Richmond Housing Market Improves

It’s spring in Richmond and there’s budding life in one area you may be surprised to learn about­—the housing market! It’s more than just local success; state and national markets are on the upswing as well. Recent reports from both the Richmond and Virginia Association of Realtors show evidence of this recovery sustaining!

What does this mean for new homes in Richmond VA? Inventory is decreasing as competition and demand increase! We’re even beginning to see homes sell within just a few days on the market. This increased demand is naturally lowering the inventory so multiple buyers are making offers on the same home and prices are creeping up.

This is great news if you want to buy a new home in Richmond VA, especially if you have a home to sell! Now would be the ideal time to touch-up any last minute items around your house and get it in pristine showing condition. The average sales price is going at about 97% of the average list price. That means sellers are getting close to their asking price! Plus, with fewer homes on the market, your home will naturally have more visibility!

Chesterfield and Henrico Counties are leading the way in recovery according to their home sales so far this year. Main Street Homes offers neighborhoods in both of these desirable locations with Quick Delivery Homes ready for move-in! From our spacious 4 bedroom, 2 ½ bath homes in Brading Park at Collington to our sought-after designs in Turner Forest, you’ll find a home that suits your dreams!

Choose your new home now while prices are still incredibly affordable. Take advantage of the interest rates that remain historically low. And if you have a home to sell, get the most out of it by listing it now! Call or visit us at Main Street Homes so we can help you find your new home soon!

 

Common Mistakes When Selling Your Home

Do you have a home to sell before moving into your new home in Henrico? You may have found your dream home but are you standing in your own way of moving?

Selling a home requires a little forethought. You want to put your best foot forward when listing and showing your home to potential buyers. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid that can help move you where you want to be sooner!

Holding on to the past – Once you decide to sell your home, you’re looking for a new place to make memories, build relationships, and fill with signature pieces of you! Don’t let your emotions take control when prospective buyers start to nit-pick the imperfections you’ve grown accustom to. As a matter of fact, it’s better to de-personalize your home as much as possible. Start to think of it as a business transaction moving you from point A to point B, or better yet, to your brand new home in Henrico!

Poor picture quality – Over 90% of today’s homebuyers are beginning their search online. You know the saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words”? Well, in this case, it may be worth thousands of dollars! As shoppers look online, they will eliminate homes based on what they see. If you have crisp, clear pictures that accent your homes features and benefits, you have an excellent chance of getting buyers from online to inside! Ask your realtor to use a wide-angle lens, take photos during the natural light of the day, and capture all the charm!

Not preparing your home – Your home will sell much faster and closer to your asking price when buyers see it has been well-maintained. If there are scuffs on the wall or missing hardware potential buyers will wonder what larger, unseen items need to be addressed. Create a punch list with your Realtor of items that need attention to stage and show you’re your home in pristine condition. A fresh coat of paint and clean windows can go a long way in lifting the appeal! If there are larger items you cannot address, disclose them. It will build trust with buyers and let them know you’ve considered the cost when pricing your home.

Hardwood vs. Carpet vs. Tile: Choosing the Right Floor in Your New Home

Do you want plush, resilient fibers catching your steps or a sleek, spotless surface absorbing your stride? There is so much to consider when choosing floors for your new home in Chesterfield VA: cost, aesthetics, maintenance, and durability. Sometimes the easiest thing to do is close your eyes and imagine what you want to experience as you walk across the floor.

To help make the decision easier, we’ve compiled a few key benefits of the more popular choices.

Hardwood:

1. Solid and engineered wood floors can be refinished at least once or twice.
2. Wood floors add lasting value to your home.
3. Spills, pet hair, and debris can be completely removed reducing allergens.
4. Area rugs on wood floors can change the entire look of a room.
5. Wood is a sustainable, renewable, and natural material.

Carpet:

1. Top-quality carpet will last 10-15 years.
2. Carpet is affordable and generally quick to install.
3. Carpet naturally insulates – It is warmer, quieter, and cushions your fall!
4. You can choose practically any color or pattern to make a design impact.
5. Carpet hides dirt and suggested cleaning is just once a week with a vacuum.

Tile:

1. Ceramic tile is practically impervious to water damage.
2. Perfect for high traffic areas because of its stain and wear resistance.
3. Naturally cooler in the summer and underfoot heating is a popular feature to add!
4. Easier and less expensive to repair than carpet or wood floors.
5. Cleaning is a breeze with no special solution or tools needed.

You will more than likely choose a combination of flooring throughout your home. Deciding on which is best for certain rooms may be the trick! Tile is ideal for bathrooms and laundry areas since water damage isn’t a concern whereas carpet is a great choice for bedrooms and family rooms because of its natural insulation. It’s hard to argue with the luster of walking into a home and immediately seeing shining hardwoods, which makes it a popular choice for entries, hallways and dining rooms.

With so many choices, you may want to enlist the help of our Design Consultants. You’ll meet with them when visiting our Design Studio to make the final selections for your new home in Chesterfield VA. From premium hardwoods to luxurious carpets and designer tile, our selections provide the perfect finish to your new home.

Don’t Wait Too Long to Buy, Housing Recovering

Homebuyers who have been sitting on the fence, watching the rates and inventory are seeing signs that it’s time to buy. Mainly ones like: Off Market, SOLD, Under Contract! The message is clear and the numbers are out to prove it. Don’t wait any longer—Now is the time to buy your new home in Richmond VA!

Home prices really are rising. According to the 2012 Virginia Housing Market Report, Virginia’s median sales price (with ½ the homes selling for more) increased 7 percent year-over-year to $240,000. Every region in the state either held steady or increased their median sales price. Nationwide, Standard & Poor’s/Case Shiller 20-city index reported the fastest year-over-year rise in prices since June 2006 and U.S. home prices rose 8.1% in January. That’s the fastest rate since the peak of the housing boom!

Inventory is going! Home sales in Virginia increased nearly every month last year compared with the same month a year earlier. Central Virginia, including Richmond and the Tri-Cities, saw the biggest increase in the state in home sales at 11 percent year-over-year, according to the 2012 Virginia Housing Market report. With sales increasing and current home owners waiting for prices to keep rising, the number of homes for sale in Virginia dropped to the lowest levels in years.

It’s time to lock-in your mortgage rate. The first week in April saw mortgage rates at 3.25% again for FHA and 3.5% for 30 year fixed. Of course rates depend on a number of personal variables but these near historically low rates will only go up as the market and economy improve. Remember, weak economic news normally causes money to flow out of Stocks and into Bonds, helping Bonds and home loan rates improve, while strong economic news normally has the opposite result.

These conditions are bringing potential buyers who have been waiting back into the market ready to buy. Now is the time to get the new home in Richmond VA you’ve been waiting for. Visit Main Street Homes online to see homes available now or better yet come tour our model homes and find what’s waiting on you!

Selecting the Right Floor Plan for Your New Home

Granite countertops, stainless appliances, hardwood floors—These are probably on the list if you’re shopping for a new home in Richmond VA. But what about a place for the drum set, room for the sleepover, a 12-person dining room, or the 52-inch plasma screen?

Before you get swept away by upgrades and features, think about what matters most to you. At Main Street Homes, we’re known for functional design and livability on top of the luxury built into each of our homes. Here are a few things we suggest you consider when selecting a floor plan that best suits your family.

Where will you spend most of your time? Are you a family that eats dinner together every night? Will you entertain friends and guests often? Do you enjoy the outdoors? These questions can help you choose a floor plan that offers the layout you need. An open concept kitchen, family room and breakfast area could accommodate a large gathering if you do a lot of entertaining. A covered deck or patio can carry indoor living right outside if your family is active and enjoys the outdoors.

What special niche do you need filled? Think about what’s unique to your family and how a home plan can compliment your needs. A guest suite with a private bath can make hosting out-of-town guest simple. Is it important your kids each have their own room? What about a large bonus room or open loft to provide a fun, shared space? Will adding French doors to the study or formal living room give you the secluded area you need for a home office? The room is there in Main Street Homes, determine how you want to use it!

What are you bringing? When touring a new home, on paper or in person, what do you imagine in place? We all have treasured heirlooms, family portraits, and anchor pieces that will make the move with us. When you can envision those special belongings in a certain room or on a certain wall chances are, you’ve found the one!

From choosing your homesite, to selecting the a floor plan, Main Street Homes can help you find the perfect new home in Richmond VA. View our homes online or visit a neighborhood today for a personal tour.

Relocating and How to Find the Right Place

Relocating your family is a big decision. If you’re considering Chesterfield VA, you’re probably already aware of the many accolades and recognitions this Richmond suburb has received. It has so much to offer individuals and families searching for a new place to call home!

Here are a few things to consider before choosing your new home:

Choosing the right location is the first step to happily relocating yourself and your family. Chesterfield County is home to some of the region’s major employers including DuPont, Philip Morris, and the 5,500-acre Fort Lee, which employs more than 8000 military workers to civilians. It’s a community that has earned the 100 Best Communities for Young People six times! Also, Chesterfield schools are among the top rated in the state.  There is good reason people say this is one of the best places in America to live, work, play, and raise a family.

Knowing what type and size of home you need will help narrow down communities. Whether you’re looking for a traditional 2-story in the country or a spacious ranch design on acreage, Main Street homes features new homes in Chesterfield VA to suit your family! When deciding on a home, think about how you will use your home: Will you host guests often? Will your family be changing in the future? What are your day-to-day activities and where in (or outside) the house will these take place?

What about the recreational activities and opportunities you want for your family? When relocating, consider the area amenities not just your community’s. Chesterfield County offers more than 4,000 acres of parks and recreation facilities including trails, sports fields, playgrounds, a challenge course and equestrian center for starters! This is not to mention the sprawling nature, tennis courts and pools you will find in our many Chesterfield communities.

Proximity to conveniences is priority to most when choosing to relocate.  Having schools, place of work, medical facilities, shopping outlets and dining spots nearby can reduce time and stress. Choosing a new home in Chesterfield VA gives you easy access to downtown Richmond and other cities without being in the hustle and bustle! Being minutes from Route 288 and Interstates 95 and 295 can get you where you need to be without wasting a minute!

Whether you’re looking to build a new home that’s made just for your family, or need something that’s ready to move in now –  as the Richmond area’s top local homebuilder, Main Street Homes is eager help! Visit one of our many communities in Chesterfield VA to see what’s waiting for you!

Selecting the Right Floor Plan for Your New Home

 Granite countertops, stainless appliances, hardwood floors—These are probably on the list if you’re shopping for a new home in Richmond VA. But what about a place for the drum set, room for the sleepover, a 12-person dining room, or the 52-inch plasma screen?

Before you get swept away by upgrades and features, think about what matters most to you. At Main Street Homes, we’re known for functional design and livability on top of the luxury built into each of our homes. Here are a few things we suggest you consider when selecting a floor plan that best suits your family.

Where will you spend most of your time? Are you a family that eats dinner together every night? Will you entertain friends and guests often? Do you enjoy the outdoors? These questions can help you choose a floor plan that offers the layout you need. An open concept kitchen, family room and breakfast area could accommodate a large gathering if you do a lot of entertaining. A covered deck or patio can carry indoor living right outside if your family is active and enjoys the outdoors.

What special niche do you need filled? Think about what’s unique to your family and how a home plan can compliment your needs. A guest suite with a private bath can make hosting out-of-town guest simple. Is it important your kids each have their own room? What about a large bonus room or open loft to provide a fun, shared space? Will adding French doors to the study or formal living room give you the secluded area you need for a home office? The room is there in Main Street Homes, determine how you want to use it!

What are you bringing? When touring a new home, on paper or in person, what do you imagine in place? We all have treasured heirlooms, family portraits, and anchor pieces that will make the move with us. When you can envision those special belongings in a certain room or on a certain wall chances are, you’ve found the one!

From choosing your homesite, to selecting the a floor plan, Main Street Homes can help you find the perfect new home in Richmond VA. View our homes online or visit a neighborhood today for a personal tour.