Past Email Newsletters

🌸 Happy First (Full) Day of Spring! 🌸 The weather may have fooled us a bit, and it’s back to being chilly, but not for long! It’s definitely got me in spring cleaning mode (check the spring home maintenance list below for some very gratifying spring cleaning projects!) I’m also all about getting my outdoor spaces ready for warmer weather, and I'm focusing on native plants more than ever- if you’re curious about plants native to Central Virginia, and why it’s key to focus on them, check out this free guide for more info from the Plant Virginia Natives Initiative.. Today we're talking about: ✔️ Home 🛠️ Maintenance Tips ✔️ 📰 The Real Estate Headlines You're Seeing EVERYWHERE ✔️ March Events 🗓️ You Don't Want to Miss ✔️ 🙏 I Need Your Help! (And there's a chance for a PRIZE! 🎁) 🛠️ March Home Maintenance Tips FLIP MATTRESSES CLEAN KITCHEN BACKSPLASH CLEAN OUT AND WIPE DOWN CABINETS CLEAN UNDER APPLIANCES ORGANIZE PANTRY, THROW OUT EXPIRED PRODUCTS 📈 All the Things to Know About all the News in the Real Estate Industry And wow. There has been a LOT of news out there lately. You’ve probably seen the headlines over the last few days, about the “seismic” changes coming to the real estate industry. Lots of info out there is clickbait, to say the least, and in most cases, quite confusing. Here’s a little recap of what’s happened, what’s happening, what’s (likely) to come, and most importantly, how it might affect you if you are thinking about buying or selling real estate. Here are the super high level “how it might affect you” facts if you’re in the market, but for a more thorough analysis, click HERE. How this settlement might affect you… (IF it’s approved by the courts, these changes will take place in July of this year) If you’re in the market to buy a home, you’ll need to have a buyer’s agency contract in place with your agent prior to looking at any homes. If you’re selling your home, you should better understand what you’ll pay in commissions and concessions and why. Most important takeaways- Commissions are negotiable, and you always have choices! As always, if you have questions, I'm here to provide answers. Reach out and let's talk! 📅 What's Going on in the Richmond Area for the Rest of March… 🐰 Dominion Energy Family Easter Where: Maymont Park Carriage House Lawn When: March 30 from 9-3 Games, activities, live music, and of course, a visit from the Easter Bunny! More information HERE 👒 Easter on Parade Where: Monument Avenue When: March 31 (Easter Sunday)1-5 pm Started in 1973, this parade of both humans and dogs has been a springtime stable in the Richmond area since 1973. Dress up in your Easter finest, get a bonnet for your furry friend, and head down to the parade for some seriously Richmond fun! 🧑‍🍳 Chesterfield Restaurant Week Chesterfield is having its very own restaurant week this year, and it kicks off on 3/29 (until April 7) Loads of great restaurants are featuring special meals, with every meal providing a donation the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center. Get more information HERE I have a favor to ask! 📦 Can you please help me help people moving here? 📦 I’m working on finishing up my updated 2024 Relocation Guide, and one of the things that I’d LOVE to include is a short quote from “real people” about why they like the county or area that they live in! So, if you love your county (or general area), PLEASE send me your “why” at [email protected]. All you have to do is submit a couple of sentences why you love where you live, and you can win a $100 Gift Card to Casa Italiana, one of my favorite spots in my own neighborhood. If your quote is chosen to represent that area, you'll also get a token of my thanks! 🎟️ Entries due by Friday, March 22, and winners will be drawn at random. You’ll be notified by email of your win by Monday, Mar 25, 2024

Happy March! Spring is nearly here, can you feel it? For me, that means all things spring cleaning, fresh spring energy, longer days, warmer weather, and spending more time outside. (Oh, and a busy real estate market! That’s already started!) Today we're talking about: ✔️ Home 🛠️ Maintenance Tips ✔️ “Beyond the House” Refresh ✔️ Spring Market Update ✔️ Old School Southern Peach Cobbler 🛠️ March Home Maintenance Tips Wash linens Wash windows and put on screens Spot clean furniture Swap out your front door mat for spring 🧹🏠 “Beyond the House” Refresh As we head into spring, it’s a great time for not only spring cleaning but also for a bit of a deeper “home” refresh. 📈 Did you know that home insurance rates went up 21% from May 22- May 23, and they’re on track to be up another 12% this year. (Money Magazine) Even if your insurance rates are paid as part of your mortgage, you can still shop around. If you have an agent who deals with multiple providers, they can shop it for you, or you can do your own legwork. Just make sure you keep your mortgage lender in the loop! 📑 If you’re like me, you’re neck deep in pulling together tax info, receipts, etc. While you’re at it, pull together any receipts, instruction manuals, etc, that you’ve put into your home over the past year. Collect all of these things in a binder, with maintenance records. Here’s a great one but you can also use a regular old binder! It’s a great way to stay organized or transfer info when you sell. Future you will thank you, and so will buyers. 🌸📈 Spring Market Update While the spring weather is still working its way to us, the spring market appears to be already here. In the Richmond Metro area MLS (Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, and Chesterfield), median home prices are up 5.3% year over year, and 8.3% over the last month. Things are definitely picking up, too, as the number of closings jumped from 655 in January to nearly 900 in February! Basically, the market in the Richmond area continues to be busy, tilted to favor the seller (as inventory is still low), and is likely to grow as we get further into spring. If you’re thinking about selling this spring or summer, give me a call now- making a plan to hit the market at the right time can make a HUGE difference! And if you’re thinking of buying but waiting for rates to drop, let’s talk- remember, you can always renegotiate your rate, but you can’t renegotiate the price! So, getting out there now (BEFORE rates drop and things become more competitive) is a great way to get a jump on that spring competition. Happy Spring! 🍴Old School Southern Peach Cobbler March is my late father's birthday month, and while he would eat cake, his favorite was always cobbler, and peach cobbler, more specifically. While March is just on the cusp of the start of peach season, this recipe is great with canned or frozen peaches as well, and incredibly easy. So, whatever you're celebrating, there's no excuse for not making this one! Click HERE for the recipe.

Hello February! This month may be a short one, but there’s a lot going on, and between the weather and the market heating up, it is starting to feel like spring really is right around the corner! (Even the groundhog said so!) I’m switching up things a bit next month- we’ll be hitting your inbox twice monthly in slightly shorter “bites” with more restaurant reviews, events, and RVA fun. I’d love it if you share what you think! Please let me know! Today we're talking about: ✔️ Home 🛠️ Maintenance Tips ✔️ The Best Places to Watch the 🏈 Superbowl in Richmond ✔️ Looking Ahead to the 🌸 Spring Market ✔️ 2 Ingredient 🍫 Chocolate Mousse 🛠️ February Home Maintenance Tips Wipe Down the Baseboards Dust Blinds Wash Shower Curtains Deep Clean Floors Fix any Clogged Drains Deep Clean Showers and Tubs Check for Lint Build Up in the Dryer Refresh and Organize the Laundry Room Organize the Spice Cabinet Make a List of Maintenance Supplies You Need Make a List of What You Love About Your Home 🏈 Where Are You Watching the Big Game? Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, just love the snacks and the energy, or you’re only watching for the ads and the glimpses of Taylor, the Super Bowl is definitely an event not to be missed. If you want to take the party out of the house to share in the fun, HERE is a list of the best places to watch the Super Bowl in RVA. 🌸📈 The Spring Market is Nearly Here! It may still be winter outside (well, most days, at least- it is Virginia, after all!), but the spring market appears to be starting early this year. With rates dropping and inventory still tight, we’re poised to have a very busy spring market. If you’re thinking of selling this spring, now is the time to start the conversation and get things in place to maximize your equity. And if you’re thinking of buying, things are getting busy, but getting out there and getting focused on what you want early can really give you a jump on the competition. 🍴2 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse What says romance more than chocolate? Valentine’s Day is almost here, and if you’re looking for a completely delicious, and shockingly simple, dessert to celebrate, look no further than my two-ingredient chocolate mousse. Find the recipe HERE.

Happy New Year! Yes, I'm a little behind on sending this out, because last week I was flooded with emails from every store I've ever been to (or never been to!). As we kick off this new year, I'm breaking down where the market was, where we are headed, and a few tips to get started for 2024! Keeping it short and sweet this month! Today we're talking about: ✔️ My Market Predictions for 2024 ✔️ January is Get Organized Month ✔️ Sheet Pan Roast Chicken and Veggies with Pan Sauce 📈 The Richmond Area Market - A Look Back and A Look Forward Over the past few years, it seems every season in real estate has been heralded as “unprecedented," and that seems to still be the case. After last year's low inventory and high rates, we seem to be leveling out to a more “normal” market (whatever normal is anymore!) as we head into spring this year. More on my breakdown HERE. 📅 Did you know January is Get Organized Month? Do you feel that pull to the “New Year, New Organized Me?" like I do? Whether you're thinking of selling or not, this is a great time to tackle even just ONE space. My favorite hack to get this done? Set a timer for 45 minutes and focus on one thing- I just did my pantry and it was an eye-opener. I feel better and my kitchen is cleaner, though the amount I threw out was shocking. Have you done this lately?? 🍴Sheet Pan Roast Chicken and Veggies with Pan Sauce If you're like me, maybe you feel like you're still detoxing from holiday overindulgence, AND trying to get back in the swing of meal planning and prepping. If you are, then this is the perfect recipe! Easy to throw together on a week night, good enough for a weekend, and healthyish too. Get it HERE.

Happy December! How did we get here so fast? Hopefully you're able to slow down a bit this month and enjoy some community and family time, good food, fun, and maybe a little quiet time too. Check out all the events and holiday tips in the Holiday Guide, and catch the wrap up of the Richmond real estate market- always a topic to discuss at holiday functions (feel free to drop my name if they're in the market, too! 😉) We're also testing out a new newsletter format. Do you love it? Hate it? Couldn't care less? Please let me know!" Today we're talking about: ✔️ My Holiday Guide ✔️ Top 3 Home Maintenance Tips to Remember this Month ✔️ Things I'm Loving Right Now ✔️ Make Ahead French Toast Casserole ✔️ Richmond 2023 Market Year in Review 📅 December Events 🍿 Dec 3rd - 25th is Christmas Movie Season at the Byrd Theater The Byrd Theater is the perfect place to watch your favorite, classic holiday movies, like A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Elf, and more. Check out their holiday lineup HERE. 🩰 Dec 8th - 24th is Richmond Ballet's The Nutcracker Enjoy a night out in downtown Richmond and support the Richmond Ballet by going to see The Nutcracker at the Dominion Energy Center. This year's performance will feature brand-new scenery, costumes, and choreography for you to enjoy. Click HERE for tickets and more information. 🎄 Dec 9th is Hardywood Brewery's Holiday Pop-Up Artisan market Join Hardywood Park Craft Brewery for their Christmas Market Pop-Up on December 9th. Check out some amazing local artisans and makers selling their handmade items. Not to mention great food provided by local food trucks! Click HERE for more info. Check out my Holiday Guide HERE for the best events this month! 🏠 🛠️ Top 3 Home Maintenance Tips to Remember This Month Remember to take some time for yourself. Check up on your doorbell camera or security system. Tis the season for porch pirates. Test the batteries in your smoke and CO2 detectors. 💗 Top 3 Things I am Loving at the Moment 🎉 My Holiday Guide (Have you checked it out?) 🛍️ Shopping Local - My holiday guide has great recs and exclusive offers! 🎄 Advent Calendars - I treated myself to a skincare advent calendar this year, and I'm going to do an advent calendar every year! I love it like I did when I was a kid. 10/10 fun! 📈 2023 Market Year in Review Click HERE to read my year in review of the Richmond Metro real estate market, including some predictions for 2024. If you're thinking of buying or selling now or in the new year (or you know someone who is) reach out! 🍴Make Ahead French Toast Casserole The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year and having meals that you can make ahead of time can be a lifesaver. It's even better when it's delicious. Check out my recipe for make ahead french toast casserole HERE.

Happy November! The pumpkins are put away (maybe) and at least half the people I know are ready to deck the halls! If you've not grabbed the Fall Guide to RVA, do it now, and look out for the Holiday Guide dropping next week! In the meantime, Happy Gratitude Month! We're also testing out a new newsletter format. Do you love it? Hate it? Couldn't care less? Please let me know!" Today we're talking about: ✔️ RVA Events this Month (and my fall guide) ✔️ Top 3 Home Maintenance Tips to Remember this Month ✔️ Things I'm Loving Right Now ✔️ Autumn Orchard Salad ✔️ October Market Recap 📅 November Events 3rd & 4th - Urbanna Oyster Festival Head on down to Urbanna for their 65th annual oyster festival. Oyster Shucking, classic cars, parades, wine and beer tasting, music, and of course - oysters in just about every way you can imagine. Click HERE for details. 11th - Richmond Marathon The 46th Annual Richmond Marathon will take you through historic sections of Richmond, including along and across the James River. Enjoy the beautiful scenery while running either your first or fiftieth marathon. Click HERE for more information. 20th - GardenFest of Lights Beginning November 20th, and running through January 7th, Dominion Energy’s GardenFest of Lights returns with the theme of Rhythms of Nature. Millions of lights will line garden paths and twinkle in the trees. Check out this beautiful display for a wonderful experience. For more information and tickets click HERE. Check out my Fall Guide HERE for a full list of events and details. Be on the lookout mid-month for my Holiday Guide! 🏠 🛠️ Top 3 Home Maintenance Tips to Remember This Month Install storm windows if you have an older window system. Walk around and check for drafts. (Weatherstripping and insulation can make a huge difference in the colder months.) This is also a great time to spend a cold day organizing your kitchen before the happy chaos of the holidays. 💗 Top 3 Things I am Loving at the Moment (Thanksgiving Edition) 🥗 Viral Vegetable Chopper - If you’re on social media at all and you don’t have this, you have a stronger will than I do, but it really is a huge timesaver, and is versatile enough I don’t feel guilty about adding one more gadget to my kitchen. 🍽️ Large platters - Mora ceramics. Perfect for turkey, charcuterie, desserts, etc. 🥤 Paper to go containers - These are perfect for all those holiday events, so you’re not stuck with all the leftovers or chasing your containers. (More fun, let the kids decorate these as a fun activity before or at the event. Shop all my favorites in my Amazon Storefront HERE. 📈 October 2o23 Market Recap for the Richmond Metro Area What to say about the market? Inventory is still down, rates and prices are still up. That sounds pretty grim, but it actually is still a great time to sell- you just want to make sure your house is “showroom ready." With higher rates leading to higher payments, buyers are being understandably choosy. If you're buying, it's really not a bad time. Prices are not out of orbit right now, as the buying pool (and your competition) is diminished a bit at the moment, so even with higher rates, you can likely get a better price than when rates are lower. Click HERE for more breakdown. 🍴Autumn Orchard Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Pecans Yep, I'm the psycho that brings salad to Thanksgiving. If your holiday is anything like ours, there's not a lot of fresh and light on the table. A salad definitely fits the bill, and if you're going to serve a salad on Thanksgiving, it better be a wow. This one solves all of those problems! Click HERE to get my recipe!

Happy October! As we head into sweater weather, spooky season, or whatever you want to call it, I'm dropping in with some news you can (hopefully) use. Read to the end on a great giveaway, and don't sleep on that recipe. It's a forever family favorite. We're also testing out a new newsletter format. Do you love it? Hate it? Couldn't care less? Please let me know!" Today we're talking about: ✔️ RVA Events this Month (and my fall guide) ✔️ Top 3 Home Maintenance Tips to Remember this Month ✔️ Things I'm Loving Right Now ✔️ My Perfect Fall Goulash ✔️ Looking ahead to the Fall Real Estate Market 📅 October Events Oct 7th is Powhatan's Festival of the Grape Take a trip out to Powhatan's Historic Courthouse Village and experience over 30 wineries, distillers, and craft brewers. There will also be over 100 craft vendors, live music, and much more. Click HERE for more information. Oct 13th - Taylor Swift The Era's Tour Movie If you missed out on seeing the Era's Tour in person this year, don't miss it in theaters! I'm doing an “Allie's Version” giveaway for 4 tickets to the Goochland Drive-In to see the movie opening weekend. Check below for all the details and how to enter. Oct 13-15th - Richmond Folk Festival One of Virginia's largest events, this event is worth the drive, even if you're not local. Come on out and experience different types of music. You may even find a new favorite style of music to enjoy. Click HERE for more information. Oct 28th - Lewis Ginter Harvestfest Enjoy live music, food, adult beverages, and family-friendly activities in the Garden. The Garden Cafe & Bloemendaal House tent will feature German fare, so come hungry! Click HERE for more information. Check out my Fall Guide HERE for a full list of events and details. 🏠 🛠️ Top 3 Home Maintenance Tips to Remember This Month 🚪Refreshing front door or exterior paint? This is the perfect time. Summer is just too hot, and paint doesn't set up well if it's below 55 degrees. (It's also a great time to get interior painting done, as many painters are wrapping up those summer exterior jobs.) Get those gutters and ditches clean! Service the HVAC to get it ready for the cooler temps. 🌡️ 💗 Top 3 Things I am Loving at the Moment 🧹 Broombi Squeegie Broom - It gets pet hair, dust, dirt, liquids, and everything off your smooth floors, and even works great for pet hair, etc, on carpet. It’s pretty fantastic. Click HERE to shop my Amazon Storefront. 🍴 Clio Yogurt Bars - If you don’t know, I’ve been counting my macros for a while now, but I love sweets. These little bars are available in the yogurt section almost everywhere, and they taste just like cheesecake, but with 60 calories, 4g protein, and 5g sugar. (Not a paid endorsement, I just love them!) You can get them almost anywhere. 🧢 Power Cap Lighted Cap - If you follow me on social (or know me in person), you know that I broke my foot a couple of weeks ago. I was going out for a walk in the dark, juggling a leash and my phone, and hadn’t turned on the flashlight yet. My brother sent me this, and it’s fantastic. Look Ma, no hands! (And no surprise falls!) As the days get shorter, this is worth its weight in gold! Shop HERE. 📈 Market Info For Fall If you watch the news or have even a passing interest in the real estate, you probably know some of this, but remember, real estate is LOCAL. In our market, we're still seeing quite a few multiple offer situations, but things are shifting a bit in most price ranges, given the increase in interest rates. Homes that are totally turnkey and marketed well are still selling quickly, but those that are not? They're sitting a bit longer than they were a few months ago. If you're buying, inventory has gotten slightly better in some areas, so aside from the rates, buying may be a little more accessible for some. For the full breakdown, visit my blog post HERE. 🍴My Perfect Fall Goulash Last month, when I was trying to come up with a recipe for September, I wanted cozy, easy, comforting foods that would work well for busy days and back to school. While I think Baked Ziti fit that bill, I completely forgot about the OG easy to fix, one pot, always a fan favorite, perfect dinner on the run, even when everyone is eating at different times. And that, my friend, is Goulash. Not the original, but the good old, totally Americanized dish that’s a hearty cross between chili and pasta, topped with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. (It’s what Hamburger Helper only dreams it was.) As we head into cozy season, it’s the perfect thing! Click HERE for the recipe.