For a printable checklist, click HERE.

Let's take a look into how the changes to agent commissions are reshaping real estate transactions, impacting home buyers and sellers alike six months after going into effect, here in 2025. Have questions? Ready to talk real estate? Send me a message here or via Instagram at CindyBennettRealEstate.

As I type this, we've got just 2 weeks until my son heads to Japan for nearly 4.5 months. He's super excited, and I'm excited for him. (Just a little bit of mom worry.) But he, like me, is quite a foodie, so it wouldn't be us if we didn't have a list to tackle in terms of spots to dine or takeout before he heads to the land of fantastic, but totally different, food. Starting out with the easy picks, because they're the "always" picks. We both love a great sandwich, so we'll definitely be dining or getting take out from... Stuffy's There's no question Stuffy's is a Richmond institution. My go to? The Great Garden on wheat pita, heated, with everything but mayo (that means it's an all veg dream, cheese, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, black olives, spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts, oil, vinegar, s & p, and oregano. His? The Max, or Stuffy's Star (Classic Italian) Polpetti It's hard to choose the perfect one from Polpetti, because I've never had a bad sandwich there, and some days I'm feeling one or the other, but the go to is nearly always The Balboa- shaved Italian roast pork, broccoli raab, sharp provolone, with long hot peppers. Or The Caputo- roasted red peppers, arugula, fresh mozzarella, & balsamic glaze if I'm feeling like something more light. One thing's for sure, we're always going to share, and we're always getting at least one chicken cutlet sandwich- probably The OG- chicken cutlet, sharp provolone, broccoli raab, and long hot peppers. Abuelita's Funnily enough, almost every time we go here, my Mom is with us, and that is a testament to how they appeal to everyone! Their menu changes every day, but I've never had anything bad there. This is not your run of the mill Mexican. Their main option is Guisos (stews) and they always have a great variety. Served with beans, rice, and warm tortillas, they are delicious every time. They also do tamales, quesaberria tacos. (Oh, and a killer flan and tres leches as well.)   The Oh So RVA picks that he always hits when he's in town... Mekong Fun fact- did you know my kid spent a focused couple of years trying everything on their menu, in order? We've been die hards since he was just starting solid foods, so this is definitely on the list. My go to? Always the Rice Noodle Salad with tofu and spring roll. It's light, but not too light, and with fresh vegetables, rice noodles, a little peanut, and delicious fish sauce, it's just the perfect bowl of the perfect bites. His go to? It depends on the day, his mood, and where his is on the menu! Thai Diner This has been an OG favorite since my kid was little bitty. He is an "American Hot" person, though he's dabbled in the world of Thai hot. Me? I'm a wimp and stick to mild or medium. Our picks here- Drunken Noodles with Chicken or Thai Fried Rice with Beef. So dang good. 8 1/2 Another lifelong favorite, we've got a "go to" order here as well. I'm always in the mood for their Eggplant Parm, with a side of spaghetti marinara, a spaghetti carbonara, or an order of penne with sausage, ricotta, and broccoletti. Never hurts to have leftovers, right? Wood and Iron Gameday You can't leave America for months without hitting a sports bar, can you? (I'm pretty sure that's a law) We'll definitely be hitting Wood and Iron one evening soon. Me for the Crispy Chicken Salad (pro tip- get a full sized, but just ask for a takeout container when you order, and you've got lunch for tomorrow), and him for the Cheese Steak Egg Rolls and an order of wings. Secret Sandwich Society Four words. Loaded Pimento Cheese Fries. Is that the only thing on the list? No. Could it be? Yes. I'm not even a "loaded" whatever sort of fan, but these are amazing. He's more a Roosevelt guy, roast beef, bacon, horseradish mayo, white cheddar, lettuce, tomato & red onions all on a toasted baguette and I love the Lafayette- fried chicken breast, ham, swiss, blue cheese spread & honey mustard on a toasted potato roll. Galley Go To One of our first picks for pizza, ever since they opened. Always on the order? Grape and Gorgonzola (Those roasted grapes with the sharp taste of the gorgonzola? Never fails.) We also always do the Sweet Hot, which features pepperoni, Calabrian peppers, and a drizzle of honey. You can't go wrong with either, but we can never choose between the two, so there you go. I'm full just thinking about all of this. (And yes, I'm cooking too!) What would be on your list??

Market updates are a bit like tapping the mic with an "is this thing on?" People say they want them, but I always wonder how much they actually get read. So if you're reading this, please let me know!   March 20 heralds the first day of Spring, and I for one couldn't be more excited. But if we're talking about the market, it really has felt like spring for a while now! Here's a little bit of data to give you a snapshot of the overall market in the Richmond Metro. The average sales price in the Richmond Metro in February was $476,907. That's a bit lower than the prices in December, but a bounce back from a lower January price of $469,296, and it looks like it's back on the upward trend. If you've followed me for a little bit, you've probably heard me talk about the months supply, and how at a balanced market, we'd have about 6 months of inventory. It's been a while since we've been there, and for the last 2 months, we're holding strong at 1.3 months of inventory. A good distance from balance.   This data tracks in what I've seen in the last couple of weeks, as well. Lower inventory means you may need to compete to get that home you love, because there are simply more buyers  than there are great houses. Sometimes that means you have to pay more, but sometimes it just means having as much info as you need to craft an offer that will be the most appealing to the seller. Every situation is a little different, so there really is no one size all formula here. If you're selling, lower inventory means you have more eyeballs on your house, usually more showings, and (in many cases) more offers. Yes. You only need one offer, but the nice thing about multiple offers for you as a seller is that when people are competing, you're less likely to have to deal with a lot of inspection issues, you usually get more money, and you are more in the driver's seat with the entire transaction. We're seeing lots of multiple offer situations, although the market is quite price sensitive. What does that mean? You can't just thrown any home on the market, at any price, and think it's going to sell. The homes that are not "market ready" are still sitting on the market, and generally not getting multiple offers. Having your home ready makes a huge difference, as does pricing it well. Price it too high, and it just might sit there as well. There are definitely neighborhoods and areas that are more popular, and others where things are not quite as "wild." Knowing which one you're in, or looking in, can make a huge difference. I'd love to talk to you about the area you're in (or want to be in) and help you determine the best strategy to get you where you want to be. What are your market questions? Reach out!

 Unlock the secret to choosing the right realtor with what I believe is the "game-changing" opening question for every interview. Ready to get started or just curious? Send me a message here on my website or send me an email at [email protected].

Hi there - March is here, and with it, we kick off “festival season” here in the Richmond area, the sun sets a little later, and as it gets a little warmer, there's more to do outside. (And I could not be more excited for all of that!) We are also seeing more homes hit the market as the weather warms, and things are still moving quickly! If you're thinking of selling this spring, give me a call now so you have a plan to prep your home. No luck needed! Today we're talking about: ✔️ 🛠️ March Home Maintenance ✔️ 🗓️ What's Happening Around RVA This Month? ✔️ ☘️ Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage 🛠️ March Home Maintenance As we head into spring, there are lots of things to do to prep for warmer weather at your home, but one of my favorites is definitely getting the outside space ready for use and entertaining. Powerwash that patio or deck, give it a fresh coat of sealer or stain, pick up those stray leaves leftover from fall, and get ready for springtime sunsets and summer cookouts! Click HERE for your monthly maintenance list.  🗓️ What's Happening Around RVA This Month? When I work with clients relocating to the Richmond area, one of the things I always mention is that we love a festival. I mean LOVE. March seems to kick of the festival season with both Shamrock the Block and the Irish Festival. For fun, food, music, and of course, beer- these are two that can't be beat, but there are plenty of other options for getting out this month- no luck needed! Click HERE for a list of events this month. ☘️ Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage My late father's birthday is in March, coinciding perfectly with one of his (and my mom's) favorite meals, corned beef and cabbage. They could eat it anytime, but for me, it's kind of like pumpkin pie and Thanksgiving. I have to have it for St. Patrick's Day, but I'll probably have it again the same time next year. (Sandwiches with corned beef? I can have those anytime!) If you want to enjoy it, and not spend the day in the kitchen, get out the Instant Pot and try this easier version. Click HERE for the 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!

It's March, and that means St. Patrick's Day is almost here! In my family, that doesn't mean beer as much as it always, always, always, means plentiful corned beef and cabbage. (In fact, whenever my mom finds a good deal on corned beef- usually this time of year- she'll buy 3 or 4 and freeze them for later) If you love it as much as we do (impossible!), here's a great recipe using the Instant Pot so you can set it, forget it, and don't spend all day in the kitchen. Ingredients 1 3-pound corned beef brisket, plus pickling spice packet or 1 1/2 tablespoons pickling spice 1 medium onion, sliced 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 (14.9 oz) Guinness beer 1 cup beef broth 1 pound new potatoes 3 large carrots, cut into 3-inch pieces 1 head Savoy cabbage, cut into 2-inch wedges Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard Directions Rinse brisket with cold water and thoroughly pat dry. Place onion, garlic and pickling spice into a 6 qt Instant Pot. Gently place brisket on top of the onion mixture. Top with beer and beef broth. Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high, and set time for 85 minutes. When finished cooking, quick-release pressure according to manufacturer’s directions. Remove brisket from the Instant Pot; wrap in foil and keep in a warm oven. Remove and discard onion mixture, reserving 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid in the Instant Pot. Stir in potatoes and carrots; top with cabbage. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high, and set time for 4 minutes. When finished cooking, quick-release pressure according to manufacturer’s directions. Thinly slice corned beef against the grain and serve with potatoes, carrots and cabbage Serve mustard on the side, if desired. Try to save a bit for some hash or a sandwich the next day!

Click each event below for more information, for a full calendar of events click HERE. Do Portugal Circus Pours & Pasties Burlesque and Variety Show St. Patrick's Day Charcuterie Workshop RVA Brick Day 2025 Virginia Derby Shamrock the Block The Irish Festival Pretend Again: A Grown-Up Night at the Museum Richmond SPCA Dog Jog, 5k, and Block Party The Wizard of Oz on Ice

For a printable checklist, click HERE.

Hi there! - Wow! I'm late getting this out because it has been a seriously BUSY month so far! (No complaints here.) If you're wondering how the market is, it's moving. Yes, even with the crazy wind, rain, and snow over the last couple of weeks. Did you know that Richmond has been dubbed one of the top 5 hottest real estate markets for 2025 by Realtor.com, and #9 by Zillow? That spring market is just around the corner, but if you're ready now, so are we! Today we're talking about: ✔️ 📋 Thinking of Listing in the Spring? I have a list you can start to check off NOW! ✔️ 📈  Market Update - We're getting closer to spring. Where are we? ✔️ 🚋 Richmond’s Trolley System: A Look Back 📋 Thinking of Listing This Spring or Summer?  Here are a few things you can be doing now to get ready for listing later on in the season! (Especially if this weather has you trapped in the house!) Click HERE for the list of things to pay attention to and check off your list! 📈 What's the Market Doing? Despite the weather we've had of late, we really are edging a little closer and closer to spring, and the market is heating up accordingly! That doesn't mean everything is the same as it's been for months, because it's not. There are some key changes (mostly positive) for buyers, and a few things sellers really should focus on to maximize their return. Find the full breakdown HERE.  🚋 Richmond’s Trolley System: A Look Back The city of Richmond, Virginia, was once home to the first electric trolley system in the United States. The Richmond Union Passenger Railway was the starting point for this innovation in transportation. The trolley system had a significant impact on the development of Richmond's suburbs. Neighborhoods like Highland Park, Winter Park, and Northside became commuter communities thanks to the trolley cars. However, the age of the trolley car was short-lived. By 1949, the city decided to phase out the trolley system in favor of cars. In a dramatic end to an era, the decommissioned trolley cars were paraded through the city and then burned. A total of 50 cars met this fiery end between 1949 and 1950. As a result, relics of Richmond's trolley system are incredibly rare.                           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!