Veteran's Day at The Virginia War Memorial
A beautiful ceremony at The Virginia War Memorial for Veteran's Day:)Besides being an AirForce Brat, I am also designated as a Military Relocation Specialist as a Realtor, serving the Central Virginia Housing Market. Unfortunately I cannot get the sizing to work correctly here. To see more images go HERE
Fall is FAB: market, fall maintenance, Hurrican Helene, dog and cat rescue
Fall is for FUN! I hope this newsletter finds everyone doing well. The fed has dropped the interest rates and housing rates are following a little at a time. This is great news for buyers, and for sellers. Also, one of the best times to buy is now until a wee bit after the holidays; things slow down, sit a little longer, and it is not nearly as frenzied as the spring. In the winter the Community Partners Grants (teachers, nurses, first responders, law enforcement) will replenish, but until then, there is still Free Money out there, and some counties, like Henrico, offer their own grants. Even if you don't think you are ready to buy right now, please call a lender for a timeline and tips on what you may need to do to get you there. Here are some lender recommendations in the Preferred Vendor link of my website.___________________________________________________________I lived in Black Mountain, NC for four years, and it is a town and community very close to my heart. I spent a sleepless week worrying about my friends, and so devastated and heartbroken for what they are going through. If you have ever seen "Northern Exposure", a great show, it gives you an idea of what the town is like. I moved there shortly after photographing the Hurricane Katrina devastation, 10 months after the storm. New Orleans had only two post offices open at that time and most businesses were still cash only. Everyone I spoke to said to keep a stash of cash for emergencies. My friend, who it took me three days to get in touch with, and is still too traumatized to talk about it, texted me and said she had no cash and the only places open in Asheville were cash only. So, I offer this as a best practice for any just in case scenarios:) I also am going to go to the FEMA website to see what it may cost for Flood Insurance, as Mutual of Assurance of Virginia (best insurance, and acts as a co-op so I literally pay 3/4 less than the average!) does not offer it as an add on. It is important to note that insurance goes up because most insurance companies are national and in so many disaster prone areas folks often rebuild multiple times.... therefore, everyone pays the price. So, finding an insurance company like Mutual Assurance really takes so much burden off.On my Asheville groups, Beloved Asheville, is one of the groups that keeps getting a shout out regarding donations. Like Katrina, the most is coming in now, but if you are inclined, the need will continue for many, many, many months, and it may be good to earmark your donation for a later date, as right now the rescue effort between private and public and government has been great._____________________________________________________________FALL Maintenance Gutters! Service your Heat Pumps, Boilers, Furnaces Clean that Chimney! Termite Inspection if you haven't done it already Check plumbing and make sure hose bibs are kept warm for when we start to freeze up ___________________________________________________________ I do animal rescue with Henrico Humane Society, and we are constantly looking for fosters and potential adopters. HHS is in the process of building its own shelter, and hopefully that will be in the next two years. Hence, the great need for fosters. Also fostering is a great way to see if the pet is a great fit for your pet you are finding a friend for. When I got Little Walter it took a few weeks to see if they would get along; and Little Walter was a bitey grump with a not nice back story, but man do we all love each other! He is a great companion for Fiver, and for me. The rule is 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months...but I don't think they are their true selves for 6 months. The trauma and disorientation can take a little time. HHS partners with Henrico Animal Shelter, who has many cats and dogs for adoption. They are by appointment only and open Monday-Saturday. Please take the time to make an appointment and go see some of the adoptable pets (rescues will go in there and take many of them). Personally, I just show up and knock on the door a lot until it is opened. But appointments are preferred, as it would be a pain to be turned away after making the trip. Richmond Animal League, SPCA Richmond, Richmond Animal Care and Control, Chesterfield Animal Control. There are many breed specific rescues out there, as well. Please remember if you find a stray please call animal control, as it is the best way for an owner to find their pet. They often let you foster for the 9-10 day hold. After that rescues typically come in to collect what they can for fostering and adoption. Pictured is Fiver with Little Walter:) ___________________________________________________________ Enjoy your day, and thanks for taking the time! Your Realtor, Rebecca D'Angelo 804.874.9709 www.dangeloRVArealtor.com
Fall Maintenace Tips
Maintaining your home is probably the most important thing one can do to maintain its value, whether you are an owner occupant, or renting a home as an investment property. Here is an article published by Pillar to Post. HVAC and chimney annual maintenance should never be skipped! “With autumn just around the corner, now is the perfect time for homeowners to get their property in shape and help avoid problems in the months ahead. Here are six key jobs to tackle before cold weather sets in. Caulk around exterior door and window frames for a tight seal. Look for gaps where pipes or wiring enter the home and caulk those as well. Not only does heat escape from these openings, but water can enter and damage underlying materials, and even cause structural damage. Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Water, wind, ice and snow can cause serious damage to a vulnerable roof, leading to a greater chance of further damage inside the home. Always have a qualified professional inspect and repair the roof, but binoculars can be used to do a preliminary survey from the ground. Clear gutters of leaves, sticks, and other debris. If the home gets heavy leaf fall, this may need to be done more than once during the season. If the gutters can accommodate them, leaf guards can be real time-savers and prevent clogging. Check the joints between sections of the gutter, as well as between the gutter and downspouts, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the house. In cold-weather climates, garden hoses should be drained and stored indoors to protect them from the harsh winter elements. Shut off outdoor faucets and make sure exterior pipes are drained of water. Faucets and pipes can easily freeze and burst, causing leaks and increasing the potential for serious water damage. Have the furnace inspected to ensure that it’s safe and in good working order. Most utility companies will provide basic, no-cost furnace inspections to their customers, but schedule early as there can often be a long waiting list as the weather cools down. Replace disposable furnace air filters or clean the permanent type according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a clean filter not only helps with interior air quality, it will help the furnace run more efficiently, saving money and energy. A wood-burning fireplace can be a real pleasure on a chilly fall evening. For safety, have the firebox and chimney professionally cleaned before use this season. Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, can build up to dangerous levels and cause a chimney fire that can spread to the rest of the house. With these easy steps, your clients will enjoy the comforts of home all season long and know that they’re protecting their investment, too.”
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