With the cooler temps and holidays galore, it may seem winter isn’t the best time to sell. However, buyers are still needing homes to purchase! You may do a little more due diligence to make the space appear cozy, warm, and inviting against the dreariness of the season, but it’s still a great time to sell. Check out these tips on selling your home during the winter season.  1. Illuminate rooms with lots of light. Begin by allowing as much natural light as possible, even though winter isn’t known for consistent sunshine. If you don’t have the best view from the windows, close the blinds or curtains and turn on the lights in every room, and closet. Use a spotlight and accent lighting if you have a dark corner to brighten the area.  2. Make sure everything is squeaky clean. Every home is more likely to sell when it’s shiny and bright!  Every surface should be scrubbed, cobwebs and dust bunnies removed, and cabinets and closets decluttered. If you need to, consider hiring a professional cleaner to do a deep clean to make it easier for upkeep while on market and allowing showings.  3. Create a cozy and inviting environment. Throw some soft blankets on a chair or over the back of the couch. Have a few holiday decorations out. Play calming music. Avoid strong aromas. Keep a neutral temperature between 68 and 70 degrees. After all, who doesn’t want to come home and curl up after a long day with a comfy blanket with a calming aura?  4. Present interesting facts about the home. If there are custom features in your home or things you find unique specifically to your property, create a card or fact sheet with highlights.  Mention the original wood floors or the family dog hideaway. You can also notate any substantial updates to systems or appliances.  5. Keep the exterior clean. Whether it is leftover leaves from the changing season or freshly fallen snow, it’s best to keep the home free of as much debris as possible. It’s essential to take the time to clear any walkways so that buyers and agents can use them safely. Sprinkle rock salt or sand onto ice and snow so that no one slips and gets hurt.

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  I don't know about you, but when I think of Fall I think crisp morning air, beautiful foliage and farmers markets galore! Hampton Roads has a plethora  of farmers markets in the 7 cities that are rich in the diversity of the culture here, that gives a nod to the area's huge transplant community! We love to support other local small businesses and what better way to support your community than to visit a local Farmers Market this weekend!   Old Beach Farmers Market   Just 6 blocks from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront this farmers Market is smack dab in the middle of THe Vibe District. With the eclectic and laid back mood it's perfect for a weekend stroll with a cup of coffee in hand! This particular market is completely volunteer run and has been a staple in the community since 2008. The array of vendors pay homage to the lifestyle and beauty of the area. From food trucks and craft beverages to live music and local art there's something for everyone here. The seasonal produce you'll find from local farmers is of the highest quality… You'll also find vendors that offer homemade baked goods as well as local chefs offering their premade dishes! Open Saturdays from 9a-12p  through December, this is a market you find that you just keep coming back to!   Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market   Nestled in the heart of Portsmouth, this urban Farmers market offers way more than just produce and farm fresh eggs! The Portsmouth community really makes this a social event for everyone to join in! Start your morning off with group yoga in the courtyard, or sip some fresh coffee and enjoy the live music under the live oak trees every Saturday! With over 70 vendors with various offerings there truly is something for everyone to fall in love with. 3 major farm stands hold everything from fresh produce and meats to artisanal and craft items. Bring the whole family including the pup as it is a dog friendly market!     Obviously these are just two of the amazing Farmers Markets that our area has to offer. Each season brings new delights to this east coast beach community. Get out, explore the melting pot that is the 7 cities. While every state is diverse in its own right, I fully believe that Hampton Roads has some of the best cultures all living in one area. Don't forget that supporting local small businesses means that usually it goes right back into your community!  You are supporting a neighbor, you're supporting a friend, you are supporting a family!

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September is Realtor Safety month. It's no mystery that being a realtor puts you in a high risk occupation category. Everyone you meet is a stranger but also…. Everyone you meet is a potential client. Staying vigilant and being proactive about your own safety and the safety of your colleges and loved ones is key. How do we do that when our lives and faces are blasted all over every social media  platform, every business card and every company website. Here are a few ways we found to be most effective.    Client Identification From the very first encounter you should be proactive in safeguarding yourself from any harm. SUre you can meet new clients at a bar, grocery store, or even the gym. However, make sure that the first consultation is done in a public space, ideally your office building, and have them fill out a prospect identification form and take a copy of their photo ID. It may sound like a hassle but if anything should happen that information will be vital! It can and should be shredded after it is no longer needed. It's going to be information you'll need anyhow if you do end up putting a home under contract for them, getting it first is not only smart but efficient.   Stay in the light I know it's sometimes unavoidable, especially in the fall and winter months when it gets dark early.  When at all possible only show homes during daylight hours. When it's completely unavoidable make sure you go into the home first turn on ALL the lights and open all blinds and curtains. Don't leave spaces dark, and contemplate bringing a friend to stay in the car while you are showing. Just as an added cushion of protection. When you are in the home whether it be day or night always call out and point the way never lead the way. You never want to have your back to anyone, it's just not safe.    What's the password “ Hi, this is Beth. Can you pull the Pinkham file” …… Having a code phrase or word that you use with a few trusted colleges or loved ones that will signal distress or danger is smart when it comes to safety. You can use that phrase on a phone call  without tipping off the person making you uneasy, and it should set in motion a chain reaction that immediately gets you out of that bad situation. Sharing your location on your phone will also be beneficial in this circumstance so that the person on the other end of that phone call knows exactly where to send authorities.    Keep in mind that keeping yourself safe isn't a one size fits all situation.  Some may choose to carry a weapon to keep themselves safe.  If you choose to do so, take the proper courses and get the necessary licensing to cover yourself prior to doing so. Always be aware of your own state laws regarding carrying protection of any kind. We love what we do and we absolutely love the clients we work with on a regular basis, but keeping yourself safe is the smartest way to make sure that the empire you are building continues to grow and thrive.   

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