This market is crazy! Prices are climbing high and buyers have flooded the market with lots of cash and escalation clauses. It's a little wild and can be a little baffling. Some of my recent clients have put in offers for up to $10k-20k above asking and they are still losing out. Unfortunately, this is becoming increasingly common as inventory is reaching record lows. In other words, there just aren't enough homes for how many...

I love working with first-time home buyers. There's lots of curiosity when first-time buyers start the process and I love answering questions and providing structure in what can be a scary process for many people. For me,

the process is thrilling. Underneath the anxiety and excitement of finding a home exists a significant opportunity to learn. I'm someone who loves learning, and I love applying what I've le...

...to buy a home in 2018. But seriously, what should we expect? 2017 is quickly coming to a close, the Fed just recently upped short-term interest rates, and southerners are nesting as temps drop. 

It may come as a surprise, but winter is a great time to BUY.

--- Common sense tells us that moving in the winter isn't fun and so it follows that if someone is selling it's likely because they have to se...

The past few weeks of weather have been a little wacky. I can't figure out if I should be in shorts, a rain jacket, or flannel. This time of the year the market is also adjusting-or so we're told. But is it better to wait until spring or is now a good time to buy/sell? What does the data ACTUALLY say?

Over the past three years the number of homes sold has increased by roughly 1,000-1,500 homes each year. We're on track to see a...

The Southside: a large expanse of area just south of the James River. It includes Manchester, Forest Hill, Stratford Hills, and a whole bunch of other neighborhoods.  For years this was an unexplored territory as many Richmonders saw "south of the river" as an unattractive place to live  (their words, not mine). But, this couldn't be further from the truth. Manchester has seen significant growth and development with many large...

ONE TRILLION DOLLARS! Just kidding.

But it can be easy to under-estimate the costs associated. I meet many people that talk about the $$$ they are saving for a down payment. That's fantastic and a great goal. I'm going to breakdown associated costs that seem 'hidden' and aren't included in a down payment.

After a seller accepts a buyer's offer the amount of cash needed to buy a home is "cash to close". This amount includes an ea...

In my last post I talked about low inventory and some of the benefits that come from it. Many sellers get scared about the idea of selling and then buying again. The most discussed worry is what happens when you sell your home and you're having a hard time finding a home. Isn't that a little backwards? If it's a sellers market shouldn't that be the LEAST of the worries? A lot of attention is given the price of a home and it ca...

"There's not much on the market", "low inventory is driving up prices", and "it's a seller's market" are likely three of the most common sayings from real estate agents in Richmond. And it's not a surprise why: according to the National Association of Realtors the first quarter of 2017 has seen homes sell in the quickest period in 10 years time! In some cases a home comes on the market and is gone within 48 hours. And yes, thi...

I'm a huge fan of DIY (do it yourself) projects. But sometimes these projects go awry and only once the project is done do some realize "whoops!". This week's post is dedicated to those "doh!" moments where onlookers scratch their heads and laugh.

Presenting:

The Bridge to Nowhere

I'll Take Back Pain for $500, Trebek

Jungle "Kitchen" Fever

An up-and-coming neighborhood, Byrd Park has flown under the radar for many years. But it's no surprise that more people are starting to take notice. Bordered by the James River, multiple parks, Carytown, and the Fan, it's a central location that makes for a quick commute and a short journey to your favorite restaurant or bar. The area boats three lakes, a dog park, and home prices have not ballooned the same way other parts o...