Need Last-Minute Staycation Plans?

We have both enjoyed traveling around the state this summer taking time to visit some of the fun places right in our backyard. Between the two of us, we have visited Cape Charles, Mathews County, Charlottesville, Lake Anna, Crabtree Falls and Washington, D.C.

Bill Lohmann, a favorite local columnist, just published this article in the Richmond Times Dispatch about his recent staycation. Check it out for a few close-to-home adventures.

The Virginia is for Lovers web site has a wealth of information as well.

Enjoy the dog days of summer - it will be gone before you know it!

Hooray for Rural Varina

Hats off to the Henrico Board of Supervisors for voting to preserve rural farmland in eastern Henrico County. It’s not that we oppose development, but rather that we support smart, well-planned development that preserves the unique character of our communities. Route 5 serves as an important gateway into our city center and its scenic beauty is such a treat for tourists and Richmonders alike. It certainly would be a shame if it became a victim of urban sprawl due to overdevelopment. So as you enjoy your dinner tonight, think of the Varina farmer and be grateful that your local produce may have come from just down the road rather than from across state lines.



For complete coverage, read the Richmond Times Dispatch article here.

Sizing up Housing Web Sites

We found this recent article in Smart Money magazine and thought we would include a few excerpts that we found particularly interesting. Housing sites are a helpful resource to buyers and sellers but are not always accurate and reliable.

Inaccurate Public Data: "Data used by home evaluation sites are often wrong. They're really at the mercy of public record, and public record is flawed." These sites have no actual knowledge of interior condition, recent improvements, upgrades or local nuances such as how one neighborhood may differ from another.

Local Knowledge: "With homes in many markets lingering unsold for months, recent sales of neighboring properties are hardly the accurate indicator they once were. And in areas where the majority of recent sales are foreclosures snatched at atttractive discounts, potential buyers often get the wrong idea of just how of a low-ball they can convince an owner to accept." Just because one neighbor fell upon hard times does not equate to a neighborhood in distress! However, one must must be aware that an appraiser will take a holistic approach to valuing your home and will make note of short sales, foreclosures, third-party REOs,etc.

Consult a Professional: "There are too many things you just can't know -- and the only way to know them is to talk to a real estate agent."