Forest Hill Neighborhood Open House!

     If you’re looking for a great neighborhood with beautiful, natural surroundings but still want all the convenience of the city, the Forest Hill area is an amazing option for you.  Just along Forest Hill Avenue is a great 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom house that has the benefits of a lush green setting and only minutes from Downtown, The Fan, and Carytown, not to mention all the great grocery store and shopping destinations along Forest Hill Avenue itself!

     This home, recently reduced in price, is just a bike ride from the James River and Forest Hill Park that's just across the way from popular hangouts such as Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream.  The Forest Hill neighborhood is also the home to one of the largest farmer’s markets in the Richmond Area, South of the James. Or, enjoy the beautiful view from the comfort of your own screened in porch!  This home has an amazing fenced-in backyard.

     This home has all the great features; a full second floor master suite, outdoor living, historical charm with upgraded amenities and a full semi-finished basement with LOTS of potential.  Current owners are offering a 1-year warranty along with closing cost assistance on a good offer!  Come see yourself living in the gorgeous Forest Hill area, just south of the James! 

Come to the Open House this Sunday, May 1st from 2 pm - 4 pm at 5607 Forest Hill Avenue.  I'll be there to answer any questions you have about this great home in a great neighborhood!

WCR Spring Luncheon!

It's time for Spring!  We've all been so busy already this Spring Real Estate Season, it will be great to catch up with other industry professionals to talk ideas, and hear from the guest speaker on how to make homes beautiful and bursting with curb appeal!

Affordable Housing Awareness Week

This week, April 24th - 30th, is Affordable Housing Awareness Week! It's a week where over 500 Richmonders take the time to volunteer at worksites, local non-profits that improve the quality of housing through repairs or builds, and with neighbors in need.  It's a week where many volunteers become more aware of the communities housing needs and become involved in making a difference!

This Thursday, April 28th from 1 pm - 4 pm, many members of the Women's Council of Realtors will be volunteering at ReStore, the local Habitat for Humanity shop.  Sign up for a volunteer spot today through WCR.  Or, to find out about other volunteer opportunities, check out the AHAW 2016 page!

Following the day's volunteer work, there will be a Happy Hour get together right around the corner at Lalo's Cocina that is open for everyone to attend!

Hope to see you there!

Open House Weekend

The Spring Real Estate market is in full swing, so come out this weekend to visit all of these amazing new listings!

Saturday 2–4

10298 Jamestown Rd.

Ashland, VA 23005

Welcome to the new and improved 10298 Jamestown Rd. Walking into the hardwood foyer of the home, you will notice brand new everything. From new energy star LED fixtures, carpet, hardwood floors, windows, doors, ductwork, the heat pump, the hot water heater, to the siding and front country porch and the large rear deck outside. The list of what is new could go on and on, but a nice feature this home has to offer is the open kitchen w/granite counter tops and island. Also, another nice feature is, the master bedroom has a nice walk-in closet and the private master bath has a HUGE tile sit-in shower. The home is wired for a generator and outside the home is equipped with flood lights on the front & back controlled by photo cell & motion sensors, which there is a separate control in the master bedroom. Also, the home sits on an acre of land so you have privacy when sitting on your LARGE new rear deck. If these features alone do not make you want to see this home, I do not know what will!! Come check it out before it's gone!

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Saturday 2–4

670 King William Woods Rd 

Midlothian, VA 23113

Looking to invest in a great property & area? Or maybe you want to put some personal touches on a house w/great bones! Well, you have found it! This home sits on over 2 acres & is a quick car ride to 288 or route 60. Walking into the home you have a large foyer & half bath. Then you walk into a large family room w/vaulted ceilings & skylights w/ a brick wood-burning fireplace. There are sliding glass doors that will lead to the rear deck w/a serene view. The kitchen has a large island w/a cooktop & has an eat-in area w/skylights. Across the way, off the family room, you have a first-floor master with a walk-in closet. The private master bath has an oversized vanity & LARGE tub/shower & a large linen closet. Upstairs you will find 3 more bedrooms, 1 with a direct entry into the bathroom that also has an entry from the hall. Another bedroom has direct entry into a large unfinished attic above the garage, this could be an office/bonus room/rec room. Anything you could imagine! The third bedroom upstairs has the potential to be a 2nd master w/its own private bath & large sink/vanity. Come see this house today & see how you can make it your home!

Saturday 1–3, Sunday 2–4

8801 Hungary Rd

Henrico, VA 2329  

Welcome to this beautifully renovated home in Henrico. This property encompasses not only the main home but another separate studio-style home behind it! YOU GET TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!! The homes sit on over 1 acre that has been freshly landscaped. The main home has new gutters, new siding, newer windows, all new hardwoods on the first floor, fresh paint, and new fixtures. The kitchen is like new with new cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and island. Upstairs you will find two bedrooms with refinished hardwood floors and a full bath with new tile in the shower, new vanity, and new tile floor. The studio would be a great in-law suite or guest house. It includes hardwood floors, new windows, fresh paint throughout, new hot water heater, and more. The downstairs has a wet bar with granite, new cabinets, new sink and fixtures. Full bathroom downstairs with new vanity, new tile in shower, and new fixtures. Upstairs has two additional rooms with newly refinished hardwoods. Come check them out before they are gone!

Sunday 2–4

14317 Fox Knoll Dr.

Colonial Heights, VA 23834

Come live in a great area! This home at 14317 Fox Knoll has 4 bedrooms & 2.5 baths. Walking into the home to your right you have a formal living room & to the left, you have a very large family room w/exposed beams, painted brick wood burning fireplace, & french doors leading onto the rear deck. In the kitchen, you have a dining area & nice wood counter tops & plenty of cabinet space. One of the bedrooms is over the garage, you can access it from the kitchen & it has accent lighting & double door closet. The other three bedrooms are upstairs, which includes the master w/a LARGE walk- in closet, private master bath. In one of the bedrooms, you have access to a walk-up attic w/tons of storage. Outside you have a HUGE deck to entertain on & a fully fenced back yard. Some of the updates of this home include: a new hot water heater & updated electrical, also there is a home warranty program in place now!!! Come check out this great listing!

Sunday 3–5 

212 W Franklin St. #206

Richmond, VA 23220

SELLER TO PAY ONE YEAR CONDO FEES IN FULL WITH ACCEPTABLE OFFER!!! What a wonderful place to call home, this condominium on W Franklin is just steps away from the Jefferson Hotel and the VCU area. The condo is on the 2nd floor, so you do not have anyone else above you. As you enter the condo you will notice an intricate stone design in the hardwood floors and a 9ft+ ceiling. The half bath encases all marble. The kitchen encompasses new granite counter tops with stainless steel appliances. The condo has fresh paint, exposed brick, new blinds in all windows, and much more. There are TWO masters in this lovely condo with their OWN bathrooms attached and large closets. Both master baths showcase solid marble tub/showers. This condo has a deeded parking space, that has a direct entry into the condo from the parking lot. Residents have access to a large patio area with picnic tables, grilling space, nice lawn and bike storage area, a heated indoor pool, rec room, and fitness center. You have to come see this condo for yourself! It truly is astonishing!

Painting Murals with the RAR for new Senior Living Apartments!

I had such a wonderful time yesterday volunteering with other members of the Young Professionals Network in the Richmond Association of Realtors! We were painting murals to make the Somanath Senior Apartments beautiful and vibrant with color!  Still under construction by the Better Housing Coalition, these apartments feature accessible floor plans, high indoor air quality and direct access to a bus line.  It's a wonderful option for the Richmond senior community to live comfortably and stress-free!  Luckily the murals weren't based on my artistic ability, but they look really great!  Thanks for coming out with me, Bree!

How to Buy a House by 30

Along with the recovery of the market, came the rebirth of the dream to own a home.  More and more young people…ahem…Millennials, are catching the homeowner bug.  Not only are rates still stellar, but younger people are starting to get more savvy about their money.  Turning 30 is already a milestone in itself, but why not mark the momentous occasion and rejoice in all the life lessons your 20s have afforded you and make it the year you buy a home!

Honestly, the younger you are the easier it is to save.  In your early 20s, you’re less likely to have life complications and big expenses such as children, investments or big car payments—the one you got in high school still works and has been paid off!  But unfortunately saving is not necessarily a top priority for someone in their 20s unless already instilled in them at a young age!  But don’t look back with remorse wishing you had known then when you know now.  Start saving today while it’s relatively easy.  Yes, you’re making less, but you’re still used to your college years of living frugally.  While there are lots of options out there for low down-payment loans, but the more cash you have upfront, the better your rate will be.

Sure, you had a credit card in college that you needed to use to pimp out your first dorm room with Bed Bath & Beyond essentials— but those days are over!  You know the weight a credit score can bring and all the opportunities it can unlock.  Remember, it’s not necessarily a good thing to close a credit account, in fact in may end up hurting your credit.  One of the keys to keeping your credit balanced is not purchasing anything you can’t pay off in a month.  More importantly don’t make any large credit card purchases before buying a home, maxing out your credit before applying for a mortgage is a no-no.  The single most important thing to remember is to always pay your bill on time.

Seek out housing opportunities.  New homeowners making renovations in up and coming neighborhoods seems to be a trend.  However, doing it DIY is not the only money-saving maneuver.  Often times you can find great deals when you buy new construction.  Especially if you get in from the beginning.  The earlier you get in the better because generally, prices tend to go up and up after initials sales goals have been met.Developers are eager to sell the first few plots and homes because it’s a big investment for them as well!  Often times you can find great deals in closing costs. 

If you are determined to be a trendsetter by buying into an up-and-coming area, do your research!  Having an agent that is familiar with the city where your shopping can help A LOT in this case.  They have insider knowledge on what’s trending and where local businesses and shops are migrating to.  Additionally, if you know of bigger stores “Coming Soon” in certain areas (i.e. Trader Joe’s or Aldi), those companies put big money into research and development, they not only track the trends, the solidify the “up-and-coming” status. 

Open House Saturday

We've got 3 properties showing this Saturday!  To add a little twist, one is a rental property.  11402 Homestead is now a rental property!  All properties will be showing from 2 pm - 4 pm. It's supposed to be beautiful weather, we hope to see you out there!

117 S. Colonial Avenue

Taking a nice stroll through Carytown? Stop by to see this 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom just around the corner!  In the much desired Carytown District, this home with a fenced in backyard and detached garage has a lot to offer!

5607 Forest Hill Avenue

Perhaps you're taking the day to explore beautiful Forest Hill Park, or sipping your morning coffee at beloved Crossroads, just a few minutes down the road will get you to this lovely property that boasts a screened-in porch a lots of yard space!

11402 Homestead Lane - RENTAL

Located conveniently in Henrico County, this 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom rental sits on more than 1/3 acre of land!  Perfect for playing, entertaining and pets.  Feel at home in the open kitchen design and the popular oversized mudroom design that leads straight in from the back yard.

Our Best Month as a Team, Congrats to the Contest Winners

We had our best month so far this past March as a team with over 22 listings! That's a listing for nearly every day and like the old saying goes, you've gotta list to last!  I am so proud of everyone one of my agents and I love doing contests like these because I think it brings out the best in everyone!

Congratulations to all my winners!

1st Place - Kristina Davis

Out of 8 listing appointments, she was able to get 4 listings and a ratified contract from one of those listings!

2nd Place - Maurice McKenney

Out of 7 listing appointments, he was able to get 5 listings!

3rd Place - Matt Hovey

Out of 3 listing appointments, he was able to get 2 listings!

RAR Awards! Reaching Beyond Our Goals!

The Richmond Association of Realtors Distinguished Achievers Banquet was held last night and I was thrilled to be awarded the Diamond Level for Volume and Volume Level for Units Sold.  I sold 71 units alone last year, totaling 12 Million in inventory!  I had a wonderful year and now, armed with my team, Clocktower Realty Group, 2016 is looking better than ever!  Each month we've been improving more and more crushing all of our team and individual goals! Go Us!

Open House Sunday!

We have three lovely properties to show this Sunday!  All will be showing from 2 pm - 4 pm.  It's supposed to be sunny and about 60 degrees so grab your sunglasses and a light jacket and go house hunting on a beautiful Spring Day!

3562 Horseshoe Drive
Quinton, VA 23141
$310,000
4 Bedroom
2.5 Bath

Check out this spacious 2-story located on the 3rd hole of Brookwood Golf Course at the women's tee box! The home offers an eat-in kitchen, dining room with wood floors, great room with a gas fireplace and vaulted ceilings open to the second story foyer. There is a first-floor master suite with a door leading straight to the rear deck and a low maintenance SALT WATER POOL! The home was built with a garage but has been converted into the perfect "man cave" or rec room with double french doors. A short distance from shopping, dining and interstate access points. Wood floors have been refinished and new carpet installed on second level! If you are looking for a quiet sanctuary or the perfect entertaining house- this is the one for you! If the pool wasn't enough, don't forget about the carport, detached storage shed, and fire pit all ready to help you turn this house into your new HOME! Privacy fenced rear and paved driveway too! So much to offer, a must see, DO NOT MISS OUT!

212 W Franklin Street #206

Richmond, VA 23220

$224,900

2 Bedroom

2 Bath

What a wonderful place to call home, this condominium on W Franklin is just steps away from the Jefferson Hotel and the VCU area. The condo is on the 2nd floor, so you do not have anyone else above you. As you enter the condo you will notice an intricate stone design in the hardwood floors and a 9ft+ ceiling. The half bath encases all marble. The kitchen encompasses new granite counter tops with stainless steel appliances. The condo has fresh paint, exposed brick, new blinds in all windows, and much more. There are TWO masters in this lovely condo with their OWN bathrooms attached and large closets. Both master baths showcase solid marble tub/showers. This condo has a deeded parking space, that has a direct entry into the condo from the parking lot. Residents have access to a rooftop lounge area, a nice patio area, heated pool, rec room, and fitness center. You have to come see this condo for yourself! It truly is astonishing!

5607 Forest Hill Avenue

Richmond, VA 23225

$229,000

3 Bedroom

2 Bath

Welcome to this beautiful cape cod home, located off of Forest Hill Ave. This home has been very well maintained, it has fresh interior paint, exterior repairs, and fresh landscaping improvements . When entering the home you will see a living room with a dining room off to the left. The kitchen has great natural lighting and beautiful finishing on the walls under the cabinets. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Going upstairs you will notice a very large master suite with a large sitting area and a large master bathroom as well. Off to the side of the home is a screened in porch, great for entertaining and relaxing. There is a full/unfinished walk out basement that has great potential! Come see this wonderful home today!

5 Red Flags to Look for When Buying an Older Home

There are a TON of old homes in Richmond.  It’s part of what gives this city charm and character, as well as one of the reasons I love the Historic Church Hill neighborhood so much!  However, some of these old homes need our help to secure their place in the 21st century.  First-time homebuyers need to especially look out for these old ‘quirks,' because it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement without realizing your utility bill might literally go through the roof.  It’s a good idea to have ANY home inspected, new or old before you sign the dotted line, but some of these issues are easy to spot in the first walk-through.

Windows

Original windows might add to the charm of the house, but not to your utility bill.  Old windows are typically drafty, single-paned and potentially rotting.  There are two routes you could take to remedy this problem.  If you are restoration minded, there are lots of contractors in Richmond that are certified to restore and/or replicate those original windows, depending on how authentic you’d like to be.  We have worked with plenty of them and can make a good recommendation. If authenticity isn’t worth those cold winters, opt for double paned, energy efficient windows to stop any harsh winter weather…or summer heat!…from getting in.

Inefficient Heating

Lots of Richmond Homes are equipped with oil burners.  While oil may be cheap it’s typically an inefficient system.  Worse, if it hasn’t been properly maintained poses a serious fire hazard.  If having the system checked is a problem for the previous owners, that’s a red flag.  Furthermore, if the system has been updated, the buried old oil tank has the potential to become hazardous by leeching into the soil. Having it removed can be costly.

Lead Paint

Although lead paint wasn’t banned until 1978, there was a growing awareness of the dangers before then, so only the really old homes pose a greater danger of lead paint.  However, if there are going to be youngsters in the house you might want to get it checked out thoroughly as it’s a danger to developing brains.  Removing lead paint can be costly, so make sure you know what you’re getting into!

There are some additional concerns that go beyond the age of a home.  While the longer a house has been around the more likely one of these issues have taken effect.

Foundation and structural issues 

Make sure to find a highly reviewed and recommended home inspector the older the home.  Foundation issues can be very serious and won’t necessarily go away with an expensive fix.  It also depends on the land the house is sitting on and it takes a keen eye to find those issues.

Termites and Pests

These can be found in any home, but the older the home the more likely there are more nooks and crannies for these guys to get into.  Termites are not the only bugs that can cause major structural damage.  There are certain types of beetles that can eat away those support beams just as easily.

Not all old homes have these problems.  Really, it all depends on how well-maintained it was by the previous owners.  While from the outside an old home may look like a fairytale dream come true, make sure you find out all it’s ‘quirks’ so maintaining that house won’t become a living nightmare! 

Spring Open Houses!

We have lots of new listings this month! Come out this weekend to see all of our great properties and get a head start on the busy home-buying Spring season!

Saturday 3pm - 5pm

11671 Deep Point Lane
Gloucester, VA 23061
$324,900

Ever dreamed of living in a secluded paradise?! Well here is your chance to own a home with 5 acres that have been freshly landscaped. Leading up to the front of the home is a full country porch just waiting for you to come relax on it. Inside the home there is new flooring throughout and fresh paint. The kitchen boasts corian counter tops & brushed nickel fixtures. The master bedroom is downstairs including another bedroom. Upstairs there are 2 bedrooms and a bonus room that has the potential to be an entertainment center, play room or whatever you desire! Here are some of the many features this home has to offer, whole house water purification & softening system, generator, and fan. Also, on the outside this home boasts a two tier rear deck with fresh paint, screened in porch, two car attached garage and a 1 car garage with workshop, playhouse that has the same siding as home, a shed, and down the street is a state-maintained boat ramp w/deep water access. This home encompasses much more than what is written here. You must come see for yourself!!

Sunday 2pm - 4pm

212 W Franklin #205
Richmond, VA

What a wonderful place to call home, this condominium on W Franklin is just steps away from the Jefferson Hotel and the VCU area. The condo is on the 2nd floor, so you do not have anyone else above you. As you enter the condo you will notice an intricate stone design in the hardwood floors and a 9ft+ ceiling. The half bath encases all marble. The kitchen encompasses new granite counter tops with stainless steel appliances. The condo has fresh paint, exposed brick, new blinds in all windows, and much more. There are TWO masters in this lovely condo with their OWN bathrooms attached and large closets. Both master baths showcase solid marble tub/showers. This condo has a deeded parking space, that has a direct entry into the condo from the parking lot. Residents have access to a roof top lounge area, a nice patio area, heated pool, rec room, and fitness center. You have to come see this condo for yourself! It truly is astonishing!

5607 Forest Hill Ave
Richmond, VA 23225
$229,000 - PRICE REDUCED!

Welcome to this beautiful cape cod home, located off of Forest Hill Ave. This home has been very well maintained, it has fresh interior paint, exterior repairs, and fresh landscaping improvements . When entering the home you will see a living room with a dining room off to the left. The kitchen has great natural lighting and beautiful finishing on the walls under the cabinets. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Going upstairs you will notice a very large master suite with a large sitting area and a large master bathroom as well. Off to the side of the home is a screened in porch, great for entertaining and relaxing. There is a full/unfinished walk out basement that has great potential! Come see this wonderful home today!

117 S. Colonial Ave
Richmond, VA 23220
$349,900

Come make 117 S Colonial your home!! This well maintained home is two blocks away from all the action in Carytown. Within walking distance to cafes and shops, this is a prime location!! As you walk in you will notice a large foyer with 9ft+ ceilings and a chandelier. The formal living room has great detailing, including marble on the mantle of the fireplace. The family room has new carpet, this could double as a first floor master. The full bath on the first floor includes new flooring, vanity, and fixtures. Going upstairs you will notice the original pine floors that have been refinished and full bathroom w/vanity and a tub/shower combo. The home has an unfinished basement, fresh paint throughout, new windows, wired for alarm system, original doors and glass door knobs, detached 1-car garage w/new door and direct entrance to garage from alley. Come see this beautiful 2-story home in its prime location before its too late!

4806 Sanburne Pkwy
Sanburne, VA 23150
$134,400 - PRICE REDUCED!

Welcome to 4806 Sanburne Pkwy. This cute all brick ranch home as been well maintained. It has 3 bedrooms with recently refinished and buffed hardwood floors in almost all parts of the home. The home has a nice sized screened in rear porch, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The pull down attic will not disappoint with all your storage needs. The windows have been replaced and recently underneath the home a vapor barrier and insulation has been installed. Outside you will find an over sized detached garage with room for a workshop space and a large asphalt driveway. Come see this lovely home today!