Fall is FAB: market, fall maintenance, Hurrican Helene, dog and cat rescue

by Rebecca D'Angelo

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