Blog
Expert Insights
Buying tips, selling strategies, local guides, and everything you need to know about real estate in Hampton Roads.
All 45 posts
Buying Guide
Can I Buy a House Without a Real Estate Agent in Virginia?
Virginia does not require a buyer to use an agent. What you need to know about going direct, the real costs, and when representation still pays off.
Buying Guide
Who Pays for a Home Appraisal in Virginia and How Much Does It Cost?
The buyer typically pays for a Virginia home appraisal at about $450 to $750. The process, the low appraisal gap, and how it affects your offer explained.
Buying Guide
What Can Delay Closing on a Home in Virginia?
Lender conditions, title problems, low appraisals, and missed deadlines are the top reasons closings get delayed in Virginia. How to keep your date.
Market Update
How Much Are Property Taxes in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach property tax rate is $0.97 per $100 of assessed value in FY2026, with a median residential bill near $3,540. What that means for buyers.
Buying Guide
How to Buy a Home While Selling Your Current One in Hampton Roads
Sell first, buy first, or close on both in the same week? How to juggle buying and selling at the same time in Hampton Roads, from a 24-year Virginia Beach realtor.
Selling Guide
How to Handle Multiple Offers on Your Home in Virginia
Highest price is not always the best offer. Compare terms, use escalation clauses, and set smart deadlines when multiple buyers compete for your home.
Buying Guide
What Documents Do You Need to Buy a House in Virginia?
Proof of income, asset statements, pre-approval, VA loan paperwork, and what you sign at closing. The full document checklist for Virginia home buyers.
Buying Guide
What Are HOA Fees and Are They Worth It in Virginia Beach?
What HOA fees cover, how much they run, and how to tell if an association is worth the monthly cost from a 24-year Virginia Beach realtor.
Homeowner Tips
Hurricane Season Home Prep for Virginia Beach
A practical September checklist to get your Virginia Beach home storm-ready: your evacuation zone, your flood insurance, and what to secure before a storm gets a name.
Hiring Tips
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent in Virginia Beach
What to look for in a real estate agent Virginia Beach buyers and sellers can trust, from transaction volume and local knowledge to communication and military expertise.
Buying Guide
Your Offer Was Accepted: What Happens Next, From Contract to Closing
The step-by-step timeline from an accepted offer to closing in Virginia, including earnest money, inspections, appraisal, financing, and settlement day.
Buying Guide
What Is Earnest Money and How Does It Work When Buying a Home?
How much earnest money you need, who holds it in escrow, and when you get it back when buying a home in Virginia.
Military & Veterans
Can I Use My VA Loan More Than Once? Yes, Here’s How
The VA loan is a lifetime benefit with no limit on reuse. How entitlement restoration works so you can buy again with VA financing in Hampton Roads.
Local Guide
Virginia Beach vs. Chesapeake: Which Is Right for You?
Property taxes, schools, commutes to Naval Station Norfolk, and home prices compared to help you choose between two of Hampton Roads' strongest cities.
Military Guide
How to Relocate to Hampton Roads on PCS Orders
A Marine Corps Veteran agent's step-by-step plan for a smooth PCS move to Hampton Roads, from timing your search to using your VA loan.
Buying Guide
What Should I Look For During a Home Inspection?
What inspectors check, what a typical inspection costs in Virginia, and how to use the report before you buy a home in Virginia Beach.
Selling Guide
Should I Fix My House Before Selling or Sell As-Is?
How to decide which repairs to make before selling your Virginia Beach home versus selling as-is, based on your market and timeline.
Local Guide
Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach in 2026
Burton Station, ViBe Creative District, Chic’s Beach, Kempsville, Pungo, and more. Discover where to find value and appreciation in the Virginia Beach real estate market.
Military Guide
How Does BAH Work When Buying a Home in Virginia?
How BAH counts as mortgage income, lender gross-up rules, combining BAH with VA loans, and buying a home in Hampton Roads. From a Marine Corps Veteran agent.
Buying Guide
Is It Better to Rent or Buy in Virginia Beach in 2026?
Compare monthly costs, breakeven timelines, military benefits, and expert advice for deciding whether to rent or buy a home in Virginia Beach.
Market Update
What Are Current Mortgage Rates in Virginia? August 2026 Update
30-year fixed, 15-year fixed, VA loan rates, and what they mean for home buyers in Hampton Roads. Expert insight from a 24-year local agent.
Buying Guide
How to Make a Competitive Offer on a Home in Virginia Beach
Pre-approval, appraisal gaps, VA loan positioning, and negotiation strategies for winning in the Virginia Beach real estate market from a 24-year local agent.
Selling Guide
What's My Virginia Beach Home Worth?
Comparative market analysis, value factors, and pricing tips from a 24-year Hampton Roads realtor. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.
Buying Guide
What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House in Virginia?
FHA, VA, and conventional loan credit score requirements for Virginia home buyers. Expert advice from a veteran real estate agent in Hampton Roads.
Selling Guide
What's the Best Time of Year to Sell a House in Virginia?
Seasonal trends, PCS cycle timing, and pricing strategies for selling your home in Hampton Roads. Data-backed analysis from a 24-year local expert.
Buying Guide
What Is the Average Home Price in Virginia Beach?
Median home prices, price per square foot, neighborhood comparisons, and what your budget can buy in the Virginia Beach real estate market from a 24-year local agent.
Market Update
How Competitive Is the Hampton Roads Housing Market?
Days on market, inventory levels, multiple offers, and expert analysis of the Hampton Roads housing market from a veteran Virginia Beach realtor with 24 years of experience.
Buying Guide
What Are Closing Costs When Buying a Home in Virginia?
Typical closing costs, fee breakdown, VA loan differences, and seller concessions for home buyers in Virginia. Expert guidance from a trusted real estate agent.
Selling Guide
How Long Does It Take to Sell a House in Hampton Roads?
Average days on market by season, price point, and location in Hampton Roads. Expert tips to sell your home faster from a local agent with over 1,000 transactions.
Buying Guide
Is Virginia Beach a Good Place to Buy a Home?
Market conditions, quality of life, schools, and military benefits -- everything you need to know before buying a home in Virginia Beach.
Military Guide
Military Bases in Hampton Roads and the Best Nearby Neighborhoods
Complete guide to every major military base in Hampton Roads with the best neighborhoods for military families near each installation.
Selling Guide
How to Prepare Your House to Sell in Virginia Beach
Staging, repairs, pricing strategy, flood zone disclosures, and marketing tips from a 24-year Virginia Beach agent.
Market Update
Is Now a Good Time to Buy in Hampton Roads?
Current market conditions, home prices, inventory trends, and expert advice for buyers in the Hampton Roads market.
Local Favorites
Terry's Take: Señor Fox Mexican Grill and Bar
A Virginia Beach staple for 22 years. Terry TreXler reviews the fajitas, guacamole, and pollo con chorizo at Señor Fox on Nimmo Parkway.
Selling Tips
The Biggest Mistakes Home Sellers Make in Virginia
Overpricing, skipping staging, poor photos, neglected repairs, and more. Avoid costly seller mistakes from a 24+ year Virginia Beach expert.
Buying Guide
How Much House Can I Afford in Virginia Beach?
The 28/36 rule, median home prices, property taxes, down payments, credit scores, and expert tips from a local agent with 24+ years of experience.
Buying Guide & Local Tips
What You Need to Know About Flood Insurance in Virginia Beach
FEMA flood zones explained, typical costs, which neighborhoods are affected, and what buyers and sellers need to know.
Schools Guide
What Are the Best School Districts in Virginia Beach?
Top-rated schools, magnet programs, and graduation rates in Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
Military & Home Buying
Military Home Buying Benefits in Virginia: A Complete Guide
VA loans, property tax exemptions, VHDA programs, BAH and lending, and the best military-friendly cities in Virginia for home buyers.
Military & Buyers
The Complete VA Loan Guide for Hampton Roads
Everything you need to know about using your VA loan benefit in Virginia Beach and surrounding areas.
Buying Tips
7 First-Time Buyer Mistakes I See Every Week
After 1,000+ transactions, I can spot the pitfalls. Here's how to avoid the most common ones.
Selling Tips
How to Sell Your Home Fast in Virginia Beach
Pricing strategy, staging secrets, and market timing from an agent who's closed 1,000+ deals.
Military
Your PCS Move Real Estate Checklist
Orders came through? Here's exactly what to do with your home before, during, and after the move.
Local Guide
Best Neighborhoods in Virginia Beach for Families
School ratings, commute times, and community vibes for every Virginia Beach neighborhood.
Market Update
Hampton Roads Market Update: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Current trends, pricing data, and expert predictions for the Hampton Roads real estate market.