homebuying: Greater Richmond Area Market Report - 10/02/17 11:54 AM
  
 
As I’ve been devoutly repetitive about all year, it remains that real estate inventory is low.  According to Long & Foster|Christies Richmond Region Market Report, inventory was down by 15% in the first half of the year.    Just in Midlothian alone, listings are down by 6 percent.    
 By the simple laws of supply and demand, this means more competition all around. It’s ideal for the seller to offer a desirable product that solicits a buyer’s competitive offer.  But maneuvering this potential win/win requires tact and professionalism.  Certified Residential Specialists have an exclusive designation who according to the National Association of … (0 comments)

homebuying: Congratulations Brinlin on Becoming ABR Certified! - 08/15/17 10:02 AM
Treehouse Realty VA, a Long & Foster team is growing stronger and stronger every day!  Our very own Brinlin Maki has very recently become an Accredited Buyer's Representative by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC) of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
 
Brinlin joins more than 20,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned the ABR designation.  All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in buyer representation and an elective course focusing on a buyer representation specialty, both in addition to submitting documentation verifying professional experience.
REBAC, founded in 1988, is the world's largest association of real estate professionals … (0 comments)

homebuying: Staging in Historic Bon Air - 07/18/17 11:15 AM

This beautiful home in Bon Air Historic District was occupied by the same owner for 20 years. A wonderful and generous woman, holding numerous potlucks that the whole community looked forward to, you can imagine how “settled in” the home became after two decades of entertaining. Like many big life changes, finally deciding to sell after so many years wasn’t an easy decision for the owner.
Our team at Treehouse Realty VA worked with the owner to get her home market ready! In under 30 days, we managed to get this amazing home decluttered, repaired and staged for market, where it lasted … (0 comments)

homebuying: A Chesterfield County Oasis - 11/11/16 12:28 PM

 
A truly breathtaking property, this home was built to be fully enjoyed from every vantage point. From the two outdoor fire features, the pool with a full outdoor kitchen and grotto water feature, the screen-house dock, or the ATV trails in the surrounding woods, you can take full advantage of this lush 18 acres! Perfect for entertaining, multi-generational living, or just living large, this home has every amenity you could wish for. Make this luxurious setting a place you call home.
 
  
 
Upon entering, Brazilian Cherrywood floors make the main floor warm and inviting. A second-floor banister overlooks the foyer making a grand … (7 comments)

homebuying: The Benefits of Buying Off-Season - 11/03/16 01:07 AM

 
There are many reasons the Real Estate market doesn’t come to a screeching halt during the winter months. Clients have to move for jobs, families get bigger, or some are looking to make budget cuts. Either way, the great news about home shopping in the off-season is big savings!
This is especially true of homebuyers looking in major metro areas. According to an analysis by NerdWallet, sale prices decrease by an average of 3 percent in the fall months (September— November), showing Richmond as experiencing a 4.2 percent median decrease from summer to fall. The trend continues downward into the winter months … (1 comments)

homebuying: 4 Reasons Fall is a Great Time to Sell - 09/19/16 07:09 AM

It can’t be argued that most Realtors will tell you Spring is the best time to showcase your home for sale. There’s heightened foot traffic, and after the long winter months, people are ready to buy. However, there’s a downside to selling in the Spring— more competition. Other sellers are thinking exactly the same thing, so the competition to get your home sold in a flooded market is intense. However, we are currently entering the next best season to list your home— Autumn!
Here are 4 reasons why listing this Fall is the way to go!
During Richmond’s typical Indian summer, you … (0 comments)

homebuying: Meet Treehouse Realty's Newest Member! - 09/19/16 06:15 AM

Introducing the newest member of Treehouse Realty, a Long & Foster Group, Brinlin Maki. Recently relocated back to her hometown, Brinlin grew up in Chesterfield, Virginia. Having moved away for college as well as to be near her mother, she spent the last 10 years living in Massachusetts where she met her husband. She is once again happy to be back in Virginia to be close to her family and back to her roots.
Although having recently just earned her Real Estate license, she is a veteran of customer service and sales. Her experience lies in inside sales for a company that … (0 comments)

homebuying: Home Warranties Do Pay Off - 09/15/16 02:05 AM

 
If there is one thing that Treehouse Realty Va, a Long and Foster group stands for, it is customer service. Always an advocate for their clients, Treehouse Group goes above and beyond the call of duty in order to maintain their reputation as high quality, knowledgeable realtors with extensive experience in the business.
Wanda Fears, the founder of Treehouse Realty Va Group, is known around the Richmond area as THE premier agent to get your home sold for top dollar. Working with professional contractors in the area for over 15 years, she knows what quality work is worth, and how to get … (1 comments)

homebuying: Bad Neighbors - 08/04/16 01:42 AM
 
Like the movie, “Neighbors,” everyone knows how annoying it can be when you move into a new place and realize you have awful neighbors who invade your sense of peace. Whether that means blasting music, inching over their property line, or taking up all the street parking, we’ve all experienced bad neighbors at one point or another. When it comes time to sell your home, some of these bad neighbor habits are more obvious than others and may even hinder the sale.
I’ve experienced this personally. Unfortunately, there are some circumstances in which neighbors are completely within their rights to annoy you … (3 comments)

homebuying: August Agrees with Buyers - 07/25/16 07:56 AM
 
You know why now is the best time to buy? Winter is coming. While I find that Game of Thrones reference hilariously appropriate, it’s basically used to express the notion “always be prepared.” And in this instance, buying a home now, before the fall, can prepare you and your newly purchased home for those winter elements and from any surprise snafus. 
Have the previous homeowners cleared the gutters or done their seasonal HVAC maintenance? While these “problems” can all be remedied quite easily, who wants to be on a ladder in the cold temperatures on that ONE day where there’s sun, and … (0 comments)

homebuying: Virginia First-Time Homebuyer Savings Plan - 07/22/16 06:01 AM
This is really great information to share with any first-time Virginia home buyers from We Are The R. Information is power!
 
 
 
A First-Time Homebuyer Savings Plan allows any Virginian to set aside up to $50,000 toward
the costs of closing on a new home. The earnings on those funds—interest and capital
gains—are free from Virginia state taxes.
These accounts are a great way for future homeowners to start saving early for the costs of buying
a home, such as a down payment, closing costs, inspections, lender fees, etc.—anything included
on the settlement statement.  These accounts are simple and easy to set up. Not only can you open … (0 comments)

homebuying: When It's A Realtor's Turn To Buy - 07/12/16 01:41 AM
 
 Everyone wants to know tricks of ANY professional trade.  Google it and  there are millions of tips and tricks on “How To” like a pro from painting a room to sewing, to singing.  Why do you think professional athletes get so many promotional deals, or professional musicians get signature instruments?  Everyone wants to know what’s in the professional's arsenal that separates their level of achievement.  Well, Real Estate Agents aren’t rock stars or athletes but we could certainly find them a home to be happy in for years to come! When it comes to house-hunting, the amateur dabbler can get pretty far … (1 comments)

homebuying: River Road Offers Country Living with Convenient Amenities - 06/21/16 01:24 AM
This is gorgeous living in Chesterfield, Virginia on prestigious River Road!  This 12-acre property is stunning with a beautiful open floor plan, 4 bedrooms— 3 of which are master suites, and plenty of storage with a two car garage and a 1500 square foot storage shed, big enough for a boat or RV. This area offers endless diversions with activities such as golfing at the nearby course and country club, boating, fishing, or sailing or swimming at Lake Chesdin, nearby horseback riding  Many neighborhood trails for hiking, walking or biking Pocahontas State Park just a few minutes away!
Enjoy the privacy of … (2 comments)

homebuying: The Spring Market for Buyers & Sellers - 04/07/16 09:41 AM

 
It’s always been my experience that Spring is the busiest time for Real Estate. There are many advantages for both buyers and sellers during this time, but a higher demand for homes means it's a great time to sell! In Richmond, I know that supply is still low. How do I know? Many of the homes I’ve listed only stay on the market for a short amount of time with proper preparation!  
 
This means a couple of things for both buyers and sellers.
 
Selling
Your home is in demand. If you’re considering selling, it’s time to strike while the iron is hot. As … (0 comments)

homebuying: Even Experienced Buyers Benefit from a Realtor's Expertise - 02/18/16 01:25 AM
      Each client that we work week is different. Some have more knowledge of our industry and some don’t. CJ and Matt weren’t looking to purchase a home, CJ had just gotten a job with Suntrust so he had to transfer to Virginia. Matt works mostly from home for a company based out of Dallas. Both of the companies that they work for specialize in mortgages so they have knowledge on how that process works. This wasn’t Matt’s first home, in fact, he’s had experience with several transactions. CJ however has never owned a home so it was a … (1 comments)

homebuying: Home Staging, Design & Renovation-- Something Zillow Can't Do! - 02/03/16 05:53 AM
As a team of realtors with access to a dream of designers, stagers, and craftsman, we strive to combine home and design.
Many people love to visit open houses in new home subdivisions and seeing the design centers. I have spent the last several years devoting my love of design to help my clients get their homes ready for sale, or remodel ones they have purchased. I have assembled a great team at great lengths to make these homes look like the ones you see on HGTV. As a homeowner, it can be frustrating watching these shows and not knowing where to … (0 comments)

homebuying: Sellers, Let Your Agent Do the Talking - 01/25/16 12:49 AM

 
“Our home is in perfect condition!” One seller proclaimed when a buyer showed interest. “We did all the renovations ourselves, although now we’re getting a divorce which is why it’s on the market. We really need to get it off our hands to move on. I hope to find some lovely couple that will really make this place their home. I will really miss this house, I don’t think we could possibly accept less than what it’s listed for.”
This exchange is enough to make any realtor cringe, and, more importantly, any BUYER!
When you’re the seller, it is best to let your … (1 comments)

homebuying: The Benefits of Homeownership - 01/14/16 12:40 AM
This infographic from WeAreTheR.com really outlines how involved homeowners tend to be in their communities and proactive about setting and achieving goals that make them happier in the long run!  A few remind me of common New Year's Resolutions, but instead of making a resolution, make it a 2016 Goal to become a homeowner!  It is a lot easier and cheaper than some first-time homebuyers realize.  Achieve the dream!
 
 
 
 
(1 comments)

homebuying: Condo Living Fits a Variety of Lifestyles - 01/04/16 04:36 AM

 
Hathaway Towers is where I live and I love it!  After downsizing not too long ago, this condo has been a perfect fit to my lifestyle, however, I've learned something about condo living that I didn't realize before. It's not just for older homeowners looking to unburden themselves from a big house they no longer need.  It’s actually a great fit for many different kinds of lifestyles!
Homeowners no longer fit a particular bill.  Yes, there are still first-time home buyers, growing families, retirees—that is still all true.  But, in today’s world of customizing 'til it works, there are as many different … (0 comments)

homebuying: Relocating to Richmond: A Client’s Perspective - 04/23/14 10:10 PM

I’ve been in Richmond a long time and one of my favorite things is introducing those relocating here to the wonderful homes and communities Richmond has to offer.  One thing I can’t do is offer perspective on what it’s like to have to find someone out of the blue to help you locate a new home in a new city.  That’s why I asked one of my clients, Dr. Rebecca Etz, to share with you today her experience of working with me to relocate to Richmond from Princeton, New Jersey.  Below you’ll find a summary of her buying story:
We … (0 comments)

 
Wanda Fears, ABR CRS GRI SFR WCR (Long and Foster Real Estate, Richmond Virginia)

Wanda Fears

ABR CRS GRI SFR WCR

Richmond, VA

More about me…

Long and Foster Real Estate, Richmond Virginia

Address: 2931 Polo Parkway, Midlothian , Va. , 23113

Office: (804) 909-2777

Mobile: (804) 909-2777

Updates on real estate market in Richmond, Virginia and surrounding counties such as Chesterfield, Bon Air, Chester, Midlothian, Hanover, Glen Allen, Henrico, Richmond, Virginia. Also thoughts on market changes in 2010, Information on housing for sale at Virginia Commonwealth University,


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