richmond virginia: The Garage is Often Overlooked and Under Designed
- 11/17/10 05:28 AM
Unless someone is an automobile enthusiast the garage in residential construction doesn't get the attention it deserves. By today's automobile standards the car barn is too small; the inside space, the doors as well as the area required to access it are just a few of the considerations that are often overlooked or under-considered by the common builder, and I believe most often done in an effort to cut costs. We also stretch and pull our homes in so many directions further infringing on auto space without any compensation or adjustments. We as consumers should be asking the question, why … (0 comments)
richmond virginia: Who are the Real Estate Experts?
- 10/06/10 09:21 AM
These days with the unique nature of our housing market it sometimes feels presumptuous to proclaim to be an expert in anything related to real estate. Our business of buying and selling homes is so kinetic, with a fluidity that is constantly changing and evolving, that it requires vigilant, almost daily monitoring in order to truly be called REALTOR®. Many people don't realize that every licensed real estate agent cannot legally use the term "realtor" in order to identify themselves. Over the years that term has often been universally used to refer to any person selling real property. And while all … (1 comments)
richmond virginia: 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)
richmond virginia: Richmond's Small Town Charm Offers Hope & Optimism
- 09/09/10 07:56 AM
Ann and I just went over to the Libbie Market to grab a quick bite to take back to the office. The wonderful thing about Richmond is the fact that almost anywhere you go you are all but certain to run into someone you know. Well today is no exception. We ran into a friend of mine from college. She owns and manages a small placement firm that specializes in finding work for mostly mothers that have so much to contribute to the work force, but also wish to manage their families in addition to generating an income. The almost unexpected … (2 comments)
richmond virginia: Follow up Post - What's the wait . . .
- 09/09/10 06:50 AM
As a follow up to my blog post yesterday 9/8/2010 regarding "What is the wait in Richmond Real Estate" - regarding "low interest rates", the Long & Foster Marketing Minute provides the following example: "Let's talk about the "missed opportunity" on the tax incentives. Let's say first-time home buyer couple is looking at taking a 30-year loan on a $340,000 home, which was the average Long & Foster sale price in July. If they had purchased in early April, in time for the $8,000 credit, the interest rate probably would have been around 5.25 percent. If that same couple bought today … (0 comments)
richmond virginia: What is the wait in our Richmond Real Estate Market - today?
- 09/08/10 11:32 AM
The Richmond, Virginia metropolitan region of Long & Foster Real Estate met today for a Town-hall gathering. Several hundred local real estate agents, brokers and sponsors attended this special event which spent much of the morning commenting on the state of the company and the realities of real estate in our market sphere. The most important message I took away from all this is, of course, that with the amazingly low interest rates available to consumers today, and the apparent stabilization of real property in our area, it is perhaps the most affordable time in our history to purchase a home. So … (0 comments)
richmond virginia: Home Trends; Quality over Quantity:
- 08/27/10 10:06 AM
As the nation continues to recover from the effects of a troubled economy, home sizes have trended downward for the first time in three decades. More Americans seem to have also adopted a longer-term perspective, as homes that are smaller in scale are generally more affordable to maintain over time and have less impact on the environment. However, they are not necessarily less expensive to purchase. Many are situated in prime locations and include more high-end features. Findings of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey suggests that home buyers as well as renovating homeowners are choosing more … (0 comments)
richmond virginia: What Should I do to FInd My Next Home?
- 10/23/09 04:40 AM
Did you know that approximately 85% of people looking for homes use a REALTOR®? In spite of the fact that the majority of home buyers start their search on the internet, they still choose to work with a real estate professional once they are committed to a serious home search. Realtors don't control housing information the way they did twenty years ago, before MLS and computer based systems began sharing information freely across cyber space. What they do provide is an in-depth knowledge of homes and property values that only comes from daily interaction with other professionals, buyers and sellers. This … (2 comments)
richmond virginia: 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)
richmond virginia: 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)
richmond virginia: 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)
Unless someone is an automobile enthusiast the garage in residential construction doesn't get the attention it deserves. By today's automobile standards the car barn is too small; the inside space, the doors as well as the area required to access it are just a few of the considerations that are often overlooked or under-considered by the common builder, and I believe most often done in an effort to cut costs. We also stretch and pull our homes in so many directions further infringing on auto space without any compensation or adjustments. We as consumers should be asking the question, why … (0 comments)
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