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Richmond, VA Named One of the Hottest Housing Markets for 2026

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers Heading Into the Spring Market If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Richmond, Virginia , here’s some big news: Richmond has officially landed in Zillow’s Top 10 Hottest Housing Markets for 2026 , ranking #9 nationally . As we head into the spring real estate market , this data confirms what many Richmond homeowners and buyers are already experiencing — strong demand, limited inventory, and competitive conditions that favor well-prepared sellers and strategic buyers. Let’s break down what Zillow’s latest housing market forecast means specifically for Richmond, VA and how you can use it to your advantage this spring. Why Richmond, VA Is One of the Hottest Housing Markets in the Country According to Zillow’s 2026 housing market rankings, Richmond stood out due to a combination of price growth stability and severe inventory shortages . 📊 Richmond Housing Market Snapshot (Zillow Data) Typical home value (Oct. 2025): $383,275 ...
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Written Buyer Agreements Explained: What Homebuyers Need to Know

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If you’re planning to buy a home, you may soon be asked to sign something called a  written buyer agreement —and many buyers are surprised by this requirement. As of August 17, 2024, this is now required nationwide when working with a REALTOR®. Let’s break down what this means and how it actually protects you. What Is a Written Buyer Agreement? A written buyer agreement is a contract between a homebuyer and their real estate professional that clearly outlines: The services your agent will provide How your agent will be compensated The terms of the working relationship This agreement ensures your agent is legally and ethically obligated to represent your best interests. Why Are Buyer Agreements Now Required? This change stems from the National Association of REALTORS® settlement regarding broker commissions. While Virginia has required buyer agreements for years, this rule now applies nationwide. It also reinforces  Fair Housing protections , ensuring all buyers receive consist...
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Pricing Your Home-Strategies, Tactics & Techniques

Selling your home can be an emotional and complex process, but one fo the most crucial decisions you'll make is determining your home's listing, or asking price. The right price can attract buyers quickly and help you achieve your selling goals. Here's what every seller should know about home pricing and how to work effectively with your real estate agent to set the best possible price.  1. What Characteristics of My Home Will My Agent Evaluate? Your agent will assess multiple factors to determine a competitive and appealing listing price. These include: - Size: Square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms. - Location: Proximity to schools, parks, shopping centers, and the desirability of your neighborhood. - Amenities: Special features like a pool, updated kitchen , or smart home technology. - Property Condition: The overall state of your home, including any necessary repairs or recent renovations. A comprehensive understanding of these elements allows your agent t...
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Real Estate's New Reality-Update 1/2025

 What has and has not happened since? Well, as I mentioned at the end of Part 3 what was out west is now here, at least at our local area (Central Virginia). Recently our Association chose to remove any language from a listing agreement regarding the offering of Buyer's Agent compensation upfront. Which actually makes our jobs a little bit easier but a little harder on buyers, especially those on a tight budget. You don't know prior to making an offer if any of your agent's compensation will be paid. It is now fully and completely negotiable within the contract between buyer and seller. **Side Note** A brokerage may allow their seller to offer compensation ahead of time, it's not currently illegal. They would need to write that language in themselves or provide a different contract/addendum. Our Association chose to remove it from their standard forms as a best practice. The whole point of the lawsuits and DOJ's intentions was to remove broker to broker compensation...
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Real Estate's New Reality-Part 3

 I'm sure you're all hoping I can sum this up now. There's just soooo many feelings and thoughts, it's hard to get them all out.  The first court ruling found NAR liable for several things and NAR took immediate action to remedy most of them. There is a purposed settlement on the table in which Associations, MLS's, brokers and agents are to take action by mid August, even though the settlement won't be approved until November (2024), like we don't have enough in November going on this year, but anyway.... Below I will highlight a few and how they affect the transaction. First, we must establish agency between the agent and a buyer BEFORE showing any property. This means they all must sign a Buyer's Agency Agreement. The terms may differ on each contract, such as the length of time, the area, the type of property and how much the agent will be paid.  Regarding payment, in the past we were able to select a box that said the agent would be paid whatever was...
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Real Estate's New Reality-Part 2

 Hopefully part 1 has made sense and you're ready to hear more! First, let's address how this is viewed by Realtors. When the first ruling was issued in the first lawsuit, I think most of us (here in Virginia) felt generally confused and somewhat angry. This suit portrayed us as greedy liars who only want to rip off the public and now this judge has set everything straight and housing will be cheaper for everyone. This is what was all over the media, and even our own President said it would make things cheaper. The only one getting anything here besides the lawyers is some and yes I mean some sellers. I will address who now pays what below but what has happened is that now the buyer's are responsible for their agent's commission thus actually raising the cost of purchasing a home. In theory the only one saving is the seller, but in practice this isn't happening regularly, yet. The second thing was that the suit says that we were not being transparent with the public...
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Mama Cucina

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  With our work we are often out and about all around the city during meal times. It’s just part of the job to sometimes have to eat lunch in the car or grab a quick bite to tide us over for an evening appointment during dinner time. But every once in a while, we take the time to try someplace new, often at lunch, and take a break from the rush. A couple of weeks ago we were near Innsbrook and I suggested Mama Cucina. https://www.facebook.com/MamaCucinaRVA/ This little Italian place has been in the strip shopping center at the front of Innsbrook at Cox and Broad for years. I’ve driven by this place for over a decade and it never got on my radar. So back to the story. Heather and I stopped in for lunch. Heather got the Chicken Pesto sandwich and loved it. The bread was fresh and the sub delicious she said. I got the Ravioli with Walnut Cheese Sauce and on one bite I was hooked. O My Word was this lunch good. Based on a fabulous lunch we made a pact to try and eat dinner there so...
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