Real Estate Showcase - February 2023

Real Estate

Level landscaped lot with nice views of the Peak.

See Page 8

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

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

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

3350 Argyle Court, Rockingham

THE PERFECT COMPLIMENT OF QUALITY AND WISDOM! One level living and bathed in natural light, the open foyer, dining room and living room with high ceilings offer inviting possibilities.4 bedrooms, 3 full baths. MLS #631544 $839,900

62 Fleetwood Road, Staunton

Ask about Seller contribution toward purchaser’s points or closing costs. This hillside home sits on .72 of an acre and has splendid year ‘round views! 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS# 632533 $369,000.

475 Eagle Lane, Harrisonburg

FAIRWAY HILLS - On the golf course with over an acre of park-like well maintained grounds, this home is designed for living! 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS #624942 $700,000

3365 Battery Park Place, Rockingham

Beautiful recently built end unit at Preston Lake. Just what you’ve been looking for. Nestled on the edge of the subdivision. Provides a front porch and patio, large greenspace area in the back. 3 bedrooms, 2 full and 1 half bath. MLS#630887 $345,000

201 Bartley Street, Dayton

Elegant home with lovely views located in desirable South Breeze Estates! Upon entering the front door you will be immediately impressed with the overall attention to detail and the quality of craftsmanship. 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths. MLS #635969, $535,000

2725 Knollwood Drive, Staunton

We think your home should rise to greet you when you come home! This one will! This all brick home is inviting and has been beautifully maintained and loved.4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS# 636264 $305,000

UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT SOLD

1297 S Montevideo Cir, Penn Laird

Beautiful views of farmland & the Blue Ridge Mountains plus a great location make this home perfect for first time home buyers or as an investment property. 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath. MLS# 637166 $274,000.

15 Village Square, Harrisonburg

Townhouse for sale near Park View!

Recently updated, mountain views, close to EMU. 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath,, 2 half baths. MLS#: 638000 $195,000

Lot 4 Layman Trestle Road, Rockingham

Splendid sweeping views on this beautiful gently rolling 5.24 acre tract. Just 5 or so minutes from the Mall area and city limits. MLS# 636077 $185,000

Lot 2 Long Bow Acres, Elkton

Attractive mostly level wooded lot in large tract subdivision off Rt 340. This property has a survey on file with platted location for an alternative septic system along with uploaded septic approval letter. MLS# 533392 $86,900

Signs A Home Exterior Needs Updating

Renovations are a great way for homeowners to reshape their homes. Some may aspire to renovate so their home is more reflective of their personal taste, while others may do so in an effort to make their homes better align with modern styles and sensibilities. Regardless of why a homeowner chooses to renovate, the need to do so is often evident to the naked eye, especially when the time comes to update home exteriors.

Curb appeal is often discussed in regard to the effects it can have when selling a home. But curb appeal is equally important for homeowners who arenÕt putting their homes on the market. A well-maintained, aesthetically appealing home is a source of pride, while a home with fading curb appeal can make homeowners feel a little sheepish. Homeowners who want their homes to

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

maintain their curb appeal can look for signs that it’s time to update their home exteriors.

• Curling shingles: The roof may not be the first thing

Opportunity awaits you, Aries. You just need to know where to look to get the best deal. Start chasing a er your heart’s desire because you could just get it this week.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

A nancial windfall could be just over the horizon, Taurus. Stay the course over the next several days and wait and see what falls into your lap. You may be very surprised.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

People in your life want the best for you, Gemini. Accept their support and good wishes and use each as a guiding light when challenges arise.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

e stars are all but shouting that you need some self-care right now, Cancer. Put aside all of the tasks you think you need to do and turn attention to tending to your own needs.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, your love interest seems like he or she is keeping something from you, but avoid drawing any conclusions. A surprise may be in store for you.

people think of when pondering curb appeal, but a damaged roof can contribute to problems that ultimately affect the exterior and interior of the home. Multi-

ple curling shingles indicate it’s time to replace the roof. The sight of curling shingles is not pretty, but the larger issue in such instances is the potential for costly water damage when water gets in through the affected shingles.

• Dated entry door: Many home improvement experts insist they can determine when a home was built or most recently renovated simply by looking at the front door. Steel and glass doors are popular in modern homes, so homeowners with front doors with ornate designs and oval glass inserts can likely benefit from an upgrade to their entryway. A modern front door can make a statement and real estate experts note how popular updated front doors are among buyers.

• Unsightly landscaping: It’s not only the physical components of the home that may

HOROSCOPES

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, take it slow may be the advice that is coming your way, but that might be hard right now. Your time is in demand and many people are seeking your expertise. Take a breath.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

You don’t have to travel too far to nd happiness this week, Libra. It’s in all the small things around you. No extraordinary gestures are needed to make you smile.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, a potential love match could be on the horizon. Approach this with caution, but don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and dreams with someone special.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Be careful when sharing your deepest desires and secrets, Sagittarius. ere are many people you can trust, so make an e ort to identify them before opening up.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, your dreams can take you far, but smarts and action need to factor into the equation as well. Start eshing out your plan and get moving.

suggest an update is necessary. Homeowners without a green thumb may have exterior landscaping that has seen better days. If a spring or summer day spent tending to your landscaping is not your ideal weekend pastime, then consider replacing unsightly landscaping with low-maintenance plants or hardscaping. These alternatives to more needy plants can create curb appeal without requiring any extra work for homeowners.

• Cracked driveways/ walkways: If the driveway looks like a busy road at the end of snow plowing season, chances are that’s adversely affecting the impression people have of your home. In addition, cracked walkways indicate a need for renovations, as these areas are front and center when welcoming guests.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Your friends can be a great help when you need some relationship advice this week, Aquarius. Seek their input and factor it into any decision you make.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, if a friend or family member causes drama for you, don’t let it get in your way. O er to help but be ready for this person to seek their own path.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

FEB. 19 Millie Bobby Brown, Actress (19)

FEB. 20 Rihanna, Singer (35)

FEB. 21 Sophie Turner, Actress (27)

FEB. 22 Rajon Rondo, Athlete (37)

FEB. 23 Dakota Fanning, Actress (29)

FEB. 24 O’Shea Jackson, Jr., Actor (32)

FEB. 25 Sean Astin, Actor (52)

Metro Creative

Upgrading a driveway and walkway is one way to update a home’s exterior and restore its curb appeal.

Minor Exterior Upgrades That Can Help Sell A Home

The home improvement industry has been booming for years, but forecasters are projecting a deceleration in 2023 and perhaps beyond. Estimates from the Home Improvement Research Institute, which is the leading market research resource for the home and building products industry, indicate that growth in the home improvement products market is expected to decelerate from 7.2 percent in 2022 to 1.5 percent in 2023. Inflation continues to affect consumer spending, and homeowners may be looking to spend less on renovations in the year ahead.

Minor upgrades that aren’t as costly as larger projects can still make a

big difference, especially among prospective buyers. When looking for minor upgrades that can help sell a home, homeowners can rely on Remodeling magazine’s annual ÒCost vs. Value Report.Ó That report analyzes costs for an assortment of remodeling projects and determines the value of those projects at resale. Though resale value depends on a host of variables, including location, the following are some relatively minor exterior upgrades that impress buyers and provide a strong return for homeowners.

• Garage door replacement: Garage doors matter more than sellers may recognize, as various real

estate professionals note that buyers appreciate homes with updated garage doors. That’s good news for homeowners, as the Ò2022 Cost vs. Value ReportÓ indicated homeowners recoup roughly 93 percent of their garage door replacement investment at resale. The average cost of such a job is right around $4,000, making this a budget-friendly remodeling project.

• Window replacement: The cost of new windows will depend on just how many windows must be replaced. But there’s no denying buyers like the idea of low emissivity (low-E) windows, which can cut energy bills by a significant amount over time. The Office of En -

ergy fficiency enewable Energy estimates that heat gain and heat loss through windows is responsible for between 25 and 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use, so sellers who can tell buyers they have new low-E windows

can emphasize those savings in home listings. The Ò2022 Cost vs. Value Report indicates that homeowners recoup roughly two-thirds of their investment in new windows at resale.

• Landscaping: Well-maintained land -

scaping is another home exterior component that can make a strong first impression on buyers. A recent survey of nearly 7,000 realtors conducted by the National Association of Realtors found that upgrading a landscape recouped roughly 83 percent of homeowners’ initial investment at resale. In addition, 11 percent of realtors surveyed indicated that an upgraded landscape was the decisive factor that closed the deal for the house.

Updating a home’s exterior doesn’t have to bust homeowners’ budgets. Many affordable projects also provide a substantial return at resale.

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

Metro Creative

Updated garage doors add curb appeal and provide a strong return on homeowners’ investment at resale.

Popular Kitchen Flooring Materials

Kitchens have long been considered the most popular gathering spaces in a home. That popularity compels millions of homeowners to renovate their kitchens each year, and the return on those investments is often significant.

A number of variables, including the value of neighboring homes and how quickly homeowners sell their homes after a renovation, affect the return on investment with a given project. According to Remodeling magazine’s “2021 Cost vs. Value Report,” homeowners recouped roughly 72 percent of their investment in a minor kitchen remodel at resale. That’s a sizable return that outperformed other popular upgrades, including vinyl siding replacement and wood deck additions.

When renovating kitchens, homeowners will have to consider various components within the

room, including the floors. Average flooring costs can be hard to calculate because they depend so heavily on homeowners’ choice of materials. The following are some popular flooring materials that homeowners can consider as they plan to renovate their kitchens. inyl inyl flooring is popu-

lar thanks in large part to its cost. According to the home remodeling experts at HomeAdvisor, vinyl flooring installation is much less costly than other types of flooring. But its budget-friendliness is not the only benefit of vinyl flooring, which HGTV notes is easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for

families that routinely confront spills and stains. HomeAdvisor notes that vinyl is the best waterproof material among all kitchen floors.

• Porcelain/ceramic tile: HomeAdvisor reports that the average cost to install porcelain or ceramic tile flooring is between $885 and $2,994. That’s less than the average cost to install stone or wood flooring. orcelain or ceramic tiles can be slippery when they get wet, though HGTV notes that some porcelain flooring tiles have been certified as slip-resistant by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Hardwood: It’s hard to beat hardwood when it comes to aesthetic appeal. Hardwood can be especially suitable in homes with open-concept floor plans that already have hardwood floors in surrounding rooms. HomeAdvisor notes that hardwood flooring

installation can be costly, which might make it a less realistic option for budget-conscious homeowners. According to HGTV, engineered wood planks may be something to consider in the kitchen, as these are designed to be less susceptible to humidity and temperature. That’s an important component to consider in the kitchen, where temperatures can fluctuate while meals are being prepared.

• Stone: Natural stone tile is another popular kitchen flooring material. HomeAdvisor traces that popularity to its wide variety of styles and price points, which make it a realistic option for homeowners working with budgets big and small. Stone tiles also provide a unique look because no two look the same, which might appeal to homeowners who want their kitchen floors to create a oneof-a-kind impression.

Affordable Ways To Make Homes More Appealing

Home trends come and go. Today’s must-have items tend to become tomorrow’s outdated features in the blink of an eye.

Homeowners who plan to stay in their current homes for years to come needn’t prioritize modern trends over personal preferences. However, homeowners looking to sell their homes can consider these favored features to increase their properties’ appeal to modern buyers.

• Separate laundry room: According to the National Association of Home Builders’ 2021 What Home Buyers Really Want report, a separate room dedicated to laundry was the most desired feature among prospective home buyers. Though it might not inspire the awe of an outdoor living room or floor-to-ceiling win-

464

$1,000,000 #627608

dows overlooking a wooded backyard, a laundry room fills a direct and universal need.

• Exterior lighting: Drive through a modern suburban neighborhood at night and it won’t take long before you realize the popularity of exterior lighting. And that’s no coincidence, as homeowners everywhere appear to embrace exterior lighting. The NAHB report indicates that exterior lighting is the most sought-after outdoor feature. The good news for prospective sellers is that exterior lighting is an inexpensive and instant way to transform a property at night. Some solar-powered lighting along walkways and outside the front door can make a home feel more safe.

• Energy-efficient upgrades Inflation has driven

727 S. Main St.,Mount Crawford

3 BR, 1½ bath with lovely river views! Sit on the large back and side deck and take it all in. Side yard fenced, lots of closets & built-ins, wood oors.

$205,000 #625561

112 Mossy Creek Rd, Mount Solon

1.36 Acres of serene countryside living, 3 BR, 1800 SF nished, updated & well maintained, numerous, storage buildings & 2 car garage, workshop.

$299,900 #633429

up the cost of just about everything over the last yearplus, and energy is no exception. So it should come as no surprise that 83 percent of prospective home buyers are looking for energy-efficient windows and appliances in a home.

• Patio: Patio spaces have long been popular, but that popularity reached new heights during the pandemic. When forced to stay at home for long periods of time, millions of people longed for ways to spend more time outdoors without breaking lockdown rules.

• Side-by-side sink: A double or side-by-side sink is among the more affordable features buyers are looking for. At less than $1,000 on average, a sideby-sink is an affordable way to make a home more appealing to modern buyers.

Hickory Grove Circle,

CLUES DOWN

1. Gastropods

2. Confusing

3. Romanian monetary unit

4. e rate at which something proceeds

5. A prosperous state of well-being

6. Asked for forgiveness

7. Makes less so

8. Part of speech

9. Outside

10. Advice or counsel

11. Badness

12. Protein-rich liquids

14. Not moving

15. Call it a career

18. Poetry term

20. Not wide

24. Pastries

26. Turns away

28. Satis es

30. Gi adornments

32. San Diego ballplayers

34. Manufacturing plant

35. Check or guide

37. Dogs do it

38. Chilled

40. Scorch

42. Unproductive of success

43. Electronic counter-countermeasures

45. Attack with a knife

47. Feel bad for

49. Enclosure

50. Assert

51. Geological times

55. Midway between east and southeast

CLUES ACROSS

1. Sea grape

5. European public health group (abbr.)

9. A way to delight

11. Appetizers

13. Ancient heralds’ wands

15. Make a booking

16. ‘__ death do us part

17. Pearl Jam frontman

19. Spider genus

21. Fill with high spirits

22. A major division of geological time

23. Catch

25. An independent ruler or chie ain

26. Electronic music style (abbr.)

27. In uential Spanish cubist painter

29. Illegally persuades

31. A way to derive

33. British School

34. Appear alongside

36. Surely (archaic)

38. Harsh cry of a crow

39. A day in the middle

41. Kansas hoops coach Bill

43. e longest division of geological time

44. e rst sign of the zodiac

46. Appetizer

48. Link together in a chain

52. A bacterium

53. In a way, forces apart

54. Cheese dish

56. Combines

57. In an inferior way

58. Colors clothes

59. Dried-up

SHENANDOAH ELKTON STANLEY

Home Sweet Home! Take a look at this well kept 3-bedroom, 1 bath ranch located in town near the park and river activities. Cozy living room, large eat-in kitchen, all one one level with easy access. $199,900. Call or text Dana Roach at 540-742-9581. Online www.MassanuttenRealty.com

Still paying rent? Take a look at this spacious 3-bedroom 2 bath home located near schools, dining, shopping and more! Great place to call home, needs a little freshening up, ready for your ideas now! $239,900. Call or text Gary Mitchell at 540-578-0178 to view. online www.MassanuttenRealty.com

Updated and well maintained brick ranch, offering 5-bedrooms 2 baths in a peaceful location with quick access to the National Forest, Shenandoah Park and river activities. Some of the updates include a HVAC, Generac 7.5 generator, nice town lot and move in ready! $239,900. Call or text Nick Whitelock at 540-383-9601 online www.MassanuttenRealty.com

BATTLEFIELD ELKTON HARRISONBURG

Well cared for 1-owner home, offering more than 3000 sq. feet, 4-bedrooms 2 full 1 half bath on a level landscaped lot with nice views of the Peak. Spacious floorplan, hardwood flooring & tile on the main level, superb sun room, over ½ lot with a wonderful private deck. $509,900. Call or text Jeff Konstant at 540-9081877 online www.MassanuttenRealty.com

Unique property, updated double wide on 1 acre , storage building & she shed too! Home offers 3-bedrooms 2 baths, mostly handicap accessible, room for your garden & animals! Offered $255,000. Call or text Shelia

5 ACRES MASSANUTTEN VILLAGE

5 acres+/- (exact Acreage