Past Email Newsletters

Hi there - With Thanksgiving so late this year, it seems like we are on a speeding train toward Christmas and the end of the year. If you want to make sure to not miss a thing, download my Holiday Guide and catch all of the “must do's” that Richmond and surroundings has to offer! I'm doing my best to shop small and local for any gifts I buy, and there are so many terrific places to find unique gifts in the Richmond area, who needs a big box store? The guide also has a list of some of my favorite shops around town if you're inspired to shop small this season as well! Today we're talking about: ✔️ 📅 What is Happening around RVA in December (in my Holiday Guide) ✔️ 🛠️ December Home Maintenance ✔️ 🧀 Pimiento Cheese Shortbread Crackers 📅 Check out my 2024 Holiday Guide Holiday Season is suddenly in full swing, and there is so much to do in and around RVA! Click HERE to download a copy of my 2024 Holiday Guide, with a calendar of things to do, my Tacky Lights map, local shopping guide, and a bonus recipe you won't want to miss! 🛠️ December Home Maintenance Yes, I know. Owning a home means there is always something to do, but winter means it's often the smaller things (and generally, indoors!)  One of the most important things to do at home this time of year is check those batteries and the functionality of your smoke alarms, and especially carbon monoxide detectors. With heat, heaters and blankets, etc. running, along with gas fireplaces, Christmas trees twinkling and more cooking going on, there is just more risk all around. Check those little guardians to make sure you and your family stay cozy, warm, and above all, safe, in your home. For the full list of December Maintenance Tips, click HERE. 🧀 Pimiento Cheese Shortbread Crackers With so many sweet treats everywhere this month, it's nice to have a little savory something here and there, and if it is something that keeps well all season, so you can always have them on hand,…ell even better! HERE.                           Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know)                                   thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help. In the meantime, follow me on social! Instagram | Facebook | TikTok ............. Did you miss last month's newsletter? Click HERE to see what you missed!

Hi there! - It's about that time where we all start the downhill slide to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and suddenly, the end of the year. When everything starts to feel chaotic and busy, and time flies by for most of us. Hopefully, you can take some time this season to make some space, take some time for yourself, and just enjoy being with friends, with family, or maybe just a little solo time to take a break and reflect on what you're grateful for this year. That's what I'll be doing. Happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for YOU. Today we're talking about: ✔️ 🛍️ What I've Been Loving Lately - Shop Made in Virginia ✔️📈 Market Update As We Head Into Winter ✔️ 📖 Did you know this about RVA? 🛍️ Shop Made in Virginia If you're starting your holiday shopping and stumped for ideas, go check out the new Shop Virginia Made in Scott's Addition. This is not your stuffy old “peanuts and ham” store with a few Virginia mugs. They have an amazing selection of unique art, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and so much more! It's a great way to get everyone a truly unique gift, and support local businesses and makers. (That's a win-win WIN) HERE'S a little video of my trip there a couple of weeks ago. 📈 What's the Market Doing? As we head into the holiday season, one of the questions I get asked at every party and event is “how's the market?” So, if you're curious about the overall market in the Richmond area, HERE is the breakdown for the whole area. Curious about buying or selling? Send me a message (or see me at an event!) and let me know where you live or where you want to buy, and I can give you a specific breakdown specific to your area or home! 📖 Did you know… RVA Is A Tattoo Lover’s Paradise Thinking about getting new ink? You might want to book a trip to Richmond! RVA boasts the third-highest concentration of tattoo shops in the United States. For every 100,000 residents, Richmond has a whopping 14.5 tattoo parlors, meaning you'll have plenty of options to choose from. So if you're looking for a new tattoo, Richmond has got you "literally and figuratively" covered.                           Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know)                                   thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help. In the meantime, follow me on social! Instagram | Facebook | TikTok ............. Did you miss last month's newsletter? Click HERE to see what you missed!

Hi there! - It's Gratitude month, and I'm so ready for it! Thanksgiving just may be my favorite holiday, in fact. Wonderful food, family, friends, get togethers, gratitude, and not as much pressure as Christmas for me. Just being thankful, enjoying time with the ones I care about, and yes, eating. What's not to like? I'm getting ready for my epic Pie Pickup party, and I'll be making all my pies again this year. If you're stumped on what to make, try my Holiday Honeycrisp Salad below. It's delicious, and unlikely to be duplicated at the table. Thank you for all of your business, referrals, kind reviews, nice words, and support throughout the year. I'm definitely thankful for you! Today we're talking about: ✔️ 📅 What is Happening around RVA in November ✔️ 🛠️ November Home Maintenance ✔️ 🥗 Holiday Honeycrisp Salad 📅  What's Happening around RVA in November 'Tis the season for holiday markets. Are you ready?? Click HERE for a list of things to do around RVA this month. 🛠️ November Home Maintenance It's finally starting to feel like fall (Some days, at least!) and that means “battening down” the proverbial hatches before winter. Two of the most important things to do before winter are checking all your weatherstripping and make sure there are no drafts getting in, and make sure your hoses and exterior faucets are drained, covered, and off, to make sure nothing bursts when we get that first freeze. For the full list of November Maintenance Tips, click HERE. 🥗 Holiday Honeycrisp Salad Yes, I'm the person that always likes to have a nice salad on the Thanksgiving table, and this is a fantastic one that fits the holiday so well. All the colors and flavors of the season, but a little fresher than most of the table tends to be. Give it a try (and let me know if you do!) Recipe HERE.                           Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know)                                   thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help. In the meantime, follow me on social! Instagram | Facebook | TikTok ............. Did you miss last month's newsletter? Click HERE to see what you missed!

Hi there! - It's been a busy month so far! At Maison, we've had our 6th Party on the Avenues (if you didn't come out this year, come out next year!), we completed an amazingly successful supplies drive for the folks in Western NC impacted by Hurricane Helene, and I've been doing loads of RVA tours and showings! It's hard to believe October is starting to wind down, and not too long from now, we'll have our annual Pie Pickup! If you're a client, past client, or referral partner, be on the lookout for your invitation! Yes, I'm making the pies again this year! (Yes, I may be a little crazy!) Today we're talking about: ✔️ ♥️ What I'm Loving This Month - Everyone who donated to our supplies drive! WOW! ✔️ 📈 Market Update - What's the market doing in Central VA now?? ✔️ 📖 Did you know this about RVA? ❤️ What I'm Loving This Month If you saw and responded to my previous email about raising funds and supplies for Western NC, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! We raised nearly $1000, and we were able to FILL a huge trailer with supplies that we delivered to West Jefferson, NC to be distributed to those impacted by Helene. It was truly amazing to see how so many stepped up and helped, and I know what a difference we all made by working together. Every little bit helps, and those donations, large and small, were tremendously impactful. HERE's my thank you, with photos of our trailer pre-delivery! 📈 What's the Market Doing? As we head into the colder months, the market is keeping pace with the thermometer a bit. Not cold, but definitely cooler. With more inventory, demand is a bit down as supply has gone up, and if you're buying, there's just a bit less competition than there has been, and more opportunity as a result. If you're wondering if it's finally a buyers' agent, sorry to disappoint you, but still no. Just a bit more balanced, and that's more or less good for everyone! For more details on the market, click HERE for the breakdown! 📖 A Richmond Landmark: St. John's Church St. John's Church is a historic landmark in Richmond, Virginia, known for its significant role in American history. The church gained fame as the site where Patrick Henry delivered his powerful "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech. This iconic speech, delivered on March 23, 1775, during the Second Virginia Convention, helped ignite the flames of the American Revolution. But did you know that St. John's Church also holds the distinction of being the first commercial cemetery in the Richmond area? This makes the church grounds not only a place of historical significance but also a final resting place for some of Richmond's earliest residents. However, by the 1850's, the population had moved further west, more churches had opened, and there were cattle grazing in the graveyard as the neglect began to overtake it. Thank goodness for preservation, as it's back to a thriving, working church, and open for all of us to learn a bit more about our history here in Richmond, and the US!                           Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know)                                   thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help. In the meantime, follow me on social! Instagram | Facebook | TikTok ............. Did you miss last month's newsletter? Click HERE to see what you missed!

Hi there! - As we head into the cooler months, there are always lots of things to get done before the weather changes. Check out the October maintenance list and tick some of those items off! Over the past few days, I've been thinking a lot about the folks in Western North Carolina who've been so severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. If you don't know, my son is a student at Appalachian State University in Boone. While he and his house are thankfully fine, so many in that area are not. Check below for a couple of links to great places to donate if you feel called to do so, but this is also a great reminder (to me, at least) to be a bit more prepared for the unexpected. So, here's a nudge to have some water on hand, some backup power sources or generators, and some cash tucked away just in case. Today we're talking about: ✔️ 📅 What is Happening around RVA in October ✔️ 🛠️ October Home Maintenance ✔️ 🍪 Brown Butter Halloween Candy Cookies 📅  What's Happening around RVA in October Now that it is officially fall, there are a bunch of events coming up for the cozy season. Check out some of this month's events around RVA HERE. In case you missed it, I sent out my fall guide a few weeks ago. For a more complete list of events this month and next, click HERE to get my guide.  🛠️  October Home Maintenance Get your home ready for fall with our October Home Maintenance Checklist! From checking your dyer vents to clearing gutters, these essential tasks will keep your property in top shape as the cooler months roll in. Check out the full list to stay ahead of seasonal upkeep! For the full list of October Maintenance Tips, click HERE. 🍪 Brown Butter Halloween Candy Cookies Okay, these just may be my favorite cookies- in fact, they are now my go to chocolate chip cookie (just sub chips for the candy, obviously). If you have leftover candy (or just too much) this is a great way to use it! They are that perfect crispy, chewy, buttery, with that slight salty sweet vibe. So good. This recipe is not mine, but from Baked by Melissa. Give her a follow if you don't already know her. Click HERE for the recipe. PLACES TO DONATE IF YOU LIKE Samaritan's Purse (Actually based in Boone) World Central Kitchen (Currently feeding people in the Asheville area) Red Cross  (Helping everywhere) App State Disaster Recovery Relief Fund                            Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know)                                   thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help. In the meantime, follow me on social! Instagram | Facebook | TikTok ............. Did you miss last month's newsletter? Click HERE to see what you missed!

Hi there! - I'm starting a new feature this month, a bit of history, origin stories, and other things you may not know about the Richmond area. I find this stuff fascinating, and a great conversation starter, so I hope you do too! If you like it (or don't!), please let me know. I'd love to hear more of what you want to see here. In the meantime, I hope your September is off to a great start. Fall is almost officially here! Today we're talking about: ✔️ ♥️ What I'm Loving This Month ✔️ 📈 Market Update ✔️ 🔍 Did you Know? ❤️ What I'm Loving This Month Life:Organized. I think I've talked about it before, but I finally did it myself, and wow. No one wants to think about not being here any more, but planning is a necessary part of life, and ignoring it won't make it go away. I finally got to sit down with Mary Davis, of In Good Order and Life:Organized, to go through my “stuff," and wow. I thought I had my ducks in a row, but this was so tremendously helpful. Read more about it HERE (and reach out to me if you'd like a coupon for organizing OR Life:Organized! 📈 Beginning of Fall Market Update As I type this, we're a couple of days from the Federal Reserve FOMC, where they are predicted to cut rates. This will be the first cut since 2020, and it remains to be seen how much they cut. What we do know is this- the difficulties many people have had in purchasing a home in the last few years are firmly rooted in the fundamental economic concepts of supply and demand, and most experts think that while these cuts will make money cheaper to borrow, it's also likely to push more purchasers into the marketplace, increasing competition (demand) for what is still quite a limited supply. For a more detailed breakdown of the local market, check out my blog post HERE. 🔍 Did You Know… You may know that Richmond had the first successful trolley system in the world, but you probably also know it's not still in use, and maybe you wondered whatever happened to those cars that helped the city build out suburbs like Westover Hills, the West End, and Ginter Park. Read HERE for the “what happened…” *This is a NEW section in my newsletter. I'm always fascinated by those weird facts, hidden stories, and “why's” of the Richmond Region. Let me know what you think? Is it a keeper or no?                             Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know)                                   thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help. In the meantime, follow me on social! Instagram | Facebook | TikTok ............. Did you miss last month's newsletter? Click HERE to see what you missed!

Hi there! - The weather is (a very little bit) cooler, kids are back to school, and Pumpkin Spice season has begun! With all of that, the real estate market starts to pick up a bit from what is always a bit of a dog days slow down, and people get “back to business,” whether they're buying, selling, or just making plans. It also means some great events around town and end of summer maintenance, so check those things out below so you're ready for the fall! Today we're talking about: ✔️  📅  What is Happening around RVA in September ✔️  🏦  Should You Freeze Your Credit? (Probably) ✔️  🛠️  September Home Maintenance ✔️  🫑  Easy Weeknight Stuffed Zucchini and Peppers 📅  What's Happening around RVA in September We're definitely getting into market season, and there are some great ones coming up, but don't miss out on the area's biggest event, The Richmond Folk Festival! Will you be there? Click HERE for a list of things to do around RVA this month. 🏦  Should You Freeze Your Credit? You may or may not have heard, but there was recently a social security breach. In light of this, it is more important than ever to keep an eye on your credit. This is especially important if you are planning on buying a home or making another big purchase soon. You may even want to freeze your credit. Click HERE to read my full blog post on why you might want to. 🛠️  September Home Maintenance As we transition from summer to fall, there are lots of things to do- from packing up pool and vacation gear to making sure your doors and windows are sealed well. Luckily here in RVA we still have plenty of warm weather left to enjoy outside. For the full list of September Maintenance Tips, click HERE. 🫑  Easy Weeknight Stuffed Zucchini and Peppers This is a super easy weeknight meal that really can be great on its own, with crusty bread, rice, or of course, pasta. It is a bit of a variation on a Giada recipe from years ago. Adding the zucchini into the turkey keeps it from being dry, so don't skip that step. This one is easy to make ahead and just put in the oven when you're ready! Click HERE for the full recipe.                           Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know)                                   thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help. In the meantime, follow me on social! Instagram | Facebook | TikTok ............. Did you miss last month's newsletter? Click HERE to see what you missed!

Hi there! - It's been a busy/confusing/slightly crazy couple of weeks in the world of real estate. If you don't know, or haven't watched the news, all of our forms (and many of our “way of doing things” has changed, and it's definitely keeping things interesting. Curious about the changes and how they'll affect you? Click HERE to check out my last newsletter, that breaks all of the changes down. For everything else, scroll down! Do you have market questions or find yourself wondering what's going on with sales in your neighborhood? Reach out- I'd love to help! Stay cool out there! Today we're talking about: ✔️🍜 What I've Been Loving Lately - How do YOU hot pot? ✔️📈  Market Update ✔️ 🗓️ What's Going On in RVA? 🍜 What I've Been Loving Lately - Hot Pot in RVA! Have you gotten on the HotPot/Korean Barbecue train? It's one of our faves (and great for a group) since it's fun and interactive, and everyone can do their own thing. Now, there's a new one in town! QPot is located right in the heart of Short Pump, by the mall, and you can really customize your meal here. Instead of bringing things to your table, you get to peruse loads of buffet style options for meats, fish, vegetables, noodles, and more for your broth or barbecue. Check out my recent visit HERE. 📈 What's the Market Doing? There's definitely some good news on the horizon if you're thinking of buying a home! Interest rates last week hit their lowest point in the past year, with 30 year conventional fixed mortgages dipping below 6.5%. In more good news, the Fed has given indications that they're likely to cut rates when they meet again in September. Finally! But what does that mean if you're selling? Well, while a lot of the frenetic multiple offer situations have cooled, homes are still selling at a good clip. If you're familiar with the concept of “absorption rate” or months' supply, that states that we are “balanced” in our market with 6 months of inventory. We are still at between 1.5 and 2 months of inventory (which means our inventory is still low- in other words, it's still a good time to sell. The important thing is pricing reasonably for the market, rather than trying to “shoot the moon” for the price. Obviously every market, area, neighborhood, and yes, house, is different. If you have questions, I have answers. Just reach out! 🗓️ What's Happening Around RVA? If you're getting a little tired of the heat and humidity of the Richmond summer, you're not alone! There are still lots of things to do, thought, and plenty of ways to take advantage of the last few weeks of no school, late sunsets, and warm weather. Check out the next few weeks of August RVA “must do's” HERE. Which ones are getting on your calendar??                           Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know)                                   thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help. In the meantime, follow me on social! Instagram | Facebook | TikTok ............. Did you miss last month's newsletter? Click HERE to see what you missed!

Hi there! - Hope you're enjoying the last few weeks of summer! The biggest thing on my mind this week is the changes coming to the real estate industry in August. You may have heard some mention of it on the news, and wondered if, or how, it might affect you if you're buying or selling. I'm breaking that all down for you, but if you have questions, let me know. I'm always here to help! Today we're talking about: ✔️ 📑 More on the Changes Coming to Real Estate ✔️ 🍒 Cherry and Biscoff Semifreddo ✔️ 🛠️ August Home Maintenance 📑 The Big Changes Coming to Real Estate and You You may have heard something about all of the changes coming to real estate, and depending on how close you are to the process you are, you may have wondered if it will affect you, and how. If you're buying or selling, it likely will, and HERE, I break down how. 🍒 August's Recipe to Help You Beat the Heat With the heat the way it's been, who doesn't love a sweet treat that's cool, refreshing, and doesn't require any baking? Semifreddo is kind of like ice cream that doesn't need churning, and can be adjusted to whatever fruit and flavors you are in the mood for. This one features delicious cherries and the ever popular Biscoff cookie. Let me know if you try it! Recipe HERE 🛠️ August Home Maintenance For me, August is just too dang hot to do outside home tasks, unless they're absolutely necessary. But, it's a great time to start organizing closets to prep for fall. That's my home focus this month. For the full list of August Maintenance Tips, click HERE.                           Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know)                                   thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help. In the meantime, follow me on social! Instagram | Facebook | TikTok ............. Did you miss last month's newsletter? Click HERE to see what you missed!

Hi there! - Hope you're keeping cool! We're definitely in the dog days of summer. I'm currently in the phase of summer where I still love it, but more in the morning and evening than the middle of the day! Is that slowing down the market? Not much, it seems. Check out the market update I've included below, and let me know if you have questions I can answer for you or someone you know! Today we're talking about: ✔️ ♥️ What I'm loving this month! Txtur in Manchester ✔️ 📈 Market Update ✔️ Behind the Scenes with Cindy ♥️ What I'm loving this month! If you know me, you know I love checking out new places - whether it's a new restaurant, a fun shop, something to do, or anything like that, I'm always down to check it out, so be on the lookout for more of those here! This week, I finally got down to Txtur in Manchester. Based in Roanoke, Txtur is not only a furniture store and showroom but a manufacturer as well, with all of their pieces being made right here in Virginia. I love this concept of more sustainability, quality craftsmanship, and USA made. Oh, and did I mention you can customize so many things when you order? Also important - their pieces are gorgeous! If you go to their showroom, you'll also be able to check out Stock Bistro, open for lunch and dinner, right there in the showroom. Nordic fare, great cocktails, and a really unique vibe. We took a little “field trip” the other day, and it was fun and delicious! ( I had the wedge salad and the Swedish meatball sub, and both were 10/10.) Check out my reel HERE on Instagram, or visit the Txtur website HERE. 📈 Market Update The idea of the slow slow slow market of summer has changed over the past few years. Those cycles we could always count on like clockwork had already changed a bit, but the pandemic really wiped them off the map. That means that even though July is historically slow, now it's definitely less so, and there are fewer extreme peaks and dips seasonally. Soooo… that being said, here's what's going on in Metro Richmond real estate this summer. Despite the fact that rates have been bouncing around 7% for months (!), we're still seeing lots of sales and lots of activity. You may have heard me say that a balanced market is when we have 6 months of inventory, and it's been a while since we've been there. As of June, we were at 1.6 months. With the exception of a few months last fall, this is the most inventory we've had since before the pandemic - that's good news, especially if you're buying. More inventory means more choice and less demand. In many cases, we're still seeing multiple offer situations, but generally, that is on homes that are “DONE." (That means there are opportunities out there for buyers who don't have to have that perfect, brand-new renovation!) What else does it mean? If you're selling, the closer you can get your home to "DONE", the more money you're likely to net, and that's good too. Read more on the blog HERE. Want more customized information to your neighborhood, home, or where you want to call home? Let me know, and I can give you a personalized market report with projections.                           Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know)                                   thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help. In the meantime, follow me on social! Instagram | Facebook | TikTok ............. Did you miss last month's newsletter? Click HERE to see what you missed!