On April 9th, 2011, Watch How a Community Comes Together For All the Right Reasons

 

For the tenth year, the Student Government Association at Virginia Tech will host The Big Event. On April 9, 2011, students and faculty members will get together to participate in Virginia Tech's largest day of community service.

The Big Event at Virginia Tech s a student-run community service effort that has grown into the 2nd largest event of its kind in the nation. Every spring, thousands of students, faculty, and staff come together to complete hundreds of community service projects throughout Blacksburg, Christiansburg and the New River Valley.

Projects are completed regardless of need or socioeconomic status; instead, it is The Big Event's goal to simply say, "Thank you." Seeded in our university's motto of Ut Prosim (That I may serve) students and community members come together for a truly unparalleled experience.

The Big Event at Virginia Tech: "One Big Day. One Big Thanks." To find out more, The Big Event.



Starting in 2002, The Big Event at Virginia Techhas grown exponentially. Rooted in Virginia Tech's motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), The Big Event has provided an opportunity for the entire Virginia Tech community to join together and thank the surrounding communities of Virginia Tech. (Virginia Tech was formerly known as Virginia Polytechnic Institute- formerly an all military school with a tradition of service to our country, dating back to 1872.)

The 2002 Big Event saw about 475 volunteers complete 60 projects. Last year, The Big Event 2010 saw 6,145 volunteers complete over 900 projects.

The Big Event 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of The Big Event at Virginia Tech. The Big Event staff is looking forward to celebrating the past nine years of service and have 8,000 volunteers complete over 1,100 service projects.

To see a video about last year's Big Event, check out this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDjVSUcluuw&feature=player_embedded



The Big Event at Virginia Tech is currently the second largest service event of its kind in the country.

Yes, you can own a Colonial estate home in Virginia on the water for under $625,000!

Ever wanted to own a Colonial estate waterfront home in Virginia? Now's your chance! You are not going to believe the walue of this 4300 square foot brick Traditional home in the Gatling Pointe waterfront community near the historic town of  Smithfield, Virginia. Selling for only $624,900, this treasure is located on a one acre, privately wooded cul-de-sac, and situated on Moone Creek with long distant views across the marsh and the Pagan River (near Smithfield). (Check out the Virtual Tour)



Grand and Gracious! This brick waterfront home islocated on a one acre waterfront homesite, nicely removed from the city in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Located only 30 minutes to Norfolk/Chesapeake, and only 15 minutes to Newport News/Hampton (also known as the Peninsula). Gatling Pointe is an award winning waterfront community featuring quality custom homes and resort styled amenities.



Gatling Pointe features its own yacht club, marina, restaurant clubhouse, a riverfront pool with views across the James River. Club amenities include 68 deep water boat slips, swimming pool, volleyball and tennis courts, playgrounds, bike trails, and park. Enjoy waterfront living year round!

Located at 106 Water Pointe Lane, Smithfield, Virginia (Hampton Roads area of Virginia). Lovely waterfront home features a beautiful sun room, newly refinished hardwood floors on the first floor, new appliances, new carpet, granite counter tops, two staircases, 4 large bedrooms, large formal living and dining rooms, a wet bar in the Family Room, and dramatic sunset views over the marsh and creek. Enjoy the privacy on this over one acre wooded homesite. To find out more, visit www.gatlingpointe.com or call 757-238-9009. (The photo below is of the Gatling Pointe yacht club and marina where the Pagan and James Rivers meet.)



Please contact Donita Frantz or Mark Edwards with East West Realty (757-238-9009) for more information about homes in Gatling Pointe. http://www.gatlingpointe.com/

For information about other East West Communities, please visit www.eastwestcommunities.com .

7 Reasons to Buy a New Home in a Master Planned Community

Why have planned communities become so popular in today's economy? Yes, people are building and buying new homes again in Virginia, and we're excited about what's going on in our four East West Communities in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Maybe the sales pace isn't what it was a few years ago, but that's okay. Builders have definitely stepped up and are taking great care of the customer, AND we're seeing outstanding new home values as a result. One of the drawbacks of the building boom a few years ago was the fact that builders couldn't meet their closing deadlines and sometimes customer service fell behind the wayside. Our buyers are finding out that it is a great time to build after comparing their options with the other possibilities in the marketplace. There's a definite resurgence of interest in building a new home in our market, so I've listed 7 reasons why people are buying new homes in our communities today.

1. Sense of place, belonging. There are many reasons why today's homebuyers are seeking planned communities as a place to call home. Many of today's homebuyers in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia are searching for a sense of belonging....a place they can enjoy recreation and have a lot of fun things to do without leaving their neighborhood. Many people seem to long for a safe place to live, a place to raise a family, to maintain a home they can be proud of, and live the American dream. A planned community offers many lifestyle opportunities and home style options.

2. Value.  Homebuyers looking for more value tend to be more cautious in their home purchase than they were maybe a few years ago. If you're investing your hard earned money, you want to make sure you're in an area that offers a high quality of life and offers a good resale opportunity. There's definitely a market looking for a neighborhood with lifestyle amenities- a place where they can get to know their neighbors, entertain friends and family, and have memorable experiences.

Homebuyers have been paying more attention in recent months in finding not only the "right price", but what's equally important is finding the "right home" and the right neighborhood. Buying a new home is a way to make sure you achieve your dream home and it's never been a better time to purchase a new home. Pricing of materials and labor are very attractive today than a few years ago and we're seeing it reflected in many pre-sold homes. People also want to take advantage of the lower interest rates.



Over 2,100 families have relocated to three planned communities developed by East West Communities in the last ten years - Eagle Harbor, The Riverfront at Harbour View, and Founders Pointe since 2000. (Founders Pointe is the newest of the three and opened in 2005). Another 500 homes were developed in the Gatling Pointe community before 2001 in Smithfield, Va. The grand opening for Liberty Ridge in Williamsburg is this May. (See the East West story at the bottom of this article.)

3. Feeling of Security.Planned communities help give homebuyers a feeling of security. When asked what people look for in a new home, many say a sense of community. Planned communities help provide the lifestyle that makes a house a home. The statement entry helps give a sense of arrival, a creative land plan allows for pocket parks, recreational areas, and private cul-de-sac neighborhoods and slower traffic. A more attractive streetscape is accomplished through unique and distinctive architectural guidelines, enhanced landscaping requirements and a quality team of homebuilders. The protective covenants also protect value and helps control the overall look and feel of a planned community.



4. Reputable Homebuilders. Some of the area's most reputable builders have also committed to building Featured Models in our communities because they know they attract quality homebuyers and it's a place they enjoy building new homes. The group of preferred builders also helps to accomplish the overall architectural theme goal and helps establish a great looking streetscape, thus a more attractive neighborhood. Residents also like dealing with homebuilders that are dedicated to their neighborhood.



5. Creative new home designs. We often see builders create a brand new home design that's on the cutting edge of national trends, showcasing the finest building products and materials. Our new home communities attract alot of visitors and the builders see it as an opportunity to go above and beyond in their selection of the home plan, the overall exterior curb appeal, and interior appointments. Every time we open a new section, our builders have stepped up with totally new plans which helps keep the neighborhood interesting and different.

The Tidewater builders Association held its annual Homearama model home show in Founders Pointe last year and it returns to The Riverfront this fall. Tens of thousands of people attend to see the superior quality homes over a sixteen day period. The best in new home designs and finishes are showcased on the same street, and it's always a win win situation for the builder/development and the customer.

6. Resort style Amenities. Residents in our East West Partners communities often say that living in our neighborhood is like being on vacation year round. Neighborhoods with active community clubs is attractive to many relocating from outside of the area. The resort styled amenities in The Riverfront, Founders Pointe, Eagle Harbor, and Gatling Pointe rival those at some of the greatest resorts. First class facilities such as the Founders Pointe Residents Club and The Riverfront Swim Club may add value to their homes and offers many positive experiences for their families....a chance to rediscover the simpler things in life, like going for a walk to one of the neighborhood parks. Residents enjoy the monthly planned activities - whether it's signing the kids up to one of the summer camps, participating on the neighborhood swim team, or on one of the many fun events scheduled by the Activities Coordinator.

Relocating families also tend to feel it's easier to get to know your neighbors in a planned community that offers a centralized amenity location. A lively club operation helps provide social interaction and opportunities to make new friends. It helps make the adjustment to a new area easier and it's a reason families from out of the area feel more welcome. There's something special about being able to take your grandchild to the river to check out one of the canoes to explore nature in your backyard..... Many buyers yearn for the opportunity to experience these memorable moments with their families.


7. Developer's Credibility.Today's consumers should investigate their options fully when finding the right neighborhood. Look at the track record and the whole body of work for that developer and/or builder. East West has always done better when the homebuyer compares the total community to other options in the marketplace. Communities like The Riverfront, Founders Pointe, and Eagle Harbor are located in growth areas and are places that people are moving to, and not away from.  The northern Suffolk/Isle of Wight County corridor is located on the western edge of the Tidewater area of Virginia, and is central to both the Peninsula and southside Hampton Roads.

After 35 years of developing planned communities, East West has listened to the homeowners' needs, wants, and desires- though numerous focus groups, surveys, and market research. Every time we open a new community we strive to provide the homebuyers with more things that they want. (For example, at Founders Pointe, one of our new home communities in the Hampton Roads area, there are more walking trails, a waterfront observation pier, a larger clubhouse, more pool shade structures and a water slide for the kids.  In Liberty Ridge in Williamsburg, there will be miles of natural leisure trails winding through the neighborhood of three acre homesites.)





Our Story
East West Communities has been developing planned communities since 1972, in six different states. East West's initial community in Chesterfield County, Brandermill, was awarded the "Best Planned Community" in 1978 by the National Housing & Builders Association and Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Our Woodlake community in Midlothian was also awarded "Best Community in the U.S. " by the Urban Land Institute in 1990.

Since then, East West Communities have expanded into the Hampton Roads market with four planned communities. Gatling Pointe features a yacht club, marina, and riverfront clubhouse & pool complex. Eagle Harbor features a lakefront park, clubhouse, and spectacular pool with a water park and a GardenGolf course. The Riverfront features a Swim Club, golf course, two riverfront parks, a lakefront amphitheater and a second pool will be added next year. Founders Pointe, a waterfront community near Smithfield, features a Residents' Club- a $2 million dollar club and pool complex which has a 112' water slide and a 4,000 square foot pool.

Over 1,000 familes have purchassed new homes in The Riverfront at Harbour View since its grand opening in 2000. Eagle Harbor has also attracted over 1,000 families since 2002. Founders Pointe, which is about 50% developed, has sold 150 custom homes (since 2005) of a possible 319 total homes (when it is fully developed).

The Riverfront at Harbour View has also been awarded "Community of the Year" twice by the Tidewater Builders Association. Gatling Pointe, Eagle Harbor, and Founders Pointe have also received the "Community of the Year" award by the Peninsula Housing and Builders Association. Liberty Ridge, a brand new custom home community in Williamsburg, opens this spring as the first two models are nearing completion. Liberty Ridge offers three acre lots and is located just ten minutes to Colonial Williamsburg.

        

 

5 Reasons to Relocate to this Waterfront Community in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia

Many propsective homebuyers are now just starting to look for a new home for 2011. They've been waiting on the sideline for several years, and they realize that now is the best time in decades to buy a new home. If you're looking to make a move to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia this year, be sure to check out Founders Pointe, located in the Hampton roads area of Virginia.

Here are my TOP 5 Reasons to Relocate to Founders Pointe:

1. ATTRACTIVE LOCATION

Founders Pointe is located in the Carrollton area of Isle of Wight County, which is part of the Hampton Roads region. Although, Isle of Wight County is on the western edge, it's easy to get anywhere, and it's nicely removed from the city. You can also rediscover a small town atmosphere as Founders Pointe is near the historic town of Smithfield. Incorporated as a town in 1750, Smithfield is well known to have one of the best preserved historic districts in the country for a town reflecting different periods of historical architecture. there are landmarks like St. Luke's church built in 1632, and the Smithfield Inn & restaurant built in 1752. Another favorite tourist spot is the Smithfield Station.


It only takes ten minutes to reach the Hampton/Newport News area via the James River bridge. Oh yes, those who grea up on the "Peninsula" (a stretch of cities along a peninsula of land that is bordered by the James, Hampton Roads, and York Rivers), think that Isle of Wight is "way out". In reality, Isle of Wight is on the "mainland" and it offers a more quiet, peaceful lifestyle, the lowest tax rate in the region (.52/$100), and it is central to the Southside Hampton Roads cities and the Peninsula.

Families relocating from out of the area don't mind a 20-25 minute drive into work, and they prefer to live in a community with more to offer than just a house in a typical subdivision.



Founders Pointe is located on the point of land on the left situated just to the southeast of the James River Bridge and just west of the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge tunnel. Founders Pointe is just 10 minutes to the Peninsula, I-664, and only 25 minutes to Downtown Norfolk. To see a map of where Founders Pointe is located, visit http://www.founderspointe.com/our-location/conveniences/.



2. Overall Neighborhood Concept and the Resort Style Amenities



The centerpiece of Founders Pointe are the exceptional resort-style recreational amenities the community has to offer. Rarely, does a neighborhood with only 300 homes have a clubhouse and pool, but to find it on the scale of the Founders Pointe Residents' Club, that's truly unique. (Monthly Association dues are only $87/month which includes maintenance of the common area and access to the amenities.)

• Residents' Club with swimming pool and 112′ water slide
• 844′ observation pier offering panoramic views of Batten Bay and the James River
• Three miles of biking/walking trails and sidewalks
• Playground and sand volleyball court
• Full-time Activities Director coordinating year-round events for all ages.
• In addition to hosting sporting and fitness activities, the clubhouse serves as a center for holiday celebrations, themed social events for adults, and special interest clubs. A full-time activities director  keeps the community's social calendar full with a year-round schedule of exciting events. The clubhouse's swimming pool and waterslide is augmented by a children's playground and sand volleyball court. Both children and adults make use of the network of nearly three miles of sidewalks and walking trails that wind throughout the community. An observation pier overlooks Batten Bay, with views reaching to the James River and the Hampton Roads. Founders Pointe provides a nurturing environment in which children can thrive and adults can relax. Whether you are young, or simply young at heart, going outside to play is conveniently rewarding.              

                                                                                                                     

3. Quality Homes, Distinctive Architecture

East West Communities, our community development team, spent alot of attention to the overall architectural theme and streetscape early on in the development process. Detailed front porticos, large front porches, proper symmetry and proportion- all all important aspects of creating an attractive streetscape, no matter what cul-de-sac or street you're on the the community.

          


A Preferred Builder team of ten quality homebuilders have helped carry out the vision of developing one of the most attractive and best looking neighborhoods in our region. You'll find a wide variety of distinctive home styles such as English Cottage, Craftsman, American Traditional, Colonial, and European Transitional style. Since our grand opening in the spring of 2005, over 150 families have decided to relocate to Founders Pointe. Founders Pointe was selected as "Community of the Year" twice by the local homebuilder association. You can see the beautiful homes on the Interactive Map.

         

4. Sense of Place, Community

We often hear that one of the main reasons 150 families have relocated to our community is the real sense of community they find in their neighborhood. From the stone front entrance monument, past the well landscaped parkway entry, to the lakeside clubhouse and pool, and along the winding pathway to the observation pier on the river, visitors will quickly realize they have arrived at one of the most attractive neighborhoods in the Hampton Roads region.



The friendly front porches, well landscaped common areas, and the winding sidewalks also help add to the neighborly feel that our residents talk so much about. The roads that lead to Founders Pointe are lined by trees and some spectacular views over the waterways which also gives our commuters a chance to unwind on their way home.

Once home, residents enjoy the various activities found at their neighborhood clubhouse which overlooks a lake and a well landscaped trail system. There is also access to the river for all residents at the observation pier. We often hear, that's it's worth an extra 10 minute drive home to get home, where residents enjoy the spectacular views across the water and the marsh that surrounds the tributaries leading out to the James River. The experiences our families have with their children and grandchildren rival those at some of the great resort destinations.



5. Timing- Unique Opportunity, Beautiful Waterfront Property

With the low interest rates and the aggressive new home pricing by our builders, now IS a great time to buy a new home! Timing is also excellent because of the early stage of construction for the community. There's a great team of builders offering top quality amenities in their new homes with seven new home plans now under construction for sale for this spring season! Homesites start in the $90's and new single family custom homes start in the $400's- an excellent value!
Finding a waterfront location so close to the major employment centers like Founders Pointe is rare and a unique opportunity. Be forewarned, one visit to see Founders pointe, its distinctive new homes, the resort style amenities, the gorgeous views, & the surrounding area, - you're likely to want to drop anchor here for good.

Visit www.eastwestcommunities.com for more information about other East West communities in Virginia.

Virginia Tech- Hokies beat Duke 64 to 60 at Cassell Coliseum

Founders Pointe - a waterfront community in the Hampton Roads area of Vi...

A Great Place to Come Home to in Smithfield, Virginia

Southern Living® Showcase Home in The Riverfront at Harbour View is Featured in Today's Daily Press

 

3002 North James Drive, Suffolk, Virginia

This Southern Living® Showcase Home is approximately 5,000 square feet of living space (includes a full basement) and is on the market for $1,349,900 in The Riverfront at Harbour View- a golf course, waterfront community (Hampton Roads area of Viriginia). (Courtesy of East West Realty / February 23, 2011 ) Daily Press article by Lore McDonald

Address: 3002 N. James Drive, Suffolk, Virginia Price: $1,349,900

Listing agents: Adria Joseph, Tina Manrique, Priscilla LeMoine, Mark Edwards, East West Realty; 757-288-7584; http://www.the-riverfront.com

Basics: The Falkirk Ridge house was created by Southern Living® Custom Builder, Sasser Construction, which recently was named 2010 Southern Living® Custom Builder of the Year. This showcase home, built in 2010, is located on Eagle Lake in The Riverfront at Harbour View community in Suffolk, Virginia.

The home has an open floor plan with a retractable wall of glass connecting the family room to the rear porch - extending the living space into the outdoors. The home's décor blends earthy textures: stone walls, wooden beams and cozy fireplaces. It offers a family organization center, which includes a pet area, a child and adult storage center in the laundry room and even a cell-phone docking center near the garage.

The full basement has a home theater with separate elevated seating and gaming areas. Hardwood floors are African walnut and all of the baths have ceramic tile.

Extras: Pella windows, HVAC Lenox 16 Seer, Rinnai tankless hot water system, African walnut floors, four-car garage, 5,000 square feet of living space, and a lakefront homesite.



The Riverfront at Harbour View 
The Riverfront is a waterfront, golf course community overlooking the Nansemond and James Rivers in Suffolk just 2 miles from the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel. Located in the heart of Hampton Roads, The Riverfront is mere minutes from Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach and Norfolk, yet a lifetime away from the hustle of city living.

After being twice awarded Community of the Year and three times selected Best Community, The Riverfront has recently become the first recipient of the Tidewater Builders' Association Community Hall of Fame award. Nationally, The Riverfront has also been recognized for having the Best Club in the country by the Resort & Commercial Recreation Association. No other community in Hampton Roads has received as many honors as The Riverfront.

The Riverfront offers you and your family all the pleasures of resort-style living and the luxury of time to enjoy them together. This distinctive waterfront community features quality custom homes, exceptional amenities and priceless views. Quality custom home values range from the $500s to over $2 million



To view this Daily Press article, http://www.dailypress.com/features/family/home-garden/dp-fea-justlooking-0224-20110223,0,2998383.story .

 

3002 North James Drive, Suffolk - dailypress.com

3002 North James Drive, Suffolk - dailypress.com

Get Ready to See the Best Model Home Show (HOMEARAMA) in the Country this Fall!

Homearama returns to The Riverfront at Harbour View

Tidewater Builders' Association has announced that The Riverfront at Harbour View in northern Suffolk, Virginia will host its Fall 2011 Homearama showcase of homes. The event, set for Oct. 15-30, will feature eight to 13 homes, with prices expected to start in the low $500,000s. The resort-style community, developed by East West Communities, last hosted Homearama in 2001, when it drew more than 110,000 visitors. "We feel extremely fortunate to work with East West Communities on another first-class event," said TBA President Bill Halprin. "Their communities are known for their beautiful landscaping and upscale curb appeal, as well as the resort lifestyle they offer. They created a beautiful setting for our first Spring Homearama at Founders Pointe last year and we know we can expect even more of the same at The Riverfront." The Riverfront is home to about 1,000 families, who enjoy the peaceful waterways and scenic views of the Nansemond and James Rivers and the community's convenient location in the midst of the shops, restaurants, grocery stores, movie theater and health & wellness facilities of Harbour View.  The Riverfront is just 15 minutes from downtown Norfolk, centrally located to the Southside and the Peninsula. The Homearama homes will all face a large center island park, over an acre in size, which provides scenic views from every front porch, and the perfect place for children to play and neighbors to gather. The community offers a long list of amenities which include golf, volleyball, tennis, two waterfront parks with piers, playgrounds, a lakeside amphitheater, walking and jogging paths, bike trails and a Swim Club with two outdoor pools, clubhouse & a full-time activities director. "We have enjoyed great success with Homearama, the builders and TBA in the past and we look forward to expanding on that success to make this the finest home show it can be," commented Branch Lawson, President of East West Communities. "We believe all the elements are in place for that to happen. Welcome back to Suffolk, and to TBA's first community inducted into their Hall of Fame for Excellence!" "We expect to see several Southern Living House Plans featured and they will showcase the latest technology, energy efficiency, and feature state of the art sounds systems," said Mark Edwards, broker for East West Realty. The Homearama sites are priced from $135,000 to $152,500, averaging a half-acre in size. A lot drawing for interested builders has been scheduled for noon on Tuesday, March 22, in the conference room of the TowneBank Member Service Center in Harbour View. To find out more about the Fall Homearama, check out the article in the Virginian Pilot. You can also visit www.the-riverfront.com .