Why Did I Choose to Become a Green REALTOR(r)?

Growing up as an only child, my parents had good jobs, and I never went without. In college, I became familiar with Greenpeace, the Sierra Club, and other humanitarian and environmental causes. After college, I had my own misadventures in materialism, yet I am slowly getting back to my tree-hugging, hippie ways. Currently, we are a family of five, living on one income, doing what we can to keep our expenses low while treading lightly on Mother Earth.

Our need for frugality has made me become more aware of items being left on the curb for the trash man. Being a member of Freecycle has brought even more awareness of others who are willing to give life to unwanted items, putting these items to good use instead of having them sent off to the landfill. As the saying goes, 'one man's trash is another man's treasure.'

When our youngest was just a baby, I attended a seminar where the presenters were all millionaires, and real estate was a reoccurring theme. Real estate seemed like a good way for me to help others, earn a little money, and still be the main caregiver of our three children.

Now that the children are all in school, I'm out meeting all kinds of great people in the Valley, and I was recently allowed to combine my passion for the environment with my love of helping others with their real estate needs by becoming the first NAR Green designee in the area.

My purpose is to be the source-of-the-source, educate others on how to green their homes, save them money, and help Mother Nature along the way. Happy, happy-win,win!!

September 2009 Residential Market Statistics

South Roanoke City:

• Homes averaged 59 days on market – this is 17 days more than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 97.6% of their list price when the home sold


• 2 homes sold in September 2009 – this is six less than in September 2008


• The average sales price was $102,450.


• The median sold price was $102,450, compared to $222,500 in September 2008

Southwest Roanoke City:

• Homes averaged 44 days on market – this is 34 days less than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 97.5% of their list price when the home sold


• 20 homes sold in September 2009 – this is seven less than in September 2008


• The average sales price was $232,620


• The median sold price was $175,500, compared to $143,000 in September 2008

Southwest Roanoke County:

• Homes averaged 87 days on market – this is 25 days more than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 95.8% of their list price when the home sold


• 39 homes sold in September 2009 – this is three less than in September 2008


• The average sales price was $217,342.


• The median sold price was $193,000, compared to $227,250 in September 2008

Salem City:

• Homes averaged 85 days on market – this is 18 days more than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 95.6% of their list price when the home sold


• 31 homes sold in September 2009 – this is three more than in September 2008


• The average sales price was $182,347.


• The median sold price was $152,000, compared to $192,500 in September 2008
  

Northwest Roanoke City:

• Homes averaged 79 days on market – this is four days more than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 95.7% of their list price when the home sold


• 18 homes sold in September 2009 – this is eight less than in September 2008


• The average sales price was $98,985.


• The median sold price was $102,500, compared to $82,975 in September 2008

North Roanoke County:

• Homes averaged 77 days on market – this is seven days more than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 96.7% of their list price when the home sold


• 36 homes sold in September 2009 – this is five more than in September 2008


• The average sales price was $218,410.


• The median sold price was $207,500, compared to $179,000 in September 2008

Williamson Road Area:

• Homes averaged 53 days on market – this is four days more than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 96.5% of their list price when the home sold


• 20 homes sold in September 2009 – this is equal to September 2008


• The average sales price was $119,918.


• The median sold price was $129,475, compared to $122,750 in September 2008

Vinton, Garden City, SE Roanoke:

• Homes averaged 94 days on market – this is 45 days more than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 97.1% of their list price when the home sold


• 34 homes sold in September 2009 – this is eight less than in September 2008


• The average sales price was $147,137.


• The median sold price was $128,725, compared to $121,225 in September 2008

Bedford County:

• Homes averaged 134 days on market – this is 11 days more than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 96.3% of their list price when the home sold


• 36 homes sold in September 2009 – this is two more than in September 2008


• The average sales price was $270,484.


• The median sold price was $221,500, compared to $156,100 in September 2008

Botetourt County:

• Homes averaged 123 days on market – this is 63 days more than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 95.6% of their list price when the home sold


• 32 homes sold in September 2009 – this is eight more than in September 2008


• The average sales price was $208,416.


• The median sold price was $199,925, compared to $187,500 in September 2008

Franklin County:

• Homes averaged 131 days on market – this is five days less than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 92.4% of their list price when the home sold


• 36 homes sold in September 2009 – this is equal to September 2008


• The average sales price was $245,017.


• The median sold price was $190,000, compared to $215,000 in September 2008

Craig County:

• Homes averaged 125 days on market – this is 88 days less than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 94.4% of their list price when the home sold


• 4 homes sold in September 2009 – this is two more than in September 2008


• The average sales price was $144,938.


• The median sold price was $139,250, compared to $164,900 in September 2008

Montgomery County:

• Homes averaged 187 days on market – this is 129 days more than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 92.9% of their list price when the home sold


• 2 homes sold in September 2009 – this is two less than in September 2008


• The average sales price was $249,500.


• The median sold price was $249,500, compared to $179,900 in September 2008

Floyd County:

• Homes averaged 149 days on market – this is 142 days more than in September 2008


• Sellers received, on average, 98.7% of their list price when the home sold


• 2 homes sold in September 2009 – this is one less than in September 2008


• The average sales price was $162,500.


• The median sold price was $162,500, compared to $80,450 in September 2008

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Suzanne K. Ashley

Chase Morgan Associates Real Estate

1108 Brandon Ave

Roanoke, VA 24015

540.355.6029

LOCAL REALTOR^® ACHIEVES

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® GREEN DESIGNATION

July 24, 2009

Roanoke, VA– Suzanne K. Ashley with Chase Morgan Associates Real Estate has been awarded the National Association of REALTORS^®’ (NAR’s) Green Designation, the only green real estate professional designation recognized by NAR.

Suzanne achieved this prestigious designation after completing 18 hours of course work designed specifically for REALTORS^®. The courses were created in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of industry experts from across the country; ensuring designees gain comprehensive knowledge of green homes and buildings and issues of sustainability in relation to real estate.

More specifically, Suzanne was trained in understanding what makes a property green, helping clients evaluate the cost/benefits of green building features and practices, distinguishing between industry rating and classification systems, listing and marketing green homes and buildings, discussing the financial grants and incentives available to homeowners, and helping consumers see a property’s green potential.

“As energy costs rise along with concern for the environment, homeowners are looking for innovative ways to save money and live responsibly,” said Dick Gaylord, NAR’s immediate past president. NAR’s Green Designation was developed in response to growing consumer awareness of the benefits of resource-efficient homes and buildings. The designation helps consumers who care about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices identify REALTORS^® who can help them realize their green real estate and lifestyle goals.

As an NAR Green Designee, Suzanne has gained the knowledge and the tools necessary to become a trusted green resource for the Roanoke Valley. For more information about Suzanne K. Ashley please visit http://Suzanne.ChaseMorganAssociates.com or Suzanne@ChaseMorganAssociates.com.

For more information about NAR’s newest designation, visit www.greenresourcecouncil.org

Cave Spring Makes Money's Top 100 List of Places to Live in 2009

89. Cave Spring, VA

WINNER

Top 100 rank: 89
Population: 25,300
Compare Cave Spring to Top 10 Best Places

Cave Spring is a slow-paced, family-oriented community adjacent to the city of Roanoke, a bustling industrial hub. Carillion Health Care, Advance Auto Parts, GE, Toshiba, and ITT have large operations in the area. Virginia Tech is less than an hour away, and several high-tech companies have a presence here too.

Cave Spring has a temperate four-season climate, so there are recreation opportunities year round. For hiking and biking, the Appalachian Trail isn't far, and there's skiing in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. --N.A.

Big Lick Green Businesses Tribe

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List of items allowed for the tax Holiday--Hurricane Preparedness

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY
APPENDIX -- LIST OF QUALIFYING ITEMS
May 25 – May 31, 2009
Sales Price of $60 or less
The following hurricane preparedness items may be purchased exempt of the Retail
Sales and Use Tax during the “Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday,” provided
that such items have a selling price of $60 or less per item.
• Artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs and
reusable ice
• Batteries (excluding automobile or boat
batteries), including
o AAA cell
o AA cell
o C cell
o D cell
o 6 volt
o 9 volt
o Cell phone batteries
• Any portable self-powered light sources
including
o Flashlights
o Lanterns
o Glow sticks
• Tarpaulins, plastic sheeting, plastic
drop cloths, and other flexible
waterproof sheeting
• Bungee cords, rope
• Ground anchor systems or tie down
kits
• Ratchet straps
• Duct tape
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Smoke detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Gas or diesel fuel tanks or containers
• Water storage containers
• Nonelectric food storage coolers
• Bottled water
• Manual can openers
• Portable self-powered radios (including
self-powered radios with electrical
power capability)
• Two-way radios
• Weather band radios and NOAA
weather radios
• Storm shutter devices
• Cell phone chargers
• First Aid Kits
Sales Price of $1,000 or less
The following hurricane preparedness items may be purchased exempt of the Retail
Sales and Use Tax during the “Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday,” provided
that such items have a selling price of $1000 or less per item.
• Portable generators and generator power cords
• Inverters and inverter power cables
The Virginia Department of Taxation’s Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
Guidelines and Rules are available online at www.tax.virginia.gov/salestaxholiday.
For additional information on hurricane preparation, visit the Virginia Department of
Emergency Management website at www.vaemergency.com.

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