Real Estate Showcase - August 2023

Real Estate

This incredibly spacious, all-brick, offers serenity and privacy.

See Page 8

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Virginia Remains A Sellers’ Market, Say Home Sales Reports

By RICHARD H. HRONIK III Daily News-Record

Virginia remained a sellers’ market from March through June, according to the May and June 2023 Virginia Home Sales Reports released by the Virginia Association of Realtors. The period saw reduced sales statewide, according to the reports.

“It remains a sellers’ market here in the commonwealth,” said Katrina Smith, 2023 president of the association in the May release. “While homes are taking about a week longer to sell, on average, compared to this time last year, most sellers are still getting more than asking price for their home.”

Total sales for March through June were down in the Commonwealth, reaching levels similar to those seen in 2015. The statewide median sales price was up nearly $9,000 from last year, reaching $410,000 in May, and $411,000 in June.

Home inventory across the Commonwealth also decreased in May, according to the release. At the end of the month, there were 15,441 listings on the market statewide – 8.5 percent less than May of last year. New listings in June were 25 percent lower than a year prior, with only 12,135 homes put on the market, making this the lowest June level in more than a decade, according to the June report.

Bernard Hamann, co-owner of Harrisonburg-based Rocktown Realty, said there has been little change in the market since the report was compiled.

Hamann said there are “no questions about” whether it remains a sellers’ market. “There’s just very few houses that are being sold because most people have mortgages that are half of what new mortgages

would be. New homes are certainly coming up, but not enough to meet with the demand that’s being generated by other people not listing homes.”

Ryan Price, Virginia Realtors Association’s chief economist, was able to shed some light on what defines a buyers’ or sellers’ market.

“There’s less than two months of supply in Virginia’s housing market,” said Price. “Once it gets into five, six, seven months’ of supply it becomes a buyers’ market. We’re nowhere near that level.”

June saw less than 11,000 homes listed in Virginia – a 17.5 percent decrease from a year prior, according to the June report.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac announced that the 30-year fixedrate mortgage has reached a 20year high on Thursday, with rates

reaching 7.09 percent – the highest since they reached 7.18 percent in March 2002, according to rates compiled by the company.

Markets in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County are “very similar” to markets in the rest of the Commonwealth, Hamann explained, adding that this is part of a larger national trend.

“In the short term, I don’t see anything changing,” said Hamann. “Existing homes are in the same situation where mortgage rates were so low for so long. It’s not like it’s a blip. Unless mortgage rates significantly went down next year, what are homeowners going to do?”

Price confirmed that while relief will eventually come for buyers, they shouldn’t expect it anytime soon.

“It’s going to be tough for buyers

for some time,” said Price. “The inventory shortage is not something that’s going to go away quickly. The only relief that I could see happening is, interest rates are generally expected to be trending down in the long term. So while they will stay high in the short term, in the long term, they are expected to trend down. But otherwise it’s going to remain tough for buyers until the end of this year at least, and next year for sure.”

Virginia Realtors Association’s July 2023 Virginia Home Sales Report will be available on Monday, according to Price.

For more information, visit https://virginiarealtors.org/.

A for sale sign is shown in Harrisonburg.

The Benefits Of Energy-Efficient Homes

Metro Creative

Consumer efforts to be more eco-conscious are more and more noticeable. For proof of that, one need look no further than the increase in vehicle charging stations. Such stations are more accessible than ever and illustrate that consumer preference is increasingly leaning toward products that leave as small a carbon footprint as possible.

Another indicator of a growing interest in eco-friendly products is the popularity in energy-efficient homes. In fact, a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders found that energy-efficient features are among the most sought-after “must-haves” among homebuyers. Among those surveyed, 83 percent desired Energy Star-rated windows,

81 percent wanted Energy Star-rated appliances and 80 percent preferred energy-efficient lighting.

Though eco-conscious sensibilities compel millions of homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient, that’s not the only reason to upgrade your home. The following are a handful of the many benefits of energy-efficient homes.

• Save money: Inflation was one of the biggest stories of 2022, as the cost of living rose dramatically in the wake of world events. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation led to an overall 6.5 percent increase in prices. But that increase was dwarfed by the cost of electricity, which increased by 14.3 percent in 2022. Energy-efficient appliances can help homeowners over-

come that spike, as the U.S. Department of Energy indicates upgrading to suc h products can help homeowners reduce their energy costs by as much as 30 percent.

• Improve resale value: As the NAHB survey indicates, modern homebuyers want energy-efficient homes. They’re also willing to pay more for such homes. Research from the mortgage lender Freddie Mac found that homes with energy-efficient ratings sold for nearly 3 percent more on average than homes without such ratings.

• Live healthier: The benefits of energy-efficient homes aren’t just economic, though health-related benefits certainly produce an economic incentive as well. According to the American Council for an Energy-Ef -

ficient Economy, insulation and air sealing protect individuals from heat waves and other ripple effects of climate change. The ACEEE notes that weatherization can improve indoor air quality and comfort, a notable benefit for asthma sufferers and seniors. In fact, the ACEEE estimates that integrating energy efficiency programs in homes could reduce seniors’ risk for falls in their homes, potentially saving $2 billion in fall-related health care costs over the next decade, and improve asthma outcomes, which could reduce health care costs by as much as half a billion dollars.

Energy-efficient products and practices pay numerous dividends, making them a worthy expenditure for any homeowners looking to upgrade their homes.

How To Handle Selling A Home When Moving Into An Assisted Living Facility

Families must make a number of important decisions when an aging relative decides the time is right to move into an assisted living facility. Such facilities help older individuals who are having troubling living independently. In addition to finding the right facility for a loved one, many families have to decide what to do with their aging loved one’s home.

FAIR-HOUSING NOTICE

We are pledged to the le�er and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support adver�sing and marke�ng programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, na�onal origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.

All real estate adver�sed herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to adver�se any preference, limita�on or discrimina�on because of race, color, religion, na�onal origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap, or inten�on to make any such reference, limita�on or discrimina�on.’ This newspaper will not knowingly accept adver�sing for real estate that violated the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings adver�sed in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.For the hearing-impaired, call (804) 367-9753.

E-mail fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov.

Web site: www.fairhousing.vipnet.org

Aging individuals with companions such as a spouse or a live-in partner may not need to sell their house if that person will not be moving to the assisted living facility with them. However, many partners choose to move as well, and family members may need to sell their current home in order to pay for their loved one to stay at an assisted living facility. The senior care experts at Caring.com note that selling a home when a loved one decides to move into an assisted living facility can present some emotional aspects that will not necessarily be present when selling one’s own home. In recognition of that and some additional difficulties associated with this unique situation, Caring.com offers the following tips to help families navigate the process as smoothly as possible.

• Consider assigning someone power of attorney. Individuals move into assisted living facilities for a number of reasons, so not everyone will do so because of diminishing cognitive abilities. However, Caring. com notes that selling the home of a loved one diagnosed with dementia can present unique challenges, as only a homeowner can transfer a home to a new owner. In such instances, someone may need to step in and assume power of attorney. Contact an elder law attorney to facilitate that process, if necessary. Such professionals also can provide insight into laws that can help families determine if it’s best to sell the home or hold onto it if proceeds from a potential sale are not

needed to pay for a facility. Arrange for power of attorney or even a guardianship prior to putting a home on the market.

• Discuss the situation and the sale. Aging individuals should be given ample time to process the idea of selling their homes before moving into an assisted living facility. Homeowners make untold sacrifices to buy and maintain their homes, so the decision to sell could elicit a range of emotions that aging individuals have a right to process before a “For Sale” sign is erected in the front yard. Caring.com recommends maintaining an open and honest dialogue about what can be achieved by selling the home and how their quality of life will benefit from moving to the assisted living facility.

• Sort through belongings. Caring. com notes the significance of allowing aging relatives to take special items with them into the assisted living facility. It will be impossible to take a lifetime’s worth of possessions into such a facility, but sort through belongings with your aging family member and do everything possible to ensure that especially meaningful items can make the move. Remaining items can be donated, sold, given to younger loved ones, or discarded.

• Make sure all relevant parties remain in the loop. If one person accepts power of attorney or a similar level of responsibility, that person should ensure all interested parties remain in the loop about the sale process. Aging adults without diminished mental faculties should be routinely updated on the sale process. Keeping all interested parties in the loop reduces the risk of objections or other problems when the sale is set to go through.

Selling a home before moving into an assisted living facility presents some unique challenges that families can tackle together to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Metro Creative

Metro Creative

What To Know About Landscape Lighting

Metro Creative

Home improvement trends come and go, and one trend that has become wildly popular in recent years is recognizable in yards every night. Landscape lighting has transformed how people see and enjoy their properties at night, making it one of the more sought-after upgrades among modern homeowners.

Curb appeal is often seen through the lens of how homes appear during daylight hours, but landscape lighting can make homes look better and more modern, and potentially safer, after the sun goes down. With such potential, landscape lighting is worth exploring for homeowners looking to upgrade their properties.

Are there different types of landscape lighting?

When considering landscape lighting, homeowners should know that there are various options to consider. According to the lighting experts at Lumens, spotlights project a concentrated and narrow beam of light that’s usually around 45 degrees. Spotlights are often chosen to highlight specific features on a property, like a com-

ponent of the landscaping. Individuals who want to cast light over wider, more general areas may consider floodlights, which Lumens notes spread light up to 120 degrees.

Inground lighting is among the more sophisticated landscape lighting options. Lumens notes that inground lighting illuminates the whole of a tree or structure, often creating a dramatic look. These circle-shaped lights also are great at illuminating walkways and driveways.

Post lights are another outdoor lighting option, and these are often used to light up long walkways and pathways so it’s easier and safer to navigate dark areas at night.

Is landscape lighting a job a DIYer can handle?

Many homeowners consider a doit-yourself approach when pondering a potential home renovation, and a landscape lighting project is likely to inspire such curiosity as well. The home experts at HGTV note that the feasibility of DIY in regard to a landscape lighting project depends on the type of lighting homeowners want to install and where they want to install it. Replacing an existing electrical fixture may be well within the skill of a seasoned DIYer, but installing a new fixture is a job best left to the professionals. Homeowners whose homes currently have no or very little landscape lighting are almost certainly better off working with a professional. Solar lighting that does not require any electrical work can be installed quickly and easily by anyone, but such options may not provide the look homeowners are aiming for.

How much lighting is necessary?

The amount of lighting homeowners want to install is up to them. If the home currently has little or no landscape lighting, a consultation with a professional can help to determine how much lighting to install and where to install it. When discussing landscape lighting, homeowners may want to inquire about dimmers. Dimmers can increase or decrease lighting depending on the situation. For example, homeowners may want a little extra light during a party, but less when relaxing alone outside at night. Dimmers allow homeowners to adjust as necessary.

Landscape lighting is a popular home renovation trend. Homeowners considering adding landscape lighting to their property are urged to work with a skilled professional to devise and install a set-up that makes their homes more appealing at night.

Metro Creative

CLUES ACROSS

1. Midway between east and southeast

4. At right angles to a ship’s length

9. William Penn’s business partner

14. __ de plume

15. Accomplished soccer coach

16. Bone cavities

17. __ juris: independent

18. Popular Philly sandwich

20. Northern Ireland county

22. Performing artist

23. S S S

24. Lacks flavor

28. Commercials

29. Anno Domini (in the year of Our Lord)

30. Qatar’s capital

31. Indigenous peoples of Alberta

33. Popular footwear

37. Indicates position

38. Anglican cathedral

39. Aircraft part

41. Before

42. Blood group

43. Secretory organ

44 .Fencing swords

46. The small projection of a mammary gland

CLUES DOWN

1. Occur as a result of

2. Spiritual essences

3. Representative

4. Entering

5. Nobel Prize-winning physicist

6. Midway between northeast and east

7. Consumed

8. Tablelands

9. Kids’ craft accessory

10. Not known

11. Sound directed through two or more speakers

12. A major division of geological time

13. Wild ox

19. Shock treatment

21. Turner and Lasso are two

24. Genus of flowering plants

25. Relating to ductless glands

26. Stock certificate

27. Satisfies

31. Places to enjoy a rest

32. Edward __, author and writer

34. “__ but goodie”

35. One hundredth of a liter

36. Shabbiness

40. TV personality Roker

41. Triangular upper part of a building

45. Speed at which you move

47. Offend

48. A reference point to shoot at

52. Forays

53. Biblical city

54. Blatted

56. Northern sea duck

57. Shabby (slang)

59. Allege

60. Tax collector

61. Whereabouts unknown

62. Chinese philosophical principle

63. Indicates equal

49. Technological advancement

50. Male parent

51. Dissociable

55. More cold

58. Cape Verde Islands capital

59. Blood disorder

60. Creative

64. Sun up in New York

65. Made angry

66. Relieves

67. Brooklyn hoopster

68. Seasonsings

69. Movable barriers

70. Attempt

What To Know About Installing A Pool At Home

Metro Creative

Summer is a season of relaxation when school is not in session, vacation season is in full swing and people everywhere are getting outside and soaking up the summer sun. It’s hard to imagine how that can get any better. But it can for people thinking of installing a pool in their backyard.

Pools definitely have a wow factor that’s hard to replicate. Homeowners considering pool installation can take note of these factors as they try to decide if a pool is right for them.

Cost

The cost to install a pool depends on a host of factors, including which type of pool homeowners are considering and where they live. According to the online home improvement resource Angi (formerly Angie’s list), the average cost to install an above ground pool in the United States in 2022 was $3,322, while the average inground pool installation in the same year was $55,000. That’s quite a disparity in price, and homeowners should know that the average cost of each project is higher in certain regions and under certain circumstances. Potential ancillary costs, such

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

as excavation and plumbing relocation, will add to the final cost of the project. The erection of fencing around the pool if no fencing currently surrounds the area where the pool will be located also will add to the final cost.

Pool type

As noted, above ground pools, on average, require a considerably smaller financial investment than inground pools. This is an important consideration, but which option may ultimately prove the better investment is worth researching. Homeowners can speak with a local real estate professional to determine if an inground pool or above ground might yield a significantly higher return at resale. If an inground pool is likely to increase property value by a substantial amount, it could be well worth the extra upfront costs.

Maintenance

Pools are undeniably fun, but they still require maintenance. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens note that vinyl liners in pools last approximately six to 10 years, while painted concrete may require a fresh coat of paint every five

Aries, you may want to move your relationship in a different direction, but your partner is resistant. This could be a conflict, or something that opens up a dialogue.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you might feel like doing all you can to make a problem go away, and think that acting immediately is the way to go. But ponder a few options beforehand.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, a professional opportunity that seems to have many positive financial outcomes actually could have a down side to it. It’s best if you do your research before acting.

CANCER

–

Jun 22/Jul 22

You may think that others do not understand you, Cancer. But that may be a good thing. You can focus on explaining your position and maybe make a few friends along the way.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, you tend to be attracted to things that tempt fate or may even be considered forbidden. When others want you to walk the straight and narrow for a bit, it could be tough.

years. Plaster finishes may last as long as 15 years, while cement-coated products can last a lifetime. Pools also need periodic cleaning, and chemicals to keep the pool operating safely and cleanly will require an additional, if somewhat minimal, financial investment. Homeowners investing in a new pool should be aware of the maintenance required to keep the pool clean and be willing to do that maintenance. And though homeowners typically can open and close pools on their own, it’s also possible to hire someone to do it for a relatively small fee each season.

Location

A survey of the land in a yard can reveal how smoothly a pool installation may or may not go. Though it’s possible to install a pool in just about any yard, some spaces might require greater preparation and pre-installation effort than others. Sloped backyards, for example, may require the services of a landscape architect to prepare the space, which can extend the time it takes to complete the project and add the overall cost. These are just some of the factors that merit consideration when mulling a pool installation. A homeowners’ best resource

HOROSCOPES

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, an opportunity to get away presents itself. Enjoy this much-needed respite and don’t he afraid to go the extra mile to ensure the trip is as memorable as possible.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You may want to do it all, Libra, but sometimes you have to let others know you have limits. When you don’t, it is easy to get taken advantage of or run yourself ragged.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, are you ready for an adventure? Identify some new hobbies and then learn all you can about getting out there and doing those types of activities with frequency.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

A loved one may want to be more cozy with you this week, but you’re content to have ample space and do your own thing, Sagittarius. Let your views be heard on this situation.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, you may want to tell a loved one what they want to hear right now to make a difficult situation go away. However, that only postpones the inevitable tough talk.

might be a local pool company who can visit a home, provide an estimate and point out any challenges that may arise during the install.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

You have been feeling like it is time to break away from your regular routine, Aquarius. It could be because there has been added stress on your shoulders. A vacation may be needed.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

There are some limits to doing all of the work on your own, Pisces. First off, you may lack the time and the expertise. Bring on helpers this week if anyone is available.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

AUGUST 27 Aaron Paul, Actor (44)

AUGUST 28 Jack Black, Actor (54)

AUGUST 29 Liam Payne, Singer (30)

AUGUST 30 Cameron Diaz, Actress (51)

AUGUST 31 Sara Ramirez, Actress (48)

SEPTEMBER 1 Zendaya, Actress (27)

SEPTEMBER 2 Keanu Reeves, Actor (59)

Metro Creative

SOLD

3375 Wellsleigh Place, Rockingham

An intrinsic commitment to detail has created this exquisite home! On over 2 tranquil acres sited away from the street for privacy, this offering will please the most discerning buyer. 7 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half baths. MLS #618993 $1,075,000

5677 Niswander Lane, Rockingham

INTRIGING CREATIVE CONCEPT post and beam contemporary. This custom built one owner home is absolutely one of a kind! 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths. MLS#644225 $795,000

1786 Fadley Road, Weyers Cave

Welcome to this one owner, absolutely stunning custom built home, situated on 1.73 acres that offers the ultimate level of comfort and privacy! 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS#643462 $695,000

SOLD SOLD

3050 Winona Lane, Rockingham

AN INTRINSIC BEAUTY shines through this quality brick home. There is no substitute for a great floorplan, lasting finishes and a sense of “Welcome Home” every time you walk in. 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS#643393 $689,000

130 Brompton Court, Rockingham

This two-story Crossroads Farm elegant home has just been completed and is ready for its first owner! Superior craftsmanship and careful attention to details throughout. 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS#638801 $649,900

10 Carrollton Court, Weyers Cave

Wonderful split-level home in conveniently located Harshbarger Subdivision! This home is situated on an oversized and level corner lot, has a fenced yard and a storage shed. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths. MLS# 642261 $335,000.

108 Mirandy Court, Bridgewater

This incredibly spacious, all-brick, 2-story home features a comfortable layout, cozy family room with a fireplace, bedrooms that are generous in size and a relaxing backyard that offers serenity and privacy. 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS#643893 $539,000

Lot 6 Traveler Rd, Rockingham

Stunning hilltop views may be all that is necessary to make you want this lot! In popular Highland Park, surrounded by other custom quality homes, your new home will be a showcase. 0.79 acres. MLS#639231 $147,000

3768 Boundary Run Road, Gum Spring

This beautiful home sits on a 2.08 acre partially wooded lot on a cul-desac in Boundary Run subdivision. As you enter the home, light fills the open floor plan making it the perfect space to entertain guests. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths. MLS#635667 $465,000

Lot 6 Quicks Mill Rd, Verona

Stunning building lot, easy access to Staunton, and Interstate 81. Gently rolling topography, call your agent for more details. 2.29 acres MLS#641355 $95,000.

548 E. Wolfe Street Harrisonburg

STEP BACK IN TIME! Welcome to this 1920’s charming Bungalow conveniently located in the city of Harrisonburg. This eclectically decorated gem boasts its own unique character, making it a one-of-a-kind home. 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths. MLS#644135 $353,900

0 Tanners Court, Rockingham

Come build at Meadowbrook--on this beautiful lot with mountain views!!! Build your dream house only minutes from the city, & get that country feel but have easy access to interstate 81 and Harrisonburg. 0.68 acres. MLS#639285 $79,000