Virginia Home Sales Outlook for First Quarter 2011

Virginia Home Sales Outlook for First Quarter 2011

According to the Virginia Association of Realtors (VAR), Virginia Home Sales stabilized in the first quarter of 2011. "January and February home sales in 2011 exceed the same month the prior year (by 2.5 % and 3.5%).." and "first quarter 2011 home sales (16,547 units) showed a marginal improvement over first quarter 2010 (16,499 units).  The coming quarter will show if it can keep pace with the many closings in second quarter 2010 that were likely related to the federal home buyer tax credit."
In addition, VAR provided highlights of the first quarter, including:

• First quarter 2011, with $4.4 billion of residential sales, has matched the starting pace of each of the past two years ($4.4 billion in 2009-Q1, $4.5 billion in 2010-Q1).
• The Hampton Roads / Chesapeake Bay region showed the best performance in the state, with a 13% increase in home sales, over first quarter of 2010.
• Despite turbulent times in housing markets across the country, the median sales price of homes in Virginia has only declined a total of 16% over the past three years. Most recently, since the first quarter of 2010, the median sales price has declined 6.7% to $210,000.
• Foreclosures saw a 20.8% overall decline across the state and is a promising indicator that we may see a gradual improvement in the health of the overall housing market.
• While the unemployment rate has increased 75% in Virginia over the past three years to 6.3%, it is currently down from 7.4% in March 2010.

By most accounts, this is encouraging news!

Thinking about putting your home in the Henrico County Real Estate or surrounding Richmond Real Estatemarket and don't know where to begin? Contact me, Shannon Milligan at Home Sweet Henrico with Keller Williams Realty, and lets work together to get your home SOLD!

Spielberg Brings "Lincoln" to Richmond; Lincoln Casting Call

Spielberg Brings "Lincoln" to Richmond; Lincoln Casting Call

The rumors are true! Academy Award Winning Director Steven Spielberg will be filming his next upcoming project, "Lincoln" in the Richmond and Petersburg area! Attached to the film are Academy Award Winners Daniel-Day Lewis as President Lincoln and Sally Field as Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. In addition, other possible names in negotiation with the film include: Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, and Hal Holbrook just to name a few!

As if it isn't enough to be filming such a historical film here in Richmond, Virginia, Spielberg is also on the hunt for a LOCAL to play the part of Abraham Lincoln's son, Tad! Those boys interested in auditioning for the part should range in age from 9-11 and must email required information prior to the May 14th audition to: tadlincolncasting@gmail.com. Required info includes: a photo (snap shot is acceptable), resume in the body of the email (however no experience is necessary), age, height, area of residence, and your availability for the Lincoln casting call on Saturday, May 14th in Richmond, Virginia.

So, get your autograph books handy and keep your eye out for some of Hollywood's elite filming right here in Richmond this fall!

Ready to make some history of your own and be the star in your home buying journey? Then contact me, Shannon Milligan at Home Sweet Henrico with Keller Williams Realty, and let me light your way to home sweet home in the Henrico County Real Estate or surrounding Richmond Real Estate market!

To begin your home search, please click: Richmond Area Homes.

New Construction Luxury Townhome Immediate Delivery at The Villas at Hunton Park

New Construction Luxury Townhome Immediate Delivery at The Villas at Hunton Park

Want all the benefits of new construction without the wait time? Then this luxury, Ryan Homes townhome is for you! The Villas at Hunton Park proudly presents the Norwood model on homesite 7B for May delivery*. Just pack your boxes and move right into this 3 bedroom, 2 full bath & 2 half bath 3000sqft, Energy Star qualified, full brick front home with 2 car garage!  Features include a gourmet kitchen with 42” cherry cabinets, granite countertops, and GE Stainless steel appliances including double wall ovens, microwave, dishwasher, and gas cooktop...a cooks dream! Other finishing touches include gleaming hardwood floors throughout the entire 2^nd floor, a roman shower in the owner’s bath, a 10X19 deck, and so much more!

Want us to sweeten the pot a little more? Then purchase this home by the end of May and take advantage of $5000 towards closing costs or $5000 towards options – the choice is yours!**

Proudly offered at $279,990!

Ready to tour your new, fabulous home? Then call Ryan Homes sales representative Aaron Van Dyke at 804-264-4060 or contact me, Shannon Milligan at Home Sweet Henrico with Keller Williams Realty, today and let us light your way to home sweet home!

To begin your Henrico County Real Estate or surrounding Richmond Real Estate home search, click here: Richmond Area Homes.

*Price only valid on specified home on specified homesite with specified community features and house standards as advertised  above.  **Purchaser must settle with NVR Mortgage to receive advertised closing costs. May not be transferred or combined with other incentives or discounts. See Sales Representative for details.

Prices and offers subject to change without notice. 05/2011

Richmond's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure - SUCCESS!

Richmond's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure - SUCCESS!

Today was a gorgeous day here in the RVA and the weather was the perfect backdrop for Richmond's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure! Thousands of walkers and runners of all ages joined forces on Brown's Island to stand together in the fight against breast cancer. It was an inspiring event and an emotional one as participants remembered those who have passed and celebrated those who have won the good fight.

As I was walking and talking to some new friends, it dawned on me just how powerful the walk really is. As I mentioned in a previous entry, I am fortunate not to know anyone who has been touched by breast cancer. So, why did I walk? Well, I did it for two main reasons: 1) because someday I am sure to know someone who HAS been affected by breast cancer and I want to be able to say I am making a difference and 2) because I can...because I have my health and am able to walk for those who wish for nothing more than to be able to do simple tasks with a clean bill of health.

To those volunteers who encouraged us walkers throughout, I applaud you. And to those survivors, I admire you!

Best of Richmond

Best of Richmond

Planning a visit to Richmond and want to know some of the local favorites? No worries, we have you covered! Richmond.com recently printed "The Besties", the best local establishments voted on by readers. Check out the list below and start making your own list of places you want to hit up on your next visit:

Best Beer Selection: MEKONG
Runner-up: Capital Ale House

Best Burger: 821 Cafe
Runner-up: Carytown Burgers & Fries

Best Greasy Spoon: River City Diner
Runner-up: Perly's and Dot's Back Inn (tie)

Best Salad Bar: Strawberry Street Cafe
Runner-up: Whole Foods

Best BBQ: Q Barbecue
Runner-up: The Alamo

Hungry yet?! I know I am!

Made your visit and ready to make Richmond HOME? Then contact me, Shannon Milligan, at Home Sweet Henrico with Keller Williams Realty, and let me light your way to home sweet home in the Henrico County Real Estate or surrounding Richmond Real Estate market!

To begin your home search, please click: Richmond Area Homes.

The Villas at Hunton Park – Immediate Delivery

The Villas at Hunton Park – Immediate Delivery

Your hunt is over! Come home to The Villas at Hunton Park with this brand new, immediate delivery Griffin model home by Ryan Homes! This two car, end-unit townhome boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, and 2,100 sqft of luxury living space. Let gleaming hardwood floors welcome you home after a long day and cook your meals in a gourmet kitchen complete with 42” Maple cabinets, dependable solid surface countertops, and a GE appliance package including a range, dishwasher, microwave, and washer and dryer! Looking to relax? You have options! Retreat to your great room and turn on the fabulous gas fireplace or head outside to your lovely new 10X16 aggregate patio...the choice is yours!

All of this, plus Energy Star qualified, at the affordable price of just $259,990*! PLUS, you may take advantage of the May incentives of either $5000 towards closing costs or $5000 towards options**!

What are you waiting for? Schedule your tour today by calling Ryan Homes Sales Representative Aaron Van Dyke at 804-264-4060 or me, Shannon Milligan at Home Sweet Henrico with Keller Williams Realty at 804-248-8207, and let us light your way to home sweet home!

To begin your Henrico County Real Estate or surrounding Richmond Real Estate home search, click here: Richmond Area Homes.

I’m Selling My Richmond House. Should I Have a Home Warranty?

I’m Selling My Richmond House. Should I Have a Home Warranty?

This is a good question and one that I would say a resounding YES to! The moment your home hits the Henrico County Real Estate or surrounding Richmond Real Estate market, you want to be sure you and your house are covered in the event of something happening.

Things break in a house. It is part of home ownership. Washers stop, dryers catch on fire, and HVAC units go on the fritz. But, with the right home warranty package, you can protect your investment and your wallet! I know the thought of spending, say, $500 on a house you will no longer live in may seem excessive, but when looking at the big picture, having a home warrantyis a small investment for some peace of mind. Think of it as a small insurance policy. If your HVAC unit should break while it is on the market or under contract, it could be a much bigger expense than $500!

To that end, I encourage all of my clients to invest in a good home warranty package. Not only does it protect you, but it also is attractive to a potential buyer who will take over the coverage after closing. There are many different home warranty companies with different levels of protection and I can help you select the right one for your situation.

Thinking about putting your home in the Henrico County Real Estate or surrounding Richmond Real Estatemarket? Then contact me, Shannon Milligan at Home Sweet Henrico with Keller Williams Realty, to get on your way to SOLD!

For more information on selling your Richmond home, please visit: Selling Richmond.