Help the Pets! Tomorrow is National Pet Day!

April 11th marks National Pet Day! There are tons of abandoned pets who end up in local shelters. They need love and care too. Sometimes their owners become ill and cannot take care of them any longer. National Pet Day is to help those animals less fortunate. Whether it's food, toys, or pet supplies, take some time drop by to donate to your local shelters.

Check out these local shelters that would gladly accept food, treats, toys, and general pet supplies.

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Richmond SPCA
Donation drop off hours:
Monday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

Richmond Animal League
11401 International Drive
Richmond, VA  23236
Phone: 804-379-0046
 

 

BARK
Bandit's Adoption & Rescue of K-9s
12300 Farrington Road
Ashland, VA 23005
Phone*: (804) 449-2275 (BARK)
Email: info@barkva.org

 

See You on the Pitch in 2018!

We are so very proud and excited to announce that we are the official real estate team sponsoring the Richmond Kickers this season! We kicked it off this Saturday at City Stadium with  friends, family and fun. The Sean Priest Team and Hometown represent!

It's Tax Time!

Take the Stress Out of Tax Time This Year

Albert Einstein once said, “The hardest thing in the world to understand is income tax.” Luckily, tax preparers and DIY tax software take much of the mystery out of the process. Whether you prepare your taxes yourself or send them to a professional, it’s still important to collect and sort your information, including any changes in status or economics that occurred during the year.

The information I’m sending this month is intended to prepare you for tax time. Page one provides a list of financial details you may need to gather ahead of time to make the process easier,  as well as some tips to help you get your refund faster. Page two outlines steps to take to help you protect your identity from thieves who wish to gain access to your information. 

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of preparation, the process becomes a breeze.

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Hellooooo March!

In Like a Lion, Roar Like a Woman

On March 8, 2018, We celebrate International Women's Day! The Sean Priest Team would like to celebrate by saying how proud we are of the strong, courageous, intelligent, and mighty women around the world. From Technology to Beauty, we honor those women who have created paths and help make this world a better place.

Check out Forbes Magazine's 100 most Powerful Females in the World!


The Sean Priest Team, Real Estate Sponsors of The Richmond Kickers

Sean Priest Team is proud to announce is an exclusive real estate sponsor of the Richmond Kickers soccer team! Our love for soccer and RVA all rolled into one and how we show our client appreciation. We want to invite you join us for some of this season's games. Stay tuned for more details. Make sure you check to see where we will also be watching WORLD CUP 2018!


Teacher Appreciation

TEACHERS! Get ready because The Sean Priest Team wants to invite you to a special Trolley Tour around RVA. Did you know that there are special programs and loans designed just for teachers? We want to help you find your dream home! Come hang out with us on the trolley and receive valuable information regarding your teaching home loan and home buying assistance.

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RVA Professionals Network

Looking to make some new friends? Maybe you're a business owner that wants to increase your referral business? Perhaps you are looking to make connections with other skilled professionals? We host a Business to Business (B2B) each month to give you this opportunity. JOIN US. BRING A FRIEND. BUILD A HIVE.

Happy National Pancake Day!

You Could Win A FREE Pancake Breakfast!

Who doesn't love delicious pancakes! We are celebrating National Pancake Day by collecting your pancake images today. Just tag #SPTRVA and they will display on our website. We will then choose a winner for a FREE pancake breakfast!

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National Tile Day!

Who is your favorite tile company in RVA? Check out our favorites:

McPherson Tile and Stone

Chris and his team always do a meticulous job and specialize in Tile and Stone Installation, Curbless Showers, Radiant Heat, Bathroom Renovations and Kitchen Floors.

Todd Kohlbeck

Todd may not have a website, but is a highly recommended and affordable installer of tile. Give him a call at: ‭(804) 439-0948‬

Oscar Davila of Davila Custom Tile Works

Oscar specializes in Tile, Marble, General Contracting, Glass, Ceramic Tile. He is super efficient and does masterful work.  Give him a call at: (804) 370-9922

It's National Love Your Pets Day!

Celebrate our furry friends and show us the love you have for your pets!!

Give 'em an extra treat, a longer rub, or just spend a little more time throwing the frisbee. Our homes are made better by these additional family members.

We want to see you and your pets! Hashtag your Instagrams posts: #sptpets

Click the photo to learn more about this National Holiday!

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February 9th is National Pizza Day!

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Tomorrow is National Pizza Day and we LOVE pizza. Join us in the celebration and tag those pizza photos with #sptrvapizza

When you tag your photos/posts of your most favorite local pizza, you'll enter for a chance to win a FREE pizza!

Luckily we live in a town where pizza is prized. Here are our favorites around town, feel free to share yours! 

Our Top Five Pizza Places in RVA

8 1/2 Pizza
401 Strawberry St
If you are a fan of Mama Zu Edo's, or Dynamo, you'll have no complaint about 81/2's pie. Their sandwiches rock as well!

Giustino's Pizza
2805 Hathaway Road
Located in the new Galley Kitchen, Bio Ritmo's long time percussionist, Giustino Riccio brings the flavor and unique creations in his new endeavor.

Nota Bene
2110 E Main St
Looking for romance, a good glass of red and real Italian flair? Nota Bene brings it all in a beautiful setting and the pizza is quite delicious.

Jo Jo's Pizza
1201 E. Main Street
Want to feel like you're getting a slice in New York? This is the closest you'll get to authentic New York style pizza. They have a great two slice lunch special and it's the perfect work pizza.

Belmont Pizza
Museum District: 602 North Belmont Avenue
Short Pump: 201 Towne Center West Blvd, #703
Belmont is the late night go to. Opened late and with open arms, Belmont hits the spot after an epic happy hour with all it's Sicilian goodness.

Honorable Mention

Crozet Pizza
It's not in RVA, but it is by far worth it for a day trip of orchard visiting. Located in Crozet, VA, this joint has an excellent beer selection, fantastic service, and the pizza is LEGIT.

IDENTITY THEFT...IT'S REAL.

How Do You Secure Your Information Following Theft?

As more people rely on the internet to shop, bank, file taxes and more, thieves are finding more ways to steal personal information. While many people take the necessary precautions to keep their details safe, thieves may still be able to attain personal information by hacking into the systems of larger businesses. How can you make sure you’re secure and what steps can you take if your information is stolen?

This month, I’m digging deeper into the topic of identity theft, specifically discussing the rise of data breaches. Sometimes, despite your best efforts to protect your identity, you may still be compromised—as the 143 million people impacted by the EquiFax data breach learned. Page one outlines what to do if you learn you’re the victim of a data breach, from monitoring your credit reports and accounts to placing fraud alerts and freezes on your credit file to prevent thieves from using what was stolen. Page two outlines the specific steps to take if your banking and credit card information or driver’s license information has been stolen.

Although the thought of a thief having access to your online identity is frightening, this piece is intended to empower you to take control should you ever find yourself in the position where your information has been compromised.

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Ready for a new beginning?

Thinking About Selling This Spring? List now to maximize your potential value!

 Sell by Emily Smith

You may have heard it said that “the winter real estate season is slow.” Or that, “no one is really buying or selling over the holidays.” The truth is, the holidays are a PERFECT time to list your home and maximize your value. If you’re considering waiting till spring to sell you may want to consider these 9 reasons to come on the market early!

Did you know….

9. By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the Spring when there are traditionally more houses on the market which could ultimately drive prices down. This could mean you sell high and buy low.

8. You can sell now for more money and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year.

7. Even though your house will be on the market, you still have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days around the Holidays. We keep you in control.

6. January is traditionally a month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transfers cannot wait until Spring to buy, you need to be on the market during the Holidays to capture the market.

5. Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons.

4. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays than they do during a work week. And those buyers tend to be more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price.

3. Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays.

2. When supply goes down it means there is a greater opportunity to capture motivated buyers AND a better sales price for you.

1. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you. People who look for homes during the Holidays are more serious buyers!

Happy New Year from The Sean Priest Team!

What a year 2017 was! We want to follow it up with more joy, more laughter, and more business of course! We're here all the year through to answer your questions, sell your home or help you with finding a new one! Contact Us today and let's begin anew!

Winter is Here! Some Tips to Winterize Your Home this Season

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It's here. The Winter! We all want to save money and prevent damage caused by the Winter months. Here are some very easy and cost effective things from Mid-Atlantic Home Improvement that you can do to help your home in the coming cold months.


With the cold-weather months settling in, homeowners are looking for ways to shut out the elements to maintain optimal indoor comfort and energy efficiency.

Performing some relatively simple improvements and winterizing tasks before ice and snow settle in can save you a lot of money, hassle and headache during the winter season.

14 Money-Saving Tips for Winterizing Your Home

6 Smart Outdoor and Exterior Winterizing Tasks

Beginning outside, here are six tips to help seal your home’s building envelope and prevent potentially costly problems:

  • Clear eaves and gutters of autumn leaves and debris. Making sure that water can flow freely through your gutters now will help prevent icicles and ice dams from forming later.
  • Turn off the water supply to all faucets and fixtures that service exterior locations.
  • Locate and seal off any cracks or gapsin your home’s shell with caulking, especially around window frames. Cold air seeping in and warm inside air leaking out accounts for major energy waste – simple leaks can sap home energy efficiency by 5% to 30% a year. Seal up gaps with caulking and weatherstripping especially around doors and entry points.
  • Cover drafty windows and patio or deck doorways with an insulating layer of clear plastic, or better yet replace older windows with energy-efficient one, if you can.
  • Fix any roofing problems like aging or missing shingles. Repairing minor defects before winter arrives can help prevent larger and more costly problems heading into spring.
  • Get your chimney inspected & cleaned –  a chimney sweep can check the structure of your flue and remove any combustibles or obstructions in your chimney.

8 Effective Ways to Winterize Your Outbuildings and Interiors

Follow up by making money-saving improvements to outbuildings and interior spaces:

  • Seal off drafty doors with rubber strips, or install new storm doors to help energy efficiency.
  • Replace filters monthly during heating season – dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand. Replacing them regularly will improve your furnace’s efficiency and longevity saving your money along the way.
  • Change your ceiling fan direction. Counterclockwise rotation produces cooling breezes and clockwise rotation produces warmer air. Changing the direction of your ceiling fans will circulate the air pooled near the ceiling back down – cutting your heating costs as much as 10%.
  • Wrap water heaters and exposed indoor pipes that transport hot water with insulation to help prevent any energy loss.
  • Upgrade insulation in key areas, including attics, basement ceiling, exterior walls and around electrical sockets; this can help reduce your heating costs by keeping a more warm air inside the home and inhibiting thermal transfer.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to create an optimized, automated heating schedule that keeps your home warm when people are home and saves energy when the house is vacant. And remember, for every degree you lower the thermostat during the heating season, you’ll save between 1 and 3% of your heating bill.
  • Seal the ducts – in an average system, 10% to 30% of heated air escapes from ducts. Have a professional test and fix any duct issues – you’ll pay once and save for years to come.
  • Have a licensed technician perform a check of your furnace to make sure it’s operating as efficiently and safely as possible and is equal to the challenge of keeping your home warm all winter. Why invest in a professional tune-up? Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use, saving up to 5% of heating costs.

Above are some of the most effective ways to save money by winterizing your home the smart way – if you looking for an additional challenge, here’s 50 more ways to save.

These low-cost, high-reward strategies help reduce energy inefficiencies while supporting improved indoor comfort all winter long, all while guarding against potentially costly mishaps. Use them to ward off the cold, reduce your risks and maintain the overall integrity of your home.

Happy Holidays from The Sean Priest Team

We want to wish you all a very happy, safe and delightful holiday! Thank you all for making 2017 successful and we look forward to a new and exciting 2018!

A Friendly Nudge into the Weekend!

WELCOME TO THE WEEKEND!

Sending a friendly gentle nudge for our weekend events! We hope you come out and see us! Winter is here and as we enter the new year, The Sean Priest Team wants to ring it in with you.

HOLIDAY FEST

December 8th
7-10pm

We are excited to participate in the Church Hill's Association Christmas Festival. We will be in Libby Hill Park with hot cocoa, cider, and cookies! There will be a candlelight walk and caroling in the historic neighborhood.
Come say hello!

FUN in RVA

December 9th
11 - 4pm

Looking for another event this weekend? Check out Christmas on MacArthur, a day of family fun that benefits Toys for Tots. Support local business and a good cause! Bill Bevins and Shelly Perkins will emcee the parade.

OPEN HOUSE

December 10th
1-3pm

Newly reduced to $580,000, 7627 Bryn Mawr in the Westham neighborhood of Tuckahoe, is a truly unique home. Just appraised this home has an instant $40,000 in equity. This home is ready for an offer and new owners to make it their own!

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HOLIDAY TRAVEL TIPS

The holidays are a special time of year to spend with friends and loved ones. Holidays are also the busiest travel times, which can make getting to your destination stressful. However, there are things you can do to make it easier. 

The information I’m sending this month is intended to take the stress out of traveling during this season. Whether your trip is already planned or you’re searching for last-minute deals, this piece offers tips to help you reduce the stress of flying or driving. Additionally, I share important advice on how to stay healthy and how to ease traveling with small children or pets. 

Don’t let the stress of traveling dim your holiday spirit; follow these tips and you’ll arrive at your destination happy, healthy and ready to celebrate with your loved ones.

Oh, by the way®… if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number. I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.

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Cookies, Cider, and Caroling...oh my!

The Sean Priest Team will be hosting a tent at the Church Hill Association’s Annual Holiday Festival

Church Hill - Where Richmond Began celebrates the 2017 winter holidays with an array of festivities.

Church Hill, one of the nation’s most historically significant neighborhoods, will host its Holiday Festival on December 8 through the 10th 2017.   Participants will be able to celebrate history while creating new holiday memories with family and friends.  Designed by Major William Mayo in 1737, historic Church Hill is Richmond’s oldest intact neighborhood and contains the most antebellum structures in the city. 

Friday, December 8th - The Candlelight Walk and Caroling.  Free to allbring your candles and lanterns . The candlelight stroll down our historic streets will be hosted by CHA on Friday evening. The candlelight walk begins at Jefferson Park (Union Hill) at 7:15 pm with bagpipes and drummers leading the way.  It proceeds to St. John’s Church where, following Vespers (starts at 7 pm), the congregation joins in the walk at Patrick Henry Park at approximately 7:35 pm. As the crowd grows continuing down our streets lit by gaslights, neighborhood parties empty out into the streets and the crowd continues to swell.  We gather on historic Libby Hill with the 180 degree View overlooking the James River and our city gloriously lit up for the holidays as the backdrop.  The crowd then joins for holiday caroling and a visit from Santa.  All are welcome to become part of a living fairy tale scene that will be long remembered.  

Sunday December 10th noon to 5 pm- The Annual Historic House Tour.  $25 per Tour ticket in advance/ $30 the day and “Will Call” at St. John’s Church Parish Hall (noon to 4 pm).  We’re the oldest community in historic Richmond with homes built as far back as the 1700s.  The neighborhood is an elegant mix of Federal, Greek revival and Victorian homes alongside innovative condominiums within historic structures and a growing number of thriving new restaurants and businesses. Neighbors will open their treasured homes for you to experience the sights, smells and sounds of holidays past. Shuttle service is offered between each home beginning at St. John’s Church.  

Join us for our Annual Holiday Festival- CHA membership is not required. Proceeds from ticket sales go to support the many charitable causes that improve the quality of life in the Greater Church Hill neighborhood.  Tickets available through our website: www.ChurchHill.org No tickets mailed. Will Call available at St. John’s Parish Hall December 10th.

Sales at these local businesses starting in November:

Questions?   sasnettsara@outlook.com

Thanksforgiving!

We know that this time of year is a time of reflection and gratitude and so we wanted to express ours. The Sean Priest Team is grateful for our loyal clients and trusted vendors. We thank you all for making our jobs successful. We couldn't be more thankful for all the referrals throughout the year and thankful for the friendships we have built. We also are thankful that we have found some of you a home you will be happy in, in the years to come. We hope you and your loved ones gather around the table this year and have a lovely holiday!

See you soon,

The Sean Priest Team at Hometown Realty
Sean, Melvin, Brin, and Jo Ann

Brrrr....it got cold, but TownBanke is hot....

seanpries team

It may be cold outside now, but our guy Mike Hall from TownBanke Mortgage has some HOT rates!

Thinking of a change soon?  Thinking how you've always wanted a fireplace to gather round during the holidays and you want this year to be at YOUR house! The time is now! Let us get you into a great home just in time for the family holiday dinner!