"Recent remarks by Federal Reserve (Fed) officials, which partly bolstered optimism that financial markets will recover later this year, helped mortgage rates ease up a little this week," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist. "Fed Chairman Bernanke indicated in a speech on May 13th that the Fed stands ready to continue to add liquidity to the markets. On the same day, San Francisco Fed bank president Janet Yellen added that she anticipates inflation will slow as commodity prices level off in the second half of the year.

"Despite the bleak housing market, there was positive news on the overall state of the economy. Retail sales (excluding automobiles) rose 0.5 percent in April, over twice that of market forecasts, and there was a significant upward revision in March's figures as well. Also, the consumer price index for April rose less than expected, allaying some market concerns of inflation taking hold."

More and more people, from young professionals to retirees, are becoming enamored with Downtown living. The number of Norfolk downtown residents has grown to 3,800...1,000 more than in 2000.

Downtown Norfolk council wants to show off what all the hype is about with a daylong Open House on Saturday, May 17 from 10AM to 6PM.

"It's an effort on our part to highlight the ease and attractiveness of the downtown urban lifestyle," said Stephen Fuschetti, DNC chairman. "We want to help people visualize what the downtown lifestyle really looks like."

The event, Downtown Lifestyle - A Taste of Downtown Living, features tours of 18 homes plus free classes and demonstrations. Tickets cost $8 in advance and $12 on Saturday.

Parks not only provide refuge from the noise and bustle of the city, but they also strengthen neighborhoods, reduce pollution, and inspire lazy strolls and impromptu picnics. 

You might think rural towns and cities would top the list, but most of the 10 locations are more urban settings with an emphasis on parks. 

Parks are especially vital for densely populated urban areas, says Peter Harnik, director of the Center for City Park Excellence at the Trust for Public Land. “The more crowded a city is, the more important parks are,” he says. “Fewer and fewer people have their own private green space, so they depend on public space.” 

Aeries On the Bay

Beach Style Living

Aeries On the Bay, Virginia Beach real estate was developed in the mid 1980s with contemporary style townhomes and single family residences. Cedar siding and wood trim adds to the beach feeling of this small intimate community.

In the beginning, Aeries On the Bay was made up of mostly young singles and newly married couples, but these days you also find growing families with children and retirees. This wide span of age groups makes for a cohesive, close knit community¦why, because they all have a love of the Beach!

Home inspectors offer many types of inspections to suit Virginia Beach real estate owners’ needs - some of these include:

• Pre-Listing Inspections
• Pre-Purchase Inspections
• New Construction Inspections
• HUD/FHA Inspections
• Multiunit Inspections
• Annual Maintenance Checkup

A Virginia Beach home buyer can save thousands of dollars by having a professional home inspection performed before purchasing a home.  Also, in case of extreme weather circumstances, inspectors can help locate potential problems or damage that may be hidden to the naked eye.

To learn more about Virginia Beach real estate or for a referral to an experienced home inspector, please call us at 866-222-0158 #550 or 757-490-7300 #550 or visit ButlerTeamHomes.com.  You may also begin searching for Virginia Beach real estate here!