Best Bets for Norfolk in August

Summer in Norfolk, Virginia brings to mind sunny days, walks in the park, great downtown shopping, and a multitude of events and activities for the family to enjoy. Whether you've come down to the beach area for vacation or are looking to buy a downtown Norfolk condo, you'll find there is so much to see and experience in the heart of Hampton Roads. It's no surprise more people are making their home here.

What's on tap for August in Norfolk? Here are just a few favorites we enjoy at the peak of summer.

• Float like a butterfly: Come to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens and stroll through the Bristow Butterfly Garden, where over 40 species of butterflies flutter and flip through colorful flowers. These delicate beauties are more resilient than you think!
• Catch a Hollywood star: Every Wednesday this August you can watch Flicks at the Fountain, a series of family-friendly movies aired at Waterside Landing. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening under the stars, watching your favorite stars.
• Go wild: Every month, the Virginia Zoo opens one night for a special Zoo Snooze, an unforgettable overnight stay where kids get to meet the animals up close and explore the zoo after dark.

Hope for the Hampton Roads real estate market

First-time home buyers and investors waded into the housing market looking for deals in May, pushing sales of existing homes higher again in South Hampton Roads, according to a report released Monday.

Real Estate Information Network Inc. released data showing that 963 homes sold last month, up 14.5 percent from April but 3.6 percent below the number sold in May 2008.

The number of homes sold last month was down by its narrowest margin in more than year, offering a glimmer of hope that the local housing market might be reaching a bottom.

Read more in the Virginian-Pilot.

Along with great interest rates come the opportunity to get in on a great Norfolk riverfront condo at Tanners Landing. Contact us today for a free tour.

Celebrate Father's Day in Hampton Roads

Living in a luxury downtown Norfolk condo gives Dad the option of enjoying a number of activities on Father's Day. But regardless of where you live there is something to appeal to all fathers on this day. So after you've enjoyed your breakfast in bed and unwrapped that necktie or bowling ball, why not take in some of these Hampton Roads celebrations of Dad?

Spirit of Norfolk Father's Day Cruise - Dad rides for free when the Spirit of Norfolk takes off for a delicious lunch or dinner cruise. There's still time to reserve a space online.

Spa Day for Dad - Nobody deserves a massage and pampering more than hard-working Dad! Spa Phoenix offers a number of relaxation packages for men...a perfect gift idea!

Get Historical - Dad gets free admission to the Military Aviation Museum on Father's Day!

Top Downtown Norfolk Attractions

Enjoy living in a downtown Norfolk condo and have access to some of the city’s top attractions and businesses. Whether you enjoy nightlife and fine dining, or are more of an outdoor and nature type, there is something in the area to appeal to your sense of adventure and excitement.

Top Entertainment

Owning or renting a downtown condo or apartment allows you to walk to some of the best entertainment venues in town. The NorVa Theater off Monticello Avenue (across the street from MacArthur Center) showcases headline music acts and great regional talent in this historic venue, while the Wells Theatre on Tazewell presents a year-round schedule of new and classic dramas…on occasion starring some of the most renowned names in the business. Larger productions like traveling Broadway shows, major concert acts and troupes, may enjoy stints at the nearby Scope Arena and Chrysler Hall.

Top Sports

Who doesn’t love a night out at the ballpark? If you’re feeling up to the walk, you can head over to Harbor Park in the summertime to see the Norfolk Tides battle other teams in the AAA International League (you can also take Norfolk’s NET cars directly to the park, too!). Also, the Scope is home to the Norfolk Admirals, minor league hockey at its best.

Top Outdoors

Wouldn’t it be great to walk outside and find a wine festival going on in your backyard? If you live in downtown Norfolk, it’s entirely possible. Town Point Park, bordering the Elizabeth River, is home to many annual events for the public to enjoy. Aside from the annual wine festival, you can take in live jazz or reggae, delicious Cajun food, or take the kids for a day of fun…just for them. Norfolk Festevents is the company in charge of the city’s year-round extravaganzas, so be sure to keep an eye out on what’s happening next.

From food to concerts, baseball to walks in the park, Norfolk’s downtown area is always jumping. The closer you live, the sooner you get to enjoy the fun without having to worry about parking or traffic.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach condos.

Shopping in Downtown Norfolk is Easy and Convenient

Who doesn't love to go shopping? In Norfolk, Virginia, one will find a number of place to satisfy the craving to browse and buy. Whether you've come to visit for the day or are a resident of the Hampton Roads area, you'll find shopping is easy, convenient, and affordable in the downtown area.

If you live in a downtown Norfolk condo or are staying in a hotel by the river, you have the convenience of upscale shopping close to your front door. There's no need to drive all over town for groceries, clothes, or other daily essentials when everything you need is in one place. Plan dinner, shop for a night on the town, or pick up a few last-minute items on the way home from work. Life has never been easier.

What can you look forward to when you want to go shopping in Norfolk? You're just steps away from the best boutiques and grocers, including:

MacArthur Center - Norfolk's premiere urban mall houses some of the city's upscale boutiques and department stores. Nordstrom, Dillard's, and Barnes and Noble are just three of the stores available to you. Valet park or use the adjacent
garage and spend the day!

Norfolk Waterside Marketplace - While known for its night clubs and eateries, the Waterside also has a few unique shops that interest locals and tourists alike. Shop for fresh herbs, pick up a few souvenirs for friends, and browse fine art at the many shops on the Elizabeth River.

The Market at Harbor Heights - Everything you could possibly want in a gourmet grocer is downtown. Fresh meats and cheeses, produce, and a large selection of wine are available at Norfolk's largest urban grocery.

Selden Arcade - This covered thoroughfare connecting Main and Plume Streets houses the local art center, but it's also a great place to shop for local souvenirs and objects d'art. For an afternoon or the whole day, downtown Norfolk offers visitors and residents the best in shopping.

Kathryn Lively writes for Tanners Landing, leasing luxurious downtown Norfolk condos.

Downtown Living Offers Greener Options for Residents

Preference in home ownership tends to be cyclical. For decades people looked to the suburbs and outlying areas of major cities for living options, generally because larger properties could be had at reasonable costs. These days, however, we see a shift toward urban residency and a down-scaling of personal items. Choosing to live downtown, in fact, can make for a greener existence and help lessen your carbon footprint.

The Advantages of Downtown Living – the Green Way

Commuting to work seemed less of a hassle when gas prices were affordable. If you work in the downtown area, chances are buying or renting a condo or loft may have greater appeal. A shorter trip to work, augmented by public transportation or merely the chance at some exercise, definitely proves a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

As downtown Norfolk residences develop, so do surrounding city blocks by establishing grocery stores, boutiques, doctors’ offices, and other services. An extensive tour of your downtown with a qualified real estate agent can reveal the convenience of living close to work – daily necessities are readily provided, plus options for entertainment and recreation may increase if your city’s maintains concert and sport venues in the vicinity. This could allow you to keep your car in storage or, better yet, sell it and not have to worry about insurance or payments.

As the average loft or apartment within the city may average between a thousand and fifteen hundred square feet, you’ll find there may not be enough room to house everything you own. Cutting down on personal items and furniture makes for a more environmentally friendly living space – the less you own, the less energy is required to sustain your home.

Add on some green appliances and fixtures like low-flow plumbing, hardwood floors, and eco-friendly lighting and you could save big on utility bills, too!

As a healthier living option, the urban lifestyle has its benefits. If you work in a major downtown area and are done with the lengthy, nerve-wracking commute, consider a closer move to treat not only your sanity, but your wallet.

Kathryn Lively

Top Ways to Turn Your Home Green

Go green to save green…no doubt home owners have heard this phrase more than once. In this age of growing concern about the environment, we’re seeing more people take the time to make little adjustments to the way they live. Each step works toward preserving our natural resources and reducing our population’s collective carbon footprint.

If you are interested in applying “green” features to your home, know that the benefits extend beyond improving the health of the planet. Eco-friendly initiatives may also result in lower utility bills, and lessen the costs of daily living. What’s more, making the change is simple to do. Here are just a few ways you can gradually adjust to green living and make your home a cleaner and more environmentally sound place to live.

Cut down on dryer use: Whatever did we do without electric dryers? Ask your grandmother, and she’ll tell you her mother hung clothes out to dry. The next time you run a load of wash, set up a clothesline for your shirts, slacks, and dresses. The fresh air will dry clothes just as nicely without expending the energy a dryer does.

Unplug unused electronics when necessary: We are a gadget-driven community. The average person likely owns a laptop computer, base for recharging a cell phone, and other must-haves to get us through the day. When not used, some of these products can use up electricity while still plugged into the wall (check for tiny illuminated lights on your computer and other objects). Unplug them when not in use, and take several dollars a year off your bills.

Buy local: You might not realize it, but when you buy groceries you may contribute to the continued pollution of the planet. That’s because grocers have food shipped from all over the country, and that means gas, oil, and energy is expended to maximum levels. Next time you’re hungry, buy from local farmer’s markets instead. The more people shop where the food is actually grown, the greater the chance to reduce the travel.

Install renewable energy: Burning coal increases the volume of greenhouse gas emissions, whereas “cleaner” alternatives like wind and solar power harness natural energy and lower the impact of wasteful methods. If you are able to apply renewable energy to your home, consult with an expert to see what is involved.

Simple changes, when made to improve your home, can also
help the environment. Try these tips today to make your Virginia Beach waterfront condo a greener, and less expensive, place to live.

Kathryn Lively

Downtown Condominiums - Living in a Greener Urban Condo Category: Life

As a resident of Downtown Norfolk, many facets of the city elicit a classic urban appeal that follows Norfolk's historical roots from a small settlement into a major industry center in Southeastern Virginia. While, the grimy, metropolitan sprawl does well to preserve the original architectural forms of centuries past, many of the condo buildings in Downtown Norfolk could use some modern updates to create a greener, and thus more cost-effective living space.

If you are like many Americans, saving money on your energy bills is probably a top priority. The "green" movement that has swept the nation within the past few years is no more prominent than in the domicile. Many condos in Downtown Norfolk that were built several years ago lack the modern technology that could turn your condo into a money-saving, eco-friendly residence. Here are a few things you can do to your Virginia condo to help your energy bill and the planet.

• Install a programmable thermostat. This can help to vastly reduce energy costs by managing the temperature of your condo while you are away or not using certain areas of the condominium.
• Use LED light bulbs to decrease energy used in lighting fixtures by over 75%.
• Plug in your appliances and electronics into intelligent surge protectors. Regular surge protectors suck energy out of you outlets even when the electronics plugged into them are not on. New surge protectors have motion detection capabilities to turn the outlet off, and thus save energy, when nobody is in the room.
• If remodeling the bathroom, consider a dual-flush toilet to decrease the amount of water used in the home by several gallons a day.
• Consider installing eco-friendly air filters to reduce particulates in the air system and increase the quality of the air.

By combining these fixes with a keen awareness for how energy is being used, your condo in Downtown Norfolk will become "green" in no time.

Boating Regulations for Norfolk, Virginia Waterfront Condos

Waterfront condos in Downtown Norfolk are especially well-suited to residents that wish to dock a boat at a condo complex with boat slips. With access to the Lafayette River, these Norfolk boat slips are perfect launching points for any Virginia boating adventure, whether you’re going fishing for striper, sunbathing in the Chesapeake Bay, or sight-seeing in the Norfolk Harbor.

As a boater in Virginia, there are a few recommendations and regulations that should be followed to ensure an enjoyable experience for all boaters, swimmers, and residents of the Hampton Roads waterfront.

All owners of boat slips in Norfolk with boats will be required to have a valid Norfolk Boat Permit, which is updated annually. The fees vary from $10 to $40 depending on age and Norfolk residency.

Boaters that are under the age of 20 will need to take a classroom or online course about boating safety before operating a personal watercraft. Furthermore, effective July 1, 2010, all personal watercraft operators 35 and younger will be required to take the course as well. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has authorized the use of online safety courses for those needing a Virginia Boating Safety Education Certificate.

Boating in Norfolk is an extremely entertaining activity, no matter what the goal. However, because many of Norfolk’s tributary waterways can be quite narrow, it is important for watercraft operators to always remember boating right-of-way standards. Always leave enough room for faster moving boats to pass you on the right. If you are headed towards a confined space with another watercraft, surrender the right-of-way to the larger vessel.

Remain courteous to your fellow boaters, watercraft operators, and wildlife and the beauty of Norfolk’s Lafayette River will be preserved for the next generations to enjoy. If you are in the market for a waterfront condo, take a look at Tanners Landing at Riverview in Downtown Norfolk, offering boat slips and dock usage to residents.

Norfolk Waterfront Condos - Tips For Winterizing Your Luxury Condo

Owning a waterfront condo in Norfolk, Virginia during the winter can become an agonizing fight against the elements to keep the power bill down. Unless your waterfront condo is in sunny Florida, most other condo owners must deal with falling temperatures and rising electric bills as the colder seasons set in.

To prevent spending too much money on the condo heating bill this winter, try some energy saving techniques that will keep more heat in your house and more green in your pocket. Plus, your family will love the extra cash you have to spend on gifts for them this year!

• Dress warmly inside the condo. While it seems almost too obvious, one of the best methods for reducing the heating bill is to dress warmer inside. Instead of 70 degrees and shorts and a tee shirt, try 65 degrees and a sweatshirt.



• Close vents in unused rooms. If your cousin from Vancouver is in for the weekend, by all means turn the heat on for him. But if your spare bedroom is vacant, close the vents to prevent heat from being circulated into areas unnecessarily.



• Make sure your condo is sealed. Extensive drafts around doors and windows are chief culprits of heat loss. Try to find air leaks and use weather-strips or weather caulking to reduce the airflow through these orifices. This is especially important with waterfront condos, as the drafts coming off of the water are often much more intense and cooler during the winter.



• Use venting fans sparingly. Fans that vent air from the inside to the outside are great at moving bathroom steam or kitchen smoke out of the condo. Unfortunately, they are also great at moving heat out of the condo at a rapid pace. Use room fans to circulate air instead of turning these heat thieves on.



• Let the sun in! If you own a waterfront condo, chances are you have some large windows for viewing the beautiful landscape. Take advantage of the sunny day time period to allow sunlight to naturally warm your home through these windows. Make sure to close the blinds and shades in other areas of the condo to keep heat in.

These inexpensive steps can have your waterfront condo feeling warmer in the winter, giving you more time to spend with loved ones instead of fretting over bills.
Find more condo tips and great deals on waterfront condos in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia by visiting http://www.tannerslanding.com, and check out the affordable luxury condos they have to offer.

Waterfront Condos - Why Norfolk Condos Are a Good Buy For Military Members

If you are one of the one and a half million active duty military personnel, chances are you are used to be being moved around quite a bit. This can impose a heavy toll on your finances due to moving costs, fees for breaking rental agreements, lost security deposits on utilities, and other expenditures. Some condominiums, specifically in Norfolk, Virginia, have developed ownership plans for military members that cater to their financial status and probability of being relocated in the near future.

Norfolk, Virginia, home to the largest naval base in the world and a hub for military relocations, is familiar to many enlisted men and women as a place that they may have to live in for some time before their next assignment. Many of these young men and women are newly married or are looking to live with friends in the service, but most are reluctant to be confined to the strict quarters of base life. Venturing outside of the confines of the military bases, members of the military may choose to prospect various rental properties in the Norfolk area. Little do they know that renting is often a poor choice for military personnel that are unsure about the timeframe they will be stationed in Norfolk or Virginia Beach.

Renting for military men and women poses a couple different problems. First, most rental agreements are set-up for one year leases, which could be alright for those men and women that have a guaranteed timeframe for their assignment. But, for those serving an unspecified amount of time in the area, this could leave them with a hefty penalty to pay if they have to move and break their lease. Secondly, most of the apartment communities in the area that "cater" to military personnel are nothing more than reduced-price, low amenity, decrepit apartments, often breeding grounds for crime and civil unrest.

To combat the problem with renting these inadequate and costly apartments or houses, the Norfolk condominium community has stepped up to make waterfront condos in Norfolk an affordable living choice for members of the military. By offering a special financing plan for enlisted military men and women, it is easy for them to own a beautiful waterfront condo in Virginia Beach.

These condos are now giving military personnel the option to sell back their condo to the original owner at full price if they are reassigned within three years of purchasing the condo. This gives the military buyer a great opportunity to own a luxury condo in Norfolk without worrying about losing their investment if they are reassigned. With amenities like a private storage area, personal parking spots, optional boat slips, and waterfront views, it is obvious that living in a condo is a far better choice than renting a run-down apartment.

Find out more about this special military financing program by visiting http://www.tannerslanding.com and exploring Tanners Landing's beautiful waterfront condominiums on the Lynnhaven River.

Waterfront Condos - Norfolk's Lafayette River Ripe For Exploration and Fun

Condo shopping can be an intense and exhausting task. With many locations offering several amenities at affordable rates, how does one narrow down the list to find that perfect place among the clutter? One thing that can set one condominium complex above the rest is the access to a navigable waterway and allowing owners to have a boat slip for marine enjoyment.

If you are considering value condos in the Norfolk, Virginia area, condominiums along the historic Lafayette River are a perfect place to start. Named after the French army officer that assisted the Americans during the Revolutionary War, the Lafayette River has a rich tradition of activities including, fishing, sailing, and water sports. With outlets to the larger Elizabeth River and then the Chesapeake Bay, the Lafayette River is a perfect place to launch into from the boat slip at your condominium.

Besides the opportunity to explore the tidal estuaries off the Chesapeake Bay, the Lafayette River and the Elizabeth River offer several species of fish to excite both the amateur and veteran angler alike. With bass, perch, shad, croaker, and others available most of the year, owning a boat slip at a condo on this river system will never disappoint an active fisherman.

Sick of driving the congested Downtown Norfolk roads to get to your favorite restaurant? Navigate your boat away from your condo and out towards the mouth of the Elizabeth River where access to shopping and entertainment such as Waterside, Nauticus, and the historic Battleship Wisconsin are only a pleasurable boat ride away.

Before settling on a value condo that offers the same retinue of tired perks, examine the opportunities available at a great waterfront condo in Norfolk, such as those at Tanners Landing, with boat slips available for waterfront adventure.

Stylish Design for your Virginia Beach Virginia Luxury Condo

As luxury waterfront condominiums attract the interest of more prospective buyers in Virginia Beach, Virginia, many potential residents are unsure how to make the best use of their condo environs in a practical but stylish manner. While some condos leave the owner feeling as though they have downsized their living environment, some luxury waterfront condos, such as those at Tanners Landing in Norfolk, provide ample space to recreate your pristine dream condominium. With raised ceilings and luxury condos up to 2600 sq. feet, any owner of a Virginia Beach waterfront condo will feel cozy with a few simple design tips.

Going overboard is easy when you first glance at the serene beauty of these Virginia Beach, Virginia luxury condos, but a simplistic approach with careful attention to detail is often the best way to design your living space. Light and soft neutral colors can help to accentuate and brighten the room, reflecting natural sunlight and making the environs seem inviting. Paired with some vivid artwork and floral arrangements that are functional and proportionate to the room size, the luxury condominium will exude elegance.

While the luxury waterfront condos in Virginia Beach offer plenty of space for cherished valuables, some residents moving from full-sized homes may find it difficult to fit all of their belongings comfortably. Take photos of your current furnishings and plan where they should be positioned in your new home, assigning priority to those items which hold more emotional value. Fortunately, at Tanners Landing in Norfolk, you don’t have to worry about discarding anything you can’t seem to fit in the condo, as all waterfront condo owners have the privilege of an assigned storage unit on the ground level that is locked and monitored.

Getting your luxury condo to feel like your personal penthouse is easy with these simple tips and a little patience. Check out the waterfront luxury condos in Virginia Beach, Virginia today to begin taking your designs from dreams to reality.

Robbie Foglia writes for Ciniva Systems, an award winning Virginia web design company. Ciniva Systems is in charge of SEO for Tanners Landing.

Luxury Waterfront Condos in Virginia Beach Make Perfect Vacation Homes

One of the greatest benefits of owning a luxury waterfront condominium in Virginia Beach is its dual functionality as a permanent residence or a vacation home. Virginia Beach is a premier tourist destination, generating millions in revenue during the summer tourist season. If you’re wary over your Virginia Beach luxury waterfront condominium investment, consider renting it out during the summer season if you intend to vacation yourself.

Transforming the Virginia Beach luxury condominium you own yourself into a vacation home for guests is a relatively easy task. All you need to do is pair up with a realty firm to generate interest in your condominium as a vacation home. Cover all of your bases when considering rental fees and pricing. What if they use your phone to call long distance relatives? What if something breaks? Consider the utilities they will use during their stay. Remember that this condominium also functions as your home, so don’t feel bad for upping the price for additional insurance measures.

Remove any personal objects from the condominium. Do you have photos of you and your family on your fireplace mantle? Remove them and any other notable personal objects and store them in a safe place. A person renting your home wants to feel as though they are on a vacation, not just staying at someone’s house. You don’t want your renter to wonder more about you than what they’re going to do while on vacation. Leave out items such as DVDs or CDs that you wouldn’t mind a total stranger using in your absence. Generate an inventory of anything available for public use in case something is lost, stolen, or broken.

These are just a couple tips on how to transform your Virginia Beach condominium into a vacation home. Renting your condominium can help you to generate income to help pay your rent or ownership fees while you’re away from home for the summer.

Robbie Foglia writes for Ciniva Systems, an award winning Virginia web design company. Ciniva Systems is in charge of SEO for Tanners Landing.

Condominiums are a Great Choice for Seniors

Condominiums are a great choice for those looking to downsize from a full sized home, and are especially popular among senior citizens looking for a smaller home after retirement. Luxury condominiums are a great choice for those looking for a home that doesn’t require the added maintenance of a traditional home, while still providing all of the comforts of a house and added perks such as a waterfront view with no upkeep.

Condo life is a great alternative for people who want to be closer to their neighbors, developing friendly relationships in a shared community. The added security of having another person looking out for you and your possessions gives owners an extra feeling of safety among their neighbors.

Exterior maintenance is not an issue when living in a luxury condo. Any work required on the outside of a condo is tended to by the groundskeepers employed by the complex. Tenants can breathe easy knowing that they will never have to mow another lawn again thanks to the perks of condominium life. Additional maintenance or repairs on the inside of the condo are covered in your monthly fee or rent.

Recreational facilities are also available for those who live in condominium complexes. Community rooms, spas, pools, gyms and more are available at most luxury complexes. In the retirement communities, social events are planned and catered by the complex employees.

Condominiums are a great alternative to traditional housing, especially when the owner wishes to economize into something that requires less maintenance and is at a lower cost. If this sounds enticing, check out the great waterfront luxury condos for sale at Tanners Landing in Norfolk. Your senior years were meant to be golden, so take the steps that will put you there.

Sarah Reece and Robbie Foglia write for Ciniva Systems, an award winning Virginia web design company. Ciniva Systems is in charge of SEO for Tanners Landing.