About Richmond City County, VA

Virginia Aviation Museum

We just returned from a trip and flew from Richmond Virginia. We had a few extra minutes so we stopped at the Virginia Aviation Museum. They have over 30 historic vintage aircraft.

Including a reproduction of the Wright’s 1903 Flyer and a SR-71 spy plane!

They even have the luxurious 1936 Vultee V1-AD once owned by William Randolph Hearst.

Open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Located in front of the Richmond Airport.

Well worth the trip if you are traveling this way!

WHO KNOWS! At this point reports regarding extending the government tax credit seem to be changing by the hour. On Monday reports stated it would under no circumstances be extended; by Thursday the media was a-buzz with a potential compromise that will extend the timeframe. The on-again/off-again tax credit extension includes numerous revisions of what may be included if it survives the current November 30^th deadline. By the time you read this, it may have changed yet again!

Regardless of the pending tax credit compromise, market indicators point to the probability that home sales will continue to improve in our area as unemployment decreases and the stock market rises. We can anticipate higher home prices, and perhaps an increase in interest rates, by the first of the year. This does not necessarily mean we are out of the proverbial woods, but it certainly supports conditions where new home starts and improved residential re-sales in Richmond will steadily rise.

So, anticipate positive changes in the real estate market, and understand that it's a wonderful time to buy and sell a home. Get moving now while conditions for great housing opportunities remain available, with or without the tax credit. Contact your most trusted real estate professional so you may secure the home you are looking for today.

John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, a Long & Foster Company, and is also a Licensed Architect. Contact John or Ann VanderSyde for more information at (804) 282-7300.

Did you know that approximately 85% of people looking for homes use a REALTOR®? In spite of the fact that the majority of home buyers start their search on the internet, they still choose to work with a real estate professional once they are committed to a serious home search.

Realtors don't control housing information the way they did twenty years ago, before MLS and computer based systems began sharing information freely across cyber space. What they do provide is an in-depth knowledge of homes and property values that only comes from daily interaction with other professionals, buyers and sellers. This constant commodity awareness is the same reason we chose to work with professionals in other parts of our lives. Why should buying a home be any different?

On average, it takes ten weeks for someone to find the home they intend to purchase. During this period it is no surprise that purchasers want the guidance that knowledgeable sales agents bring to the table. Not to mention, attention to detail and individual representation during unusual times where nothing in a housing transaction can be taken for granted. In order to be successful, someone must be on your side, looking out for your interests, and representing your needs, wants and desires.

So, start looking for your next home the same way 87% of buyers do, on the internet. But don't hesitate to get your most trusted real estate professional involved in the process early; they provide information not accessible online, along with the advice and guidance you will need to begin a serious search, and to find the home that best suits you.

John VanderSyde is an Associate Broker with Virginia Properties, A Long & Foster Company, and is also a Licensed Architect. You can learn more about John and Ann by visiting www.InSydeHomes.com or by calling (804) 282-7300

Mr. George Hostetler, owner and operator, was inspired to make a difference in his community when one of his neighbors experienced a dryer fire

Richmond, VA – Mr. George Hostetler, franchisee, of Dryer Vent Wizard, a dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation company, finds his business a rewarding. “I purchased the dryer vent cleaning franchise this summer, after my neighbor had a dryer fire,” said George. “Over 15,000 dryer fires are reported every year; I’m committed to making a difference and educating my community to reduce dryer fires and help save energy.”

The company Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes Safe Homes is a member of the National Fire Protection Association and the largest chain of dryer vent cleaning, repair, replacement and alternation specialists in the U.S. with over 50 franchisees in major markets. In joining efforts with the NFPA, Dryer Vent Wizard is providing advice to consumers to minimize the risk of dryer fires.

George Hostetler and other Dryer Vent Wizard owners are encouraged to write articles and post them to blogs on tips to prevent dry fires and to increase public awareness in the importance of proper dryer vent installation. “Dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually to prevent fires and increase dryer efficiency,” said Hostetler. “In addition, dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer vent installation also increases the life of your clothes dryer as it decreases drying time and reduces wear and tear on your clothes.”

Dryer Vent Wizard franchisee, George Hostetler, advises proper maintenance of dryer vents, including checking the lint screen before each load of laundry and cleaning after each load. They also advise consumers to have their dryer vent system checked and professionally cleaned annually. Dryer vents should meet the manufacturer’s codes as well as city and state codes. By law, all gas dryers in the United States must be vented to the outdoors. Visit http://www.dryerventwizard.com for more information.

Contact:

George Hostetler

Dryer Vent Wizard of Central Virginia

403 N. Allen Av

Richmond, VA 23220

Phone: 804-614-6869

Email: ghostetler@dryerventwizard.com

The Richmond Metro area suprisingly saw a slight 5% decrease in month to month sales in September. The market "felt" active in September as buyers were scrambling to beat the November 30th deadline for the Homebuyer Tax Credit. We continued the positive year over year sales trend with a 15% increase in sales from last year at this time.

As expected, Days on Market nosedived to 67 days in September. Overall- the market in Richmond continues to improve as mortgage rates remain at historically low levels and home price affordability has improved dramatically. Even as we move into the historically slower time of year, we continue to see positive signs from the Richmond Metro market.

New Listings 2,229 in September, down from 2,212 in August.

New Under Contract 974 in September, down 5% from 1,021 in August. Again we saw a dramatic 15% increase in sales over the same time in 2008.

Closed Listings 653 in September, down from a revised 762 in August.

Total Available Listings 7,480 in September, down from 7,607 in August.

# of Months Supply of Houses 7.68 in September, relatively unchanged from 7.45 in August

Avg Days on Market- SFH 67 in September, down from 84 in August and down from 88 in January

Avg Days on Market-Condo 76 in September, down from 94 in August.

An interesting statistic this month is the Ratio of Sale Price for Single Family Homes to the List Price. The average sales price to list price ration in September was 96.48%. This statistic means that on average, the sales price of the home was 96.48% of the asking price. Now it's more important than ever to price your home correctly. This statistic DOES NOT account for price decreases prior to the sale...so the actual sale price to asking price is likely lower.