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Virginia Map Guides (Especially Central & Eastern VA)
Image courtesy Google Maps (See Nature & Parks Below) Whether you're renting or buying , if you're considering a move to the Central or Eastern VA area or planning on it already, there are a lot of great online resources to help smooth your transition so that you can be informed in advance before even visiting there. Below I focus on mapping resources. With any Google maps below, filter the sections based on what you're looking for on the top left. Virginia MLS Map for Buyin
Adam Garrett
Aug 16, 20253 min read


Free & Discounted for Kids Map in Virginia
Providing free & low-cost resources for kids & parents & resources for schools including a focus on school/school district selection via reviews.
Adam Garrett
Jun 4, 20254 min read


What Credit Score Model & Number do You Need?
Above: 1 of Adam's Rental properties & some credit/debit/status cards Below I've compiled some of my previous work, recent research, and...
Adam Garrett
Apr 22, 20259 min read


Storage During a Real Estate Transition
Image Courtesy Google Maps & American Classic Self Storage The question of storage often comes up in real estate, especially around the...
Adam Garrett
Apr 21, 20254 min read


Can a Real Estate Agent Show Me a Neighborhood?
Governor's Land at Two Rivers in James City County - Image by Adam I was recently asked this question by someone considering moving to...
Adam Garrett
Feb 21, 202513 min read


When Moving to a New Area, Should I Rent Before Buying a House?
There's not a 1 size fits all answer in this case. For some, renting for a year can be better, for some, a short-term rental can be better, and for others, an immediate purchase can be best. If selling and buying around the same time , things can get tricky as well, though there are some solid options to increase your time in between that many are unaware of like seller rent backs and buyer early possession. Here are some of the factors to consider: Are you certain that you
Adam Garrett
Feb 17, 20254 min read


Budgeting & Real Estate: Impact, Tips, Detail
Here I share about budgets in general in addition to the positive impact that homeownership can make to help many save more and invest more. Sometimes renting is a better fit, but it's important to look at the facts to be sure before renting, even if homeownership seems impossible. No matter how much or how little your income is, your financial growth, even your giving potential, will be forever limited if you don't first limit yourself with a budget. The ability to invest is
Adam Garrett
Jan 15, 20259 min read


Low or No Cost Camping (Including VA Map)
Above: Options for Free Camping or Free Shelters along the Appalachian Trail in VA for those with a Hunting or Fishing License, &...
Adam Garrett
Sep 5, 20249 min read


Income, Asset, & Rent Limits for Home Buying & Renting Programs to Reduce Costs in Central & Eastern VA
Many seek to save and increase their income before buying a home, and many fail to realize that the most lucrative programs to reduce home cost are primarily geared toward those of low income and low assets. Because these limits fluctuate typically on an annual basis, below I've created a guide to help you in the process as a frame of reference since often public websites where these programs may be found aren't updated on an annual basis and don't have links to where to find
Adam Garrett
Aug 2, 20243 min read


Homeless Resources in US w/ Central & Eastern Virginia Focus
Below is a list of resources from various locations for those who are homeless or who are facing the threat of homelessness: How to Avoid Becoming Homeless Non-Traditional Housing Homeless Shelters & Transitional Homes in SE VA Live Aboarding on a Boat (i.e. free sailboats anchored & where to find them) Living in a Van, RV, or Otherwise on Wheels Low or No Cost Camping Couch Surfing While Homeless While your first bet should be to reach out to friends and family, there are mu
Adam Garrett
Jul 20, 20244 min read


Living in a Van, RV, or Otherwise on Wheels
My friends Dr. Jim & Mary Rudisill in their live-aboard home at the time In this article, I'll be getting into methods of living on...
Adam Garrett
Jul 20, 20248 min read


Boosting Credit for Mortgages & Tenants
While there are some exceptions, your credit score has a very high impact on most mortgages & your options as a tenant. Prior to taking...
Adam Garrett
Jul 17, 202413 min read


How to Avoid Becoming Homeless
The main ways to avoid the need for a shelter or transitional housing are: Time Management Most are unaware that one of the biggest...
Adam Garrett
Jun 15, 20245 min read


Homeless Shelters, Transitional Homes, Day Shelters, & Rehab in Central & Eastern Virginia
Below I'll be sharing about how to locate shelters & transitional homes, avoiding a situation where you need one, and giving some details on ones specific to the SE VA area. Where to Find Homeless Shelters Throughout the US For a directory of shelters in multiple states or more locally, start with each of the below, but keep in mind that they are likely many additional options & persistence with looking at options is key: Homeless Shelter Directory Shelter Listings Map of She
Adam Garrett
Jun 14, 20248 min read


Best Hospital Ratings in VA: Where to Find it & Mapped for in & Around Virginia
Identifying the best systemized rating scales for hospitals for the US and creating maps for Virginia & the surrounding area
Adam Garrett
Jun 4, 202412 min read


Fishing in Virginia Guide: Fees & Resources
Above: Me in high school casting in high winds with my dad in the background and hitting the photographer with the hook accidentally!...
Adam Garrett
May 30, 20247 min read


Military Resources, Freebies & Discounts w/ Central & Eastern VA PCS Integration
Image by Adam at Langley AFB Resources for Kids Blue Star Kids Military Child Education Coalition Sesame Street for Military Families Our Military Kids "Receive free grants for kids of deployed soldiers! Grants can be used for Sports, Fine Arts, Camps, Tutoring Programs, etc." (per Frugal Girls) Tutor.com ~ FREE Tutoring Services for Military Families! "U.S. military and their families receive FREE homework and tutoring help!" (per Frugal Girls) Career Resources/Spousal Supp
Adam Garrett
May 17, 20245 min read


MyHousingSearch.com: Lowest Price Rental Search in 30+ States for Low Income, Section 8, Disabled, 50+, Homeless, & Veterans
One of the best options available for those seeking a low price on a rental (as low as free, as in examples above) is...
Adam Garrett
May 3, 20241 min read


Guide to Move to East & Central Virginia| Hampton Roads, Greater Richmond, Middle Peninsula & Northern Neck
Unmatched SE VA Area Guide with information on other locations in VA & some on surrounding states, with information also applicable throughout the US. Especially including Hampton, Newport News, York County, Williamsburg, James City County, Smithfield, Isle of Wight County, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Surry, Southampton County, Gloucester County, Mathews County, Middlesex County, Richmond, New Kent County, Charles City County, Petersburg, Henrico
Adam Garrett
Feb 27, 202416 min read


Real Estate: Credit & Financial Resources
Image courtesy Penfed Credit Union In this article, I'll be linking a number of resources & information I have regarding credit &/or finances available for those looking to purchase, rent, sell, or be a landlord. Finances Generally Budgeting Budgeting Meeting with Adam Saving on Taxes for Real Estate Tax Relief & Deferral Banking Cash Saving Tips Homestead Exemptions on Real Estate in VA vs Other States Factors Impacting Supply & Demand on Real Estate That Influence Prices SE
Adam Garrett
Aug 24, 20235 min read
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