Posts from November 2019

For most renters, owning a home is the eventual goal – it's just a matter of when to make the leap. Whether you've always wanted to own a home or you're simply growing tired of renting, there are plenty of signs to tell you that now is the time. Our REALTORS® are here to help you decide, with signs that you may be ready to buy a home.

1. Do You Daydream of Your Own Home?
   Sometimes, the signs are straightforward. When you find yourself going online frequently to scout out Richmond homes for sale and dreaming, it's time to start thinking about turning that dream into reality. If you can already afford a monthly rent payment and your credit is in good shape, a mortgage may be more within reach than you expect.

2. Family on the Way
   Whether you're transitioning from single to married life or expecting a child, sometimes life changes are the perfect motivation to move from renting to owning. Maybe you want additional space to accommodate a family or a place to settle down in a great school district. Either way, it may be time to buy.

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Keeping your home updated is one of the best investments you can make in your future, whether you plan on selling within the next year or ten years from now. A total redo of your home can be overwhelming. But if you make little improvements over time and big ones every couple of years, the return on your investment can be significant. Our REALTORS® often advise clients who are listing their Richmond homes for sale to take a look around, prioritize, and make a few improvements. These enhancements can increase the value and allow you to enjoy it for years to come fully.

1. Landscaping
   Upgrading landscaping and keeping the outside of your home looking neat helps with curb appeal. Keep the grass cut and the trees, bushes, and hedges trimmed. It's also a good idea to add some eye-catching color. When planting, mixing heights and colors of different flowering plants can create a dramatic effect. Hydrangeas are hearty perennials, easy to maintain, and they grow into large bushes that produce flowers in blue, purple, white, pink, and green. If you're fresh out of ideas, take a look around the neighborhood to see what's out there. Local garden centers often provide free design services, which can help spark your imagination and bring your vision to life.

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Grab your favorite walking stick and lace up your most comfortable pair of walking shoes — National Take A Hike Day is November 17th! Join our REALTORS® on this beautiful Sunday afternoon for a hike along some of the best trails in the Richmond area. There's nothing like a day spent outdoors, especially when you're exploring the gorgeous greenspaces around Virginia. Here are six of our favorite trails to check out on National Take A Hike Day.

• Pocahontas State Park — 10301 State Park Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23823
  Pocahontas State Park has no shortage of trails for you to explore. More than 64 miles are yours to travel across in this sprawling state park. Although it may be a little too cold to swim in their pools, you can relax after your walk by fishing one of three lakes. If the skies get a little cloudy, feel free to visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum on site.
  
  
• Forest Hill Park — 4021 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond, VA 23225
  Forest Hill Park is an excellent place for National Take A Hike Day or anytime you want some fresh air. Listed in the state's Historic Register, this space was once an estate and amusement park before becoming one of Richmond's best places for outdoor relaxation. Bring a pair of binoculars while you walk through the wetlands so you can get a closer look at the diverse wildlife that call that park home.

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The holiday season is filled with fun and festivities. While some people are shopping for presents to put under the tree, others are looking at Richmond homes for sale for a new place to put their tree. To help you get the attention of prospective home buyers during the holiday season, we recommend the following home staging strategies.

1. Create a Warm Ambiance
   Paint your interior walls with warm, neutral colors. It is also a good idea to install higher wattage light bulbs and swap out thick curtains for curtains that allow natural light to flow into the room. Finally, lightly scented candles are a nice touch many prospective buyers appreciate.
2. Add a Touch of Accents
   Neutral holiday accents create a cheerful atmosphere for potential buyers. Accents can include a pinecone or potpourri centerpiece on the dining room table, a wreath on the front door, or an arrangement of colorful accent pillows on the couch. You want to avoid decor that is religious or overly "Christmassy." It's best to keep the inflatable Santa, singing Rudolph, and life-sized nativity stored away.

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As we adjust our clocks for Dayloght Savings Time this weekend and "Fall Back," let's look at what happens every hour in the Housing Market!

Every hour in the United States:
- 614 homes sell
- 95 homes regain positive equity
- Median home values go up $1.38