Old Colony Real Estate Market News

Do you ever hear REALTORS® talking and wonder what in the world they are talking about? Real Estate has its own unique set of terms. Here are some of the most popular and what they mean so you can help “speak the language.”

Addendum – these are the additional documents that go into a real estate contract.

Appraisal – this is how a loan officer determines if the property is worth as much (or as little) as the buyer is willing to pay for it.

Closing – this is the date that the buyer’s purchase will record at the County and become their property.

Closing Costs – All of the expenses paid by the buyer and the seller when the real estate deal closes. These can include the brokerage commission, mortgage-related fees, escrow or attorney’s settlement charges, transfer taxes, recording fees, title insurance and so on. Closing costs are generally paid through escrow.

Commission – this is the amount the real estate agent makes from the...

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At Old Colony, we like to give back to our community. Part of this is sharing information and news about different events going on. During the summer, many families are looking for a variety of camps not only to provide care for children, but to give children an opportunity to have fun and learn new skills. Listed below are a variety of organizations in the greater Kanawha and Putnam County area offering camps this summer.

YMCA (Tri-County YMCA and YMCA of Kanawha Valley)

YMCAs in our area have offered camps for over 20 years and are one of the leading providers in childcare in West Virginia. YMCA of Kanawha Valley has locations in both Charleston and Cross Lanes (Kanawha County) and offer Summer Day Camps and Sports Camps. Tri-County YMCA located in Scott Depot (Putnam County)also offers Summer Day Camp and Sports Camps for a variety of ages ranging from age 5 through high school. The older...

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The warmer weather is finally here and we have some ideas to help with spring gardening and planting. As a home owner, it’s important to know that the outside can be just as important as the inside.

First step is protecting those hands. It is best to wear some type of gardening glove but when a task requires getting in there with your hands one secret is to sink your fingernails into a bar of soap. This will basically prevent dirt from collecting underneath the nails and then once complete take a brush and you can wash your nails clean.

What about your pots? Any of those made of clay and have salt buildup from the winter? An easy way to remove the deposits of salt is to combine equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle.  Spray and scrub and allow pots to dry before planting anything. Clay pots can also provide good protections for young plants from frosts and freezes. Another good use for clay pots are using them for hose guides. Si...

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Once again, Old Colony will be a part of East End Yard Sale, which is Charleston’ biggest yard sale held.  This year marks the 24^th anniversary for this event, which will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 8am until 2pm rain or shine.  This event is held in conjunction with East End Main Street and the East End Community Association.

For over 20 years this event brings thousands of treasure seekers and bargain shoppers to Charleston’s historic East End district in search of items such as furniture, clothing, and household items from the over 200 sellers and vendors.  Residential Seller registration is open April 1-25 online at http://charlestoneastend.com/events/east-end-yard-sale/ for a fee of $10.

In addition, for 2014 we have enhanced this event by adding the full capability of all non-residential sellers to more easily added the full capability of all non-residential sellers to...

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Old Colony supports many organizations through both financial donations, volunteer opportunities for agents and through special projects. It is our intent to give back to the local community we serve as these are our family, friends and neighbors.

One important project Old Colony embarked on in 2014 is putting together the Old Colony Cookbook, which is part of the 70th Anniversary celebration for Old Colony.  Agents from every office in West Virginia submitted their favorite recipes and in turn we created a multi-ethnic collection of entrees, appetizers and desserts. There will be French, Dutch, Indian and British recipes among the ones featured in the book and these recipes are an interesting change from the regional cookbooks one can usually find in West Virginia. 

In keeping with our theme of giving back to the community, 100% of the...

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