What Does Homeownership Mean to You?
Recently, I came across a podcast featuring Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s Chief Economist. Much of the conversation was what you might expect—housing market predictions for 2025, what Zillow got wrong about 2024, and a breakdown of trends shaping real estate across the country. In other words, the kind of
Virginia Beach Culinary Gem: Coconut Shrimp Dreams & Wood-Fired Wonders
Let's talk about coconut shrimp, shall we? Because I'm pretty sure I just experienced shrimp nirvana at this place! Seriously, the coconut shrimp was hands-down the best I've ever tasted. Every bite was an explosion of flavor. But that wasn't all that impressed me. From our dining room table, we had
Top Trends and Wild Cards to Watch in the 2025 Housing Market
The 2025 housing market is shaping up to be an interesting one—steady growth, more inventory, and a bit of breathing room for buyers. But let’s be real: behind every steady forecast lies a handful of wild cards that could shift the game. From unexpected mortgage rate swings to federal policies that
For Sellers: Capitalize on Today's Thriving Market
Market Trends Favor Sellers Right Now If you've been contemplating selling your home, the current market conditions are highly advantageous. Let's delve into the key indicators: Rising Home Values: The median sales price has surged to $355,000. This reflects a 1.4% increase from the previous month a
5 Things You Need to Know About the 2025 Spring Housing Market
The spring housing market is here, and if you’re thinking about buying or selling, you’ve probably heard plenty of predictions, opinions, and advice. Some of it is useful. Some of it, not so much. So, what’s the real story? Realtor.com’s Chief Economist, Danielle Hale, recently shared advice with he
Luxury Real Estate in 2024: Navigating a Year of Surprises and Success
As we step into 2025, it's fascinating to look back at the journey the luxury real estate market took in 2024. It wasn't just a year of transactions; it was a story of resilience, adaptation, and exciting new trends. A Look Back at a Dynamic Year Remember the uncertainty of 2023? Well, 2024 flipped
Eurasia Cafe: My Happy Hour Hideaway (and 50% Off Appetizers!)
Confession time: I've found my culinary happy place, and it's called Eurasia Cafe. Yes, you heard it right. This gem has become my go-to spot for unwinding, indulging, and snagging some seriously amazing deals. Let's cut to the chase: Eurasia Cafe offers 50% off appetizers before 6 pm! That's right,
The Top Priority for 2025 Homebuyers
The decision to buy or rent isn’t just about today’s costs—it’s about your future plans, financial stability, and lifestyle goals. According to ATTOM’s 2025 Rental Affordability Report, in most U.S. markets, homeownership costs less than renting a comparable property. But does that mean buying is a
Can You Afford a Home Emergency Without Going Into Debt?
What if I told you that, over 30 years, the average homeowner will spend over $180,000 on repairs and maintenance? Sounds crazy, right? But when you break it down, it’s simple math: Homeowners spend an average of $6,087 per year on unexpected fixes, according to a recent survey conducted by Real Est
Thinking About Buying a Home? Read This First!
The decision to buy or rent isn’t just about today’s costs—it’s about your future plans, financial stability, and lifestyle goals. According to ATTOM’s 2025 Rental Affordability Report, in most U.S. markets, homeownership costs less of a person’s wages than renting a comparable property. But does t
Home Renovation Trends to Watch: What Homeowners Need to Know
Thinking about updating your home? You're not alone. Over the past five years, 94% of homeowners completed a major renovation project. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint or a full bathroom remodel, staying on top of the latest trends can help you make smart decisions that add value and enjoyment to
Belvedere Coffee Shop: A Refined Beachside Dining Experience
Picture this: You're in Virginia Beach, the sun is shining, and you're craving the perfect beachside brunch. Let me tell you about a little gem I discovered called Belvedere Coffee Shop, tucked away inside the Moxy Hotel. It's not just your average coffee shop; it's an experience. First off, the vie
What NOT to Do as a Homeowner in 2025
With the start of a new year, resolutions often focus on what we should do—exercise more, save money, or finally tackle that home project. But what about the things we shouldn’t do? For homeowners, avoiding certain pitfalls can be just as important as setting ambitious goals. This "Reverse Resolutio
91% of Buyers Were Surprised About Closing Fees – Don’t Be One of Them
If you're about to buy a home, you might think you've budgeted everything. But are you prepared for all the fees that come with closing? Nearly 91% of buyers in the Zillow Consumer Housing Trends Report 2024 said they encountered at least one unexpected cost during the closing process. Let’s break
What Happens to Your Mortgage and Bills After a Natural Disaster?
Handling mortgages and bills after disaster strikes can be overwhelming. Explore relief options, aid programs, and practical steps to rebuild financially and emotionally. Handling Financial Responsibilities After a Natural Disaster In the aftermath of a natural disaster, homeowners and renters face
Mortgage Rates Got You Worried? Here’s How to Secure the Lowest Rate Possible
Mortgage rates have been fluctuating since September, dipping to a low 6% range before climbing past 7% by the end of October. These rate changes can make home buying feel like a guessing game, but don’t worry, you don't have to wait for the "perfect" rate. What’s Behind Mortgage Rate Fluctuations
Buyers and Sellers Aren’t Seeing Eye to Eye in 2025—Here’s Why
The $27,000 Real Estate Gap: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know If you're planning to buy or sell a home in 2025, there's something you should know: buyers and sellers aren't seeing eye to eye on price. According to a recent survey by Clever Real Estate, there's a $27,000 gap between what bu
Millennials Are Getting Creative: What They're Willing to Do to Buy a Home in 2025
Millennials Are Getting Creative: What They're Willing to Do to Buy a Home in 2025 The 2025 housing market is proving to be a challenging one, especially for millennials. Sky-high home prices, stubbornly high interest rates, and a lack of inventory have created a perfect storm, making homeownership
What Tenants Need to Know About Rent Increases in 2025
Navigating Rising Rents: A Renter's Guide to Saving Money and Knowing Your Rights The rental market can be a challenging landscape, especially with rising rents. According to Zillow, the gap between single-family home rents and apartment rents is wider than ever, with single-family homes costing a s
Tulu Restaurant: A Perfect Beachside Dining Experience
Tulu Restaurant offers a parking garage for convenience and is located near the beach, making it easy to take a walk after dinner. I love ordering the chicken and rice meatballs and crab stuffed shrimp as appetizers. If you need a gluten-free option then the pan-seared sea scallops and zoodles a
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LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
A curated selection of my favorite stores, restaurants, fun things to do, or places to grab a drink around town.