Office: 804-897-7218 Cell: 804-426-6563 Email: greg@greghouck.com

Address: 412 Pleasanthill Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23236

Blog

609 Coralberry Drive, Chesterfield, Virginia

DSC_0258

Just listed!  Attractive, sparkling clean, well-maintained,  family-friendly home with five bedrooms, three full baths!   Fifth bedroom on the first floor with adjacent bathroom could be perfect guest or in-law suite or home office.  Warm wood-paneled vaulted family room with fireplace offers a great place to relax.  Or retreat to the full-sized screened in porch overlooking the shaded backyard!  Located in the Smoketree subdivision–convenient for shopping and commuting–and within walking distance of highly-rated Chesterfield Schools and sports fields, tennis, and playgrounds.  Take a look at the complete photo album and also at the descriptive flyer.  If you have questions or would like more information, email Greg or give him a call at 804-426-6563.   A great value, offered at $249,950.

Renovation Loans

One of the positive results of the decline of home values in recent years has been that for many the dream of home ownership has become a reality.  But some buyers–although they have a good credit score and some savings–have run into the all-too-common problem of the “almost perfect home.”  The price is right “as is,” but the needed improvements put it out of their price range.   A solution to this problem can be a renovation or 203(k) loan.  Typical desired improvements include upgrading the kitchen and/or bathrooms, new flooring, windows, siding, roofing, plumbing, heating and cooling, appliances or painting.  In the past these kinds of projects have been funded with credit cards or home equity lines of credit.  But these options can be expensive and are not as readily available as they once were.  With a renovation loan, the cost of these upgrades can be included in your mortgage, with the interest tax deductible and the additional renovation expense spread out over 30 years. Read more >

Appraisal vs Assessment?

When it comes to real estate these two terms are easily confused.  Oftentimes they are even used interchangeably, but they refer to two very different things.  And the difference is more than just semantics.  When you are buying a home, or even selling, the appraisal is particularly important.  When you are owning a home, the assessment is what mainly comes into play.  What is the difference? Read more >

Still Time for First-time Buyers!

Nervous, confident, uncertain, excited.  Even though these words may sound contradictory, they all describe many potential first-time buyers.  First-time buyers can feel many things all at once:

Nervous–”I’m interested in buying a home, but what if I don’t get the best deal?”

Confident–”I could own my own home for what I’m paying in rent!”

Uncertain–”Interest rates seem good, but can I even qualify?”

Excited– “I’ve been thinking about this for some time and it really would be awesome.  Maybe the time has come!”

Yep, it can be all those things at the same time, plus more!  Read more >

What’s my home worth?

All of us homeowners keep an eye on what’s happening in our neighborhood, and what homes in our areas are selling for.  Which is good–because that’s mainly how homes are valued–by what people are paying for similar homes.  I keep a close watch on all of Richmond, but particularly on my neighborhood, Smoketree.  Since January 1 of this year (through 9/15/09), 17 homes have sold in Smoketree with sale prices ranging from $195,000 to $300,000.  In Smoketree South, 12 homes have sold ranging from $168,000 to $204,000.  Considering everything, a very solid year so far!  If you’d like more data, stats, or details, call me at 804-426-6563 or email me.  I’d be glad to send you the data on these neighborhoods or any others in the metro Richmond, Virginia, area.

6 Alexis Drive, Henrico County, Virginia

Welcome to 6 Alexis Drive, Henrico, Virginia!  This gracious and stately colonial sits on a one acre lot landscaped with an abundace of azaleas, hydrageas, crepe myrtle, perennials, bulbs and blooming trees.  Hardwood floors throughout, a gazebo style screened porch and a powered workshop outbuilding also enhance this country retreat in Henrico County.  Take a look at the complete photo album of this home–a taste of Williamsburg here in Richmond!  This home sold for higher than the list price in 16 days! If you’d like more information about my marketing or anything relating to home buying or selling, email me or call 804-426-6563.

1906 Valerie Drive, Chesterfield County, Virginia

Check out this beautiful Chesterfield, Virginia home!  Charming, tastefully-decorated home with finished walk-out basement and sizeable fenced back yard.  Classic colonial look with updated open floor plan.  You will enjoy viewing the complete photo album of this home.  Convenient location, lovely neighborhood, great schools, and happy new owners!  Call me on my mobile, 804-426-6563.  I’d be glad to help you find the right home or start researching and planning to help you sell yours!

407 Pleasanthill Drive, Chesterfield County, Virginia

407 Pleasanthill Drive now has new owners!  Quiet wooded cul-de-sac half acre, 2000+ square feet, 2-car garage (storage above), screened-in porch, deck–a beautiful home, super neighborhood, and a great value!  Check out the complete photo album of the home and property.  Although this property is no longer for sale, I would be glad to help you find a home that will work for YOU!  Call me at 804-426-6563 or email me if I can answer any questions and/or help you in your home search.

Good News for First Time Buyers

In an effort to stimulate the housing market and the economy, Congress recently passed new legislation to help first time home buyers.  It provides some great incentives and benefits, but of course, there are various twist and turns that you need to be aware of.  Here’s a great resource which explains what’s available and how it all works.  Click here to find this Information for new buyers.  This could be a great opportunity for you or for friends you know who are thinking about buying their first home!

A Time to Plant

If you’re like us, you’ve spend a significant portion of your free time this spring in lawn and garden maintenance.  For those of you out there in the trenches, we thought this might be an encouragement!  Click here to see how improving and maintaining the landscaping your home can be an exceptionally good investment.  Now that’s one way to put real sweat equity into your home!