Virginia Tech’s undergraduate real estate degree program got the approval needed from the State Council of Higher Education f or Virginia to launch the program. The program will begin enrolling students in the fall.

Here is the press release from Virginia Tech.

BLACKSBURG, Va., May 24, 2013 – The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia has approved a new undergraduate degree in real estate. This is the final authorization needed to officially launch the program.

Students will be able to enroll in the program this fall. Some students, in anticipation of degree approval, have begun taking classes already offered at the university that will fulfill program requirements with plans to change majors or add a second major in real estate. Read more »

Home building company, Charles R. Simpson Inc. received an award from the Roanoke Valley Home Builders Association. The 50 Year Membership Award was accepted by Roger Simpson, president of Charles R. Simpson and the RVHBA. Read more »

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group is collecting items for Elf’s for Elders, its donation drive that benefits  local nursing and retirement homes. Items can be dropped off at various locations throughout the Roanoke Valley. A list of locations can be found below. Elf’s for Elders is formerly known as Angel Tree for the Elderly.

Here is the press release from Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group.

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group’s annual Angel Tree for the Elderly project is now Elf’s for Elders. Please help us collect items that are needed for our local nursing/retirement facilities. Examples: Lap blankets/throws; toiletries such as body wash, shampoo, shave cream, deodorant, lotion; socks; all sizes sweat shirts/pants; all sizes white t-shirts; gift cards. Read more »

The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors has approved an undergraduate real estate degree program that’s the first of its kind in the country.

The program, which will be housed in the school of architecture and urban studies, could take its first students next fall.

Reporter Tonia Moxley has more about the program here.

The Virginia Tech Foundation has awarded the Turner Street Project management contract to Hall Associates Inc. The project is a four story building used for offices and retail. Hall Associates Director of Facilities Management Tommy Hendrix will be overseeing the project.

Here is the press release from Hall Associates Inc.

Hall Associates, Inc. was recently awarded the Turner Street Project management contract by the Virginia Tech Foundation. Director of Facilities Management, Tommy Hendrix of Hall Associates, will be overseeing this contract and will assign a full-time onsite property manager and maintenance technician to the premises. Hall Associates will also supervise the buildout of tenant spaces as they are leased. Read more »

Blacksburg-based design-bulid firm Shelter Alternatives has been named as a winner of the Virginia Sustainable Building Network’s 2012 Green Innovation Awards. The Single Family Residential Project of the Year Award will be given to them today during the VSBNs annual meeting and 17th Anniversary Celebration. Shelter Alternatives was recognized for a sustainable home they designed and built in Montgomery County.

Here is the press release from Energy Check.

The Virginia Sustainable Building Network announced the winners of their 2012 Green Innovation Awards this week and Shelter Alternatives, the Blacksburg based design-build firm, was among the winners. Shelter Alternatives was awarded the Single Family Residential Project of the Year Award for a home that they designed and built in Montgomery County. Project Supervisor Keelan Utzinger, who also designed the house, worked closely with the client to achieve a sustainable and creative home. Photos of the project can be accessed at www.shelteralternatives.com. Read more »

Chrissy Greene

Through completing classes, seminars and tests, real estate management company Hall Associates Inc. has earned the required State of Virginia Standard License for Managing Common Interest Communities. Hall was previously operating under the Provisional License. In addition to earning the standard license, Hall’s director of association management, Chrissy Greene earned the Certified Manager of Community Associations and the Association Management Specialist designations.

Here’s the press release from Hall Associates, Inc.

Hall Associates, Inc. has earned the State of Virginia Standard License for managing Common Interest Communities, a requirement in Virginia. Hall Associates had previously been operating under the Provisional License, but has since completed a rigorous schedule of educational courses, seminars and testing. These efforts, combined with experience in the industry, made Hall eligible for the Standard License. Read more »

Jeffrey Taylor, also known as Mr. Landlord, will be giving a free presentation at the Real Estate Investors of Virginia meeting on May 8. Taylor will discussing ways investors, landlords and managers can fill their vacancies in 72 hours. To register for this event, visit http://signup.reiofvirginia.com.

Here is the press release from REI of Virginia.

Roanoke, Virginia – May 3, 2012 – -  Real Estate Investors of Virginia (REI of Virginia), will be hosting Jeffrey Taylor a.k.a. “Mr. Landlord” at the El Rodeo on 4017 Williamson Road in Roanoke, Virginia on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 6:30pm. He will be presenting “Discover How to Fill a Vacancy in 72 Hours”.

For years, Mr. Landlord has been helping real estate investors, landlords, and managers fill their vacancies in just 72 hours and keep residents happy for years. He is the author of the bestselling books “The Landlord’s Survival Guide” and “The Landlord’s Kit”. He’s America’s #1 landlording coach, a successful landlord with over 25 years experience and founder of Mr. Landlord.com, home of the most visited landlord Q&A website in the nation for rental owners.

With real estate prices still low and many former homeowners that will need to rent due to foreclosures and other financial and credit related issues, there may not be a better time to purchase income properties to hold long-term to rent or offer rent-to-own opportunities. For an inexperienced investor, what could be one of their greatest financial moves could become their biggest nightmare without professional guidance.

If you are currently managing rental properties, are a successful real estate investor, or even a beginner who has not purchased investment real estate yet, you are invited to attend.  This seminar is a condensed version of a half-day seminar valued at $79 but will be offered at no charge to everyone that attends.  This will be a dinner meeting and optional food purchase is not required.  Please visit http://signup.reiofvirginia.com to sign up as seating is limited.

The disposition assignment for the Hanover Direct industrial facility has been awarded to Poe & Cronk Real Estate. The building is located on 56 acres on Hollins Road in Roanoke.

Here is the news release from Poe & Cronk:

ROANOKE, VA.  (April 29, 2012) — Poe & Cronk Real Estate Group has been awarded the Disposition Assignment for the 640,000 SF Hanover Direct Industrial  Facility located at 5022 Hollins Road in Roanoke, Virginia. Read more »

Cardinal Valley Industrial Supply Inc. has bought the former Commonwealth Door & Hardware property in Salem.

Here is the press release from Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer.

SALEM, VIRGINIA – April, 2012:  Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is pleased to announce the sale of the former Commonwealth Door & Hardware property located at 1125 Intervale Drive in Salem, Virginia.

Cardinal Valley Industrial Supply, Inc. purchased the approx. 22,000 sq. ft. office/warehouse property situated on approximately 2 acres from James River Associates LLC for $775,000 and will utilize the property for its office and distribution facility.