Welcoming Autumn and the changes it brings!

Not a bad view of RVA's skyline from Old Manchester

With Labor Day behind us, Richmond is now ushering in one of our most beloved times of year, Autumn. The changing of the seasons always brings excitement and anticipation.  Whether or not you have kids in school, it brings up an eagerness to gather, nest, and ready for winter.  Our lazy summer days will soon be over and with the cooler weather comes time for action - at least that’s how we feel!

One of the things we love most about our Real Estate business is that it’s never dull.  As we write this, Randy and I are taking a new step in our journey.  As our children have their children and build a nest of their own, we are embarking upon a new adventure for ourselves!  Our home is currently on the market (see back cover) and we are in the process of building a duplex in the Old Manchester district of south Richmond.  We have been looking for our own opportunities in real estate investment, and once we explored this area more closely, realized we would love to be a part of its progress.  If you aren’t familiar with Old Manchester, it is a vibrant, up-and-coming neighborhood with well known RVA staples like Plant Zero and Legend Brewing Co. being joined in the ranks by small business newcomers that see opportunity in this thriving new destination.

I think it’s healthy for a Realtor to have to buy and/or sell every few years to remember what it’s like to be a client!  As a seller, you open your doors to strangers coming in and critiquing this home that you have loved.  As an owner/agent, you are especially aware of the things about your home that you cannot change.  As a buyer, you understand how everyone is looking for something specific to fit their lifestyle; downsizing, upgrading, or multi-family - there are lots of goals one can reach through homeownership.  

Real Estate is both an art and science.  There is a science to Comparative Market Analysis, pricing your property to sell and understanding the market.  But there is also an art - it’s a very human transaction with highs, lows and many emotions in-between.  Randy and I will continue to share our experiences and adventures in hopes that it will make us even better Realtors for you! 

Petersburg; A great place to live, a great place to invest!

Historic Petersburg Courthouse

It’s common knowledge that Richmond Real Estate is healthy and growing.  While the market for renovations is still strong, competition is growing along with prices and that means shrinking returns for investors.  So unless you have max buying power, it’s getting harder and harder to find those diamonds in the rough. As the market saturates in Richmond, investors are looking beyond the Greater Richmond area to up-and-coming Petersburg, Virginia!

Homefields' sold listing in the heart of Folly Castle Historic District
This home, built between 1790-1820, has most of its original features

Like Richmond, Petersburg shares a rich history that you can experience first hand.  In fact, many homes you can find in the historical Walnut Hill district pre-date homes in Richmond many of which were destroyed in the fire of 1865.  At the turn of the century, Petersburg was the richest city on the east coast and many of the architects that built some of the most notable homes in RVA (think Windsor Farms and River Road) also designed many homes in the affluent streets of Petersburg in its heyday.

Homefields' recently sold listing on W. Washington St. in Petersburg, VA

Gina Harrison's sold listing on S. Crater Rd. in Petersburg, VA

“It’s a beautiful town with a huge amount of potential,” says Gina Harrison, a recent client of Homefields’ who listed and sold her gorgeous 3.5-acre historical renovation.  “The homes are spectacular and Richmonders are taking advantage of great prices,” she continues.  This is not just true for the residential market, either.  Many small businesses are blossoming in historical downtown Petersburg, taking advantage of cheap rent and an unsaturated market.  Lots of local eateries, breweries, and other small businesses have steadily gained recognition and foot traffic.

Butterworth building, Trapezium Brewery, and King's Famous BBQ
which has been around since 1946

The renovation of former Butterworth Furniture Building into the Ward Center for Contemporary Arts, using historical tax credits, was the beginning of Petersburg’s cultural renaissance in 2014, according to Style Weekly. "Now that more affordable living and working space has become available, artists are renting or buying and renovating older spaces for homes, galleries or studios. More restaurants are popping up, including ones with Richmond roots such as Croaker's Spot,” Style reports.








Historical Tax Credits aren’t just limited to enterprise.  Individuals can apply for these tax incentives on their own home purchase!

Petersburg is swiftly becoming the new hotspot to be in Virginia.  If you're looking to invest, look no further than the historic streets of Petersburg, where you can find not only beautiful homes but a great place to live!