SAVE THE DATE For our Annual Fall Festival!

OCTOBER 14th at HISTORIC GREENBRIER FARMS from 10 am - 2 pm!

We had an amazing turnout at last year's Festival and we're working to make this year's even better!

We're talking:

• Catered Lunch  • Music  • Hayrides  • Bounce Houses  • Complimentary Pumpkin       

• Playgrounds  • Face Painting  • Beer Tickets  • Family Games   • Swag Bags 

• Raffle Prizes  • Fall gifts for the kiddos 

.....and so much more! 

Be on the lookout for a formal invitation. We are so excited to spend quality time with our client family and we would love to see you there!

Lately, I've been asked by clients if they should refinance with interest rates so close to 3%. The short answer is, it is definitely something worth looking into. Ever since my first home purchase I've taken advantage of lower interest rates a couple of times. I had different objectives each time and I had a loan officer I trusted to help me look at the situation holistically in order to make an informed decision. Refinancing can be tricky because there are few rules governing fees and if one isn't careful with the lender they choose they could fall into a bait-n-switch scenario where they add thousands of unnecessary dollars to their principal. This article explains the basic costs associated with refinancing and what to look out for.

Typical costs associated with refinancing:
There will almost always be some costs associated with refinancing, even with reputable lenders. These are similar to entering into a purchase mortgage and include; tax stamps, escrow setups (typically offset by escrow rebates when you pay your original loan off), low/moderate origination fees, lender's title insurance . . . Typically these fees are added to your principal.

Predatory costs associated with refinancing:
In addition to the typical fees, there are predatory lenders out there that have their own fees that are specific to that lender and are generally considered junk fees. These include processing fees, underwriting fees, and excessive origination fees. Sometimes predatory lenders tease you with a seemingly unbeatable interest rate, but play down the fact that they charged 2 "discount points" to get that rate. A discount point is 1% of the loan, so 2 discount points on a $300,000 refi is $6,000.

So, should you refi?

With interest rates at such a low level right now, it makes sense to speak with a professional. But you want a trustworthy professional. Again, there are many predatory lenders out there. You see them all over the internet, television & radio, and as junk mail in your mailbox. Asking one of these lenders for refi advice is like asking the fox if it's safe to leave the chicken coop door open at night. Among other components they'll go over with you, a great lender will discuss your current rate, how long you expect to be in the home, whether or not it makes sense to reduce your term to 20 or 15 years, and whether or not you can drop PMI.  Then armed with solid information, you can make a truly informed decision.

We have a great loan officer we love and trust. He has helped hundreds of our clients over the years and will take the time to carefully look at your situation and provide honest counsel.

If you currently have a rate over 3.5% and expect to be in your home for at least 3-4 years, give us a call. We're happy to introduce you to our go-to loan officer if you haven't already met!

Calculate My Home's Current Value Now

For more information or if you have any real estate questions we're here for you! 

Email us: info@trustworthyagents.com

Office: 757-500-2404

FB: Facebook.com/TrustworthyAgents

Summer is officially in full swing!

The sound of children playing outdoors, grilled food & great company surround you.  The garden is looking great. All your hard work in maintaining your home is paying off.  It’s time for you to unwind and enjoy this break. We ALL need one every now and then. Why not relax with a good book or plan a vacation?  Whatever you choose, we hope you’re able to enjoy this time with family and friends and rest.

It’s so much easier to be productive with a contented mind, am-I-right? So if you’re feeling particularly motivated, this is a good month to get creative! Research laundry room makeovers, paint or stain that piece of furniture you’ve been considering revitalizing, discover the benefits of growing houseplants, or build that outdoor firepit that’s been on your wish list! Do something that not only helps you love your home even more, but satisfies the invaluable feeling of accomplishment.

DIY Laundry Room Makeover Ideas: https://www.decorhomeideas.com/laundry-room-makeover-ideas/

Furniture Painting Techniques: https://tipjunkie.com/painting-techniques-furniture/

Benefits of becoming a Houseplant Hobbyist: https://www.thesill.com/blogs/care-miscellaneous/why-you-need-plants-in-your-life

Backyard Firepit Inspiration: http://luresandlace.com/16-creative-fire-pit-ideas-will-transform-backyard/

Filters

Yes, you should still check your filters this month! Regular filter maintenance is key to keeping your air conditioner function optimally.  Dirty filters also affect the quality of the air, increasing allergies.

     1)     Check your filter label to know if it needs to be cleaned or replaced.  It will also tell you the type of filter required if you need to replace the filter.

     2)     Clean or replace the filter.

 Take care of your home, take care of each other, we’ll see you next month!

Calculate My Home's Current Value Now

For more information or if you have any real estate questions we're here for you! 

Email us: info@trustworthyagents.com

Office: 757-500-2404

FB: Facebook.com/TrustworthyAgents

Summer is finally here!  June is a month to begin winding down and preparing for a well-deserved break.  This month’s maintenance will only consist of a few checks to your windows, caulking, and filters.

Filters

Regular filter maintenance is key to keeping your air conditioner functioning optimally.  Dirty filters also affect the quality of the air and can increase allergies.

      1)  Check your filter label to know if it needs to be cleaned or replaced.  It will also tell you the type of filter required if you need to replace the filter.

      2)  Clean or replace the filter.

Window Check

1) A clever way to check for drafts is by holding a candle close to a closed door or window during a breezy day.  If the flame bends even the slightest, you have a leak.

          2)  Check the caulking and glaze of the windows and doors for any signs of deterioration. If you prefer, call a professional to check your windows for any leaks!

Exterior Caulking Check

Caulking serves to keep drafts and water from leaking into your home.  Weather causes exterior caulk deterioration over time so check your outside caulking twice a year to ensure that your home stays dry. Undetected water leaks can cause wood rot, and mold & mildew growth. 

      1) Investigate the condition of your caulking.  Are there gaps or cracks? Is the caulk peeling away from the window frames? Is it shrinking or dusty? Use a caulk softener two hours before peeling away the old caulk with a putty knife.  Once the caulk is soft, it will be easy to remove.

     2) Peek under the doors for light peeping through.

     3) There are many types of caulk available. Purchase the right caulk for your home and requirements. Ask a store associate if you need help. If you don’t already have a caulk gun, you’ll need to purchase one. It’s a $10-$15 investment towards easy home maintenance without having to call a pro.

     4)  Reapply caulk to the relevant areas and give yourself a pat on the back. Your home will thank you.

That’s it for this month’s home maintenance tips! Take care of your home, take care of each other, and thank you for trusting the TAG team to be here for all your real estate needs.

If you know of anyone who’s considering buying or selling a home, tell them to give us a call to get answers to their important questions. 

Calculate My Home's Current Value Now

For more information or if you have any real estate questions we're here for you! 

Email us: info@trustworthyagents.com

Office: 757-500-2404

FB: Facebook.com/TrustworthyAgents

Every month I get asked when the market will settle down and be neutral or perhaps swing back towards the buying side.  And of course, the direct answer is "I don't know".   But I do have some anecdotal data, and more importantly, some hard sales data that can help us peer into this murky crystal ball.  

Anecdotal: 

Lately, with very few exceptions, Trustworthy Agents Group lists one or two properties on a Friday and reviews multiple offers with sellers the following Monday.  When that property is in a high-demand area and well presented, the number of offers is 5-10.  Many of these offers are well above asking, and several with cash appraisal guarantees.  When in a lower-demand area, or maybe not quite as shiny, the number of offers is 1-2.  These offers are generally "at" or slightly over asking, and may have a moderate appraisal guarantee.  This behavior has been consistent for the last 3 months.   

Hard Sales Data:

The prelude to this data is that the economics of supply and demand is never more true than in Real Estate.  Low supply, high demand equal higher prices, and competition.  High supply, lower demand equals lower prices.  Consider the following data trends.  

New Listings:  

New listings in Hampton Roads this year are low compared to previous years, but show the typical upward trend as the market year gets started:  

February Listings: 2,814

March Listings: 3,861

April Listings: 4,152

May Listings: 4,142  

Homes Under Contract:

*Note that there are almost as many homes going under contract each month this year as are listed:  

February Under Contract: 2,823

March Under Contract: 3,409

April Under Contract: 3,633

May Under Contract:3,615  

Homes Sold (closed sales):

Sold homes were typically placed under contract 30-45 days prior, but the trend is the same as listed as 'under contract':  

February Sold: 2,299

March Sold:  3,060

April Sold: 3,341

May Sold:  3,318  

Number of Days to under contract:

This is where the story is really told.  Here the trend was downward this year-homes are being sold with unbelievable speed.  We don't have June's data yet, but it will be interesting to see if it matches April/May or moves upward or downward:  

February Days Under Contract: 15

March Days Under Contract: 11

April Days Under Contract: 8

May Days Under Contract: 8

So what do the experts say? 

Depending on who you are listening to, Real Estate is at the top and ready for a crash or we are near or at the top and leveling out.  You can find "predictors" all over youtube, with lots of sensational headlines. The CEO of Redfin says their data suggests that the market is still strong with the only difference being the number of contracts a new listing will receive.  It was 15-20, now it’s 8-12.  I remember when we were excited to get 2-3 offers. Both Redfin and Zillow feel that we will continue to have a strong market through the end of 2021 and that the market will favor selling over buying.  Neither speculated much about 2022.    

Remember the Real Estate market is hyper-local.  One neighborhood could generate 15 offers and another only 2-3.  Hampton Roads for instance historically had sellers paying buyer’s closing costs (this mostly stopped midway 2020), while elsewhere across the country buyers paid their own closing costs.  It is generally believed that our sales prices had this 2.5-3% "baked" in, and allowed military buyers to secure a property with basically zero out-of-pocket costs.  This isn't the case now, but the point is the Hampton Roads market was different.  Real Estate is Hyper-Local.  

If you or someone you know is thinking of selling - the market still favors you.  If you want to know what your house might be worth in today's market give us a call.   If you are waiting until after school lets out, or perhaps the fall to sell, and want to know what things will make your home that "shiny penny"-give us a call.  We will walk through your home and write a thorough report on the things that will make you the most money for the least investment.  

Find out what YOUR home is worth in the current market. Whether you're considering moving year from now or tomorrow, understanding the current value of your home can help you base your decision-making on hard facts.

Calculate My Home's Current Value Now

For more information or if you have any real estate questions we're here for you! 

Email us: info@trustworthyagents.com

Office: 757-500-2404

FB: Facebook.com/TrustworthyAgents

Spring is slowly drawing to a close and we’ve listed a few maintenance items below to help you relax knowing that your home is ready for all the fun summer days ahead. 

Filters

Monthly air filter maintenance is important for your air conditioner to function optimally.  How often you change your filter depends on several factors.  Most experts recommend changing your filter at least once every 90 days, or once every 60 days if you have pets or allergies. A good rule of thumb is to open the vent and check your filter’s cleanliness once a month.

A clogged/dirty filter is easily detectable and replacing it can save you money on your cooling bill and repair costs, reduce allergens and ultimately improve air quality.

Your filter label will tell you the type of filter required if it’s time to replace. You’ll want to look for a step or so above the economy filter; but avoid the “washable/reusable” ones.

Door and Window Trim 

Door and window trim maintenance only needs to be done annually.  Here’s how:

1)     Make sure the effectiveness of weather-stripping is up to standard. You should not be able to see or feel any air or water leakage along the trim. An easy way to detect is to inspect all windows and doors after it rains, and hold your hand up to all trim to feel for any drafts.

2)     Inspect the interior and exterior paint/stain.  If required, repair the finish being careful that your paints, stains or varnishes do not come in contact with the weather-stripping.

3)     Check the exterior caulking.  Remove old or loose caulking; replace with new.

4)     The windows and doors should open and close smoothly.

5)     Tighten any exposed screws.

6)     Clear the windows and doors of any dirt or dust.

Dryer Vent

Just like every other luxurious modern-day appliance, clothes dryers are an integral part of a functioning household. Unfortunately, lint build-up in your dryer can quickly become a fire hazard and a culprit for poisonous gas.  It only takes a little time once a year to maintain your dryer, prevent those dangers and keep your family safe.

1)     Unplug the clothes dryer.  Pull the dryer away from the wall until you have access to the vent.

2)     Loosen the clamp of the dryer and pull the vent away from the wall.

3)     Using a vacuum cleaner, remove as much lint as possible.

4)     Clean the removed vent tubing.  The entire pipe should be lint-free.

5)     Check the transition ducts connecting the dryer to the main vent.  If you have a plastic or vinyl duct it’s important to replace it with a metal duct.

6)     Check that the outdoor vent pipe is nest free and debris free.  Remove any lint build-up.

7)     Plug dryer back in and run for ten minutes to clear the remaining fluff and lint.

Deck or Porch

Decks & porches have become a low-cost way of adding floor space to your home.  They are also a great place to relax, entertain and dine.  Like everything, decks need maintenance to keep splinters and damage at bay 

1)  Inspect your deck for any protruding nails and loose wooden boards. You may also need to sand down any splintered areas. Then give your deck a thorough sweep.

 2)      2)  Clean the deck with a strong-pressure nozzle sprayer attached to your hose, or if you have it, a pressure washer.  You may need a diluted non-chlorine bleach to remove stains from the wood. Test in an inconspicuous area. You may need an acid-based deck cleaner should the bleach leave your deck looking washed out. Be sure to follow the product directions

          3) After your deck has dried, lay tarps down to cover the surrounding garden and areas. It’s time to stain and seal your deck. You can just seal if you choose, which will add its own color depth. There are also many products that offer a stain and sealant in one. Always test the stain/sealant on a hidden part of the deck first to make sure you love the color.  You can purchase either oil or water based sealants; however, most professional sealants are oil-based.  Research the types of sealant before buying. If you prefer, call a professional for help.

*If you need a recommendation for a pro to help with any above projects give us a call! We have built relationships with several reliable contractors in the area. (757-500-2404)

That’s it for home maintenance tips for the month of May! Taking a little time each month to nurture the integrity of your home will not only keep the stress of mounding to-do projects at bay, but you’ll be able to enjoy the pride of ownership over and over. Not to mention your home and your ‘differed maintenance’ wallet will thank you. Take care of your home, take care of each other and we’ll see you next month!

Calculate My Home's Current Value Now

For more information or if you have any real estate questions we're here for you! 

Email us: info@trustworthyagents.com

Office: 757-500-2404

FB: Facebook.com/TrustworthyAgents

The tradition of a Housewarming Gift is one that dates back centuries, originally believed to have begun in medieval times. When a new home was raised in the community, the builders of the home & townspeople would gather for a celebration meal. Apple pies, sacks of flour, and salted pork were some of the first traditional gifts, and over time, other thoughtful items were added to the traditional basket.

Because of the genuine trust and support from families like yours, WE ARE GROWING! We are excited to begin extending that traditional housewarming gift-giving to every local client we’re able to serve.

HONEY: To enjoy the sweetness of life

PLANTS: A wish for prosperity

CANDLES: To lighten the dark times

WOOD: So that you may always have stability

SALT: So that your life may always have flavor

OIL: A hope for good health

FOOD: So that your home may never know hunger

With the market constantly shifting it’s important to position yourself with a team who can foresee market change, and apply new technology and professional expertise to traditional Real Estate practice.

If your, your friends & family, or coworkers are considering purchasing or selling this year, we would love to bring them into our family. Real Estate is an intrinsically emotional process, and one of the most important financial decisions anyone will make in their lifetime. A HUGE Thank You to every family we’ve served, and the Referrals you give and entrust us with. Together, we can help so many more families through the next exciting chapter of their lives!

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲?

We are so thankful to live in such a richly diverse area. And depending on where you live in Hampton Roads, Williamsburg is a city within an hour drive from home to feel like you’re really AWAY.   

How wonderful to be able to walk the same cobbled streets where our first men and women settlers accomplished the excruciatingly arduous process of laying the foundation for our country?! Here is a short, very well written article on the rich history that will surround you through Colonial Williamsburg: https://bit.ly/3pyW5tN

I wish I could have taken a picture of every meal, and every moment. I did not. I was enveloped in the charm of the city. Some of these shots are mine, and some I pulled from others who’ve gone before me & posted their own stories on the interweb. Bless the process, and my need for photographic evidence.

Our adventure began with Brunch at Berrett's Seafood House in the heart of historic Colonial Williamsburg. Somehow perfectly combining ‘refined’ & ‘laid back’ under one roof! The Maple Bourbon Cranberry Old Fashioned was arguably one of the best I’ve ever had. Paired with a few dozen fresh & deliciously salty Mobjack Bay & York River Oysters and a Club Wrap that was surprisingly also one of the best I’ve ever had. What…Did they put…In that Mayo??? You’d think such a simple sandwich wouldn’t be that meaningful….you’d be wrong. I would drive back up just to have lunch there. Thank you, Justin for your service & expertise on not only the menu, but the entire Williamsburg area!

Next up came the Copper Fox Distillery, just a short drive outside of the Historic area. This word-of-mouth remodeled hotel was I think the coolest, most unexpected experience of our trip. We knew we were going to a distillery, but ambiance is everything. Walking in, you’re pulled by the sweet aroma of bourbon being born. The entire distillery from grain to bottle is right on the property! Vintage upholstered & hand-carved furniture, original abstract paintings for sale, fireplaces, old bourbon barrel tables, a massive retired authentic copper still, and of course, a hand-crafted selection of bourbons and gins. Walk through the 'secret door' made within the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf and into a low-lit, lounge-style tavern. Charcuterie boards and other yummy finger foods available to choose from while you sip a Sazerac and play chess! We will definitely be back to enjoy a warm summer night around the outdoor fire pit. Thank you Josh for your amazing personality & service. H I G H L Y recommended.

Williamsburg Premium Outlets shopping is a given. If you haven’t been, go! It’s fun to even just walk around sometimes and burn calories to make room for dinner. From Kids toys to fine China, there’s something for everyone! Word to the wise though- don’t forget your $60 worth of Express shopping in the Uber. Evidently, it’s very difficult to reach an Uber driver after they’ve dropped you off at your hotel. Ask me how I know.

Our hotel was lovely too. The Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony. Comparable to the equally beautiful Kingsmill Resort! A dream bed, a kitchenette & separate living area with an optional adjacent room for kids, this will absolutely double as our staycation site when normalcy re-emerges and Busch Gardens & Water Country theme parks are our Summer time goals!

A quick stop at the hotel to get dolled up and on to our final destination for the evening. A fancy, full-on 4 star French Restaurant called Le Yaca. As a mother of 3 and a lifetime lover of Disney, my mind couldn’t help but gravitate to the movie Ratatouille as we walked up to the building. If you haven’t seen the movie, do yourself a favor and watch it. A heartwarming food-lovers tale based in a fine dining restaurant in Paris- it’s just one of those you have to see at least once in your life. While I did not get to experience a server on skates, or a rat preparing our meal, (probably for the best) we did appreciate the cloth-covered & candlelit setting…and I did see Foix Gras on the menu! No, we did not try it. Even a foodie has her limits…and mine is duck liver. All that to say, for a restaurant that could easily come across as unapproachable in its refinedness, Le Yaca is able to pull off elegance 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 of pretentiousness. Not to mention the fact that each course was enormously portioned. A further nod to its cloaked modesty. I channeled my inner Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman and FINALLY had escargot for the first time. Fact: they do not actually taste like anything more than delicate garlicy mushrooms…but they are ‘slippery little suckers’ nonetheless. We had Blended French Onion Soup, Diver Sea Scallops with Orzo & Vegetable Risotto (INSANELY good) and Surf & Turf Filet & Lobster Tail. My husband was clear: it was most likely the best Lobster he’s ever tasted. A perfectly executed souffle, a trio sorbet alongside roasted coffee and cappuccino for dessert. To our wonderful server: please forgive me for in the trance of the meal, I forgot your name. You were warm and authentic and wonderful. Romantic. Delicious. Perfection. Watch the movie…and go.

So basically, we ate. A lot. The food scene in Williamsburg is infinite, and every atmosphere is exceptional and unique. And to be able at any given moment to walk out of any restaurant and become immersed into 300+ year old history in every direction is a remarkable blessing. What a beautiful birthday experience this entire trip was for me. My husband and I like to say, when it’s one of our birthdays, it’s both of our birthdays! A quick 24-hour getaway rich with history, delicious food, and enchanting ambiance; all within a 45 minute drive. We are so grateful to live here.

So our neighbors are some of the most amazing, genuine, giving folks you’ll find. V is retired Navy, and S manages multiple Harris Teeters all over the Tidewater area. Since there’s no physical contact, we have a zone between our houses where we’ll drop stuff off to each other, or just talk and catch up. Here’s the important part I hope everyone can hear: S has been working 60+ hours a week these last few weeks, and through tears in her eyes told us that while there have been plenty of decent human beings coming in to get their groceries, there have also been those who have cussed her out for not having any more TP, someone called her evil for not having any more hams over the Easter weekend....just crazy stuff. And she’s exhausted having to deal with all the negativity with a smile on her face. So we did the only thing we have any control over in this crazy time...we made them dinner. 

Margaret took over some of her chicken tortilla soup and placed it in the drop-off zone, only to go outside later and find these flowers for us in its place. Like I said, they’re givers. Just wanted to put that out there and thank all of the decent human beings we know taking care of each other through all of this because at the end of the day-all we have is each other. Be a good human, consider the unsung heroes of this pandemic, and do what you can.

If you've EVER needed a great example of why it's SO important for you to hire a dedicated Buyer Agent to assist you with your home buying needs...this is it.

Yesterday I was out Facetiming and showing homes with an out-of-state military family I'm working with that's PCS'ing here in July.

24 hours after this beautiful home hit the market the seller had multiple offers. When I arrived during my scheduled showing time I pulled up to find there was already a family inside viewing the home. Additionally, as you can see in the photo, 3 families were waiting in line in front of me, and 2 more arrived behind me. With inventory being so low we were already heading in this direction of demand for homes being greater than supply. Schools being canceled due to COVID accelerated it. Needless to say, I had to wait in line 45+ minutes before I could enter the home.

One of the families in the front of the line told me they were waiting for their agent to arrive. I could clearly see the frustration increasing on their faces as time went by. The agent they were calling wasn't answering or returning their calls. After they let multiple families behind them go by I asked them who their agent was. They explained that it was actually the listing agent of the home they'd scheduled an appointment with. At this point, that agent was 45 minutes late and not answering their calls. I explained to them how important it is for them to have their own representation. They responded they had a family member who is an agent they planned to use, but they didn't want to wait for them so they called the listing agent. The end result? They waited for over an hour and still never got to see this home.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE..... Don't let this happen to you or someone you care about. If you're in the market to buy a home position yourself for success from the very beginning. Hire a dedicated Buyer's Agent TODAY...not when you find a house you like enough to want to see in person. Did you know having Buyer's Agent representation costs nothing for you as the Buyer? Zero. Also, get your financing ready because, in this current market, I promise you these houses are not going to wait for you. Make sure your agent is also experienced enough to be confident in multiple offer situations, and one that has a great reputation within the real estate community. I have buyers that are winning homes in multiple offer situations not necessarily because their offer was higher, but simply because the listing agent knows how professional and smooth I run my business. People tend to want to work with people they know will help a transaction run smoothly. You know the saying... It's not always what you know but who you know!

This is the state of the Hampton Roads market right now. To say that there's a surplus of buyers to sellers is an understatement. If you or someone you know has considered selling now is an excellent time.

Contact us today for a free copy of our seller concierge program to see what sets us apart in listing your home successfully. 

www.trustworthyagents.com

757-500-2404