Blog
After working with buyers and sellers through the recent spring and summer real estate market, I thought I would note some of my experiences. There definitely are many challenges in real estate these days–and we hear about them all the time! But some good things are also happening. Here’s what I’ve been recently observing:
Sellers are stepping up to the plate. We homeowners know all about the laws of entropy–without continued effort, things can go downhill fast! This highly competitive market is motivating sellers to get their homes in tip-top shape–clean, painted, repaired, landscaped, upgraded and all the rest. If you stop to think about it, this actually is a really good thing as it enhances the overall quality and appearance of our communities. Go homeowners!
People are learning to negotiate. When I spent some time in Kenya, East Africa, I haggled over every pound of potatoes I bought, and was expected to do so! That generally hasn’t been the case in our country. But learning to work things out, persisting in order to come to a meeting of the minds over important issues is a valuable skill. We’re getting that!
Buyers are becoming wiser. With pressure from lenders who have added an array of requirements, and with the daily news of short sales and foreclosures, folks need to think twice before committing to purchasing a home. Living within one’s means may actually be coming back into vogue!
Realtors are earning their commission. Once upon a time an agent may have been able to put a listing on the market with a few basic photos and then simply wait for the calls. Or show a buyer a handful of homes, along with the warning “you better buy it now before it’s gone!”. How the times have changed! It’s become much more of a challenge to get your listing noticed, to find your buyer the best deal, to negotiate an array of details with many different parties (other agents, lenders, inspectors, appraisers) all who are operating in a much more difficult environment. This makes us better at what we do, and of greater value to you as your advocates in real estate transactions.
Customer service is improving. Have you noticed how some businesses these days are working harder to earn your business? Not everyone for sure, but many have taken the downturn seriously and know they need to step up to the plate and work harder and smarter and focus more on the customer. It can only be a good thing when a greater number of entrepreneurs are going the extra mile to “get it right.” Each of these five phenomena do seem to me to be a part of a growing positive trend! Read more >
Posted by Greg Houck on 10/12/11.
Sold! Lovely wooded cul-de-sac location in beautiful Chesterfield County, Virginia! Renovated kitchen and bath with gorgeous granite counter tops, recessed lighting, wet bar area. New hardwood floors in kitchen and family room. Spacious living areas and screened in porch overlooking private yard and woodland. Meticulously maintained. See for yourself: complete photo album. Call or email to find out more!
Posted by Greg Houck on 01/25/11.
Beautiful townhome in the heart of Richmond’s West End! Minutes to upscale shopping, restaurants of all varieties, schools, corporate headquarters, and highways in maintenance-free Raintree. Sunken living room with slate fireplace opens to private patio overlooking quiet wooded common area. Three bedroom, 1.5 baths, open floor plan, sunny kitchen with eat in nook. Take a look at the Heritage Hill property details and check out the photo tour of 1507 Heritage Hill Drive. No longer on the market, but email me and I’d be glad to find you another home!
Posted by Greg Houck on 01/15/11.
One of the positive results of the decline of home values in recent years has been that for many the dream of home ownership has become a reality. But some buyers–although they have a good credit score and some savings–have run into the all-too-common problem of the “almost perfect home.” The price is right “as is,” but the needed improvements put it out of their price range. A solution to this problem can be a renovation or 203(k) loan. Typical desired improvements include upgrading the kitchen and/or bathrooms, new flooring, windows, siding, roofing, plumbing, heating and cooling, appliances or painting. In the past these kinds of projects have been funded with credit cards or home equity lines of credit. But these options can be expensive and are not as readily available as they once were. With a renovation loan, the cost of these upgrades can be included in your mortgage, with the interest tax deductible and the additional renovation expense spread out over 30 years. Read more >
Posted by Greg Houck on 10/27/09.
When it comes to real estate these two terms are easily confused. Oftentimes they are even used interchangeably, but they refer to two very different things. And the difference is more than just semantics. When you are buying a home, or even selling, the appraisal is particularly important. When you are owning a home, the assessment is what mainly comes into play. What is the difference? Read more >
Posted by Greg Houck on 10/05/09.
Nervous, confident, uncertain, excited. Even though these words may sound contradictory, they all describe many potential first-time buyers. First-time buyers can feel many things all at once:
Nervous–”I’m interested in buying a home, but what if I don’t get the best deal?”
Confident–”I could own my own home for what I’m paying in rent!”
Uncertain–”Interest rates seem good, but can I even qualify?”
Excited– “I’ve been thinking about this for some time and it really would be awesome. Maybe the time has come!”
Yep, it can be all those things at the same time, plus more! Read more >
Posted by Greg Houck on 09/24/09.
All of us homeowners keep an eye on what’s happening in our neighborhood, and what homes in our areas are selling for. Which is good–because that’s mainly how homes are valued–by what people are paying for similar homes. I keep a close watch on all of Richmond, but particularly on my neighborhood, Smoketree. Since January 1 of this year (through 9/15/09), 17 homes have sold in Smoketree with sale prices ranging from $195,000 to $300,000. In Smoketree South, 12 homes have sold ranging from $168,000 to $204,000. Considering everything, a very solid year so far! If you’d like more data, stats, or details, call me at 804-426-6563 or email me. I’d be glad to send you the data on these neighborhoods or any others in the metro Richmond, Virginia, area.
Posted by Greg Houck on 08/27/09.
Sold! 6 Alexis Drive, Henrico, Virginia! This gracious and stately colonial sits on a one acre lot landscaped with an abundance of azaleas, hydrangeas, crepe myrtle, perennials, bulbs and blooming trees. Hardwood floors throughout, a gazebo style screened porch and a powered workshop outbuilding also enhance this country retreat in Henrico County. Take a look at the complete photo album of this home–a taste of Williamsburg here in Richmond! This home sold for higher than the list price in 16 days! If you’d like more information about my marketing or anything relating to home buying or selling, email me or call 804-426-6563. Sold in 16 days!
Posted by Greg Houck on 04/05/09.
Sold! Charming, tastefully-decorated home with finished walk-out basement and sizable fenced back yard. Classic colonial look with updated open floor plan. You will enjoy viewing the complete photo album of this home. Convenient location, lovely neighborhood, great schools, and happy new owners! Call me on my mobile, 804-426-6563. I’d be glad to help you find the right home or start researching and planning to help you sell yours!
Posted by Greg Houck on 02/12/09.
Sold! Quiet wooded cul-de-sac half acre, 2000+ square feet, 2-car garage (storage above), screened-in porch, deck–a beautiful home, super neighborhood, and a great value! Check out the complete photo album of the home and property. Although this property is no longer for sale, I would be glad to help you find a home that will work for YOU! Call me at 804-426-6563 or email me if I can answer any questions and/or help you in your home search.
Posted by Greg Houck on 01/26/09.
