
Like most major purchases, buying a home involves expenses beyond the reported sale price of the home. Some of these expenses are for processing key paperwork, and others cover measures to help you aware of potential issues with your purchase. Our real estate agents want you to be prepared for the full process of buying a home. Some expenses consist of a flat fee, such as the mortgage application or home inspection fee. Other expenses represent a percentage of the sale price. While exact figures are hard to determine before you make an offer on a specific home, knowing what these expenses are can help you estimate a figure for the assorted expenses involved.

Neighbors can make a big difference in determining how happy you are in your community. Good neighbors can make your neighborhood feel supportive but bad neighbors can be a constant pain point.
One of the first steps toward having a good neighbor is to set the right tone by being a good neighbor yourself. The following tips from our REALTORS® will help you be an ideal neighbor in your neighborhood.
Make it easy for your neighbors to approach you by smiling and waving at them and saying hello when you get a chance. It's also a nice gesture to make cookies and take them over if you see a new family has moved in.
As you get to know them a little better, offer to help by babysitting or providing other small favors.
Different neighborhoods have different tolerances for noise. If you're living in a community filled with retirees, they may appreciate more peace and quiet than a neighborhood with lots of young children.

If you're looking to start the New Year off with a new diet plan, National Keto Day on January 5th is the perfect time to begin! What is keto? You eliminate carbohydrates from your diet so that your body burns stored glycogen first. Once it burns through the glycogen, your body moves into a stage called ketosis and begins burning excess fat away. This diet is somewhat restrictive, often limited to foods like dairy, nuts, low-carbohydrate veggies, sustainably-raised meats, and healthy fats.
Unsure of how to prepare your meals for your keto diet? You're in luck! Our real estate agents have found six restaurants featuring low carb dining in Richmond for you to give it a try!

Sweet, fruity sangria is refreshing on a warm summer day, but its versatility makes it a delightful beverage year-round. Raise a glass in honor of National Sangria Day on Friday, December 20, at one of these restaurants around Richmond recommended by our REALTORS®.

Moving to a new city is an exciting experience, but that doesn't mean you'll instantly feel at home. It's only natural to have an adjustment period after moving to a new town. Getting to know your new city can be a fun, exciting process, and there are plenty of little things you can do to make your new town feel like home along the way. Our real estate agents understand what it's like to move to a new community, and we've got tips for how to make a new town feel like home.