The Liz Moore Market Watch Blog

By: Liz Moore

I have an elderly aunt in the Bay Area of San Francisco who is thinking about moving into a senior community.  Before I reached out to find a great REALTOR in her market to begin exploring selling her home, I googled “average prices in Walnut Creek California” and here was what I got:

Wow.  If I were simply a consumer trying to pinpoint market value, I would see answers ranging from $777,000 to $1.1M.  That’s over a $300,000 swing!  True, there is a difference between median and average, and also a difference between pending and sold…but, still – that’s a LOT of potential cash left on the table if an unwitting homeowner were to go it alone.

There is a HUGE difference between artificial intelligence and “live” intelligence.  Pricing a property is tricky business, and even more so in our current volatile market.  Relying on an algorithm like Zillow or Redfin misses all the nuances of the local market that only an experienced agent can bring to the table.  Even then, it takes hours of study and thoughtful comparison and adjustment to do a thorough job, because every sold property is unique.  Even for me with almost 40 years of experience in real estate, I wouldn’t begin to be able to accurately determine fair market value in a different state (and if I pretended that I could, it would be irresponsible).

Want to hear something really interesting?  I logged into ChatGPT (an artificial intelligence source) and asked for the average sales price in Walnut Creek, California.  Guess what it returned?  “to obtain accurate and reliable information on the average sales price in Walnut Creek, California, I would recommend that you contact a local real estate professional.”

Hmmmm.  Pretty intelligent 😊.

Are you looking for the fair market value of your home?  Email me your address!

By: Lauren Cummings

Yorktown Presents:
Independence Day Celebration at Yorktown Beach

What better place to celebrate where the U.S. gained independence from Britain than the place it was won? The town’s traditional Independence Day Celebration at Yorktown Beach is a full-day event with so much to see and do to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day:

8 AM : Start off the day cheering on participants or participating in the Yorktown Independence Day 8k Run/Walk at York High School!

9 AM : The Patriotic Parade begins! The parade will be throughout Water and Main Streets. Find a good spot and enjoy the awesome festive atmosphere and community.

1 PM : Family Games and Kids’ Activities at Riverwalk Landing are so much fun for the whole family. There is even a hotdog eating contest!

2 PM : Enjoy a performance by Acoustical Guitarist Phil Poteat at Riverwalk Landing Stage. We love to support local artists! Find him on Instagram: @philpoteatmusic

4 PM : Event Parking Opens at Cook Road and Ballard Street – early bird gets the worm! Parking closes at capacity, however, there are shuttles that will be running for parking further away from the festivities. We want you to have a stress-free experience; check the link below for even more details to prevent any difficulty with parking.

7 PM : The Fifes and Drums of Yorktown Performance and The Reading of the Declaration of Independence Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony is at the Riverwalk Landing Stage. American history buffs and patriotic guests will love this extra-special event!

8 PM : Enjoy more musical performances leading up to the grand firework display! The Super Jazz Band Concert Featuring Conni Ironmonger will be live at the Riverwalk Stage.

9:15 PM : Finally, what we’ve all been waiting for! Fireworks start at 9:15 PM over the York River. They can be seen from Yorktown Waterfront and Victory Monument.

Click here to check out the full calendar, and discover even more details by clicking “View the 2023 Lineup”.

Sources:

“Independence Day Celebration.” York County Tourism, VA, visityorktown.org/Calendar.aspx?                                                  EID=4034&month=7&year=2023&day=4&calType=0.

Newport News Presents:
4^th of July Stars in the Sky

Head over to Victory Landing Park for an evening full of patriotic spirit and festive activities! The kids will enjoy face painting and inflatables, and there is plenty of entertainment for the whole family. You’ll get to see live musical performances and keep an eye out for strolling entertainers decked out in red, white, and blue attire!

Come hungry! There will be plenty of all-American food to enjoy such as hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, snow cones, and more. Grab a free light-up giveaway to light up the crowd as the sun goes down!

Live music will be playing from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, followed by a spectacular firework display presented by the internationally award-winning Pyrotecnico! The fireworks will light up the James River and can be seen from the event grounds.

Click here for more event details, directions, and safety restrictions.

Source:

“4th of July Stars in the Sky - Events & Festivals - Newport News Tourism Development Office.” 4th of July Stars in the Sky - Events & Festivals - Newport News Tourism Development Office, www.newport-news.org/visitors/events-and-festivals/3304/4th-of-july-stars-in-the-sky/.

By: Lauren Cummings

Plan your weekend trip to Williamsburg, Virginia with a thought-out itinerary from local insiders. We love sharing the beauty of our hometown, and we are so excited to show you why we love where we live!

Book Your Stay

Book your stay in Williamsburg at one of our most-trusted favorites.

Kingsmill Resort is AAA Four Diamond Condominium Golf Resort – a luxury golf and spa destination. The resort nestles on the James River and is a short drive away from Busch Gardens. You can choose to stay in a 3–4-bedroom cottage, a room, or a condo. Regardless of what you choose, your stay is sure to be comfortable, scenic, and immaculately clean.

Colonial Williamsburg Resorts offer deals for admission to Colonial Williamsburg when booking directly:

For a modern luxury experience mixed with southern charm, book your stay at the Williamsburg Lodge. Enjoy a spa day, purchase a golf course package, and dine at Traditions. The dining spot is a comfortable and classic restaurant located in the resort. Bringing your dog? They have rooms that are dog-friendly!

The Williamsburg Inn embraces an impressive Regency style with a combination of the old world and modern luxuries. Those who have dined at the inn can attest to the elevated culinary options. This resort also offers dog-friendly rooms for guests.

Rise & Shine

Early bird gets the worm! Start your day with an invigorating morning stroll with views of the water and the wildlife that occupies it.

Bassett Trace Nature Trail is a birding “hotspot” and is a delightful way to spend the morning! Walk the 1.4-mile trail and explore the woodlands that are home to native plants and 40 different bird species.

You may crave a coffee and a nice breakfast to re-fuel after your morning activities. We’ve got you covered!

Aromas is a highly rated café and is known for its gourmet coffee, refreshing smoothies, and relaxing ambiance. It’s a great place to stop before your day in Colonial Williamsburg to get caffeinated or after for a cooldown from your day of activity.

What to Do and Where to Go?

There are a variety of activities that can fill up your itinerary for your stay in Williamsburg. Even as a local, these never get old!

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is known as being the World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park. It should be on your list of things to do during your stay if you enjoy attractions such as rides and rollercoasters, performances, and great food! The park’s theme is Europe, and there are four different countries to “visit” in the park. Planning for the Summer? Check out Water Country USA – Busch Gardens’ sister water park!

When visiting Williamsburg, touring Colonial Williamsburg in the Historic Triangle is a must for those curious about American history. There is so much to learn, see, and discover within the historical triad – also including Yorktown Battlefield and the Jamestown Settlement.

Wine & Dine

The immaculate Williamsburg Winery is a must-visit for those who enjoy the finer things in life. The epic vineyards offer a beautiful view from the restaurant located on the estate. The Williamsburg Tasting Trail follows four of the best wineries in the state of Virginia and are all within a one-hour drive of Williamsburg. The tasting trail features a variety of breweries and distilleries, with a total of 12 stops.

Good Eats

Decisions, decisions. Choosing a place to eat in Williamsburg is no easy feat – there are so many great choices! Don’t fret, we’ll let you in on which restaurants are at the top of our list.

Williamsburg’s only outdoor bar and restaurant, Berret’s Seafood Restaurant, doesn’t only have amazing entrees – they also provide entertainment and ambiance. The outdoor style is perfect for the warmer seasons, and the menu provides a variety of delicious seafood and rotating draft beers. They have one dollar oysters everyday from 11:30 am through 7:00 pm – go get them while the gettins’ good!

Casa Pearl is an oyster and taco restaurant with an eclectic cuisine that focuses on locally sourced fresh ingredients. The raw bar features fish and shellfish from the Chesapeake Bay region, which then become a cuisine that is described as, “Latin-inspired with a southern twist.” Because who doesn’t love tacos?

One of our favorite restaurants here at LMA is the award-winning restaurant, La Tienda. This restaurant will make you feel like you stepped into Spain. From the European-inspired décor to the delicious menu offering tapas, entrees, and sangria, you will be delighted with an authentic Spanish culinary experience.

Don’t forget to stop by The Cheese Shop during your visit in Colonial Williamsburg! There are so many unique goods to shop in the small store, and they also serve fresh sandwiches that are the talk of the town. Make sure to order the Original House Dressing!

Nightlife

Precarious Beer Project is the place to go for a good time. The brewery has a variety of local beers on draft with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating space. The decked-out arcade makes this place especially unique. Get your nostalgia fix with the Pinball machines, get competitive with your pals in Pop-A-Shot, and so much more!

For the bravest of visitors, Williamsburg Ghost Tours is an awesome activity to do when the sun goes down. The guided tours take those who dare to, “the most frighteningly haunted places in the entire world.” The tours run every night at 8:00pm, 9:00pm, and 10:00pm. But beware, these tours are the real deal!

A Short Drive Away

For even more to do and see during your stay, check out more of our recommendations in Richmond, the Peninsula, and the Northern Neck!

Visit any of our favorite spots during your stay? Let us know about your experience on lizmoore.com!

In our first ever issue of the Liz Moore & Associates Marketing Insider, we highlight all the great work our team has done in the first half of 2023 in the realms of marketing and charity in our communities.  Check it out!

By: Lauren Cummings

Plan your weekend trip to Virginia’s Peninsula with a thought-out itinerary from local insiders. We love sharing the beauty of our hometown, and we are so excited to show you why we love where we live!

Book Your Stay

Book your stay at one of our most-trusted favorites.

The Lodge at Kiln Creek is an upscale boutique hotel and resort that offers luxury and comfort. It is conveniently located in Newport News and is on the border of York County. You will be in proximity to various attractions and restaurants – more than likely, what you have planned for the weekend will be within a 20-minute drive from the resort.

For a great location on Yorktown Beach, book your stay at Yorktown Beach Hotel. You will be staying on the water with a beautiful view and will be within walking distance of all the restaurants and attractions Yorktown Beach and Yorktown Battlefield has to offer.

Rise & Shine

Start your day with a morning stroll before you refuel at a local coffee and brunch spot.

The Noland Trail is a beautiful lakeside walking trail. You will likely see local wildlife that live peacefully in the water and nearby woodlands – birds, turtles, and even deer may be spotted! The full trail is 5 miles long and is divided into shorter trails if you are looking for a shorter morning stroll.

Find which path best suits your interests at marinersmuseum.org/park/noland-trail/

Mobjack Coffee Roasters and Petite Café is located in the heart of Historic Yorktown Village. If you’re staying in Yorktown, this is the place to go for a coffee in the morning! The charming coffee spot serves treats and sweets, imported roasts, and also offers coffee beans for purchase if you find that you would like to take a piece of Yorktown home with you.

If you are staying in Newport News, it’s worth stopping by Café Full Circle. This coffee and breakfast spot offers locally roasted coffee, brunch all day, and pressed juice and smoothies. It has a clean, calming atmosphere and has something for everyone.

What to Do and Where to Go

There is something for everyone to enjoy on the Peninsula - all within a 20-minute drive from your resort.

As one point of the Historic Triangle, the Yorktown Battlefield is full of historical sights. It is nestled along the York River and is a great spot to spend the day on the water. Have lunch at Yorktown Pub, Waterstreet Grill, or Carrot Tree Kitchen. For dessert, Ben and Jerry’s is conveniently located between these dining spots. In the warm seasons, there are special themed markets to browse and shop from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturdays.

Check which market is scheduled for your visit: visityorktown.org/225/Market-Days

Hampton Coliseum is a multipurpose arena, hosting a variety of shows and events. It is worth checking their website to see which shows are offered during your visit! There are a variety of shows that are booked at the Hampton Coliseum, including the popular Hampton Jazz Festival.

Check out which events are scheduled during your stay at hamptoncoliseum.org/events.

The Virginia Living Museum is a great spot for a fun date or a day for the family. This museum is a sanctuary for some of Virginia’s precious wildlife such as otters, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, deer, and the endangered red wolves. There are a variety of species to observe and discover – amphibians, birds, reptiles, and more!

Plan your visit: thevlm.org/your-visit/

Explore space at the Virginia Air & Space Science Center, also serving as the visitors center for NASA’s Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base. The kids are sure to have a fun time with the hands-on exhibits, and those of all ages that love aircraft history are in for a treat! The museum is also home to the IMAX theater, offering a variety of shows that range from educational to pure entertainment.

Purchase your tickets here: https://vasc.org/tickets/

Farmers Markets

Take a piece of the peninsula home with you by visiting one of our local farmers markets!

The Farmers Market in Hilton Village, Newport News is year-round and offers a variety of local vendors. Listen to live music and browse locally grown produce, flowers, handmade items, and so much more! You will feel the strong sense of community while attending and will more than likely find something you love to bring home with you. Stop by during your stay from 9-12 pm on Saturday.

In addition to the special markets in Yorktown, the Yorktown
Market Days opens on Saturdays April 8^th to Sept. 30^th from 8-12 pm, and Oct. 1 to Nov. 28^th from 9-12 pm. Shop for seasonal produce, fresh seafood, handmade items, and enjoy live entertainment from local artists.

Wine & Dine

Sipping on local wines and exploring new flavors – what could be better for a wine lover?

Vintner’s Cellar Winery of Yorktown offers personal wine events and tastings. The urban winery is a destination in Yorktown to not only taste local fruit-fusion wines, but also learn about winemaking and custom wines. The winery takes reservations for daily tasting events, so check their website and RSVP for a personalized wine-tasting experience.

You can RSVP here: vintnerscellaryorktown.com/events

The family-owned Hampton Roads Winery is in the beautiful rural area of Elberon, just south of Surry, across the James River from Jamestown. The peaceful and secluded winery is a destination for wine tasters and those who are seeking a beautiful view. The tasting bar is open from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm, Thursday through Monday.

Check their website to see if they are hosting a sip and paint class during your visit!

hamptonroadswinery.com

Good Eats

There are plenty of great spots to eat in Hampton Roads, but we have listed a few of our favorites to help you narrow down your choices.

Just over the James River Bridge towards Gloucester, York River Oyster Company offers a beautiful view on the riverside and a menu providing seafood options and American dishes. Their mac and cheese egg rolls are a popular choice or try their fresh oysters with a cold beer on tap. It is worth planning your visit during the sunset with a table on the outside patio.

Fin Seafood is in William Styron Square in Port Warwick, offering seasonal, organic ingredients. Chef Kenny Sloane described the menu as “refined yet robust”. The exciting menu extends to the cocktail options. The exceptional service will prove to offer a catered experience during your meal. If you would like to enjoy live entertainment, sit out on the patio with glowing lanterns that offer a superior ambiance.

Along with the southern atmosphere, this County Grill & Smokehouse serves some of the best ribs and barbeque around! The savory sides, corn bread, and drink specials make this a destination for locals and visitors alike. You won’t leave hungry!

Nightlife

The day hasn’t ended yet! Try out some of our trusted spots for a drink and live entertainment.

Cozzy’s Comedy Club and Tavern is a memorable destination for a night out. Order a delicious meal and enjoy a beverage with live entertainment and stand-up comedy. The comedians put on a great show, and the food is great too!

To buy tickets, visit: https://venue-cozzys-comedy-club-490.seatengine.cloud/events

Tradition Brewing was the first brewery to be established in Newport News and has a reputation as being a local beer destination. Have a drink and relax! Draft beers are offered seasonally, however there are year-round beers that stay consistent. Some year-round draft beers worth mentioning are the Blood Orange Gose, Red Willie, and Tradition Honey Brown Ale.

A Short Drive Away

For even more to do and see during your stay, check out more of our recommendations in Richmond, Williamsburg, and the Northern Neck!

Try any of these spots, or find any worth noting? Let us know at lizmoore.com!

A team of agents from the Liz Moore & Associates Richmond office spent a day volunteering with the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program by helping hang drywall at Habitat two homes.

Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program brings together women from all walks of life to address the housing crisis facing millions of women and children worldwide. In the last two years, Women Build has engaged more than 300 ladies in building and raised more than $100,000 for local projects! 

Women Build is unique to other build opportunities in that ladies also pay a registration donation that supports the fundraising goal for that build project. 

Click here to join Women Build 2023.

Contact Information:
Liz Moore
President, Liz Moore & Associates
757-645-4106
liz@lizmoore.com 

Release Date:
May 15, 2023

Liz Moore & Associates Holds Charity Golf Tournament and Beer Release to Benefit Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters

Liz Moore & Associates held their first ever Charity Golf Tournament as part of their year long 20^th Anniversary celebration on Wednesday, May 3^rd at Williamsburg National. Over $36,000 was raised for the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the success of our very first charity tournament; so many of the golfers, as well as our agents, have had incredibly positive experiences with CHKD – we are blessed to have them in our community,” says Liz Moore.

Liz Moore & Associates also teamed up with the Virginia Beer Company to release a 20^th Anniversary Commemorative Beer to have available at the golf tournament, as well as at the private beer release party the night before. What If?, the citra hazy IPA, is named after the very first marketing campaign Liz Moore ran when the company opened. This initial campaign challenged the status quo of listing a home and asked “What If” your agent was able to take away some of the stress in selling. Liz Moore & Associates prides itself on its “No Surprises” program that offers a home inspection, staging consultation, and appraisal all before the home is even listed so sellers can get ahead of any surprises that may occur in the selling process.

“We are so excited to announce our collaboration with Va Beer Company, who crafted a special brew for us called What If? We are grateful to them for their generosity and support of our mission. Every pint of What If? sold will help us donate to CHKD, a local charity that provides medical care and services to children in need. Cheers to Va Beer Company, CHKD, and another 20 years of asking What If?” says Jake Evans, Director of Operations for Liz Moore and Associates.

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The Liz Moore & Associates Property Management Department recently hosted a Cinco de Mayo Potluck with a Purpose to raise money for the SPCA.

Taco, margaritas, and more were served for a cash donation. In just a few hours, they raised more than $880 for this great cause.

Liz Moore & Associates’ Potluck with a Purpose lunches are held monthly and are hosted by agents and staff. The host cooks and provides lunch for a cash donation to the cause of their choice.

Welcome to the 2nd quarter 2023 edition of Market Talk! 

My goal is to walk through what’s happening in the market, and bring some clarity to those of you who are making real estate decisions this Spring and Summer.

The 4th quarter of 2022 saw a sharp rise in interest rates which cooled the frenzied housing market considerably. This was the result of the Fed’s rapid hikes to the federal funds rate in the final months of last year in an effort to halt inflation.

Rates doubled, which translated to a 38% increase in a typical monthly payment for a home buyer, which in turn caused a large number of buyers to put the brakes on their home searches.

As a result, we began 2023 with a much different temperature in the market than most of last year. The buyers who remained in the market in January were skittish, and frustrated by the rapid rate acceleration.

For the first time since before the pandemic, we began to see buyers offering less than asking price, and in some cases even getting seller concessions. Home inspections and appraisals became the 
norm again, and buyers found themselves in a better bargaining position to ask sellers to make repairs than they had been in a long time.

Richmond:

In February in our Richmond office, offers accepted for less than asking or at asking price were 62% of the market, while bidding wars were only happening on approximately 38% of the listings.

Just as buyers were beginning to feel that the market pendulum was swinging back to their favor, things heated up again in March. We saw a sharp rise in multiple offers as it became clear that the number of buyers was still outpacing the inventory.

By the time our March report was published, offers over the asking price had increased to 50% of all sales!

Peninsula:

In February in our Peninsula office, for example, offers accepted for less than asking or at asking price were 59% of the market, while bidding wars were only happening on approximately 39% of the listings.

Just as buyers were beginning to feel that the market pendulum was swinging back to their favor, things heated up again in March. We saw a sharp rise in multiple offers as it became clear that the number of buyers was still outpacing the inventory.

By the time our March report was published, offers over the asking price dipped just a bit to 36%.

Williamsburg

In February in our Williamsburg office, for example, offers accepted less than asking price climbed to over 50% of the market, while bidding wars were only happening on approximately 25% of the listings.

Just as buyers were beginning to feel that the market pendulum was swinging back to their favor, things heated up again in March. We saw a sharp rise in multiple offers as it became clear that the number of buyers was still outpacing the inventory.

By the time our March report was published, offers over the asking price doubled in 30 days, representing 50% of all sales.

Northern Neck

By the time our March report was published, offers over the asking price dipped just a bit to 36%.

It seems that the market is delivering mixed signals right now, but I believe what is really happening is that there are several different markets colliding at the same time:

• For listings that are well priced and in good condition, there are still fewer homes available than there are buyers who need or want to move, and so that segment of the market is still pretty “hot,” with multiple offers and sellers enjoying the upper hand.

• For those sellers who have jumped into the market at the last minute (fearing that they’ve missed the gravy train of 2021 and early 2022, and accordingly pushing the envelope with unrealistic prices), they are experiencing a longer time on the market, and weary buyers pushing back with lower offers containing normal contingencies.

Markets are also experiencing different activity levels based on price point and location, which can seem confusing. Now, more than ever, it’s important to have a seasoned agent advising you on negotiating strategies whether you’re a buyer or a seller (or both).

Thinking about making a move?  Let us guide you through these market conditions!

Contact Information:

 Liz Moore
President, Liz Moore & Associates
757-645-4106
liz@lizmoore.com

Release Date:
April 13, 2023

Liz Moore & Associates Ranked by RealTrends 500 Among Nation’s Best Brokerages 

Liz Moore & Associates is honored to be included in the Real Trends 500, a ranking of power brokers in the United States. Liz Moore & Associates was ranked #111 among private independent brokerages in the country, and #4 in Virginia, based on 2022 transaction sides. 

“This is an accomplishment we’re very proud of” says Liz Moore, President. “We’re celebrating our 20th anniversary in business this year, and it is a privilege to have had the opportunity to serve over 20,000 clients since we opened in 2003, making us one of the most successful boutique brokerages in the country.”

RealTrends has been ranking the nation’s best brokerages for 34 years. Companies are ranked based on sales volume and transaction sides; the RealTrends 500 represents the top half of one percent of all brokerages in the United States. 

RealTrends is a publishing and communications company considered to be a leading source of analysis and information of the residential real estate industry.

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Is your lease up this Summer?  Timing the end of a rental lease and the purchase of your first home doesn't have to be stressful.  Here's what you need to know.

Start with a local real estate agent who can help you manage your timeline. 

Your agent will help you:

Step 1: Get pre-qualified so you know how much you can comfortably afford.  There is grant money available to help you with down payment and closing costs…ask us more!

Step 2: Start your home search.

Step 3: Find the ideal home for you, and negotiate a contract with terms to suit your budget and your timetable.

Step 4: Love your first home!

If your lease is ending, let one of our agents guide you through the next steps.  Click here to get started!

Liz Moore & Associates will be holding their first Charity Golf Tournament as part of their year long 20^th Anniversary celebration on Wednesday, May 3^rd at Williamsburg National. Registration begins at 7:15 am and a shotgun start will be at 8:30 am.

All proceeds will go to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.

The cost to play is $500 per team. Food and drinks are provided. Hit a hole in one and win a car, thanks to Casey Toyota!

 Various sponsorships are available, as well as prizes, raffles, and more.

 “We are very excited about our first ever charity golf tournament! This will be a fun day for a great cause,” said Liz Moore. “We are truly blessed to have a world class facility like CHKD in our community. My son, Grayson, was in the NICU for 3 months after he was born, and we experienced firsthand the incredible care that CHKD provides.”

For more information, or to register and pay online, visit www.lizmoore.com/golf.

Contact Information:

 Liz Moore
President, Liz Moore & Associates
757-645-4106
liz@lizmoore.com 

Release Date:
February 14, 2023

Liz Moore & Associates Cupcake Wars 2023 Raises $20,846 for Charity

The Annual Liz Moore Cupcake Wars Fundraiser was held on February 10, 2023 and close to $21,000 was raised in just three hours, a new company record.

By: Liz Moore

Welcome to Market Talk!

I’m Liz Moore, President of Liz Moore & Associates, and today  we’re going to talk about what’s happening in the local real  estate market. This past year was a roller coaster ride, and  it has left many people questioning whether now is a good  time to move. The market is actually pretty complicated  these days, and it’s important to have a solid understanding  of what’s happening and how it will affect YOUR move.

My goal is to bring some clarity about what’s really happening in the market, and how you can leverage that to accomplish your personal real estate goals.

So, let’s get to it!

It's no secret that we love the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters here at LMA. Watch as Liz tells her family's story and talks about why CHKD is our corporate charity.

Liz Moore & Associates is back again this year with their annual Cupcake Wars! This philanthropic event benefits several favorite local charities.

Liz Moore & Associates broke a record last year, raising a grand total of $20,000 in just 3 hours across all offices located in Richmond, Newport News, Williamsburg, and Kilmarnock. This year, they expect to have another generous turnout.

It turns out that cupcake rivalry fueled by compassion can be truly inspiring. Attend this year’s Cupcake Wars to get a look (and a taste) of all the unique, creative, and delicious cupcakes! With various themes and ideas, these cupcakes are as much of an art form as they are a tasty treat. Raising donations for charity has never been so sweet!

Stop by on Friday, February 10^th from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at any of the Liz Moore & Associates locations. You can also donate online at https://bit.ly/LMAcupcakes.

2023 Charities

• Williamsburg and Newport News proceeds will go to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.
• Richmond proceeds will go to the Beacon Tree Foundation.
• Kilmarnock proceeds will go to the RAL Art Center’s smART Program for Young Artists.

Contact Information:

Liz Moore
President, Liz Moore & Associates
757-645-4106
liz@lizmoore.com

Release Date:
January 20, 2023

Liz Moore & Associates Cupcake Wars: Sweet, Sugary Rivalry for a Cause

Liz Moore & Associates is back again this year with their annual Cupcake Wars! This philanthropic event benefits several favorite local charities.

By: Lauren Cummings

There is something special about sharing books; the creases from where the previous reader was  gripped by the tension of the story, the dog  ear folds from where they had to mark their  place, or even the little notes they have left  behind as they jotted down their thoughts – these qualities don’t just add character to the book  itself, it creates connections between readers. We  may each experience a story differently, but it is up  to us to share them.

How It All Started

Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin was inspired by the  “take a book, leave a book” projects launched by coffee  shops and community buildings. He placed a Free Little Library in front of his residence as a tribute to his mother,  who was a schoolteacher with a passion for reading. All  it took was a few people to recognize the importance of  easy access to books for everyone, and from there, a chain  of free little libraries was established across the country.  As of 2022, 150,000 mini-libraries have been registered  across 115 countries worldwide.

What is a Little Free Library?

Little free libraries are exactly as they sound, and no library card is required. Little free libraries are usually 
placed by residents of the community or by volunteers  that are passionate about spreading knowledge and 
story magic to everyone. These mini libraries symbolize community, inspiration, and support.

How Can You Start One?

Creating your little free library is easier than ever with  the help of the non-profit organization behind it all, Little  Free Library. This organization has made it possible for  people to announce their library to the public and provide  access to resources to get noticed by the community. 
1. Identify a location and steward
2. Get a library – create one yourself or buy one
on the Little Free Library’s online store.
3. Register your library – see the QR code below.
4. Set up your steward account 
5. Build community support

Building Inspiration

If you want to get creative and don’t want to purchase  a mini-library from the online store, there are plenty 
of resourceful ways to create a mini-library. We have  seen people convert old microwaves into mini-libraries,  small dog houses, storage bins, and even an old  cabinet. The one thing to consider is if the structure is 
weather-proof material so no books are ruined; a door is ideal for this requirement.

Register your library or find one near you at www.littlefreelibrary.org.

By: Lauren Cummings

Some homeowners may argue that selling your home in the winter season is the best time of the year to be on the market. Here are a few reasons why:

• Prospective home buyers are serious, motivated, and ready to buy.

• Fewer choices on the market lead to less competition and receiving closer to your asking price.

• Some houses show even better over the holidays.

If you adjust your marketing approach to align with the advantages of the winter  season, the process will be exciting and inspiring for you and potential buyers. 

First Impressions Matter

• Buyers aren’t expecting to see lush green lawns in the wintertime, but lawn upkeep is a noticeable 
first impression. Trimming, edging, and discarding  leftover fall leaves and debris will go a long way 
toward impressing potential buyers.

• Outdoor lighting is especially important in the  dark winter months. Illuminate the pathway to 
your porch as a courtesy and the exterior of your  home to showcase it.

• Holiday lights are a decorative advantage of the season. Don’t hesitate to put up exterior lights;  however, leave room for potential buyers to use  their imagination – refrain from making it too 
visually cluttered.

Placing Interior Décor

• The same advice for interior holiday décor applies;  holiday décor adds to the beauty of the home, but 
keep in mind not to cover any marketable aspects that buyers will want to see, such as the stair railing. 

Creating a Warm Ambiance

• Lighting the fireplace, playing calming music, and  using subtle scents are great ways to make your home 
warm and inviting for showings.

• Adding throw pillows and throw blankets is a nice  touch and adds to the cozy ambiance. 

• Always leave the heat on for showings. Keeping  a warm temperature in the home offers a welcoming 
atmosphere and prevents chilly distractions. 

Applying this marketing strategy will compel the buyer to visualize their own space, creating excitement for the wintertime in their cozy new home.

Ready to get started?  We can help!  Click to find an agent in your area who can help you get your home sold this winter.