Hampton Roads Real Estate

Featured Neighborhoods - Fairfield, Virginia Beach VA

Welcome to the first edition of our Featured Neighborhoods series. Each week we'll be providing information about one of the many great neighborhoods in Hampton Roads. Enjoy!

Fairfield, Virginia Beach VA

Situated on the banks of the Elizabeth River, The Fairfield neighborhood in Virginia Beach is often described by residents as having a small town feel while still having the conveniences of a larger city. Built on former farmland in the late 60’s and early 70’s, Fairfield contains more than 750 detached and attached homes and is rated as the 4th most “walkable” neighborhood in Virginia Beach. Fairfield Park at its heart features a large playground, covered picnic tables, a basketball court, and a baseball field. Fairfield Forest is another...

Make the Most of Any Multiple Offer Situation by Following These Tips

Multiple offer situations are very common at the moment, and this means there are a few important things today's buyers and sellers should know before trying to navigate one themselves.

During a recent Facebook Live interview, I shared some important tips regarding this particular market trend that I hope will help you reach your real estate goals. For convenience’s sake, I’ve provided timestamps below so you can skip around to the sections  of the interview above that interest you most:

0:25 - An introduction to multiple offer situations in our area.

1:33 - What a buyer needs to do when faced with a multiple offer situation.

2:49 - How do cash and the pre-approval process impact a buyer’s success?

4:40 - How important is it...

Sellers: Watch out for These 8 Easy-To-Make Listing Mistakes

Sellers: Did you know that there are eight simple things you can do to sabotage your home sale? During a recent Facebook Live interview, I shared a countdown of things so that you don’t fall for these easy-to-make mistakes. There are actually many more ways you can compromise your listing success, but today we’ll be examining just a few of the most common pitfalls. For convenience’s sake, I’ve provided timestamps below so you can skip around to the sections in the video above that interest you most:

2:01 - Mistake No. 8: Ego.

3:55 - Mistake No. 7: Ignoring maintenance issues.

5:18 - Mistake No. 6: Ignoring the backyard.

5:43 - Mistake No. 5: Neglecting to declutter.

6:25 - Mistake No. 4: Refusing to make obvious repairs.

6:59 - Mistake No. 3: Using lousy photos....

Five Frequently Asked Questions About the Hampton Roads Real Estate Market

 

Today, we’ll discuss the current market in Hampton Roads. Since I’m often asked about it when I’m out and about, I want to share the five most frequently asked questions about the local real estate market.

1. Is this a buyer’s or seller’s market? This is so interesting. I’ve thought about this for the past five years. The Hampton Roads market is the most unique marketplace I’ve ever worked with. The rates are at an all-time low compared to the last several years. On top of that, there is not a lot of inventory available. In a way, it is a buyer’s and seller’s market. If a property is priced and marketed correctly, both sides win. Everyone gets a great, fair market value.

2. What does the current housing inventory look like? It’s a lot lower than you’d expect because of the low interest...

Consider This Before Making an Offer on a New Listing

Many home buyers carefully consider the timeliness of making an offer on a new listing. However, how long should you wait to make an initial offer? How long should you hold back before submitting a bid? Here's some tips to keep in mind.

  1. Use caution when making early offers. Timeliness matters! Don’t put in an offer too early or late. Listen to your agent.

  2. Make a fair proposal. If the listing has been active for less than three weeks, you don’t want to make a lowball offer. Don’t make it too high, either. The longer a listing sits, the less desirable it becomes.

    Demonstrate your appeal. Share your appeal with your agent. Your agent needs to know you like a property, so they can help you win it. Be honest!

  3. Understand your market. Although there are two separate markets for buyers and sellers, different markets exist...

Tips To Save Energy And Add Value

When it comes to energy efficiency, look for smart features and expertise to help you save energy and money and add value to your home.

1. Begin with a Right-Sized Home.

If the home you buy is simply too large for you or your family’s needs or plans, you stand a good chance of wasting energy through excessive heating and cooling costs. If it’s too small, you’ll feel cramped and uncomfortable. It’s a big investment, so seek balance and buy it “right” from the outset. 

2. Purchase Energy Star Appliances Such as Your TV, Dishwasher, Washer and Dryer, and Microwave.

And especially the refrigerator, as it alone contributes about 10 percent of the energy use in a home. Also, unplug electronics not in use or turn off power strips to avoid phantom charges. 

3. Install Efficient Lighting Such as Compact Fluorescent (CLF) or LED Bulbs in Every Fixture.

Lighting accounts for...