By Thomas Harding
This month I intend to overwhelm you with data . . . so strap on your seatbelts and let’s go for it.
First, let me introduce a new statistic to my loyal readers: the ratio between homes sold (“solds”) and homes on the market (“inventory”). Let’s call this ratio the sold/inventory ratio.
This ratio is [...]

By Dominic Valentine
In November’s general election, West Virginia voters will decide whether to amend the state’s constitution to allow lawmakers to change the tax code. At issue is whether commercial and industrial machinery, equipment, and inventory can be exempted from real property tax, also known as ad valorem taxation. Currently, businesses pay yearly taxes akin [...]

By David Lillard
Imagine this. A couple of West Virginia high-school kids commit some pranks one weekend. Local officials decide to teach them a lesson, and file criminal charges. One of the kids, call him Ted, happens to be 18 years old, an adult. The case is heard by a circuit court judge who only recently [...]

By Davic Lillard
West Virginia was once a leading producer of maple syrup. Today, even though 80 percent of the Mountain State is covered with hardwoods—about 110,000 square miles of them—West Virginia barely registers in syrup production. Neal Super’s Mountain State Maple is starting a homegrown sugarin’ renaissance here in the relative flatlands of Jefferson County. [...]

By Thomas Harding 
Another year, another round of political battles in West Virginia. The filing period for the 2010 political races is now closed, and there are many interesting matchups. Here are a few of them.
 
West Virginia Supreme Court
Just over a year into his first term, Circuit Judge John Yoder is running for West Virginia Supreme Court. [...]

By Thomas Harding    
Each New Year the Jefferson County Assessor sends notices to local property owners informing them of any increase in their real estate assessments. This year’s letters have been mailed, and they bring with them good news for most homeowners. Of the 30,000 parcels in the county, only 800 will see an assessment increase [...]

By Thomas Harding
For the past six years I have called local real estate profession-als to ask for their predictions for the next year. Here are their fore-casts for 2010.
Jackie Lewis, broker, Green-tree Real Estate. The real estate market hasn’t been that bad for the past three months. I just hope that continues. Some high-end properties [...]


—Shepherd Town, W.Va., December 29, 2020.
In a long an-ticipated move, the Shepherd Town Council approved a mea-sure to move its Town Hall to Omega House, a university fra-ternity house.Then they enjoyed a parade down German Street. The decision formalizes a decade-old merger de facto be-tween the Town of Shepherd, formerly known as Shepherds -town, and [...]

The countywide referendum to allow table games at Charles Town Races & Slots won easy approval. The measure was carried by a margin of 6279 to 4343,  winning in nearly every precinct. The results are unofficial until the official canvass to be held on December 11 at Charles Town Library Meeting Room at 9am.

By Thomas Harding
By now you have heard the good news I’m sure. The $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers has been extended and the government has created a new tax credit for people who already own a home (for at least five years) for $6,500. Hallelujah! As a homeowner, lender, realtor, banker or contractor, [...]