An Eco-Friendly Home -Embrace Sustainable Living As environmental consciousness continues to grow, we see a growing number of homebuyers seeking to invest in eco-friendly homes. These sustainable residences not only contribute to a greener planet but also offer a host of benefits for homeowners, such as lower utility bills and improved indoor air quality. If you’re interested in purchasing an...
Home inspections are a crucial part of the homebuying process - yes, even in a hot market like the one we’ve been in. The purpose of a home inspection is to provide a buyer with a detailed report of the property's condition, including any defects or potential problems, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your purchase. By identifying any issues that may exist, you...
Is an Old Home the Choice for You? As you consider your next home, do you imagine a ca. 1910 Victorian in the Fan? Or perhaps a foursquare on Semmes Ave? Or an historic Church Hill Italianate? It’s easy to understand the appeal older homes hold with so many buyers–in addition to their character, many are part of unique neighborhoods with their own charm and history. Old homes have unique...
We know the steps, requirements and expenses when becoming a first-time homebuyer can feel overwhelming. At Ruckart Real Estate, we know becoming a first-time homebuyer only happens once. We're here to make you feel comfortable and be in the best position to purchase the home of your dreams. Many people don’t realize there are special advantages and programs created to encourage new entrants into the...
A housing bubble is generally determined if there is a rapid price appreciation that is detached from the normal reasons in price increases or decreases. Why are home prices increasing? Long-term trends (housing supply) and immediate factors (COVID) are the primary factors in home prices today. A Freddie Mac report found in 2018 that the housing shortage was at 2.5 million homes; in 2020, that number...
It’s no secret working from home has become the new normal for many of us. The past 18 months have taught us the importance of having a home that supports your life, family, and work. Experts estimate that 25-30% of Americans will work from home multiple days per week by the end of 2021. This has multiple implications for the housing market, both nationally and in the Greater Richmond...
In today’s highly competitive real estate market in Richmond, house hunting can seem like a combat sport. With multiple offer scenarios now the norm and homes consistently selling for well above their asking prices, it’s easy to get caught up in the madness — which can quickly lead to costly house-hunting mistakes. You may have to be quite nimble to find your dream house in the current market, but...
When you’re looking to buy a home in the Richmond region, you might think that any old real estate agent can help you find and close on the right place. Some rookies might even just call the listing agent of a property that interests them and move forward from there. But that would be a mistake. Homebuyers can benefit greatly by seeking out a real estate agent with special training to serve their...
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer applying for a mortgage or you’re a real estate expert, the process of securing funds to purchase a home can seem daunting. That’s why having an experienced, knowledgable loan officer on your team is crucial. Bonus points if they're local to Richmond. With that in mind, we chatted with Courtney Ficken, a loan officer at First Home Mortgage, about some of the...
After months of living through the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are rethinking what we want out of our homes. Some are choosing to take advantage of historically low interest rates and upgrade to a larger, more expensive home. Others are being inspired to move into a smaller, less expensive home. Those who are opting to downsize their Richmond homes are often coming out ahead financially. Whether...