#757realestate

[interiornista]

Dare not place your home on the market without staging FIRST 🛋️ #757realestate #hamptonroadsrealestate #staging https://www.instagram.com/p/Co40Od9u_jL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[realagentratings]

Why Now? Why Real Agent Ratings?

We have all been there. That one Yelp or Google review we just cannot get to go away. Because, fact of the matter is, you can’t get it to go away. But what if there was another ratings platform for agents that had it all?

A platform strictly for real estate transaction ratings. A platform that has implanted an SEO plug in to make it a one stop shop for your ratings and social media advertising. A platform that has a customizable profile that allows you to add contact information, a personal bio, photos, and link to other sites. Could it be?

Best of all, these ratings you can control. Driving your customers to the site and promoting your name, will not only boost you on our agent directory page, but will get you that top hit on google we all want. Sees too good to be true right?

But it is not. Real Agent Ratings is a ratings and testimonial platform that was established in Hampton Roads, Virginia. In such a booming market, there was a need to be heard. Agents’ best way to retain new clients, is through word of mouth. What better word of mouth advertising than ratings and real life testimonials.

How is Real Agent Ratings different than Zillow reviews, Google reviews and Yelp reviews? Great question! Each day you wake up and check Zillow, Google, Yelp, Bing, Facebook etc. That’s a lot of time and money. Why not put little time and very little money into a site that is built just for you and your profession? And most importantly, Real Agent Ratings is built around making you money.

Lastly, Google, Yelp, Bing, Zillow, etc. all do not take into consideration the client. Anyone can post a review and sadly, it is there forever. These platforms make it very difficult to dispute a bad or untrustworthy review. Yelp is known for this issue. Because Real Agent Ratings is solely a real estate review site, we take the time to investigate inappropriate, untrue, or invalid reviews. You can rest assured, all reviews on Real Agent Ratings will be accurate and truthful. The algorithm embedded into the site gives you a real time star rating. And we all want those five stars!

Getting back to the basis; Real Agent Ratings is here to help you. Take yourself out of the crowd and grow your business. We live in a world of online interaction and engagements so it’s time to engage. Visit Real Agent Ratings to create your profile today!

[realagentratings]

Five Reasons Why You Still Need  A Real Estate Agent

We now live in the days where everything we need can be found right on our phones. So, naturally you would think that you can jump online and decide to by a house right then and there. Boom, it is done. Well…. not necessarily. Buying a home is a huge financial decision. Having a professional at your side can only help not harm.

Below are five reasons why you still need a real estate agent in this booming market:

1. More convenient and better access- An agents full time job is to know what is on the market, what is just off the market, what is coming on the market, when it will sell, if it will sell, etc. The list is endless of knowledge they need to help their buyer or seller make an educated decision. So, why not use that knowledge to your advantage?

2. Negotiating skills- Having a third party with middle ground in a transaction is always best. With money, comes emotion. Taking that personal emotion our of the potential transaction will be better for all party’s present. Allow someone that knows the ropes to do most of the negotiation for you. After all, that is their job.

3. Contracts are complicated- Having someone that handles that same contracts and procedures day in and day our is a must. Contracts are meant to protect all parties. If you do not know every details such as an agent does, most likely you will miss something.

4. Agents cannot lie- Since they are licensed professionals, there are more repercussions if they do lie as opposed to a private seller or buyer. In other words, the agent is bound by law to act in their client’s best interest.

5. Not all save money- Just because you will not have to end up paying a commission does not mean you end up saving money. Without an agent your home will most likely not move off the market as fast. Usually resulting in homeowners decreasing the price. This is not good for both parties.

If you are in the market of buying or selling a home, odds are you need an agent. Look to Real Agent Ratings to fund you the best fit for you and your family. Click here today to for more info!

[realagentratings]

When Is The Busy Season For Real Estate?

Buy or Sell Now or Later?

Now! Towards the end of April, beginning of May, many agents began to notice the shift that was happening. Yes, a seller’s market! Homes are flying on and off the market. Fielding multiple offers and above asking offers; this period is laying the ground work for a booming season. But is this good or bad?

It depends on which side of the fence you are on. As a seller, this is the best time for you to list your home. “There are 9 percent fewer homes this buying season compared with a year ago, so listing in early May until now, results in you selling your house about 18 days faster and for about 1 percent more than you would get otherwise”. As a buyer, this time in the market may be a bit of a challenge. With multiple contracts and many above asking offers, you have to move fast to get the perfect home for you.

Why has this craze gone on for so long? “The reason is because with inventory being so tight, a lot of homebuyers are having to put in multiple offers. That is extending the length of the homebuying season. Such that, later in the season, people are more eager to buy the home offering more than asking after a frustrating back and forth with multiple offers”.

Who knows when the market will start to slow up, but the point of the matter is, the current market is moving fast. So, there is no time to wait! Whether you are selling your home or searching for your dream home, an agent is what you need. Just like finding the perfect home, finding the perfect agent is hard. Click here to learn more info on how to find the perfect agent for you and your family.

Recommended Vendors:

Real Agent Ratings

Universal Pest & Termite

Mr. Clean Duct

[realagentratings]

Increase The Value Of Your Home With Easy Summer Projects

1.) Pool Cleaning- Ranging from $30 to $170 per month, this is what we like to call money well spent. Everyone’s favorite hot spot in the summer is the pool/backyard. If you are in the process of a remodel or selling, this easy clean will instantly give your outdoor hang out the spruce it would need to look shinny and new. Projects such as this shower buyers they are interested in a well-kept home.

2.) Landscaping- Landscaping can make or break a home. An average of $3000 can be spent to make your home look like a whole other escape. It can get a little pricey but if you are in the process of selling this is a big-ticket item buyers deeply consider. If not and looking to stay put, you can make you and your family their own oasis.

3.) Pressure Washing- Ranging from $60 to $525, removing built up dirt, mold, mildew and algae can stop long term wear and tear on a home that can easily diminish the value. This is a project that can be done by yourself or you can easily hire a professional. No matter who, this is a necessary summer project.

4.) New Windows- Something that can easily date a home is windows. With costs between $500 to $5,500 you may end up saving a few bucks by boosting your energy efficiency. Who knows, you may save a few bucks from your heating and cooling costs. This is another great return on investment if your house is on the market.

5.) Air Duct Cleaning- Ranging from about $500 to $600, a good air duct cleaning can refresh any home. Will all the pollen, dust, and critters that flutter about in your home during the summer, this is the perfect season for a good cleaning.

6.) Deck Addition- More of a big-ticket item, ranging from $1,200 to $10,000, a deck can do wonders for a home. Having the potential to one day pay for itself, a deck addition is a great renovation idea or add on if your home is on the market. Also, circling back to our first project, the backyard is the “it” space during the summer. So why not make it just a little better?

Recommended Vendors:

Mr. Clean Duct

Universal Pest & Termite

Universal Insulation Doctor

Real Agent Ratings

[realagentratings]

Top Rated Place To Live In VA And Why:

Top places to live in Virginia and why:

1. Best overall city- Arlington, Va.

Arlington sits right on the border of Virginia and Washington D.C. Location, location, location! The urban setting provides a nice mix of homes, apartments, and different neighborhoods right along retail spaces and restaurants. Great schools and a strong job market makes Arlington very desirable. All of this does come at a price. There is a reason it is not listed as the most cost-effective place to live in Virginia with homes averaging in the $600,000’s and above.

2. Best overall town- Charlottesville, Va.

Though a city, Charlottesville welcoming and homey feel gives this location the feel of a small town. Bordered by gorgeous mountains and countryside, this town offers all the same of a bigger city with excellent housing, shopping, dining and business. An added bonus is when it comes to history and architecture, there are not many places more beautiful.

3. Best city to raise a family- Glen Allen

This Richmond city suburb is located in Henrico county. Its overall affordability, school districts, and urban conveniences at a slower pace, makes this a great location to live.

4. Best cities for millennials- Virginia Beach and Alexandria

In your 20’s and looking for a great place to live? VA Beach and Alexandria may be for you. Though they are very different atmosphere’s you will never be bored in either location. With Virginia Beach providing a sandy place to destress and tons of activities, it a perfect location for that first condo purchase. Alexandria will not disappoint with its fast-paced urban setting and proximity to D.C. VA Beach too laid back for you, then Alexandria may be it.

5. Best city to retire- Blacksburg, VA

With a low crime rate and low cost of living, Blacksburg is a great little place to kick back and relax. This cute mountain town offers lots of activities and sites to see.

6. Safest location to live- Broadway, VA.

The small town of Broadway located in the Shenandoah Valley has been sought after as the safest place in Virginia. According to Safewise.com, you will have a 1 and 1,000 chance of being a victim to a crime.

7. Most beautiful place- Staunton, Va.

Already named one of the best small towns in the U.S. by Smithsonian Magazine, Staunton is easily looked at as the most beautiful location in Virginia. Staunton offers historic architecture, culture and a friendly home atmosphere.

8. Best quality of life- Chesapeake, VA.

With factors such as income, affordability, health benefits, local economy and work balance Chesapeake provides a very balances atmosphere. Its combination of urban amenities and beautiful nature, makes this a very relaxing and desirable location to live in Virginia.

 If you are looking to relocate or simply upgrade or downgrade, a qualified real estate agent is what you need. Navigating the real estate market can be a pain. So why not let an expert help you. Visit Real Agent Ratings today to find the perfect match for you and your family.

[universalpest-blog]

View this post on Instagram

Tired of those ants in your kitchen? We understand. Give Universal Pest & Termite a call today! 757-502-0200 #pestcontrol #termitecontrol #757hamptonroads #757realestate (at Universal Pest & Termite)