Take Advantage of the Home Energy Assessment Program

As we all know, the colder months are ahead and as we struggle to get back on track with the recent financial setbacks caused by Covid, it’s time to discover some efforts to save on our energy costs. Did you know that Dominion has a Home Energy Assessment Program that provides customers with an in-home energy assessment where a qualified participating contractor will conduct a 30-60 minute walk-through of your home and install simple measures like LED bulbs and water heater pipe insulation, while identifying other energy-saving opportunities?

These additional opportunities, which may require separate appointments with specific contractors, include:

• Heat pump tune-up

• Duct sealing and insulation on heat pump systems and central air conditioners

• Heat pump system upgrades

• Upgrade to heat pump water heater

• ECM fan motor replacements on heat pump systems and central air conditioners

• Cool roof installation

It’s also the time to begin looking at winterizing your home. Sealing windows to prevent drafts, cleaning and maintaining your fireplace and chimneys, and checking your gutters are a good start to ensuring your home is prepared for the Winter months.

Tips for Open Houses

So you’ve decided to venture out and start looking at potential homes to purchase. As an agent, I’ve done a ton of open houses, but as a consumer as well, and I tend to have a keener eye. We can get distracted by staging and pretty details of the home, which is fine, but there are few things you should be looking out for while touring homes. If you have a contractor you work with or know, ask them to come along and they can spot defects a mile away. I’ve gathered a few tips for you as you venture out to find home.

Toolkit

• Tape Measures can come in handy when determining if your must have new stove is going to fit

• Cameras will help you remember, sure there’s the pro photos of the homes, but nobody is going to capture that suspect crack you see. You are also seeing a lot of houses, so it helps to remember.

• Notepads are great to take with you on your tours, it helps you write down what you really like and dislike as you are going through different rooms that will help you determine your keepers and your no thank yous.

Look Up/Look Down

• Check out the ceilings in a home. They can be telling by the cracks and color. How big are the cracks (could be a foundation problem)? Is there discoloration or any water marks leading to a leaky roof?

• Are the floors warping? Check out baseboards and look under sinks for evidence of mold (black spots).

• Don’t be afraid to lift up carpets that could be hiding damage or a moisture issue.

Look Out

• Open and close windows and doors to see if they stick or are hard to open, this could be a foundation issue as well.

• Check to see if there are drafts coming in and out of accesses. Also feel around electrical outlets.

• If you see windows that have condensation, the sashes are broken and need to be replaced. Windows are pricey!

• Look for termite evidence, if you see discarded wings or piles of sawdust, might be a sign.

• Pay attention to smells, does it smell like mold or cat urine?

Storage

This gets neglected sometimes. Honey, if there is not enough room for my shoes, I’m passing! Seriously though, look to see how much storage space you have. Is there an attic or basement? Are there other closets outside the bedroom? Is there storage above the kitchen cabinets or enough to put Grandma’s China in? Is there outdoor storage, a shed or garage?

ChChChanges

Some houses come decked out with all the appliances, but some are not blessed with say a dishwasher, will you have room to install one?

If you are anything like me, layouts are super important. I like to change up my rooms every 6-8 months for refreshing and new energy (yeah I’m hippy dippy like that), check to see that you can do this. Some rooms will allow for a TV to go in one place and one place only, leaving you with years of unchanged furniture arrangement. Can you move your bed to another wall? What if you guys have a kid to teen situation, can you transform their room from twin beds to full, and will you be able fit a bigger dresser for their identity crises ensembles?

Ask

• How old is the roof?

• How old is the HVAC?

• Has electrical been updated?

• Why is the seller selling?

• Has there been any price changes?

• How long did they live there?

• What’s the neighborhood like?

• Have any updates been made to the home?

• Is there an HOA?

• If there is a well and septic, ask when was it serviced last, same with HVAC.

• Are there any offers in hand?

• The agent hosting should be able to answer all your questions.

We ask that…

• As agents who host open houses, we want to supply our clients with the best feedback so be forthcoming with your likes and dislikes of the home.

• Sign in when asked to, we aren’t in the habit of giving your information away, it is more for us to have a number of attendants and to make notes of feedback and to send out thanks.

• If you can, don’t bring your kids. Nobody wants to see Johnny decide to use the half bath with door wide open, it will take the distraction away.

• Wear floor friendly shoes.

• Be considerate of other buyers while touring the house, give people space.

• Be a visionary. Look at the potential of the home, that downstairs basement bar might not be your cup of tea, but could potentially be your teens lair or a great Airbnb situation.

• Talk to the neighbors. You will be quite surprised at how much gets revealed in doing that. You definitely don’t want to be living next to Ugly Naked Guy or across from Mrs. Kravitz. Also explore the neighborhood, see what’s around.

Most of all this should be a fun experience. Make sure your agent is on hand so you can write an offer quickly when you find The One and get pre-approved! Happy House Hunting!

- Jo Ann L. Breaux, Realtor

Skipping Inspection: What Does that Mean?

You remember, well some of you remember, the Cabbage Patch Doll riots of 1983 or the Beanie Baby Bubble of the 90s? Two trends in America that caused moms to buy on the black market and dads to pick up baseball bats. This is the current state of Real Estate. If I had a dollar for everyone asking me “how’s the housing market now”, I could buy my own home. It’s hot people, real hot and will continue to scorch RVA for a while. That being said, having your realtor help you strategize and negotiate a deal is wise, it is what we get paid to do — protect your best interest and your investment.

My deals used to be pretty straight forward, a $10K jump maybe to be competitive, but nothing out of the ordinary. Now, I’m struggling to keep buyers in the game because losing a bid on a house you really want, is a “your dog is dead” moment. Many homes I’m seeing in the $185-250 range are going “as is” and investors are like Hungry Hippos gobbling up all properties deemed destined for flips. Which brings us to our main subject — home inspections.

When I tell my first time homebuyers that waiving inspection will help get them the house, they look at me with a look like Bambi in the woods. First and foremost, I would NEVER advise a client to not get a home inspection. It is just ill advice; however, I will say waiving it on the contract makes the offer more appealing. Waiving the inspection contingency doesn't prevent you from having a home inspection. It just means you won't be able to use results from an inspection to negotiate remedies or price with the Seller.

You are competing with big city transplants, cash only offers, and 30+ asking prices—I know, I feel defeated losing a bid too, let alone several. What it does say is, “Hey, I really want this house, look at what I’ll do for you to get it.” It is a risky move, yes, but it is not the worse move because if you have a good agent, they will know how to negotiate the terms of a no inspection contingency. We won’t ask the seller for any repairs, but we will do an inspection for informational purposes. In addition, making sure to put language in your contract that says if any “big ticket” items come up, you can negotiate. Big ticket items are things that are expensive to fix or replace (i.e., foundation, roof and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and mold remediation).

Our home buying process has become a thruple of a relationship these days. I am now advising my clients to bring a contractor with them on showings or if you really want to get ahead, bring your inspector, they can do a once over to see if there will be any potential problems ahead before you put an offer down. My guy charges $150 for a pre-inspection. People ask me if they should do this with new builds because they come with their own inspections. I say, yes, absolutely because you don’t know everyone’s abilities working on the house, sometimes mistakes are made, as this story shows:

“About six months later, they had problems because the ceiling fan in the bathroom was venting into the attic,” he recalls. “So moisture from the shower was going up into the attic space, and he ended up with a mold problem and some sagging. Sheetrock had to be torn out in the bathroom, and they had to do it properly.” - Jase Norsworthy, Real Estate Agent

So, should you waive inspection? If you want to be competitive in this market, yes, but DO HAVE AN INSPECTION. Make sure you have a clause in your contract to allow you to walk out if there are major expensive repairs to be done and the seller refuses to negotiate. Don’t trust what you see on the surface, you don’t know what’s behind the walls. All this just tells the seller you aren’t interested in nitpicking inspections items, but you are going to walk away from a potentially cost heavy problem. Aren’t we so nice? Strategize and materialize, that’s the name of the game. I always tell my clients to not get defeated if they are losing bids, it’s happening everywhere, but know that you will eventually get the home you were meant to have. Good luck and happy hunting!

Homeownership Makes You Happy!

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose

A Rose is A Rose...

It’s #NationalRoseMonth and we are celebrating these gorgeously, fragrant blooms with some tips.

“No matter where I roam, I will return to my English rose. For no bonds can ever tempt me from she.”

— The Jam

It is the month of the most famously romantic flora—The Rose. I’ve always looked at roses like engagement rings, they are pretty, but they don’t tickle my fancy say, like sapphires and peonies. However, roses hold a significant part of my memory banks and when I think of them, I think of my mother. She used to plant them when I was growing up and was so proud of them. Of course my mom can cultivate pretty much any plant on Earth, unlike my horticulture impaired self.

Over the last year, I’ve been ordering fresh cut flowers and I have been loving these decorative blooms. Some have even made lovely dried flower arrangements around the house. I particularly love the multi-toned hybrids. The rose that gets the best growth in Central Virginia is the—cue “Candle in the Wind”—The English Rose!

So, roses have genealogy as deep as our own and people take cultivating them as seriously as their breeding of Labradoodles. You’d think our roses came from Sir Elton’s home country, but actually they come from 18th century China. Now, for all of us rose dummies, the Kingpin of English roses, is cultivar David Austin. This man combined a special hybrid of old and new world roses. He’s so good at it, he created the most expensive selling rose, Juliet, selling it for $15.8 million. Shoo wee, that’s an expensive bloom sir! These gorgeous blossoms make any bridal bouquet stunning.

Are you ready to adorn your home in these fragrant and fairly easy to grow flora? Here are some tips on how to successfully do so:

1. Make sure it’s sunny! Roses love the sun so make sure where you plant them, they get the majority of the day basking in it.

2. They grow on bushes/shrubs so make sure you space them out accordingly. For the best effect, plant them about 40-45” apart. It will give it a more standout look.

3. It isn’t necessary, but to get best results make sure you compost and fertilize the soil to enrich it and to feed your blooms. Roses tend to grow in most soils, but for ultimate success prep your rose garden and keep the soil moist.

4. Soak them entirely before planting them and plant them quickly. Don’t let the bulb dry out.

5. Because we live in a more moderate climate here in Virginia, plant the base at ground level.

6. Keep them watered well during the first planting. After the first year, you can be a little more lax about the watering, taking it back to about every other day.

7. Remember to trim! You can prune your bushes to dictate how big you want them, but also remember to trim the blooms to make more room for others!

8. Decorate. Get those vases ready and showcase your girls!

Ask your local nursery for more detailed tips. Get growing!

Don’t forget to schedule your visit to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens for some prime Rose viewings.

Buying New Construction

A while back, I had a nightmare of a transaction. Not my best moment as a new agent, but in this business you learn from your mistakes. My client found a home in a new sub-division and took it upon herself to investigate a new home being built there. She was determined to meet with the builder and talk plans. All great, right? You would think. I sometimes think that clients don’t understand what it is that we do as agents in representing them and this was just the case.

I took the initiative to sit down with her and the builder to talk of the plans for the new home. When she arrived to the meeting she brought her “amendments”. To make a long, convoluted and frustrating story short, she became the realtor and I became the blame for all things that went wrong due to her wanting primarily a new custom build.

Due to the lack of inventory here in RVA, contractors can’t build homes fast enough to satisfy the desire to live in prime locations with great schools. In my case, my client wanted to build her dream home in a planned sub-division. Keyword here is PLANNED. Buying a home has its process, but buying new construction requires slightly different criteria. Here are some tips to know when buying new construction.

LISTING AGENT: The listing agent works for the builder, NOT you. They are more about quantity than they are about finding you your dream home, hence why you should have a agent to help you be a liaison and communicator. In my particular transaction, I was cancelled out and both myself and the listing agent had to do a lot of damage control pacifying frustrating conversations with the buyer and the builder.

PRICE: New construction comes at a “base” price. For example, the home you want starts at $410,000 which will include certain features, but will also give options for upgrades. All those “options” add up. If you choose to go outside of the “included” fixtures.

“Builders rake in the cash on upgrades because they can get parts and labor relatively cheaply. The markup is huge, so investigate each option you're considering to see whether it would be cheaper to bid it out after you move in.” - HGTV

Decide on these things early on in the process, you should get a sheet with all the features and pricing for the vendors they stock with. Also note that in times like these, demand is high and materials are scarce which tends to up the pricing.

FEATURES. You can have whatever you want. Some builders will cater to a client’s customized build, but NOTE, having whatever you want does not mean your price will stay the same. You want gold fixtures, it’s going to cost you. You want to change the plumbing logistics? It’s going to cost you, not just in supply, but also labor. Builders tend to work with options they have already in place, you have choices, but they are determined choices of the builder’s stock. When you go outside of those choices and a builder agrees, you still have to pay for those upgrades. It is best to stay within the features list of options, fi you want that Khoeler shower head but they are using Ferguson’s, take the Ferguson. You can change it later and probably at a cheaper cost.

KNOW THE MASTERPLAN. When there are just a few houses in the neighborhood, it’s easy to envision your own little realm. It’s best to ask what the plans for the neighborhood is and all it’s amenities. Will there be a pool? How close will my neighbor be? Will I be able to build a privacy fence later? These are good to know as the community grows.

HOA: Speaking of plans, most of these communities will have an HOA. Getting those docs and knowing what will be allowed and permitted on your property is vital. Also, cost is a factor here. Are you going to be paying for full maintenance of your property or just the common areas? Will it be $300 a month or $160.

THE BUILDER. Make sure it’s a reputable builder. Do your research or have your agent do it, they should be able to see if there’s any issues or complaints about them. You also want to make sure they do quality work and work with materials that are going to last.

INSPECTIONS: Most new builds are inspected in order to pass codes and such, but it is advised that you have your own inspection as well. Some new builds also come with a Home Warranty, but some do not and your agent should make sure you are protected from any defects the home may have as well as the hardware it comes with. These inspections you provide will be more thorough.

IF you are looking for a customized build I highly suggest you buy a piece of property somewhere and hire your own builder. It is what my client should had done considering all the upgrades and changes she made to the planned construction she had purchased. Allow your agent to negotiate and advocate for you, they can give you real knowledge when dealing with new construction and know what to look and ask for.

If you are looking to buy a brand spankin’ new home, please contact me today!

How Do I Compete?

Last year, we had over 100 new agents join Hometown. Last year I had quite a lot of activity, even during the pandemic. This year is proving a little wonky. The pandemic has brought out people wanting to be Agents because, let’s face it, a lot of us were reevaluating our career choices. Fair enough. Now, that being said, we are also dealing with a very HOT Seller’s Market. People keep asking me, “How’s the market?” All I can do is reply shaking my head in wonder and immediately jumping to, “Why? You want to sell?!” as I paw a pant leg and wag my tail excitedly.

I’ve gone into Real Estate with the sole intention of getting people what they want and doing it the right way. Yes, I also got into it because of the expedited paycheck, but that aside, I really do work hard to give the best service I can to my clients. What I’m not going to do is lie to my clients, nor will I steer them in a way I feel is not going to benefit them, even if they don’t want to hear it. We have a super competitive market right now and I’m seeing two things: 1. First Time Homebuyers crying on my shoulder at how many lost bids they’ve received and 2. Buyers throwing their hands in the air saying, “I’m done, I don’t want to buy a house like this.” If you’ve looked on your Next Door and neighborhood Facebook pages, you’ll notice the minute someone uses the words, “house” , “buy”, or “sell” in their posts, every Realtor® on the planet is answering. We are vultures to put it simply and we are competing for not only buyers, but we are looking for more inventory.

I lost three bids in one weekend and lost my buyers along with it. It’s difficult because, for one, I’m not going to tell people they shouldn’t get an inspection. I’m also not going to advise them to bid over listing if it’s not worth it. What’s going to happen in 3-5 years when you want to sell? Are you going to make anything off what you paid during this time. We are seeing the craziest things during this market from waived appraisals to up to $100K over asking. So what do you do to compete? Here are some tips:

1. CASH IS KING. If you’ve got cash to buy a home, I suggest you use it. Nearly every time it wins out on bids. Why’s it best? It eliminates lender fees and closing costs, it is also better for the seller because a buyer can’t back out due to financial hiccups.

2. GET PRE-APPROVED. Before I work with buyers I usually like them to get pre-approved before seeing homes. This gets the buyer prepared to make an offer easily. If you and I are going to see houses, I’ve already set you up and am ready to write contracts immediately if you give the word “GO!” Also, make sure you are choosing a good lender as well because even though you’re a first time homebuyer, you might qualify for a heartier loan.

3. BRING YOUR BIGGEST AND BEST OFFER. Don’t under bid. Always go higher. If you can stick an escalation clause in there, have your agent do so. Bring a bigger EMD, if $1000 is the deposit amount, double it, you have to pay it anyway at closing and it’ll help your bid. Don’t make special requests and if it’s a newer property or a condo, you can feel more comfortable about waiving inspections. Your agent should be able to advise you on amounts and negotiate a good deal.

4. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. This is key when entering into this market. If you see something and want it, jump on it immediately. Be prepared to write a letter of interest along with your proof of funds, and a solid offer. I’ve seen a house go on and within 24 hours there’s been 36 offers. You want to be the first and foremost! I’ve also seen buyers sit too long and they lose out. So, be prepared to write an offer quickly.

5. THE AGENT. Make sure you pick an agent with good negotiating skills. Make sure they are prepared and also communicative. Also pick someone who is going to be honest about pricing. Some agents just want the higher commission while others want to negotiate the best deal that in the long run won’t leave you stuck with an overpriced home.

6. THE BIGGEST DOESN’T ISN’T NECESSARILY THE BRIGHTEST. Sometimes it isn’t the biggest bid that wins, sometimes it’s something as easy as a shorter timeline to closing or agreeing to waive a certain amount in inspection items.

7. GET OVER IT QUCKLY. Yes, I know it had everything you wanted, but you lost. You lost to a cash offer with waived inspection that was 50K over asking. You couldn’t do that. It wasn’t in your power and so you have to accept the loss and move on. Trust me, it sucks for me just as bad as you because I also feel discouraged. You can only do what you can do financially and I can only give what I can based on my expertise and negotiation skills. Don’t worry, there’s another home for you and we’ll get it!

8. RISKY BUSINESS. Just remember if you are waiving inspections and appraisals, you may win the bid but in the long run be stuck with costlier problems.

I’m always going to do what you ask me to do, but part of my job is protecting you. I don’t want you to lose out on your dream house and I surely don’t want to lose out on a nice commission, but I also want what’s best for you and sometimes that means NOT taking a riskier route when it comes to your funds vs your desires. This isn’t going to last forever and I don’t have a crystal ball unfortunately, but I want you to go into the market with confidence and knowledge. So, you ready?

So, You're Getting a Divorce...

Yeah, it’s not words we want to speak of, unless you’re super happy about going your separate ways. Covid has definitely put a magnifying glass on many marriages and the result has been revealing. Nobody likes divorce. It’s hard and it’s emotionally draining, no matter if it’s amicable or a knock down dragged out fight. One thing is for sure the last thing you want to think about in all of it is selling your home and you might not have to, but you may definitely want to.

Divorce is quite a common motivation for a listing, and because it is so common, Agents see a lot of the same things. For example, more than likely one person is chomping at the bit to sell and the other is less motivated. Why even get rid of the property? Simply put, a lot of couples want a fresh start or don’t want to be reminded of the life they built there. In the end, you’ll both have to work together to see it through. The ultimate goal is for you both to close one chapter so you can start another.

“Your dreams don’t have an expiration date.”

— KT Whitten

An Agent. Picking the right agent to sell your home during this time can be an obstacle. You might not want to use Sally Doolittle who helped you both buy the current residence. You may want to use someone totally neutral and unknown to make things fair and straightforward. You might want to use one agent to sell and another to buy. Whoever you both decide on, make sure they are clear on the climate they are walking into. That agent should also be empathetic and patient, sometimes they will need to have two separate meetings. They should be communicative and also thick skinned to deal with runaway emotions not intentionally sent in their direction. If they are a good agent, they will be intuitive, willing to listen, and help mediate.

“You cannot start the next chapter of your life if you keep rereading the last one.”

— Michael McMillian

Listing Prep. This is the hard part. Nobody wants to do it—the cleaning, the packing, the purging, the rummaging through lost memories. It’s hard, especially if you’ve been there for a significant amount of time. Allow yourself to work through the process. Make sure to give yourself some time to take a break and a breath when you need to. Chances are, one of you has already moved out, which will make things slightly easier, but if not, maybe delegate some tasks so you aren’t in each others faces if it’s awkward or hostile. Also, your agent should be able to help you schedule things like cleanings, landscaping, and repairs.

Time. The sooner the better right? Not always. In this market it wouldn’t be too difficult to get a sooner closing date. Most closings happen in 45 days but these days it can be sooner depending on your loan process. You might have a situation where you need to work on selling one property to be able to buy/move into another. There are also the pros and cons of selling before and after you’re divorced that could potentially delay the divorce itself. You’ll have to decide on what’s going to suit your situation, and also be the most cost effective, efficient, and amiable.

Children. This is also something to consider when you decide to sell your home during a divorce. Sometimes it’s less painful to sell a home to maintain normalcy for the kids, but other times it’s better to have everyone just start anew. Also, moving with kids (depending on age) can be tumultuous when deciding on school district changes and maybe needing assistance if it’s a sole move, so you can have time to go through things without any distractions.

In the End comes a New Beginning. Take it from someone who is a divorcée, it is hard no matter what and adding the loss of a home is another piece that’ll rip you apart sometimes. You may not want to buy a new home, you may want to get yourself that new single person rental in the city you’ve been dreaming about or maybe you want to test out some new neighborhoods you’ve been curious about until you feel you can commit again. Getting the biggest buyout would be an ideal way for you to get the home you’ve always wanted, shoe closets and all! You now have some options and that’s the positive part —the blank canvas.

“Divorce is a declaration of independence with only two signers.”

— Gerald F. Lieberman

No matter what the end entails, including collecting the half proceeds from the sale of your “marital home”, you get to start over. You get to have the basement bar you’ve always wanted, or the art studio free of storage items you’ve dreamed about. You get your own space with new paint, new art, new furniture and all while blasting that record they hated you listening to for the past 15 years. Sure, all wounds take time to heal, but it doesn’t have to be all painful. The most important thing to remember is to be communicative, be willing to work together one last time, and keep the end goal in mind —a new beginning.

The Home Warranty

When I put a bid in for my clients, I usually encourage them to ask for a Home Warranty paid by the seller. What is this and why do you want it? A home warranty is basically a service contract designed to repair or replace the major systems and appliances in a home as they are used over time. It guarantees a home buyer that if something breaks due to normal wear and tear, the warranty company will provide coverage to repair or replace it.

I cannot tell you how many times a new homeowner moves in and two days later the HVAC stopped working. The warranty usually covers parts and labor and major appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washer/dryers, and even microwaves. It covers built-in systems, such as HVAC and ductwork, garbage disposals and ceiling fans. The warranty is for usually a year, but you can extend it. Plans usually run $400-600 annually and you have the choice of adding a premium package to the mix if you’d like. This can cover such costs as disposal of equipment, code upgrades and permits which are sometimes not covered with most plans.

It’s just some added protection as you start your new chapter and I recommend getting it highly when writing up the contract. It’s just some added assurance that if and when things start to fall apart, you are covered. I have highly recommended warranty companies I use and getting a quote is so very easy. Feel free to peruse their sites to get a better understanding of what can be covered in your home warranty. Happy House Hunting!

Looking for Love in All the Right Places

She and I met when I was about 5 or 6 years old. She had an iron wrought gate surrounding her as though she wore a choker from the 1800s. Her color was pale blue and her two tiered porches wrapped around her waist as though she donned a lace trimmed ball gown. Her eyes were dark, but her lids came in a myriad of brocade colors and her steeples pointed to the heavens with such grace. She was a true beauty, and my dream for a long time.

I used to pass this house on my way home from school in my small hometown of Crowley, LA. I loved that majestic home, untouchable and hiding so many stories within its walls. It was the first home I ever can remember dying to live in. Fast forward 30 something years, and I’ve had a few crushes here in RVA, but none have drawn me in the way that gorgeous Victorian of my childhood did.

Falling in love with a home requires a true connection. When you are looking for the perfect match, there are some things to consider…

1. Attraction. What’s she wearing? Is it a ball grown or is it a little black dress? Does it wink at you when you drive by or does it tighten up when you approach it’s gates? We all have some sort of architecture we love whether it’s the warm coziness of a Bellevue bungalow or the stately Colonials adorning the near West End or the grandeur of Monument Avenue’s Classical Revivals. No matter what you love on the outside, that love at first site thing is real when it comes to house hunting. Her outsides are the first thing you see. You may be attracted to her country porch, her picturesque face, or you may be tempted with her manicured lawns and meticulous landscaping.

2. It’s What’s Inside that Counts. I’ve seen several unsuspecting homes. They don’t initially catch my eye as I’m driving up, but then I go inside and that’s where she gets me. Some people are attracted to flooring, some to unique details, and others to particular rooms. For me, I’m drawn to unique quarters like libraries and secret lounges. Yes, I know this is a higher expectation, but if I have to settle, I’ll settle for falling in love with a kitchen and/or bathroom. She could be a high class gal adorned with granite countertops and the most up to date appliances or she could have original floors and an antique vanity. I think a lot of people are looking for a home that meets a less cookie cutter image, something that feels more personal. You want the love of your life to stand out from the rest, no? Aesthetics aside, there’s something more important than looks…

3. That Warm and Fuzzy Feeling. It all comes down to how she makes you feel. When you open her door can you see a future? Do you feel warm or do you feel as though she might spit you out when you try to change her? I’ve had clients walk in and immediately walk right out because of an initial vibe. No matter how pretty she is, if she doesn’t give you the warm and fuzzies, it’s not for you. I don’t ever want to force my clients into falling in love with something they don’t want to marry. I encourage people to take in a home, walk around it, glide your hands down her banisters, lay in her tubs, lean on her counters, check out her surroundings, and visit her at night. Then ask yourself, Is she loving you back?

Not every home is going to be The One. You could find one that is Fun for Now, but not marriage material. The most important thing is not to be rash, but to take some time and get to know her, find out all you can about her, learn about her history and how she’s grown, and make sure she doesn’t have any baggage that’s going to come up later.

I pine for the day I can walk into a home and say, “This is my forever!”. Until then I’m still dating around, trying to find out which one is worth my investment. What about you? Have you fallen in love yet? Are you ready to make a commitment? I’d love to hear more Love Stories, feel free to leave a comment.

---

For the Love of Home Questionnaire

1. What was the first home you fell in love with and why?
   See Above and also because I really love historic homes.

1. What was the first home you cohabited in? You know, your first love nest?
   We’d been dating for well over 3 years and although he was at my house pretty much every day, we didn’t officially move in together until 2002. 3 S Vine. A small one bedroom apartment that I fell in love with because it was updated and the location was stellar. We ate at The Lighthouse a whole lot! The thing I loved about it the most was that we lived there alone — no roommates!

2. What was the home that got away?
   I have house regret. There was this beautiful house in the near West End that my friend lived in. When she moved away they put it on the market and I wished I could have bought that lovely house on Kensington.

3. What is the decor you are crushing on currently?
   I’m really digging vintage style wallpaper. I think seeing shows and film influence my style choices. Ever since I watched Sharp Objects, I want all of that! I am also digging the Art Deco style that has made a comeback. The colors in particular, I just love moody, lush colors.

4. What is your home breakup story? The home you miss the most or the home that brought you nothing but heartache?
   It’s not necessarily a “home” in terms of the construct you live in, but the home I miss the most is New York, funny, it the home which has brought me the most heartache as well. I do miss it’s vibe though!

5. What is your favorite place you LOVE to be in at your house and why?
   Our bedroom. I love how dark it is and yet how bright I can make it. I also love our front porch which makes for a great way to get to know your neighbors.

6. Was or is there a neighborhood you LOVE the most?
   Yes, this one. Ginter Park and Brookland Park has been my favorite place to live in RVA. I love it so much! Its walkability, its business owners, its friendly neighbors and the homes are incredible and historic.

7. What is your favorite piece of furniture?
   Right now it’s the album holder which was custom built by Tom Brickman. In the future I hope it is velvet chaise I hope to attain.

Quarantine Chronicles: Dream a Little Dream

I woke up today, staring at the ceiling, looking at the four walls which surround the most sacred of places — my bed. I walk downstairs and drag my slippered feet to the kitchen, opening the cabinet to get my mug for that first morning sip. My counter is cluttered, there is literally some sort of appliance or kitchen utensil covering the length of it. I cringe. Oh yeah, look up at the top of my fridge where I find my step-daughter’s pumpkin from Halloween overfilled with candy she may or may not indulge in. I open the freezer, that is stuffed to the gills with minimal items, my frozen container of pomegranate seeds comes sliding out, only to hit the floor in sudden death. This is where you just sit on the floor depressingly eating the fruity carcass, gently sobbing, “WHYYYYYY?” Why is my fridge not bigger? Why don’t I have enough counterspace to become America’s Next Top Chef? Why must I look at these drab walls? You know, questions to start off your typical Monday morning.

I’ve lived in the house for almost three years. This will be my 34th rental in my 47 years of existence. I’m embarrassed by the fact that I’m a practicing real estate agent, but have never owned my own home. As I peruse Pinterest boards, watch DIY home improvement videos from some guy named Todd and sigh at watching Galey Alix design dream roomscapes on her TikTok. Sigh. It can get depressing, especially right now with our current pandemic crisis. I keep thinking will I ever attain the dream of owning my own home and what is it exactly preventing from doing so?

Truth be told, it’s unfavorable living in someone else’s home, paying someone else’s mortgage and having to live with someone else’s interior. There are times when I want to take out a wall or have an extra room. There are times I want a bigger kitchen or a better landscaped backyard. The dream of home ownership weighs on me heavily. So, I’m doing what a lot of people are doing right now —making a plan.

Photo by Ekaterina Bolovtsova from Pexels

The Timeline

The first thing I’m going to do is figure out a feasible timeline to make my dream happen. For some it’ll be six months and for others it will take a whole year. Think about your credit, your job, your current situation. If you are already in a good place (yeah you, you adult!) then think about when you want to make that move and what is going to required of you. Are you renting? When’s that lease up? Are you owning? What improvements do you have to make to get the most value out of your home to buy a sweet new one?

The Wish List

This is my favorite part. The part where i get to have a list of criteria of all the desired features in a home I want. After living in so many locations from architecture to community, I know the exact things I don’t want in my living space (water pressure is everything!). So when you are making out your list make sure you are covering all details, not just room size and bathroom count. Think about your must haves and hell no’s:

• Will I be able to add any structural expansion to this home? If you needed to add an in-law suite or a working garage, do you have the room?

• How many ways can I rearrange my furniture? You’d be surprised how many renovated homes have one, maybe two ways to rearrange a room. Rearranging rooms, adding furniture, changing styles are all ways to refresh a home, especially if you are also spending a whole lot of time in it.

• Am I walking to Wawa and Kroger or am I enjoying the culinary delights of sitting at an outdoor cafe. Check your neighborhood experience. Some people like the views of stroller lined streets while others prefer the beauty of tree lined ones.

• Are you sick of mowing a large lawn? Maybe you want something more low maintenance, like maybe a strip of grass.

• No touching! Do you want bedrooms that kiss each other down a hallway or would you rather have them across from each other? Do you want to hide from your children or do you want to hear all that Fortnite chatter? A simple layout plan can change your whole living experience

• Do you want that washer and dryer upstairs or downstairs? I personally like to fold and watch my stories at the same time!

• Just how close am I to my neighbor? Do I want some distance there? Can you borrow sugar or would you prefer an ATV to get to your neighbor’s house?

Money, Money, Money.

If you are anything like me, money is always the one factor which deters me from my dreams. I find it hard to invest in myself and it hinders a lot of planning. To be perfectly honest, I’ve struggled most of my life financially for many reasons. It took me a really long time to find a career I could actually be successful at. It’s really strange that I can look at my bank account and see savings in there. Maybe you’ve been on that track too. Some of us didn’t have the trajectory of having a 401K and a white picket fence. So, what do you do when you want to buy a house, but don’t have the best finances?

Meet with a Lender or a Financial Planner: This will help you have a plan and one to stick with. They can tell you exactly what you need and how much to put away to get it. Sure, it might take a year, but if you are disciplined and follow the plan, it can happen for you. Usually, it’s as simple as putting away a little stash or paying off a debt.

Research: You’d be surprised how much help you can get when buying a home. There are grant programs and homeownership assistance programs you can qualify for. If you are a healthcare provider, teacher, or “hero” worker, you an also qualify for special loans in addition to first time homebuyer benefits.

Open a House Account: Go to the bank and open a bank account just for housing costs. Start collecting, not just for the house itself, but also for all the things you’ll want for that house, right down to the new dishes. It will give you a goal to focus on and if you just put a little away here and there, you’d be surprised how quickly buying a home can be a possibility. So skip DoorDash tonight, you don’t need yet another pair of yoga pants, put it in the kitty.

Look, but Don’t Touch

Even if you are not ready, looking at homes will give you incentive and inspiration, plus, it’s fun! It will give you a good idea of loves and undesirables. It will also give you a goal financially. Are you looking at $150K houses or $250K? I find that the amount of homes I look at bring me to certain conclusions like, “Hmm, seems the renovation work being done in this particular area isn’t very good” or “it’s the same kitchen over and over again!” You might decide that new construction is the way to go. Here are a few tips when you start out.

Go to open houses. Two reasons: You get ideas. You might see something that’s desirable in a home that you may not have seen before. You may have thought you wanted an open floor plan, but then you have discovered a formal dining room with pocket doors is quite lovely. This is a good way to test out all those things and get inspired without feeling pressure to buy. You can go in and be breezy with a “just looking” attitude. The second reason being if you don’t have a realtor, it’s a good way to interview and get a feel for some with casual conversation. I like to tell people finding a good fit is like finding a good date, if they are easy to talk to, approachable and most importantly knowledgeable, those are good options. Bring a notebook or something to take notes, video, take photos and grab business cards while you’re there so you can look back and add to your vision boards.

Bring a contractor or someone who knows construction with you if you can. This way you can learn what is good construction and what to watch out for when you are investing your money. Some realtors are good at pointing these things out, but some may not have enough experience regarding house builds or renovation features, such as quality, so sometimes these things get overlooked. They might also have insight on costs, especially if you are looking at an older home that’s in your price range but needs some work.

Look in unfamiliar neighborhoods. This doesn’t work for everyone if you are looking for a particular school district per se, but some of these districts are large and sometimes certain subdivisions get overlooked. I love exploring hidden neighborhoods because you never know what gems you can find in them. Take time to walk in them, talk to the neighbors, and see what’s around that could add to your living experience.

Get in the mindset that not every home is going to be a brand new or a complete renovation. Remember when people used to buy houses that other people use to live in? I think some people have gotten used to seeing renovated homes as the standard in homebuying. You could be missing out on homes that have a lot of character and ability to be worked with if you are only looking at reno homes. I showed a couple an old 70’s style ranch they thought would be hilarious to see. It turned out to be the exact floor plan they were looking for with some cool features that could be showcased with a little work. They were pleasantly surprised about the possibilities of a lower priced un-renovated home.

Are you excited now? I am! I can’t wait to put my plan in place. Sometimes it takes just a little hope and imagination to fulfill a dream, an investment, a change. And as always, let me know when you get started, I’m happy to guide your way!

Quarantine Chronicles: 13 Tips for Seasonal Home Prep

Yes, I see that yard filling up with the leaves. I also see the gutters overflowing. October is the perfect time to start prepping your home for the colder months OR for a possible listing. Here are few things to do to make that happen and increase not only curb appeal, but also add value to your home!

1. Get those gutters cleaned and schedule any roof repair needed.

2. Get those last mowings done and start protecting your plants and gardens.

3. Go around and see what seals on your home need to be repaired or replaced. Include repairing any leaks that your home might have as well.

4. Replace any old insulation.

5. Get your fireplaces cleaned and make sure they are in working order. This includes your furnaces and heating units. Get covers for your AC units to aid them in lasting longer and not getting damaged through the winter months.

6. Plant some grass seed for any patches in your yard or where the swimming pool was this summer.

7. Build your deck or repair it, it’s a great time for this and will lead to some nice outdoor space during those crisp evenings.

8. Build your firepits and get some nice blankets for guests who come over.

9. Paint your front doors and add some nice Fall decor to the mix, your home will feel refreshed and pop on the street.

10. Clean out your closets! Whether you are purging or alternating into your winter wardrobe, time to organize!

11. Get wood for the fireplace and fire pits! Everyone is going to be scrambling since most of us will be holed up at home depending on Covid, so be prepared! Get your wood now!

12. Power wash the exterior of the house. This is a must if you plan on selling. it will brighten and make your home look like new!

13. Consider cleaning any carpets in the house. Sure, we’ve been quarantined and left in our homes a lot more, but this will increase as the weather gets colder. Humidity is dissipating and cooler temperatures will allow for windows can be opened making drying easier.

Quarantine Chronicles: Should I Sell or Should I Stay?

I have been getting asked a lot how the market is doing during this time. I can easily say, "It's pretty strong still." But what am I really saying here. In Richmond, it is still a seller's market which means demands are high for buyers which has been the case here in Richmond, inventory is still low creating multiple competitive offers on a lot of properties. So why aren't you selling?

Some of you are feeling a little leery about selling a home during a pandemic. This is easy to understand from a physical point of view. People coming in and out of your house and you’ll likely be looking for a new home as well so that leaves you going in and out of houses. I assure you, we as Realtors have taken much precaution. From masks to sanitizer to a daily wipe down of everything to extensive virtual tours, we’ve taken great care in making sure our clients feel safe. Some of you have fear from a financial standpoint. With unemployment so high and the volatile state of the market and world, you might feel you need to hold onto what you have. These are all valid reasons, but I have better reasons why you should sell right now.

Buyer Demand is High. There are more buyers out there than sellers and while things lulled a few months ago, buyers are making up for time lost. Take advantage!

Change in Desire. One of the main criteria for most buyers is location. With people working from home these days there is a higher demand for space and no longer is location a real concern. You can now live in the country, work from home and visit the city or vice versa. People are looking for homes where they can have a more comfortable workspace, but also a designated “classroom” for their kids. The “new norm” has changed how people are buying homes during this time.

Increase in Sales Price. There’s been a significant increase in home sale prices (7.7% nationally). Buyers are paying top dollar for homes and haven’t been afraid of competitive bids. Interest rates have been as low as 3.0 for a 30-year fixed mortgage, making a more desirable climate for financing.

Current rates in Virginia are 3.08% for a 30-year fixed, 2.62% for a 15-year fixed, and 3.02% for a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).

Money, Money, Monaaaay. With many people having gotten stimulus checks, saving money from going out, and tax return funds, buyers have a little more to play with.

So you have all these things at work right now and I would say it’s a great time to sell that home that isn’t working for you anymore, or maybe you just want something new and wanting to explore other parts of Richmond. As 2020 creeps ahead, you can take some time to think about a future in a new home or the great return you can get on your current one.

If you’d like more information on the home selling process, please feel free to contact me.

Quarantine Chronicles: Class is in Session

Alright parents, you’ve got about a month to prepare for the colossal upheaval of your child’s schooling. After talking with some parents who are going through the horror of working from home and also home schooling, it was apparent to me that there should be some guidelines for those needing some guidance when it comes to virtual learning and setting up your home learning centers.

1. Make sure there are no distractions. Young learners need consistency and structure. Make sure the space you put them in is free from distractions like TVs, iPads, Video Games, etc.

2. Create a space for them. Include things like a good table/desk to do their activities at. Organize all their school materials using shelves or cubbies so they can find them easily. Make sure they know to put things back where they found them so it stays nice and neat and teaches them to take responsibility for their own materials.

3. Schedule. Make sure they have a consistent schedule every day so they know when to work and when to take a break. Get them a special clock or set up an alarm to ensure they are moving through the day with full activities.

4. Download materials for them. There are some wonderful websites where you can download and print material to further their curriculums.

5. Do not interact with them while they are in “school”. Don’t disrupt the schedule. Keep them focused on their work so you can do yours.

6. Eat lunch with them. This will help you stay connected and create a nice little family break with them, you can ask them about their day and what they are learning so they feel like there is some separation from home and school.

7. Make sure they go outside. Give them a recess time for them to play outside, it’s important for them to get some energy out so they can concentrate when they come back to learning.

8. Make sure your teens are staying on track instead of social media’ing their way through the semester. Take away cell phones while class is in session, and although, they don’t require a specific work station, you might want to check up on them from time to time to make sure they are actually working. They will soon understand what your life has been like!

Some of you might not have the space or money to create a learning center in your home. Here are some easy fixes to ensure your student is getting the space, quiet and materials they need.

• Check Facebook/Craigslist/Next Door for desks , chairs, tables, and rugs.

• Make sure it is separate from you.

• Decorate the space with Maps, Science Facts, People in History, etc.

• Make sure there’s enough space for them to do arts and crafts.

• Be prepared for this space to get a bit messy!

• Make sure you find some sort of storage unit for their materials.

Check out your county websites for more resources and information regarding distance learning. Check out my Pinterest page for other ideas!

How to Choose Your New Neighborhood

You have it all set. You want a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home that’s close to 2,000 square feet. And then your agent asks, “Any particular area you are looking to move to?” Where you say, “We only want houses in “xxx” neighborhood.” There are a lot of things to consider when buying a house and depending on your demographic, this will determine part of your wishlist. For many people it’s about the school district, which sometimes will make you sacrifice that Victorian home you wanted in the artsy district of town. People choose neighborhoods because it’s considered a “hot spot” or a “sought after location”, (ahem, yes, I’m talking to you Church Hill), but sometimes the view is limited. I know how important community is and I try my best to not just match up a house, but also a neighborhood best suited for my clients, even when they didn’t even consider a particular area to begin with. So here are some things I advise clients to think about while looking for a new home.

1. Who are you? Seems silly to ask, but consider it. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Do you enjoy people “popping by” or are you more “I like to have to drive to my neighbor’s house next door”. Some people love being in close proximity to their neighbors, it makes them feel safe and you love to distribute baked goods.

2. Is it Walkable? Do you enjoy walking out your front door and finding your personalized beer mug a few blocks away? Do you want to be able to walk to the grocery store? Do you want to have a few restaurants near your house? Walkability is very important to people, while others don’t mind trekking 20-45 minutes to their favorite hangouts.

3. How active is the community? You might not want a home owners association, but you may want to be an active part of the community you are going to live in. Many neighborhoods have civic, neighborhood watches and small business associations where you can be informed on what’s coming and going in the area. These are the people who organize clean ups and facilitate fundraisers for the nearby schools and charities.

4. Architecture. I won’t show Queen Anne and Victorian people houses in Wyndham or Stratford Hills. Sometimes architecture plays a big role in where people want to live, you might love a neighborhood full of ranch homes, but your love is to live in a three story rowhouse.

5. Development. Are you going to be ok with them putting up a Walmart a few years down the road? Find out about the Master Plan for a development before deciding if it’s the place for you in the next 5-10 years.

6. Schools. It’s a no brainer when having kids. You probably want to live in a hip and cool area, but you aren’t willing to sacrifice your kids going to a highly rated public school.

7. Commute. In your head you might say this isn’t a big deal, that you are fine adding 20 more minutes to your commute time, but think about it and how you’re going to feel after a few months of it and what your after work life is like. Ask yourself if there are alternative transportation options as well.

8. Value. Will this house increase in value over the next few years? What are the houses doing in the neighborhood? Are they selling quickly or are they sitting for a long time? Are there a lot of foreclosure and rentals? Are the neighbors improving their properties or does it look like homes aren’t being taken care of.

9. Crime. If your desire is to live in the city, be prepared to hear gun shots from time to time or to have your car broken into at some point. If this scares you off then maybe consider a more suburban area. Are you a single lady who walks her dog at night? Do you want to feel confident sending your kid to Johnny’s house by himself?

10. Noise. Are you a late sleeper who loves it when Mr. Jones cranks that mower up at 8:30am or does the din of ambulances and backyard parties your white noise to sleepytime?

So, just how do know if these places are right for you. Your Realtor should be familiar with your city or town you live in. If you are hiring a good Realtor, they will know how to match who you are to what you want in a community and they will know that some of you aren’t afraid of new experiences.

I always give my clients this homework when exploring neighborhoods:

• Take a daily walk in the neighborhood they desire. Stroll the streets at night and during the day. See if the neighbors are wavers and greeters vs evaders.

• Talk to Neighbors. Ask them how long they’ve lived in the area and what they love and don’t love about it.

• Look in backyards if you have kids. Check for jungle gyms, pools, and bikes for potential playmates for your children.

• Pay attention to lawn care and paint on homes, is it run down or is it clean and well kept.

• Check the distance of things. Do you enjoy walking to get a cup of coffee in the morning or where is the hospital/vet located? Are there parks nearby? What are the dining options?

• Don’t pigeonhole yourself to one neighborhood. I once had clients adamant about living in a certain area, but they didn’t realize that the style of home they desired could be found elsewhere in the city and was actually more affordable. They appreciated my knowledge, but also LOVE their neighbors and community.

• Police, Fire Stations, and Hospitals. People like to feel they are safe and can get help quickly, so check to see where these are located.

• Culture. This is huge these days. What kind of lifestyle living are you looking for? Neighborhoods do tend to reflect their dwellers. How diverse is it? What is the average age of the residents? Are you surrounded by serene parklike features or do you prefer a hip and cool area with neighbors who have block parties?

• HOA. Do you enjoy rules and restrictions. It’s also an added cost to your home ownership, so consider the amenities vs the cost.

There are many things to consider when finding the neighborhood that’s going to foster the walls which surround you. Home is so much more than that. It’s feeling welcomed. It’s feeling like you are part of where you live. It’s also feeling safe and good about coming home every night. It’s about room to breathe and room to shop. It’s about award winning education and summer bike riding in the streets. Talk with your realtor about their matchmaking skills and follow the tips above. Good luck and happy hunting!

Mortgage Loans in the Time of Corona

I listened to this podcast today and thought it was relevant to the times. Some of you may not know how the whole mortgage system works and what is the responsibility of the Federal government regarding the payments. We are all feeling the slow grip of unemployment and how we are going to pay our rents and mortgages. I thought this podcast from Planet Money would provide some insight.

What's the Herb?

Today is WORLD HOMEOPATHY DAY and as someone who believes the indigenous peoples of this world knew how to utilize the land more than anyone, I’m a big believer in this stuff. I’m a frequent acupuncture patient, tincture doser, and Chinese medicine taker. Sounds hippie dippy perhaps, but I’ve been involved with homeopathy remedies since I was in the womb. My mom lived in the jungle a majority of her life and natural remedies were a regular part of that habitat. Especially in weird times like these, when getting to the drug store may not be so easy, it’s a good thing to have some of these natural herbs in stock. With all the time we’re given right now, you might want to even start your own natural apothecary.

Here are a few herbs and natural remedies you can make yourself!

• Echinacea: Immune Booster
  It’s probably one of the most common medicinal herbs and is used to remedy an oncoming cold.

• Chamomile: Rest Easy
  Chamomile is common in teas, but is used as a natural sleep aid as well as to ease digestion, promote urination and relieve colic, which makes it great for children’s use.

• Yarrow: An Herbal Bandaid
  Yarrow can be crushed and applied to a wound or minor cut to stop bleeding

• Lemon Balm: An All-Around Tasty and Effective Herb
  Lemon balm is used to reduce fevers and treat colds by inducing sweating; calm the digestive tract; relieve spasms related to cramps and headaches; and overcome insomnia

• Peppermint: Soothing Remedy
  Invasive yes, but soothing to digestive issues, Peppermint is easy to cultivate and tastes delicious

Some other natural, but every day ingredients would include: Ginger, Ginseng, Garlic, and Basil

So if you want a great stay at home project, start stocking up on these natural herbs and experiment with some recipes. Mother Earth always gives us what we need so utilize and learn more about homeopathy remedies.

Check out these local resources for buying and education:

Lavender Fields Farm | Good Health Herbs | The Herb Closet | Chinese Acupuncture and Herbs | Traditional Chinese Health Center

Visit my Pinterest Board to get more ideas on how to stay healthy in the most natural way!

Best Tips for Nesting at Home

Written by: Nestiny Realty

Sometimes, due to weather incidents, sickness or other uncontrollable events it's simply best to nestle in and stay at home. We know this can be hard but we've compiled some tips that can make your time at home feel like an impromptu stay-cation.😉🍹

No Boredom Allowed

• Start (and finish) that book you bought last month.

• Get artsy — grab some pencils and paper and let your imagination go wild, try your hand at a watercolor painting or color a soothing picture in a grown-up coloring book.

• Dot-to-dots aren't just for kids!

• Sharpen your pencils and play a few rounds of Sudoku 🔢 or challenge yourself to a good ole crossword puzzle (bonus: they can be found in many newspapers and magazines).

• Break out your board games.

• Get crafty — make some cute vinyl designs with your Cricut or try out jewelry making. It's also never too late to learn how to knit, especially a cute blanket for your friend's new baby.

• Bake some delicious cookies 🍪 or muffins or try out a new recipe for dinner.

• Make s'mores over your wood-burning fireplace. 🔥

• Attempt homemade pizza and pair it with a classic movie.

• Turn your house into a spa — take a relaxing bath with fuzzing bath bombs 🛀, give yourself an at-home manicure and pedicure complete with a fun new color 💅 and apply a face mask. For extra relaxation, sip on your beverage of choice.

• Find a new show on Netflix (or favorite streaming service) and binge-watch all of the seasons.

• Revamp all of your social media profiles.

• Find your new favorite comedian. 😂

• Create a vision board with old magazines.

• Try a new podcast.

• Dust off those puzzles.

• Tour these 500+ museums from the comfort of your couch.

Get productive!

• Roll up your sleeves and start decluttering your nest (for inspiration check out 32 Ways to Instantly Declutter Your Home and 7 Modern Apps to Organize and Declutter Your Home).

• Try out meal planning and decide on your menu for the next month.

• Get a jump start on Christmas gift ideas and maybe even do some online shopping for deals. 🎄✅

• Reorganize your nest with Nestiny's Feng Shui Guide for a Harmonious Home.

• Do a deep clean and pay extra attention to spaces in your home that you usually skip.

• Go through all of the pictures on your smart device and organize/print them.

• Take the time to boost your home's curb appeal to prepare your house to sell.

Take it Outdoors

• Paint your front door a new color.

• Start an herb garden. 🌱

• Plant some seasonal flowers.

• Give your mailbox a facelift with fresh paint and numbers. 📫

• Liven up your porch with some new decor (thanks, Amazon).

• Set up a picnic in your backyard.

Nest Turned Workplace

In the case of an event that keeps you from physically going into the office, it's a great option to be able to work from home. Here are five tips for when your nest becomes your workplace. 🏠

1. Dedicate a "space" that you will be doing the majority of your work. This could be a desk in your office, a kitchen table or even your back patio in nice weather — basically wherever you will be the most productive.

2. Be proactive and set up your space with everything you will need to do your job (laptop, cell phone, planner, pens/pencils, etc.)

3. A perk from working at home is that it can be done in your PJ's BUT grab a cup of coffee and be ready to start your day before signing on. ☕️

4. While multitasking on things around the house and working may seem like a good idea it can majorly decrease your productivity. Instead, decide when your lunch hour will be and save the laundry for then.

5. Make sure to take a few breaks throughout the day to reset and refocus just like you would do when at the office. May we suggest a five-minute power nap on your sofa 😴 or a short walk to get some air? 👏

It's hard not to go stir crazy when you have to spend extended periods of time at home. But as you can see there are many fun, creative and productive things to keep you busy as a bee — even when you're homebound. So grab a yummy drink, settle into your nest and try something new!

Want more advice about all things home — including home buying or selling advice? Nestiny is a great place for homebuyer education and to help you gauge how ready you are to buy a home. Journey Homeward allows you to enter all your wants and needs while the True Affordability Tool will break down your budget, showing what you can comfortably afford. You will also receive a Ready Report that will give you a vital head start in the home buying journey, saving you valuable time and money.

Working from Home: PJs Aside, Some Helpful Tips

“Sed purus sem, scelerisque ac rhoncus eget, porttitor nec odio. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.”

— Jonathan L.

Nothin's gonna break my stride, nothing's gonna slow me down...

Working from home is not for the weak. I have to do it on a daily basis and it takes structure and discipline to manage your time effectively. I know some of you are thrilled to be working at home during this time but are you prepared to be distracted? To sit for long periods of time? To eat everything in the house?? Start with a plan. Here is an example of some helpful tips.

1. SPACE. Whether it’s your home office or on the patio, find an area with the least amount of distractions and by NO MEANS do it where there is a television present. You will get sucked into a “Love is Blind” abyss. I tend to do a one hour show during my lunch break, right now being a rotation of This is Us, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Good Girls, and Outlander (don’t judge).

2. GET UP. This is the hardest challenge I have daily. Once I get in the zone, I will unwittingly sit for hours on end. So I decided to implement a new routine. Every hour, I get up, and do a ten to fifteen minute workout or I get more coffee or I do a chore.

3. GET DRESSED. I know it sounds dumb since you finally get to test out the durability of your pajama pants, but getting dressed puts you in the mindset that you are going to get something accomplished today, at least put pants on!

4. FRIENDS DON’T LET FRIENDS get off track. I do this. I like to text on my computer, which in all fairness is part of my job, but when the MEMES begin, the work ends. Isn’t it nice to finally get to catch up with friends without having to be on the clock. I get it, I miss them too, but keep it to a minimum and no matter if they have golf clubs or Prosecco on hand, just say, “Let’s see where I’m at in a few hours.”

5. SCHEDULE APPROPRIATELY. We always have to be aware that during this time, things will come up and we can’t always stay on task. Allow yourself a reasonable schedule for all the things you have to get done during the work day. I have a tendency to say, “Ok, from 10-noon I’ll be working on this.” What usually happens is I’m working on it for six hours. Keep track of your time.

6. CHECK IN. Even though I’m an independent contractor, I really enjoy checking in with my co-workers, just to talk about what everyone is up to and to keep morale going. It keeps your head in the game. Take this time to connect with your clients. You have time to see how they are doing or to touch base to see if they need anything. This is a grand use of this time.

7. GO OUTSIDE. Take yourself outside for a few minutes. Fresh air refreshes you and so does direct sunlight. You’ll tend to get cabin fever if your only solo time is in a room with four walls.

8. CHILDREN. I don’t have this issue, but a lot of you do especially right now with everything being shut down. Make sure you have that conversation with your kids. A neat trick I learned was to make a door hanger for when and when they shouldn’t disturb you. Here’s a better idea — get THEM to make it for you! Crafts, check. No Molestar, check. Do make time for them though. How wonderful that family time isn’t cramped into just at the end of the day.

9. SNACK. I will say, working from home, makes you eat more. Be smart and healthy about your snacking during the day. Pre-make some little snack packs and get the fam create their own “delivery service”.

10. GO SOMEWHERE. Go on a walk, go to the store, go to the bank, doesn’t matter. It’ll give you a chance to let your mind rest and a short time of decompressing before getting back to it.

---

LADY J’S HOME OFFICE WORKOUT PLAN

So here’s some added bonus I wanted to share with you. I do two things to help pass along my day of working from home. Sometimes, I set an alarm to every hour, to make me get up and do:

• 100 Jumping Jacks

• 15 Pushups (I’m getting there people)

• 25 Crunches

It’s a great simple thing you can do to get your heart pumping and out of your chair. The second thing I’m going to start implementing is 52 Card Work Out.

Get a deck of Cards. Divide them into five piles with one pile obviously will have 12 cards instead. Add the jokers for additional fun. Every hour take one pile and begin by flipping the first one. Whatever that card is, is a set of exercise. For instance, 2 of Hearts I will dedicate to push ups (cause I hate doing them!), the next card is 7 of Spades, I’ll now do 7 burpees. I’m sure this is on the internet as well. You can also divide up your exercises by suit as well, ie. Spades = squats. Remember Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces = 10. Good luck and have fun! When the CV is gone, you’ll be thanking the gym membership fee I just saved you, oh and you’re welcome for the toned abs.

Broken Hearts and Opened Doors

You’ve lived in this home for over 20 years. Now you and your partner have decided to split ways. Maybe with children, maybe with the now joint-custodied pet, but definitely a situation that can be incredibly emotional and stressful, add selling a home and you’re dealing with a “more than I can handle” situation.

According to the VDH, in 2018 there were over 20,000 divorces in Virginia. We all want that happily ever after and we all want the house it came in! The last thing you want to deal with while splitting up is splitting property. Unless you are fighting for a prime piece of real estate, most couples will sell their home. In Virginia, courts are not required to split real estate 50/50 between both parties. Instead, Virginia divides assets equitably and fairly, depending on who acquired the assets and how much each spouse put in. Judges can rule depending on how each party contributed to the house’s worth or they can rule to transfer the property to the spouse who maintained and improved the property primarily. Yes, I know Mickey did all the landscaping but she bought all the appliances! Not fun. So, to sell it is!

Now comes the hard part. The one where you weep as you pack up your belongings or see an old photo album. The one where you are arguing over who actually owns the signed copy of Prince’s Purple Rain album or you’re both in the kitchen reminiscing about a wooden spoon tale involving their mom and your tail. While all of these things are taking place in your home, you will soon have to publicize it to the world with a For Sale sign. Don’t worry, this too shall pass.

When you decide to choose an agent to sell your home during this time, there are some things to consider. First and foremost, you want an agent who is going to listen to you, whether you are eye-bloated from tears or red with rage or exhausted from the drain of it all, to have a realtor go above and beyond during this time would make a world of difference. Sounds silly right? What do you care if your realtor is there to hold your hand or not? I dunno, I mean I go spill everything to my acupuncturist when I’m feeling overwhelmed, or the nearest bartender. The point being, empathy is not dismissed in real estate.

I recently had a client who had to sell her home because she was going through a sudden divorce. She had to sell it quickly with no fuss. There were good days and bad days for her and all I could do was to communicate with her frequently, give her solid and cost-effective suggestions, and be understanding with her adamant price choice. I had to watch her go through the “death” of her relationship, and as an agent I wanted her to get the best value out of her house and push where I need to, but as her empathizer I wanted to dig the thorn out and sell it as quickly as possible so she could move on.

That’s the thing about agents, we see it all. We see the collected dust on shelves, we see the family photos we ask you to remove, we feel the tension with couples trying to figure it out, and we understand having to give up what will soon be an artifact in your history together. It’s personal. It’s intimate. Our relationship. So although we are watching you close this chapter of your life, we are also trying to help you, well…close, with the potential for a whole new chapter.

My advice is, when you are going through something this life changing, make sure you choose someone who is not only going to give you the truth about what it will take to get you sold, but to also remind you that this is a transition, and you can provide a lighter touch. And yes, I will bring you pizza or a six pack to help you get through it all. You may have built memories there, but you can take this and file it away and move on to that low maintenance condo in the city or that Cape Cod you’ve always wanted. No one wants to be in this place, but sometimes we have to go through it to get to a better one.