Should I Put My Home on the Market Now, or Wait Until Spring?

Should I Put My Home on the Market Now, or Wait Until Spring?

The last few years have been somewhat of a roller coaster ride in the real estate industry, so I can understand why people ask this question so often. They want to get the most money out of their investment and don't want to sit on the market any longer than they have to. So, when confronted with the idea of moving in the Fall or Winter, some wonder if they should sit out and wait until the "hot" season in real estate, Spring.

What I tell clients and customers is this: sell your home when you need to, period. Don't worry about what month it is. If you do everything right from hiring a real estate agent you are confident in to selecting a price range according to the market and not your emotions, you will be just fine in ANY season.

In addition, I personally believe a home can be a stand out in the Fall or Winter months! Tasteful decorations and warm scents can make a buyer feel instantly at home. A roaring fire in the fireplace may actually encourage a potential buyer to linger just a little longer in your home to take shelter from the cold. See where I am going?!

People buy a home when they need to buy a home; a work related transfer often doesn't wait until a specific time of year and I don't believe sellers should wait either.

Thinking of putting your home on the Henrico County Real Estate or surrounding Richmond Real Estate market? Then contact me, Shannon Milligan at Home Sweet Henrico with Keller Williams Realty today!

Remembering 9/11

Remembering 9/11

It's hard to believe that is has been 10 years since that beautiful morning turned into such a horrific day. I remember where I was like it was yesterday. I was one month shy of turning 25 and on top of the world with my wedding just a few short months away, college almost complete, and fear was something that really wasn't in my vocabulary.

As I was heading to my first class of the day, I was listing to the radio and heard about the first plane striking the World Trade Center. I immediately thought "terrorist attack" if only because I could not fathom a pilot making THAT kind of error. Once I reached my school, it was there in the middle of class that we learned of the second plane hitting the other tower. You could just feel the room fill with uncertainty and confusion. It wasn't until the third plane hit the Pentagon that my teachers cancelled classes for the rest of the day.

I headed home to get my fill, and then some, of news coverage. I think this is the first time I ever really felt ravenous for information. Up until that day, the news was something for my parents...not for me. I watched in disbelief as I channel surfed looking for any new information to make sense of it all. Ten years later, I still can't make sense of it. No one can.

In the past ten years I have married, had children, traveled, worked...LIVED. So many others did not. I amazingly didn't know a single soul who perished in the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Yet, the events have changed me. They have changed our world.

I am now in a position of having to decide if I should fly, with my family, on the 10th anniversary of September 11th. Our tickets are booked and paid for, yet I am having a hard time making the choice to fly or drive to our destination. When we booked the flight, I didn't give much thought to the date...it was just another day. But, now that the media coverage has once again filled our television screens and I remember the devastation of that day, I am conflicted. Such a contrast to September 10, 2001 when fear was for other people, not 25 year olds who felt immortal.

What decision have I made? Well, yesterday it was to drive and just eat the cost of the tickets. Today, it is fly and not let "them" win. Tomorrow? I'm not sure. What weighs most on me right now is that I have knowledge about the evil that lives amongst us. Those who went to work, boarded that plane, or were visiting the twin towers for vacation had no idea that terrorists could dream up a plan so unimaginable. They didn't have the luck (or curse?) of knowledge of what COULD happen if they chose path A over path B that day. Many of them were just "25 year olds" who had the freedom and carefree living that youth brings.

To those who lost loved ones on that day, you are in my thoughts and my prayers and may peace have found you.

Say Goodbye to Summer: Rocketts Landing Labor Day Celebration

Say Goodbye to Summer: Rocketts Landing Labor Day Celebration

Argh...I can not believe that summer is almost over! It's time to say goodbye with a bang! On Monday, Setpember 5th, Rocketts Landing will hold their Rocketts Red Glare Labor Day Concert and Fireworks at 211 Rocketts Way at 5PM. The cost if FREE  and the fun is priceless!

The concert begins at 7:30PM and features the wonderful Richmond Symphony. As the sun dies down, the sky will light up with amazing fireworks over the James River. It doesn't get any better than that!

So bring your friends and family and enjoy one last hot summer evening at Rocketts Landing!

Love what you see at Rocketts Landing? Then contact me, Shannon Milligan at Home Sweet Henrico with Keller Williams Realty, and let me give you a private tour of the astonighing riverfront community!

Wishing you all a fun, and safe, Labor Day weekend!

Richmond Rocks a 5.8 Earthquake

Richmond Rocks a 5.8 Earthquake

When Kate Hall, aka: Richmondmom, wrote the book Richmond Rocks, I don't think she was actually predicting a 5.8 earthquake would rock Richmond and most of the East Coast! But, that is exactly what happened around 1:51PM today.

As I was finishing up some work emails and beginning to relax on the couch, I heard what I thought was the rumble of a construction truck...typical here in Hunton Park with all the Ryan Homes new construction. But, after about 5 seconds, I knew something was wrong. I yelled to my husband, "what IS that?", but he was one step ahead of me and yelling for our kids to get out of the house. In that instant, I didn't feel shaking anymore, even though the shaking would go on for approximately another 25 seconds. No, the shaking was replaced with pure fear and adrenaline to get my kids to safety.

As we headed outside, I did a foolish thing and ran back in to get the dog leash and the dog. (I know, I know...) Again, in the heat of the moment, I didn't think about safety, but of all the things I love and that includes my dog. (I asked about the cat but my husband insisted I leave him be and get outside)

Out in the front yard, my family and I watched as all our neighbors headed outside and gathered to talk about what it was. It only took a few minutes for someone to confirm on their cell phone that is was indeed a 5.8 earthquake...something I believe that has not been felt in the Richmond area for over 100 years.

Turns out the Virginia centered earthquake originated about 40 miles outside of Richmond. Yikes! And, could be felt as far as, so has been reported, Canada!

As cell service returns and hospitals get back to normal (there were reports of heart attacks and strokes), we all sit and wonder if there will be any after-shocks...I sure hope not!

I hope all of my Richmond friends and neighbors find themselves safe and just a little rattled from this experience. Hopefully nothing like this will happen for another 100 years and that this will just be fodder for Twitter for just another day or so.

Wishing you all a peaceful day moving forward!

*Oh, by the way, if you find yourself moving to the Richmond area and have some younger members in your family, I highly recommend you pick up the book Richmond Rocks by Kate Hall. It is full of great information on things to do in our area and I promise no mention of earthquakes being a great occurrence here!

This is One Fur Ball Your Are Going to Love, Richmond!

This is One Fur Ball Your Are Going to Love, Richmond!

Yes, you read that right! On October 1, 2011 the Richmond SPCA will hold it's 13th Annual Fur Ball to benefit the Cinderella Fund, a group that provides funds for the cost of care and rehabilitation for sick, hurt, or homeless animals!

What is better than an evening supporting the Richmond SPCA? Bringing your four legged friend along! This is "Richmond's signature event for pets and people!" The evening includes a silent auction, cocktail reception, pet presentation, seated dinner, live auction, and a FABULOUS raffle!

For more information, please contact: Liz Bryant at 804-521-1321

Need more space for man's best friend? 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 Richmond Area Home Search, please visit: Richmond Homes.

Just Because It's White or Black Doesn't Mean It Isn't Good

Just Because It's White of Black Doesn't Mean It Isn't Good

Those of us in the real estate profession will hear this on any given Sunday, "the appliances are so outdated." And, in many instances, the buyer is right. But, then there are those times when a buyer will say appliances are outdated and yet the fridge was just bought 9 months ago. What gives?
Stainless steel. For all of you buyers out there who watch HGTV House Hunters, you certainly have witnessed this but may have not noticed it. A buyer will walk into a kitchen and gasp at the fact that a range is white and put the label"outdated" on it...But, what they really mean is not upgrated to the taste they have become accustomed to.

Now, by definition, outdated DOES mean "not current" and by many standards stainless steel is, and has been for awhile, the "it" thing. But, just because it's white or black doesn't mean it isn't good.

Take my home for example. My husband and I just built our new home less than a year ago. When it came time to select appliances, my husband wanted stainless steel. However, I wanted black. WHAT?! How could I want BLACK over stainless steel? Well, you see, I am a mother and had stainless steel once upon a time and, frankly, hated cleaning it. I find it beautiful and striking, but for me I wanted something that would stand up to my toddler twins. And, you know what? I actually LOVE my black appliances! They look fabulous with my granite counters and I think it sets my kitchen apart from all the other kitchens in my neighborhood. But, that's just me!

So, what's my point? My point is, next time you are touring a home and everything seems lovely, please don't discount the appliances just because they are not the color you most desire. Check their function and you may just find that white fridge may be a better quality model than the stainless steel fridge you saw in the home before. Don't discount a home just because of the color of the appliances. You may be missing out on a great opportunity!

Ready to find your next home? 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 Richmond Area Home Search, please visit: Richmond Area Homes.

The Villas at Hunton Park Home of the Month – The Lafayette

The Villas at Hunton Park Home of the Month – The Lafayette

Come home to the convenience of Hunton Park and do it at a terrific savings! Ryan Homes Villas at Hunton Park Home of the Month is the stunning Lafayette model and this particular lot is located at 312 Siena Lane, Glen Allen, VA 23059.

This brick front, 2 car garage unit boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 full bath and 2 half baths, and over 2,100sqft of living space. The gourmet kitchen will inspire even the most intimidated novice to whip up a fabulous meal with 42” cabinets, granite countertops, GE stainless steel appliances, and more!

Entertaining is easy with an awesome recreation room with a gas fireplace as the focal point. Too nice outside? Then move the party out onto your fantastic 10X19 rear deck! No matter where you turn, you will be sure to impress with your new home!

Retiring for the night has never been more luxurious with a large owner’s suite and beautiful owner’s bath with roman shower, ceramic tile flooring, and lovely maple cabinets.

All of this, plus the satisfaction of knowing you have an Energy Start home, is proudly offered at $248,500 – that’s over a $13,000 savings!

Ready to take a tour? Then contact me, Shannon Milligan at Home Sweet Henrico with Keller Williams Realty today 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 Richmond home search, please visit: Richmond Homes.