Equity markets advanced in October, led by technology’s continued strength. The NASDAQ Composite Index jumped 4.7%, while Emerging Markets posted their tenth straight monthly gain, fueled by optimism around AI-driven investments. At the sector level, Technology rose about 6%, with Communications Services up 4%, whereas Materials fell 5%, and Energy, Consumer Staples, Real Estate, and Financials all declined. Fixed Income offered stability, as the U.S. Aggregate Bond Index edged up 0.6% for the month and 6.8% year-to-date.

“Peaks are a process in which confidence is tested over and over before investors ultimately concede that they were suffering from ‘hopeful delusion’.

-Peter Atwater

The Long Goodbye to Investor Optimism

While I’m not calling for an imminent market top, history reminds us that markets eventually peak —and the process often unfolds gradually rather than abruptly. Calling market tops, like bottoms, is notoriously difficult. While warning signs often appear, they’re far clearer in hindsight, and few investors, professional or otherwise, manage to get it right more than once.

Atwater’s quote underscores the psychological journey investors endure during market tops: confidence erodes gradually, not suddenly, as repeated disappointments chip away at optimism until reality sets in. This is highly relevant today as both the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ Composite Index reached all-time highs in October despite mounting headwinds such as slowing global growth, persistent inflation pressures, and geopolitical uncertainty. For example, NASDAQ’s surge on AI enthusiasm contrasts with weakening fundamentals in cyclical sectors, and the divergence between luxury spending and consumer staples reflects a K-shaped economy that could challenge broad-based growth. These signals suggest that what feels like resilience may, in fact, be “hopeful delusion”, making disciplined risk management more critical than ever.

K-Shaped Reality: Prosperity and Pressure in the Same Economy

This split isn’t just a passing trend. It may reflect the deeper dynamics of a K-shaped economy, where uneven growth creates both opportunities and hidden risks for investors. When economic momentum hinges on a narrow base—primarily high-income households and leading-edge firms like those driving AI — growth becomes vulnerable if these groups pull back. For example, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta estimates that the top 10% of U.S. households now account for nearly half of all consumer spending, buoyed by record stock market highs. That share is the highest level in data going back to 1989 and is well above the roughly 35% level of the early 1990s.

The divergence may lead to policy dilemmas. Central banks face conflicting signals — asset prices soar while wage growth for lower-income groups stagnates — complicating monetary policy and increasing systemic risk. And from a social perspective, persistent inequality can erode consumer confidence and political stability, which historically amplifies volatility in the capital markets. While a K-shaped economy doesn’t guarantee a recession, history shows that extreme bifurcation often precedes market stress.

During the Dot-Com Era of the late 1990s, technology stocks soared while traditional sectors lagged, creating an unbalanced economy. When the extreme technology valuations collapsed, the broader market followed into a recession. More recently, during the post-COVID recovery, the technology sector thrived amid work-at-home measures, teleconferencing, and online schooling. Part of the healthcare sector that worked on vaccines and treatments saw a major boost, too. Meanwhile, service-based industries such as travel, restaurants and hospitality, took an outsized hit.

The Burrito Indicator

Chipotle Mexican Grill has become a real-time gauge of the economy’s split personality, where a K-shaped recovery means some consumers keep spending while others pull back hard. Shares of the restaurant chain tumbled last week after the company warned that economic pressures are weighing heavily on customers, especially younger diners and those with lower incomes. CEO Scott Bowman noted that households earning less than $100,000 (about 40% of Chipotle’s customer base) are dining out less, often due to concerns about inflation and broader economic uncertainty. The 25-35 age group is particularly challenged, facing unemployment, student loan repayments, and slower wage growth. Chipotle tends to over-index to this demographic, making the impact more pronounced.

Bowman stated that this trend is not unique to Chipotle and is occurring across all restaurants, as well as many discretionary categories. McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinksi reported double-digit declines in traffic among low-income consumers, prompting the revival of “Extra Value Meal” combos to attract price-sensitive guests. Fast casual peers Cava and Sweetgreen are feeling the heat as well. Both are set to report third-quarter results later this week, but investor sentiment has already turned sharply negative. Cava shares have plunged about 50% this year, while Sweetgreen has lost 80% year-to-date.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, luxury goods giant LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton delivered stronger than expected results last month, boosting its own share price along with those of its peers. Revenue posted a modest increase, a notable turnaround from the previous quarter’s decline. Executives remain cautious, calling the fourth quarter the ultimate test of recovery. Early data suggests momentum continued in October, with Bank of America reporting an 8% year-over-year rise in luxury fashion credit card spending.

Today’s market highs mask an increasingly uneven foundation. The K-shaped economy — where technology and luxury thrive while consumer staples and discretionary sectors falter — underscores the fragility of this rally. With spending concentrated among the wealthiest households and cracks appearing in lower-income demand, optimism alone cannot sustain growth indefinitely. This is doubly true if, as many commentors suggest, there is an AI-investment bubble that will soon break, possibly bringing the market’s high-flying technology companies back to earth. History reminds us that imbalances often precede volatility, making diversification and disciplined risk management not just prudent, but essential as we navigate what could the long goodbye to investor confidence.

Looking Ahead

At this writing, the U.S. federal government shutdown has now lasted 35 days, tying the record for the longest in history and poised to break it. No deal has been reached yet, though Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he is “optimistic” about an off-ramp this week. The Senate is holding its 14^th vote on November 4 on a House-passed continuing resolution that would fund the government through November 21, but it has failed 13 times so far.

Measuring the economic toll of the shutdown is challenging, but several key effects stand out:

• Federal workers: At present, over 700,000 employees remain furloughed, with agencies issuing notices extending furloughs through late November. Retroactive pay remains uncertain.
• Food assistance: The USDA is using contingency funds to provide 50% of November SNAP benefits, following court orders. No funds remain for new applicants or disaster assistance.
• Travel disruption: Air traffic controller shortages are causing isolated delays, and officials warn cancellations could escalate if the shutdown continues.
• Economic data: Release of key reports (jobs, inflation) is delayed, complicating everything from Federal Reserve policy decisions to private market investment and business decisions.

Though the shutdown remains unresolved, ongoing negotiations and emerging bipartisan proposals suggest a path forward is possible. Progress may be slow, but signs of movement indicate that a deal could materialize before the economic and operational impacts deepen further.

Broad stock market momentum remains strong as companies continue to deliver impressive results, underscoring the resilience of corporate earnings. FactSet data shows with 64% of S&P 500 companies having reported third quarter earnings, the blended year-over-year growth rate stands at 10.7%. If this pace holds, it will mark the fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings growth, matching the streak last seen in 2021. Looking ahead, analysts project a 14% increase for 2026, which would make it the third straight year of double-digit gains. For context, the last comparable run occurred during the 2003-2007 expansion.

Taken together, these trends point to a period of sustained earnings strength that reinforces confidence in corporate fundamentals. However, it’s important to acknowledge the uneven nature of the current economic setting, with segments of the economy benefiting disproportionately, a hallmark of the K-shaped dynamic.

Additionally, ongoing uncertainty around the federal government shutdown poses potential headwinds for sentiment and operational stability. Even so, today’s backdrop of solid demand, disciplined cost management, and constructive forecasts suggest companies remain well-positioned to navigate these challenges. If projections hold, the coming years could still mark one of the most robust earnings cycles in recent memory.

We appreciate your confidence and support and encourage you to reach out to an Old Point team member with any questions.

Market Commentary Disclosures

*Magnificent Seven: The term "Magnificent Seven" was coined by others and should not be construed as an endorsement or indicator of any stock or company's quality.

This document is a general communication being provided for informational purposes only. It is educational in nature and not designed to be taken as advice or a recommendation for any specific investment product, strategy, plan feature or other purpose in any jurisdiction, nor is it a commitment from Old Point Wealth Management, A Towne Family Company, to participate in any of the transactions mentioned herein. Any examples used are generic, hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. This material does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision and it should not be relied upon by you in evaluating the merits of investing in any securities or products. In addition, users should make an independent assessment of the legal, regulatory, tax, credit, and accounting implications and determine, together with their own financial professional, if any investment mentioned herein is believed to be appropriate to their personal goals. Investors should ensure that they obtain all available relevant information before making any investment. Any forecasts, figures, opinions or investment techniques and strategies set out are for information purposes only, based on certain assumptions and current market conditions as of the date given and are subject to change without prior notice. All information presented herein is considered to be accurate at the time of production, but no warranty of accuracy is given and no liability in respect of any error or omission is accepted. It should be noted that investment involves risks, the value of investments and the income from them may fluctuate in accordance with market conditions and taxation agreements and investors may not get back the full amount invested. Neither past performance or yields are reliable indicators of current and future results.

Stock investments involve risk, including loss of principal. High-quality stocks may be appropriate for some investment strategies. Ensure that your investment objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance are aligned with investing in stocks, as they can lose value. Although we define “high quality” stocks as having high and stable profitability (return on equity, earnings variability) the term “high quality” is not a recommendation for any specific investment as stocks may not be appropriate for some investment strategies.

There are risks associated with fixed-income investments, including credit risk, interest rate risk, and prepayment and extension risk. In general, bond prices rise when interest rates fall and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer term securities. A rise in interest rates may result in a price decline of fixed-income instruments held by the fund, negatively impacting its performance and NAV. Falling rates may result in the fund investing in lower yielding debt instruments, lowering the fund’s income and yield. These risks may be heightened for longer maturity and duration securities. 

Old Point Wealth Management, A Towne Family Company, its affiliates and/or their respective officers, directors or employees may from time to time acquire, hold or sell securities mentioned herein.

Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • Not Bank Guaranteed • Not a Deposit

Index Definitions

Dow Jones Industrial Average: The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average fo the 30 blue chip stocks that are generally the leaders in their industry. It has been widely followed indicator of the stock market since October 1, 1928.

NASDAQ Composite Index: The NASDAQ Composite Index is a broad-based capitalization-weighted index of stocks in all three NASDAQ tiers: Global Select, Global Market and Capital Market. The index was developed with a base level of 100 as of February 5, 1971.

Russell 2000 Index: The Russell 100 Index is comprised of the smallest 2,000 companies in the Russell 1000 Index, representing approximately 8% of the Russell 3000 total market capitalization. The real-time value is calculated with a base value of 135.00 as of December 31, 1986. The end-of-day value is calculated with a base value of 100.00 as of December 19,1978.

S&P 500 Index: The S&P 500 Index is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities and serves as the foundation for a wide range of investment products. The index includes 500 leading companies and captures approximately 80% coverage of the available market capitalization.

MSCI Emerging Markets Index: The MSCI EM (Emerging Markets) Index is a free-float weighted equity index that captures large and mid-cap representation across Emerging Markets (EM) countries. The index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in the each country.

U.S. Aggregate: The Bloomberg USAgg Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, US dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market. The index includes Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (Agency fixed-rate pass-through), ABS and CMBS (agency and non-agency). (Future Ticker: I00001US)

MSCI ACWI Excluding United States Index: The MSCI AC World ex USA Index is a free-float weighted equity index. It was developed with a base value of 100 as of December 31, 1987

These are our Top 10 Cyber-Security Tips for 2025:

1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to accounts. This can include something you know (password), something you have (smartphone), and something you are (fingerprint or facial scan).

2. Keep Track of Your Important Accounts

Regularly check your accounts for suspicious activity. 

3. Use Available Tools

Set up alerts for login attempts, transactions, account changes, balances, and other activities. Use card controls to set limits, alerts, and instantly turn off lost or stolen cards.

4. Look for Red Flags

Be cautious of urgent requests for money, demands for immediate payment, job opportunities, love interest, or something that is too good to be true. 

5. Verify Identities and Links

Always verify the identity of the person or organization contacting you. Use a secondary channel, such as calling a known number, to confirm their legitimacy. Do not click on links or attachments that are sent to you from an unknown source. 

6. Regularly Update Software

Keeping your software up-to-date is crucial for protecting against vulnerabilities. Ensure that all operating systems, applications, and security software are updated regularly.

7. Use Strong Passwords & Lock Your Devices When Not in Use

Use complex, unique passwords for different accounts and change them regularly. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely. Never leave your phone, tablet, or computer unattended.

8. Secure Wi-Fi Networks & Use VPN When Available

Ensure that your Wi-Fi networks are secure by using strong passwords and encryption. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for accessing sensitive information. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when available, which creates a private network and encrypt your internet activity to protect your information from cybercriminals.

9. Backup Data Regularly

Regularly back up your data to prevent loss in case of a cyber-attack. Ensure that backups are stored securely.

10. Educate Yourself and Others

Stay informed about the latest scam tactics and share this knowledge with your community. You can check the Federal Trade Commission Website for alerts and resources. Click Here to View Consumer Alerts Provided By The FTC

Click here for more fraud protection tips and resources

The IRS recently released the new inflation adjustments for tax year 2025, which taxpayers will use when they file returns in early 2026 (so not for this 2024 tax year).  On average, inflation adjustments will increase by about 2.8%.

New IRS tax brackets 2025

The new inflation-adjusted tax brackets for tax year 2025 are in the table below:

Source: Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 2024-40.

It's essential to remember that, for now, the tax rates (currently 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%) remain the same, but could change if Congress revisits the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA” and also sometimes called the “Trump Tax Cuts”). 

It's also important to note that these income tax rates are marginal, meaning they only apply to the income within the relevant tax bracket range for your filing status.  For example, a single filer with $45,000 doesn’t pay 12% on their whole income.  Instead, they pay 10% tax on the first $11,925 of income and then 12% tax on income from $11,926-$45,000.

New Standard Deduction

The IRS also announced an increase in the standard deduction for the 2025 tax year.  These larger standard deductions (a key provision of the TCJA) means that taxpayers who don't itemize their deductions can reduce their taxable income by a larger amount, potentially resulting in lower tax bills or larger refunds.  It will rise to $15,000 for single filers and married individuals filing separately, a $400 increase from the 2024 amount.  It is $30,000 for married filing jointly and $22,500 for heads of household.

Alternative Minimum Tax

The alternative minimum tax (AMT) was created in the 1960s to prevent high-income taxpayers from avoiding the individual income tax.  This parallel income tax system requires high-income taxpayers to calculate their tax bill twice: once under the ordinary income tax system and again under the AMT.  The taxpayer then needs to pay the higher of the two tax bills.

To prevent low- and middle-income taxpayers from being subject to the AMT (and without getting too much into the tax compliance weeds), taxpayers are allowed to exempt a significant amount of their income from AMT calculations, but the exemption phases out for high-income taxpayers.  The AMT exemption amount for 2025 is increasing to $88,100 for single filers and $137,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Capital Gains and Annual Exclusion Gifts

Long-term capital gains face different brackets and (and usually lower) rates than ordinary income.

Source: Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 2024-40.

In addition, the first $19,000 of gifts to any person are excluded from gift tax in 2025, up from $18,000.  This is a highly effective tool when used in estate planning and wealth transfer strategies.

What will happen to individual income tax rates and brackets after 2025?

This is the big question for many planners and tax professionals.  The Trump tax cuts brought significant changes to tax policy, but most provisions expire after December 31, 2025.  Unless Congress takes action, most Americans will have higher tax rates for most income levels starting in 2026, with the highest rate reaching 39.6%. 

With President Trump winning reelection and the Republicans taking both the House and Senate, it’s likely the Trump tax cuts will at least be extended, if not made permanent.  But it’s not guaranteed and, until then, this creates challenges for tax and financial planning.  The best strategy in the interim is to stay informed, seek out and consult financial professionals, and prepare for potential changes in 2025 and beyond.
 

Important: This article does not contain any legal or tax advice. You should always consult your attorney, accountant or other professional advisors before changing or implementing any tax, investment or estate planning strategy.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: Pursuant to IRS Regulations, we inform you that any tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax related penalties or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

The IRS recently released the new inflation adjustments for tax year 2025, which taxpayers will use when they file returns in early 2026 (so not for this 2024 tax year).  On average, inflation adjustments will increase by about 2.8%.

New IRS tax brackets 2025

The new inflation-adjusted tax brackets for tax year 2025 are in the table below:

Source: Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 2024-40.

It's essential to remember that, for now, the tax rates (currently 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%) remain the same, but could change if Congress revisits the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA” and also sometimes called the “Trump Tax Cuts”). 

It's also important to note that these income tax rates are marginal, meaning they only apply to the income within the relevant tax bracket range for your filing status.  For example, a single filer with $45,000 doesn’t pay 12% on their whole income.  Instead, they pay 10% tax on the first $11,925 of income and then 12% tax on income from $11,926-$45,000.

New Standard Deduction

The IRS also announced an increase in the standard deduction for the 2025 tax year.  These larger standard deductions (a key provision of the TCJA) means that taxpayers who don't itemize their deductions can reduce their taxable income by a larger amount, potentially resulting in lower tax bills or larger refunds.  It will rise to $15,000 for single filers and married individuals filing separately, a $400 increase from the 2024 amount.  It is $30,000 for married filing jointly and $22,500 for heads of household.

Alternative Minimum Tax

The alternative minimum tax (AMT) was created in the 1960s to prevent high-income taxpayers from avoiding the individual income tax.  This parallel income tax system requires high-income taxpayers to calculate their tax bill twice: once under the ordinary income tax system and again under the AMT.  The taxpayer then needs to pay the higher of the two tax bills.

To prevent low- and middle-income taxpayers from being subject to the AMT (and without getting too much into the tax compliance weeds), taxpayers are allowed to exempt a significant amount of their income from AMT calculations, but the exemption phases out for high-income taxpayers.  The AMT exemption amount for 2025 is increasing to $88,100 for single filers and $137,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Capital Gains and Annual Exclusion Gifts

Long-term capital gains face different brackets and (and usually lower) rates than ordinary income.

Source: Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 2024-40.

In addition, the first $19,000 of gifts to any person are excluded from gift tax in 2025, up from $18,000.  This is a highly effective tool when used in estate planning and wealth transfer strategies.

What will happen to individual income tax rates and brackets after 2025?

This is the big question for many planners and tax professionals.  The Trump tax cuts brought significant changes to tax policy, but most provisions expire after December 31, 2025.  Unless Congress takes action, most Americans will have higher tax rates for most income levels starting in 2026, with the highest rate reaching 39.6%. 

With President Trump winning reelection and the Republicans taking both the House and Senate, it’s likely the Trump tax cuts will at least be extended, if not made permanent.  But it’s not guaranteed and, until then, this creates challenges for tax and financial planning.  The best strategy in the interim is to stay informed, seek out and consult financial professionals, and prepare for potential changes in 2025 and beyond.
 

Important: This article does not contain any legal or tax advice. You should always consult your attorney, accountant or other professional advisors before changing or implementing any tax, investment or estate planning strategy.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: Pursuant to IRS Regulations, we inform you that any tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax related penalties or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

The IRS recently released the new inflation adjustments for tax year 2025, which taxpayers will use when they file returns in early 2026 (so not for this 2024 tax year).  On average, inflation adjustments will increase by about 2.8%.

New IRS tax brackets 2025

The new inflation-adjusted tax brackets for tax year 2025 are in the table below:

Source: Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 2024-40.

It's essential to remember that, for now, the tax rates (currently 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%) remain the same, but could change if Congress revisits the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA” and also sometimes called the “Trump Tax Cuts”). 

It's also important to note that these income tax rates are marginal, meaning they only apply to the income within the relevant tax bracket range for your filing status.  For example, a single filer with $45,000 doesn’t pay 12% on their whole income.  Instead, they pay 10% tax on the first $11,925 of income and then 12% tax on income from $11,926-$45,000.

New Standard Deduction

The IRS also announced an increase in the standard deduction for the 2025 tax year.  These larger standard deductions (a key provision of the TCJA) means that taxpayers who don't itemize their deductions can reduce their taxable income by a larger amount, potentially resulting in lower tax bills or larger refunds.  It will rise to $15,000 for single filers and married individuals filing separately, a $400 increase from the 2024 amount.  It is $30,000 for married filing jointly and $22,500 for heads of household.

Alternative Minimum Tax

The alternative minimum tax (AMT) was created in the 1960s to prevent high-income taxpayers from avoiding the individual income tax.  This parallel income tax system requires high-income taxpayers to calculate their tax bill twice: once under the ordinary income tax system and again under the AMT.  The taxpayer then needs to pay the higher of the two tax bills.

To prevent low- and middle-income taxpayers from being subject to the AMT (and without getting too much into the tax compliance weeds), taxpayers are allowed to exempt a significant amount of their income from AMT calculations, but the exemption phases out for high-income taxpayers.  The AMT exemption amount for 2025 is increasing to $88,100 for single filers and $137,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Capital Gains and Annual Exclusion Gifts

Long-term capital gains face different brackets and (and usually lower) rates than ordinary income.

Source: Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 2024-40.

In addition, the first $19,000 of gifts to any person are excluded from gift tax in 2025, up from $18,000.  This is a highly effective tool when used in estate planning and wealth transfer strategies.

What will happen to individual income tax rates and brackets after 2025?

This is the big question for many planners and tax professionals.  The Trump tax cuts brought significant changes to tax policy, but most provisions expire after December 31, 2025.  Unless Congress takes action, most Americans will have higher tax rates for most income levels starting in 2026, with the highest rate reaching 39.6%. 

With President Trump winning reelection and the Republicans taking both the House and Senate, it’s likely the Trump tax cuts will at least be extended, if not made permanent.  But it’s not guaranteed and, until then, this creates challenges for tax and financial planning.  The best strategy in the interim is to stay informed, seek out and consult financial professionals, and prepare for potential changes in 2025 and beyond.
 

Important: This article does not contain any legal or tax advice. You should always consult your attorney, accountant or other professional advisors before changing or implementing any tax, investment or estate planning strategy.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: Pursuant to IRS Regulations, we inform you that any tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax related penalties or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

When you contribute to your 401(k) plan, you defer money from your paycheck into an investment account before payroll, and income taxes are deducted. Already, this is a powerful advantage for savers, and many employers also offer a free match of your 401(k) contribution, meaning you get a 100 percent return on the amount you contribute when your employer adds that amount to your account balance.

But as Albert Einstein purportedly said, “The greatest invention of all time is the power of compounding.” The 401(k) offers that in spades; over time, your investment will grow because you will earn returns on your returns. And because this process repeats, the sooner you get started, the more your money can grow. A simple example may surprise you.

Now this example uses bigger numbers to make a point, but it works no matter how much you contribute. If you save $20,500 a year in a bank account earning 0 percent, over 35 years you would have saved $717,500. But if you invest that money in a combination of high-quality stocks and bonds earning an average of 7 percent per year, it could grow to more than $3 million. This is possible because your balance grows from your continual contributions and those contributions generate interest, dividends and capital appreciation.

Once you understand the power of compounding over time, the next step is determining which type of retirement account to invest in — a Traditional 401(k) or a Roth 401(k).

Traditional 401(k)

This option is familiar to most investors. With a Traditional 401(k), you can automatically defer pre-tax money from your paycheck into a 401(k) up to a maximum of $23,000 for 2024. If you’re over 50, you can also use a catch-up contribution of $7,500 for a total of $30,500.

From a tax perspective, the amount you contribute to your 401(k) will not be subject to payroll and income taxes, and it will therefore lower your tax bill. What is more, your 401(k) investments will grow tax-free with no income or capital gains taxes on the balance until you start to withdraw money during retirement. At that time, any distributions will be taxed at your ordinary income-tax rate.

Roth 401(k)

Some employers also offer a Roth 401(k) in addition to a Traditional 401(k). This lets you defer the same amounts into your 401(k) as a Traditional 401(k), but it uses after-tax dollars. This means you will pay income tax on any contribution in the year it is made. If these aren’t pre-tax contributions, you might ask why you’d choose a Roth 401(k). The answer is while both Traditional and Roth 401(k)’s let your investments grow tax-free, they treat distributions differently. While you pay income tax on Traditional 401(k) distributions, any distributions from a Roth 401(k) during retirement are income tax-free. Roth 401(k) contributions are, in essence, prepaying the taxes on any growth in the account and reducing your future income tax liability.

Which one is right for me?

When deciding between a Traditional or Roth 401(k), think about taxes and time. If you are in a lower income tax bracket now but expect you’ll be in a higher bracket during retirement, the Roth 401(k) contribution may make more sense since you pay income taxes now at a lower rate than you will in the future.

Your investment time horizon is also important to consider. The more time you contribute to a 401(k) and for those investments to enjoy tax-sheltered growth before retirement, the more appealing it is to pay the income tax on those contributions now. This lets you withdraw the growth on those contributions tax-free throughout your retirement years. This is especially attractive if you expect tax rates to increase in the future. However, as we always advise, you should consult with your tax preparer before deciding.

If you’re not sure what the future will hold, you may be in luck since many 401(k) plans allow you to split your contributions between both types of 401(k)s. This lets you prepare for either scenario in retirement and, as your circumstances change, you can make changes in how you contribute to your 401(k). We always recommend an annual checkup to ensure your financial plan meets your needs. With just a little planning and steady investing over time, your future retirement may be bright, indeed.

Eric Kauders is president and chief executive officer with Old Point Wealth Management. He can be reached at ekauders@oldpointwealth.com or at
757-728-1893.

When you contribute to your 401(k) plan, you defer money from your paycheck into an investment account before payroll, and income taxes are deducted. Already, this is a powerful advantage for savers, and many employers also offer a free match of your 401(k) contribution, meaning you get a 100 percent return on the amount you contribute when your employer adds that amount to your account balance.

But as Albert Einstein purportedly said, “The greatest invention of all time is the power of compounding.” The 401(k) offers that in spades; over time, your investment will grow because you will earn returns on your returns. And because this process repeats, the sooner you get started, the more your money can grow. A simple example may surprise you.

Now this example uses bigger numbers to make a point, but it works no matter how much you contribute. If you save $20,500 a year in a bank account earning 0 percent, over 35 years you would have saved $717,500. But if you invest that money in a combination of high-quality stocks and bonds earning an average of 7 percent per year, it could grow to more than $3 million. This is possible because your balance grows from your continual contributions and those contributions generate interest, dividends and capital appreciation.

Once you understand the power of compounding over time, the next step is determining which type of retirement account to invest in — a Traditional 401(k) or a Roth 401(k).

Traditional 401(k)

This option is familiar to most investors. With a Traditional 401(k), you can automatically defer pre-tax money from your paycheck into a 401(k) up to a maximum of $23,000 for 2024. If you’re over 50, you can also use a catch-up contribution of $7,500 for a total of $30,500.

From a tax perspective, the amount you contribute to your 401(k) will not be subject to payroll and income taxes, and it will therefore lower your tax bill. What is more, your 401(k) investments will grow tax-free with no income or capital gains taxes on the balance until you start to withdraw money during retirement. At that time, any distributions will be taxed at your ordinary income-tax rate.

Roth 401(k)

Some employers also offer a Roth 401(k) in addition to a Traditional 401(k). This lets you defer the same amounts into your 401(k) as a Traditional 401(k), but it uses after-tax dollars. This means you will pay income tax on any contribution in the year it is made. If these aren’t pre-tax contributions, you might ask why you’d choose a Roth 401(k). The answer is while both Traditional and Roth 401(k)’s let your investments grow tax-free, they treat distributions differently. While you pay income tax on Traditional 401(k) distributions, any distributions from a Roth 401(k) during retirement are income tax-free. Roth 401(k) contributions are, in essence, prepaying the taxes on any growth in the account and reducing your future income tax liability.

Which one is right for me?

When deciding between a Traditional or Roth 401(k), think about taxes and time. If you are in a lower income tax bracket now but expect you’ll be in a higher bracket during retirement, the Roth 401(k) contribution may make more sense since you pay income taxes now at a lower rate than you will in the future.

Your investment time horizon is also important to consider. The more time you contribute to a 401(k) and for those investments to enjoy tax-sheltered growth before retirement, the more appealing it is to pay the income tax on those contributions now. This lets you withdraw the growth on those contributions tax-free throughout your retirement years. This is especially attractive if you expect tax rates to increase in the future. However, as we always advise, you should consult with your tax preparer before deciding.

If you’re not sure what the future will hold, you may be in luck since many 401(k) plans allow you to split your contributions between both types of 401(k)s. This lets you prepare for either scenario in retirement and, as your circumstances change, you can make changes in how you contribute to your 401(k). We always recommend an annual checkup to ensure your financial plan meets your needs. With just a little planning and steady investing over time, your future retirement may be bright, indeed.

Eric Kauders is president and chief executive officer with Old Point Wealth Management. He can be reached at ekauders@oldpointwealth.com or at
757-728-1893.

Episode 1: Charitable Deductions

Episode 1: Charitable Deductions

Reflect on the past- The end of the year is a great time to review your past spending with annual bank statements, credit card summaries, and your annual budget. Make sure that you can account for all money spent and check to see which goals were not achieved and why. Check to see if your spending habits and budgeting strategies are working and if any adjustments are helping you save money. Think of all of the ways you could have saved more money and take the next steps to have a better year.

Identify and set realistic financial goals- Your goals could be to buy a home, pay off debts, or add more money to emergency funds, 401k, IRA, or high-interest savings accounts. Take into account all of your goals whether they be large investments or small, then prioritize your goals and expenses. You can do this by first separating the needs vs the wants, there will be bills that are due and need to be paid first. You should always put housing, food, and healthcare expenses as the top priority.

Cut expenses- Evaluate all of your subscriptions and memberships. Cut out any unnecessary memberships and look for cheaper alternatives. Contact service providers to see if they will lower your rate and shop the competition to make sure you are getting what you need at a good rate. Cut out unnecessary habitual spending patterns that you can cut from your routine such as going out or buying things at full price.

Start Tracking your Budget- A range of software and apps can be used to log track and organize spending. Categorize your spending so you can see what your money is going to each month. This will help keep you organized, identify budgeting errors, and improve spending habits.

Automate good spending habits-. Online banking, payroll, and money management apps are making it easier to contribute to accounts automatically so that you stay on track with your financial goals. Decide what you feel comfortable contributing every month and set your savings to autopilot.

Consult your financial team- Re-evaluate your investment portfolio to make sure that any unanticipated changes impacted your balance and that your portfolio still matches your goals and timelines. Take the time to evaluate your employee benefits offerings and understand your options.

Commit to the budget- Make sure that you keep your commitment to your budget and strive to meet your goals. Do not let your new good habits slip, record all of your spending and score yourself to see if you are on track to save for your goals.

Signed into law on December 29, 2022, the SECURE 2.0 Act ushered in new and increased tax credits to small businesses to encourage plan creation. The existing tax credits were expanded to enhance the administrative cost credits as well as introduce new contribution cost credits.

Administrative Cost Credits

This credit is to cover the administrative costs for setting up

and operating a plan for the first three years. The credits are tiered based on how many “eligible employees” the plan has.

For employers with 1-50 eligible employees, the tax credit is 100% of the administrative costs, up to $5,000. For employers with 51-100 eligible employees, the tax credit is reduced to 50% of the administrative costs with the same limit of $5,000.
 

To be counted as an eligible employee, the employee would have needed to receive at least $5,000 in compensation from the employer in the prior year.
 

The method for calculating the eligible tax credit is determined

using these guidelines:

• Minimum of $500

• Maximum of $5,000

$250 for each eligible non-highly compensated employee(NHCE). An NHCE is an eligible participant who made less than $135,000 in the prior year (2022) and who is not a greater than 5% actual or attributed owner.

As an example, if a company started a plan in 2023 and had 20 eligible participants in 2023, with 15 of them being non-highly compensated, the credit would be $3,750 (15 x 250) for 2023, assuming at least that amount of eligible fees were incurred for the year.

The eligible costs include payments for services for plan administration, recordkeeping, and employee education. It is not clear if other expenses are also covered by the credit (ex. advisory services). The hope is that this will encourage more small employers to establish and maintain a retirement plan for its employees.

Contribution Cost Credits

This new credit for start-up plans is based on contributions to

plans (not including defined benefit plans) for the first five years. For employers with 50 or fewer employees in the preceding year, the credit is 100% of the contributions (up to $1,000 per eligible employee who earned less than $100,000) for the first two years. An employee is anyone who earned at least $5,000 from the employer in the year that the contributions are made. This is different than the above credit where it is based on the prior year.

After the first two years, the credit is reduced as follows: 75% for the third year, 50% for the fourth year, and 25% for the fifth year. The tax credits are eliminated after the fifth year. Employers with more than 50 employees are still eligible for a credit, however the credit is reduced by 2% for each employee over 50.

Some considerations for both credits:

• The plan will need to have at least one eligible non-highly compensated participant.

• The credit is only available to start-up plans.

• The employer must not have covered substantially the same employees in a qualified plan, SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA in the 3 preceding tax years.

• There is also a $500 tax credit for establishing a plan with automatic enrollment.

• This is key, as another portion of Secure 2.0 mandates the implementation of automatic enrollment you cannot claim both a deduction and a credit for the same expenses/contribution.

• The expenses must be paid by the company and not from plan assets (including forfeitures and revenue sharing).

• You cannot both deduct the costs/contributions and claim the credit.

Contact your Service Team member with any questions.

The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or any other business and professional matters that affect you and/or your business.

•          •are 18 years of age or older
•          •are not a full-time student
•          •are not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return
•          •make contributions to a qualified IRA, 401(k) or other eligible retirement plan
•          •meet certain financial criteria, as described below

Depending on adjusted gross income, a participant may receive a tax credit equal to 10, 20 or 50% of up to the first $2,000 of their 2023 contributions. Joint filers may both be eligible for a credit if each contributed to a plan and they meet the income limitation. The Saver’s Credit is applied only as a reduction in the participant’s income tax liability but is given in addition to any other tax benefits that may result from the retirement contributions. The 2023 income limits and associated Saver’s Credits are:

2023 Saver's Credit Guidelines

Please contact your assigned Old Point Wealth Administrator/Relationship Manager or call us at 757-599-2200 to learn how we can assist you in communicating this to your employees’…

More information on the Saver’s Credit is available on the IRS Retirement Savings Contributions Credit website:
https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-savings-contributions-savers-credit

The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or any other business and professional matters that affect you and/or your business.

But to a scammer, your mail contains valuable personal information.

Here are some tips to recognize the warning signs of mail fraud and how to protect against it! 

1. Refrain from using public mailboxes.

2. Take bills to a post office rather than leaving them in your mailbox for pick-up.

3. Know your billing cycles and watch for any missing mail.

4. Follow up if bills or new cards do not arrive on time.

5. If you choose to leave outgoing mail in your mailbox, do not put the flag up.

Click here to read more ways to protect yourself from fraud

But to a scammer, your mail contains valuable personal information.

Here are some tips to recognize the warning signs of mail fraud and how to protect against it! 

1. Refrain from using public mailboxes.

2. Take bills to a post office rather than leaving them in your mailbox for pick-up.

3. Know your billing cycles and watch for any missing mail.

4. Follow up if bills or new cards do not arrive on time.

5. If you choose to leave outgoing mail in your mailbox, do not put the flag up.

Click here to read more ways to protect yourself from fraud

Not being preapproved- Getting a mortgage pre-approval should be your first step in buying a home. . Before shopping for homes it is important to meet with a loan officer to discuss your lending options to decide which loan is right for you. This will also let you know how much the bank will allow you to borrow to purchase a home and make your offer more attractive.

Not researching the community- Be sure that you research the locations and communities of the homes that you are considering purchasing. Check the proximity and walk scores of locations that are important to you like schools, places of work, gyms, entertainment, airports, and other amenities. Check the ratings and reviews of schools, crime rate, sound levels, and other statistics about the area to see if it is a good fit for you.

Not considering enough homes or neighborhoods- Don’t narrow down your home search too much. It is best to look at more homes to give you more options to choose from. You may find a home that you love but something may fall through with your offer so it is important that you find other options and not offer too much to win a deal for a house that you are emotionally attached to. Many people find that when they wait they find the right home for them and are glad that they did not buy a previous home they looked at and considered buying.

Not having a real estate agent- Realtors are experienced with finding new homes for sale, negotiating, and handling the important paperwork to win the bidding war for your desired home. Choose a local real estate agent that understands the housing market in the area that you are looking to buy your home in. Click here to read our blog Post Reasons to Work With a Real Estate Agent

Not prioritizing needs over wants- If you do not make a prioritized list of needs and wants you may end up buying a home that does not meet your needs. Sometimes people can make emotional decisions based on wants which can lead to making purchases based on things they. Read our post Tips to Find The Right Home That Fits Your Needs for tips and a home-buying checklist

Buying a fixer-upper- A fixer-upper may seem like a great option so you can make the improvements that you would like to make but often people will be surprised by the cost and difficulty that some home improvement projects take. If you are buying a fixer-upper or looking to make improvements check out these blog posts to help with your projects. Click here for Tips to Budget for Home Renovations 
Click Here for Easy Cost-Efficient DIY Home Improvement Ideas

Making too low of an offer- If you make too low of an offer in a hot market you may not win the bidding war and miss out on your dream home.

Making too high of an offer- If you make too high of an offer you may experience buyer’s remorse for paying more than the home is worth and not having money to make improvements.

Not putting enough money down- Some home-buyers will put the minimum amount of money down that is required to purchase the home. Different loans require different down-payments, if you are going with a conventional loan you can benefit by putting down 20% or greater to avoid paying private mortgage insurance.

Skipping the home inspection- Not having the home inspected can help you win a deal but is not worth the risk of purchasing a home that is not in good condition, needs costly repairs, has issues or unseen damage. A home inspection will allow you to find issues with the home and negotiate repairs to be made, money for the repairs or you can back out of an offer.

Not touring the home in-person- Buying a home is a huge decision so you should try to visit the home in person before purchasing if possible. Realtors do a great job of staging a home, taking pictures, and making virtual tours but you cannot get a true feel of the home without touring the home in person. Once you see the home in person you can get a good feel for the neighborhood and community. Take a few trips at different times of the day and take a walk through the neighborhood and enjoy local entertainment to see if you will enjoy living there.

Not improving your credit score before purchasing a home- If you are unsure of your current credit score you should check and monitor your credit score. Try to improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage as this can help get approved and get a better interest rate. Ask your local mortgage loan originator how you can improve your score and how you should prepare to buy a home to have a smoother mortgage process. Check out these tips to Prep for Buying a Home.

Health Care Proxy

Every child age 18 and over should have a health care proxy naming a parent (or parents) as agent.  What does this mean?  When a child needs medical care, the law states their parents have a right to that medical information and to make decisions about that care.  But when a child turns 18, and because they are a legal adult, parents no longer have an automatic right to any of that.

Think about this … because of federal medical privacy laws, if your 18-year-old is in a car accident, the hospital can’t share any information about their condition, and you have no rights to made decisions about their treatment.  What parent wants to feel helpless in this situation?

To fix that, your child can execute a health care proxy.  That document names someone as the child’s agent (in this case you, their parent or parents) to make medical decisions if your child is ill or incapacitated.  Make sure the health care proxy includes a reference to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which allows the agent access to medical records.  If your child lives or goes to college in a different state, you should consult with an attorney to determine whether you need a separate health care proxy for each state.  

A properly executed health care proxy and HIPAA release provide several benefits.  First, it allows your child’s doctors to discuss privileged medical information with you.  Second, it gives you the power to make decisions about your child’s treatment.  Third, it enables you to stay informed about your child’s condition in case they become ill or have an accident.  Finally, it gives you the authority to contact health insurance companies on their behalf.

Durable Power of Attorney

Just as important as health care is, financial matters are equally important.  In this case, your child should have a durable power of attorney for financial matters.  

If your child becomes incapacitated or is simply unavailable while studying in another state or participating in a study abroad program, a power of attorney lets you to access their bank accounts, file tax returns, deal with student loans or other creditors, speak to the college’s financial aid office, and handle any other financial issues that may arise (like paying rent).

Even if you pay your child’s college tuition, you are not legally allowed to manage your child’s money or communicate with his or her financial institutions without a power of attorney.  Remember, they’re a legal adult and unless they give someone the power to act on their behalf, the fact that you are their parent won’t be enough to give you access to that information or the power to help them.

Your estate planning attorney can easily create a durable power of attorney document that can be used for contacting all financial institutions.

What if You Don’t Act?

If your adult child is incapacitated and does not have either a health care proxy or power of attorney in place, then your only option may be to petition a court to obtain a guardianship and/or conservatorship.  

This is a long, expensive and public process that may not be resolved before critical medical or financial decisions must be made.  In contrast, these basic documents are straightforward and can be prepared by your attorney quickly and at a much lower cost than a court proceeding.

Lastly, it’s important to note that while some of these forms are available online at little or no cost, there is no guarantee that they will be accurate or will meet the requirements of the state where your adult child lives.  The better option is to instead go to a local attorney who can advise you directly.

Important: This article does not contain any legal or tax advice. You should always consult your attorney, accountant or other professional advisors before changing or implementing any tax, investment or estate planning strategy.

If you’re interested in taking advantage of a new calendar year safe harbor plan, please contact us today to get started and have agreements signed by the August 12th deadline!

Existing Plan Deadlines
To add a safe harbor provision to an existing 401(k) at 3%, we can amend the plan effective December 1st of the current plan year. After December 1st, a Safe Harbor provision can be added at 4% until the end of the next plan year.

In order to meet the December 1st effective date, we will need to hear from you by October 1st that you would like to make the change so that we can prepare the appropriate amendment and employee notices.

Mid-year Safe Harbor Plan Changes
For a current safe harbor 401(k) plan that requires changes, there are special rules must be followed. Details for mid-year changes are included in IRS Notice 2016-16 (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-16-16.pdf), and summarized here:

• Give employees an updated safe harbor notice 30 to 90 days ahead of any changes.
• Give each notified employee at least 30 days to change their cash or deferral election.

When the notice rules above are satisfied, changes can be made to certain aspects of the plan including, for example, increasing future safe harbor non-elective contributions from 3% to 4%, or changing the plan entry date for eligible employees from quarterly to monthly.

Several types of changes are not permissible during the year, so review the full rules (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-16-16.pdf) carefully or discuss with your plan consultant if you wish to amend your plan.

That’s a tough question to answer in the best of times. Add in sky-high inflation, a healthy dose of geopolitical uncertainty and the looming expenses like college, buying a home or caring for kids or parents, and it all can feel like an impossible hurdle. Even with all this uncertainty, there is one thing that likely is certain: you’re probably not saving enough. So how are you supposed to find more money to set aside for retirement?

Here are six simple things you can do, even if you are close to retiring, to save more for retirement and not feel a pinch in your budget when you do it.

Pay yourself first. You might get a loan for a car or a house, but nobody will loan you money for retirement. So rather than paying all your bills first and then put money aside for retirement, flip the script. Pay yourself first and then pay the rest of your bills.

If your employer offers a retirement plan (like a 401(k) plan), you can contribute to your retirement automatically without having to make a conscious decision to save it. Talk with your human resources or payroll department to sign up for your employer’s plan ,and you’ll be surprised how quickly even a few dollars every pay period will add up.

Even if your employer doesn’t have a retirement plan, help may still be available. If you have another retirement account — an IRA, for instance — your employer may be able to direct money from your paycheck into that account just like for your 401(k).

Get free money. Many employers offer to match employee contributions to their retirement plan up to a certain amount. A common example is if an employee contributes 3 percent of his pay to his 401(k) account, the employer will also contribute up to 3 percent.

Why is this important? It’s free money — a chance to double your money, guaranteed. So, if you wonder how much to contribute to your retirement, just make sure it’s at least enough to earn all of the matching dollars your employer offers.

When you get a raise, give your nest egg a raise, too. No matter how much you earn, it will be easy to find ways to spend all that money. So when you get a raise, use that opportunity to your advantage. Use that extra money — or at least part of it — to increase your retirement savings. If you get a 3 percent raise, increase your retirement contribution by 1 percent or 2 percent.

And do it as soon as you get that raise. Remember — you won’t miss what you don’t see. If you automatically contribute a portion of your raise to your retirement savings, you won’t get used to spending it and you can increase your savings without cutting into your budget or your lifestyle.

Take it one step at a time. Coming up with enough money to retire may seem impossible. But the only way to eat an elephant is one spoonful at a time. Instead of going from saving nothing to saving 10 percent or more for retirement in one fell swoop, take baby steps to get there.

Start by saving what you can, and then increase your retirement savings just 1 percent per year. If you’re saving 3 percent of your salary today, increase it to 4 percent next year. That smaller increase is easier to handle, and you will still get to your target savings rate.

Consolidate your debt. With interest rates rising, consumer debt — credit cards, car loans, etc. — can be more expensive to pay off. If you consolidate that debt into one loan at a lower rate, it can save you interest and reduce your expenses. Take that extra money and contribute all or part of it to your retirement.

Adjust tax withholding. This can sound a little intimidating, but it might make a big difference. Take a closer look at the W-4 form you use to compute tax withholding from your paycheck.

If you regularly get a big tax refund, you’re withholding more than you need. Essentially, you’re giving the IRS an interest-free loan all year, and then waiting to get it back after you file your taxes. Who wants to do that?

Instead, re-calculate your withholding (either on the W-4 worksheet from your payroll department or with your tax advisor) to reduce the amount you withhold. Then use that extra money each pay period to increase your retirement contribution.

What’s next?

Saving for retirement can seem overwhelming, but in the end, it’s just about making choices and budgeting. Some of these tips are easier than others. The most important thing is to start somewhere.

If you have questions, talk with your employer’s HR department and with your financial advisor. They can help you understand all your options and help you decide today so you can enjoy financial security in the future.

Click Here to Schedule an Appointment with an Old Point Wealth Management professional

To meet this need, Go-Retire participant statements will include this lifetime income projection annually. The calculation used for the projection is prescribed by the Department of Labor. Below is a sample illustration of the projection that is based off a template the Department of Labor provided in the guidance they issued regarding this new requirement. We will be introducing this on the participant statements that are delivered during the third quarter of this year.

For greater details on the requirement and assumptions that are used in the lifetime income disclosure, view the DOLpublication.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Client Service Representative if we can answer any questions.

Practice Good Digital Hygiene 

Check your mail, email and texts regularly to check for suspicious emails, messages or mail that indicates that your information has been compromised. Do not ignore emails stating changes on an account, unauthorized transactions, or unexpected requests for payment or signature. Do not click on any links or attachments without first verifying the identity of the sender. Do not provide any information to anyone that called you that you do not recognize the phone number. Most banks will not ask for your password or sensitive account information over the phone.

Protect Your Money, Credit, Debit, and Identification Cards

Sign the backs of your credit cards once you activate them. Do not create obvious PIN numbers that can be easily guessed or mimicked. Never share your card information, PIN or CVV with anyone that you do not trust. Use extra caution when using ATMs, if you see suspicious activity or do not feel safe you should find a different ATM Nearby and report the activity. Always cover your fingers when typing in your PIN when paying or at the ATM so that no one can see your PIN number. Try to use the ATM in the daytime when you are not alone. Be sure that you check the ATM and your surroundings to see that it has not been tampered with and remember to take your card, receipt, and cash. Have your receipt texted or emailed to you instead of having a printed copy. Do not count your cash at the ATM, if a criminal sees you counting your cash they view you as an easy target.

 For more information go to:

Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information

Protect Yourself and Your Money | American Bankers Association (aba.com)

To report Fraud go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Practice Good Digital Hygiene 

Check your mail, email and texts regularly to check for suspicious emails, messages or mail that indicates that your information has been compromised. Do not ignore emails stating changes on an account, unauthorized transactions, or unexpected requests for payment or signature. Do not click on any links or attachments without first verifying the identity of the sender. Do not provide any information to anyone that called you that you do not recognize the phone number. Most banks will not ask for your password or sensitive account information over the phone.

Protect Your Money, Credit, Debit, and Identification Cards

Sign the backs of your credit cards once you activate them. Do not create obvious PIN numbers that can be easily guessed or mimicked. Never share your card information, PIN or CVV with anyone that you do not trust. Use extra caution when using ATMs, if you see suspicious activity or do not feel safe you should find a different ATM Nearby and report the activity. Always cover your fingers when typing in your PIN when paying or at the ATM so that no one can see your PIN number. Try to use the ATM in the daytime when you are not alone. Be sure that you check the ATM and your surroundings to see that it has not been tampered with and remember to take your card, receipt, and cash. Have your receipt texted or emailed to you instead of having a printed copy. Do not count your cash at the ATM, if a criminal sees you counting your cash they view you as an easy target.

 For more information go to:

Identity Theft | FTC Consumer Information

Protect Yourself and Your Money | American Bankers Association (aba.com)

To report Fraud go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Our Personal Financial Management Tools available through our online banking gives you the ability to categorize your budget to help manage your budget, improve your spending habits and more.
Click here to read more

Below are recommendations for budget categories:

Cost of housing- This category is typically one of the biggest expenses for most. The recurring or planned expenses would include your monthly mortgage payments, rent, HOA fees HOA or Condo Fees. Do not forget about other costs such as insurance, maintenance, and repairs.

Transportation Costs- This category can add up with car payments, gas, insurance, parking, registration, property tax. Do not forget to budget for expensive repairs and maintenance.

Health Care- Deciding on which types of insurance you need can be difficult, we recommend that you speak with an insurance professional to help you decide how much you need to spend on health care and explore affordable types of savings you need.

Utilities- These include electric, gas, water, electricity, waste management and internet.  Make sure you pay close attention to each bill to see if you can cut back on usage, to bring down your cost of living.

Groceries – Groceries are a mandatory expense for everyone however it is important to properly categorize your grocery bill to get a better understanding of your expenses. Try to separate your grocery list when possible, you will want to separate food items from things like alcohol, medicine, hygiene, and beauty supplies.

Childcare- This is a necessary category for some parents and needs to be included in the budget to know how much needs to be set aside each month.

Investments- Everyone’s savings and investment goals are unique to their current situation but is important for all to include them in their budgets. There are different types of savings and investments that need to be budgeted for, we recommend that everyone has an emergency fund to cover the cost of unforeseen events. You should try to set a percentage of money that you are comfortable with into a savings or investment account each month to help pay off debts or invest money to reach goals quicker.

Debt- This is a necessary category for some and it is important to prioritize paying off debt quickly. Consider cutting back spending on the categories below to allow you to pay off your debt.

Gifts- With so many holidays, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and other reasons to celebrate and give gifts. These are hard to plan for as they are not all scheduled events, so each month and year will be different. You can create your own gifts, offer to do a service for them instead of a gift or simply cut back on the amount you spend on each celebration. Consider signing up for a holiday savings account to help save money for the Holidays.

Clothing- Try to cut back on spending on clothes by buying new clothes less often and wearing clothes until they need to be replaced. You can also buy and sell used clothes online or at a consignment shop to get quality clothing at a fraction of the price.

Memberships- These include streaming services, gym memberships, season tickets, and other subscriptions. Try to find more affordable or free alternatives for these memberships. Also, try to avoid signing up for auto-pay or trial periods. Often time’s people will forget to cancel a service and will end up paying for services that they are not using.

Entertainment- This is a broad category that includes spending money on anything you do for fun. Try to cut back on going out to dinner, movies, and events by cooking at home and doing free activities like going to a park, game boards, cookouts, beach, or riding bikes. Also, watch how much you are spending on material things such as toys, decorations, electronics, games, and recreational vehicles.

Travel- Travel can take a large chunk out of a budget, once your account for plane tickets, hotels, car rentals, eating out and activities the cost can seem overwhelming and can derail savings goals. Try to plan a staycation, take fewer trips or plan cheaper vacations that you may not need to travel as far to.  

Our Personal Financial Management Tools available through our online banking gives you the ability to categorize your budget to help manage your budget, improve your spending habits and more.
Click here to read more

Below are recommendations for budget categories:

Cost of housing- This category is typically one of the biggest expenses for most. The recurring or planned expenses would include your monthly mortgage payments, rent, HOA fees HOA or Condo Fees. Do not forget about other costs such as insurance, maintenance, and repairs.

Transportation Costs- This category can add up with car payments, gas, insurance, parking, registration, property tax. Do not forget to budget for expensive repairs and maintenance.

Health Care- Deciding on which types of insurance you need can be difficult, we recommend that you speak with an insurance professional to help you decide how much you need to spend on health care and explore affordable types of savings you need.

Utilities- These include electric, gas, water, electricity, waste management and internet.  Make sure you pay close attention to each bill to see if you can cut back on usage, to bring down your cost of living.

Groceries – Groceries are a mandatory expense for everyone however it is important to properly categorize your grocery bill to get a better understanding of your expenses. Try to separate your grocery list when possible, you will want to separate food items from things like alcohol, medicine, hygiene, and beauty supplies.

Childcare- This is a necessary category for some parents and needs to be included in the budget to know how much needs to be set aside each month.

Investments- Everyone’s savings and investment goals are unique to their current situation but is important for all to include them in their budgets. There are different types of savings and investments that need to be budgeted for, we recommend that everyone has an emergency fund to cover the cost of unforeseen events. You should try to set a percentage of money that you are comfortable with into a savings or investment account each month to help pay off debts or invest money to reach goals quicker.

Debt- This is a necessary category for some and it is important to prioritize paying off debt quickly. Consider cutting back spending on the categories below to allow you to pay off your debt.

Gifts- With so many holidays, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and other reasons to celebrate and give gifts. These are hard to plan for as they are not all scheduled events, so each month and year will be different. You can create your own gifts, offer to do a service for them instead of a gift or simply cut back on the amount you spend on each celebration. Consider signing up for a holiday savings account to help save money for the Holidays.

Clothing- Try to cut back on spending on clothes by buying new clothes less often and wearing clothes until they need to be replaced. You can also buy and sell used clothes online or at a consignment shop to get quality clothing at a fraction of the price.

Memberships- These include streaming services, gym memberships, season tickets, and other subscriptions. Try to find more affordable or free alternatives for these memberships. Also, try to avoid signing up for auto-pay or trial periods. Often time’s people will forget to cancel a service and will end up paying for services that they are not using.

Entertainment- This is a broad category that includes spending money on anything you do for fun. Try to cut back on going out to dinner, movies, and events by cooking at home and doing free activities like going to a park, game boards, cookouts, beach, or riding bikes. Also, watch how much you are spending on material things such as toys, decorations, electronics, games, and recreational vehicles.

Travel- Travel can take a large chunk out of a budget, once your account for plane tickets, hotels, car rentals, eating out and activities the cost can seem overwhelming and can derail savings goals. Try to plan a staycation, take fewer trips or plan cheaper vacations that you may not need to travel as far to.  

The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a new version of President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better plan on November 19, 2021. That bill must still be passed by the U.S. Senate before going to the President’s desk for his signature, and it is subject to additional changes and an uncertain future given the Senate’s razor-thin Democratic majority. The most significant tax changes within the current bill are summarized below.

Individual Income Taxes

• The state and local tax (SALT) deduction limit is increased from $10,000 to $80,000 ($40,000 for trusts and estates or married filing separately) for tax years from 2021 through 2030.
• Net investment income tax of 3.8% is expanded to include pass-through income from S corporations, LLCs, or partnerships even if the taxpayer is actively involved in the business.  This change would not apply to distributions taken as salary that are subject to FICA or self-employment taxes.  This provision applies to single filers and trusts and estates with income over $400,000, and married filing jointly with income over $500,000 for tax years after December 31, 2021.
• A 5% surcharge is added for modified adjusted gross income over $10 million – the same limit for single or married filing jointly, as well as an additional 3% for modified adjusted gross income over $25 million.  The limit for trusts and estates is $200,000 for the 5% surcharge with an additional 3% surcharge for income over $500,000.  This proposal would be effective for tax years after December 31, 2021.

Retirement Plans

• “Back Door” Roth conversions – that is, the conversion of portions of after-tax traditional IRA to a Roth IRA – will not be permitted after December 31, 2021.
• Roth conversions are being eliminated for taxpayers with taxable income over $400,000 for single tax filers, and $450,000 for married filing jointly beginning with tax years after December 31, 2031.
• Any individual with an aggregate balance over $10 million in Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs and defined contribution plans will be required to take a minimum distribution of 50% of the amount by which the limit is exceeded.  Anyone with balances over $20 million will need to take a distribution that brings the balance below $20 million, taking first from Roth plans.  This section will not be effective until after December 31, 2028.

Previous Proposals That Did Not Make It Into This Bill Include:

• No change to capital gains tax rates.
• No change to top individual income tax rate.
• No elimination of Section 1031 exchanges.
• No change to Federal Estate and Gift Tax Exemption.
• No change to step-up in cost basis at death.
• No change to grantor trust rules.
• No changes to rules for valuation discounts on the transfer of nonbusiness assets.
• No prohibition on private equity investments in IRAs.

As mentioned earlier, the fate of this bill in the Senate is far from certain, and more updates are expected in the coming weeks. If you have questions about your own finances, please reach out to your Trust Advisor or Relationship Manager or any of our teammates who will be happy to speak with you.

MARKET KNOWLEDGE- A well-qualified agent with exceptional market knowledge can help you get the best value through comparing various properties in similar areas - also known as comparables or comps. Understanding the local market is key to finding the best home at the best possible price.

PROFESSIONAL NEGOTIATION- Making an offer and negotiating with a seller is by far one of the most specialized steps of the home buying process. Having an experienced agent who’s adequately prepared and emotionally neutral to negotiate the deal of your future home is vital to getting you the best deal possible.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE- Wouldn’t it be great to know about a home that’s going up for sale before it’s listed? It’s important to recognize that many transactions happen behind closed doors before the property ever hits the market. Therefore having a well-networked agent is extremely important to the success of your home buying process.

KNOWLEDGE OF INDUSTRY STANDARDS, LEGALITIES, AND CONTRACTS- A realtor will have a better idea of the process, home values, current market, and trends than if you try to research and buy a home without a realtor. They can help you by preparing an offer, by adding contingencies, comparing recent sales, and will help you put in an offer that can win the home without paying more than the home is worth or moving into a home with issues. Oftentimes, buyers who represent themselves leave money on the table because they don’t fully understand disclosures. Due to their lack of experience, they’re often unable to negotiate the best deal. More importantly, they don’t understand the necessary legalities involved throughout the home buying process, which can open them up to potential lawsuits. This is why it becomes imperative to stay legally protected and get the best value through professional representation. Your real estate agent is also your professional guide to help simplify the process and provide technical support. Their insider knowledge and understanding of the market can give you information to make informed decisions.

Everyone’s financial situation is different but these savings accounts are a must-have for every working-age adult. Having money set aside for different purposes can help you organize your finances so that you can build savings accounts to ensure a prosperous future for you and your family. Allocating your money in the right places can seem like a challenge that is why we are here to help you build your savings to meet your needs and lifestyle.

Emergency Savings Account

An emergency savings account is an account that you set aside in case of emergencies such as loss of employment, sudden injuries, serious illness, natural disasters, repair costs, and more. We recommend that you set aside about 5-6 months worth of living expenses. If your job is not stable or secure, you may want to have more in your emergency savings account. If you are unable to put aside that much money because of debt or other reasons then take baby steps by adding small amounts of money after paying off debts.

It is important that you keep your emergency savings in an account where you can get your cash out immediately. We recommend putting the money in an interest-yielding savings account or a money market savings account. Having money that you can quickly and easily access in case of an emergency is critical to have and will reduce the stress of wondering how you can afford an emergency situation.

Click here to view our savings accounts

Personal Savings Account

A personal savings account is an account that you set aside for wants such as entertainment, clothes, electronics, vacation, travel, subscriptions, services, and other materials. Everyone's personal savings are driven by different things based on wants and lifestyle. We recommend you categorize your expenses to see how you are spending your money and then set short-term goals that can be achieved to afford what you want. Do not forget to save money for non-monthly or non-scheduled expenses such as holidays, weddings, bills, repairs, and maintenance that can fluctuate spending.

With an Old Point Savings account, you will get access to personal finance tools to help categorize and organize your spending so you can budget more efficiently so you can save to reach your financial goals.

Click here to read more about our Personal Financial Management Tools

Health Savings Account

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a savings account that allows you to save money for expenses related to your health. Our health is our greatest asset so it is important that we not only take care of ourselves physically and mentally but also save money to pay future medical bills.

HSAs have many tax benefits that allow you to save and invest money tax-free to pay for a medical emergency. All deposits, growth, and withdrawals are tax-free, so you can spend and save as needed without the extra cost of taxes. The amount of money you should contribute depends on your benefits, deductible, and your health. If you are healthy and have a low deductible you may put in less money than someone with health risks or a high deductible.

Retirement Savings Account

It is also important that you start planning for the future early to retire happily without stressing about how you will pay the bills. Social Security will help supplement your income, but may not be enough to pay for the essentials and live comfortably. We recommend that you try to save about 15% of your income for retirement if possible.

If your company offers a 401(k) plan and offers to match funds contributed to the account, we recommend that you take advantage and contribute at least what your company offers to match. Another benefit of a 401(k) plan is that the money you put in is not counted as taxable income, but you may need to pay taxes once the money is withdrawn.

If you are self-employed, you can save for retirement by using a Simplified Employee Pension Plan. These plans allow self-employed people to invest in IRAs set up for employees.

If you do not have access or your company does not contribute to your 401(k) plan, then an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) might be a great way to save money for retirement for you. Old Point offers two different IRA account: a traditional IRA and Roth IRA, both types of accounts can be a great way to invest money for retirement  

Click here to learn more about our retirement services

Build Equity- Owning a home is a form of savings, when you pay your mortgage you are reducing the amount you owe on the loan, each time you make a mortgage payment you build equity. If your home increases in value, so will your equity. When you rent your money is going to help pay for your landlords mortgage instead of owning an asset.

Tax Benefits & Deductions- Owning a home gives you a number of tax breaks. If you itemize your deductions you may be able to deduct mortgage interest and property tax payments as well as other tax breaks from federal income tax.

Financial Stability- With the price to rent on the rise, another benefit of owning a home is knowing what your payments will be each month. This makes it easier to set up a budget to plan your financial future.

Make it your Home- The feeling of owning your own home is unmatched. You have the freedom to make the house your own. Fix it up, paint it, plant a tree, install a pool, build a treehouse, knock down a wall - the possibilities are endless when you are a home-owner. This gives homeowners a significantly higher net worth than renters.

Less Restrictions, More Control- You have the freedom to have pets, control utilities, install security and other smart devices. No more landlords bothering you about rental policies or lease agreements.

Strengthening the Community- Homebuyers often experience a gained sense of community and they will do their best to help improve local neighborhoods, support local businesses and advocate for policies to improve their communities. When you rent a home, you may have neighboring tenants that do not plan on staying long and do not feel connected to the community. When you buy a home you have the opportunity to make long lasting relationships with your neighbors.

When it comes to buying a new home timing is extremely important. Hesitating to act may put the home of your dreams out of your reach. With historically low interest rates and so many loan programs for borrowers that offer low rates, low down payments, and flexible payment options, now might be a great time to buy a house to reap the benefits of owning a home.

Our financial tools provide account aggregation, allowing account holders to easily add external accounts and view all accounts on their online banking home page. Having quick and comprehensive information in one simple view provides a complete picture of where your finances stand. This makes it easier to understand your finances—and stay on track to meeting your goals.  Click "Get Started" under the "Link Account" tile or click the "Link Account" button under the Financial Tools menu to link external accounts. Find and select your financial institution and enter in your credentials to securely connect your external accounts without leaving online banking.

Categorization is easy and automated, with simple transaction descriptions and automatic categorization across internally and externally held accounts. This will give you a good idea of what you are spending your money on and how to cut back.

These financial tools offer enhanced but easy-to-understand data visualization. Consumers can view their personal data in a variety of ways, such as budgets, spending, net worth, debts, trends, and more.

Take the first step to a better financial future by getting a better understanding of your spending habit so that you can create a better budget to build your saving and eliminate debt.

Spending

Enables you to see a visual
representation of how you are
spending your money.

Budget

Helps you set budgets for
each spending category and
track progress towards those
categories each month.

Cash Flow

Keep track of your income
and expenses to see how they
affect your financial future.

Trends

Builds even further on your
budgeting categories to help
track spending over time as
compared to income.

Net Worth

 Allows you to see the total
value of all accounts to view
your net worth over time.

Debt

Allows you to see all of your debts
in one place and to calculate how making
additional payments, or paying off your debt
can impact your savings over time.

Before you hire or meet with a realtor you should have a good idea of what your home requires and what your preferences are. Don’t leave your realtor guessing about what you are looking for in a home, instead prepare specific requirements and a wish list for your ideal home. This will narrow down your home search and help you save time by only looking at the homes that you can afford and help choose which house will meet your requirements the best. The top things to consider are:

• Number of Bedrooms
• Number of Bathrooms
• Size of Home
• Style of Home
• Size of Yard
• Type of Housing
• Age of Home
• Layout of Floorplan
• School District
• Pools, amenities, and HOA
• Garage and parking
• Commute to work, shopping, expressways, gyms, and entertainment
• Walk Score
• Crime Rate
• Noise Level
• Updates and upgrades
• Age of Roof
• Age of Utilities

Once you decide what is necessary in your future home, you can start shopping for homes. Ask your Realtor® to connect you to the local multiple listing service and create a customized search that has filters for the price range, location, size, bed and bath count, and any other requirements for your home. Ask if it is possible to have possible matches sent directly to your email or phone, so you can see the home before it is sold.

Shopping online and taking virtual tours are helpful, but when possible, try to tour the home, neighborhood, and surrounding area before making an offer. Many homes are selling quickly. So keep your schedule flexible so that you are ready to put in an offer on your dream home.

• Create A Personal Financial Statement - Calculate your net worth by subtracting your assets minus liabilities/debts at least each year. This will help give you an understanding of your current financial standing.

• Envision Yourself in The Future - Consider where you are living, working and how you spend your time and decide which long-term and short-term goals would make you the proudest to accomplish.

• Understand Where You Are Spending - It is important to analyze your spending in order to create a budget and goals. Categorize your expenses to give you a detailed picture, so you can cut back on fixed and variable expenses to help build your savings. This will also help you cut back on non-essential spending and identify bad spending habits and unnecessary subscriptions.

• Build Goals into Your Budget - Having goals fixed into your budget is likely to cause you to adopt frugal behavior and motivation to make more money in order to reach your goals. Hold yourself accountable when goals are not met and analyze why you did not achieve your goal.

• Automate Your Savings and Spending - Set up automatic transfers or deductions to go to a high-interest savings account and participate in retirement plans at work. Have a portion of your earnings go directly into special savings accounts to grow your emergency fund and meet financial goals.

Is now a good time for me to buy a home?

First, you will want to decide when is the right time to buy a home. Make sure your personal and financial goals align with your home-buying decision. Consider your desired living situation, current income, savings, debts, and how long you plan on living in the home. Everyone’s decision to move is different. Some people may need to move and others might be trying to see what they can get in a hot market. Mortgage rates are currently at an all-time low and are predicted to remain historically low, but may begin to rise again in 2021. Meanwhile, there are not many homes for sale causing intense competition and the average listing price to go up substantially. Deciding to wait or not and the strength of your offer could cause you to miss out on the perfect home.

Save for a down payment

Try to save up enough money to put at least a 20% down payment on the home to avoid paying private mortgage insurance. If you do not have enough money to put 20% down, consider non-conventional loan options. In addition to a down payment, you need to make sure that you have set aside enough money for closing costs, inspections, maintenance, home improvements, insurance, utilities, and other living expenses.

Meet with a Loan Originator

Getting pre-approved will help give you a better understanding of your current financials, available grants, home-buying assistance programs, and lending options to help determine how much you can afford and how you would like to pay it off.  We recommend working with a local, experienced loan originator that understands the products and can walk you through all of the options available to you. Once you determine how much you can borrow, you can create a budget by factoring in all of the other costs associated with owning a home.

Hire a Realtor®

Look for an experienced real estate agent that is familiar with the area you want to live in. They will have the best understanding of the market so that you know what a fair asking price is and what an attractive offer would be. They can also introduce you to new areas that may fit your interest and lifestyle. It is important to have a realtor in a competitive market because they can help find homes quickly before they are sold and help win bidding wars. A good real estate agent can also refer you to other professionals needed to buy and maintain a home such, as contractors, home inspectors, termite inspectors, appraisers, title, legal, etc.

Shop for homes

Ask your Realtor® to connect you to the local multiple listing service and create a customized search that has filters for the price range, location, size, bed and bath count, and any other requirements for your home. Ask if it is possible to have possible matches sent directly to your email or phone, so you can see the home before it is sold.

Shopping online and taking virtual tours are helpful, but when possible, try to tour the home, neighborhood, and surrounding area before making an offer. Many sellers are taking extra precautions when showing homes in person, be sure to be courteous, and follow the guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety. Keep your schedule flexible, so that you are ready when your dream home hits the market.

Making the offer

Once you have found your dream home in this market, you must act fast and submit an attractive order. Homes are selling fast and often for more than the asking price, but if you act fast and make a good offer you may get your dream home. Your offer package will include the offer price, preapproval letter, and terms/contingencies. If you are really interested in a house, ask your Realtor how you can sweeten the deal for the seller and they may make a counteroffer.

Get a home inspection

This will help find any issues with the home that you and your realtor may not have found. This will help you decide how to proceed with closing. Depending on the terms of your offer, you might ask the seller to make or pay for the repairs or you may find a reason that you want to back out of your offer if is a contingency.

Get final loan approval

It is important that you respond quickly and provide all documentation such as bank statements, W2s, proof of income tax returns, and other required documents. This will help avoid denial or any other issues or delays in the process.

Final walk-through

This is your last opportunity to view the property before it is your home. Take this opportunity to address any outstanding repairs, conditions, or requests that need to be completed or compensated for.

Closing

Once you have completed the final walk-through and all contingencies have been met, you are ready to close on your home. Be sure to review the closing disclosure carefully and ask any questions you have about your loan before signing the closing documents. Make sure that you are provided with all keys and anything else that is to be provided with the home. Be sure to keep a copy of all paperwork for your records. Once the paperwork has been signed, the house is now your home!

Add autumn-colored accessories throughout the home- Colors like orange, yellow, red, and brown are sure to give your home a fall feel without being tacky. Go for subtle muted colors over bright vibrant colors to transition away from summer into autumn. You can create homemade centerpieces and garlands using pumpkin, acorns, pine cones, burlap, dried oranges, cinnamon, yarn, dried plants, or other materials available.

Decorate your porch and deck for the season- Use a variety of pumpkins, gourds, pine cones, fake leaves, corn stalks, hay and fall plants to have the ultimate fall curb appeal. Custom homemade fall wreaths or planters look great and are fun to assemble. Just add a few fall accessories to your standard wreath or planters for DIY classy fall décor. Some great fall plants are mums, marigolds, kale, calendula, sedum, and sunflowers.

Bring the smells of the season into your home- Place candles that look and smell like fall to bring the sights and smells of autumn into your home. Scents like cinnamon, pumpkin, apple, sandalwood, fig, cedar, cider, cranberry, and pine will keep you and your guests in the fall spirit. You can also switch out your hand soaps with fall scents and if you want to get the ultimate fall scent consider making your own potpourri. It is fun, easy, and sure to make your home smell amazing.

Place fall quotes throughout the home- You can remind yourself of all of the joys of the fall season. Use decorative hand and kitchen towels or even make your own quote boards by printing out quotes or writing messages on dry erase or chalkboards. This is a great way to greet guests and the fall season.

Make your home warm and cozy- Blankets are not only warm, but they can make great decorations as well. Try draping a blanket over a couch, table, or cabinet for a warm fall look. Flannels, plaids, and dark-colored fuzzy pillows and blankets are great for the fall season.

Types of scams

• Some scammers may offer to help negotiate your mortgage rate, help with payments or tell you that they can get you approved faster than your current lender and will even tell you to cut off communication with your lender, bank, and other resources. Scammers may pose as lawyers offering you a fake class-action suit against your bank or mortgage lender. Only contact trusted partners about your finances and always contact your loan officer if you need help with making payments.

• Some scammers will pose as fake auditors to get their hands on your personal information AND charge a fee in the process.

• Some scammers will offer to help you through the process of getting government assistance or filing for bankruptcy. Only contact your trusted financial partners and contact government agencies directly. You should never have to pay for government aid programs and you should never give your information to anyone that you do not know and who is offering to be a middleman for you.

• Scammers are also known to target people seeking employment and will even create fake job openings or create Ponzi and pyramid schemes. Some fraudsters will offer services to help get a job and will charge a fee without providing any real services.  

Red Flags

• Upfront fees- If a company is offering to help you with a loan modification or offering mortgage relief and is asking for payment upfront, then it is most likely a scam that is trying to take your money and disappear.

• Only taking cash, wire transfers, or cashier’s checks- Scammers will try to get you to pay them through untraceable forms so that they can disappear with your money.

• Their offer is too good to be true- If they are offering you a deal or service that no one else can compete with, they are likely tricking you to provide information or money.

• The pressure to make quick decisions- Scammers will try to create a sense of urgency to try to get you to make a rushed decision without doing the proper research.

• Guarantees- Scammers will make many different promises that they will not honor. They plan on winning over your trust with guarantees and then they take your money or information and disappear.

• Fake names, email and physical addresses- If you receive an email or letter from someone offering services, be sure that you double-check their information before contacting or sending money.

• Fake links, documents, and attachments- Do not click on any links or attachments sent from a source that you are not familiar with. Hackers will disguise malicious links and files to get you to click on them, but once you click on the link, you may download malware or a virus.

• Bad Grammar and typos- Scammers will often have typos in their email addresses, weblinks, and the body of their emails. When you see typos or bad grammar, take extra precautions.

Here is an example from right here in Hampton Roads - Virginia Beach man and woman accused of loan scheme and receiving $9,600 in unemployment benefits

For more information on Mortgage Relief Scams visit the FTC’s official site: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/consumer-finance/mortgage-relief-scams.

If you've been impacted by financial hardship and need help making your mortgage loan payments, contact your mortgage lender.

Create a rain garden- If you have low-lying areas in your yard that are constantly filled with water you can turn the puddle into a rain garden. Fill the area with porous soil with plants, we recommend plants that are indigenous to the area or ones that do well in swampy conditions. You can look up plants that are local to the area and see which ones are best to control erosion provided by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Here. You can also direct water from areas that are prone to flooding by creating a trench or by installing pipes that lead to your rain garden. This will help drain your yard and will look nice as well.

Direct water away from the home- Be sure that the ground is sloping away from the home in all directions. Flooding generally occurs in low areas of the yard and elevating these areas can effectively prevent flooding. You can elevate low areas by adding topsoil and mulch which will stop the rainwater from building up. Be sure that your pipes, drains, and vents are not negatively affected by the process.

Extra care for your lawn- You can plant new grass to reduce flooding, research which kind of grass is the most effective for absorbing water in your area.  Make sure that you do not cut your grass too short, cutting the grass too short can weaken the root structure and can lead to flooding.

Install a rain barrel- Rain barrels are a great way to collect water to protect your home from flooding and is an eco-friendly way to water your lawn and plants.

Install a French drain- French drains collect excess water in perforated pipes and release the water evenly throughout the ground. To install you will need to dig a trench in the flooded areas of your yard and place a perforated pipe and cover with gravel to protect the pipe from clogging.

Install a sump pump- They work by removing the water from the soil and collecting it in their specially dug pits.  Once the pit is full, the water is pumped away through a drainage pipe that drains the water at a safe distance.

Install dry wells- You can install the plastic wells underground surrounded by gravel to collect water that will be slowly dispersed. The water will slowly build up and will prevent flooding by slowly releasing the water. You can add pipes for added control of where the water will be directed.

Flood Insurance- Flood damage is not covered in most home or property insurance policies. Consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy to protect yourself against this most common natural disaster. Old Point Insurance can help you determine the right kind of coverage you need to stay protected. We take the time to create a policy that is customized to your needs so that you have the insurance plan that will protect what matters most to you. 

Contact us at 757.224.1463 or info@oldpointinsurance.com to learn more about our insurance options.

Create a rain garden- If you have low-lying areas in your yard that are constantly filled with water you can turn the puddle into a rain garden. Fill the area with porous soil with plants, we recommend plants that are indigenous to the area or ones that do well in swampy conditions. You can look up plants that are local to the area and see which ones are best to control erosion provided by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Here. You can also direct water from areas that are prone to flooding by creating a trench or by installing pipes that lead to your rain garden. This will help drain your yard and will look nice as well.

Direct water away from the home- Be sure that the ground is sloping away from the home in all directions. Flooding generally occurs in low areas of the yard and elevating these areas can effectively prevent flooding. You can elevate low areas by adding topsoil and mulch which will stop the rainwater from building up. Be sure that your pipes, drains, and vents are not negatively affected by the process.

Extra care for your lawn- You can plant new grass to reduce flooding, research which kind of grass is the most effective for absorbing water in your area.  Make sure that you do not cut your grass too short, cutting the grass too short can weaken the root structure and can lead to flooding.

Install a rain barrel- Rain barrels are a great way to collect water to protect your home from flooding and is an eco-friendly way to water your lawn and plants.

Install a French drain- French drains collect excess water in perforated pipes and release the water evenly throughout the ground. To install you will need to dig a trench in the flooded areas of your yard and place a perforated pipe and cover with gravel to protect the pipe from clogging.

Install a sump pump- They work by removing the water from the soil and collecting it in their specially dug pits.  Once the pit is full, the water is pumped away through a drainage pipe that drains the water at a safe distance.

Install dry wells- You can install the plastic wells underground surrounded by gravel to collect water that will be slowly dispersed. The water will slowly build up and will prevent flooding by slowly releasing the water. You can add pipes for added control of where the water will be directed.

Flood Insurance- Flood damage is not covered in most home or property insurance policies. Consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy to protect yourself against this most common natural disaster. Old Point Insurance can help you determine the right kind of coverage you need to stay protected. We take the time to create a policy that is customized to your needs so that you have the insurance plan that will protect what matters most to you. 

Contact us at 757.224.1463 or info@oldpointinsurance.com to learn more about our insurance options.

Organize your Project-Create a spreadsheet of the planned renovations and costs associated. You should research the cost of materials, cost and time to complete each project. This will help you prioritize your spending and make adjustments to your project as it evolves. First, you will get a rough estimate of the price range of average cost the renovation typically costs, then you can pick the material that you plan on using and cost to install to get an estimate of the actual cost.

Plan for Additional Costs- While you are working on your renovation project you are likely to find more things that you would like to update, change or add. You should account for cost of labor, shipping, taxes and other additional expenses that you will encounter in the process. It is often a good idea to add some cushion to your budget to account for these cost, we recommend you plan to spend about 10% of your initial budget and be ready to spend that much if needed.  

Set a Maximum Budget- No matter how much research you conduct prior to renovating your home it is highly unlikely that you will be able to predict the actual final cost of the renovation. If you are working with an architect or contractor ask if they would be willing to go over estimates in detail with you. Also, be sure to that you understand any fees, markups and charges that you may incur.

Be Firm with Your Set Budget and Limit Yourself- while many things will change during the process, you should always be firm with not spending more than your maximum budget. Do not splurge on too many custom or premium features- instead pick the features that matter to you most and pay the premium on only those features. If the kitchen counter tops, backsplash and cabinets are most important to you then you can spend more on those items and limit you’re spending on other renovations like the flooring, tiles or storage.  Do not spend over your budget, too many times people will get carried away and will run out of money before they are able to complete the project.

Be Prepared for Delays- Often renovations can take longer than the estimated time of completion, especially in these uncertain times. It is important that you are prepared for any extra costs or inconveniences of the project taking longer than planned.

Check For Discounts-  Always look and ask for discounts on supplies. Many suppliers will offer a discount if you are working with an architect or contractor. You can ask if they have any discount supplies to see if you can save money by finding something you like for a discounted price. This can save you thousands on renovations. 

For additional tips on saving money on renovations check out our post https://oldpoint.com/our-services/mortgage/resources/blog/2019/10/tips-save-home-renovation-costs/

• Build Your Brand - Stand out from the competition with your own personalized brand showcasing your style and what makes you different. Think about how you want your target audience to perceive you and use elements that convey your personality and working style. Once you establish a brand, be sure to stay consistent, standardize your designs elements such as logos, colors, styles, icons and fonts, so that people will remember and recognize your brand.

• Build Your Reputation - Ask for reviews and feedback from satisfied clients. Online reviews and testimonials are increasingly important with the majority of buyers saying that they check reviews and testimonials before making a purchase. Showcase your good reviews on social media and your webpage. Use the positive feedback to reinforce what you are doing right and make adjustments from your negative reviews. You may be able to turn a negative review into a positive or improve your business from collecting the feedback.

• Share and Create Relevant Content - Brand yourself as the local expert by creating relevant content that is unique and useful. You can also share relevant content from other professionals, but be sure to add your own comments or take on a subject instead of simply re-sharing. You can also ask others to share your posts and they will be likely to do so if you have also shared their posts in the past.

• Leverage Social Media - Many realtors get stuck in the habit of just posting templated MLS listings and market reports that many people do not want to see on social media. Instead, you should try to create personalized stories of a home-buying process, client testimonials, video market updates and local community activities. Be sure that you do not get too personal to where your profile becomes unprofessional. You may want to create two separate accounts one for business and one as your personal account.

• Personalized Website - According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 82% of agents who made more than $150,000 last year had their own websites. Your website should have more than just an IDX feed. Your website should tell people who you are and why someone would want to work with you. You can accomplish this by creating interesting content like neighborhood information, distinctive property descriptions, virtual tours, real estate resources, professional photos, market updates and videos.

• Add a fresh coat of paint. Painting a room will instantly make a noticeable difference by covering up stains, dents and scuffs. A new color will give a room a completely different feel, however if you are planning on selling your home it is best to stick to neutral colors. Make sure that you use painters tape and rags to avoid getting paint on the floor or furniture.

• Refresh your driveway. The driveway is the first impressions people see when approaching the home. First you need to clear your driveway and patch any cracks. Then you can add a fresh coat of paint to make your driveway look new.

• Replace or paint doors. A new or freshly painted front door can completely change the look of your home. You can also paint the outdoor shutters and trim to match. Your other doors may have some wear and tear. Some doors can be painted to cover up scuffs and dirt to look brand new, while others may need to be completely replaced.

• Remove all stains and strong odors. Now is a great time to do some do some deep cleaning of the entire house. Your house may have smells that you do not notice, so it is a good idea to use a carpet cleaner to clean all carpets and floor mats.

• Replace or update sinks. Replacing a sink is an easy DIY project to accomplish that will greatly improve the look of any kitchen or bathroom at a low cost.

• Replace old grout. Grout is extremely difficult to clean as stains soak into it. If you want your grout to look clean or a different color, you are best off scrapping out the old grout with a putty knife and then replacing it with new grout.

• Update outlets and switch plates. You can update your outlets and switch plates quickly and at a low cost. Some outlets and switch plates can also have new features and can give a new look to your walls.

• Refresh your deck and porch. You can pressure wash, sand and paint your decks to make them look like new. You can also replace or refinish old patio furniture, umbrellas and seat cushions.

Be sure not to take on any projects that are too large, time consuming or out of your skill level to complete.

Plan for a longer wait at hardware stores as they are crowded with more people having time to work on home renovations. Be sure to check for curbside pickup and adjusted hours of operation. 

• Get Pre-qualified - Contact one of our loan officers when beginning your search to get pre-qualified. This will help narrow down your search by knowing how much you can borrow. Be sure to also keep in mind the other costs of owning a home (ie. insurance, maintenance, etc.).

• Prioritize Your Needs and Wants - Now that you have narrowed down your search to the homes that you can afford, it is time to decide what other factors are most important to you. If entertainment is important to you, then things like proximity to shopping, gyms, golf courses, pools, bars and restaurants may be a determining factor. If you have a large family, you may be more concerned with the school district, crime rate, square footage, or number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Try to find a home that satisfies your highest priorities.

• Factor in Additional Costs - Do not forget the other costs of buying a home, such as closing costs, home inspections, and mortgage insurance. You will also want to consider the cost of filling an empty home. You may want to fill your new home with new furniture, appliances, and decorations. You may want to make renovations or additions to your new home as well. Make sure that you save extra money, so that you can make the house your dream home.

• Check Your Credit Score - Review your credit report and make sure that it is accurate and in good standing. Check with a financial professional to see if there are any ways to quickly improve your credit score. Remember to avoid opening new credit accounts or making any large purchases which could have a negative effect on your credit score and interest rate on a loan.

• Clear The Clutter - Now is a great time to go through your belongings and get rid of anything that you do not use anymore. This will save you the hassle of moving your junk to another home or having to store it somewhere.

• Get Help From Home Buying Professionals - We recommend that you seek professional guidance from a loan officer and realtor when purchasing your home.  A good Realtor will guide you through the current real estate market and find potential houses that fit your budget and lifestyle. They can also help you with making an offer and contract negotiations to make sure that the contract is fair.

Landscaping- Summer is a great time to show off your landscape. Make sure that you are properly watering your grass and plants, as they can easily dry out and die in the sweltering heat. Consider planting new grass, plants and flowers to add color and new life to your yard. Be sure that all bushes and trees are kept trimmed while selling the home.

Outdoor living space- If there is a front porch, deck, patio or pool, stage the home to have multiple outdoor seating areas that are great places for entertaining and relaxing outdoors. If potential buyers feel comfortable and relaxed, they will be more likely to buy the home. Be sure to clear the yard of clutter such as toys, equipment, yard gnomes, and anything else the yard has accumulated.

Clear the cluttter- Spring cleaning may have not have been enough, make sure that you are keeping up with cleaning your home, so it looks and smells great. If you have not already, you should make sure that all fall/winter decorations and blankets have been put away in storage. Try different arrangements for the living space , rearranging a room can free up space in your home to make it appear much larger for a potential buyer.

Put away personal, political, abstract or religious items- You want to make sure that your potential buyers can picture raising their family in the home. Buying a home is a very emotional and personal decision and you do not want to give any reasons for a buyer to be turned away.

Make repairs before selling- You do not want buyers to be turned away by issues with the home that will need to be repaired. Avoid negotiations over repairs that need to be made by having the repairs done before selling a home. Making the repairs on your own will make the house easier to sell and save you time and money.

Make the house as comfortable  as possible- Be sure to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment throughout the home. Make sure the house is at a comfortable temperature - guests will appreciate a cool place to relax while shopping for homes. Provide cold refreshments when possible, having ice cold refreshments are sure to have buyers spend more time in your home. 

Add More Insulation- Many homes do not have the proper amount of insulation.While it may not be feasible to address the insulation in the walls without some serious renovation, its typically easy to see if you have enough insulation in your attic, which helps prevent the heat from spreading down throughout your home. Two important things to keep in mind when installing insulation are R-value and ventilation. An insulation's R-value is how well the material insulates and the value needed depends on what region of the country you live in and what part of the house you are insulating. It is also important to install insulation to allow for proper ventilation and not blocking the soffit, ridge, or gable vents so that you don't create moisture problems. 

Update Your Windows- The windows in your home account for a large portion of temperature change for your home. If your windows are out dated you may want to consider installing new modern windows that are multi-pane and better insulated. Make sure that your windows are tightly sealed, you can easily seal windows using caulk or weather stripping. You can also install solar screens and window films to block out about half the suns heat. Remember to keep the windows closed when it is hotter outside and open them in the evening when the temperature is cool to control the temperature of your home without using energy.

Use Fans- Fans are a great way to cool down and they do not use up nearly as much energy to power. There are a variety of different types of fans for various purposes - most are very affordable appliances that will help cool your home.

Create Less Heat While Cooking- You can reduce your costs of cooling your home by reducing the amount of heat you put off when cooking. Avoid cooking on the stove-top or oven when it is hot out, consider using smaller appliances such as the microwave, toaster oven, slow cooker, or pressure cooker.  Summer is grilling season and this is another great option, but make sure to close doors when coming in and out of your home. 

Use the Shower to Cool Down- You can also instantly cool off in your home by taking a cold shower or applying a cold towel or pack directly on your body. If you prefer a hot shower, make sure that you close the door and use the bathroom fan when taking a shower to prevent the steamy hot air from spreading through your home. 

Limit Large Appliance Usage- Large appliances such as a dishwasher, washer and dryer can put off extra heat as well. Use these appliances at night to avoid creating extra heat and work for your AC unit. You can also air dry your clothes and dishes to cut down on  low heat output and energy usage.

Limit Electricity Usage- Be sure that you turn off computers, TVs, gaming systems and other small appliances. Crack the blinds and use natural light during the day to prevent extra heat output. You may also want to replace any incandescent light bulbs with modern CFL or LED lights that put off less heat and use less electricity. 

Following a few of these simple tips will help you keep cool and save money every summer. 

Add More Insulation- Many homes do not have the proper amount of insulation.While it may not be feasible to address the insulation in the walls without some serious renovation, its typically easy to see if you have enough insulation in your attic, which helps prevent the heat from spreading down throughout your home. Two important things to keep in mind when installing insulation are R-value and ventilation. An insulation's R-value is how well the material insulates and the value needed depends on what region of the country you live in and what part of the house you are insulating. It is also important to install insulation to allow for proper ventilation and not blocking the soffit, ridge, or gable vents so that you don't create moisture problems. 

Update Your Windows- The windows in your home account for a large portion of temperature change for your home. If your windows are out dated you may want to consider installing new modern windows that are multi-pane and better insulated. Make sure that your windows are tightly sealed, you can easily seal windows using caulk or weather stripping. You can also install solar screens and window films to block out about half the suns heat. Remember to keep the windows closed when it is hotter outside and open them in the evening when the temperature is cool to control the temperature of your home without using energy.

Use Fans- Fans are a great way to cool down and they do not use up nearly as much energy to power. There are a variety of different types of fans for various purposes - most are very affordable appliances that will help cool your home.

Create Less Heat While Cooking- You can reduce your costs of cooling your home by reducing the amount of heat you put off when cooking. Avoid cooking on the stove-top or oven when it is hot out, consider using smaller appliances such as the microwave, toaster oven, slow cooker, or pressure cooker.  Summer is grilling season and this is another great option, but make sure to close doors when coming in and out of your home. 

Use the Shower to Cool Down- You can also instantly cool off in your home by taking a cold shower or applying a cold towel or pack directly on your body. If you prefer a hot shower, make sure that you close the door and use the bathroom fan when taking a shower to prevent the steamy hot air from spreading through your home. 

Limit Large Appliance Usage- Large appliances such as a dishwasher, washer and dryer can put off extra heat as well. Use these appliances at night to avoid creating extra heat and work for your AC unit. You can also air dry your clothes and dishes to cut down on  low heat output and energy usage.

Limit Electricity Usage- Be sure that you turn off computers, TVs, gaming systems and other small appliances. Crack the blinds and use natural light during the day to prevent extra heat output. You may also want to replace any incandescent light bulbs with modern CFL or LED lights that put off less heat and use less electricity. 

Following a few of these simple tips will help you keep cool and save money every summer. 

Add More Insulation- Many homes do not have the proper amount of insulation.While it may not be feasible to address the insulation in the walls without some serious renovation, its typically easy to see if you have enough insulation in your attic, which helps prevent the heat from spreading down throughout your home. Two important things to keep in mind when installing insulation are R-value and ventilation. An insulation's R-value is how well the material insulates and the value needed depends on what region of the country you live in and what part of the house you are insulating. It is also important to install insulation to allow for proper ventilation and not blocking the soffit, ridge, or gable vents so that you don't create moisture problems. 

Update Your Windows- The windows in your home account for a large portion of temperature change for your home. If your windows are out dated you may want to consider installing new modern windows that are multi-pane and better insulated. Make sure that your windows are tightly sealed, you can easily seal windows using caulk or weather stripping. You can also install solar screens and window films to block out about half the suns heat. Remember to keep the windows closed when it is hotter outside and open them in the evening when the temperature is cool to control the temperature of your home without using energy.

Use Fans- Fans are a great way to cool down and they do not use up nearly as much energy to power. There are a variety of different types of fans for various purposes - most are very affordable appliances that will help cool your home.

Create Less Heat While Cooking- You can reduce your costs of cooling your home by reducing the amount of heat you put off when cooking. Avoid cooking on the stove-top or oven when it is hot out, consider using smaller appliances such as the microwave, toaster oven, slow cooker, or pressure cooker.  Summer is grilling season and this is another great option, but make sure to close doors when coming in and out of your home. 

Use the Shower to Cool Down- You can also instantly cool off in your home by taking a cold shower or applying a cold towel or pack directly on your body. If you prefer a hot shower, make sure that you close the door and use the bathroom fan when taking a shower to prevent the steamy hot air from spreading through your home. 

Limit Large Appliance Usage- Large appliances such as a dishwasher, washer and dryer can put off extra heat as well. Use these appliances at night to avoid creating extra heat and work for your AC unit. You can also air dry your clothes and dishes to cut down on  low heat output and energy usage.

Limit Electricity Usage- Be sure that you turn off computers, TVs, gaming systems and other small appliances. Crack the blinds and use natural light during the day to prevent extra heat output. You may also want to replace any incandescent light bulbs with modern CFL or LED lights that put off less heat and use less electricity. 

Following a few of these simple tips will help you keep cool and save money every summer. 

Here are some great ways you can support small businesses in Hampton Roads while practicing social distancing:

Shop at Local Stores Virtually - It is extremely important to keep money in the local economy as our local businesses help support non-profits, provide jobs and improve our community. Many stores have added e-commerce stores to buy products online for contactless pick-up or delivery. Be sure to call ahead to see if business hours or services have changed. The Retail Alliance of Hampton Roads has created an app that helps you find local businesses and get rewarded for shopping and supporting local businesses.

     Get the LOVEVA app to help you support local businesses

Order Take Out or Delivery - Most restaurants, breweries and cafes are now offering new ways of getting their products to customers safely. Many businesses that did not offer delivery or take-out now have adjusted their businesses to allow for online purchase, expanded delivery and take-out services. Check to see if they are offering any discounts or promotions on pickup, delivery or personal shopper services. Some businesses are even allowing alcohol sales to-go, so you can continue to support your local breweries, wineries and distilleries as well.

Hampton Roads restaurants offering takeout, curbside and delivery during coronavirus

Follow the Hampton Road Restaurant Take Out & Delivery Options Facebook Group
 

Write Reviews and Testimonials - Take the time to write a review to show your gratitude. It is free and it does not take much time. Positive reviews can greatly help local a business' reputation and help them gain new customers and stay in business.

Order Gift Cards - Buying a gift card as a gift or to use later is a great way to support local businesses by giving them the cash flow that they need now. Some local businesses are even offering promotions on gift cards.

Buy Merchandise - Purchasing merchandise is a great way to support local businesses by giving them brand exposure, advertising and money now. This also helps build connections with the community and shows that you support those around you.

Buy Local Produce – Many restaurants are partnering up with local farmers to stand up new outdoor markets and farm stands to serve local produce and products. Instead of getting your produce from crowded grocery stores, stop by local fruit stands and pop-up markets to get delicious produce that is grown in Hampton Roads.

Use Local Services - Continue to use local services. Even if you cannot have a scheduled task done at this time, it is better that you reschedule the service instead of cancelling the service all together.
 
Tip Generously - Many employees are struggling because they are not getting the same volume of tips that they rely on for their source of income. If you are able, leave a nice tip to show your appreciation for excellent local service and show that you support their extra efforts in these difficult times.

Donate to Local Non Profit - You can support local charities by donating money online and many non-profits are still accepting physical donations without leaving the car. Be sure to sanitize donations before dropping off them at a designated location.

If you plan on living in the house for a long period of time, you are more likely to benefit from refinancing, whereas if you plan on selling, it may not benefit you. If you have a much better credit score now, it may also be tempting to refinance, as a good credit score helps get a lower interest rate.

If you have an adjustable rate mortgage you could also benefit by switching to a stable low fixed-rate loan. In some other cases you can eliminate PMI (private mortgage insurance), once you have paid at least 20 percent of equity in your home.

Everybody’s current financial situation is different, so you will want to meet with a professional to go over the process to find out if refinancing is for you. While the Coronavirus has affected the mortgage process, we can help you decide if refinancing is right for you and we can guide you through refinancing while social distancing. 

Contact one of our trustworthy and experienced loan officers today!

Here are some tips to create great virtual listing presentations:

• Research the Property - Learn everything that you can about the home from online resources, as you may not be able to view the home in person. Research the neighborhood and similar homes that you have sold in the past to come up with an effective targeted campaign. You can use your research and past experiences to back up your listing presentation.

• Utilize Available Technology - There are many different technologies available to create virtual tours to showcase a property. Be sure to find a program that you are comfortable with and research any available features that you can utilize to enhance your presentation. Be sure that your clients are comfortable with meeting through video. Some clients may appreciate high-tech virtual presentations, while others might be more comfortable with traditional phones call and emails.

• Practice Your Presentation - Once you choose a program, it is important that you practice your presentation before posting or going live. You may find that you are not comfortable doing a live virtual tour and that a video recording or slideshow presentation might be a better method for you. Be sure that your photos, videos and sound are high quality and that your quality of work does not decrease with the changes of your working situation and available resources.

• Encourage Feedback and Participation - Be sure that you engage the audience and encourage feedback from all viewers. Allow for multiple breaks to ask and answer any questions about the listing or the seller’s motivation for selling the home. This will help guide your presentation and bring up talking points that are important for selling the home.

• Provide Takeaways - People will not remember every piece of the presentation. It is important that you provide a recording or slide deck of the presentation to view at a later time. You can also provide additional information such as: financing options, things to do in the area, schools, restaurants, amenities and stats about the neighborhood or area. You can also show them assets and stats from similar homes that you have sold in the past.

• Follow Up - It is extremely important that you follow up quickly and that you are always responsive and clear up any uncertainties as they arise. This is an opportunity to answer any questions or bring up any information that you left out of the presentation. Be sure to thank them for their time, gauge their level of interest and communicate what your plan to sell the home entails. Assess what went well and what did not to use for future presentations. If the answer is "not now", then you may want to follow up further down the road, so when it comes time to sell they will choose you as their listing agent or refer you to new prospects.

Contact your local lenders for financial help and guidance. You may be able to get assistance with payments or take advantage of today’s low interest rates. Our lenders are willing to work with you to get through this difficult time together. We are here for you.

Contact your local lenders for financial help and guidance. You may be able to get assistance with payments or take advantage of today’s low interest rates. Our lenders are willing to work with you to get through this difficult time together. We are here for you.

Contact your local lenders for financial help and guidance. You may be able to get assistance with payments or take advantage of today’s low interest rates. Our lenders are willing to work with you to get through this difficult time together. We are here for you.

Another negative effect is loss of salary, but if your income has not been negatively effected you may benefit by the lower prices of homes and low mortgage rates. People may need to sell a home quickly if they are unable to afford their current home and may be willing to sell for less at this time to recoup loss of income. Another positive is the current mortgage rates are historically low, so if you are in good financial standing or need to move now then you may save by locking in a low rate.

While the current situation presents new challenges, there have been some positives with the relaxing of some guidelines such as allowing e-closings, drive-by or exterior appraisals. This means in some cases you can sign paperwork digitally through e-recordings, this allows for most of the processes to be done without having to sign with wet-ink or in-person. Some areas may not allow e-recordings and will require gap insurance, The gap insurance protects the mortgage company until recording can occur. This keeps the home-buying process moving.

Other guideline changes are negative and create challenges for borrowers including increases in credit requirements, no renovation loans and other new regulations.

Don't be discouraged about buying or selling a home. We can help guide you through the home-buying process during these uncertain times.

You can show or view a home virtually. With advances in technology you can create and access photos, videos, live showings and even interactive virtual tours. Utilize social media to share, view, boost and showcase your posts. Your post is likely to get more exposure with more people checking social media more regularly during the pandemic. If you do still plan on attending or hosting a showing be sure to take extra safety precautions and follow the CDC guidelines.

You can still purchase or sell a home now, and with today's low rates it may be a good time to do so. However, requirements, regulations and standards may be adjusted at this time. Certain requirements may not currently be required, such as in-person closings, inspections and appraisals. With these changes to regulations and processes, it is more important than ever to have dedicated home-buying professionals that are willing to guide you step-by-step. We typically enjoy the face-to face meetings of the home-buying process, but we are prepared to walk you through the adjusted process during the coronavirus.

If you are considering buying a home during the Coronavirus contact your Old Point Mortgage lender, before starting the home buying process.

Click here to read more on the pros of cons of buying a home at this time.

Make a list of everything you want to achieve in 2020. Make sure that your goals are achievable, but keep you motivated to have a better year than previous.

Consolidate and automate tasks where you can. Try to implement automation to help you handle repetitive tasks, set reminders, schedules and stop multitasking.

Post professionally and consistently on social media. Be sure to post relevant useful content and try to keep a balance of your personal and professional life.

Make more videos. Set yourself apart from the other sales people by creating unique videos. Present yourself as the local expert that people can look to for the most current and accurate information.

Reach out and network at local businesses. Try to form new partnerships that will deepen your relationship with the local community.

Adopt new technologies to streamline your work and gain new leads. There are many scheduling apps to keep you on track, CRMs to keep you top of mind, and software to improve customer experiences.

Update your headshot and marketing collateral. People will stop noticing you if they keep seeing the same things every year be sure your content is up to date and relevant.

Make sure your data is safe- enable two way authentication, set strong passwords and keep software updated to prevent hackers. Commit to learning new skills, strategies and techniques. Stay up to date with trends by reading, listening and watching sales influencers content. Learn from the experiences and data that are available to you. Take advantage of any offered webinars or training sessions. This will have you learn new techniques, keep you engaged and have you motivated to sell more.

Nurture relationships. Find a good balance of when and how to send communications. a good balance of personalized calls, texts, posts and emails can make sure that you maintain a good relationship and stay top of mind.

Do not be afraid to ask for feedback or Referrals. A large portion of your business can come from referrals and word of mouth. Make sure that you remind your satisfied customers to share their positive experience with as many people as possible. You can send them a personalized email with links to post an online review for online users to see. Ask for their feedback as it is crucial to improving your services and satisfaction.

Track your Results- Track your ROI and productivity to know what is working and when. If you are not keeping track of your results it will be hard to decide what is working and what is not working. Take the next steps to sell more and keep track of your progress to ensure a more productive year.

With so many affordable home security gadgets available, you can get a customized system that fits your budget. Install an outdoor sensor lights and indoor timer lights to add light to your home and give the appearance that someone is home. Install cameras inside and outside the home to know what is happening in your home while you are not there. This small investment will give you peace of mind knowing your home is protected. Advertise your home security, this will deter most burglars from trying to get into your home.

Burglars may be staking out houses in your neighborhood this holiday season. Make sure that your home does not become a target. In order to give the appearance that you are still home make sure you keep your regular home maintenance schedule and do not let mail or packages pile up. Do not leave a hidden key. Instead leave a spare key with friends or family members that you trust. Ask if this person is willing to help keep an eye on your home and get any packages, flyer or mail for you. Hold your mail and newspapers if you do not have someone that can get your mail for you.

Avoid posting on social media before or during your vacation. Burglars are willing to stake out your social media profiles to find a time when your home is vulnerable. Following these tips will ensure that you have a safe, happy Holiday!

With so many affordable home security gadgets available, you can get a customized system that fits your budget. Install an outdoor sensor lights and indoor timer lights to add light to your home and give the appearance that someone is home. Install cameras inside and outside the home to know what is happening in your home while you are not there. This small investment will give you peace of mind knowing your home is protected. Advertise your home security, this will deter most burglars from trying to get into your home.

Burglars may be staking out houses in your neighborhood this holiday season. Make sure that your home does not become a target. In order to give the appearance that you are still home make sure you keep your regular home maintenance schedule and do not let mail or packages pile up. Do not leave a hidden key. Instead leave a spare key with friends or family members that you trust. Ask if this person is willing to help keep an eye on your home and get any packages, flyer or mail for you. Hold your mail and newspapers if you do not have someone that can get your mail for you.

Avoid posting on social media before or during your vacation. Burglars are willing to stake out your social media profiles to find a time when your home is vulnerable. Following these tips will ensure that you have a safe, happy Holiday!

With so many affordable home security gadgets available, you can get a customized system that fits your budget. Install an outdoor sensor lights and indoor timer lights to add light to your home and give the appearance that someone is home. Install cameras inside and outside the home to know what is happening in your home while you are not there. This small investment will give you peace of mind knowing your home is protected. Advertise your home security, this will deter most burglars from trying to get into your home.

Burglars may be staking out houses in your neighborhood this holiday season. Make sure that your home does not become a target. In order to give the appearance that you are still home make sure you keep your regular home maintenance schedule and do not let mail or packages pile up. Do not leave a hidden key. Instead leave a spare key with friends or family members that you trust. Ask if this person is willing to help keep an eye on your home and get any packages, flyer or mail for you. Hold your mail and newspapers if you do not have someone that can get your mail for you.

Avoid posting on social media before or during your vacation. Burglars are willing to stake out your social media profiles to find a time when your home is vulnerable. Following these tips will ensure that you have a safe, happy Holiday!

Decorate tastefully, but do not go overboard. Too many ornaments and lights can distract potential buyers from the features of the home. You want them to leave the showing talking about the features of the home and not how tacky the decorations were.

Avoid personal or religious decorations. You want the potential home-buyers to be able to picture themselves in the home. The last thing you want to do is lose a potential home-buyer because you offended them or they cannot picture themselves in the home.

Make your house cozy. Crank up the heat, play classical music, and make holiday treats to make your house more inviting during the holiday season. Make sure that your home smells pleasant and does not have an overpowering scent.

Prepare the exterior of the home. Curb appeal should be a top priority when selling during the holiday seasons. Rake the leaves, clean the gutters, apply touch up paint and install exterior lights to draw attention to the home.

Take high quality photos and videos of the home. You may get less foot traffic during the colder seasons, so it is important that your home looks great online, as well as in person. If possible include pictures of the home from all seasons, so potential home buyers can see what the home looks like year-round.

Hire a reliable real estate agent. You want to make sure that you hire a realtor that is not going to disappear during the holiday seasons. Ask your friends, family or loan officer to recommend a listing agent that is willing to put in work during the holidays, so you can enjoy time with your friends and family.

Spring and Summer might be when the housing inventory is at it's peak, but that does not mean that it is the best time to buy. In the winter there is less inventory meaning that you will be competing with less buyers. People that are selling their homes during the holiday seasons are typically motivated by time sensitive situations and are often eager to make a deal to sell their home. Purchasing a home over the holidays can get you a better sale price to save you money to spend during the holiday for years to come.

When you support locally owned businesses, 45% of those dollars spent stay within our community, as opposed to only 14% when choosing a non-local business. When you use local services and products, you are investing in your community and this helps to create a healthier local economy, which means improved infrastructure, better schools, business growth, diversity and an increased quality of life. Plus, local businesses help improve the communities by giving back twice as much as non-local businesses to local non-profit organizations through donations and volunteer work. We encourage everyone to stop by your local establishments and invest in the Hampton Roads community by supporting local businesses.

Click here to learn more about Buy Local Month Hampton Roads

At Old Point, we believe in the power of relationships. For over 90 years, we’ve formed partnerships throughout Hampton Roads that have allowed us to build our business, as well as a strong community. As a community bank, we believe that to succeed, the community around us must thrive. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping our friends and neighbors every day. Buy Local Month celebrates local businesses' commitment to the Hampton Roads community and the dedication of the employees that live, work, shop and invest in the local community.

Old Point is dedicated to improving and investing in the Hampton Roads community. We contribute to more than 300 Hampton Roads organizations and 100% of Old Point's employees live, work and shop in Hampton Roads.

When you support locally owned businesses, 45% of those dollars spent stay within our community, as opposed to only 14% when choosing a non-local business. When you use local services and products, you are investing in your community and this helps to create a healthier local economy, which means improved infrastructure, better schools, business growth, diversity and an increased quality of life. Plus, local businesses help improve the communities by giving back twice as much as non-local businesses to local non-profit organizations through donations and volunteer work. We encourage everyone to stop by your local establishments and invest in the Hampton Roads community by supporting local businesses.

Click here to learn more about Buy Local Month Hampton Roads

At Old Point, we believe in the power of relationships. For over 90 years, we’ve formed partnerships throughout Hampton Roads that have allowed us to build our business, as well as a strong community. As a community bank, we believe that to succeed, the community around us must thrive. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping our friends and neighbors every day. Buy Local Month celebrates local businesses' commitment to the Hampton Roads community and the dedication of the employees that live, work, shop and invest in the local community.

Old Point is dedicated to improving and investing in the Hampton Roads community. We contribute to more than 300 Hampton Roads organizations and 100% of Old Point's employees live, work and shop in Hampton Roads.

When you support locally owned businesses, 45% of those dollars spent stay within our community, as opposed to only 14% when choosing a non-local business. When you use local services and products, you are investing in your community and this helps to create a healthier local economy, which means improved infrastructure, better schools, business growth, diversity and an increased quality of life. Plus, local businesses help improve the communities by giving back twice as much as non-local businesses to local non-profit organizations through donations and volunteer work. We encourage everyone to stop by your local establishments and invest in the Hampton Roads community by supporting local businesses.

Click here to learn more about Buy Local Month Hampton Roads

At Old Point, we believe in the power of relationships. For over 90 years, we’ve formed partnerships throughout Hampton Roads that have allowed us to build our business, as well as a strong community. As a community bank, we believe that to succeed, the community around us must thrive. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping our friends and neighbors every day. Buy Local Month celebrates local businesses' commitment to the Hampton Roads community and the dedication of the employees that live, work, shop and invest in the local community.

Old Point is dedicated to improving and investing in the Hampton Roads community. We contribute to more than 300 Hampton Roads organizations and 100% of Old Point's employees live, work and shop in Hampton Roads.

Do not forget to budget for the yard and exterior features of your home. Maintaining the yard and exterior features of your home can easily be overlooked and costs can add up quickly. Make sure that you have money saved up for the unexpected emergency situations in life. We recommend that you save an equal living expenses of a few months in order to cover disasters and loss of income. Using these tips will allow you to live more comfortably knowing that you have money saved in case something goes wrong.

Refurbish What You Can

Often times, you can save a lot of money and time by refurbishing instead of replacing. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way and can revitalize a room, replacing features such as drawer handles can help you save money and extend life of your furniture and cabinets.

DIY

If you have the time and skill, you can save money by doing the renovations yourself. It is extremely important to know your limits when renovating. For some projects you may be better off hiring a professional to ensure a quality finished product. When deciding to renovate, you cannot just look at cost. You have to account for time and decide how much of your time you are willing to put in. Many contractors charge by the hour. You can help reduce the amount of time being charged by doing some of the prep work yourself before hiring the contractor.

Shop Around For Materials

Shop around and compare different types of materials and pricing before purchasing anything for your renovation. It is important to purchase quality materials for your renovations, but that does not mean that you have to pay for the highest priced materials. We recommend aiming for the middle priced materials that get the job done and look good. Calculate the full price difference of the completed project and not the price per foot of material while calculating cost.

Technology Throughout the Home

As smart home technology advances, people are now expecting to be able to control most of their devices through their phones or voice controlled devices. Everything from smart doorbells, thermostats, fans, lights, speakers, appliances and security systems can be cost effective ways to add value to your home. Be sure that your home has plenty of power outlets conveniently and discretely located throughout the home. These technologies are becoming more affordable and easier to install, but if you are not tech savvy, you can hire a professional to install smart technology throughout your home.

Home Office

More people are choosing to work from home, so it is extremely important that your home has an office space that offers a quiet and comfortable work station. A home buyer that works from home may choose to buy your home over another by choosing a home they can work from efficiently.

Environmentally Friendly Home

Millennials are very environmentally conscious, so things like energy efficient appliances, solar panels and car charging ports can be huge selling point for green buyers.

These home features are sure to help you close the deal and sell your home in today's competitive market.

Items Often Cleaned Too Much

• Wood furniture. Wood furniture requires a good cleaning about once a month using a wax- and silicone-free furniture polish. Cleaning too often, especially with a wax-based polish, can cause oily buildup that traps more dirt and dust.
• Carpets & rugs. Use a steam cleaner to professionally clean your carpet at least once a year. Over wetting the carpet fibers can cause mildew and mold growth beneath the surface.
• Windows. Clean windows 1-2 times a year and spot clean as needed. If you over clean, this can lead to streaking and dirt buildup.

Items Not Cleaned Enough

• Microwave. Wipe down your microwave at least once a week using a microfiber cloth and hot water. Caked-on food particles can cause overheating and damage if not addressed immediately.
• Sponges. Disinfect your cleaning sponges with white vinegar once a week. You can also throw them in the dishwasher.
• Trash Can. Clean your trash can once a week to get rid of food and liquid particles that have made their way to the bottom. Sprinkle baking soda into the bottom of the bin, spray with all-purpose cleaner and wipe up with a microfiber cloth.

• A walk-through is NOT an inspection. A main purpose for a walk-through is to make sure the home is in the same condition that it was when you initially saw it and to verify that all repairs were completed.
• Know who needs to be there. Normally, a walk-through is attended by the buyer and the buyer’s agent only. If the home is a new construction, the builder or contractor may be in attendance.
• Schedule the walk-through just before closing. Normally, walk-throughs are scheduled within a day or two before the closing date.
• Take your time. Walk-throughs can take anywhere from 15 minutes to more than an hour. Give yourself extra time to inspect items such as pools or detached garages. This is your last chance to preview the home before it’s yours so don’t rush it.
• Communicate any issues you find. If you find a problem during a final walk-through, it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. It may delay closing but you can ask the seller to provide you with a credit so you can handle the repairs after moving in.

Here are some tips for creating listing photos that will make a huge impact.

• Clear all surfaces of clutter.
• Clean mirrors, floors and surfaces.
• Balance the furniture and the décor.
• Open blinds to let in natural light to fill the space.
• Stage the exterior. Mow the lawn, rake leaves, tend the gardens and clean the pool. Add extra props such as table settings on an outdoor table or towels by the pool.

We Be Jammin’
August 15th, 22nd, 29th, 6pm-10pm, Barrett’s Landing, Franklin
We Be Jammin' is a family-friendly event that showcases local and professional musicians. Bring your lawn chair, sit back and enjoy the music!

Crabtown Seafood Festival
August 17th, 11am-7pm, Downtown Hampton
Seafood vendors, fishing boats and educational bay exhibits will line the downtown waterfront, honoring Hampton's history as a town built by seafood. Celebrate Crabtown's fresh catch with food vendors, nautical art and live music, filling the river walkway from Mill Point Park to Carousel Park.

World Arts Celebration
August 24th, 4pm-8pm, City Center at Oyster Point, Newport News
Experience an evening of free family fun with music and dance, international food, displays, and hands-on cultural craft activities. This will be an adventure for the whole family!

Seawall Art Show
August 24th – 25th, 10am-6pm/10am-5pm, Downtown Portsmouth
This juried fine art and craft show in Portsmouth's Historic Olde Towne has been a summer highlight for 49 years. Featuring the talents of more than 80 select artists, works include oil painting, wood carving, art glass, fine jewelry, pottery and more. Includes a student art show (Saturday only), food and entertainment.

Virginia Symphony Concert
August 31st, 6pm-8:30pm, Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will take to the Riverwalk Landing stage for this free outdoor concert funded by community contributors and volunteers.

Don’t Overspend on Personalization
Give yourself time to adjust to the expenses of home ownership and rebuild your savings before spending money on home improvements and upgrades.

Don’t Ignore Important Maintenance
Making repairs is a new expense of homeownership. Don’t neglect any issue that puts you in danger or could get worse. A small problem could become larger and costlier over time.

Get Help With Your Tax Return
It’s a good idea to hire an accountant who will make sure your return is done correctly and will maximize your refund. Homeownership changes the deductions you’re able to claim.

Keep Receipts for Home Improvements
When you sell your home, you can use your home improvement costs to increase your home’s basis, thus maximizing your tax-free earnings on the sale of your home.

Shop Around For a Mortgage
Many buyers apply to just one lender. However, shopping around can save you money, particularly in interest.

Put Less Down
It’s possible to close a deal putting down less than 20%, especially if you have good credit. But remember, your payments will be higher the less you put down.

Be Willing to Compromise
You won’t find everything you want in a home. Identify your top priorities and be willing to give up other priorities.

Realize the Process Will Be Emotional
Knowing you’re going to have huge emotional ups and downs before going into the process allows you to weather them more easily.

Communicate With Your Office
Let your co-workers or direct leader know where you are, what time you’re going and what time you’ll return. If a showing is running over, have them call you and give you a code word that only you’d know. A code-word system allows you to maintain your professionalism while allowing a means of escape in an uncomfortable situation.

Meet a Potential Client Before a Showing
Avoid meeting a new client for the first time at a showing, especially if the home is foreclosed or vacant. Instead, meet them at your office or a public place. Ask that they bring a pre-approval letter to ensure their intention to buy a home. If they do not have one, have them complete a form that includes their full name, driver’s license, and vehicle information.

Check Out the Neighborhood and House
Before a showing, drive-by the neighborhood and do a walk-through of the home so you can familiarize yourself with the layout. This will come in handy when creating your safety plan. Look for potential exits and unlock doors in case you need to make a quick escape.

Moving Forward
Take your self-defense knowledge to the next level by taking a self-defense class near you. Find a class that teaches basic self-defense. It will help you not just as an agent, but also in life.

Repair & Restore Your Deck

Repair and replace any broken boards that might need fixing. You don’t want to add new outdoor décor to a deck that’s weathered or damaged.

Find the Right Furniture

Consider what you’ll be using your outdoor space for to determine the furniture you’ll need. If you’ll be entertaining, maybe a large table with plenty of chairs will work. If you’ll be spending time with family or sitting and reading outside, consider an outdoor couch and comfortable chairs.

Add Outdoor Lighting

Lighting not only adds style to your deck but is a great safety feature so you can enjoy your deck into the evening. Some deck lighting ideas that will make your décor stand out include: string lights, globe lights, deck track lighting, deck post lighting and recessed deck lighting.

Install Decorative Railing

Decorative railing can truly make your deck stand out. Popular trends include cable railings and metal deck spindles. If you’re not ready to replace your railing, add some color with weather resistant paint.

Screen Your Deck

Adding a screen can add to the overall enjoyment of your deck by keeping out bugs and other distractions. The average cost to screen a deck is $45-$95 per square foot.

• Exteriors look best with multiple colors. Multiple colors on a home’s exterior increases curb appeal. It’s the first thing buyers see and this initial encounter is a top driver for sales.
• The right shade can increase your square footage. Certain paint shades can give the illusion that a room is bigger than it actually is. Also, painting the walls and trim the same color can also make a space feel bigger.
• Red is a turn-off (except on exterior doors). Red is the most difficult color for buyers to look past when it comes to interiors. However, it is favorable on front doors and is a classic choice with universal appeal.
• Don’t neglect your ceilings. An overlooked ceiling can impact a buyer’s impression of a space. To make a space feel light and airy with the illusion of higher ceilings, opt for a bright white.
• You can’t beat a white kitchen. The look of a fresh, white kitchen is favorable when it comes to resale. In 2017, the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s annual survey found white to be the kitchen color of choice.

• Pressure Wash Your Driveway & Walkway. If your driveway and walkway is looking dingy and unattractive, rent or buy a pressure washer to wash them off. You can use water alone or a special cleaning agent designed for concrete.
• Brighten Up With New Lights. New light fixtures will not only light up the outside but offer a more beautiful appearance to the exterior of your home. If you’re handy, you can replace the fixtures on your own or use exterior grade spray paint to repaint your existing fixtures.
• Shine The Windows. Clean the inside and exterior surfaces of your windows to add a nice shine to your home.
• Freshen or Replace Shutters. Exterior shutters can fade over time and look dreary. Consider removing them and spray painting them to give them a fresh look and add to the overall appeal of the home

• Change your locks. You don’t know who may have copies of your keys that were given out by the past homeowner. Immediately change your locks upon moving in. Also, reconfigure the code to your garage door.
• Meet the neighbors. Get to know your neighbors and find out if there is a neighborhood watch program.
• Get to know your surroundings. Take time to observe daily life on your street and in your neighborhood. Take note of things like the types of vehicles your neighbors drive, when delivery trucks and construction workers are in the area and if it’s common for certain neighbors to be out at certain times of the day. By doing these things, you’ll be more able to spot suspicious activity if anything seems out of the ordinary.
• Get a home security system. A security system can alert you and notify the authorities in the event of a break-in or suspicious activity. It’s a key component to keeping your home and family safe.

Include a Home Inspection Contingency In Your Contract. Make sure there’s an inspection contingency, or “due diligence” contingency, in your sales contract. This gives you a specified time period in which to have an inspection performed. The period is anywhere from 1-2 weeks from the sales contract date, in most cases.

Hire a Good Home Inspector. Hire a thorough, experienced and certified home inspector that has a full insurance policy and deep experience in the area you’re buying in.

Read Your Home Inspection Report. Your home inspection report should have a section for each area of the house and notes about anything that is damaged, needs repairs or isn’t functional. Use this report to gauge what other inspections may be necessary, such as a termite, mold, pest or lead inspection.

Decide What’s Important and What’s Not. Evaluate the results of your inspection and decide which issues pose a hazard to you, which ones would cost a lot to repair, which ones would prevent you from moving in on time and which repairs you can handle on your own.

Make Your Decision. After reviewing your inspection reports, decide if you’ll go through with the deal, renegotiate or go back to the drawing board. If you’re within your contingency period, you have these options:

• Continue as planned, with the same price and terms you agreed to.
• Renegotiate the price or ask for closing cost credits to cover the damages/repairs.
• Ask the seller to make repairs.
• Cancel your contract and back out of the deal.

Confirm Repairs Have Been Completed. If the seller made repairs to the home, make sure they were done to your liking. If the repairs were major, you may want to have the original inspector do a “reinspection”.

After you’ve confirmed that the appropriate repairs were made, you can move toward closing!

• Know What You Want. Think about your specific goals for your project such as features or products. If you’re not quite sure, hire a design consultant that can help translate the goals for your project.
• Get Several Bids. It’s recommended to get at least 3 bids for your project – half a dozen is better. The more bids you have, the better perspective you’ll have on costs as well as the caliber of work each contractor will provide.
• Do Background Checks. Find out the full company names and addresses of the contractors you’re considering and make sure they have a current state license and adequate insurance coverage. Also, determine if there are any recent formal complaints or legal actions that have occurred.
• Investigate Work History & Work Habits. Take time to see a contractor’s work firsthand and look for similarity to your project, quality materials and workmanship and consistent client satisfaction. Also, look for any small indicators that signal a lack of professionalism or carelessness.
• Set Boundaries for the Job Site. Let them know what you expect such as background checks for anyone with access to your home. Also, establish rules for parking, smoking, bathroom access and any other issues or concerns.
• Know What You’re Paying. Most contractors will charge a fee for a “scope of work proposal” which breaks down the job into line-item costs for labor, materials, etc. This is paid for up front and often applied toward the cost of the project if you accept the bid.
• Have a Strategy for Resolving Differences. Ask how unexpected issues or differences will be handled such as change orders, unintended damage or a failure to meet legal or reasonable standards. Choose a contractor who communicates and if their first impressions make you feel uneasy, trust your gut.
• Be Aware of Contract Details. Make sure your contract includes start and completion dates, information on permits and fees, a clear description of products and services, payment terms, subcontractor issues as well as the consequences of default by either party. Also, the contract should exclude you from liability in the event that default occurs (such as a contractor’s failure to pay subcontractors).

Use Smart Power Strips
These advanced power strips ensure that your devices are fully powered down. Devices plugged into standard power strips continue to draw power when turned off and can cost up to $200 a year in wasted energy.

Use the Cold Water Cycle in Your Washing Machine
Washing in cold water saves on water heating costs and can also keep colors from fading!

Set Your Refrigerator for Optimum Cooling & Freshness
ENERGY STAR® recommends setting your refrigerator’s temperature between 35° and 38° F to save on energy while still keeping food fresh.

Seal Windows and Doors
Use caulk and weather stripping to seal air leaks around windows and doors.

Upgrade Your Home’s Lighting
Use ENERGY STAR® certified LED bulbs in your home. They save energy, money and protect the planet!

Square away all contingencies. Common ones include the home inspection contingency, appraisal contingency and the financing contingency.

Get final mortgage approval. Your home loan must go through the underwriting process before closing. The underwriter will check your credit score, review your home appraisal and ensure your financial portfolio has not changed since you were pre-approved for the loan.

Review your closing disclosure. This outlines your exact mortgage payment, the loan’s terms and your closing costs. Compare this to the loan estimate from your lender and check for any discrepancies.

Do a final walk-through. Most contracts allow a final walk-through 24 hours before closing. Check to make sure the home is in the condition agreed upon in the contract. If there were problems that the seller agreed to fix, make sure those repairs were made.

Bring necessary documents to closing. Make sure you have proof of homeowners insurance, a copy of your contract, home inspection reports, a government-issued ID and any other paperwork the bank required to approve your loan.

• Set Your Goals. Start with short-term goals with built-in rewards. Cover the next year but not beyond more than 3-5 years ahead. Anything can change during this time. You can change offices, staff or location.
• Decide How You’ll Find Your Clients. Consult with your principal, sales manager or coach for advice and settle on your top 3 prospecting strategies.
• Get Listings. Without listings, you have nothing to sell. If getting in the door for appraisals and converting them to listings isn’t that great, do what it takes to up your skills. Attend training, coaching, webinars and seminars.
• Negotiate Offers. There are plenty of resources available to increase your negotiation skills. To be successful long-term, pursue every opportunity to help you become a top negotiator.
• Keep Business On Track. Seek assistance with your business plan, financial plan and tracking your finances. Put plans in place now so that at the end of the day, you have something to show for your hard work.

• Always store chemicals in a garage or garden safely out of sight and out of reach of children. This will help avoid poisoning and chemical burns.
• Use gloves, goggles, helmet, face mask and safety shoes when doing DIY tasks to avoid accidents and injury.
• Keep sharp garden tools in good repair and safely tidied away after each use.
• Always use ladders at a safe angle and check their condition before use to avoid falls.
• Follow manufacturers’ instructions when using weed killers, adhesives and solvents. This can prevent accidental poisoning or injuries to yourself or others.
• Prevent injury from trips, slips and falls by providing safety rails and barriers to changes in garden levels. Ensure all paths and steps are level and stable.

• Change Your Air Filters: On average, you should change the filters in your heater and A/C unit every 3 months. If you have bad allergies, change them once a month. This will extend the life of your vents and heating system and save money in potential repairs.
• Clear Your Gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to roof leaks, rotting wood, cracked foundations and bug problems. Clear out your gutters and downspouts to prevent these things from happening!
• Do a Run-Through of the Attic: Check your attic for leaks, pests, and insulation damage before they get out of control.
• Drain Your Water Heater: Flush your water heater to let out the sediment that builds up over time. Your water heater will work more effectively and have a longer life.
• Check Your Washer & Dryer: Check the washer for leaks and the dryer for lint buildup, which can cause fires.
• Trim Your Trees: Trimming your trees can reduce the risk of branches or an entire tree falling on top of your home during a storm.

Here are a few other things you should find out about an HOA before buying.

The HOA’s financial condition
When maintenance and repairs of common areas, property and equipment are performed, the costs are shared by homeowners. If the dues and revenue generated by the HOA and placed in a reserve are sufficient to cover these costs, you’re all good. But if not, the HOA will order a “special assessment.” That’s an unexpected bill you and your fellow homeowners have to pay.

Ongoing disputes
Issues among homeowners and the HOA can reveal property matters that you might not be aware of. These disputes could be simple, such as repeated disturbances, noise or parking issues. Or the issue could be something even bigger like construction quality, major inconveniences or even financial malfeasance.

Difficult restrictions
Rules that don’t fit your vision for your neighborhood or your yard — such as those regarding pets, exterior paint colors, children’s play structures or garden tool sheds — won’t likely go away, so make sure you’re comfortable with compromising. An HOA can even forbid owners from renting out their property.

• Marketing Materials Makeover: Spruce up your marketing materials with bright colors and creative spring phrases like “spring into this new home” to get the attention of prospects!
• Facebook Advertising: Run a Facebook advertising campaign that includes eye-catching images. Tailor your audience to target local prospects to increase the potential foot traffic at your open house.
• Bring Spring Inside: Add some brilliance of the season to your open house by adding a seasonal floral arrangement to the interior. This will add a pop of color and also make the space smell fresh.
• Freshen Up the Listing: Before the open house, enhance the home’s curb appeal by adding a colorful wreath and spring flowers to the front, either in a potter or a bed. Bring the exterior back to the life with some power washing. Ensure the interior is clutter-free and pull back the curtains to let in as much natural light as possible.

Organize & Store Important Documents
Store copies of your mortgage documentation in a secure safe or office cabinet with a lock. It’s highly recommended that these storage options be fireproof, in case of a disaster. These documents should include the title to your home and information about your homeowners insurance.

Change Your Mailing Address
Change your address with the United States Postal Service by completing a change of address form online or at your local post office. For servicers and other companies you receive mail from, you can call them directly or update it online.

Deep Clean Everything in the Home
Give your home a good, deep clean before moving in your furniture and personal items. Clean your home yourself room by room or outsource to a cleaning company or maid service.

Update Your Home’s Security
Whether you purchased your home from a previous owner or bought a brand-new build, it’s important that you change all of the locks. You never know who might have access to a key to your home. If you have a remote-controlled garage door, reprogram them in case anyone has access to a remote opener or the keypad code.

Choosing Upgrades That Won’t Increase Value
When choosing the options and add-ons for your home, stick with upgrades that will boost the home’s value rather than merely making the home look nicer. For example, quartz countertops and hardwood floors are safe investments.

Assuming You Can’t Negotiate
Many believe that homebuilders won’t negotiate with buyers. However, you can negotiate price, lot lines, loan fees and other items. A realtor who specializes in new construction can give you the extra confidence in negotiating with builders.

Not Budgeting For Items You’re Responsible For
Anticipate and budget early for expenses you’ll be responsible for such as landscaping and light fixtures. Clarify what is and isn’t standard in your new home so there’ll be no surprises.

Smile!
People who smile in their headshots are seen as far more likeable, trustworthy, and influential than those who don’t.

Dress for Success
Wear a business outfit that is comfortable and appropriate to your personal brand. Avoid busy patterns and excessive jewelry that will distract attention away from your face.

Visit the Salon or Barbershop
Women should consider having their hair and makeup professionally done. Stick to a style that you know works instead of experimenting with a new look. Men should visit their barber and make sure their hair is neat and trimmed. Keep it simple.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Not sleeping well the night before will make you feel and look tired. This can lead to increased anxiety, making it hard to get into the right mindset of confidence. Getting plenty of sleep will make you look and feel your best.

• Generators should be used in well-ventilated locations outside, away from doors, windows and vent openings.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Position generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter your home through windows, doors or other openings.
• Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home installed according to manufacturer instructions.
• Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it’s hot.
• Store generator fuel in a properly labeled container intended for fuel storage. Store such containers outside living areas.

Create a Control Center
Designate an area for your family’s non-culinary items such as lunch boxes, keys, mail and homework. Add a monthly calendar, whiteboard and a basket or row for each family member. If there’s an outlet nearby, this could serve as a charging station for everyone’s devices.

Divide & Conquer
Use drawer dividers to create boundaries for all of your kitchen utensils. This will cut down on the time you spend searching for certain items. It can also help maintain a more efficient inventory.

Organize Your Lids
Keep the lids to your pots and pans from rolling around by securing a spring-loaded tension rod at the front of your drawer. If you keep your pots and pans in a cabinet instead, install towel rods on the cabinet door for the same purpose.

Group & Label
Streamline the insides of your cabinets by storing your staple food items in clear, airtight containers. This will give a neat and orderly look. Cardboard boxes of all different sizes and colors look more cluttered.

Low inventory means less competition. With fewer homes for sale, there is less competition making this an ideal time to sell your home.

You can show your home’s winter-readiness. Selling in Winter shows potential buyers how a home is designed to handle the harsh elements. Also, features like hot tubs and fireplaces become more appealing.

More serious buyers. In the Spring when there are more homes on the market, you’ll find more window shoppers – people who don’t necessarily intend on making a purchase. However, if someone is looking in January or February, they are more than likely a real buyer.

Year-end bonuses and payouts. Year-end performance reviews could mean that people have more to spend. Bonuses or workers retiring with large payouts could mean opportunities for them to upgrade their living situation.

Fire up the fireplace. Make use of the fireplace to not only warm up the house but to show off this great feature of the home. During an open house, this will give potential buyers an idea of what it would be like to enjoy the fire on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa!

Add seasonal scents. Focus on seasonal scents to make the home smell nice and fresh, such as oranges, cloves, and cinnamon. Also, be sure to have hot coffee on hand to warm up potential buyers and boost their mood!

Don’t skimp on curb appeal. Add some winter-themed outdoor décor next to the door and on the porch. Also, make sure the front door has a fresh coat of paint.

• Start an emergency fund. An emergency fund provides a financial safety net for those unexpected expenses. It should cover several months of expenses but it’s okay to start small. With every paycheck, set aside a portion for the fund with a $500 goal and then contribute as much as you can moving forward.
• Get an energy efficiency audit. An energy audit can measure air leaks and detect air infiltration or missing insulation. Having an energy efficient home can lower utility bills and make you more comfortable.
• Create a disaster kit. If the unthinkable happens, a disaster kit that includes financial documents and a home inventory will speed up recovery. Store it in a fireproof safe or other place that’s easily accessible along with copies of your I.D., credit card information, vehicle records and other important documents.

• Check your credit score. This is important because your potential mortgage lender will do the same. Lenders will use this score, along with other factors, to determine your mortgage eligibility.
• Credit clean-up. If you’re not happy with your credit score, take the time to improve it before you begin the pre-qualification process.
• Get pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval is not an obligation to buy but a written confirmation of your lending amount and the promised rate. It will allow you to shop with confidence and within a budget you know you can afford. Contact Old Point Mortgage to get pre-qualified today!

1. Service Projects. Since it’s the “Season of Giving”, it’s a great idea to host some sort of community service project. You can start a toy or food drive or create a community angel tree.

2. Holiday Open House. A holiday party is a great way to get members of the community out and about. You can host one as an open house for a home you’ve listed (with the seller’s permission of course). Have snacks, cookie decorating, crafts, and holiday music. This is a great way to attract potential buyers as well as get leads in the neighborhood.

3. Send Holiday Cards. Send cards to your leads and include a small, handwritten note. When you provide a personal touch, it makes people feel important and closer to you! You can also get free publicity because most people display the cards they receive in their home and it will constantly be visible.

4. Host a Giveaway. Offer a prize to potential home buyers and sellers, such as a gift card or travel voucher. When they sign up for the giveaway, get their contact information. Many would love to win a prize to help with gift giving.

• Inspect your lights each year. Look at the wires and sockets of your lights. If you have any sets with fraying cords, broken bulbs, or loose connections, throw them away.
• Verify that the lights and extension cords are for outdoor use. If your products have the UL mark with “UL” in red, it means it’s been tested for outdoor safety. If “UL” is green, the product is only suitable for indoor use.
• Don’t overload extension cords. Find out the electrical capacity of the cord by looking at the label on the cord. Then look at the label on the lights you want to plug into it. The sum of the power used by the decorations shouldn’t exceed the cord’s capacity.
• Use plastic hooks to hang lights. Secure lights and cords to structures with plastic hooks, which can be found at any hardware store. Also, don’t route cords through doors or windows. This can crush the cord and post a serious fire hazard.

• Water Heater: This is one of the more common big-ticket repairs that can result from a home inspection. A buyer may request that it be fixed or replaced entirely as a condition of going through with the purchase.
• Type of Piping: Check the type of piping used in your home, especially if it is an older home. There are some types of piping and/or fittings that have been recalled or had class-action lawsuits filed against the manufacturer.
• Leaking Pipes: Leaky pipes could be a red flag for the seller. Leaks can easily be checked from the home’s crawl space.
• Water Pressure Regulator: Water pressure is one point of a home inspection. If it’s too high, this can indicate a larger, and costlier, problem.

Having a local plumber fully inspect your plumbing and water heating systems before listing your home can give you peace of mind before your home’s inspection. They can recommend any improvements that need to be done now and what can wait for the new owner.

• Check Your Roof: General wear and tear, plus exposure from the hot summer sun, can cause your roof and siding to warp, chip, and more. Look for cracks or other damage and if anything needs to be fixed, it’ll be easier to do now than in the midst of winter.
• Sweep the Chimney: Make sure your chimney is clean and in good shape before using it this fall and winter. A chimney blockage can cause a fire or other hazards.
• Clean the Gutters: Check your home’s gutters for dead leaves and other potential blockages. Clear them so water can properly drain. This will prevent water damage and other high-cost repairs.
• Weather-Proof: Seal your doors and windows against the elements with weather stripping and/or caulking. This will keep the cold and nasty weather out and the heat in. Also, check for gaps or cracks between doors and windows and their frames.
• Examine Floors: Moisture and heat from the summer can cause wear and tear in floors, especially if you have real hardwood flooring. If your floors are scratched, dull or damaged, they can be sanded down and refinished. If you have deep scratches or loose floorboards, you may need those boards replaced.

• Before trick-or-treaters arrive, turn off your alarm. It’s important to disarm your home security system to prevent false alarms.
• Put your pets in a closed room. Not everyone who comes to your door will be a pet lover and animals can be unpredictable. Put your pets in a room away from the front door to keep them less stressed and prevent them from getting loose.
• Turn on outside lights. Keep the pathway from the street to your front door well-lit. This will help prevent any accidents (i.e. trips, falls, etc.) and keep your flowers and other greenery from getting stepped on or uprooted.
• Park your car in the garage. To prevent the risk of accidental dents or scratches (or pranks), park your car in your garage. If you don’t have one, try to park in a place with low traffic.
• Avoid homemade treats. Many parents won’t let their kids eat non-prepackaged candy. Plus, labels with allergy warnings can help save a life. Skip the homemade recipes and stick with the store bought fun-size candies you can buy in bulk.
• Keep an eye on your front door. Remain close by your front door and lock your storm door, or front door, after every trick-or-treater visit.

Getting pre-approved for your loan lets you know how much money you can borrow and how that affects the price range of the homes you can consider buying. Second, as mortgage rates fluctuate, you can be ready to lock in a loan before interest rates rise.

Follow these tips to prepare financially for the fall buying season:

• Check your credit. Go online to annualcreditreport.com to request your credit reports from all three reporting bureaus.
• Evaluate your budget. Estimate your available funds for a deposit, down payment and closing costs.
• Get your documents in order. Consult with Old Point Mortgage on the required paperwork and continue to update this as you go – you will need the most recent pay stubs and bank statements for final loan approval.
• Get pre-approved for a loan. Old Point Mortgage will go over various financing options to meet your short and long-term goals. Your pre-approval will help you act quickly when you find the perfect home.

We’re here to help put you on the path to home ownership! Our goal is to find you the best possible mortgage loan to suit your immediate needs. Contact Old Point Mortgage today to get pre-qualified!

• Fall means football! Host a sponsored tailgate party and hold a sweepstakes for tickets to an upcoming game. This will encourage attendees to leave their information.
• Sponsor a food or coat drive. Give back and meet potential clients at the same time. Set up a drop-off area in a popular public place and serve refreshments.
• Visit local garage, estate or moving sales. These often indicate that the homeowner is getting ready to sell. They might need a real estate agent!
• Throw an autumn block party. Offer fun, budget-friendly activities, like painting mini pumpkins, and provide seasonal refreshments. You may meet some off-season buyers and sellers.
• Don’t neglect drop-by season. Fall and winter are the perfect time to stop by and drop off a small gift to former clients or top prospects. Keep the visits brief and conversational. This will keep you top of mind and remind them that it’s still a great time to buy or sell a home.

• Start at the front door. You can add a fall-themed doormat, pumpkins and gourds by the steps. Also, hanging an autumn wreath on the front door is a simple way to add a touch of autumn inspiration. Use traditional fall colors or go the contemporary route with neutral tones via dried flowers and burlap.
• Use natural elements. Using natural décor is an affordable way to spruce up your home for fall. You can collect materials right from your front yard such as pine cones, twigs and birch branches.
• Avoid color clashes. Choose shades that complement your décor. If your style is contemporary with vibrant colors, try a neutral monochromatic palette. If you want a more traditional look, then go for the reds, oranges, and yellows so long as they don’t clash with your décor. Jewel tones such as rich eggplants and deep emeralds can also add an autumn flair.
• Switch up accent pieces. Switch out your summer pillows, vases and more for ones with fall colors. Remember to follow what complements your existing color palette.
• Think outside the box with pumpkins. Mix up the pumpkin sizes and arrange them in sets of three. If you don’t want orange pumpkins, play around with cream, silver, gold and copper paints. Felt or burlap pumpkins can add texture to your centerpiece or front porch as well.

• Garden: Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs as well as fall bulbs such as tulips and daffodils.
• Clean gutters: Clearing out debris from your gutters prevents water damage. You can also check your roof for any loose shingles or other damage.
• Clean garage: Make room in your garage for your vehicles so you can park them there once the winter brings snow and ice.
• Check furnace/boiler: Have your furnace or boiler serviced now before the winter season begins.
• Caulk windows & doors: Check for air leaks around doors and windows. You can decrease your heating bills by caulking any gaps.
• Check smoke & carbon monoxide detectors: This is a good time to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Test and replace the batteries twice a year.

Paint a room – A fresh coat of paint doesn’t cost much and will give the home a fresh feel. You can do it yourself or hire a professional. If hiring a professional, it’s a good idea to do more than one room. Stick with neutral colors like white or warm grays.

Bathroom makeover – If you have a modest budget, stick with smaller upgrades such as replacing the floor, painting the vanity and installing a new sink and faucet.

Kitchen renovation – Homeowners now see kitchens as another living area or place to entertain. Upgrades such as high-end appliances and marble countertops are amenities that are likely to pay off. Buyers also love plenty of counter space and shelving.

Crown molding – Crown molding can add a classy and distinctive look to the top edge of walls, door frames, or cabinets. This project will only take a few days and could lead to a better sale price.

• Realtor’s commission: This is usually the biggest fee a seller pays and it’s split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent. Many homeowners try avoiding this fee by offering their home as for-sale-by-owner. However, if you do that, be prepared to assume all of the duties of a real-estate agent.
• Home repairs: There are probably a few things you could do to enhance your home’s appeal and raise its value. Also, if the inspection uncovers any problems, you may have to fix those as well.
• Home staging: Hiring a professional stager might pay off because they do what’s necessary to enhance your home’s best features. They help give buyers a clear picture of what the house could look like after they move in. 
• Keeping the water and AC on: If you’re moving out before you sell, you’ll want to continue paying for water and electricity. A home without it can be difficult to show to buyers.

TGIF Summer Concert Series
August 3rd & 10th, 6pm-9:30pm, Bennett’s Creek Park, Suffolk
Enjoy this free and family-friendly event in the park, as different bands play a variety of hits and kids enjoy the children's area.

Neighborhood Night Out
August 7th, 4pm-7pm, HR Convention Center, Hampton
Neighborhood Night Out will take place in conjunction with National Night Out to promote first responder-community partnerships and District camaraderie.The event will feature the local Police, Fire and Sheriffs departments as well as kid-friendly entertainment and activities.

Movie & More
August 18th, 6pm-9pm, Elizabeth River Park, Chesapeake
Come out and enjoy a movie on the lawn! Before the movie starts, dance the afternoon away with a DJ playing family friendly music. Or visit the information tent and sign up to win prizes while the kids bounce in large inflatables and the younger ones play in the “waddler and toddler” area. Other activities include face painting, lawn games, and food vendors. Please bring your blankets or lawn chairs (allowed in selected seating areas only). No tents permitted.

Family Fest
August 19th, 2pm-4pm, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Virginia Beach
Family Fest offers a unique opportunity to create, explore, enjoy art, and most important, have fun together! Themed around current exhibitions, families can create their own art, play detective in a gallery scavenger hunt, and experience the interactive ARTlab.

Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival
August 24th-25th, 5pm-11pm, Town Point Park, Norfolk
The 36th Annual Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival is Hampton Roads’ longest-running outdoor jazz festival! A unique blend of international GRAMMY award-winning recording-artists and Billboard chart-toppers will perform in Town Point Park, on the urban downtown Norfolk waterfront across two remarkable evenings during the established, multi-day, music festival.

Bird Watching on the Noland Trail
August 26th, 7am-10am, Lions Bridge, Newport News
Join members of The Hampton Roads Bird Club for a bird watching workshop. Learn how to identify local species, and learn about their natural history.

• Set the water heater on “vacation mode”. If you’ll be gone for an extended amount of time, flip the switch to vacation mode so that it won’t be maintaining its temperature all day.
• Shut off the water to prevent water damage. Turning off the water at the main valve will prevent any plumbing leaks while you’re on vacation.
• Make sure storm drains are clean. In the event that a big summer storm hits while you’re away, you want to make sure your storm drains are free and clear before you leave. You don’t want flood waters to back up into your house and/or basement.
• Unplug appliances. Unplug anything that is not a requirement while you’re gone. This will protect against power surges during an unexpected storm as well as save energy.
• Turn down the temperature. You don’t want to use too much air conditioning while you’re away. Leaving your thermostat at 78-80 degrees is ideal. 
• Leave the lights on. A well-lit home is less attractive to intruders than a dark one. Give the appearance of being home by using timers for your lamps and light switches. You can also add day/night sensors to flood lights.

1. The homeowner. When you go to view a home, come equipped with questions. You’ll get more history of the home by meeting the seller. Ask about the history of repairs, who made them, and any warranties.

2. The floors. Look for any unusual sagging or dipping near the bathroom. This could be a sign of a plumbing issue. Sagging in other portions of the home could mean structure issues.

3. Wall cracks. If you spot a crack in the wall, especially if it’s brick, that means there’s movement. It’s a sign of serious structural problems.

4. Fresh paint. A fresh paint job can’t always be trusted, especially if the home hasn’t been renovated in a while and you see fresh paint in the cellar or basement ceiling. It could mean that something was recently fixed or something is being covered up. If anything seems unusual, ask about it.

5. Look for water in the basement. If it’s recently been rainy and the basement is dry, this is a good sign. If it’s been dry but the basement appears damp, there could be a deeper issue. Find out where the water is coming from.

6. Check the windows. Open and close the windows to see if they lock properly. Also, determine if they are cheap, low-quality windows. This is not a huge deal breaker but consider the cost as they may need replacing down the line. Cheap windows can also drive up heating costs if not replaced.

7. The roof. Ask when the roof was installed and ask to see the warranty. Older homes may have several layers of roofing which could have asbestos. Those layers will eventually have to be removed so ask questions and follow-up with an expert opinion.

8. Trees outside. If there are trees near a home, it can pose risks such as catching on fire or falling during a storm. Smaller risks include gutters filling with leaves or a bug infestation.

9. Electrical and plumbing. Check for exposed wiring and ask if there have been any electricity shorts. If this is a second walk-through, bring an expert along and also test the pipes using a water kit.

10. Building violations and permits. If you don’t feel good after the walk through, investigate any open violations or permit issues by checking with the local building department, fire department and historic agencies to make sure the building comes out clear.

• Embrace ‘rush hour’ traffic. Since many travel out of town on the weekends, it often leaves Saturday and Sunday open houses nearly empty. Instead, hold ‘rush hour’ open houses, for example, from 4pm-6pm. This may be more convenient for buyers.
• Turn your open house into a summer party. Advertise the open house as a party. This makes it feel more like a celebration than a sales pitch. Serve refreshments outdoors such as lemonade and summer-themed appetizers. Hold the event in the evening when temperatures are more bearable for people to venture out.
• Spotlight the outdoor space. Play up outdoor features such as a pool and other amenities. Keep patio areas, the pool, and outdoor furniture extra clean. Use props such as cushions, lanterns, and string lights to spur the guests’ imaginations.
• Create a community event. Host a summer block party at the front of the property, rather than the back. This will invite more attention and traffic from neighbors and others passing by.
• Advertise early, often, and offline. Advertise online well in advance so that people can clear their schedule to attend the open house. Post signs on roadways headed toward the beach and other popular summer destinations. Add balloons to draw more attention.

HAMPTON | Fort Monroe | 9:15pm
A spectacular 15 minute fireworks show will be launched from a platform in Mill Creek.

NEWPORT NEWS | Victory Landing Park | 9:30pm
A spectacular fireworks show will light up the sky over the James River.

WILLIAMSBURG | Colonial Williamsburg | 9:20pm
Enjoy fireworks from Palace Green to celebrate our nation's birthday.

CHESAPEAKE | Chesapeake City Park | 9:15pm
Fireworks by Pyrotechnico will illuminate the dark sky after sunset.

NORFOLK | Town Point Park | 9:30pm
Watch the sky light up with a firework display closing the Great American Picnic event.

VIRGINIA BEACH | Mount Trashmore | 9:30pm
Celebrate America's Independence with booming fireworks above Mount Trashmore.

VIRGINIA BEACH | Oceanfront at 24th Street | 9:30pm
Enjoy fireworks on the beach during the Stars & Stripes Explosion.

• Not Staging. When you stage your home, it makes it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home. Hire a professional that will make your home neat, orderly and clutter-free, seducing buyers into living there.
• Over-staging. Staging the entire house may be harmful. You want to leave room for some thought on customization. Make staging the kitchen, bathrooms and landscaping a priority. Bathrooms and kitchens sell homes.
• Overdoing or neglecting the landscaping. Too many plants and yard décor can be an eyesore. Focus on trimming bushes or trees that may block light from coming into the home. Also, repair dead grass and remove weeds.
• Posting poor quality pictures. Since 90% of home buyers search online, you want to make a good first impression. High quality photos and video are essential to getting a buyer’s foot in the door.
• Leaving evidence of pets. Leaving pets at home during a walk-through or even leaving items out such as dog dishes or cat toys can be a turn-off for potential buyers.

• Launch an ad. Facebook’s ad program has much knowledge about their users. Launch an ad targeting a keyword or category that would find people interested in buying or selling a home. Target your ads by category, like “Real Estate”, which about 1.1 million of its users are interested in.
• Identify influencers who are attracting home buyers. Identify popular people who are sharing information that a home buyer would care about. Once you’ve found them, comment on a post or “like” their page. Begin interacting with them and you’ll soon find your name in front of a large audience of potential home buyers.
• Share content that your audience cares about. Share your listings on your Facebook wall. Write a blog post about how to buy a home. Home buyers will come to you if you focus on understanding your demographic and creating information they care about.

• Research your project. Find out what has to be done, the best way to do it, and the types/costs of materials that should be used.
• Get the names of several contractors. Get bids from several contractors. Friends and neighbors may give you recommendations. Trade associations and hardware stores may also be good sources of information.
• Check references. Get at least three references from actual customers, not just from people who know the contractor personally.
• Get written bids on your job. Get at least 2-3 written bids for your project. Never accept a verbal estimate. Then carefully compare the bids, making sure they include everything you want. These should serve as a starting point in your negotiations.
• Check that the contractor has insurance and is bonded. Make sure your contractor has liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Otherwise, you may be liable for injuries to workers or others on your property. Also, if possible, use a contractor who is bonded. Ask to see the bond document and call the bonding company to confirm what it covers. A bond may be the only means to get compensation if your contractor fails to do the job or goes bankrupt after you have paid.
• Get a written contract. The contract should specify things such as:
  • when the work will begin, how long it will take and what it will involve
  • the type, grade, quality and cost of the materials
  • whether subcontractors will be used and if so, who
  • any guarantees and warranties
  • whether the contractor will obtain the necessary licenses and permits

Inspect the project and communicate with the contractor. Make sure all changes, problems or complaints are recorded. This helps to avoid confusion and safeguards both parties.

• Adults should stay within arm’s reach of young children and newer swimmers.
• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when on a boat and if in a situation beyond your skill level.
• Everyone should swim in pairs in areas protected by lifeguards, even experienced swimmers.
• Protect your neck – don’t dive headfirst.
• Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.
• If you’re caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Signal to those on shore that you need help. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once free, swim toward shore. If you can’t, float or tread water until you’re free of the rip current.

• DON’T use a high-pressure hose to clean your windows. It can damage the caulking, weather-stripping, or even the glass itself.
• DON’T let weeds or shrubs crowd your house. Prune shrubs so that they don’t touch your house or foundation. Also clear away any vegetation around your air conditioning unit that could block the air flow.
• DON’T depend on your dryer’s lint trap to catch all the debris. Be sure to clean the dryer ducts and exterior vent so that the buildup will not be a fire hazard.
• DON’T plant grass seed too early. Early Fall is the best time to do so.

• Old, Outdated Windows. Letting the new owners worry about your old windows is a big mistake. If you can spend money on better windows, do it. If you can’t spend the money, consider adjusting your asking price to compensate for dated windows.
• Water Stains. Mold is one of the biggest deal-breakers in real estate and if potential homebuyers detect water stains, they’re likely headed for the door. Past water damage doesn’t necessarily indicate a mold problem but a mold inspection can determine if your house is 100% mold-free. A fresh coat of paint can cover up water stains and spruce up your space.
• Signs of Insects. Potential homebuyers don’t want to see common household pests on a walk-through. Have a pest control company treat the interior and exterior of your home to stop insects in their tracks. The smallest sign of a pest problem can send buyers running.
• No Recent Upgrades. Homebuyers love move-in ready homes. Kitchens and bathrooms are the best projects to invest in and make a big difference. If it’s been years since your last home remodel, some homebuyers may decide to make an offer on a comparable house with modern features, even if it’s more expensive.

1. Make contact when you say you will. Respond to inquiries as soon as you get them. Your promptness may differentiate you from competitors and will gain the clients’ trust in the process.
2. Include your signature in email correspondence. Always include your signature at the bottom of your email replies. These keeps your name visible at all times and gives clients the means to contact you if they’re on the go.
3. Give a free gift. This works wonders for in-person appointments. For example, you could give a branded folder or tote bag, which comes in handy for buyers to keep property notes and other paperwork. Gifts like these will brand your name into their heads quickly.
4. Have a website that matches or exceeds your competitors! Your website should rank high among the sites of your rivals. It should be easy to navigate, give users the option to search for what they need, and the site should properly display on primary web browsers and mobile devices. If your site looks bad on a small smartphone screen, you’ll be at a disadvantage.
5. Practice what you preach. If your headshot and overall marketing exudes a positive and happy image, you must practice that same sentiment when someone contacts you. Back up your claims or else people will go elsewhere.

Salute to Summer
May 25^th – 27^th, 8pm-10:45pm, VB Boardwalk, Virginia Beach
Salute to Summer is an unabashed “Star-Spangled” salute to great music, fun in the sun, and the men and women of the military who have sacrificed their lives throughout our history. Enjoy free entertainment on three outdoor stages featuring live music by local and regional bands.

Blackbeard Pirate Festival
June 2^nd – 3^rd, 10am-10pm/12pm-6pm, Downtown Hampton
Led by Blackbeard the Pirate himself, dozens of pirate re-enactors help visitors step back in time and re-live the history and legends of 1718 Hampton. The Festival offers a variety of children’s activities, live musical entertainment, fireworks, period vendors, arts and crafts, and much more!

Norfolk Harborfest
June 8^th – 10^th, 12pm-11pm/10am-6pm, Town Point Park, Norfolk
Come enjoy a weekend packed with activities on land and see to include tall ships and the Parade of the Sail, food and beverages, performances, and one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast.

Sounds of Summer Concerts
Thursdays in June, 7pm-9:30pm, Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown
Enjoy some of the area’s top acts playing beach favorites, Motown, disco, funk, R&B, Pop & more. Make sure you wear comfy shoes for dancing. And bring the kids. This is a fun event for the whole family!

• You can start by inspecting your air conditioning unit to make sure everything is in working order before turning it on.
• In the evenings, when your house cools down, pull the shades and close the outside doors to help hold in the cooler air.
• Program your thermostat according to your daily routine by keeping the temperature at the high end of your comfort range and avoid having the air running non-stop when no one is home.
• If you have ceiling fans in your home, it’s important to change the direction of the fan based on the season. In winter, the fan should turn clockwise on the lowest setting and in the summer, the fan should turn counter-clockwise on its highest speed. Using your ceiling fans in conjunction with your cooling system increases comfort and efficiency.

• Price it right. Always list your home at market value. Overpricing can send the wrong message to agents and buyers and can produce fewer showings.
• Update the kitchen and master bath. Consider replacing older appliances with stainless or add a backsplash and pendant lighting.
• Curb appeal. The home’s exterior is the first thing a potential buyer sees. Clean up the yard, mow the lawn, and remove weeds. Freshen up the door with a new coat of paint, update the door knocker and add fresh, bright potted plants near the door.
• Lighting. During showings, make sure all of the lights are turned on. Replace old bulbs with new LED bright lights. This will not only add a bright, uplifting feel to every space but your home photos will look great as well.
• Freshen the air. It’s imperative to air out the house before showings and open houses. You don’t want foul odors to hit buyers as soon as they enter the home. A good carpet cleaning can also help remove odors.

• Tour your own house like a buyer. Before grabbing your camera, tour your own home and imagine how it looks to someone who doesn’t live there. Assess each room from different angles. Remember – if YOU can see it, the camera will also pick it up.
• Make a clean sweep outside. Clear away anything that can take away from the curb appeal. Hide trash cans, hoses, kids’ toys, as well as cars and bikes so they’re not in the photos.
• Ditch the “lived-in” look. Get rid of magazine piles, remote controls, and framed photos. Clean off the front of the fridge and remove appliances from the kitchen counters. These and other items can distract from the home’s features.
• Let in the light. If the home has great views, highlight them in your photos. Wash the windows and leave curtains and blinds open so that natural light can come through. Swap out heavy drapes for sheer linen curtains or leave the windows bare.

• Get Referrals From Family & Friends. If people close to you have an agent they like, then you’ll probably like them as well.
• Get a Referral From Your Previous Agent. If you’re moving to a new area, you could ask your previous agent for a referral. 
• Ask a Relocation Specialist. A relocation specialist can collect information on the type of property you’re looking for and match you with a top professional in your area.
• Look For Community Leadership. Find agents who have actually invested in the area. They will sell more than your home – they’ll sell your entire community when the potential buyer presents themselves.
• Evaluate What ‘Good’ Means To You. Your idea of ‘good’ is probably different from someone else’s. Make a list of qualities you most desire in the person you hire to sell or find you a home.

• Send Emails. Keep a strong email list and let them know you have a new open house. To make it not feel like spam, make the open house feel like an event. Include anything special you’re doing at the open house like serving food or having a kids’ corner. Keep it personal and write it like you’re talking one-to-one with your clients.
• Network With Agents. Get to know agents in your area – the agents that are selling as many houses as you are and more. Within your network, agree to share information on upcoming open houses. Working together can help everyone get more people through their open houses!
• Be Creative On Social Media. Post about your open house on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Ask your sellers to share the post on their social media sites as well. You can also create an ad for the open house on both Facebook and Twitter.
• Kid-Friendly. Create a kids’ corner at your open house so that parents can stroll through the open house. Bring coloring book pages and crayons so the kids will have something to do. Parents will have a lot more time to look at the details of the house.
• Giveaway. Offer a giveaway to get more people through the door, such as a gift card to a local restaurant or a tablet. You could partner with other agents that have houses for sale in the same neighborhood and create an “open house day”. You could then pool your resources to giveaway an extreme prize. Get creative!

• Refrigerator Coils: Vacuum your refrigerator coils with a crevice or upholstery tool and then push a duster or coil brush between the coils to grab the dust. When your coils are covered in dirt, the fridge has to work harder and this can shorten the refrigerator’s life span.


• Ceiling Fans: Climb a ladder and wipe ceiling fan blades with a microfiber cloth. This will prevent the fan from spreading dust and allergens throughout the room. This will also be a good time to reverse the blade direction to clockwise so the fan will push cool air straight down, creating a cooling breeze!


• Baseboards: Cleaning scuffed and dusty baseboards goes a long way toward freshening up your home! Use a Mr. Clean Eraser or cleaning wipes for scuff marks. For dust, vacuum with an upholstery attachment. For the tops and ridges of the baseboards, run a Q-tip across them to remove dust.


• Pillows: Once or twice a year, you should wash your bed pillows, which absorb sweat, dead skin cells, and dust mites. You can wash most synthetic pillows on a short, gentle, lukewarm cycle but check the care labels for your particular pillow.


• Shower Heads: To remove mineral buildup from a stainless-steel shower head, fill a small plastic bag with white vinegar and attach it with a rubber band over the shower head. Let it sit for 1-2 hours until the scale dissolves. Scrub away the residue with a toothbrush and voila!

Easter Spring Fling & Egg Hunt
April 1^st, 10am-5pm, Hunt Club Farm, Virginia Beach
Hunt Club Farm kicks off the year with their annual Easter Egg Hunt and welcomes over 5,000 guests to enjoy this celebration of spring. Visitors find eggs, visit the Easter bunny and other costumed characters, take a hayride, jump in inflatable amusements, play carnival games and come prepared for several hours of spring time fun!!!

Wonders of the Sea
April 2^nd - April 6^th, 9am-5pm, Virginia Living Museum, Newport News
Join us for Spring Break and welcome our new moray eel! Take in the “Coral Reefs: Nurseries of the Sea” conservation kiosk, a screening of the award winning documentary “Chasing Coral,” and sea-themed shows in the Abbitt Planetarium. Witness a scuba program and fish feeding in the Chesapeake Bay Tank and more.

Yorktown River Crawl
April 19^th, 7pm-9pm, Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown
Experience the best Riverwalk Landing has to offer! Begin at Umi Sushi, take a short walk to Water Street Grille and finish your crawl with a little something sweet at Carrot Tree. Enjoy this delectable taste of Yorktown!

Spring BBQ Fundraiser
April 21^st, 12pm-6pm, Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department, Carrollton
Join the Carrollton Volunteer Fire Department for their annual Spring BBQ Fundraiser and help support the continued success of the CVFD serving the local community.

International Children’s Festival
April 21^st, 10am-5pm, Mill Point Park, Hampton
Experience the beauty and wonder of exotic places as over thirty countries and cultures showcase their unique heritages.  

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
April 27^th, 4pm-7pm, The MacArthur Green, Norfolk
Walk-a-Mile in Her Shoes provides men the opportunity to help raise awareness about gender and sexual violence by walking one mile in downtown Norfolk wearing high-heels. Everyone is encouraged to join the fun and cheer on walkers. Proceeds go to the YWCA South Hampton Roads.

• Whip your yard into shape. When selling in the spring, your yard must be in good shape. Clear out any winter yard debris and get plants that won’t be affected by a late cold spell. You can also use silk flowers so you don’t have to worry about watering.
• Box up winter wardrobe. Bulky winter clothes take up space. Move them out of your closets so you can impress buyers with all of the extra space.
• Spruce up the entryway. Get a new welcome mat to pretty up your doorway. This area sets the tone for the entire showing.
• Bring spring aromas indoors. Scents have a profound effect on mood. Infuse scent into your décor with diffusers, candles, flowers or incense. It can change the overall feeling of a space.

Ask yourself these questions when deciding how to rev up your image and put your best face forward!

• Does it look like you? If your old headshot doesn’t resemble how you look currently, it’s time for a new one.

• Who took it? Consider looking for a photographer with a newer perspective than your former photographer. Find someone whose portraits are more interesting and inventive. They can help you convey the image you’re going for in your marketing.

• What does it say about you? What do you offer clients that’s unique or special? Do you have a nurturing personality that guides first time homebuyers like no one else? Your headshot should convey something that matters about you and your business.

Make revisiting your branding and the image you project a regular part of your marketing. If it’s been a while, it may be time for a reboot!

Set up a real estate account.
Using your personal account for business isn’t a great idea. It’s best to create a separate account for business and set it up as a business profile. With a business profile, you can get more insight on your followers including how many viewed your video and other analytics.

Hashtags can be incredibly informative.
Hashtags can be informative when used correctly. They can be quite efficient as keywords when you describe information in the photo such as furniture material, location, and the décor designer. 

Social media management.
Certain metrics will determine the engagement rate of your content. For example, the best time to post is on Wednesday at 7pm. There are also differences between whether you post a video or an image. For videos, any day between 9pm and 8am will do, whereas images are more or less consistent all week long. 

Contact a real photographer.
Taking photos using your phone is a viable choice but may not always be the best one. For the most appealing look, you’ll need a high-end camera and proper lighting.

Fixer uppers are Instagram friendly.
By showing fixer-uppers that were successfully sold and their transformation story, this will stimulate people’s imaginations. Every next fixer-upper you decide to offer will appear as a challenge for people willing to make the transformation their own.

Wireless or Hardwired

If you have a lot of square footage, the hardwired option is often the best way to go. However, wireless systems are more popular and becoming more affordable. If you are doing it yourself, a wireless system is the easiest to install. It also uses minimal drilling and is less damaging.

Touchscreens

Operating a security system with a touchscreen panel will make for an easier and better experience for you and your family.

Expandable Security Systems

Make sure that when choosing a new security system that you get one that you will be able to expand later on. This keep your options open so you can add other devices down the line, such as surveillance cameras, panic buttons, or other automation devices. There may be a need in the future when you reevaluate your family’s security needs.

Battery Back Up

If you have a hardwired security system and there is a power outage, there is a huge need for battery backup for it to get running and secure again. A wireless system may be better as they are unaffected by power outages. You will, however, need to change batteries regularly.

Two Way Audio

A two-way audio feature is great for speaking to a central station monitoring agent without having to call by phone. This is especially great for senior citizens.

HAMPTON
Country For Kids 2018
March 24th, 6pm-10pm, Hampton Roads Convention Center
Come enjoy an awesome night of country music to support the programs and services of the Center for Child & Family Services, presented by Old Point National Bank.

WILLIAMSBURG
Williamsburg Spring Arts Festival
March 16th (through May 31st), 8:30am-10pm, Throughout Greater Williamsburg Region
With more than 50 events from St. Patrick's day to the first days of summer, you will find a variety of art festivals, concerts, garden tours, and culinary delights to entertain everyone in your family!

NEWPORT NEWS
Battle of Hampton Roads
March 9th-11th, times vary, Mariners Museum
Come experience the commemoration of the Battle of Hampton Roads at The Mariners' Museum. The day will feature Living History encampments and demonstrations, 19th century music and games, and more! Events are free with museum admission.

NORFOLK
Shamrockin’ In Ghent
March 9th, 6pm-10pm, Historic Ghent (between Shirley & Gates Avenues)
The event will benefit Hope House Foundation and will include musical performances by the Tidewater Pipes and Drums, The Fighting Jamesons, and The Deloreans.

VIRGINIA BEACH
Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
March 24th, 12pm-4pm, Red Wing Park
Join the Sister Cities of Virginia Beach and Miyazaki, Japan in celebrating spring, peace, and goodwill during the blossom season. Enjoy traditional Japanese music, dance, arts and martial arts demonstrations. Concessions and various cultural vendors will be available.

• Safety first. Keep an eye out for issues that will affect the safety of current and future residents (i.e. cracked stairs, faulty lights, tripping circuit breakers). Faulty wiring, for example, is the #1 thing to avoid when buying a home. Make sure yours is good to go.
• Go green. Eco-friendly homes sell faster and for more money. You don’t have to do a major overhaul to reap the benefits of an eco-friendly house. You can make one change, like adding solar panels or reducing your home’s water usage.
• Check the exterior. It’s important to maintain your siding, brick or stucco at least once a year. Peeling paint or rotting siding can lead to water damage and mold growth and can become a health issue. Don’t forget to also inspect your roof.
• Know your pipes. Leaky pipes can cause serious water damage. If your pipes are past their prime, hire a professional for a thorough check-up. Your home inspection report you received at move-in should tell you what kind of pipes you have and how old they are.
• Protect your wood floors. Wood floors can be sensitive to water, easily scratched and hold dirt easily. Keep them safe by cleaning them regularly and putting felt pads on all of your furniture.

• Price it correctly. If you over-price your home, it may result in a longer time on the market and lower offers.
• Clean and declutter. A fresh, clean, and clutter-free house sells quicker and at a higher price.
• Make it accessible. Make your home available to view and show-ready at all times.
• Paint. A fresh coat of paint is the best and least expensive improvement you can make.

Talk about the “why” – saying a home is in a great neighborhood isn’t as powerful as showing why that is the case. For example, if you put together a video property tour, include footage of nearby attractions such as shopping, museums, and other community aspects that will inspire the buyer to want to live in the area. Tying your listing to the lifestyle buyers want will attract more traffic.

As a real estate professional, you have access to large amounts of data about what buyers are looking for.

This information can help identify people in different occupations, where they like to shop and what they like to do for entertainment. Use this information as a marketing tool and incorporate it into a story that connects the property to the goals and lifestyle of those who would buy it. A great story evokes a reaction.

1. Take pictures. These will come in handy when comparing homes and making a decision.
2. Don’t do it alone. Bring a friend or family member. It’s always good to have a second opinion.
3. Find out how much you can afford. Focus on homes that are within your budget.
4. Consider the proximity to your place of work. Think about the cost of gas and the time it will take to commute daily.
5. Ask about utilities and other maintenance costs. This will give you an idea of what your expenses will be.
6. Budget for additional costs. Decide if you can afford other costs such as necessary renovations.
7. Use a real estate agent. Using an agent can save yourself time and stress.
8. Sleep on it before you decide. You may have a different view after a good night’s sleep.
9. Decide on a neighborhood. Narrow down your search.
10. Decide what you need vs. what you want. Stay focused on what’s important.

• Advertise the event online.
• Set ground rules (like no one using the bathroom).
• Get the sellers out of the house!
• Have a sign-in form.
• Place “Open House” sign one week prior.
• Print old-fashioned brochures.
• Choose an “off” hour. A time later than other open houses so you reduce competition and leave a final impression.

Home Office

If you use your home office space exclusively and regularly for business, you can claim a home office deduction. Simply multiply the square footage of the space (up to 300 feet) by $5 to reach a dollar deduction amount.

Moving Expenses

Don’t consider the cost of moving a total loss. If you relocated for a new job, you can write off quite a bit of your travel expenses for the trip. You can only deduct moving expenses if it’s for a new job and you have to meet some specific requirements. If you meet them, you can take a whole host of deductions.

Sell! Sell! Sell!

Selling your house has some advantages. If you advertised your sale in any way or bought title insurance, you can write it off. However, if you make under $250K ($500K for married couples) in profit from the sale, it’s not taxable. You will have to live in the house for at least two out of five years of ownership to qualify.

Property Taxes Are Deductible

On your federal tax return, you can claim any state and local property taxes you pay. You pay these taxes with every mortgage payment. They go into escrow, where the mortgage lender pays them once a year. On your yearly summary, you can find the cost of property taxes for listing. Remember – this only applies to those itemizing their deductions. If you take the standard deduction, you’re out of luck.

Mortgage Interest

Mortgage interest is entirely deductible and might make a heftier tax credit than the standard deduction. However, you can only begin writing off expenses after you reach 2% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

Washing Machine

Your washing machine is vulnerable to extreme cold, especially if it sits against a poorly insulated, outside-facing wall, like in the garage or basement. The water in the hoses and pumps can freeze, causing the water intake valve to break. To prevent this, you can disconnect your water lines from the wall when you’re not using the machine or wrap your washer’s hoses with pipe insulation.

Refrigerator

If you have a second fridge or freezer in the garage or basement, it’s important to prep it for freezing temperatures. You can use a space heater in your garage or basement on those extremely cold days (only when you’re home). You can also disconnect or insulate the hoses if you have an ice maker and the appliance is connected to a water supply.

HVAC System

If your HVAC unit becomes encased with ice and snow, it can trigger an emergency shut-off. If you’re not around to notice that the heat is off, the pipes can become frozen and broken, causing serious water damage. To prevent this, build a firewall. Place the unit in an area where there is a minimal chance of getting covered by snow or snowdrifts. If it’s in an area that does get a lot of snow, place the condenser on a platform to raise it higher. Consider building a fence or wall around the unit, making sure there is enough airflow on all sides.

You can also clear the area by shoveling around the HVAC unit and making sure that your gutters aren’t leaking water onto the unit. 

1. Advice/Tips for Buying a Home: Pin information (articles, infographics) relevant to buying a home (advice for first time home buyers, moving tips, etc).

2. Advice/Tips for Homeowners: Pin information relevant to owning a home (how to be more energy efficient, what color to paint your home interior, etc).

3. Advice/Tips for Selling a House: Pin information relevant to the home selling process (what to disclose, selling costs, etc).

4. Architecture and Modern Design: Architecture boards are great for all of those interested in the design world. Pin beautiful pictures of wonderfully crafted homes you find around the web.

5. Bathroom/Powder Rooms: Give clients ideas for when they remodel their home.

6. Best Restaurants: Pin photos of the best restaurants in your area!

7. Blog Posts: With all of that original content you’re creating, it’s important to drive traffic to it. Now, with Pinterest’s Rich Pins for Articles, it’s a lot easier to have your article pins look professional and get more clicks.

8. Celebrity Real Estate: People love their pop culture, so indulge them! Post pictures of stars’ beautiful homes.

9. Color Combos: There’s nothing better than colors that go great together. Pin pictures of great color combinations, whether in a home or on a palette (check out Design Seeds).

10. Community Events: Highlight community events in your area.

11. Current Listings: Pin photos of your current listings.

12. Dining Rooms: Pin pictures of dining rooms that may give your clients inspiration for their own homes.

13. Doors: There are some beautiful doors out there in the world. Pin them.

14. Dream Homes: Pin homes you wish you could live in!

15. Fitness Clubs: Let people know where to go to work out in your community.

• Cover drafty windows. Use a heavy-duty plastic sheet or frame to cover the inside of your window frames to keep out drafts. You can also use heavy curtains or window treatments to shut out the cold winds.

• Find seals and leaks. Add caulk or weather stripping to doors and windows to seal air leaks that can have an effect on your energy bill. Also, look for air leaks around plumbing, chimneys, and in unfinished spaces.

• Adjust the temperature. You can save roughly 10% annually on heating and cooling bills by lowering your thermostat’s temperature 10-15 degrees for eight hours while you’re sleeping or at work. You can also install a programmable thermostat that will set the temperature automatically.

• Prep water heaters and pipes. Insulate your water heater pipes by wrapping them in an insulating blanket. By doing so, your water heater won’t have to work double time and you’ll have hot water on super-cold days.

• Keep filters clean. Dirty filters in your HVAC system can increase energy costs and damage your equipment. Clean or change your filters once a month and make sure there’s no debris in or around the furnace.

• Cut energy use. Start with your HVAC ductwork, which is notorious for wasting energy. Sealing and insulating ductwork can improve efficiency by as much as 20%.

• Purify indoor air. The air in your home is full of potential contaminants, such as dust, mold, and viruses. It’s worst during winter, when windows and doors are tightly shut. Some ways to help eliminate these harmful irritants are to change furnace filters regularly, use localized ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms and use a portable air cleaner for single rooms.

• Budget for improvements. Create a yearly budget for home improvements and maintenance to prevent overspending. This will also encourage you to set aside for major replacements, such as a new roof or kitchen appliance.

• Declutter. Start by creating more storage space so you can easily stash stuff away. You can put up high shelves or use out-of-the-way nooks such as under-stairs spaces.

• Exercise your DIY skills. Routine home maintenance and repair allows you to burn calories while keeping your house in tip-top shape. Tasks such as cleaning gutters, planting shrubs, and caulking windows and doors can burn over 250 calories per hour!

• Turn off your smartphone for at least 5 minutes a day. Give yourself a break, for your sanity’s sake.

• Get one new lead each week. You must actively gain leads to grow your business.

• Post once a week on social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter). Social media may not have much value to you personally but it can definitely serve a professional purpose. 

• Complete your continuing education early. Save yourself stress by getting your CE done at least a week before it’s due. Online CE courses are available on mobile devices so you can work on them while you wait for a buyer who may be touring a home for the second or third time.

• Turn your car into a mobile office. With a steering wheel desk, mobile printer, solar recharger, and auto expresso machine, your car can become a mobile office. Save your receipts for a tax deduction.

How To Deal With Frozen Pipes

• Close or cover foundation vents under your house and any windows to basements.
• Close garage doors.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks and drip both hot and cold faucets in your kitchen and bathrooms.
• If any pipes have frozen but not yet burst, use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or a portable space heater to thaw them.

How To Keep Warm In Your Home

• Keep drapes and blinds closed, except when windows are in direct sunlight.
• Cover or remove any window air conditioners.
• Run ceiling fans on low in reverse (clockwise when looking up) to circulate warm air.
• Put draft snakes on window sills, between window frames, and against doors.

Protect the Outside of Your Home

• Check air pressure in tires, since cold weather causes the pressure to lower.
• Bring in container plants and cover those that are prone to frost damage.
• Drain birdbaths and fountains.
• Use rock salt, sand, or clay based kitty litter on walks and drives (Note: Salt can damage grass and other plants.)

• Homeownership is a form of forced savings. By paying your mortgage, you build equity that you can access later for renovations, paying off debt, or sending a child to college.
• Homeownership provides tax savings. Owning a home is one way to save on taxes. You may be able to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and profits from selling your home. Check with your accountant first to find out which tax advantages apply in your area.
• Homeownership allows you to lock in your monthly housing cost. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly housing cost is locked in for the next 5, 15, or 30 years.
• Buying is cheaper than renting. It’s now 37.4% less expensive to buy than to rent in the U.S. The main reason is lack of listing inventory and overall lack of multi-unit or high density housing development.
• No other investment lets you live inside of it. While living in a home that you own, this investment is gaining value every day while providing you a safe place to live.

Does your liner need to be repaired or replaced?

• See for yourself. From inside, open the flue and look up as far as you can. From the roof, remove the cap and do a visual inspection. Any signs of cracks or rough edges can signify an issue.
• Hire a chimney professional with a camera. Most companies run a scope down the chimney and, upon request, can record a video to share with you detailing the issues they see.

If your home doesn’t have a liner at all, check your city’s fire code to see if one is necessary. You may need at least a stainless-steel liner to prevent overheating and risking a fire, especially if you’re making changes to or installing a wood-burning stove or fireplace. If your fireplace is not being used and your chimney solely acts as a vent for your furnace or water heater, you may not need a liner. Fireplaces with gas or electric inserts most likely do not need liners because these types of fuel don’t produce enough heat to damage a masonry chimney. Consult a chimney professional for questions and to schedule an inspection.

• Paint color – According to a paint color analysis by Zillow, blue hues have the most positive overall impact. Homes with blue bathrooms sold for at least $5,000 more. Red dining rooms have a negative correlation, with homes selling for over $2,000 less. Homes with a light brown or beige living room sold for almost $2,000 more.
• Hardware – New cabinet door handles, drawer pulls, and doorknobs can refresh key rooms in your home. This change can be particularly effective if the current hardware is builder’s standard and simple or dated.
• Furniture – Take note of pieces that could be improved to better sell the space. If cushions are worn or stuffing is coming out, consider a slipcover in a coordinating color to complement the room.
• Flowers & plants – Floral arrangements can give your home the color pop it needs to make buyers feel welcome. You can also add colorful plants outside by the door. Avoid blocking walkways or cluttering spaces with too many plants. Keep them on a table top or in a corner.

Build a Perfect Foundation
Start with a solid foundation of comfortable, versatile wardrobe pieces such as crisp black trousers, a button-down shirt, or a tailored dress. These pieces should fit your own personal preferences, making you comfortable, confident, and free to focus on selling properties. Opt for neutrals and classic cuts that will serve you a long time.

Make Thoughtful Additions
Dress up your foundation pieces in accessories that suit the market you’re showing that day while still allowing your personality to shine through. You can dress up a simple button-down shirt and blazer for a company meeting or dress it down with a sweater and scarf if you’re spending time outdoors.

Choose Your Shoes Wisely
Be mindful of practicality when choosing your shoes and consider what you’ll be doing on any given day. It’s a good idea to keep an extra pair on hand. If you’re a woman wearing heels for a showing, keep a compact pair of flats in your purse to swap. If you’re in a snowy climate or often visit sites that are under construction, keep a pair of boots in your car.

Find the Best Bag
Realtors have paperwork and you’ll need one that’s big enough to be your mobile office. A leather crossbody or messenger-style bag would fit your laptop, forms, and files. Also, consider a bag with multiple compartments to keep you organized. You don’t want to toss items in a large tote that’ll get lost at the bottom of the bag.

• Declutter - Out with the old! Get rid of any clutter and junk that may be hiding in your closets and shelves. If any items are still usable, you can donate them.
• Deep Clean - Having a freshly cleaned house is a good feeling! For a deep clean, hire a cleaning service to do the whole house or just focus on those areas that really need it.
• Apply Some Paint - The cold months are a great time to add a fresh coat of paint to any room of your home. The low humidity in the air helps the paint dry more quickly, which speeds up the job.
• Remove a Popcorn Ceiling - Popcorn ceilings are a thing of the past. Having a textured ceiling dates any room it’s in and lowers your home’s value. Before removing a popcorn ceiling, be sure to have it tested first for asbestos to make sure it is removed safely. Once removed, the update to that room will be dramatic.
• Insulate Your Attic - If your home doesn’t have enough insulation, the cold months can be brutal. Having adequate insulation in crucial areas such as your attic can help prevent the energy you’re using to heat your home from going right out the door. Insulating your attic gets a return on investment of 110% and improves your home’s value and comfort level.
• Refinish Your Floors - The sand and salt used on the roads in the cold months can wear away the finish on your flooring. Give your hardwood floors new life by applying a stain to cover up scuffs and stains from the previous years. Many new finishes don’t require sanding so you can often get a new look in just a few days.

1. Increasing rates

• If your HOA is increasing dues, pay them to avoid risks such as foreclosure. Next, review your bylaws to see what legal rights you have. If you can initiate dialogue with the board, do so. If other homeowners feel the same about the increasing rates, band together. You could hire one lawyer to collectively represent the case of all homeowners who object.

2. An abusive or unresponsive board

• If your HOA is unresponsive to written communication, try contacting the directors by phone. If that doesn’t work, find out if they’re holding a meeting and attend it. If your concern still is not addressed, seek legal advice.

3. If you’re fined, accept it and pay

• When dealing with a fine, your first and best option is to simply pay it. Your second option is to ask for a variance, which is an exception to the deed or covenant by which your HOA functions. Your final option is to take legal action but this should be your last resort. It’s possible to win but some homeowners have taken associations to court over a few hundred dollars only to come back owing the original fines plus thousands in lawyers’ fees.

4. Pay your dues on time

• If you fall behind on your dues, an HOA can foreclose your home, auction it off and evict you. Pay what you owe and pay on time.

5. Run for a position on the board

• By serving on the board of your HOA, you’ll always know the latest proposals and be able to do something about them.

6. Get approval before you make changes

• Before making any changes to your property, it’s important to gain approval in advance. This will ensure your HOA doesn’t come after you once the change has been made. If you anticipate that the change will bother one or more neighbors, approach them to learn about any legitimate concerns.

7. Stay involved

• Attending community meetings is a great way to communicate with other homeowners and the board. You can not only be heard but also hear what is going on. If dues are about to increase, you’ll want to find out as soon as possible. Also, you’ll want to know about any proposed bylaws or other changes.

8. Communicate with other members

• Living in a neighborhood with an HOA can allow you to form bonds with your neighbors in various ways. If the association begins assessing violations on a large scale, you won’t be the only resident feeling targeted and pressured to pay. You’ll be able to band together and take further action, if needed. Also, if an individual in the neighborhood calls attention to a violation, if they’ve befriended you, they’ll be more likely to approach you before the association. This can avoid an unpleasant scenario entirely.

9. Expect the best

• Although often times, HOAs have faced controversy regarding their commitment to protecting homeowners, all HOAs behave differently. If your HOA is suiting your needs and wants and their board treats you fairly, then they are doing a good job. If they suddenly increase fees, it might be due to poorly managed revenues.

10. Know the rules & bylaws

• Know your HOA’s bylaws and follow them! Read through them thoroughly and also know if one bylaw puts another at odds.

SWOT Analysis Mailer

• Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for your target subdivision. This works great for buyers and sellers.

How-To Workshop

• Conduct a how-to workshop in person or via live stream on social media!

Military Benefits Video

• Create this informative video of unknown or misunderstood benefits to help our bravest not miss a dollar.

FAQ Guide

• Answer 5 questions that your clients typically have with a video, guide, handout, or any other deliverable that they would appreciate.

• If your old home sells before you find a new one, have a plan. That could include moving into a temporary rental or staying with friends or relatives.
• Be open to homes that need work. There may be less competition for homes that need updates. Projects such as replacing roofs and changing flooring may be worth it if you get a good home at a decent price.
• Search at a slower time. Spring is usually the top homebuying season but around the holidays and in the winter, there are fewer buyers in the market. If you can, wait until late Summer or early Fall when more listings will be available.
• Be flexible on closing terms. Sellers care about other elements than just price alone. It matters whether you’re likely to pull out after an inspection, whether you’re approved for a mortgage, and if you can close quickly (or are willing to wait). You might beat other offers if you’re willing to work within the seller’s timetable.

• Season’s Greetings – If you’re looking for a clever way to display the holiday cards you receive, try stringing them along the staircase! Use clips or clothespins to do so.
• Pick Your Palette – If the usual holiday red and green isn’t part of your current color scheme, go for tones that compliment your existing décor. Try silver, gold, and bronze and add warm touches with sprigs of evergreen garland embellished with ornaments and berries.
• Center of Attention – Add some glitz and glamour to your holiday table! Add some sparkly, color-dipped vintage bulbs to a decorative glass bowl to make a statement.
• Shed Extra Light – Add ambiance and extra light by coupling together a few pillar candles. Wrap them with ribbon to compliment your other decorations while adding texture.
• Take It Outside – Decorate your front door with a simple big red bow to greet guests as they enter your home!

• Being Absent on Social Media. Many real estate agents overlook social media and can’t identify its benefits. Engagement on social media not only improves your online presence but also attracts leads. It’s also a good idea to manage your social media yourself. This way, you can interact with followers, know their needs, and stand out from the competition.
• Not Having a Target Group. Focusing on a specific group is better for your marketing strategy than aiming for wide-ranging appeal. Bridge the gap between amateur and professional by becoming a pro in a specific field.
• Not Targeting Your Local Market. Be sure to include city and neighborhood names in your keywords when promoting yourself online. Agents who focus on specific areas attract customers and gain better search engine rankings.
• Overlooking Relationship Marketing. Many agents overlook the importance of relationship marketing and focus on short-term improvement rather than maintaining customer loyalty. For example, send clients thoughtful notes of gratitude to show your appreciation. A satisfied customer can bring you more leads. Don’t underestimate the power of “word of mouth” marketing.

• Mow Regularly – Mow your lawn as needed and adjust your mower to the lowest setting as the season changes. This will allow more sunlight to reach the crown of the grass.
• Rake the Leaves – Throughout the season, rake your lawn regularly to allow sunlight to reach the lawn. Too many leaves can suffocate the lawn, causing patches or fungal diseases.
• Fill in Patches – If there are patchy areas in your lawn, rake gently in those areas to rough up the soil and fill with a lawn-repair mixture. Lightly compact the area and water daily for two weeks.
• Prevent Weeds – Weeds steal nutrients and moisture from your lawn. Prevent them by applying an herbicide in early- to mid-fall.

• Pre-drywall home inspection – This is especially important if you’re purchasing a home that is being built from the ground up. This inspection makes sure that electrical outlets, cable and internet access lines and other electrical features are working properly. It’s better to know before the dry-wall is hung than after.
• Look past the high-end finishes – Don’t be easily wowed by the high-end finishes you saw when browsing model homes. Some of these finishes can dramatically increase the price of the property. Make a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves and do your homework. Look for other finishes that are just as great and less expensive.
• Know the details of the new-home warranty – Most new homes come with a warranty that covers various things in the home but not everything is covered for the same length of time. Know the different coverage details and plan for their expiration to save money down the road.
• Read the HOA rules – Many new homes are part of a homeowners association. HOAs often charge a separate fee that could range from a few hundred dollars a year to thousands of dollars. The rules of the HOA may restrict what you can do to your home. Review the HOAs documents with your real estate agent.
• Expect delays during the building process – New home finishes can cause delays for weeks and even months after the original contract. If you’re renting, be prepared by having a month-to-month lease or, if you’re selling an existing home at the same time, have contingencies in place.

HAMPTON
Coliseum Central Parade
November 15th, 9:30am-11:30am, Coliseum Central/Peninsula Town Center
This annual parade, which will feature numerous high school bands, large helium balloons, floats, and more, will proceed down Coliseum Drive from Hampton Roads Center Parkway, turn into Peninsula Town Center, and finish on Von Schilling Drive. Bring the whole family for a day of fun in Coliseum Central!

NEWPORT NEWS
Holiday Tree Lighting
November 25th, 5pm-8pm, Port Warwick Styron Square
Santa and his elves will arrive by horse and carriage to Styron Square and light the majestic tree. Parents can also photograph their child as they visit Santa. Live entertainment will get everyone in the holiday spirit!

YORKTOWN
Yorktown Market Days
November 11th & November 18th, 9am-3pm, Riverwalk Landing
The market will feature over 35 local vendors of local art, food, and entertainment. You’ll also be able to watch food demonstrations by local chefs.

WILLIAMSBURG
Christmas Town
November 24th – November 26th (plus Dec. dates), 2pm-10pm, Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Come see one of the largest Christmas light displays in North America as you enjoy festive food, beverages, holiday shopping, and heart-warming shows. Visit christmastown.com/va for more information.

NORFOLK
Grand Illumination Parade
November 18th, 7pm, Granby Street
Floats, marching bands, giant balloons, and Santa Claus will delight spectators as they parade through downtown Norfolk.

VIRGINIA BEACH
Princess Anne Craft Fair
November 11th, 9am-3pm, Princess Anne High School
Come see a variety of crafters at this craft fair sponsored by the Marching Cavaliers Parents Association. The Nawlins Xscape food truck will also be on hand for the event.

• Make sure your property is well lit. Be sure all exterior lights are in working order and that any burned out bulbs are replaced. If needed, install additional lights in the front yard to avoid someone tripping over something in the dark.
• Ground all of your lighting. If you have any holiday lighting or movable outside décor, make sure all lighting is grounded. Only use covered electric outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
• Keep walkways clear. Make sure your walkways and front yard are clean and clutter-free. If possible, park your car in the garage. Also store away bikes, hoses, potted plants, and any other items that may be in areas walked on by groups of people. Don’t run cords over sidewalks where someone may trip over them.
• Be safe with jack-o-lanterns. If you plan to use candles in your jack-o-lanterns, keep them far away from primary walkways. This will prevent fire hazards, such as flammable costumes, props, or decorations. Instead of using candles, use battery-powered light sources or light sticks.
• Keep pets inside. Keeping your pets indoors will protect them from cars and from accidentally injuring a trick-or-treater.

Create Extra Storage

It’s important to have an organized kitchen area and to know exactly where certain pots, pans, and utensils are located. To prevent having to scramble for the right tools in the middle of preparing your meals, you can create extra storage space. One way is to install shelves that slide in your cabinets. Pull out shelving allows you to use full surface space and they come in various sizes.

Keep Your Kitchen Clean

Make sure you keep your space guest-friendly if you’re hosting a party this season. Make sure you have enough comfortable seating as well as a shoe and coat rack readily available. Put out plenty of napkins and make sure the plates and glassware for the guests are properly displayed so they won’t need to search in your cabinets and drawers.

Create a Social Flow

Make sure you have as much open space as possible to accommodate traffic through your kitchen. Walk through and take inventory of any items on the floor. Keep trash and recycling bins out of the way, if possible, and make sure your broom and dust pan is in a closet.

• Removing Mature Trees – Mature trees can increase the value of your home by 10%. If planted in the right areas, they can lower your energy bill and provide privacy. If you remove these trees, it could be a turnoff to potential buyers since they cannot be easily replaced.
• Garage conversions – Some Americans are unable to fit their cars inside of their garages due to clutter. With that being said, they may decide to convert the garage into a bedroom or den. However, these spaces are usually poorly insulated and don’t look very nice, making the conversion a big mistake at resale. Some buyers desire having a covered parking space, especially to protect their vehicle from cold and rainy conditions.
• Unusual Paint Colors – Buyers prefer neutral shades which are more appealing to the eye, but if you’d still like to utilize a little color, sage green and wheat yellow are good choices. These shades have been known to boost a home’s selling price.
• Lackluster Staging – If your home is not staged in the best way, it can hurt your home’s value. Small things like getting rid of clutter, adding adequate lighting and putting away knickknacks can all make your home more appealing to buyers.

Remove clutter to maximize space.

By removing clutter and personal items, you play up key features such as your walk-in closets, spacious cabinets, windows, and flooring. Enhance the size of a room by removing heavy window treatments, rearranging/removing furniture, and painting the walls and trim in lighter, neutral tones.

Give your rooms a purpose.

Determine how each room should function for the buyer instead of how it functions for you. For example, if you have a converted living room that is now a game room for you, bring the space back to its original purpose. You don’t want your home to look deficient.

Use neutral paint colors to freshen walls and add artwork.

Neutral wall colors create a backdrop that showcases other elements in the space, such as the décor and furniture. It’s an instant boost for a room and is a great fix after removing old wallpaper and covering up wall imperfections.

Don’t Neglect Curb Appeal.

Don’t forget to style the outside of your home. Make necessary repairs and add bright and fun accessories such as a new welcome mat, colorful potted plants, pillows, and a floral wreath.

• Remove doors from the hinges. If you remove all of the interior doors, excluding closets, bedrooms, and bathrooms. It allows buyers to see farther throughout the house.
• Don’t use heavy drapes. Use sheers or nothing at all on the windows. The house will instantly feel brighter and more cheery while also extending the view to the outdoors.
• Use one paint color. In a small space, using one color gives off a continuous feel versus a choppy one if every room is a different color. The same goes for furniture and accessories.
• Cut out the rugs. Limit the use of rugs to only one or two main areas. Anything more can break up the flow of the flooring, making the space feel even smaller.
• Go high. Raise your shower curtains and window treatments as high as you can. This gives the illusion of higher ceilings and a bigger space.

• Americana Farmhouse Style – Incorporating natural wood elements, animal motifs, and fresh Fall flowers is big this season and will make you feel warm and snug in your home.
• Layering Rugs – Mixing prints, patterns, and colors with rugs is a fun and inexpensive way to switch up your décor. Start with a large rug that fills the space then layer with a smaller rug to introduce pattern and color.
• Lots of Neutrals – Browns and grays are big this season and you can get creative with how you interpret this trend.
• Metallics – Add a luxurious and glamorous feel to your space with metallic lighting, knickknacks, and furniture. Rose gold and silver allow for more creativity than just bronze or gold.
• Plush Cushions and Blankets – Rich textures like faux fur, cable knits, and velvet are easy and quick ways to update your space and take it through the Winter season. Use plush cushions and throw blankets – you can’t go overboard with this trend!
• Bold Accent Walls – Use bold prints instead of solid colors on your accent wall using a stencil or wallpapers. Encompass geometric prints or soft floral motifs into your space.
• Matte Black Fixtures – Matte black is perfect for that farmhouse sink and even modern aesthetics. It’s a beautiful contrast to stark, white bathrooms and kitchens and adds a sophisticated flair to any space.
• Antique Rugs in the Kitchen – Using vintage rugs adds a pop of color and personality and helps to tone down the modern vibe in your kitchen.

Host a Clothing or Canned Food Drive

Getting involved in the community is a great way to get exposure while also making a meaningful contribution. Hold a clothing or canned food drive, either as a stand-alone event or incorporate it into an open house. Promote the event by posting on local event calendars, your website, social media and through a pitch to local media. The positive publicity and attention for your business will follow.

Sponsor a Fall Event

Neighborhoods, schools, and local nonprofits usually hold fall events for which they ask for sponsors. These are great promotional opportunities. If you don’t have a budget to sponsor, ask the organization about volunteer opportunities. You can wear a company t-shirt as you volunteer.

Fall-Themed Posts and Newsletters

Fall is a great season for people to buy or sell their home. Encourage leads to sell their home now by listing the advantages in a blog post with supporting stats. Link your post to your social media and in a newsletter. For current clients, give them ideas on how to prepare their homes for fall such as maintenance tips. Keeping your marketing current to the season is a great way to stay top of mind with current clients and open the door to new leads.

Simple 10-Minute Rustic Mantel

Wrap twine several times around votive holders along with colorful fall leaves and secure tightly with a knot. Add small white pumpkins to the tops of the votives to construct different heights!

Mini Pumpkin Votives

Fill a rustic container with water two-thirds full. Using a craft knife, cut circles a little larger than the bottom of a tea light into the mini pumpkins. Insert the tea lights and make sure they fit inside comfortably. Float the pumpkin votives in the water and add bright fall leaves and sprigs of herbs for added color and texture!

Blooming Pumpkin

Choose your favorite pumpkin with a flat bottom, clean with a Clorox wipe, cut a hole in the top, and scoop out the seeds. Line with aluminum foil or a plastic bag and fill with potting soil and plants, such as violas and pansies.

Porch Pumpkin Patch

Decorate your front porch with various sized pumpkins, gourds, and bales of hay for a look straight out of the pumpkin patch!

1. Less Likely To Get Stuck in a Bidding War - Buyers can take advantage of the Fall’s slower home sales. Competition is less fierce and there’s a smaller chance that you’ll be outbid by someone else.

2. You May Get a Better Deal - With fewer buyers, sellers may decide to lower their home’s asking price. This is especially the case if the home has been on the market throughout the Spring and Summer.

3. Less Pressure to Buy - There is less pressure to move quickly since home sales are slower. You can work your way through the home-buying process at a slower pace and carefully take your time comparing homes and choosing the best one.

4. You Get a Better Look at Homes’ Exterior Issues - By viewing homes in the Fall, you can more easily spot landscaping and exterior problems.

5. There’s Still Time To Get a Tax Break - Even if buyers close on a home in November or December, they can still write off qualifying expenses when they file their taxes in the Spring.

HAMPTON
Phoebus Fall Festival
October 14th, 10am-5pm, Historic Phoebus
Come to this vibrant outdoor street festival featuring handmade arts and crafts, community exhibits, food trucks, and more.

NEWPORT NEWS
Newport News Fall Festival of Folklife
October 6th – 7th, 10am-5pm, Newport News Park
Come see displays from more than 200 craftspeople, demos, and children’s activities as well as food and beverage vendors.

City Center Oyster Roast
October 20th, 6pm-10pm, City Center at Oyster Point
Enjoy roasted oysters and other local seafood specialties, live music, beverages, and activities.

NORFOLK
Virginia Children’s Festival
October 7th, 10am-3pm, Town Point Park
This family festival is filled with more than 100 creative and interactive activities for the entire family. This event is designed with children 10 and younger in mind. A ticket is required for this event.

WILLIAMSBURG
Jamestown Jams
October 6th, 6:30pm-9pm, Jamestown Beach Event Park
Enjoy music from the early 2000s, featuring The Lone Rangers.

YORKTOWN
Yorktown Market Days & Fall Festival
October 14th, 8am-3pm, Riverwalk Landing
This event features an array of fresh produce, meat, seafood, baked goods, and more. Fall festival activities include hayrides, face painting, children’s games and activities, pumpkins and mums. Music will be provided by Henley Fork (Bluegrass).

• Conduct open houses during daylight hours only
• Review the condition of the property and ensure all utilities are working
• Advise your clients to remove valuables or place in safes or other secure locations before the open house
• Staff open houses with additional agents if you’re expecting a large number of visitors

Also, don’t remain in one spot of the home, such as the kitchen, during an open house. Continue to walk the property and check in with visitors periodically. If you have a gut feeling that a visitor is suspicious, don’t confront them. Instead, engage with them about the property to try to redirect their energy. If they don’t soon show disinterest and leave, immediately call the police if you feel you are in danger.

• Does it smell like mold or mildew? If so, it could be caused by a foundation leak.
• Is the chimney leaning or tilting? There could be cracks in the foundation outside or in the brickwork.
• Look for cracks in the driveway, garage door, and concrete patios.
• Look for signs of water damage in the basement, such as peeling paint and chalky deposits left after water dries.
• If doors or windows stick when opening or closing, there could be foundation damage.

If you see any of these issues, have a licensed home inspector thoroughly inspect the foundation. This can prevent any surprise foundation repair charges upon moving into your dream home.

• One room or the whole house? Painting one room is reasonable, however, if you’re doing multiple rooms in the house, you may want to hire help. You’ll save yourself the time spent moving furniture, prepping walls, and sanding surfaces.
• One or two stories? Painting one story may be reasonable for most homeowners. However, painting two stories will require extension ladders and scaffolding. This is better left to a professional.
• Same color or significant change? Repainting surfaces with a similar color doesn’t require much priming and probably only one coat. However, for those significant changes, such as changing from a dark to light shade, it will require two coats at the least, doubling the work.
• House built before the 1978 ban on lead paint? If your house was built before the lead paint ban, you’ll want a professional to properly seal off rooms and do required testing and cleanup to minimize exposure to the lead paint.

Be sure to get proposals from several contractors and ask them to include all details in writing, including who will supply the paint – you or the contractor. Lastly, check out paint ratings from Consumer Reports. Some of the inexpensive paints often perform better than those that are more expensive.

What To Consider When Looking

• Location: Look for fixer-upper homes in desirable neighborhoods, not on busy streets. Also, examine the condition of the surrounding homes and see if they are well maintained. 
• Condition: The condition of fixer-uppers can vary greatly. Some may require cosmetic repairs while others will need to be totally gutted. If you want to keep renovation costs to a minimum, find a home with “good bones” – a solid roof and foundation, quality construction, good floor plan, and a coherent design.
• Configuration: Look for homes that already have your desired square footage and number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Adding these while renovating can be costly.

Don’t Over-Improve

Your fixer-upper should be in line with, or slightly above, the standards of homes in your neighborhood. It’s probably not best to spend extra on high end finishes such as marble floors and copper bathroom fixtures. Stick with lower-end finishes.

In the end, purchasing a fixer-upper can be a great way to get good value for your money. Do your research, talk to professionals you trust, and make smart, informed decisions.

• Set An Attainable Goal: Set a daily goal for cold calling starting with your warm leads. Many leads can be found through social media and new people you’ve met from attending local events.
• Organize Leads by Area: By organizing your leads by area, it helps you learn about that area and its market values, local establishments, and other important neighborhood details.
• Provide a VIP Experience: Demonstrate early in your call that you know a lot about the community and demonstrate a level of dedication and support from the get-go. Don’t sound like you’re repeating information from a script. Tailor the conversation by asking specific questions that allow you to get to know the person more.
• Let the Conversation Flow: You can do so by not utilizing a script for your conversation. Some lead sources can include inactive listings, obituaries, and divorce records. Make note of your sources so you can talk specifically to each caller and meet their objections smoothly.
• Know Who NOT To Call: By law, you are not allowed to call anyone without verifying they are not on the Do Not Call List. At the very least, simply apologize to the lead and ask them if they’d like your assistance or to receive your monthly newsletter. If there’s a clear need you can service, it doesn’t hurt to try a cold call.

• Live Elsewhere: If it is financially viable, opt to live elsewhere for part or all of your renovation.
• Devise a Plan With Your Renovator: Devise a project plan that best accommodates you and your family. Talk to your renovator about your household’s daily schedule, planned vacations, or any other circumstances so that particularly disruptive or messy parts of the process can be arranged while you’re away.
• Discuss Which Areas Will Be Affected: Make sure you know which parts of your home will be affected by the renovation project. Workers may need access to more than the immediate areas being refurbished. Items such as plumbing and wiring may be affected.
• Clear Out Areas Impacted By the Renovation: Clear areas of your home and temporarily remove valuables. Consider renting off-site storage space or bring in a portable storage container. If you’re using boxes, make sure they are clearly labeled with an inventory.
• Create A Temporary “Kitchen”: If your kitchen is being renovated, figure out where your temporary “kitchen” will be. Create meals that can easily be prepared and utilize your outdoor grill and small appliances to take the place of your oven.  Consider how you will clean up after food prep and wash dishes.

• 1) Experience History at Colonial Williamsburg!

  Your children will make the most unforgettable memories at Colonial Williamsburg. Putting on a British soldier’s helmet and armor and hearing the cannon being fired at Manassas National Battlefield are experiences that make family vacation memories.

• 2) Visit Shenandoah National Park!

  No matter the season, there’s no better place to get outdoors than Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. In the summer, you can set up camp in one of the park’s campgrounds and take a hike to one of their many waterfalls. In the winter, you can ski at the nearby Wintergreen Resort and in the Spring, enjoy the new blooms lining the trails by Mabry Mill. In the Fall, drive Skyline Drive to view the hillsides in shades of red, yellow, and orange.

• 3) Learn about our Founding Fathers!

  Of the first five U.S. Presidents, four of them were Virginians! Many of their birthplaces, homes, and burial sites can be visited in Virginia. The most recognizable site is Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home. There is also much to learn at Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington.

• 4) Go Underground!

  Visit Luray Caverns, the labyrinths of underground tunnels in the Shenandoah Valley. You’ll be amazed by the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites and large cathedral-size rooms of staggering rock formations that have made this cavern, one of the most popular east of the Mississippi. Shenandoah Caverns also has enticing cave formations, known as “cave bacon”, and a few dazzling, white crystalline formations.

• 5) Bike the Virginia Beach Boardwalk!

  Hop on a bicycle and bike this three mile long boardwalk. As you do, you’ll enjoy the sound of the waves, public art adorning the alleyways, and the 30-foot high King Neptune statue!

• 6) Paddle the James River in Richmond!

  Richmond’s rapids are a favorite for whitewater enthusiasts young and old. Riverside Outfitters can take families with children as young as 6 years old canoeing or rafting on the upper section of the river. Teens can enjoy the lower section of the river for some real action.

• 7) Visit a Civil War Battlefield!

  There are many places for families to go to learn about the Civil War soldiers. The National Park Service has visitor centers and junior ranger educational programs at many sites including Manassas National Battlefield, Petersburg National Battlefield and Richmond National Battlefield Park.

• 8) Enjoy the Eastern Shore!

  The Eastern Shore is a tiny sliver of land that can be accessed via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Families can charter a boat from Wachapreague or drive across a short bridge to Assateague Island National Seashore to share the beach with the wild Chincoteague ponies. You’ll also find here some of the nation’s best seafood. Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a perfect weekend getaway for your family!

• 9) Tour France, Germany, Italy, and England at Busch Gardens Williamsburg!

  Experience the food, music, and villages of Western Europe just a few miles from Colonial Williamsburg. Shop the stores and enjoy the rides at this award-winning theme park. There’s something here for the entire family!

• 10) Visit one of Virginia’s many state parks!

  Virginia’s state park system is one of the most popular in the country, with over 8 million visitors a year to its 37 park units. Many have fully furnished cabins with views of scenic lakes, rivers, forests, and beaches.

• Use a Programmable Thermostat – Use a programmable thermostat and raise the temperature when you're not home. Doing this will prevent the system from using unnecessary energy to cool the home if you're not there.
• Turn On Ceiling Fans – If used in conjunction with an air conditioning system, the fans are very effective at lowering the indoor temperature by circulating the cool air throughout the room. In the summer, ceiling fan blades should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down to the floor. In the winter the blades should turn clockwise to pull cool air up.
• Postpone the Use of Appliances — It is best to use heat-generating appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, and dryers, in the evening instead of the hottest part of the day. If possible, skip using the oven during the summer and grill outside more often. Any use of the oven will heat up the home.
• Keep the Doors Inside the Home Open — While in the winter, closing interior doors helps keep heat in specific rooms. Doing so in the hot summer months is detrimental. You want air to flow freely through rooms and throughout the entire home. Good airflow means a cooler home.
• Change Air Filters Regularly — Clogged filters will force the air conditioning system to work harder and use more energy, resulting in higher utility bills. Clean filters also improve indoor air quality.
• Check the Window Coverings —Thermal drapes, cellular shades or blackout curtains will keep the heat outside and the cool air inside the home.
• Schedule an Air Conditioner Tune-Up — Proper HVAC maintenance, which includes having a professional clean coils, fans, air filters and check for the proper refrigerant charge, is the best way to ensure that the unit runs efficiently and effectively.

• Not Getting Pre-Approval - It’s crucial for homebuyers to know how much home they can reasonably afford so they can adjust their expectations (and budget) accordingly. Once your loan officer processes your application and generates a pre-approval letter, you’ll be able to shop confidently and make an offer knowing that your financing is already in place.
• Putting Off Credit Issues – It’s important to deal with any credit issues that may keep you from getting a loan. Your credit score is a key factor that affects the terms and conditions of your mortgage. Fixing your credit issues could save you thousands on your loan.
• Not Finding a Great Realtor – As a first-time homebuyer, it’s imperative that you find a realtor who’s knowledgeable and has your best interest at heart. Your agent should not only find what you qualify for but also find what you’re seeking in terms of your desired neighborhood, lifestyle, and school districts.
• Making Assumptions About the Down Payment – It’s common for first-time homebuyers to assume they need more for a down payment than they actually do. Not all homebuyers are required to put down the normal 20% down payment.

• Return Calls and Emails Fast – These agents immediately follow up with leads and happily answer questions. They make their clients feel important and they mirror the client’s communication style.
• Up On the Latest Technology – They’re able to work from anywhere with the use of a tablet and/or smartphone and make sure they’re never without an internet connection. They read up on the latest real estate industry news as well as general technology trends.
• Know Their Neighborhoods Well – Top agents are seen as “neighborhood experts”. They know what’s on the market, what sold recently, and the overall status of the neighborhood.
• Explain Everything They’re Doing – Successful agents thoroughly explain the process with their clients, the potential roadblocks, and the scenarios that can occur. They let their clients know they’re negotiating, keep in regular communication, and adjust their strategy as needed.
• Get Leads Any Way They Can – Leads are how many agents get clients. Successful agents try out different types of lead sources, explore different ad campaigns, and take notes on what works and what doesn’t. They understand that having a social presence is important as well as being active with their clients through social media and even traditional methods such as postcards.
• Have A Great Network – They have a network of top-notch partners who provide the same level of service they do. That network can include the best contractors, appraisers, lenders, and insurance providers. Top agents care for their network and are happy to refer clients.

Neighborhood Night Out
Aug. 1st, 4pm-7pm, Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton
Hampton law enforcement agencies will provide child identification kits and have vehicles on display. The day will also feature inflatables, a rock climbing wall and area businesses providing information related to health and safety.

Movies at Millpoint
Aug. 3rd – Aug. 31st (Thursdays), 7pm, Mill Point Park, Hampton
Bring your chairs and blankets for family-friendly movies in the park!

Jamestown Jams
Aug. 4th, 6pm-8pm, Jamestown Beach Event Park, Williamsburg
Come and enjoy free live music from the 80’s, featuring The Deloreans. Concert entrance opens at 5:30pm and parking will be behind the old Jamestown Campground building at 2205 Jamestown Road.

Military Band Concert Series
Aug. 8th – Aug. 29th (Tuesdays), 6:30pm-8pm, Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown
Bring your chairs and blankets to hear a different ensemble each week presented by musicians from U.S. Fleet Forces Band, Langley AFB and Ft. Eustis, VA.

Breakfast at the Zoo
Aug. 12th, 8am-10am, Virginia Zoo, Norfolk
Enjoy breakfast at the zoo and then watch the animals eat their breakfast too! Learn interesting animal facts during this once-a-year, members-only event. Gates open at 7:30am, $15 for adults, $10 for children (4-11), FREE for 3 and under.

Khedive Auto Shriners’ 26th Annual Fun-n-Shine Car Show
Aug. 19th, 10am-3pm, Khedive Shrine Center, Chesapeake
Join the Khedive Autos Shriners’ for the 26th Annual Fun-n-Shine Car Show. Part of this event is the 19th Annual Craft Show inside the building with crafters, vendors and food.

Dreams and Beams Video & Laser Show
Aug. 8th, 9:30pm-10:45pm, On the Beach at 20th St., Virginia Beach
This unique, multi-media show delivers a “thank you” message to the US Navy using video and laser graphics on a projection sphere, flame towers, laser beams, and bubble machines. The show’s 180-degree video projections burst with color, sound, light, music, and emotion.

• Avoid sun tanning and tanning beds. UV radiation from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkling.
• Generously apply sunscreen. Apply one ounce of sunscreen to all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside. Aim for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses, when possible.
• Seek shade. Seek shade when possible and remember that UV rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm.
• Use extra caution near water and sand. Water and sand reflect the sun’s rays, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Check the UV Index. Check out the UV Index forecast by the National Weather Service and EPA. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly to prevent sun overexposure.

• Greet Guests With Flowers – Adorn your entrance with various types of flowers to give your home color all year long. Flowers make a home seem more welcoming.

• Dress Up Your Driveway – Hide an unattractive driveway by sculpting the landscape and choosing the right plants and materials. Create a slightly raised island of lawn in the center of the drive. Then add a low boxwood hedge toward the back of it with various flowers rising above the hedge in the front.

• Add Height with Planters and Baskets – Give your landscape design dimension with lovely, eye-catching layers of elevated planters and hanging baskets.  This creates visual interest with minimal effort!

• Grow Blooming Shrubs – Blossoming flowers, shrubs, and trees make a huge impact across a yard and adds color in one lasting step.

• Hide Outdoor Structures – Hide structures such as sheds, garages, and outdoor work spaces by using them as a setting for a beautiful display of plants and flowers. You can add shelves on the exterior above the entrance or windows and even add potted plants at the base of the structure.

• Laundry Room: Having a separate room helps keep the laundry clutter out of your living space. This is seen as a huge benefit. If a laundry room doesn’t exist, you can use the basement as a place to put it in.

• Exterior Lighting: Exterior lighting grabs potential buyers’ attention before even entering the home. Options include spotlights, walkway lights and pendant lights. Exterior lighting also serves as an added safety feature, especially if they have motion sensors.

• Energy Efficiencies (Appliances & Windows): Potential buyers are looking to limit utility bills and are drawn to homes with energy efficiencies, such as Energy Star-qualified windows and appliances. Energy-efficient windows can trim heating and cooling costs by 12% while energy-efficient appliances can save homeowners $40 a year or more.

• Patio: Outdoor living spaces are becoming one of the most desired home features. Home buyers want to envision themselves entertaining outdoors with friends. Buyers love everything from a traditional ground-level patio to an elevated deck or backyard kitchen area.

• Hardwood floors: Hardwood flooring has a cleaner look, is easy to maintain and is more durable than carpet. If you’re on a budget, you can buy prefinished hardwood flooring which is already color-treated. 

• Lighting: Arrive early to turn on all interior and exterior lighting, including landscape and pool lighting. Be sure someone is present at the shoot who is familiar with the lighting features of the home.

• Pool: Make sure the pool is clean of debris before turning on the pool lighting.

• Outdoor living features: If there is an outdoor fireplace, consider lighting a fire in it. Remove the grill covers but only if the grill is in good condition.

• Outdoor furniture: Add chair cushions and remove covers from outdoor furniture. Stage any tables with clean towels and refreshments. Open pool umbrellas, making sure they do not block any important views.

• Landscaping: Add green plants to empty planters and do not water flowers less than two hours prior to the photo session. Arrange for professional lawn care at least a day prior to the session.

• Basic updates boost perceived value – Buyers seek updated homes in move-in ready condition and will pay more if they feel good about it. Simple updates such as fresh paint, modern lighting, and polished floors make an immediate statement and will yield a quicker sale for top dollar.
• Helps buyers connect – Adding inviting style with modern furnishings helps buyers envision living in the space and they’ll get a better idea of how a room can be used to fit their lifestyle.
• Bedrooms are valuable real estate – Focus on the targeted buyer’s lifestyle and needs. A home stager will recommend the appropriate furnishings and décor based on the demographics you want to attract to the property. For example, an extra bedroom serving as an office or hobby room should be converted back to a bedroom when staging in order to appeal to millennials with young kids.
• Less stress – A home stager will manage the entire process and do whatever it takes to appeal to as many buyers as possible to get the property sold quickly and for top dollar. They will eliminate stress by making the home selling process turnkey for clients.

Gas Grill Safety

• Before using your grill for the first time each year, check the gas cylinder hose for leaks.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, have a professional service the grill before you use it again. Call the fire department if the leak does not stop.
• Never turn on the gas when the lid is closed. If you do, gas could build up inside, and when ignited, the lid could blow off and cause major injuries or burns.
• Always store gas grills and propane tanks outside and away from your house.

Charcoal Grill Safety

• Avoid placing any flammable objects near the grill or moving the grill while the coals are hot.
• Use proper starter fluid and store it out of reach from children and away from heat sources.
• Do not add starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited.
• Do not leave the grill unattended.

Also, keep your grill on a level surface more than 10 feet away from your house and garage. Keep children and pets away and designate a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the grill and areas where hot food is prepared or carried. When you are done grilling, remove all grease or fat buildup. If you chose to dispose your coals, soak them in water first in water to extinguish them. Otherwise, cover the grill tightly and close the vents to extinguish them.

Happy grilling!

• Update Your Kitchen – This can include new countertops, floors or appliances. Stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops are popular kitchen update options.
• Replace Your Windows – Vinyl windows are what potential home buyers are looking for and they’re a great selling point for any home. They’re durable and will trap heat and air in your home, saving you money on your energy bills.
• Update Your Bathroom – This small change can make a huge impact on the value of your home. Replacing your shower head, faucets, handles and tile grout will give your bathroom an entire new look. If you need a new sink, toilet, shower, or tub, you should invest in a replacement.
• New Siding – This will improve your home’s curb appeal. Vinyl siding will help you save money on your energy bills as well by trapping heat or air inside.
• Keep Your Lawn Beautiful – You’ll want a green lawn free of dead grass, weeds, and uneven mowing. Be sure to mow your grass once a week and water it often to ensure it stays beautiful.
• Add a Fresh Coat of Paint – A fresh coat of paint can increase the value of your home 1-2%. Stick with a natural color like white, off-white or beige. Vibrant or dark colors may turn off buyers. Keep it simple.
• Get a New Entry Door – A new entry door makes a great first impression and has a 91.5% return on investment. Customize it to show off your personality – simple and sleek or elegant and intricate.
• Insulate Your Attic – Without proper insulation, heat will rise right out of your home. Poor energy efficiency will lower the value of your home. Adding or replacing your attic insulation is easy and affordable. Recently replaced attic insulation will catch the eye of potential buyers.
• Replace Your Garage Door – It’s important that your garage door looks good and operates correctly. Homebuyers are attracted to steel garage doors. Not only are they beautiful but they are more durable than other garage door styles.

• HAMPTON | Fort Monroe | 9:15pm
  A spectacular 15 minute fireworks show will be launched from a platform in Mill Creek.
• NEWPORT NEWS | Victory Landing Park | 9:30pm
  A spectacular fireworks show will light up the sky over the James River.
• WILLIAMSBURG | Colonial Williamsburg | 9:20pm
  Enjoy fireworks from Palace Green to celebrate our nation's birthday.
• YORKTOWN | American Revolution Museum | 9:15pm
  Fireworks will display over the York River.
• CHESAPEAKE | Chesapeake City Park | 9:15pm
  Fireworks by Pyrotechnico will illuminate the dark sky after sunset.
• NORFOLK | Town Point Park | 9:30pm
  Watch the sky light up with a firework display closing the Great American Picnic event.
• VIRGINIA BEACH | Mount Trashmore | 9:30pm
  Celebrate America's Independence with booming fireworks above Mount Trashmore.

Outdoor Tasks:

• Slide open crawl space vents at the foundation of your home
• Prune trees and shrubs
• Remove lint from your dryer exhaust

Indoor Tasks:

• Change your heating, ventilating and air conditioning filters
• Clean kitchen appliances inside and out, including refrigerator coils
• Clean your drains by adding a half cup of baking soda followed by a half cup of vinegar. After 10 minutes, flush with boiling water
• Drain or flush your water heater

First, look up your prospective agent's license. Find out how long they've been in business and if there have been any disciplinary actions or complaints against them. You may be able to find this information online.

Check out their reviews from past clients. Were they happy with their service?

Take note of the realtor's marketing efforts. This is important! Do they use professional photography to take enticing photos of your home? Do their home descriptions make you want to view that house? These are important questions considering the fact that proper marketing is what will ensure a faster sale of your home.

Lastly, choose a realtor that you're comfortable with. This will make it easier for you to voice any concerns you may have. Communication is key! If you have to wait a considerable amount of time for a basic inquiry to be answered, chances are they won't be available when something important happens. Take your time and interview a few agents before choosing the right one. Only you can determine who is the right fit for the job.

• Karl's Mortgage Calculator - This app helps calculate monthly payments on a property given the principal, interest, and loan terms. It also has the ability to reverse-calculate any one variable given the other three.
• Evernote - This app helps with staying organized while on-the-go. You can store images of receipts, scan and digitize business cards, annotate PDFs, and more.
• Social Media Apps - Facebook and Instagram apps are great ways to connect with prospective clients. You can share shots of new listings and also give prospects and clients a glimpse of your personality.

Think In Body Sections When Packing: Remembering to pack every last thing for each family member can be exhausting. Here's a tip - visualize your head and go down each portion of your body. Write down what you may need for each section while traveling. Do the same for your children.

Save Money: If your travels include driving, save money by packing a cooler with food and drinks. Also, save money on the vacation itself by bundling hotel airfare and activities.

Pack One Change of Clothes In Your Carry-On: Pack one extra change of clothes for each person in their carry-on bag. Twenty-nine million pieces of luggage are lost or delayed/misplaced every year. Having a change of clothes while you wait for your luggage to be found is a lifesaver.

Keep Kids Occupied: If your destination is hours away, pre-make binders for each child that includes a coloring book, blank paper, crossword puzzles and activity sheets. Also include a zipper bag of crayons and writing utensils.

Child Flying Solo?: Make sure you go over the itinerary several times before they leave. Book direct flights when you can, and make sure the child has identification and reminder instructions on him/her before leaving.

1. Make sure all gates in the barrier fence for your pool are self-closing and self-latching.
2. Remove all chairs, tables, large toys or other objects that would allow a child to climb up to reach the gate latch or enable the child to climb over the pool isolation fence.
3. Reaching and throwing aids like poles should be kept on both sides of the pool. These items should remain stationary and not be misplaced through play activities.
4. All pool and hot tub drains (suction outlets) must have a cover or grate that meets industry standards for suction fittings marked to indicate compliance with ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 2007. Check to see that these covers are not broken or in disrepair, and that they are anchored firmly over the drain openings.
5. Install a pool alarm to detect accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. While the alarm provides an immediate warning, it does not substitute for the barrier fences, door alarms and safety covers required by the code.
6. Install either an automatic or manual safety cover to completely block access to water in the pool. Never allow anyone to stand or play on a pool cover.
7. Check for warning signs of an unsafe deck, including loose or wobbly railings or support beams, missing or loose screws that connect a deck to the house, corrosion, rot and cracks. Place grills away from siding, deck railings and out from under leaves and overhanging branches. Also, do NOT use grills in a garage, porch or enclosed area that could trap carbon monoxide.
8. When grilling, have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose or at least 4 gallons of water close by in case of a fire.
9. Keep children away from fires and grills. Establish a safety zone around the grill and instruct the children to remain outside of the zone. A chalk line works great for this purpose. Never leave the grill unattended.

• Declare A Designated Junk Zone - Find a place in your home that can discreetly hold a couple of storage bins for last-minute cleanups. They should be reserved for items such as toys, blankets, newspapers, piles of mail and any other common items that linger around the house.
• Groom Wisely - Bathrooms can sometimes take the most time to clean - plan ahead! To keep your vanity sparkling, store microfiber towels and rubbing alcohol close by for quick clean ups of residue, makeup, lotion, and oil spills. Also, utilizing one bathroom for the kids to use helps keep the others nice and neat. This prevents multiple tubs and sinks from being dirty at the same time.
• Follow the 5-Minute Clean Routine - Set your timer and allow yourself five minutes per room. This allows you to focus on the big stuff: dust, cluttered countertops, dishes, and anything else that may distract a potential buyer from seeing your home's true beauty.
• Manage Trash - To avoid forgetting to pick up the various trash bins around the house, hang an empty plastic grocery bag on doors of heavily trafficked rooms. This way, you can grab, toss, and go right before a showing.

• Include Professional Experience - Include your skills, expertise, and awards. Generate a list of your best achievements and list of credentials.
• Provide a Personal Touch - Connect with potential clients by adding some insight into your life outside of work. This can include information about your family, pets, hobbies, and extracurricular activities.
• Just the Right Length - Aim for a biography of medium length. Two to three paragraphs is the optimal length to shoot for. You want to give an idea of who you are and what you've done, not share your life story.
• End It Right - Make sure you include your contact information at the end of your biography. This way, potential clients will have an easy way to contact you immediately. Utilize your biography in other places such as your website, blog, social media pages, and brochures. Make sure you review it every few months and keep it updated.

• 1. New Keys & Locks - Re-keying or changing your door locks is a smart thing to do. It's possible that the previous owners had given copies of their keys to friends, family and neighbors. Once you have new locks, hide a copy of your new key in a safe place in case you are ever locked out.
• 2. Lawnmower - Before purchasing a lawnmower, compare brands and research reviews online. To save money, look for used lawnmowers in your local newspaper.
• 3. Garden Supplies - Every home needs a garden hose, which is relatively inexpensive. You'll also need items such as weed-whackers, shovels, racks, a watering can or wagon. A push broom will also be needed for sweeping your garage floor.
• 4. Well-Stocked Toolbox - Consider essential items such as hammers, assorted screwdrivers, pliers, a power drill, and a tape measure.

• 1. Surround Yourself With a Great Team - Surrounding yourself with competent and trustworthy people is vital to the success of your business. Also, establish connections with businesses to create a network of vendors that you can refer clients to and vice versa.
• 2. Create a Professional Website & Blog - Publish new and original content regularly and use local imagery for your website. Treat your real estate business as a digital media business.
• 3. Social Media - This is a powerful tool for connecting with clients and sharing your knowledge and expertise. Share and promote your listings across multiple channels and keep your voice as authentic as possible.
• 4. Attend Conferences and Industry Events - Networking events are a great way to engage with other professionals in your industry. Share new ideas and strategies and diversify your networking by expanding to other geographical areas.

Establish Steady Income – Your position should be solid and reliable. If you have your own business, make sure it is sustainable before taking on a mortgage. If you earn commission, make sure you can calculate an average monthly salary before determining what you can afford.

Build An Emergency Fund – Build a fund for financial emergencies. As a homeowner, your living expenses are likely to increase plus you’ll be responsible for maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

Get On Track With Retirement Goals – Ensure your retirement goals are on track before buying a home. If you’re behind, work on contributing more to your investments.

Do Your Research – Calculate how much you can realistically afford, both now and in the future. This includes home-related expenses such as your mortgage, utilities, HOA fees, and more. You’ll also need to consider things such as closing costs, homeowner’s insurance and property taxes. Establish a realistic expectation of your monthly budget after taking all homeowner-related expenses into account.

Save For The Down Payment – The more you put down when buying a home, the less you’ll have to repay over the term of the loan. This saves in interest charges and makes your mortgage payments smaller.

• Blackbeard Pirate Festival
  Saturday, June 3rd (10am-10pm) and Sunday, June 4th (12pm-6pm), Downtown Hampton
  The festival offers a variety of children's activities, live musical entertainment, fireworks, period vendors, arts and crafts, and much more!
• The Bodacious Bazaar
  Friday, June 2nd (10am-7pm) through Sunday, June 4th, (10am-5pm), Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton
  Over 200 vendors, artists, crafters, and more at the Hampton Roads Convention Center!
• Summer Thunder Fest
  Saturday, June 17th (12pm-10pm), Joint Base Langley-Eustis-Langley Memorial Park
  This event will feature a children's play area, community and military exhibits, Summer Thunder Car Show, musical performances and more!
• Hampton Jazz Festival
  Friday, June 23rd through Sunday, June 25th, Hampton Coliseum
  Jill Scott and KEM are among the headliners at the Hampton Jazz Festival that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
• Walk To End Lupus Now in Hampton Roads
  Saturday, June 10th (5pm-8pm), Todd Stadium, Newport News
  This nationally recognized event attracts over 1,000 walkers who join together to raise awareness for this cruel and mysterious illness.
• Relay For Life of Hampton
  Friday, June 16th and Saturday June 17th (12pm-12am), Hampton University, Armstrong Stadium
  Enjoy music, dancing, exercise, family entertainment, and more!

• Portsmouth Annual Memorial Day Parade – High and Crawford Streets, Portsmouth, 10:00am
  This annual Memorial Day Parade salutes the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and celebrates Portsmouth's proud military heritage. Enjoy floats, marching bands and lots of excitement.
• Memorial Day Celebration at Victory Arch – Victory Arch (25th St. & West Avenue), Newport News, 11:00am
  Sponsored by American Legion Braxton-Perkins Post #25, after the ceremony, the public is invited learn about America’s rich military heritage at the Virginia War Museum. Visit the museum on Memorial Day and receive $1 off the admission price.
• Memorial Day Ceremony at York Hall – 301 Main St, Yorktown, 12:00pm
  There will be posting of colors, historical re-enactors, a guest speaker, and the placing of flowers.
• Memorial Day Tradoc Band – City Center at Oyster Point, Newport News, 7:30pm
  Honor and remember those who served in this beloved annual tradition, with U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command Band. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, this event is free and open to the public.

We hope you enjoy these festivities from your friends at Old Point Mortgage!

• Dark, Damp Spaces - Certain spaces in your home, such as basements and bathrooms, can collect moisture, leading to mold that releases spores. Keep these places dry and keep the humidity in your home below 50%. If mold has formed on any surfaces, use 5 parts bleach to 95 parts water to remove it.
• Bedding - Use allergen-proof covers for pillows, mattresses and box springs. Washing your bedding in hot water also kills dust mites.
• Pets - Saliva and dander cause most pet allergies. If removing the pet from the home is not an option, keep your pets from accessing bedrooms in the home. Grooming your pet every few weeks can also keep allergens to a minimum.
• Air - Properly maintain the ventilation in your home to filter out allergens. Make sure your filters are clean and use a dehumidifier. Ceiling fans can also help circulate air and prevent water from condensing and mold from forming.
• Windows - Keep windows closed so that outdoor allergens, such as pollen, do not enter your home. Pollen counts are highest from 4am to 10am.

Outdoor Maintenance

1. Clean gutters and downspouts
2. Inspect the roof and chimney for cracks and damage
3. Touch up any peeling or damaged paint.
4. Wash all windows, inside and out.
5. Clean outdoor furniture and air out cushions.
6. Service your lawn mower.

Indoor Maintenance

1. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
2. If you have a basement with a sump pump, test it by dumping a large bucket of water into the basin of the sump pump to activate it. If it doesn't work properly, have it serviced by a professional.
3. Wash and change seasonal bedding.
4. Dust blinds and vacuum curtains.
5. Clean kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Throw away outdated food, medicine and cosmetics.

• Signage - Use at least 20 directional signs. This repetitive visual will spark attention to everyone passing by.
• Advertise Everywhere - Use a mix of hard print and online media to spread the news about your open house. About 52% of home buyers use the Internet so it's imperative that you post on as many websites as possible.
• Invite Neighbors - Local neighbors attending your open house is a good thing! If they want friends or family moving close to them, they can be your biggest cheerleaders.
• Provide Food or Prizes - Everyone loves FREE things, especially food. When people eat, it causes them to stay a little longer, giving you more time to make an impression. Prizes make your open house more memorable.      

• Get Mover Names - Ask friends and family for recommendations and research online for local movers.
• Make Phone Calls - Screen moving companies to see if you're comfortable with them. Ask questions to get a glimpse of the type of company they are. Then, arrange for a few in-home assessments for estimates.
• In-home Assessments - Show the movers everything you plan to move. The more details you provide, the more accurate your estimate will be. Also, let them know about any complicating factors, like stairs to climb, which may affect the estimate.
• The Estimate - Be sure you understand the estimate completely as local moves and long-distance moves involve different costs and descriptions on the estimate.
• The Final Check - After narrowing down your list of movers, make sure the mover is licensed and doesn't have any problems with unresolved complains. The secretary of state, BBB (Better Business Bureau) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are great places to check.

Now start packing!           

1. Assess your neighborhood before moving in. Aim to be an informed resident of your neighborhood before even moving in.

2. Test drive your neighborhood. Drive around during the day and at night to gauge the happenings of your new neighborhood at different times of the day and week.

3. Do your research of the area's crime rates. Consider neighborhood watch programs and other city initiatives that may increase the safety of your neighborhood.

4. Meet your neighbors. Getting to know your neighbors can lead to an increased awareness of trends in criminal behavior and reduce the risk of you becoming a victim.

5. Perform a home security audit. Inspect your home's entry points and identify any outdated or malfunctioning locks. Also look at windows, rear doors, as well as exterior lights.

6. Identify your local emergency services. Determine the proximity of emergency services to your neighborhood.

7. Focus on prevention. Be mindful of open curtains showcasing valuables and discarded packaging on the street. Also, be mindful of who enters your home (i.e. delivery persons, contractors, vendors, etc.)

8. Shop around. Find a home security provider that you feel comfortable with. Assessing your family's specific security system goals is key.

9. Don't rule out DIY systems. Wireless alarm systems can be purchased without paying for installation or monthly monitoring.

10. Consider financial benefits. A home security system may bring you a discount on your home insurance. Also, some home security systems help conserve energy costs as they can be integrated with thermostats and outlets and monitored remotely.

• Interview Videos - Interview past buyers or sellers and even industry colleagues who can provide feedback on how great it is to work with you.
• Informational Videos -  Create short, educational videos on common real estate topics and questions. You’ll build a reputation as an exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable real estate resource, and the extra effort will yield dividends.
• Local Business Reviews - Give potential home buyers a feel for their future neighborhood with a series of short videos of reviews of local businesses and other community features.
• Live Streams - Live-streaming lets you communicate with home buyers and sellers in real time. Conduct a virtual open house. Host a Q&A for first-time home buyers. The possibilities are endless.
• Listing Videos - Showing off the listings you represent in an attractive and engaging video is an effective way to attract new leads.  Add a combination of video clips, still photos, and voice narration to keep your audience engaged.

• Check that all your doors are locked and sealed.
• Set light timers for various times of the day.
• Lock away any jewelry or money.
• Make sure your home security system is on.
• Have trusted friends or family stop by to water plants while you are away.
• Make sure your newspaper and mail are being picked up.

Keep your home safe so that your vacation can be fun and enjoyable!

• 74% of clients will give you a referral if you stay in touch.
• 42% of all new buyers come from a referral.
• 74% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family above all other advertising forms.

We hope these help you appreciate your future referrals!

• Add Solar Panels – place solar panels on your home to capture the most sunlight.
• Monitor Water- install a tankless water heater and be mindful of water usage.
• Use Energy-Star – use energy efficient windows and faucets to save energy and reduce costs.
• Sustainable Materials – keep sustainability in mind when choosing suppliers from framing to flooring.

Start building your green home today!

• March 25th – Ringling Bros. – One of the last performances by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey performances ever. 11AM, 3PM, 7PM Norfolk Scope Arena
• March 25th – Taste of Ghent – Showcase of the local, thriving food scene in Ghent. Food, cooking competition, silent auction &more! 7PM – Norfolk Courtyard by Marriott in Downtown Norfolk
• April 1st – Shrek! The Musical – Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure! Brings all the characters from the film to life. 8PM in Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
• April 15th – Alice – Loosely based on Lewis Carroll’s tales, ALICE follows a woman in a world she doesn’t recognize. 7:30PM Norfolk The Goode Theatre
• April 24th – Mermaids – Pick a time to see a mermaid swimming in the Red Sea Tunnel & enjoy all the mermaid activities! 5:30PM Virginia Beach Aquarium & Marine Science Center
• April 22nd – Pilates & Pints for Pups – CrossFit Reanimated will lead a Pilates class and then everyone can enjoy a beer from Wasserhund. 10:30AM Virginia Beach Wasserhund Brewing Co.

• Timing – Analyze neighborhood selling reports from the previous year to ensure sales are at peak when listing the home.
• Pricing – Ensure your listing is priced to ensure the most offers rather than the most money; overpricing can ruin a sale.
• Accommodating – Plan for multiple offer scenario by confirming that the family will be lodged if a sale happens quickly.
• Servicing – Prepare for servicing questions by arranging for the sellers to service both the exterior and interior of the home.

• Exaggerated Profit: The length of closing timelines are much longer than shown on-screen, negatively effective the given profit.
• False Timelines: Timelines within the show may look like 30 days, but truly are within 90-120 day timelines.
• Discounted Materials: Show members are given discounts on materials with certain manufacturer’s, lessening actual costs of materials.
• Unseen Workers: It has been revealed that when a show has three or four workers in a scene, there are truly 30-40 workers in the background.

We hate to break it to you, but sometimes your favorite shows are inaccurate!

1. Wipe Wall And Ceilings
2. Reseal Grout Lines
3. Vacuum and Shampoo Rugs
4. Polish Metal Door and Window Hardware
5. Clean Upholstered Furnishing
6. Dusk Books and Shelves
7. Dust Your Home Thoroughly
8. Wax Wooden Furniture
9. Ensure Fire Safety
10. Clean Window Treatments
11. Wax Non-Wood Floors

We hope this helps you clean your home!

Check out these fun ideas for you and your family from your friends at Old Point Mortgage!

March 5th – Romeo & Juliet – The Russian National Ballet Theatre perform Romeo & Juliet with over 50 dances. 7 PM Newport News Center For The Arts

March 11th – Astronomy – Join Back Bay Amateur Astronomers as they turn their attention and scopes on our sun. 10 AM Chesapeake Elizabeth River Park

March 10th – Shamrockin’ in Ghent – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live music and drink for a cause. 6 PM Norfolk Naro Expanded Cinema

March 18th – Garden Brothers Circus – Celebrate 100 years and watch “an all-new, fast-paced; totally exciting show”- 1:30 PM Norfolk Ted Constant Convocation Center

March 24th – Laser Show: Prismatic – Experience the very latest in Laser Artistry to a high- octane mix of the newest pop/rock songs. 8 PM Norfolk Pretlow Planetarium

March 24th – Saturday Night Fever – This Musical tells the story of Tony-the kid from Brooklyn who dreams of dancing his way to a better life. 8 PM Newport News Ferguson Center For The Arts

We hope these exciting events keep you busy this month of March!

• Pillows – a really easy way to instantly update that fading suite and add color, texture and interest at the same time.
• Rugs – a large, deep rug can transform a room, adding warmth and style. You don’t have to spend a fortune either.
• Fruit and Flowers – try big glass bowls or wide vases of fruit or flowers in the house to add color.
• Towels – used towels never quite look the same as brand new ones; treat your home to some gorgeous new towels.

We hope these helpful tips make your open house perfect!

Perhaps you’ve been together for a long time or maybe your relationship is only a few dates in, but getting some simple financials hammered out while understanding couples credit will help in the long run when it comes time for financing a vehicle, home, or business. Here are some thoughts on combining credit in relationships.

1. Cozy Up to Your Credit Report

The best starting point for combining credit is to get your credit report from any of the big three reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each credit reporting agency is required by law to give you one complimentary credit report each year, so getting and knowing your credit report is a great place to start for both you and your significant other. While credit reports are free, credit scores often are not.

Credit scores are used by lenders to tell how good of a borrower you are and how well you’ve handled your debts in the past. Credit reports are used to generate credit scores, and while you can get free credit reports, credit scores are often paid services offered by each of the reporting agencies.

Start with one credit report from one reporting agency for you and your loved one and make sure there aren’t any discrepancies. If there are, call the credit reporting agency and get them resolved as soon as possible.

2. Eliminate Unnecessary Credit Cards

Your credit is largely affected by how well and how efficiently you pay off your debt obligations and how well you manage the credit you have. Credit cards can be a killer to an otherwise unblemished credit score as both the amounts you owe (35%) and your payment history (30%) collectively comprise over half of your credit score. Carrying a balance on your credit cards can ding both of the aforementioned aspects of your credit.

New couples are particularly prone to having an unnecessary amount of credit cards between the two of them. While there isn’t one perfect solution for every couple, debt consolidation, balance transfers, and closing credit card accounts is the way to get started.

Start by paying off the lowest credit card balance, then close the account upon completion of this task. Your diligence in making payments to those accounts as well as reducing what you owe will make life much easier for you and your spouse.

3. Pay Bills on Time

As we’ve already mentioned, payment history makes up a third of your credit score, so it stands to reason that paying your bills on time can only improve your credit. Relationships are tricky things, and opposites really do attract.

While you may have always stayed on top of your personal finances before combining them, your significant other may have been a little lackadaisical with his or hers. Start a new precedent by paying everything on time and in full.

4. Boost Your Credit with a New Line of Credit

As you and your loved one merge worlds, one thing you can do to improve your collective credit is to take out a new, safe line of credit. A loan of some type can account for another third of your credit score by establishing a new line of credit (10%), building a lengthy credit history (15%), and adding credit to your existing mix (10%). This, of course, should only be done after your existing debts are paid in full and you’ve established some savings of your own.

One of the best ways to diversify your credit is by buying a home and taking out a mortgage. With interest rates hovering around all-time lows, there really isn’t a better opportunity to boost your credit by purchasing a home. The first step in the home buying journey is to get prequalified through Old Point Mortgage. The professionals at Old Point can assess your financial goals and get you the funding you need to move into a house and get your couples credit on the right track.

Fortunately, no matter the situation, there is a mortgage solution for you. Let’s take a look at when you can get another mortgage and where it may benefit you.

1. Refinancing

If you’re an existing homeowner and are looking to reduce your mortgage interest or perhaps consolidate debt, refinancing may be a great way to go. Refinancing is a simple way to reduce either the amount of time you pay off your existing mortgage or structuring a mortgage for a significantly lower interest rate.

On the other hand, you may choose to consolidate some of your debts such as credit cards or vehicle loans through a cash-out refinance. In this situation, you take out the amount needed to pay off your mortgage plus cash to pay off the other obligations you’d like to resolve.

You’ll likely find formidable refinancing options only after the equity you’ve paid into your existing mortgage outweighs the principal remaining. If you’re on the top side of your mortgage looking down, it may be time to refinance.

2. Foreclosure or Bankruptcy

One of the more unfortunate circumstances for needing a new mortgage is bankruptcy or foreclosure. While you certainly aren’t penalized for life by filing for bankruptcy, there is a waiting period for virtually all loans before you can take out another mortgage.

Generally, you can take out another mortgage in 3 years after your bankruptcy proceedings are closed. Extenuating circumstances, deemed such by a team of underwriters, can reduce the number of years you must wait to 2 to 4 years before taking out another mortgage. There may be good news in store, though, in May of last year it was announced that Fannie Mae would reduce the waiting time to two years.

Realizing the need for a rebound in the housing market, many other mortgage backers may follow suit. Keep in mind, however, that a waiting period is established for a reason. If you fall into this category, take this opportunity to straighten out and solidify your finances.

3. Second Home

On the other hand, if your financial situation is such that a second home is in the mix, you may want to take out a mortgage. Second homes are often vacation homes, but they may very well serve as a second residences for businesspeople with offices in different parts of the country. In either case, a second mortgage may be necessary.

Much like a refinancing situation, a second home mortgage will depend on your debt-to-income, how much equity you have in your existing home, and your overall credit. A second home is basically a brand new mortgage independent of your first mortgage, and lenders will take a look at your financials to make sure you’re a viable candidate for a mortgage.

4. Get Another Mortgage with the Help of a Professional

Getting another mortgage regardless of your circumstances can be tricky business if you aren’t prepared to jump back into the mortgage market. By understanding the current mortgage climate and what interest rates are while getting your finances nailed down will help immensely when the time comes to get that mortgage again.

If you’re coming off of a foreclosure or bankruptcy, make sure that your current financial situation will allow for a mortgage with some room to spare. If you’re already a homeowner looking to refinance, do your homework and understand the true costs of refinancing a mortgage.

Lastly, but not least, get in touch with a professional. With the mortgage climate changing on a regular basis, there may be options for you to get another mortgage you never realized. Call a Loan Officer at Old Point Mortgage to discuss your financial situation and find the best financing option for you to get your mortgage.

If you’re new into the social media scene, there are some things you need to know about leveraging social media as a sales tool. Here are some of the why’s and how’s of social media for realtors.

So Much Social! What’s Right for Me?

If you’re new to social media, you may find that it’s overwhelming to keep up with 10 different accounts and give each one the attention necessary to generate sales. Social media is less about quantity and far more about quality. The best advice for a realtor new to social media is to start with the “Big 3” of social: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Facebook is increasingly becoming a content-focused social platform with local markets becoming the epicenter. Tackle your local market with Facebook and tailor your content to your buyers. Instagram and Twitter work on a much larger scale as there is a greater emphasis on the type of message being displayed and less on where the content is directed. Nevertheless, making connections, gaining followers, and getting your properties out is simple and crucial to getting social leads.

Focus on Quality over Quantity

Earlier, we alluded to the importance of quality posts over mass quantity of posts. This holds true for all social media. Let’s face it, there’s a lot of junk on social media, and the last thing you want is for your carefully thought out, highly articulated posts to be put in the proverbial “spam” of a user’s news feed. When you post, make them count.

Consistency is the Best Policy

Along with making quality posts focused for each target audience on a specific platform, make sure that you’re posting regularly and consistently to each social media outlet. In an ideal world, you would nail down when the best days are to post on each platform and post at only certain times on certain days, but we live in a less-than-ideal world.

With practice, you’ll find what times work best for your audience but start by posting once per day on each social platform. This sounds like a lot, but in reality, you can post similar content to each outlet daily. Keep in mind that most social media sees a spike in users towards the end of the week and weekend. Focus some of your meatier posts on those days.

A Little Engagement Goes a Long Way

Simply showcasing listings across social media likely won’t get you the clicks nor the interactions you need for social media platforms to boost your posts on user’s news feeds. Post engaging content to get users to like, share, and comment on what you’re publishing across various platforms. Not only will your content reach more users, but you’ll get real time feedback about your posts to help tailor future posts to certain target audiences.

Capture Leads Through Geo-Targeting

Social media has come a long way in terms of advertising, and leveraging paid advertisements can bring a big boost to some of your higher profile listings. Specifically, Facebook has created an ad service that allows you to virtually target your ads down to what color pants your customers are wearing!

Geo-targeted ads can focus your paid ads on specific audiences with extreme accuracy. Getting your listings in front of a highly-targeted local audience is easy as pie with Facebook and Facebook-owned Instagram. Additionally, with Instagram’s new stories feature, you can highlight specific listings and make brief, engaging videos about your properties.

Highlight Your Community

One of the best things you can do for local real estate is to highlight your local community and focus on local events. Social media isn’t always about selling. Though it is a sales tool, stay away from the temptation to blast sales posts 100% of the time. Focus on local events, and show your audience that you’re plugged into and connected with the community. Don’t forget how valuable this can be for folks looking to move to your area either!

Stay Dialed into Mortgages in Your Area

Inevitably when it comes time to make real estate sales, buyers will turn to you first for advice on financing. Get them started with a call to Old Point Mortgage. We can find the best financing solutions for your clients and get them prequalified for a mortgage the same day. Be an expert in your field by expanding your expertise in the mortgage arena.

Family Events:

• February 5th – Dinosaurs – Children will go face-to-face with the prehistoric world and meet dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes – 11:00 AM Portsmouth – Children’s Museum Of Virginia
• February 19th – Kids Run Trains – Designed specifically to allow kids of all ages to interact with the trains in a way unparalleled – 9:00 AM Portsmouth – Children’s Museum Of Virginia
• February 27th – Pajama Storytime – Storytime featuring songs, books and more! PJs, stuffed animals, and pillows are encouraged – 6:30 PM Suffolk – North Suffolk Library

Adult Events:

• February 5th – GameDay 10k/5k – Race through City Center and finish with the biggest tailgate in Newport News – 8:30 PM Newport News – City Center At Oyster Point
• February 10th – VA Wind Symphony – This free concert features Southeast Virginia’s finest wind and percussion instrumentalists – 7:30 PM Virginia Beach – Salem High School
• February 25th – Howie Mandel – Canadian comedian with a unique brand of comedy that has earned him international recognition – 8:30 PM Newport News – Ferguson Center For the Arts

Enjoy some of the great things happening in and around this great area of ours! And, should you ever have a need for trusted mortgage loan services, please contact us – we’re here for you!

1. Inman Next – From social media advice to email marketing tips to the latest tips for agents this go-to informative blog will give you great ideas!
2. Matrix – All things related to real estate and the economy is found on Miller Samuel’s blog. How the country’s fiscal well-being is affecting home sales & mortgage applications.
3. GeekEstate – Quality posts written by contributors from numerous real estate and marketing backgrounds. An up-and-corner in the real estate blogosphere you’ll want to keep a close eye on.
4. Trulia – Trulia’s website has multiples blogs, including trends, advice for real estate pros, tech and design advice and industry news.
5. BiggerPockets – BiggerPockets produced in-depth content for numerous real-estate professionals, both in the commercial and residential sides of the business as well as investors and lenders.
6. HousingViews – If you’re looking to impress fellow colleagues by dropping some real estate market knowledge on them, this blog can be of great assistance.
7. Eye on Housing – If you’re a data hound, this is the blog for you, as you’ll find graphs and charts from major economic and housing reports.
8. Speaking of Real Estate – The National Association of Realtors has a thorough, constantly updated blog offering an even mix of news and plenty of intriguing videos from Realtors and higher-ups.
9. Movoto – This blog offers outside-the-box information that could turn you into a go-to resource for knowing the best schools, safest areas, and most fun attractions, among other key info.
10. 1000watt – Don’t have a lot of time, this is the blog for you, as it offers invaluable branding, marketing and media info, advice and ruminations that are easily digestible.

Debt plagues Americans.  We live in a nation where lending and borrowing have become so banal that we forget that incurring too much debt or the wrong kind of debt can leave us with a tough uphill battle for decades.  It’s not necessarily the sheer volume of debt in dollars owed but the exorbitant interest rates of some debt vehicles that become most problematic for the average borrower.

Fortunately, there are some solutions that can alleviate debt through consolidation, lower your interest rates, and give you more flexibility and control over how you pay back your debts.  The best thing? Consolidating your debt could be easier than you think.  Here’s how.

What is Debt Consolidation?

Debt consolidation, in its simplest terms, is taking your existing debt no matter the amounts or origins and compiling it into a single debt instrument.  This way of handling borrowing obligations can lower interest rates, pay off existing debts, and give you a single monthly payment that will tackle all of your debts.

In most cases, debt consolidation combines an existing mortgage and credit card debt into an instrument known as a cash-out refinance (or cash-out refi for short).  Cash-out refis are an excellent way to meld a handful of debt obligations together in order to lower overall payments for each debt obligation or eliminate paying varying monthly balances.  Refinancing a mortgage can also turn a variable rate mortgage into a fixed rate mortgage.

What is Cash-Out Refinancing, and How Does it Work?

What once was a popular financial instrument prior to the market crash of 2008, a recent resurgence in cash-out refis have brought this instrument back to the front of borrowers’ minds.

A cash-out refi boils down to basically refinancing a mortgage and taking out additional cash on top of the loan.  The cash can be used for just about anything, but a savvy investor will take out only what they need to pay off their existing debts.  There is a right and wrong way to tackle debt obligations without putting too much additional strain on your finances.

The Right Way to Refi

Before the crash, cash-out refis were used as a way to upgrade homes and make renovations without having to scrape from savings in order to update a home.  Borrowers could simply refinance their loan and take what was necessary to complete renovations without putting undue financial strain on their existing situation.

But if you’re looking for a cash-out refi as a means to alleviate the burden of debt, there is a right way to go about it.  Take out only as much as you need to pay off your mortgage and debts, nothing more.  Keep in mind, this isn’t free cash.  It comes at a price, and you should immediately apply it to your debt obligations.  Failure to do so will only exacerbate your debt situation and leave you with more monthly payments to make.

Cash-out refis may very well be the way to reconcile your debts, but keep in mind that your overall monthly payments may increase.  This slight increase in payments will pay dividends for your other debt obligations.  Instead of paying varying monthly balances to credit cards, everything will be rolled into a single payment at a significantly lowered interest rate.

Lower Your Interest With Cash-Out Refis

The biggest selling point on a cash-out refi is lowered interest rates.  If you have a variable rate mortgage already, then refinancing it to a fixed rate mortgage could save you in the long run.  On the other hand, if you’re one of the average American households with nearly $16,000 in credit card debt at over 13% interest, a cash-out refi can be a Godsend.

The difference between the average credit card interest rate and current mortgage rates can be upwards of 10%!  Refinancing can lower your credit card interest rates by consolidating those debt obligations into one financial instrument.  Overall, the interest savings over the life of the financial obligation can be tens of thousands of dollars.

In order to change the way you perceive debt, you have to commit to making a difference.  Talking to a professional in the market is a great way to get started and getting prequalified for your refinancing will get you one step closer.  Give Old Point Mortgage a call to get your refinancing journey started and get prequalified today.  Making a call is sometimes the toughest step to make, but it will be the most important one you make on your way to a debt-free lifestyle.

We are here to help you if you want to get your finances organized in the new year to get ready to buy a home! Use these tips below to get your home and live organized in the meantime!

1. Downsize – get rid of excess by eliminating things you don’t need. Clothes, books, dvd’s, games, toys, shoes, kitchen items. Rule of thumb: If you haven’t used it in a year, pitch it!
2. Simplify – the clutter of too many activities can cause stress, disorder and confusion. Try to limit the number of things your family commits to, and make time to enjoy each other’ company.
3. Clean – strive for a neater, cleaner home. Try to avoid just sitting things down when you come home or finish with them.
4. Label – instead of packing things away in boxes, totes or crates, try labeling the items to make it easier to identify when you need it.
5. Save – while cleaning out, examine the “what if” What if you saved the money you spent on that pair of shoes you are donating.What if you bought less and saved more?

We hope these tips help you through the New Year!

• Create An Activity Table – The kitchen table is a great place to make a little activity center – put out crayons or colored pencils (no markers) and a few coloring books or activity sheets. Remember to provide age appropriate books.
• Hire A Sitter – Bring in a young adult or teenager to occupy the kids. If the weather is nice, they can play outside, if not maybe play a video game or card game with the kids.
•  Set Up A Movie – Have a few age-appropriate movies ready to play and provide some snacks. The kids can relax and watch movies while the parents tour the home.
• Make A Scavenger Hunt – Place a few small trinkets around the house for kids to find. Give them a list of items they will be looking for. Have a small prize for when they find some or all of the trinkets!

Hope these help your open houses to be kid-friendly!

If your goals are substantiated largely in your financial realm, is improving your credit score one of them? Here are some ways to improve your credit score and ways to stick with your New Year’s resolution.

Understanding Credit Scores

Before we get into the nitty gritty, let’s briefly outline credit scores. Your credit score is, essentially, a mathematically calculated algorithm meant to predict potential risk to lenders. Financial institutions in the United States use a somewhat standardized credit score known as a FICO score (adopted from the Fair and Issac Corporation’s name). FICO scores can range anywhere from 300 to 850 with the lowest in the range representing the worst credit score and, therefore, the highest likelihood of default.

Pay Off Your Credit Cards

If your New Year’s resolution really is to improve your credit score, start with eliminating credit card debt. Credit card debt (much like paying rent) is like paying a speeding ticket. You get nothing in return, but the gravity of repayment can be heavy.

Not only do credit cards often carry exorbitantly high interest rates on the purchases you make, they can be one one of the major factors holding you back from good credit. Pay off the petty debts and keep them off. Close any credit cards that you either don’t use or don’t carry high balances on and choose one that gives you a combination of the best rewards, lowest interest rate, and flexible repayment options.

Pay Your Bills on Time

35% of your FICO score is generated from payment history while 30% is generated from the amounts you owe on any given account. In other words, 65% of your credit score is generated from how well you pay things off. Pay on time, pay in full, and improve your credit score.

Bills are an inevitable part of life, but we must pay them. Start by paying the bills you have on time, then begin shopping around for better rates, less expensive packages, and/or eliminate bills all together. Outstanding balances, poor payment history, and revolving account balances reflect poorly on your credit score. This is why paying your bills on time is of utmost importance.

Get a Credit Report

There are basically three credit reporting agencies in the United States: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. All three collect the same basic data to generate your credit score, but each may differ slightly. By U.S. law, you are legally given the right to get one free credit report from each of the three reporting agencies each year.

What this means is you can monitor your credit for free three times per year. The smart thing to do is order your credit report from one of the reporting agencies every four months. This will ensure that you’re staying on top of your credit and can eliminate any errors that may have been reported.

Keep in mind, however, that a credit report does not reveal your credit score. Often, credit scores are available only through paid entities. What a credit report will reveal is what factors most affect your credit score. Knowing this information can help you tackle the things that bring your credit down and keep doing the things that keep your credit afloat.

Keep Credit Applications Confined

In all likelihood, if you’re looking for a loan, you’re looking in several places. Each time a hard credit check is run against you, your credit score will take a minor hit which will stay on your credit report for a year. Don’t be alarmed by this, but understand that by confining your credit applications to a short period of time, the minor credit hit you take will be expunged at the same time next year.

Instead of playing a credit guessing game, get in touch with a Lending Specialist at Old Point Mortgage. Getting started early with your home buying journey will help you get a head start on the buying process and give you an opportunity to rectify any minor issues with your credit report. Give Old Point Mortgage a call today to get prequalified for your home loan and speak to an account representative about your credit and how to align your financial goals with your home purchase.

Compounding Interest

Compounding interest is a powerful tool. As an investor using an IRA to increase your personal retirement savings, compounding interest is your best friend; however, for a borrower looking to get equity in a purchase or pay down a loan, it’s your worst enemy. Regardless of the situation you’re in, compounding interest is unavoidable.

In essence, compounding interest can be broken down simply. At the end of each financial period (monthly, quarterly, biannually, annually, etc.) the interest accrued on a loan is added to the principle. This addition of interest, from a borrower’s perspective anyway, means that a greater portion of your monthly payments are going towards interest compounded over the previous month and less is going towards the principle.

Understanding the Rule of 72

One of the single most powerful tools anyone can use to understand the cumulative effect of compounding interest is what’s known as the Rule of 72. Essentially, by dividing the number 72 by the interest rate of a loan or investment (as a whole number) you can roughly calculate the amount of time it will take for the loan to double in value.

This is especially useful if you’re shopping for interest rates and want to know what the effect of fractional interest percentages can be on your loan. Let’s use a simple example:

You purchase a home for $100,000 at a 10% interest rate. By using the rule of 72 (72 divided by 10), your loan value will double in 7.2 years. Let’s say on the other hand that you take out the same principle for half the interest rate ($100,000 at 5% interest), using the Rule of 72 would tell us that it would take 14.4 years for that same investment to double.

If you’re like many Americans working through a few minor debt obligations, you can use this tool to prioritize your loans, and chip away at the obligations with the largest interest rates. In essence, though, the Rule of 72 helps us understand how compounding interest affects our overall debt obligations, loans, and investments.

Interest vs. Time

Finally, let’s look at the function of the overall math problem we’re trying to solve. When deciding whether or not to purchase a home, you’re likely faced with a lot of numbers. How long your mortgage term is and how much interest you pay along the journey are key among them. What’s important to remember is that lower interest is your friend, and that often only comes with a shorter mortgage term.

Of course, in the end, it comes down to what you can afford month-to-month at the outset. If you can’t make the monthly payments of a 15-year mortgage, but a 30-year mortgage is easily attainable, go with the safe payment. You can always put more money towards your mortgage each month, but in the event of an emergency, you aren’t stuck with an exorbitant monthly payment.

The formula of interest vs. time will also factor strongly into your decision for a home mortgage. Perhaps you value not paying as much interest over the life of your loan or maybe you have other obligations to settle before you can really tackle your mortgage. Either way, there is a time and interest correlation that will work for you.

Get Started with Your Home Loan

Hopefully, we’ve cleared up the overall math involved with purchasing a home and signing your first mortgage, but there are probably still some lingering questions that only a professional can answer.

Give Old Point Mortgage a call today. The loan professionals at Old Point can help you get started with your first home purchase and get you prequalified today! Additionally, they can answer any of the burning questions you may have and clarify the sometimes muddy mortgage market. The first step, though, is to get prequalified and start shopping for the home of your dreams.