Happy World Teachers' Day!

“Teach the children so it will not be necessary to teach the adults.”

— Abraham Lincoln

I remember my first day of Kindergarten like it was yesterday. I remember my dad kneeling in front of me, telling me listen to my teacher and he would pick me up after school. I remember Mrs. Riggs from 1st Grade who taught me how to read and not crack my knuckles or else a wedding ring wouldn’t fit on my finger. I recall sitting in reading circles, my first book report, and falling in love with history and English. It was Mr. Biddle in high school who not only taught me my favorite word, but also gave me Nathaniel West while Ms. Knott gave me the gift of writing in in her after school Creative Writing club.

My teachers were my guide for learning, my mentors, and my biggest supporters growing up. Without them I would not have developed my thirst for knowledge. Teachers have one of THE most important jobs in the world and are the most underrated professionals. Today I want to say thank you to all of them for giving me the gift of learning and helping me become the person I am today.

“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.”

— C.S. Lewis

We need to take time today to appreciate what these educators do for our kids and to provide the support they need. Education is key to remedying a lot of our issues in society today. Let’s empower them with the tools they need to improve education personnel policy, recruitment, and initial training as well as their continuing education, their employment, and working conditions. Don’t just give the Apple but provide the tree.

Did you know there are home loans specifically for teachers? Contact us to find out more!

Best to Fall

Photo by: Kristina Paukshtite

Most people come alive in Spring and Summer here in Richmond. Kids are finishing up school and parents are deciding what camps to put them in, pools are opening, grills are being fired up, and the temperatures are rising. While others are vacationing and enjoying the festivals of Summer, I’m cleaning, organizing, and maintaining a very hectic schedule — something about people tending to sell and buy homes in the Spring and Summer season, have you heard this?

See, I come alive in Fall. There’s something about the crispness in the air that makes me want to get out, especially knowing my hair isn’t going to look like a misshaped nest which has adorned my cranium due to humidity. This is the time I enjoy walks in Hollywood Cemetery or at the River and watch the transition of the scenery. This is the period where I reflect and decide what my goals are going to be for the next year. It is the time I can find seats on brewery patios, avoiding pumpkin flavored things as much as possible, as I prepare for the holiday season. I’m a procrastinating gift buyer, I never send cards out, and forget about being crafty with wreaths and putting out cinnamon scented candles. That ain’t me. Instead, I’m planning how to get together with family and friends, going to pick out my future jack o’lantern, making travel plans, and constructing Halloween costumes. Apparently mine was chosen this year by a very avid “How to Train Your Dragon” fan, looks like I’m getting my Viking on.

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So now I lay down strategy for you all. It’s not time to hibernate yet and it’s also the perfect time to sell your home in these upcoming months. Why? It’s about maximizing value. It’s about standing out after a saturated Summer market. In the Fall you have the ability to do these things. You have buyers who are more serious about putting offers down because there’s less to be picky about, they are feeling the pressure to get in before the holiday and cold months arrive. Most sellers think because school has started, buyers won’t be apt to buy, but they are forgetting about transient Richmond and Millennials. Most larger companies bringing in new blood from other cities don’t have time for competing in a competitive multiple offer climate, so they wait until the Fall months.

It’s also the best time to get repairs and photos done because it’s not miserable outside and you’ve spent a good portion of the Summer planting, mowing and cleaning leading to that curb appeal everyone always talks about. Get those mums out and get listed! Let’s be honest, homes are more inviting in the Fall with warm scents and decor and what season lends itself to spending the most time at home? You got it!

I’d have to say the most appealing motivation for selling a home in Fall is for your own benefit. Who wants to move in gross, humid weather? Everyone is moving during that time, finding movers is a pain. What’s really beneficial is that you selling your home will ease the pain of you finding a new one. Houses left on the market from the Summer will start to reduce their prices, leaving you as the home buyer in a favorable position and you will truly be transitioning into the new year with some tax breaks, I might add.

Are you leaning a little? Not ready to take the jump? There’s one last thing I want you to consider. Your Realtor®. We’ve been all over town with clients coming and going, selling and buying, talking and meeting. The Summer has been hot and quite rainy, not that we are complaining, but it’s difficult to give the attention we pride ourselves on to so many clients at once. We welcome the Fall and Winter because that means we can spend more time with you. More open houses, more attention to answer your questions and concerns in a timely manner, and the ability to concentrate on marketing and selling your home while negotiating getting you into a new one.

No matter the season, your Realtor® is working for you. We just want you to consider the benefits of selling your home in the Fall months. I’m ready for the change to be honest, this past year has been quite vocal and I’m ready to put my hoodie on, do some traveling, sit with friends around the fire pit, and deciding if this year I’ll be hosting some holiday parties, but first things first, back to getting these skulls glued onto this leather skirt…argh!

Open House this Sunday, 1-3pm in Henrico!

Renovated rancher in Brentwood, in Henrico! $150,000 with NEW HVAC, NEW roof, NEW Windows, NEW Cabinetry, NEW Vapor Barrier, Fresh Paint and refinished hardwood floors. 3 Bedrooms and 2.5 baths along with 1,092 Square Feet. Large manicured yards with detached storage shed and rear deck.

Boost your Curb Appeal!

Increase Your Curb Appeal

Maintaining your home’s curb appeal has never been more important than now because many homebuyers begin their home search online. After all, once potential buyers see a home they like online, they’re more likely to schedule a showing or drive by the property to see the home in person. 

This month, I’m sending information intended to help you improve your home’s curb appeal, including eight tips designed to make the home’s exterior and landscape appear more attractive to potential buyers. Not thinking of selling right now? These tips will also help you maintain your biggest investment—your home—and make it the pride of your neighborhood, until the day you decide to list.

If you’re thinking of listing your home this spring, give me a call! Even if you’re not thinking of listing now, I can offer tips to help you improve your home’s value and connect you with reputable service professionals in my network who can help.

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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.

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!