Fun Activities For Fathers Day

With Father’s day coming up June 18th, it is crunch time to start thinking of ways to recognize Dad. There are so many gifts one can buy for their dad but the best way to celebrate and show you appreciate yours is by spending quality time together. To take the stress out of choosing what to do, the Ellen Clark Team has compiled a list of fun activities for you, the family, and dad to all do together.

1. Fishing: Whether your dad already has his own spot or you decide to venture out and find a new one, fishing is a great way to bond. The James River has plenty of great fishing locations. Check out Flatwater Park near the Huguenot Bridge, Bell Isle, Robious Landing, or Ancarrows Landing. The Upper and Lower James house brim, a variety of bass, and catfish.
2. Go-Karting: Go-Karts have fun written all over them for the dad that craves adrenaline. Of course, since it’s Father’s Day, you should let your dad win. Thunderbolt Indoor Karts offers electric karts and offers a Sunday Funday special pricing. Windy Hill Sports Complex and G-Force Karts offer outdoor karting and are also located in the Central Virginia area.
3. Movies: Tried and true, seeing a movie together is always a great idea. All the summer hits are out.  Releases for this weekend include Cars 3, Rough Night, and 47 Meters Down. If you want to try something to enhance the experience for Dad, Cinebistro is always a great option and gift cards are available. Not only can he see the new releases in luxurious seating, but all weekend there will be a special Vintage Steak House Speical offered in honor of the holiday. Please note Cinebistro Stony Point is for ages 21+.
4. Golf/Mini-Golf: The US Open is this Sunday at 3 pm. Let dad watch in peace, snacks should be included. If your dad is a golfer himself, encourage him to hit the course. If you aren’t the golf fan he is but want to do something as a family, we suggest playing mini golf together or going to a golf range. There are several courses in the Central Virginia area including the Rockwood Golf Park, Windy Hill, Oasis Sports Park, Patterson Golf Park, and others. If you want him to try something really unique check out GlowGolf in Glen Allen which is indoor glow in the dark golf. A discounted rate is available for groups of 5 or more.
5. Outdoor Water Adventures: Go boating, tubing, kayaking, or try stand up paddle boarding together.   There are so many options available locally for a nice day on the James River or other local lakes. If you don’t have your own equipment rentals are available (James River Outdoor Adventures and Pocahontas State Park) and companies like Black Dog Paddle and Riverside Outfitters even offer instructed classes.
6. Escape Room: This family-friendly adventure game is hosting dad for free this Sunday! Choose your room then solve the puzzles and clues to complete the tasks to ESCAPE! Reservations are still being accepted for Sunday and the cost is $25 per person.
7. Richmond Bacon Festival: This is the 5th year the event is being hosted. Everything from bacon wrapped chocolate to alligator will be available. In addition, Dance Candy will be playing from 1 to 3 pm. Over 40 restaurants are participating so there is something for everyone (including vegans!). The festival is one block up from its typical 17th Street Market Location and is hosted from 12-5 PM on Sunday, June 18th.
8. Beer Tasting: Take dad to any of the wonderful local craft breweries that have emerged over the last few years. Many offer taster samplers and this weekend some are having events geared towards fathers day. Hardywood will be hosting it’s “Father’s Day Keg-n-Oyster Fest” with Rappahannock River Oysters LLC. There will be oysters, crab cakes, and other food vendors Sunday the 18th from 12-6 PM. For the gluten free dad, check out a cidery or vineyard. Blue Bee and Busky are both located in Scott’s Addition.
9. BBQ and Bluegrass Fest: This Saturday the 17th, the Kickers are holding their annual event which starts at 5:30 PM. There will be live bluegrass music (Cary Street Ramblers), BBQ provided by the Cultured Swine, and more. Tickets include your drinks as well as admission to the game (vs Tampa Bay Rowdies) at 7 PM. The cost of a ticket is $22.
10. Dads Chores: There is nothing better than relaxing. Maybe take on his weekend tasks/chores for the day. Is there yard work he typically does? Clean the gutters. Mow the lawn. Finish that project around the house that needs to be done. A day of rest can be the best in the world.

Whatever it is you choose to do to celebrate dad, we hope you have fun and enjoy making memories with yours. Happy Father’s Day from the Ellen Clark Team!

Homeownership Is a Good Financial Investment!

Linda Parvin Hutchinson, REALTOR

According to a recent report by Trulia, “buying is cheaper than renting in 100 of the largest metro areas by an average of 33.1%.” The report may have some people thinking about buying a home instead of signing another lease extension, but does that make sense from a financial perspective?

Ralph McLaughlin, Trulia’s Chief Economistexplains:

“Owning a home is one of the most common ways households build long-term wealth, as it acts like a forced savings account. Instead of paying your landlord, you can pay yourself in the long run through paying down a mortgage on a house.”

The article listed five reasons why owning a home makes financial sense:

• Mortgage payments can be fixed while rents go up.
• Equity in your home can be a financial resource later.
• You can build wealth without paying capital gains.
• A mortgage can act as a forced savings account.
• Overall…

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Interest Rates

Linda Parvin Hutchinson, REALTOR

To start the year, housing experts all agreed on one thing: 2017 was going to be the year we would see mortgage interest rates begin to rise. After years of historically low rates, and an improving economy, the question wasn’t if they would increase but instead how much they would increase. Some thought we could see rates hit 5-5.5% by the end of the year.

However, the exact opposite has happened. Instead of higher rates as we head into the middle of 2017, we now have the lowest rates of the year (as reported by Freddie Mac). Here is a graph of mortgage rate movement since the beginning of the year:

Projections still call for an increase…

Four major entities (Freddie Mac,Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors) are still projecting that rates will increase by the fourth…

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Birkdale Transitional Home Just Listed!

http://see.tourvahomes.com/public/vtour/display/794271?idx=1

The Ellen Clark Team is featuring a charming home located on .5 acres in Chesterfield County. This 1.5 story home sits on the 4th hole of the Birkdale Golf Course and was built in 2000. Its location features great local amenities, shopping, and schools ( Spring Run, Bailey Bridge, and Manchester). With an asking price of $315,000, 8814 Merseyside Lane is the home of your dreams!

Features include:

• 2,416 SQ feet
• 4 bedrooms
• 2 full bath one half
• Wonderful views of the water
• Association offers clubhouse, golf course, and pool
• 1st-floor master bedroom
• Walk in closets/storage
• 9 ft+ ceilings
• Ceiling fans
• Recessed lighting
• Carpet
• Wood flooring with cherry inlay
• Trey Ceilings
• 2 story family room
• Gas fireplace
• Eat in kitchen
• Pantry
• Formal dining room
• Jetted Tub in master bath
• Walk in attic
• Spacious bedrooms
• Country front porch
• Maintenance free vinyl siding
• 2 car garage
• New water heater
• Security system
• Convenient to 360/288/150/95

This beauty is sure to move quickly so call Patricia Clark at 804-387-2976 or email at patricia@ellenclark.com to schedule your showing TODAY!

This Summers Reading List

There is no better time than summer to soak in a good read. Whether you’re sitting in the sun at the beach or wanting to relax after a long day of work, our picks for this summer’s reading will be your go-to’s for a literary escape.

Adult Reads:

1) Astrophysics For People In A Hurry by Neil DeGrasse Tyson

Tyson breaks down astrophysics in an approachable and enjoyable manner. Topics include the cosmos, quantum mechanics, and black holes.

Release Date: 5/2/2017

2) The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South by John T. Edge

Edge chronicles the importance of Southern culture and food from the 1950’s to 2015. Politics, Southern cuisine, the civil rights movement, and gentrification are discussed.

Release Date: 5/16/2017

3) Of Mess and Moxie: Wrangling Delight Out Of This Wild and Glorious Life by Jen Hatmaker

Of Mess and Moxie details the struggles that all women face. It is filled with hilarious life tales such as driving to the wrong town for a school field trip, along with the tragedies, missteps, and mishaps we all will endure in life providing comedic relief all the way.

Release Date: 8/8/2017

4) Sunshine State by Sarah Gerard

Sunshine State is a collection of essays from Gerard that cover her time in Florida. They examine everything from friendships to her parents to a bird sanctuary and has received rave reviews.

Release Date: 4/11/2017

5) Camino Island by John Grisham

This mystery novel features a gang of thieves and their mission to steal literary treasures from Princeton University. Camino Island will be Grisham’s 30th book.

Release Date: 6/6/2017

6) Secrets In Summer by Nancy Thayer

Thayer’s novel has been called “The Queen of beach books” by The Star-Ledger. It is about Darcy Cotterill’s experiences on the Nantucket shore one summer featuring scandal, family, and romance.

Release Date: 5/16/2017

7) Beartown by Fredrick Backman

Beartown is set in a small forest town which is failing. Hopes that the towns junior ice hockey team will win a national semi-final is all that keeps Beartown going. However, a violent crime is witnessed by a young female and the accusations that ensue afterward create intense drama for the team players and the town’s residents.

Release Date: 4/25/2017

8)Do Not Become Alarmed by Maile Meloy

Meloy’s tale is about a perfect family vacation gone wrong. It all starts out well with a picture perfect cruise but after the children go missing while on land, it evolves into a story of guilt, placing blame, and intense fear while attempting to find their lost loved ones. This nightmare of a trip will have you on the edge of your seat!

Release Date: 6/6/2017

9) Al Franken, Giant Of The Senate by Al Franken

Franken’s personal memoir covers his experience evolving from a satirist to a senator. He details his campaign, new career, and more and with a comedic standpoint on it all. Although just released, the book has already sold one million copies.

Release Date: 5/30/2017

10) Priestdaddy: A Memoir by Patricia Lockwood

Priestdaddy: A Memoir features Lockwood’s Catholic upbringing with her untraditional priest Father and her return to living in her parent’s rectory with her husband after a crisis. It ranges from silly to deeply serious recanting her old memories at the rectory and details the collision of their different ways of life.

Release Date: 5/2/2017

Family Reads:

 

1) Grand Canyon by Jason Chin

Chin’s children’s book geared towards ages 7 to 12, gives the reader the geological history of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders through the hike of a father and daughter. The amazing illustrations along with the accessibility for children to understand the science and history behind the Grand Canyon make this a wonderful fun learning tool.

Release Date: 2/21/2017

2) We Found A Hat by Jon Klassen

We Found A Hat is the third in Klassen’s hat series. It aims to teach the importance of justice, hilarity, and sympathy. This picture book is great for children ages 4 to 8.

Release Date: 10/11/2016

3) Out of Wonder, Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, and Marjory Wentworth

The poetry and mixed media illustrations in Out of Wonder provide inspiration for young writers. The three authors pay homage to 20 different famous poets by writing poems that emulate their styles. These greats include Pablo Neruda, Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, e.e. Cummings, and Emily Dickenson to name a few. This is an excellent read for the family, independently, or in a classroom setting.

Release Date: 3/14/2017

The Ellen Clark Team hopes this reading list will keep you busy all summer. If you are looking for the new home of your dreams or looking to list your home while the market is still scorching hot, call Patricia Clark at 804-387-2976 or email at patricia@ellenclark.com TODAY!

Visit ellenclark.com or follow us on facebook, twitter, and instagram!

Memorial Day 2017

The Ellen Clark Team wants to commemorate, honor, and thank those that have served our nation. This extended weekend is full of local events and activities to partake in. Some of our readers may be headed out of town but for those who are staying in the Richmond area, here are all the fun and educational festivities that will be going on over the next few days.

Weekend

• Kings Dominion: May 27th-29th All active and retired military personnel will receive free admission. The water park opens May 27th and there will be extended firework shows all weekend.
• Friday Cheers: Hosted by Venture Richmond on Browns Island. This week will be an RVA Music Night with Ohbliv at 6 pm, Angelica Garcia at 7 pm, and Peoples Blues of Richmond at 8 pm.  The music styles range from indie blues to psychedelic rock. Entry for the event is $5 this week and children 12 and under are free.
• “James and the Giant Peach Jr”: An adventurous musical adapted from Robert Dahl’s book will be featured May 25th-28th at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center. Music and lyrics come from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (LaLa Land).
• Music for Two at Trinity: Jessica King (bassoon) and Kari Boyer (flute) will perform works by Bach, Beethoven, Clarke, Gabaye, Merrit, and Mignone from 7-8 pm May 26th at Trinity Luthern Church. Admission is free but donations are accepted.
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden “Wild Art: A Journey Off Canvas”: An event series kicks off this Saturday. Studio 23 will have a mobile printmaking set up outside of the Conservatory West Wing from 10 am to 4 pm. “Tale of Chef Kale” theater performances run from 10 am to 1 pm at the Ian Robertson Pavillion. There will be a water play area and activity STEAM stations for the children from SCRAP RVA  from 10 am to 2 pm. The garden will also be hosting the Richmond Rose Society Show May 27th and 28th. All activities are included with admission. On Monday the Garden will offer free admission to military personnel, first responders, and their dependents.
• Gallmeyer Farms Memorial Day Saturday Celebration: Admission, music, hayrides, and activities for the children will be hosted from 10 am to 5 pm in Henrico. The farm has invited all branches of US Military and there will be equipment displays all day. There will be food vendors, arts and crafts, along with strawberry picking.
• Henricus Military Muster: Henricus Historical Park in Chester will be offering 17th-century military training from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday the 27th. This will include marching and fighting with the armor of the time. Admission is free for those with military ID. $8 for adults and $6 for children.
• Richmond Wine Festival: Local wine, cider, and mead will be featured at James River Wine Cellars. Food trucks will be on site. The event is dog and child-friendly. It runs from 12 to 5 pm. Tickets range in price from $25-$60.
• Foundry Market: An artisan craft fair will be hosted at the American Civil War Museum at Tredegar from 12 to 4 pm Sunday the 28th. The event will include handmade products from local vendors, food trucks, and craftsmen displays.
• The Movies: Both highly anticipated “Baywatch” (featuring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron) and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” (featuring  Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Javier Bardam) are released this weekend.

Monday

• Memorial Day 5K or 12K: This run, walk, or roll will go from 8-11 am at the West Striker West Creek Field and registration for the event ends at 11:59 pm Sunday. It is hosted by The Race Team RVA Running Club and sponsored by YMCA of Greater Richmond. This year’s proceeds will benefit Team RWB whose mission is “To enrich the lives of American’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.”
• Maymont Park: Both the nature center and mansion will be open for Memorial Day 10 am to 5 pm. Typically indoor exhibits are closed on Mondays.
• John Marshall Cadet Memorial Day Observance: Music from the John Marshall Alumni Band along with taps, a wreath laying ceremony and rifle salute will be hosted at Hollywood Cemetery. This will be to honor those cadets who served in the WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars. The ceremony starts at noon.
• Historic Cemeteries Bus Tour: The Valentine will be hosting bus tours of 18th and 19th-century cemeteries to commemorate the holiday. The tour will include the African Burial Ground and Shockoe, Hebrew, Oakwood, St. Johns, and Woodland cemeteries. Buses will run from 1 pm to 5 pm. Tickets are $20 for members $25 for non-members and reservations are required. If you are a veteran the tour is free but you will need to call (804) 649-0711 ext. 301 to secure your spot.
• Dogwood Dell: This Monday will begin the 61st Festival of the Arts series for the park. At 4 pm the “James River Bell Ringers” will play patriotic musical selections.
• Pamplin Historical Park and The National Museum of the Civil War Solider: The park will host a special program with an artillery firing, playing of taps, and presentation of the colors at 12:30 pm. The program will also offer stories of the soldiers and their personal experiences during the civil war. There will also be a Breakthrough Battlefield Tour and viewing of “War So Terrible”. The park will be open 9 am to 5 pm and the program is included with regular park admission.
• 61st Commonwealth Memorial Day Ceremony: This will be at the Virginia War Memorial from 10 am to 11 am and is co-hosted by the 11th District American Legion. The guest speaker will be Major General Timothy P. Williams of the National Guard. The Galanti Education Center will have extended hours for the holiday staying open until 7 pm. A “Never Forget Memorial Run” hosted by the VCU Police in honor of fallen US service members will wrap up at the memorial after 12 pm. At 2 pm the Thomas Jefferson School Alumni Cadet Corps and Friends Band will have a patriotic performance in the Memorial Shrine.
• Confederate Memorial Day Service: The Confederate Memorial Chapel (located on the grounds of the VMFA) will host a service with organ music and period tunes starting at 10 am. The event will feature speaker James I. Robertson who is the founding director of the VA Center For Civil War Studies.
• Fort Harrison National Park and Cemetary: The park is sponsoring a Memorial Day program with wreath-laying. The event begins at 12 pm.  The keynote speaker is Alexander Barnes who is a historian for the Virginia National Guard and has written several books. Music will be provided by the Varina Community Choir. The ceremonies are free and open to the public.
• 9th Annual Sandston Memorial Day Parade: The festivities begin at Seven Pines National Cemetary at 12 pm with a Veterans recognition ceremony with Doug Middleton as the speaker. The parade will kick off at Seven Pines Elementary at 1 pm and run through Sandston to Confederate Avenue. After the parade, the Sandston Recreation Association will host entertainment, food, and festivities at JB Finley Road.

The Ellen Clark Team hopes that you and your family have a safe and fun holiday weekend. Please remember that on Monday at 3 pm, wherever you may be, to pause for a minute of silence to remember those who died while serving our great nation.

Happy Memorial Day and Weekend!

Home Inspection 101

A home inspection is a critical part of the home buying process. The Ellen Clark Team knows that although they can be stressful, it is essential to find out what problems your future home may have so they can be fixed prior to moving in. Sometimes the results are better than expected and sometimes you may need to look into making an offer on another home (worst case scenario). In addition, a home inspection will provide you with the in’s and out of your new home, including maintenance suggestions that will make your life easier down the road. Getting this information from a home inspector before you do your final walk through also ensures that you and the seller have time to negotiate repairs if necessary. Here is the Ellen Clark Teams Guide to a home inspection.

Step 1: Find Your Inspector

Make sure you select a licensed professional and that they are ASHI certified. You can use online resources, recommendations from friends, or your agent/lender to find the right one for you. Ask for a sample of their reports to ensure they do a thorough job. Some inspectors will list what is wrong in a comments section while others are much more detailed providing pictures and recommendations for repairs. Always select the more detailed inspector. Fixing problems now means less repair work down the road.

Step 2: A Disclosure Statement

This statement will come from the seller and should detail repairs made to the home prior to selling along with any problems the home may have. The document, that has yes or no questions regarding the home, should convey any problems regarding the property value. Make sure to check whether or not unpermitted work has been done. This could lead to problems for you, the buyer, later on. This could cost the seller fines but it is better to get these taken care of in advance. If not the buyer may suffer the repercussions leading to inevitable legal action which no one wants. This is also the time to find out if the home has lead paint. Homes being sold that were built before 1978 must comply with a federal law called the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, and give the buyer information regarding lead-based paint hazards in the home, and give the buyer time to test the home for lead. This should be documented for both the buyer and sellers protection. Removal may be necessary or may not, it depends on the paints condition and if the purchaser plans on doing any renovations. Many sellers will actually have a home inspection done prior to listing to make necessary repairs to have a successful sale. If this is the case, you will more than likely have nothing to worry about on your inspection day.

Step 3: Be Present On Inspection Day

You and your agent should be present during the inspection. We recommend that you follow along with the inspector as much as possible. This way you can see for yourself if anything needs to be done and also have the opportunity to learn more about your future home’s maintenance. We recommend blocking off an entire morning or afternoon to do so as you want your home inspector to take their time. To make sure you can follow along to see everything your inspector does wear comfortable clothing/shoes. You can also bring a flashlight. The more you see the more you know.

Step 4: The Check List

Use this list from bankrate.com to ensure all necessary checks are made:

Interior of the home

• Walls, ceilings, and floors
• Steps, stairways, and railings
• Countertops and cabinets
• Doors and windows
• Garage doors and operators
• Installed kitchen appliances

Exterior of the home

• Wall coverings, flashing and trim
• Exterior doors
• Decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches and railings
• Eaves, soffits, and fascias visible from the ground
• Plants, grading, drainage and retaining walls
• Garages and carports
• Walkways, patios, and driveways

Plumbing

• Fixtures and faucets
• Water heater
• Drain, waste and vent systems
• Sump pumps and sewage ejectors

Electrical

• Service drops
• Service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways
• Service equipment and main disconnects
• Service grounding
• Interior components of service panels and sub panels
• Conductors
• Overcurrent protection devices
• Light fixtures, switches, and receptacles
• Circuit interrupters

HVAC

• Access panels that can be readily opened
• Thermostats
• Installed heating and cooling equipment
• Fuel-burning fireplaces and stoves
• Vent systems, exhaust systems, flues and chimneys
• Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces
• Distribution systems

Foundation

• Home’s foundation
• Floor structure
• Wall structure, ceiling structure, and roof structures

Home inspectors should also check crawlspaces, the basement, or attic. Keep an eye out for rotted wood, poorly done wiring, and cracks in the foundation.

Step 4: Post Inspection

Following feedback from the home inspector, you may need to negotiate home repairs or an inspection closing credit. Repairs on major systems: electrical, foundation, roof and plumbing, should be handled by the seller before the home purchase is finalized. Other repairs that are less serious can be handled by the buyer post purchase. This is what the closing credit should go towards. This way repairs can be done to the buyer’s satisfaction and not hold up the closing process, as typically those selling need to finalize the closing on their home in order to move into another. Additional checks may be needed based on the age of the home and feedback from the inspector including further testing for radon, mold, asbestos, and pests. Do not fret though, this is all a part of the home buying process. Your real estate agent along with your home inspector should give you suggestions and valuable input that will enable you to make the right decisions regarding your new home.

The Ellen Clark Team hopes this inspection guide will be a useful tool in your home buying process. Remember, the Ellen Clark Team is here to meet and exceed your real estate needs in Amelia, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Powhatan, and Richmond.  Contact Patricia Clark at 804-387-2976/ patricia@ellenclark.com TODAY!

 

New Listing in Glebe Point West

 

http://see.tourvahomes.com/public/vtour/display/774438?idx=1

The Ellen Clark Team is featuring a stunning New England style home located on 1.12 acres in Chesterfield County. This 2 story custom-built home has been impeccably maintained and was built in 1990. It is located in the tucked back subdivision of Glebe Point West and is in the prestigious Chesterfield County school system.  It has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. 14600 Benefice Ridge is the home you’ve been looking for!

Features Include:

-pine wood flooring throughout the first floor

-reproduction chandeliers and sconces from the 1800’s

-custom molding and millwork throughout the home

– a spacious family room with exposed wood beams, German siding and fireplace

-formal living room, study, first-floor bedroom and formal dining room that opens into the huge screened-in porch with wood ceiling and skylights

-kitchen features a terracotta tile floor, granite counter tops, island, gas range, eat-in area, wood ceiling and exposed wood beams

-mud area off of kitchen has access to back porch, laundry area, large walk-in pantry and 2 car garage

-master bedroom with walk-in closet, master bathroom with new tile flooring and updated fixtures/lighting

-large rec room and walk-in attic

-Central vac, 30-year dimensional roof(2009), gutters with leaf guards, and double insulated tilt-in windows

-beautifully landscaped yard with front and side irrigation system, private back yard, aggregate driveway, 2 car side-entry garage and a charming fenced-in front entry with custom brick walkways!

-conveniently located close to 288 and 95

The listing price is $359,000.

Call Patricia Clark at 804-387-2976 or email at patricia@ellenclark.com to schedule your showing TODAY!

Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas

Mothers day is a very big deal to The Ellen Clark Team. We say this as the basis of the office is a mother-daughter team.  It is simply amazing that for years, Ellen and Patricia Clark have provided Central Virginia with their real estate expertise, dedication, and attention to detail. The team knows that brunch is quite possibly the best way to celebrate Mothers Day. Why not enjoy a meal and make new memories while reminiscing on the old ones? To make your quest for the perfect brunch easier we have compiled a list of some of the favorite brunch spots around town. Enjoy!

1. The Boathouse Sunday Park ( Midlothian, VA)- This ‘Boathouse” location will be serving a brunch buffet 10 AM to 3 PM. (Their Short Pump and Rockett’s Landing locations will as well!)
2. County Seat (Powhatan, VA)- This joy on Buckingham road will be offering a special brunch from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and a lunch buffet from noon to 3 PM.
3. Dots Back Inn (Northside: Richmond, VA)- Every Sunday this Northside hot spot serves brunch from 10 AM to 3 PM. Some lunch items are also available. They do not take reservations so make sure you arrive early. Mothers day is always a busy day here. Best quiche in town!
4. Laura Lee’s ( Forest Hill: Richmond, VA)- Brunch is served from 10:30 AM to 2 PM. We hear the fried trout, which comes with cheddar cheese grits, NC gold bbq, and a fried egg, is out of this world.
5. The Tobacco Company Restaurant (Downtown: Richmond, VA)- This Richmond staple and tradition located in Shockoe slip is a favorite for many. Brunch will be served from 10:30 AM to 3 PM. Make sure Mom tries the key lime pie.
6. Hutch Bar and Eatery (Henrico, VA)- This charming treasure is located in the far West End and has an oyster benedict that will make Mom say “wow!” Saturday and Sunday brunch is served from 9:30 AM to 3 PM.
7. Moore Street Cafe ( Scotts Addition: Richmond, VA)- This is our Saturday pick if you have other festivities to attend to Sunday. They offer the best pancakes in Richmond. We aren’t sure what the magic is they use to make them fluffy and delicious but we aren’t complaining. Saturday breakfast is served from 6 am to 2 pm
8. Bonefish Grill ( Midlothian, VA)– Sunday brunch here begins at 10 AM. Luckily the infamous bang bang shrimp are offered during the morning as well.

If you have not made your reservation for this Sunday, get to it! Time is running out. Remember with-out your mom you wouldn’t be here so cheers to making her day as special as the bond you share! Happy Early Mothers Day from the Ellen Clark Team!

 

 

Great News For Those Looking To Sell In Central Virginia!

There has been a boom in the local buyers market, the highest the Central Virginia community has experienced in the past 10 years, making 2017 the year to sell your home. With interest rates being low (3.8% on average on a 30 year fixed mortgage), and local millennials transitioning from rental properties to seeking homeownership, now is the time to sell. Consumer confidence is high meaning the local demand is only growing higher. Currently, inventory is low so most homes on the market are selling fast and are generating higher selling prices and bidding wars. All in all, the market is great for those looking to sell.

According to the CVR-MLS 2017 Quarter 1 Report:

“The Central Virginia housing market is off to a strong start in 2017 relative to last year. Home sales and pending sales both climbed at double-digit rates, homes are selling much faster, and prices are rising at an increased pace. These housing metrics indicate strong buyer demand in the market, which is being driven by a healthy economy, both at the national and regional level. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been consistently rising for about 2 years, and the employment picture continues to strengthen with lower unemployment and more jobs available. At the region level, jobs are being added every quarter from a variety of sectors, and the unemployment rate continues to trend below the national level. Consumer confidence in both the current and future economic situations is trending upward.”

The report goes on to say:

“With momentum following a strong finish to last year’s market, sales in the Central Virginia Region housing market are off to an even stronger start to 2017. There were 3,650 sales in the first quarter, 15% higher than this time last year, an increase of 478 sales. This is the sharpest increase in sales the region has had in nearly 2 years. The increase in sales occurred throughout the region, with 12 of the 16 jurisdictions having more sales than last year, all at double digit rates. There were 3,028 sales in the Richmond Metro Area and 316 sales in the Tri-Cities Area in the first quarter, both 16% higher than a year ago. Sales throughout the Richmond Metro Area exceeded first quarter levels from the previous 9 years. Hanover County led the Metro Area in terms of growth rate, climbing to 317 sales, 49 more than last year, an 18% increase. There were 1,192 sales in Chesterfield County in the first quarter, up 16% from last year, and now more than double the number of sales from the recession 8 years prior (554 sales in the first quarter of 2009). Jurisdictions within the Tri-Cities Area also had strong sales growth in the first quarter. Notably, the City of Hopewell had 81 sales, up 53% from the first quarter of 2016, the highest growth rate in the region. There were 78 sales in Petersburg, up 28% from a year ago, a gain of 17 sales. ”

In addition, typically when there is an administration change there is a shift in the economy. This has yet to occur which means the steady supply of those who are ready to buy is only increasing. If a house is available for showing the consumer is having to rush out that day for a viewing and put in their offer because the majority of the time the home is flying off the market. This can be quite stressful for those purchasing but is excellent news for the seller. Days that homes are listed on the market have gone down significantly as well due to purchase demand being so high.  So, what does all this mean for those who may be on the fence about selling their home? SELL NOW!

For those that are buying… buy now. Prices will only increase and with interest rates for new home loans being so reasonable, this is the time to lock in your loan and get out there to bid. The Ellen Clark Team is here to help you get the most for your home and ease the stress of listing your home yourself. For those looking for a home, we are also here to aid in the search, negotiations, paperwork, and closing process. Remember, the Ellen Clark Team has proudly served the Central Virginia area for over 25 years and are here to service your real estate needs.

Clarkteamproperties.com

804-387-2976/ patricia@ellenclark.com