WHEN AN IDEAL unit became available at Lake Prince Woods, Carol Robertson of Suffolk nabbed it. Downsizing to the senior community would free up her lifestyle, but not before selling her townhouse in Harbour View.
Given today's economy, Robertson knew that could take months.
Three weeks later, however, Realtors Sandy Nance and Nora Edwards presented a contract.

PORTSMOUTH An empty block on the calendar today could be replaced by several blocks full of festivities and inspiration for those who visit Olde Towne Portsmouth. It might be worth a special trip, too, for folks hunting for a home in Hampton Roads.

New agent Naoma Doriguzzi had plenty to teach her seasoned co-worker at Keller Williams Realty in Virginia Beach. Realtor Tina Nova knows her industry, but needed to learn how to extend her reach and establish a strong presence in today's technology-driven competitive arena.

Don't be surprised if you see about a bunch of executives from S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. sporting shiny bald heads in the coming weeks.

By Nora Firestone

A trip through the housing market leaves some house hunters wondering if they've arrived in a bygone world via time machine.

First, the good news. With 1,164 homes sold in the region last month, Hampton Roads' housing sales are up 87 percent from November 2008, according to the Real Estate Information Network Inc., the local multiple listing service. Now let's temper that: The competition among sellers is fierce, with an inventory of almost 12,979 houses in November, REIN reported.

By Sandra J. Pennecke
Correspondent

MIke and Allyson Macomber have called many places home over the years. Now, they're happy to add Williamsburg Commons to the list.
The couple and their children - Ryan, 12, and Kayla, 8 - moved into the Norfolk development in January. After seven moves in 15 years, the Navy family is familiar with settling into a new community.

By Sandra J. Pennecke
Correspondent

When the Schweikarts and Johnsons were looking for new homes the school district led them to Windrose Farms.
Both families wanted their children to attend Grassfield High, the new state-of-the-art school off Route 17 in the Chesapeake school district.

By Sandra J. Pennecke
Correspondent

Me'quisha Lowery was preparing to pick up furniture for her apartment when a sign for new homes caught her eye.
Three days later, she and boyfriend Rondell Farrier were signing the papers for their new home in Garnett's Watch.
Lowery and Farrier, both active-duty Navy members, were tired of renting an apartment and had talked about buying a home.

By Sandra J. Pennecke
Correspondent

Art and Judith Rubin looked at several different developments throughout Chesapeake before deciding on Vance Level to be closer to their granddaughter. The Rubins, who relocated from Naples, Fla., in April, explored a few