A local builder has just purchased and will soon begin building on this private cul-de-sac in Midlothian.
The lots are between 1/3 acre and 3/4 acre and feed into James River High School....more details to come as the development progresses..

The median list price in March for single family homes in Chesterfield is $229,950. The list prices increased by 2.22% from the previous month.The price per square foot for listings in this area is $104.

The median sale price in December for single family homes is $249,585. The sale prices increased by 30.05% from the previous month.

The price per square foot for sales in this area is $135


Search for homes in Chesterfield or contact me for info on your current home (its probably worth more than you think!) log onto JonesRealtyVA.com or e-mail me at Lyndsay@thejonesrealtyteam.com.

If you've decided to keep your home on the market over the holidays . . . good for you!  This is the time of year when serious buyers are out.  Here are 5 tips on making the most of it!

1.  Holiday decor should be kept tasteful and simple:  Think of your holiday decorations as part of the staging of your home.  Buyers are trying to imagine themselves living there and anything that gets in the way of that is a no-no.  Make sure your holiday decor is not overwhelming or cluttered.  Remeber that less is more and a few tasteful touches go a long way to setting the stage.

2.  Make sure your home is warm:  Now is not the time to be thrifty in heating your home.  If your home is cold when buyers visit, they are more likely to cut their visit short.  But if your home is warm they'll be more likely to linger.

3.  Winter Hazards:  While Richmond isn't likely to have a lot of snow over the winter, we do occasionally have some as well as ice.  Make sure your sidewalk is clear of any snow or ice so buyers can safely get to the front door.  Even leaves, when wet, can become hazardous.

4.  Cater to all the senses:  Not only is this the time of year folks pull out their holiday decorations, but potpourri, candles, and incense too.  But the same rule for holiday decor applies to smells.  Less is more.  If you must have one item, then pick a scented candle and leave the rest out.  Remember, you'll also likely be doing a lot of baking, so keep in mind how all those smells mix.

5.  Ahhh . . . Light:  Keep your lights, indoors and out, on a timer.  With the shorter days at this time of year, you want to make sure that your house is very visible and safe to visit.  This is true even if you don't have a showing scheduled.  Remember, buyers often drive by a home first to check it out.  You'll also want to maximize the amount of light coming in during the day, so it's a good idea to make sure your windows are clean and drapes or blinds are open.   

Keep these tips in mind and you'll likely find yourself putting a SOLD sign on the front yard in no time!



Photo courtesy of decordir.com

The median list price in November for single family homes in Chesterfield was
$204,950.  The list prices increased by 2.49% from the previous month.  The
price per square foot for listings in this area is $102.

This chart shows that Chesterfield not only has more owner occupied properties than the national average by 19.72%, but also less unoccupied properties than the national average by -10.65%.  The Census Bureau a month ago reported that these lower housing vacancies translate into a "housing market that is substantially tighter than it was 2-3 years ago."  What does that mean? It means that the excess supply of homes is reducing and that the market is getting stronger for those looking to sell their homes. 

This last chart shows that foreclosures and short sales in Chesterfield make up only 7.9% of the market and that listings are averaging 86 days on the market.  Given that Richmond's foreclosure rate for the third quarter was 13.5% of all home sales and Virginia's rate was 12.7%, the Chesterfield market is looking very good!

Let's be honest.  We've all done it.  You're driving down Hanover Avenue and pass that gorgeous Queen Anne or Georgian Revival house on the corner and wonder . . . "What I wouldn't give for just 10 minutes in there . . . "  Well wonder no more! 

The 50th annual Fan District Association's Holiday House Tour is this weekend on December 8th and 9th.  This is your chance to get into 10 of the most beautiful homes that the Fan has to offer! Open from 1 to 5 pm each day, the homes on tour represent each of the last 5 decades and 2 of the homes are new to the tour and will represent the future.  Included in the tour is the "Miracle on Monument", also known as the Ronald McDonald House.  Tickets are on sale now at $25 and $30 on the day of the tour.  Parking is free.

While holiday schedules are usually jam packed, I'm planning to give myself a break from the insanity and head over to the Fan this weekend.  Let's face it, some of these homes may not be on next year's tour so this may be your only chance to get in.  Besides . . . you know you want to!

While it's been a crazy, busy week, I thought I'd take a minute to remind everyone that Saturday, December 1st is the 29th annual Dominion Christmas Parade in downtown Richmond.  For those of you who are "calendar-challenged", that's tomorrow.

Many of you know that I have small children, and finding events that are free and fun can sometimes be a challenge.  But if you're only going to do 1 event this season, then this should probably be the one.  The Dominion Christmas Parade has a HUGE helium balloons, Grand Marshal, marching bands, holiday floats, and of course Santa Claus.  Taking the little ones to this parade will score you some serious Mommy and Daddy points!

The parade starts at 10 am at the Science Museum at West Broad and runs through 12 noon.  Plan to check it out this year!

Do you love greek food, or just food in general?  Recently, Don and I headed out with a group of friends for dinner.  We ended up at Stella's on Lafayette Street near West Frankin.  If you've never heard of Stella's, it's a long-standing tradition in Richmond and one of the area's best Greek restaurants.  In fact, Stella, who is 71 years old, still arrives early each morning to make the fresh bread and prep the traditional greek dishes that the restaurant is famous for.  The decor is modern, yet casual.  The atmosphere is eclectic and unique and reminds me very much of the restaurants you find in New York City.  But it's definitely the food that will keep us coming back!

Don couldn't resist their special chef's meat platter, which included meatball, Greek sausage, lamb chop, souvlaki and potato wedges.  His inner carnivore was very happy!  I was craving something traditional so I ordered the moussaka, which is layers of sauteed eggplant and ground beef baked with bechamel sauce and topped with grated cheese.  To say it was to die for is an understatement.  Every bite melted in my mouth!

Our friends had Stella's famous No. 5 pasta baked with feta and marinara or meat sauce.  The dish was huge and absolutely delicious!  Another friend ordered the artichoke moussaka, which is layers of artichoke heart, potato, fennel, carmelized onions, and sauteed eggplant baked with bechamel sauce and topped with grated cheese.  She thought the dish was amazing and it's one that I definitely plan to try next time we're at Stella's!

The menu is extensive with smaller, tapas-style plates, soups, salads, and a solid variety of entrees including pork, beef, chicken, lamb, vegetarian, and fresh seafood.  If you're looking for a unique place to eat some great food, then Stella's definitely is the place to go!

Unless you've been living under a rock the last couple of weeks . . . the holidays are here!!  We're beginning the season of visiting family and friends, eating those yummy goodies we only see at the holidays, and schedules that are fuller than ever.  If your house is currently on the market, you're probably wondering if you should throw in the towel for the next couple of months.  My answer is . . . no way!  The holidays are the time of year when there is less inventory on the market and the buyers are serious about buying, so your chances of selling are better than ever!  So here are some tips on how to keep your home ready for viewing in less than 20 minutes a day!

Photo courtesy of Real Living

Kitchen:

1.  Wipe down the sink after doing the dishes or loading the dishwasher
2.  Wipe down the stove top
3.  Wipe down the counters
4.  Sweep or vacuum the floor

Living Room:
1.  Pick up dust bunnies and crumbs with handheld vacuum
2.  Fold throws and fluff cushions
3.  Wipe tabletops and spot clean when you see fingerprints
4.  Straighten coffee-table
5.  Put away CD's and DVD's after use

Photo courtesy of Stockholm Vitt Interior Design

By tidying up after yourself before you leave each room, and encouraging your family to do the same, your house will stay in show-ready condition.  And keep your life a little saner during the holiday rush!

The Visual Arts Center of Richmond is holding the 48th annual Craft + Design Show this weekend.  Hosting some of the country's finest artist, contemporary crafers, and exhibiters, the show brings together over 60 artists offering a variety of unique pieces in a wide range of prices.  What a great opportunity to find that perfect piece for that special holiday person!  Since the proceeds from the event go to benefit educational and programs at the VSA, you'll also be helping the community.

If you're looking for something fun to do with the kids, then head over to Maymont Park.  This Saturday the Nature Center will be teaching children why enrichment is important for animals in captivity.  Children will create special treats for the animals at the Nature Center and then for the wildlife in their own backyards.  Kids will love the animals and learn something at the same time!   (Registration is recommended)

Finally, if you feel the need to get a jump on your holiday shopping, then there are several holiday bazaar's happening Saturday.  Just a few include O.B. Gates Elementary School with over 60 vendors, kids activities, and silent auction, St. Gertrude High School's Holly Spree featuring over 50 vendors, raffles and door prizes, and the Church of the Redeemer in Mechanicsville with over 100 crafter's, raffle, and Santa Shop for the kids.  And these are just a few!  Whatever you choose to do, there is something out there to please everyone!