Live and Play in Your Own Backyard: Golf Communities in Williamsburg

By: Elaine VonCannon ABR, SRES, REALTOR, Notary, Team Leader, Residential and Commercial Property Manager, Managing Partner VonCannon-Starke Commercial Division, Member of the National Association of Residential Property Managers, Award Winning Agent, RE/MAX Hall of Fame, Licensed in Virginia, Member of Commercial Council VAR, Director WAAR MLS Board

Golf has long been one of the favorite leisure activities of professional and retired individuals. In Williamsburg, Virginia and surrounding areas, the professional and retiree can play golf on many renowned golf courses. The devoted golf enthusiast may desire even more than this. For some golfers, the ultimate immersion in the sport means moving to a golf community. In and around Williamsburg, Virginia a concentration of great courses and elegant golf communities make it the perfect place for the golfer to live, work, or retire.

Check with individual communities, but most have additional amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and restaurants. Home buyers at most golf communities may choose to live in Planned Unit Development homes with maintenance included for a monthly fee in addition to a homeowners association fee.

The Golf Club at Brickshire

In addition to being a Curtis Strange signature course, the Golf Club at Brickshire also offers the golfer opportunities to play emulation holes from August National, Saint Andrews, Pinehurst #2, and Riviera Country Club. Brickshire is a relatively new 18 hole course that is only three years old at the date of this writing and has been described as "player friendly" by avid golfers. Golf Digest recently gave the Brickshire course a 4 1/2 star rating.

Home buyers may choose from newly built and custom built attached and detached homes.
The Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse
This stunning 18 hole golf course in New Kent County Virginia has been described as a challenging course that is larger than life. Featuring oversized greens and tremendous vistas, it is characterized by deep bunkers and long carries. In 2002, Stonehouse was awarded 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest.


Kingsmill Resort and Spa

Kingsmill is the oldest gated golf community in Williamsburg and is home to three 18 hole golf courses, a marina and a conference center. The River course was once the site of the PGA Tour and is now the location of the LPGA tour's Michelob ULTRA open. In 2004 the original architect, Pete Dye, returned to oversee The River's renovation, which included resurfacing of greens and the addition of new fairway bunkering. Some golfers prefer the Plantation course, an Arnold Palmer design with generous fairway landing areas and water near eight holes. The Woods Course, designed by Tom Clark, has unique features such as a double green with a bunker in the middle shared by the par-3 twefth hole and par-4 fifteenth hole.

Kingsmill is one of the most prestigious communities in Williamsburg. All homes are custom built.

Ford's Colony

Ford's Colony, like Kingsmill, has three 18 hole courses. All were designed by Dan Maples. Choose from the Marsh Hawk Course, Blackheath Course, or the Blue Heron Course. Visit http://wwww.fordscolony.com to take a virtual tour of each course.

Home buyers interested in living at Ford's Colony will find lots available for home building sites, newly custom built homes, and resells of custom built homes.

Greensprings Plantation

At Greensprings Plantation, golfers come from near and far to play 18 holes on the Williamsburg National Golf Course designed by Jim Lipe of Jack Nicklaus Design Associates.
Lots are available for home building sites, newly custom built homes and resells of custom built homes.

Governor's Land

Governor's Land is known for its high dollar elaborate homes and quiet seclusion on the James River. Two Rivers golf course was designed by the three-time golf architect of the year Tom Fazio. Admission to this course is only granted to members of the Two Rivers Country Club. This 18 hole course runs along the James River, which provides a scenic backdrop for a game. The design takes advantage of the natural contours of the river, marshlands, ravines, and woodlands.

Residents of Governor's Land enjoy full use of a marina, and life in the most exclusive, high end community in Williamsburg.

Home buyers may purchase lots to build new homes, newly custom built homes, or resells of custom built homes.

For the golfing enthusiast, an opportunity to live so close to the game is paramount. In Williamsburg Virginia, the golf capital of the East Coast, golf communities abound. Call me at 757-288-4685 or e-mail at voncannonrealestate@cox.net. I am a REALTOR who is in the know about these communities. I'll be happy to help you locate the home that fits your needs and lands you as close to the game of golf as you dream of being. Visit VonCannonRealEstate.com to view listings for Golf Communities in Williamsburg, VA.

Marinas and Boat Launches in James City County and Williamsburg, VA

Williamsburg and James City County are premier locations for boating and fishing enthusiasts to live and visit in Virginia. The James River is just a short distance from the Chesapeake Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway. Marinas near the James River are a wonderful, restful berth for boaters and offer the amenities, and sometimes- dining. Inlets and coves used since colonial times and perhaps longer allow the boater a pleasant respite from the busy James River channel, which carries boats from the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel to the piers of Richmond, Virginia. There are several well-maintained public boat launches in the area that lead into the James or Chickahominy Rivers, or allow access to lakes or reservoirs.

Jamestown Yacht Basin (757)-229-8309
If it is convenience to the James River you are searching for, the Jamestown Yacht Basin is located on Powhatan Creek, nearby Historic Jamestown, just a five-minute boat ride from the James River. Speed boats and jet skis are permitted to launch from this marina. Boats coming via the Colonial Parkway, on trailers, have a 12 foot height restriction, due to tunnels. The Yacht Basin has 125 wetslips, but they are usually booked, so call ahead. The fully functional marina has a boat launch and stocks boat supplies, ice, gas, and marine fuel. Fish caught in the immediate area include catfish, croaker, striped bass, and large mouth bass. Jamestown Yacht Basin is the only covered marina in James City County.

Kingsmill Marina (757)-253-3919

http://www/kingsmill.com/recreation/marina.asp
If docking and dining is on the plan for the evening, Kingsmill Marina is a pleasant place to unwind. It's also an opportunity to experience all there is to do at Kingsmill Resort & Spa, including golfing, tennis, other recreation and traditional spa treatments such as massage and facials. Kingsmill has a full-service marina with 15 transient boat slips equipped with water and power connections. Concrete floating docks make embarking and disembarking easier, and the convenience of full-service dockside fueling may be welcome for some boaters. Have a bite to eat at The Deck at the Marina - with light fare and live entertainment complemented by a panoramic view of the James River. The marina store stocks boating and fishing supplies and other provisions. To access Kingsmill Resort & Spa's Marina, which is just 35 miles upriver from the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, look for channel marker #40 on the James River.

Two Rivers Country Club Marina (757)-258-4863
Two Rivers Country Club is located in a protected, private harbor nearby the intersection of the James and Chickahominy Rivers One hundred boat slips can be housed at this Yacht Club with exclusive membership. There are 78 slips at the 25-50' depth range. There are 8 transient slips at the Yacht Club. A maximum of 50' boats are permitted. Water, electric, and boat dock boxes are included with all slips. Amenities include a boat launching ramp, fuel service, a terrace with a covered awning and tables, an office, shop, laundry, bathroom, showers, and ice.

Waller Mill Park, Williamsburg (757) 220-6178

http://www.ci.williamsburg.va.us/dept/rec/parks.htm#waller
This fishing lake is maintained by the City of Williamsburg Parks and Recreation and only rowboats, canoes, pedal boats and kayaks are allowed. No gasoline boats are permitted in Waller Mill Park, but electric motors are permitted, and they are available for rental for $15-20 per day. This is a great fishing lake -- well stocked with striped bass, large mouth bass, blue gill, yellow and white perch, catfish, and red-earred bream. Fishing is only permitted from boats. Waller Mill Park is Williamsburg's 2700-acre park situated around its reservoir and has been open to the public for 24 years. The 343-acre lake has a tunnel connecting the upper and lower sections of the lake. To get to Waller creek, take Airport Road (Rt. 645), which connects I-64 and Rt. 60 West.

Chickahominy Riverfront Park (828)-258-5020

http://www.jccegov.com/recreation/chickahominy_park.html
At the mouth of the Chickahominy River, approximately 1/2 mile from the James River is Chickahominy Riverfront Park which offers a four wide boat ramp. Speed boats and jet skis are permitted to launch here, and boats are also available for rental. For directions, log on to http://www.jccegov.com/recreation/directions.html#Anchor-Chickahomin-40400.

Diascund Creek Resevoir
This public boat launch, Diascund Landing is overseen by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and is right in James City county. From Williamsburg, Go West on Rt. 60 at past Norge for 8 miles until the intersection of Route 603 north. Boat access is 1/2 mile on the right.

Marine Weather Reports
For any jaunts on the Rivers near Williamsburg and in James City County, always remember conditions can change. It's a great idea to check the weather report before heading out for a boat cruise with family and friends.

Here is a the National Weather Service Forecast, with a base in Wakefield, Virginia, just across the James River from Williamsburg. Consult the NOAA site for direct weather information: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/forecasts/VAZ090.php?warncounty=VAC095&city=Williamsburg.

Have a pleasant cruise on these Virginia rivers. If you are looking for a permanent home for your boat with a dock, contact me at 757-288-4685. I'd love to show you some waterfront property in this area. Don't forget to visit www.voncannonrealestate.com for other articles on the Tidewater/Hampton Roads area or for more information.

Another Bank with Issues: Introducing USAA’s Mortgage Program

Elaine VonCannon, ABR, SRES, REALTOR, Notary Public, Team Manager

The topic of the last article I wrote and syndicated was inconsistencies with home loan financing. It featured Bank of America and Homesteps and Homepath, the FHA home loan programs. Now the spotlight has shifted to USAA mortgages.

As a real estate agent in the Williamsburg, Virginia market for nearly a decade, I have ample experience with mortgage companies and banks. This is not the first time my clients had issues with USAA.

Recently, I had a homebuyer who was purchasing a short sale. USAA promised a low interest rate, which motivated the buyer to use their home loan services. Two weeks prior to closing USAA became very demanding, and my client had to jump thru hoops to get the loan done. This was a professional couple with a very high credit score. They could have taken their home purchase to any mortgage company or bank. Why do the banks continue to scrutinize even the best borrowers?

Now, it is time for the icing on the cake. My current client is using USAA after a bad start with -- OH YES -- the infamous Bank of America (who I might add holds the paper on several of his loans). Bank of America informed him eight days from closing they could not do the loan. The homebuyer had to search for another lender a week before closing. In the beginning, I recommended he use another lender, not USAA. I cited examples of local mortgage lenders who had clients come back to them in tears after treatment at the hands of USAA employees.

Did you know one small mark on someone’s credit can become a large issue these days when applying for a mortgage? This is ridiculous! The USAA loan officer working on this particular loan was Laura Perez. She blames underwriting for not making the loan -- though I am inclined to think it is her. USAA is hung up over a $187.00 bill that my client disputed and is awaiting an answer on.

Laura Perez or the underwriter at USAA does not like the way the bill says paid in full. My client sent Perez two statements on this small bill that had been paid. “The document I sent yesterday is the new "Paid in Full" document, which doesn't say, "releases me of all debt, etc." noted my client.

In essence, this home purchase is stuck in limbo now, over a $187 bill. Until the credit issue drops from this client’s record, USAA will not finalize a loan. According to Laura Perez, “That's not in my control. And, it can take 45 days before I can even continue.” Perez also requested documentation that my client has provided.

Here is the startling information. This bill and credit dispute began four years ago. This client purchased two investment properties in Williamsburg and the credit dispute was not an issue for these closings. Why is it an issue now, with USAA?

This homebuyer is a solid investor, and a good client. I manage two homes for my client here in Williamsburg. He also owns another home out-of-state that he had to rent due to the market and relocation by his employer.

As a last resort, I have emailed Laura Perez and requested to speak to her supervisor. It is no surprise that I have not heard back, and that no information is forthcoming. This home loan is now hung up. It is truly just another example of banking bureaucracy.

If we examine the examples carefully, it is obvious that the inability of the banks and mortgage companies to push loans for qualified buyers through in a timely manner has helped to slow down the real estate market considerably. Until the lenders either staff up with qualified employees or apply consistent formulas and rules to loan applications, this financial quagmire we are currently in may take some time to dissipate.

Visit http://www.voncannonrealestate.com for more information.

Banking Backlogs and Inconsistencies Plague the Mortgage System

Elaine VonCannon, ABR, SRES, REALTOR, Notary Public, Team Manager

As a REALTOR in Williamsburg, VA, I have seen many of inconsistencies with mortgage companies during a down market. Frankly, this frustrates buyers and sellers, me, my staff and colleagues.

I have mortgage company incompetencies, slowdowns and backlogs to share. I have collected some stories from other agents in my RE/Max Capital office in Williamsburg, too. These snafus in the mortgage approval system impact buyers and sellers in a negative way.

Short Sales Frustrations
It is common for a seller to short sale a property, and to have the lender(s) make the seller wait six months for approval - and then deny it! More often than not this crucial decision leaves the seller in financial ruins. The sale of the home is never closed, and the property now exists as bank 'inventory' and may not even hit the real estate market for a year or two. Wasting time on short sales leaves homebuyers and home sellers hung-up in financial limbo, and real estate agents without a closed deal. This cannot be good for the economy.

FHA Owned Properties: HomeSteps and HomePath
The FHA is a government agency, backed by tax dollars. If a buyer happens to put an offer on an FHA owned property, they have to use the recommended program. The federal government, in its infinite wisdom, has instituted the HomeSteps program through Freddie Mac and HomePath through Fannie Mae as public loan programs for the home buyer to help assist in the process of closing deals on FHA owned properties. Private lenders work through the program while adhering to government guidelines.

Though the HomePath and HomeStep Programs are enticing for what they offer, the process is slow and unwieldy. Some real estate agents have found the formula applied to each loan approval is not always the same. One agent in my office had a buyer turned down because HomePath indicated they did not have enough income. When the agent confronted the loan officer, she wanted to know why the 10-month income verification was not applied, instead of 12-month verification. She said her clients would qualify with a 10-month formula, and the loan officer agreed it was allowed. Her complaint is that formulas are not being applied consistently. Even those with good credit and stable work histories are finding it hard to close on HomePath loans.

HomePath Lending Program
Fannie Mae's HomePath program offers a traditional mortgage with 3% down, and no appraisal or premium mortgage insurance (PMI) is required. In addition, Fannie Mae offers another 3% down loan that includes home purchase and light to moderate renovations on primary or second homes or investment properties. A separate loan funds manufactured homes with the same 3% down payment.

HomeSteps Lending Program
The Freddie Mac Loan Program, HomeSteps, is stricter. The HomeSetps website recommends a 5% down payment with the possibility of qualifying for special programs offering down payment assistance. An appraisal is required on HomeSteps property purchases. Only certain homes will qualify for this program. A public review on the HomeSteps loan program is just as discouraging as HomePath. According to one buyer who complained publicly on CityData.com, the lender was Wells Fargo and the buyers made an initial offer on a Homesteps property, then made a lower offer once it was determined the house had 'illegal problems.' She inquires, "Is it normal to wait three weeks for a reply?"

Often buyers become frustrated with these slow moving property deals and move on. More often then not, the sale never closes.

Bank of America Backlog on Foreclosure Contract & Loan Approval
The Bank of America foreclosure department also drags its feet on closing real estate sales. I had a buyer ready to close on a Bank of America owned foreclosure and it took them two months to produce a contract. My buyer had an 800 credit score, but it took so long to approve his application, he became frustrated and pulled money out of another investment to pay cash for the property. I was lucky he had assets and was not totally reliant upon bank financing.

Bank of America Loan to Income Ratio Askew?
Another client I had was prepared to close on a property with Bank of America financing and he had a 780 credit score. The loan officer waited until one week before closing to inform him he did not qualify because his debt to income ratio was too high. When we considered lending alternatives, five other banks approved his loan, and even the USAA approved it. Why was Bank of America's loan to income ratio different than the rest?

The backlog in application requests, slow customer service, and inconsistencies with loan approvals are all reasons for concern about the mortgage lending industry today. Everyone involved in closing real estate deals becomes frustrated: real estate agents, buyers, sellers, lawyers and contractors. Even the federal government has become suspicious of Bank of America's (and other mortgage lenders) incomplete foreclosure paperwork and processes.

Though the federal government has been investigating some issues, lender inconsistencies and slow or no customer service are rampant in this real estate market. Buyers need to build extra time into their home sales process and agents need to exercise patience and attention to details for property deals to close.

For more information about purchasing bank owned properties, residential or commercial properties, or listing properties for sale, visit http://www.voncannonrealestate.com.