Past Email Newsletters

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!

Hi there! - Did it feel like January was 4 months long to you? Now that the snow has FINALLY melted, we can look forward to Super Bowl snacks, great commercials, a little football, groundhogs, and of course, chocolate! With February comes the hope of spring as well, and as you may have heard me say before, the market is still moving. If you're thinking of selling and you're impatient to get started, give me a call. You may not need to wait for spring to get on the market, but even if that's your plan, now is the time to start putting things in motion so you're ready! If you have questions about the market, don't hesitate to reach out. I'd love to set up a time for coffee, lunch, or just a chat! Today we're talking about: ✔️ 🛠️ February Home Maintenance ✔️ 🗓️ What's Happening Around RVA This Month? ✔️ 🍫 Easier Chocolate Mousse - Just in time for Valentine's Day 🛠️ February Home Maintenance I'm a big fan of staying on a maintenance schedule to not get overwhelmed or let things become a bigger issue. (Obviously, perhaps, since I share these lists every month.) I've been showing a LOT of homes lately, and I'm telling you, most of them could use a tube of caulk. February is a great time to check around tubs, showers, sinks, countertops, etc, and give that caulk a little refresh, whether you're selling or not! It's not that hard or time consuming, and trust me - it goes a looooong way towards making your home look clean and well maintained. Click HERE for your monthly maintenance list.  🗓️ What's Happening Around RVA This Month? Looking for fun things to do in Richmond this February? From local theatre plays and ballet performances to Galentine's day celebrations and pet expos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in RVA this month! Click HERE for a list of events this month. 🍫 Easier Chocolate Mousse Valentine's Day is almost here! Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a family evening, or just getting cozy solo with a blanket and a good rom com, nothing is synonymous with this holiday like chocolate, and nothing says holiday luxury like a classic, creamy Chocolate Mousse. This one is a little easier than Julia's, so if you've never tried a mousse, now's your opportunity! My recipe is 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! - Well, 2025 sure is hitting us from all sides, it seems. There is some good news on the market, though, if you're thinking of buying or selling. Things are definitely moving quickly as we head into 2025, despite the fact that rates are a still a little higher than any of us would like. Check the breakdown for more info, and of course, check with me if you want personalized info specific to you and your goals! Maybe let's look at January as a trial month, and get in a good groove for February! Today we're talking about: ✔️ 📋 Important Documents Everywhere? Free Downloadable Checklist ✔️ 📈  Market Update - New Year Edition ✔️ 🍻 Richmond, VA: A Beer Lover’s Paradise Since 1935 📋 Are Your Important Documents Everywhere? Here's a good way to stay organized, and have when you need in an emergency. The beginning of this year has been a little… (Fill in with your choice word) With everything going on in the world, it's a little hard not to be stressed sometimes. One of the ways I deal with this type of stress is always to just be a little more prepared. Having all of your important documents together and accessible is always important, even if you're having a terrific start to the year and you just want to get organized. Don't wait, and just do it- it will definitely help, and boy oh boy, does it make you feel organized! Download it HERE. 📈 What's the Market Doing? January has historically been a veeeery slow month, but for the past few years? Not so much. If you're thinking about selling, and thinking you'll need to wait for spring, you really don't, these days. If you're ready, the market is likely ready for you. Oh, and if you're buying, there's good news for you too. (Promise!) Click HERE for the full breakdown. 🍻 Richmond, VA: A Beer Lover’s Paradise Since 1935 Richmond, Virginia, is a city with a rich history and culture, and a particular point of pride for locals is its connection to the beer industry. In 1935, Richmond was chosen as the test market for the very first rollout of **canned beer** in the United States. The Gottfried Kruger company brought 2,000 cans of their fresh canned beer to the Richmond market to gauge consumer interest. The experiment was a resounding success!  Today, Richmond boasts over 40 breweries and offers a diverse range of beer consumption options, from cans and growlers to bottles and glasses. This love affair with beer is a testament to Richmond's pioneering spirit and its enduring appreciation for a refreshing brew.                           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! - Happy New Year! This comes a little later than normal, so as not to get lumped in with the hundreds of “Happy New Year” emails from every company or brand you've ever connected with! (I did a lot of unsubscribing last week! Don't do that here, please!) As we all recalibrate from the holidays, it's always a terrific time to declutter- our homes, cars, goals, refrigerators, etc, and make sure we're pointed in the direction that we want to go- literally or figuratively. I'm definitely doing that this month, too! I hope your 2025 is off to a great start, and I hope to see you soon! Today we're talking about: ✔️ 🛠️ January Home Maintenance ✔️ 🗓️ What's Happening Around RVA This Month? ✔️🥕 My Seriously Good, Incredibly Flexible, Vegetable Soup ✔️ 🏆 Bingo! Bonus Download for that goal-setting or 2025 Bucket List! 🛠️ January Home Maintenance It's finally feeling like winter around here, and that means taking care of all of those winter things that you may have put off (adding weatherstripping, insulating pipes, etc.) but another great “New Year, New Home” routine is decluttering. While it feels a bit like we're all stuck inside, I'm working on “one a day” tasks, like cleaning out my junk drawer, editing my shoe closet (those sandals I haven't worn in four years can probably go away), and things like that. January is National Organization Month, so it's a great time to get organized. Bonus- if you're thinking of selling this year, you'll be ready that much sooner! Click HERE for your monthly maintenance list.  🗓️ What's Happening Around RVA This Month? Okay, it's January, and we're all cold, maybe tired from the holidays, and most of us are trying to reboot in some way. Whether that's financial, healthful, or otherwise- there's definitely a lull in events, but there is still plenty to do around town and beyond! Click HERE for a list of events this month. 🥕Seriously Good, Incredibly Flexible, Vegetable Soup If you're anything at all like me, you're ready to move on from all of the heavy, rich, celebratory foods of the holiday season, but you still want something that tastes good! Add that “new year, new me” vibe with the cold weather, and there is only one answer- a really good, hearty but “clean” vegetable soup! THIS is my go to, and it's always delicious. You can get creative with it, and add whatever you have on hand- even throw some pasta or grains like farro or rice towards the end (just know how long they cook and adjust accordingly!) So good, and a great winter meal prep option. I know I've had it once a day for a week! 🏆 Bingo! Bonus Download for that goal-setting or 2025 Bucket List! Making resolutions and setting goals often seem like really polarizing notions, and they're just not for everyone, for whatever reason. I'm a firm believer in setting some “must do's," though. Whether for the season, or the year, it's a great way to not let the time slip by without doing things you want to do, and often these lists can be filled with more fun things than huge, heavy goals like “fit into my high school pants size.” This year, I'm having some friends over to do some bingo cards with things we want to do or accomplish. Anything from “Read War and Peace”, visit NYC, or reorganize your closet. Tick them off as you go, and call it bingo when you fill the card. Just a fun, different way to tackle 2025. I'm sharing a downloadable card with you 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! - Happy Happy Holidays! This one is short and sweet, as we all careen into the end of year, Christmas, Hanukkah, weird bubble week until New Year's when no one can be found (to be working, at least!). I've got a quick year end recap of the market, my fav recipes from the year for you, and a quick and dirty last minute shopping guide! Have a wonderful season, and thank you for tuning in this year! Today we're talking about: ✔️ 🛍️ What I've Been Loving Lately - Last Minute Local Gifts! ✔️📈  Market Update- End of Year Market Stats ✔️ 🎁📖 A Gift from Me to You- Get Cooking! 🛍️ What I've Been Loving - Last Minute Local Gifts Stumped on the last minute shopping? I've got you covered! HERE's my quick little “knock out that gift list locally” guide! (And if you're not done, don't feel bad- I'm not finished either!) 📈 What's the Market Doing? "The market dies in December, and is reborn in January." That's at least how things have been most years. This year? For the official “market update" we can look at November stats. The median sales price was $468,856, only $9856 less than the high in June. Much of this can largely attributed to the continued lack of inventory. We are still at (across the whole Richmond area) only 2.10 months of inventory (6 months is what we call a “balanced” inventory.) While it may take homes a bit longer to sell in the middle of winter and holidays, they are still moving here in the Richmond area. If you're thinking of buying, you still might not score a lot of deals in December this year, but you'll definitely have a better chance at finding a home with a bit less competition. And if you're thinking of selling, the opposite of that. It's one of the best Decembers we've had since I've been in real estate. It's not the best time of the year for a number of reasons- it's cold(ish), the light is not as nice, and your yard is not as pretty, and ultimately, there are just not as many buyers out there. But if you have to sell or are just otherwise ready? You'll be just fine. 🎁📖 A Gift From Me to You You may or may not know that many, many years ago, long before I was in real estate, I owned a little cafe/catering business and shop in Carytown. I was 22, and I did all of the cooking and baking, for our regular days, and for events large and small. I've always loved to cook, and share my love of food with people I care about. As you know, I always include a recipe in my first email of the month, and we've compiled them all into a digital cookbook for you to use in the future. I'd love to hear if you make anything! Happy cooking! Click HERE to view the cookbook.                           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 - 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!