Package : Home Decor, Antiques and Family Apparel". Now isn't that a lot for small town Mathews, for one summer? I want to take this opportunity to wish all these courageous entrepreneurs all the success in the world, let's strengthen our local economy!!!Look forward to seeing you all around Mathews this summer!

Waterfront Land in Mathews VA

2009-05-22T18:35:00.004-04:00

There are currently 51 waterfront LAND listings in Mathews County right now, that are in the MLS I belong to. There are probably a few more FSBO or in different MLS. But here is the breakdown on waterfront listings in CBRAR mls today, for Mathews County:

They range from $13,900 up to $3,000,000 where the $13,000 one is for recreational purposes only "This is a peninsula of land known as the Landing in the original Horn Harbor subdivision. It is surrounded by the water of Horn Harbor on one side and a cove on the other. It could be used for recreational purposes and has the possibility for a pier to be built. No current pier permit. Subdivision survey on file. Some sandy beach/shore. Wide views of Horn Harbor and good water depth for a pier" and the $3,000,000 is 13 acres in Hallieford : "SPECTACULAR POINT OF LAND WITH EXTENSIVE VIEWS ACROSS HILLS BAY AND BEYOND TO THE CHESAPEAKE BAY. VIEWS OF GWYNN ISLAND ACROSS QUEEN'S CREEK AND DEEP WATER ON THE COVE OF QUEEN'S CREEK. THIS PENINSULA OF CLEARED LAND, SMALL FOREST AND BEACH IS IDEAL FOR A FAMILY ESTATE".

Statistics (51 listings)
	Low	High	Average	Median	Total
List Price	$13,900	$3,000,000	$401,494	$289,000	$20,476,200
Days on Market	3	1103	269	184	--

The first, lowest in price, residential waterfront lot in Mathews right now is 2.5 acres on Blackwater Creek, at $89,000. There are 2 other lots adjacent to it, also for sale, all 3 cleared.
"BLACKWATER CREEK WATERFRONT & WATER ACCESS SUBDIVISION - LOT 3 - 2.50 ACRES READY TO BUILD ON - SEPTIC LETTER & SURVEY IN HAND- HEADWATERS OF BLACKWATER CREEK HOWEVER THERE IS A NICE COMMON AREA WITH PIER TO BE INSTALLED BY SELLER -QUICK TO GLOUCESTER 4 BEDROOM SEPTIC LETTER"

Then there is a 1.9 acre lot on Sloop Creek, listed at $99,950. Description says " SEE THE STUNNING SUNSETS AND BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF EAST RIVER, MOBJACK BAY AND PICTURESQUE SLOOP CREEK. CLOSEST LOT TO OUTLET TO BAY. A WATERFRONT VALUE. MUST SEE TO APPRECIATE. NICE PRIVATE ROAD, WONDERFUL WATERFRONT BUILDING LOT"

I selected 37 of those residential waterfront below $400,000 and here are the stats:

Statistics (37 listings)
	Low	High	Average	Median	Total
List Price	$89,000	$395,000	$242,346	$260,000	$8,966,800
Days on Market	3	1103	262	166	--

Hope it gives you some insight on what is available here in Mathews, as waterfront land goes!1
Happy Memorial Day!

Great Article : REAL ESTATE: If your life is stable, it's time to buy

2009-05-21T15:40:00.002-04:00

Today's market for residential real estate is made up of deals arising from broken loan modifications, short sales, foreclosures, bank owned properties, distressed sellers, receiverships and bankruptcy trustees.

This market is inefficient and chaotic. People want a bargain, and many are willing to wait for several months working through the short sale process. Others are willing to be a part of a frenzied bidding war over a bank-owned house.
Read more...

Mathews County Quick Facts and Statistics

2009-05-17T22:00:00.009-04:00

Mathews County QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau
Mathews County Cadastral Maps
Mathews County, Virginia Free Public Records Directory
Mathews County, Virginia History & Statistics

Location/History

Mathews County is located on the eastern tip of Virginia's Middle Peninsula, which is formed by the Rappahannock River, the York River and the Chesapeake Bay. The County covers 87 square miles, and has a shoreline of 214 miles. The county is 80 miles east from the state capital of Richmond, 65 miles north from Hampton Roads and 155 miles southeast from the nation's capital, Washington, D.C.

The county is rich in history. Mathews was originally called Werowocomico by the Chiskiake Indians. This tribe originated in present day York County. After the 1622 and 1644 rebellions, they were given a reservation on the southern bank of the Piankatank River. The Chiskiakes "became extinct" during Bacon's Rebellion in the 1670's. Some historians believe that they joined larger, surviving tribes. However, claims of Chiskiake ancestry are not uncommon among African-Americans in Northern Gloucester and Mathews Counties. Needless to say, more than a few of the tribe were sold into slavery.

English settlement of the area began around 1650. The area known as Mathews was once Kingston Parish, part of Gloucester County. The county's oldest continuing church, Kingston Parish (Episcopal), circa 1652, remains active to this day.

Mathews played an important role in Revolutionary War history. Cricket Hill, near the county's Gwynn's Island, was the site of one of the first naval engagements of the Revolutionary War. In 1776, Lord Dunmore, the last colonial governor of Virginia, established a stronghold on Gwynn's Island. In June of that year, Continental forces led by General Andrew Lewis at Cricket Hill bombarded the British fleet and an army of troops and loyalist followers encamped on the Island who were planning the re-conquest of the region. Lord Dunmore, along with Maryland's fleeing Royal Governor who had joined him there, was forced to return to England. This marked the end of British rule in Virginia.

Also during that conflict, an earthwork fort was built near the county's present border with Gloucester County. Called "Fort Nonsense," it was designed to slow the progress of an expected invasion of the county's mainland and ultimately Williamsburg, the colonial capital, from Gwynn's Island. The success of General Lewis made use of the fort unnecessary. The fort still exists, though overgrown with woodlands.

Mathews was an established shipbuilding center for the Chesapeake Bay. The county was once covered with forests of Live Oak trees, the wood of which is very well suited to ship construction. The Continental Navy built many of its ships in Mathews during the American Revolution. By 1791, 12 sailing ships over 20 tons each were built in a single year in Mathews. Between 1790 and 1820, approximately a third of the ships built in Virginia came from Mathews. The sharp, fast vessels, popularly known as "Baltimore Clippers," were built throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. Before the War of 1812, these fast ships were simply known as "Virginia built."

In 1791, Major Thomas Mathews, a Revolutionary War veteran and Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, introduced a resolution in that House calling for the formation of the new county consisting of the Kingston Parish of Gloucester County. Because of his support of the resolution, the new county was named for him.

In 1804, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Elzy Burroughs of Stafford County, Virginia to build a stone lighthouse at the county's southern tip - New Point Comfort. Together with his family, Mr. Burroughs had earlier constructed the stone lighthouse at Old Point Comfort in Hampton, Virginia, at the foot of Fort Monroe and another light at Smith Point at the mouth of the Potomac, since destroyed. New Point Comfort lighthouse still stands, perched on a lonely outcropping of rock as the land around it has been washed away by the action of the Chesapeake Bay. Today the lighthouse can only be accessed by boat. The structure has been named one of the ten most endangered resources in Virginia. However, exciting efforts are underway to rescue this precious historic resource. Another lighthouse, Wolf Trap Light, stands guard offshore of central Mathews in the Chesapeake Bay as well.

From 1802 to 1844, Mathews was an official port of entry for the registration and enrollment of ships. During this period, 10,000 vessels called at the "Port of East River." The customs house stood at Williams Wharf (marker 13), which was a center of maritime activity until the steamers quit running earlier this century.

The War Between the States found most Mathews County residents solidly behind the Southern Cause. Many of the county's young men joined the Confederate service. One became a General (Lane), and another a personal aide to General Robert E. Lee (Major Giles B. Cooke). Confederate irregular forces operated from the county, and did much damage to Federal forces on the Eastern Shore and other areas. The unofficial "Confederate Coast Guard" was active in Mathews. The effect of Mathews County irregulars on Union interests was apparently so great that Federal forces were sent into the County in 1864 to stop it. Abraham Lincoln mentioned this incursion into Mathews in his reelection Inauguration Address. Another Mathews resident, Captain Sally Tompkins, was appointed the only female Confederate officer by President Jefferson Davis. The appointment assisted her in the running of a hospital in Richmond during the war.

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, water was the highway, and Mathews County had a front row seat. With 2.46 miles of shoreline in Mathews for every square mile of land, boats were the standard means of travel. The arrival of steamboats at area piers with passengers and cargo from Norfolk, Newport News or Baltimore was a daily highlight.

As Mathews entered the 20^th Century, her residents continued their close relationship with the sea. Mathews men traditionally joined the merchant marine, with many becoming ship captains. It was commonly said that “the sun never set on Mathews County seamen” as they were known to be found all over the globe. World War II brought the menace of Hitler’s U-Boat packs. In the early days of the war (1942-43), the merchant marine became the supply lifeline to a desperate England, suffering under “the Blitz.” Mathews local papers weekly recorded the grizzly toll as local Mathews men were killed in German U-Boat attacks along the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean. In 1942 alone, fifteen Mathews men were killed when their merchant ships were torpedoed by the U-Boats. In tribute to this disproportionate loss, the U.S. Navy commissioned the attack transport ship U.S.S. Mathews.

The arrival of World War II put most of the steamboat lines out of business. In 1942 the government requisitioned most of the bay and coastal steamers for service in the war effort. Even before the war, faster means of transportation and better roads caused stiff competition for the boats. The last remaining steamboat line, the Old Bay Line, stopped its York River to Baltimore run in 1942. About 20 years later, the Old Bay Line dropped passenger service between Baltimore and Norfolk. The steamers stopped for good in the spring of 1962.

The early 20th Century found the local fishery industry in Mathews approaching its peak. Fishing had always been important to Mathews residents for food, commerce and pleasure. Its importance to the community grew in the 1840's when a visitor from Long Island, New York introduced the "pound net," a type of fixed-position fish trap that proved exceptionally effective for use in Chesapeake Bay waters. Within a few years, such nets were all over the Bay, and most Mathews males above the age of thirteen seemed to be fully engaged in the race to catch fish for east coast markets. Oyster, clam and crab fisheries also bloomed during this period, with subsidiary seafood processing plants popping up widely on commercial piers. The fishing industries peaked during World War I, with fortunes being made on products such as caviar (Sturgeon roe), which were shipped to discerning buyers in far-off markets. After the war the industry slowed, and was dealt a severe blow from damage done to seafood piers and facilities by the August Storm of 1933. Demand for Chesapeake Bay seafood rose again briefly during World War II. Immediately after that war, the industry suffered under declining market demand and prices for Chesapeake Bay seafood and a depleted fishery in the Bay itself. Thereafter a trend started which continues to this day - local young people either leaving the county after high school in search of better jobs or opportunity elsewhere, or otherwise commuting to Hampton Roads and Richmond each day by car, carpool, and commuter bus. A few are lucky enough to find work in local businesses, professions, and with government.

Because of its unique beauty, history and pleasant population, Mathews County has always been a popular spot for vacations and summer retreats. As prosperity boomed in the 1950's more people began to discover these unique qualities. This created a demand for vacation and retirement homes. As demand rose, prices for waterfront property rose precipitously, which in turn attracted a wealthier and more discriminating retirement clientele. The Mathews coastline is today often referred to as the "Platinum Coast" by real estate professionals from as far away as California and Europe, and is home to some of America's elite. Present and retired CEOs of many Fortune 500 companies call Mathews County home for at least part of the year.

As waterfront development grew, local people began to migrate to the building trades. The level of quality demanded by waterfront home buyers led to a distinguished level of skill and craftsmanship in these local tradesmen not found elsewhere. This reputation for exceptional quality is widely known and respected today in the residential real estate construction industry. Moreover, these skills have been utilized to renovate and maintain some of the county's historic plantation homes erected in the 18th Century, and many are still in use, including Woodstock, Providence and Poplar Grove.

The county (along with neighboring Gloucester County) is also known as the daffodil center of Tidewater Virginia and the annual fall Market Days festival on the courthouse square draws visitors from across Virginia.

Climate

Average annual rainfall: 31.8"
Average annual snowfall: 4.6"
Annual average temperature: 59 F
January average temperature: 40 F
July average temperature: 78 F
Prevailing Winds: Southwest

Topography

Consisting of 88.7 square miles of land and 16.3 square miles of water, Mathews County lies in the Tidewater Physiographic Region. Elevations range from sea level to 39 feet above sea level on terrain which generally has a slope of less than 2%.

Emergency Services

Emergency services can be reached via telephone 911. The sheriff's department of 13 deputies, dispatchers and staff provides local protective services. Three state police are assigned to the area. Fire protection and rescue services are provided by all-volunteer units. The five fire stations and rescue squad have a combined total membership of approximately 140 volunteers. The Emergency Services department has a director, deputy director and coordinator and maintains emergency shelters in case of disaster.

Community Facilities

Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve: Turn left on Route 611 just south of the town of Mathews. Turn right on Route 643, then left on Route 609. This 50-acre parcel contains a sandy beach, low dunes and salt marsh habitat bordering the Chesapeake Bay. Over 90 bird species have been reported on the preserve, which also protects the globally rare Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle.

Public Water Access: Mathews County has 19 public access points to the water. There are two public boat ramps. Town Point Landing is on Put-in Creek at Route 615 and provides access to the East River. It was rebuilt recently and is handicapped accessible. The other boat ramp is on Route 223 at Grimstead (Gwynn's Island near the Seabreeze Restaurant) and gives access to Milford Haven.
Most of the following public access areas may be used for fishing, picnicking and swimming. Some uses are restricted at certain access points and some sites are bordered closely by private property; please avoid trespassing:

- Auburn Public Landing off Route 620 is on the North River.
- Bayside at the end of Route 633 on Gwynn's Island at the Bay is a very small beach.
- Davis Creek Landing, with a 175-foot pier, is on Route 689 and leads to Mobjack Bay. It is used by local watermen.
- Doctor's Creek Landing is at Route 691 and the Bay.
- Route 645 at the Bay has a beach and a portable boat may be launched there. Please observe no trespassing signs.
- Haven Beach on Route 643 at the Bay has a beach and a portable boat may be launched there.
- White's Creek Public Landing at Route 682 and the Bay is used commercially now.
- Horn Harbor Landing is on Route 698 at the Bay.
- Edwards Creek Public Dock on Route 672 is used by local watermen.
- New Point Comfort Island at the Bay is accessible only by boat at high tide.
- New Point Comfort Observation Walkway is at the end of Route 600 and offers a view of the historic lighthouse.
- Winter Harbor Landing is at Route 611 and Winter Harbor.
- Winter Harbor Haven is at Route 608 and Winter Harbor.
- Warehouse Landing is at Route 631 and Piankatank River.
- Piankatank River Landing is on Route 632, with a beach.
- Roane's Point Landing on Route 630 accesses the Piankatank River.
- Rose's Creek is at Route 662 and the Bay and is used by local watermen.
- Williams Wharf Landing is a public access facility for small engineless watercraft, such as canoes, kayaks, rowing shells and small sailboats. There are two floating docks for easy launching of boats, and the facility also offers opportunities to learn to row for exercise or fun. Located at the end of Route 614 (Williams Wharf Road) off of Route 14, two miles south of Mathews Courthouse, it is open daily during daylight hours. It's the training site of the Mathews High School and Mobjack Rowing Association crew teams. Call Mimi Ulsaker at 804-693-5160 to schedule lessons. Groups are encouraged but individuals can be coached privately as well. Boats and coaches are provided.

Kayak rentals and tours to New Point Lighthouse, wetland areas and other sites are offered by Bay Trails Outfitters. Call 804-725-0626 for reservations.

Sold this Week in Mathews, Gloucester & Middlesex Counties

2009-05-17T13:49:00.002-04:00

8 Listings were sold in our MLS (Multiple Listing Service) in Mathews, Gloucester and Middlesex counties this week.
Beautiful 3 Bed/2 Bath Log House in Dutton, 1924 sq ft, 2,70 acres, listed at $280,000, sold for $270,000. County assessed at $270,700. Was on the market for 193 days.

2 Bed/2 Bath Cape Cod in Mathews, 1635 sq ft, 0.6799 acre, Listed at $149,900 at the time it was sold ($245,900 when it was first listed in 10/2007, then reduced to $229,900 in 12/2007, then down to $189,000 in 09/2008, to $176,000 in 02/2009, to $149,900 in 03/2009), sold for $145,000. Last assessment available online, from 2005 has home assessed at $104,100. The house was on the market for 568 days.

3 Bed/2 bath ranch in Gloucester, 1,400 sq ft, 1,65 acres, listed and sold for $209,400, sold in 45 days! County assessed at $217,600.

Federal Housing Tax Credit for First-Time Home Buyers

2009-05-15T12:09:00.005-04:00

Federal Housing Tax Credit for First-Time Home Buyers

Learn more about the Federal Housing Tax Credit of $8,000 for first-time home buyers.
Tax Credit Provides Outstanding Opportunity for Home Buyers
A tax credit of up to $8,000 is available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and
before December 1, 2009.

Learn how you can take advantage of the tax credit to buy the home of your dreams.

Mathews & Gloucester County Street Maps

2009-05-12T23:11:00.001-04:00

Mathews County Street Map
Gloucester County Street Maps

Nautical Charts Online

2009-05-12T23:00:00.002-04:00

You can get these Nautical Charts Online!
Go to http://www.marinewaypoints.com/learn/charts/AtlanticCoast.shtml and look for the appropriate chart!
Chesapeake Bay Wolf Trap to Smith Point
Chesapeake Bay Wolf Trap to Pungoteague Creek
Chesapeake Bay Smith Point to Cove Point
Chesapeake Bay Rappahannock River Entrance, Piankatank and Great Wicomico Rivers
Chesapeake Bay Mobjack Bay and York River Entrance
York River Yorktown and Vicinity
Chesapeake Bay

Hampton Roads Property Transfers

2009-05-12T22:44:00.004-04:00

Hampton Roads property transfers

Wondering how much your neighbors sold their house for? Want to know if you're paying a fair price for your new home? The Daily Press' property transfers database is the only place online where you can see exactly how much local real estate has sold for.

Using the database: Click on a city or county to zoom in and see property transfers there in the past 90 days. Use the filter on the right to narrow down the properties shown by price. To see more news and information about local real estate, and to search past records, scroll down the page.

Here's the link:

http://dailypress2.com/propertysales/

Try it out!

Sold Last Week: 3 Bed/2 Bath $195,000

2009-05-12T22:16:00.002-04:00

Also sold in the last week was a 3 Bed/2 Bath brick ranch in Moon, Mathews County. 1436 sq ft on .75 acre, community water access, deeded water rights on Stoakes Creek, waterview, a few yards from marina and ramp, boat slip, just off Chesapeake Bay. It was listed at $255,000 initially, then reduced down to $239,900, then went up again to $259,900, and reduced to $249,000 and finally sold for... $195,000!!!!!! This house has been on the market for 628 days! Last assessment available online (2005) house was assessed at $134,000.

To get recently sold listing information or new listings in your email, email me!

Activity for Mathews, Middlesex and Gloucester County from CBRAR MLS

2009-05-12T21:46:00.003-04:00

Here's the breakdown for today's activity on CBRAR (Chesapeake Bay & River Association of Realtors, which I belong to - there are other ones in the area) for Mathews, Middlesex and Gloucester County:

21 New Listings
15 Price Change
1 Sold
9 Pending
3 Expired

Of the 21 New Listings,
3 are Land, Inland/Non Waterfront
3 are Residential Waterfront
15 are Residential, Inland/Non Waterfront

8 are in Gloucester
3 in Deltaville
1 in Urbanna
2 in Saluda
4 in Hayes
1 in Topping
1 in Dutton
1 in Hartfield

Residential Listings, Non Waterfront (today) ranging from $139,900-$498,900
Non Waterfront Land from $59,900 - $78,900
Waterfront Residential from $359,900 - $950,000

The one listing sold today was 3 Bed/2 Bath energy efficient Rocky Mount Original Log Home on 2.7 private acres in Dutton, great area, good elevation, was listed at $280,000, and sold for $270,000 (actual sold date was 5/4); 193 days on the market, FHDA Financing; It was assessed at $270,700.

For more information, or to get email updates on new listings, email me!

Real Estate Humor : Mortgages

2009-05-11T11:05:00.002-04:00

You can email me at raquelott@gmail.com for more information. Raquel Ott

Mathews County 2000 Comprehensive Plan - Large PDF File

2009-05-10T18:07:00.004-04:00

Here is the link to the Mathews County 2000 Comprehensive Plan - Interesting Info.
2000 Comprehensive Plan

Topics Include:
CHAPTER 1. DEMOGRAPHICS AND ECONOMY
A. Historical Overview ..................................................1.1
B. Population ....................................................................1.3
1. Trends and Forecasts................................................................1.3
2. Conditions Affecting Growth Patterns ............................1.6
3. Summer Residents.......................................................1.8
4. Tourism................................................................1.9
C. Trends in Employment and Other Economic Indicators .........................1.10
1. Jobs Based in Mathews ounty...........................................1.10
2. Seafood.............................................................1.11
3. Agriculture ...............................................1.12
4. Retail Sales.............................................1.13
5. Household Income ........................................1.15
D. Summary of Population and Economic Issues and
Commentary on their Implications for Future Planning ...................1.16
1. Population ......................................1.16
2. Housing ...........................................................1.17
3. Economy .....................................................................1.17

CHAPTER 2. ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
AFFECTING DEVELOPMENT
A. PHYSICAL CONSRAINTS TO DEVELOPMENT..............................................................2.2
1. Physiography and Topography .........................................................................................2.2
2. Existing Development.......................................................................................................2.2
3. Soils..................................................................................................................................2.6
4. Limitations for the use of Septic Tanks ............................................................................2.8
5. Shrink-swell ....................................................................................................................2.12
6. Historic Resources ..........................................................................................................2.14
7. Wetlands.........................................................................................................................2.16
8. Flood Plains ....................................................................................................................2.20
9. Chesapeake Bay Protected Areas....................................................................................2.22
10. Highly Erodible Soils......................................................................................................2.23
11. Shellfish Sanitation.........................................................................................................2.23

B. ANALYSIS RELATED TO POTABLE WATER SUPPLY...............................................2.24
1. Groundwater Supply for Mathews County.....................................................................2.24
2. Conditions Affecting Water Supply................................................................................2.25
3. Watersheds.....................................................................................................................2.27
4. Water Supply Planning Issues ........................................................................................2.27
MATHEWS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE- ii
C. ANALYSIS OF SHORELINE SITUATION......................................................................2.31
1. General Approach and Sources........................................................................................2.31
2. Description of Specific Shoreline Conditions ..................................................................2:32
3. Concluding Observations and Shoreline Issues ...............................................................2.37
4. Access ..............................................................................................................................2.37
5. Erosion............................................................................................................................2.38

CHAPTER 3. ISSUES AND STRATEGIES
Introduction..................................................................................................................................3.1
Population and Demographics Issues .......................................................................................3.2
Physical and Environmental Issues...........................................................................................3.5
Public Facilities Issues ............................................................................................................3.16
CHAPTER 4. LAND USE PLAN
A. THE ROLE OF THE LAND USE PLAN ..............................................................................4.1
1. The Nature of the Land Use Plan.......................................................................................4.1
2. Development of a Land Use Plan for Mathews County ....................................................4.2
B. COMPONENTS OF THE LAND USE PLAN.......................................................................4.3

C. RECOMMENDED POLICIES FOR LAND USE COMPONENTS .....................................4.6
1. General Policies for the Entire County..............................................................................4.6
2. Polices for Low Intensity Development Areas ..................................................................4.8
2. Policies for Rural Development Area ................................................................................4.9
3. Polices for Limited Rural Development Area .................................................................4.10
4. Policies for General Development Area ..........................................................................4.10
5. Polices for Shoreline Management Area .........................................................................4.11
6. Polices for Mathews Village Center ...............................................................................4.12
7. Policies for Other Villages Hubs or Communities ..........................................................4.14

CHAPTER 5. PUBLIC FACILITIES
Public Facilities Plan.....................................................................................................................5.1
A. Transportation........................................................................................................................5.1
1. State Primary and Secondary Roads .................................................................................5.2
2. Major Roads Identified .....................................................................................................5.4
3. Road Improvements Scheduled by VDOT .......................................................................5.4
4. Planning for Future Road Needs .......................................................................................5.6
B. Recreational Areas and Facilities............................................................................................5.7
1. Existing Recreational Sites and Opportunities .................................................................5.7
2. Analysis..........................................................................................................................5.10
C. Sewage and Waste Disposal..................................................................................................5.11

1. Sewage Disposal .............................................................................................................5.11
2. Solid Waste Disposal ......................................................................................................5.12
3. Water Supply...................................................................................................................5.12
D. Public Safety .........................................................................................................................5.13
1. Law Enforcement ............................................................................................................5.13
2. Emergency Services ........................................................................................................5.13
E. Public School Facilities .........................................................................................................5.14
1. Mathews High School.....................................................................................................5.14
2. Thomas Hunter Middle School.......................................................................................5.15
3. Lee-Jackson Elementary School.....................................................................................5.15
F. County Administration Facilities...........................................................................................5.15
1. County Courthouse .........................................................................................................5.16
2. County Administration Building.....................................................................................5.16
3. The Old Clerk’s Office ...................................................................................................5.16
4. The Old Sheriff’s Office and Jail ....................................................................................5.16
5. The Old Public Library...................................................................................................5.16
6. The Commonwealth’s Attorneys Office .........................................................................5.16
7. The Social Services Building..........................................................................................5.16
8. Old Lee-Jackson School..................................................................................................5.18

CHAPTER 6. WATER QUALITY PROTECTION PLAN
Water Quality Protection Plan ......................................................................................................6.1
A. Physical Factors that Influence or Constrain Development....................................................6.2
1. Topographic Restraints .....................................................................................................6.2
2. Existing Development Constraints ...................................................................................6.2
3. Soil Constraints for the Use of Septic Tanks ....................................................................6.3
4. Poor Structural Soil Qualities ...........................................................................................6.3
5. Constraints caused by Historically Significant Sites ........................................................6.4
6. Environmentally Sensitive Sites Constraints ....................................................................6.4
B. Protection of the County’s Potable Water Supply ..................................................................6.5
1. Protection of Watershed Areas .........................................................................................6.5
2. Groundwater Protection....................................................................................................6.6
3. Wellhead Protection..........................................................................................................6.7
C. Shoreline Preservation.............................................................................................................6.7

D. Access to State Waters ............................................................................................................6.8
E. Potential Conflict Between the Land Use Plan and the Water Quality Protection Plan.........6.8

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
CHAPTER 1. DEMOGRAPHICS AND ECONOMY
Figures
Figure 1.1 Location Map..............................................................................................................1.1
Figure 1.2 S. S. Orizimbo ...........................................................................................................1.2
Figure 1.3 Composition of Mathews County’s Population by Age Groups by 2010 .................1.7
Figure 1.4 Tourist Employment ..................................................................................................1.9
Figure 1.5 Trends in Seafood Harvest 1985-1999—Mathews County, VA.............................1.11

Tables
Table 1.0 Mathews County Population 1900-2010 ......................................................................1.3
Table 1.1 Residential Building Permits, Mathews County 1983-1998 ........................................1.4
Table 1.2 Housing Units by Type - 1970-1999 ............................................................................1.5
Table 1.3 1998 Residential Building Permits ...............................................................................1.6
Table 1.4 Place of Work for Mathews County Residents, 1980 and 1990 ...................................1.7
Table 1.5 Population Projections by Age Group – 2010 ..............................................................1.8
Table 1.6 Boat Registrations 1996-2000 - Mathews, County, VA.............................................1.10
Table 1.7 Employment in Mathews County ...............................................................................1.10
Table 1.8 Agriculture in Mathews County- 1982-1992..............................................................1.12
Table 1.9 Retail Sales, Mathews County - 1990- 1998 ..............................................................1.14
Table 1.10 Comparison of Income and Sales .............................................................................1.15
Table 1.11 Change in Median Household Income, 1990- 1995 Middle Peninsula Counties and
Virginia ......................................................................................................................................1.16

CHAPTER 2. ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
AFFECTING DEVELOPMENT
Figures
Figure 2.1 Topography................................................................................................................2.3
Figure 2.2 Existing Land Use .....................................................................................................2.5
Figure 2.3 Drainage and Ditches.................................................................................................2.7
Figure 2.4 Permeability...............................................................................................................2.9
Figure 2.5 Water Table .............................................................................................................2.11
Figure 2.6 Shrink-Swell ............................................................................................................2.13
Figure 2.7 Historic Resources ...................................................................................................2.15
Figure 2.8 Wetlands ..................................................................................................................2.17
Figure 2.9 Floodplains ..............................................................................................................2.19
Figure 2.10 Chesapeake Bay Protected Areas ............................................................................2.21
Figure 2.11 Principal Watersheds ...............................................................................................2.29
Figure 2.12 Public Access to State Waters .................................................................................2.33
Figure 2.13 Shoreline Erosion ....................................................................................................2.39
Tables
Table 2.1 Summary of Watershed Conditions .......................................................................2.28

CHAPTER 4. LAND USE PLAN
Figure 4.1 Future Land Use Plan..................................................................................................4.5
Figure 4.2 Agricultural Qualities of the Soil ................................................................................4.7
Figure 4.2 Mathews Village Center ............................................................................................4.13
CHAPTER 5. PUBLIC FACILITIES
Figure 5.1 Traffic Flow Map.........................................................................................................5.3
Figure 5.2 Transportation Plan Map .............................................................................................5.5
Figure 5.3 Recreational Facilities and Schools Map ....................................................................5.9
Figure 5.4 Public Administration Buildings ...............................................................................5.17

You can email me at raquelott@gmail.com for more information. Raquel Ott

Cheat Sheet: Mathews, Middlesex, Gloucester Tax Rates, Rivers, Bays, Elevation

2009-05-10T11:44:00.001-04:00

I created this cheat sheet for myself as I can never remember this information. In it I have the tax rates for Middlesex, Mathews, Gloucester, the elevation for most areas in these counties, and bodies of water in the area.

Click Here to View

Home Sales Survey for Mathews, VA - Year to Date

2009-05-09T18:46:00.003-04:00

Winter Harbor & Queen's Creek to be Dredged! Gazette Journal

2009-05-08T14:01:00.001-04:00

Federal stimulus funding is coming to Mathews County in the form of dredging projects. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has awarded the Army Corps of Engineers $1.19 million to dredge the Winter Harbor channel, along with $447,000 for Queens Creek. Federal stimulus funding is coming to Mathews County in the form of dredging projects. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has awarded the Army Corps of Engineers $1.19 million to dredge the Winter Harbor channel, along with $447,000 for Queens Creek.Continue Reading

In-Depth: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-05-07T23:48:00.002-04:00

The homebuyer tax credit is one of 10 key provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama into law on Feb. 17, 2009.

The bill provides for a $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Most of the mechanics of the credit will be the same as under the 2008 rules: the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability. If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.

The Basics>
Who qualifies, which properties are eligible, how much will the credit be, etc.

Chart Highlighting the Major Modifications to the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit> (PDF: 309K)

Frequently Asked Questions> (PDF: 483K)

Download the IRS First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Form 5405> (PDF: 257K)

NAR's Presentation: The 2009 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit> (PDF: 319K)

NAR's Presentation: The 2009 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit>
(PPT: 218K)
Latest News and Information

4/22/2009 - NAR Commends Rep. Joe Courtney for Introducing H.R. 1993
The bill would extend the current first-time homebuyer tax credit for an additional 13 months so that it would expire as of January 1, 2011, making this important incentive even more useful.
Read the letter> (PDF: 78K)

4/15/2009 - NAR Sends Letter to IRS Commissioner
NAR President Charles McMillan wrote to IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman and Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson asking that the IRS lay out a framework whereby a refund from an amended 2008 tax return (associated with the homebuyer tax credit) could be assigned to the relevant state housing finance agency.
Read the letter> (PDF: 92K)

4/05/2009 - NAR Runs Printed Ads in Targeted Congressional Districts
On Sunday, April 5th, NAR ran printed ads in select newspapers, thanking a specific group of Members of Congress for their leadership and efforts in passing the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.
Download a copy of the ad posted on the Maine Sunday Telegram> (PDF: 105K)

3/19/2009 - IRS Provides Filing Guidance on First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit
The IRS released additional information to help homebuyers understand the ways they can file to receive the homebuyer credit.
Read more>

The Basics: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-05-07T23:47:00.001-04:00

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers.

Here is more information about how the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.
Who Qualifies?

First-time home buyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.
Which Properties Are Eligible?

The 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.
How Much Will the Credit Be?

The maximum allowable credit for home buyers is $8,000. Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two factors:

The price of the home—the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000.

The buyer's income—single buyers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.
If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000 and $95,000 for single buyers and between $150,000 and $170,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $95,000 for singles and over $170,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.
Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during the three-year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.

Featured Listing: 5436 York Haven Lane, Gloucester, VA - Upscale Waterfront on the York River

2009-04-26T10:05:00.008-04:00

View 5436 York Haven Lane in a larger map

Enjoy the utmost in waterfront living with this stunning waterfront jewel in this prestigious neighborhood in Gloucester. Situated at the margins of beautiful York River with gorgeous river views, private sand beach and 100 feet of luxurious water frontage - this is a boater's dream. The residence is newly built, only 5 years young, with upscale interior finishes and amazing attention to detail. Features include Pella windows and doors, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, marble floors in bathrooms, a state of the art kitchen and a fireplace in family room. The spacious living areas all have access to the beautiful patio and pool overlooking the maintenance free fiberglass pool and the river beyond. A beautifully designed pool graces the property providing a feeling of privacy with the fenced in deck. This fabulous home is only 10 miles away from Gloucester Courthouse, with its charming main street restaurants, stores and cafes and the hospital.
With 3 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, and bonus room that could be turned into 4th bedroom, this spacious home is an amazing buy for $649,000.
Features Include:
*Built in 2004
*Sandy beach
*Granite high-end kitchen and baths
*Marble floors
*Space on property to build a 2 bedroom guest house
*Two waterfront sites: 100' on the York River and 460' wetlands
*Waterfront at the back of property
*Deep water
*In-law or nanny suite
*Large pantry
*Great storage
*Whirlpool tub
*April allergy air system
*Key Largo in ground pool
*400 amp service
*Wired for generator
*Double Dishwasher
*Built-in wine cooler
*Double Wall Oven
*Custom-built Home
*Maple Kitchenette
*Commercial Wired
*Gas Fireplace
*Pella® Windows & Doors
*2-zone Heat Pump
*3-bedroom septic
*Alternative septic system was pumped on 6/23/08
*Conditioned Crawl Space
*Soil work for extra lot on file
*Premium Home!! Bargain Price!!
*Bonus Room

Distance from the house to:
Richmond:62 miles
Virginia Beach:69 miles
Newport News:34 miles
Norfolk:54 miles
Williamsburg:30 miles
Busch Gardens: 30 miles
Williamsburg Prime Outlets:33 miles
Fredericksburg:96 miles
Charlottesville:130 miles
Washington, DC:150 miles

Links to:

PLAT/SURVEY
Craigslist Norfolk 4/21
Craigslist Richmond 4/23
Classified Flyer Ads
Realtor
My Website
REW Blogs
OLX
You Tube #1
You Tube #2
You Tube #3
You Tube #4
Trulia
Propbot
RealBird
Enormo
One True Media #1
Mapwing
York Haven Lane Home Picture Album
Listing on IsaBell Horsley Real Estate Website
IsaBell K. Horsley Real Estate, Ltd

Local Links:

Gloucester County Website
Gloucester County Public Schools
Gloucester County Blog
Gloucester County on Wikipedia
Gloucester Courthouse on Wikipedia
York River on Wikipedia
Chesapeake Bay on Wikipedia
Gazette Journal
River's Inn Restaurant
El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant
Kelsick Gardens Bistro & Gourmet Store
Nick's Spaghetti and Steakhouse
Restaurants in Gloucester, VA
Bakeries Near Gloucester
Movie Theaters Near Gloucester