real estate: The Fall Harvest Also Applies to Housing
- 09/20/10 08:11 AM
Mark your Calendars! According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, autumn begins on September 22 at 11:09 PM EDT; it's just about official, summer 2010 is over. The Autumnal equinox is coming, and you can feel it in the onset of that brisk autumn air, as well as with the number of home sales hitting the streets! September marks the official kick-off of the fall real estate market, and in Richmond, Virginia we are beginning to see the signs of the new housing inventory offering purchasers and sellers a second chance to reap the benefits of the second gathering. Like the change … (0 comments)
real estate: How Do Teams in real Estate Work?
- 03/17/10 04:12 AM
I love my wife Ann, who is also my business partner; she does all the honest-to-goodness work while I write articles about real estate or the housing market and purport to be an "expert" at something. She is decently civil about the whole thing too, and complements me by saying how we each contribute different things to the job, which is after all why we work so well together. I have decided to politely agree with her on this point. I am blessed because I know that, while there are a number of successful husband/wife teams in real estate, there are … (2 comments)
real estate: Activity in Richmond Real Estate - Week Three of 2010
- 01/22/10 01:53 AM
It's been another busy week in Richmond real estate. I love the way this year seems to be moving toward a renewed interest in homes. In spite of some still rather unpleasant housing news, there is activity in the market that supports the fact that people will not sit on the fence forever. This is perhaps the most affordable time in which many of us have lived to by a house, which is being reflected in the growing sales totals in all price ranges. I also think it's refreshing that folks seem to be looking at real estate as a "home" … (0 comments)
real estate: More Change in Richmond Real Estate
- 01/15/10 09:16 AM
The second week of the New Year in Richmond, Virginia shows continuing signs of housing market improvements. In general, activity is increasing; calls and appointments are picking up and there better than usual contract activity. Is this a temporary condition, a last ditch effort to take advantage of government incentives, or is this the precursor of a healthy spring market? Time will tell us, but I am much encouraged by the signs that indicate the number of listings and sales is starting to increase. Especially sales! There is evidence by the number of contracts we are getting in our office that … (0 comments)
real estate: The New Year in Richmond Real Estate
- 01/09/10 05:08 AM
I have made it through the first week of the New Year. After last year it feels like some congratulations are in order? Well, not really, I suppose, because there is a lot of ground to cover in order to determine if the real estate business-plan we have developed for 2010 will be successful. In fact another fifty-one weeks to be exact. However, after the past year I am eternally optimistic about the up-swing in housing. In spite of all the predictions, prognostications, advice and guess-work out there in the market-place, I feel that good things are on the horizon in … (0 comments)
real estate: What's next on the Tax Credit Front?
- 11/23/09 06:12 AM
As you know, it was recently announced "the government expanded the first-time homebuyer tax credit through April 30th, 2010, and added a new homebuyer tax credit for existing homeowners who are interested in purchasing a new home. With mortgage rates still at historic lows, and plenty of affordable homes on the market, this may be a great time to buy." In fact, this may be the most affordable housing market that many of us have seen in our lifetimes. So what does this mean for home buyers and sellers? Well, for starters, it may translate into an earlier than normal "spring … (3 comments)
real estate: Is the Government Tax Credit Really Going to Expire?
- 10/29/09 07:10 AM
WHO KNOWS! At this point reports regarding extending the government tax credit seem to be changing by the hour. On Monday reports stated it would under no circumstances be extended; by Thursday the media was a-buzz with a potential compromise that will extend the timeframe. The on-again/off-again tax credit extension includes numerous revisions of what may be included if it survives the current November 30th deadline. By the time you read this, it may have changed yet again! Regardless of the pending tax credit compromise, market indicators point to the probability that home sales will continue to improve in our area … (0 comments)
real estate: When is the best time to buy or sell real estate in Richmond?
- 08/11/09 06:44 AM
Statistics show that the spring months tend to be the best time to buy or sell a home in Richmond. After being cooped up all winter we are ready for change with the arrival of warm weather and fresh foliage. We are fortunate in Richmond to have a robust fall market as well. Once again, due in part to our mild temperatures, the fall offers opportunities to collect ourselves as we prepare to settle down for the winter, and this attitude is reflected in property sales. In contrast, August is the slowest month for home sales just ahead of December. One … (0 comments)
real estate: Where Do You Get Your Housing News?
- 07/28/09 08:20 AM
In Richmond, Virginia, should we believe the news recently reporting that the real estate market is finally turning the corner? Notice I didn't say "improving". Nevertheless, media reports have been more forthcoming with increased frequency about where the housing market is these days, and that perhaps we hit bottom back in December. I'm also getting reports from other parts of the country claiming more positive housing trends. So why do we need the media to tell us that things are getting better? I've spent the last six months evaluating the market in order to better counsel my buyers and sellers. I've … (0 comments)
real estate: Referral - True Story
- 07/17/09 05:32 AM
I got a referral from a friend today. He works the commercial & development side of real estate so I felt comfortable with the lead he was providing. He did mention the caller had some quirks, but who doesn't? In any case, it was a listing opportunity, yea! I'm always grateful when I receive referrals; it's the best way to get business in my opinion. So I dutifully researched the property. I didn't have much to go on, just a name and rough location, but somehow I managed to track down the house. I called the prospect to determine their needs, … (3 comments)
real estate: Should I buy at the top of my price range?
- 07/10/09 07:24 AM
I knew a man who would advise buying as much home as you can possibly afford. His philosophy being, I believe, that you will grow into your investment. In other words, it will never be more affordable than it is today. Furthermore, as you succeed in life its affordability will continue to improve. The recent economy and seemingly uncertain housing market may have some people questioning this advice. But this suggestion was given at a time when most buyers were looking to stay in their home for at least five to seven years. With this stipulation in mind I believe it … (0 comments)
real estate: A Short Sale Tale – What a Shame
- 06/08/09 10:00 AM
Short sales and foreclosures are not all they are cracked up to be, especially if the agent on the listing side claims to know more than they actually do. Please don't report to be the expert with a vast amount of knowledge and experience in these matters if you're not. Faking it only makes the situation worse, and we may end up loosing the opportunity to help both purchaser and seller meet their needs. It doesn't take long to realize someone is blowing smoke up your shorts if when you call they give you a different story each time. It either … (5 comments)
real estate: Is the Weekend the Only Time We can Look for Homes?
- 06/08/09 07:09 AM
My business partner Ann recently came across this question while holding open a house for sale here in Richmond, Virginia. It came from a first-time home buyer that was using the internet and news papers to look for a new home. The innocence of the question brought a smile to my face, but then I know about fifty percent of the people out there are searching for homes without the benefit of using a REALTOR®. They are not finding the properties they want, or previewing them early when they are fresh on the market, or during those times when it's most … (0 comments)
real estate: Is There No Winning in Today’s Housing Market?
- 06/01/09 08:08 AM
There is no question it's a buyer's market in some rather uncertain times. Sellers still appear unrealistic about price and condition, and purchasers feel no sense of urgency to make a decision - and both sides are unhappy about it. This must be the reason why people feel like there is no winning in today's housing market. What's truly surprising to me is that when making important decisions about their homes folks often don't use the data provided by us as professional Realtors. They want our opinion, our experience our knowledge, but when the facts are delivered they would rather take … (0 comments)
real estate: Plan A Vacation and Work, Work, Work!
- 05/26/09 07:59 AM
I think I've got this all figured out now. There is an unspoken law of Real Estate that in order to stay busy, one must plan a vacation or schedule to take some time away from the job. No matter how slow things have been, as soon as you do, the phone rings and the property that has been sitting the longest must be shown precisely when you are not available. Oh, good grief! This past weekend was no exception - a national holiday. In this economy, in a place where no one is in a hurry to make a decision, … (4 comments)
real estate: Richmond - Time to Sell or Simply Ad-on?
- 05/22/09 03:22 AM
You may be contemplating whether it's better to sell and "move up", or simply add-on in order to upgrade your existing home. Circumstances can vary making this a difficult decision. This question comes up in all markets, so it's not just a sign of the times. No matter what the motivation is there are a few critical questions one can ask before moving forward. Richmond is blessed with a wealth of excellent neighborhoods, providing a variety of life styles from which to choose. So, the first question to ask is "can I duplicate what I love most about my neighborhood living … (0 comments)
real estate: Richmond, Virginia - “What Do I Like Best About My Neighborhood?”
- 05/13/09 09:03 AM
Ask five people and get five different answers, but this is the first thing I attempt to determine when my clients are considering a move. I enjoy living in Richmond, Virginia in general, but I love my Richmond neighborhood. I've been in and out of this city all my life, but never really thought I'd call it home. I moved in with a friend when knew I would be working in the area, before my wife and son would join me. I tried to think about where we'd like to be rooted, certainly my friends had opinions, but it's in the … (0 comments)
real estate: Richmond, Viringia - "Is Now a Good Time to Buy Real Estate?"
- 04/30/09 07:34 AM
Real estate seems to have been a fickle friend to some of us recently. At one time it was something you could rely on to increase your bottom line and secure your future. Then, suddenly, it wasn't! Well guess what - NOW is the time to reconsider how you feel about real property as an investment opportunity or as a new home. You have already heard the advice of real estate professionals, the media and market prognosticators outlining all the signs of the "positive housing market". Some will feel it is a desperate push to revitalize home sales and get you … (0 comments)
real estate: Virginia - Representation: Full Service vs. Limited Service
- 03/27/09 06:46 AM
I am a full service REALTOR® so I believe you should always seek Full Service representation when selling or purchasing a home. The benefits far out weigh the risks, and the security of having a true real estate professional's guidance is worth the cost of this service. Why would you wish anything less for your most valued asset? It used to be that "Discount" Brokers seemed to offer Sellers the same level of service that Full Service Brokers provide, but for less cost to you; now, in accordance with Virginia law, they must call themselves "Limited Service Representatives". They must disclose … (0 comments)
Mark your Calendars! According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, autumn begins on September 22 at 11:09 PM EDT; it's just about official, summer 2010 is over. The Autumnal equinox is coming, and you can feel it in the onset of that brisk autumn air, as well as with the number of home sales hitting the streets!
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