Liz Local Richmond Magazine - Winter Edition

RICHMOND WINTER 2020 WE’RE SO EXCITED ABOUT Our New Look! REAL ESTATE FACTS ON Airbnb OUR FAVORITE PLACES: La Cucina INCORPORATING A Pop Of Color RICHMOND AREA Market Insight

WE’RE SO EXCITED ABOUT Our New Look! Have you checked out our new website future. Changing demographics and yet at lizmoore.com? Or downloaded shifting media channels are offering our new search app from the App Store up many new strategic opportunities or Google Play? Have you seen our to deliver an even greater real estate new for sale signs featuring reflective experience than ever before. technology? How about our new office building that’s underway on Midlothian We’ve always approached things Turnpike in Richmond? differently than the rest of the industry and have never been afraid to depart Lots of excitement at Liz Moore & from the way real estate has traditionally Associates to ring in 2020! It’s hard been practiced. A great example of that to believe we will celebrate our 17th is our legendary “No Surprises” platform birthday as a company later this year… – pre-listing home inspections and it seems like just yesterday we opened appraisals for our clients. It was virtually our doors for the very first time in unheard of when we entered the market December of 2003. in 2003, and now is heralded as one of the industry’s best practices, as well as Since then, we’ve grown from a crew a huge competitive advantage for our of 32 in one office in Newport News, clients. to over 120 staff and agents in 4 offices from the Peninsula to RVA, including We’ve been first to market with a a portfolio of 400 rental properties. number of innovations over the years – from drone photography to digital The real estate industry has changed homes magazines and story audio a great deal since we launched our clips to in-house graphic design and company, although our laser focus on videography. We love to “wow” our delivering an extraordinary real estate clients and our agents, and we work experience has not. I think it is the relentlessly to make sure we perfect time for us to refresh our brand do it better than anyone else. identity, as our marketing footprint continues to evolve from print to Stay tuned for another exciting digital. We took advantage of a new marketing campaign... website and app design to introduce Coming Soon! an updated Liz Moore brand identity, replacing our iconic merlot oval with a We’re excited about our bold navy blue square. new design direction, and many more The new campaign is the culmination successful years of of a 12-month marketing project. Our reinventing real estate! leadership team conducted an in- depth study of client insights to better Liz Moore, President understand not only what has been successful in the past, but what will be most important to our clients in the 2 WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

WANT TO KEEP UP WITH REAL ESTATE IN Your Neighborhood? Sign up to receive FREE neighborhood There’s no cost and absolutely no insider emails including price, photos, obligation...simply call or send me your and home feature details. It’s a great way email address and neighborhoods you’d to stay on top of value trends and keep like to keep an eye on. I look forward to an eye on the market! adding you to our “first-to-know” list! Check out one of our favorite spots! Contents Present this coupon to receive 3 Hello from your Liz Moore REALTOR® $10 OFF 4 Real estate facts on Airbnb your purchase of $50 or more 6 Our favoirte places: La Cucina 11400 W. Huguenot Rd 8 Richmond area Unit 7 homes for sale 10 Incorporating a Midlothian, VA 23235 pop of color 11 Richmond area 804-378-8940 market insight Monday-Saturday WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 3 11am-10pm Closed Sunday www.lacucinava.com

REAL ESTATE Simple, right? According to Virginia law, a short-term rental is defined as a unit (either a spare FACTS ON Well, sort of. room or a whole house) offered for the purpose of lodging for a period of less Airbnb Airbnb hosts like the concept because than 30 days. In March 2018, there they stand to make a decent income, were 835 short-term rental listings While mega short-term rental and guests like the value they get for throughout various neighborhoods and company Airbnb is quickly becoming the accommodations and locations sections of Richmond. a tourism staple in many cities, some of the properties, which typically municipalities have been slow to accept rival that of area hotels. But many Here are a few: the new industry. localities still have a lot of questions. For instance, how will it be regulated? • The short-term rental shall be the If you’re not familiar with the company, How does the city or county collect operator’s primary residence with the Airbnb was created in 2008 by Brian tax? How will it affect the existing operator occupying the property at Chesky and Joe Gebbia, former tourism industry? How will it impact least 185 days a year. Short-term rentals roommates who found themselves neighborhoods? constantly struggling to make rent. In order to bring in some extra cash, For these reasons, some localities they threw a few air mattresses on their have taken years to put formal living room floor, bought some eggs and regulations in place. In January 2020, bacon and marketed the space as an ‘air the city of Richmond will consider a bed and breakfast.’ The concept was to proposal that will amend the official offer visitors a cheap place to sleep for a zoning ordinance for the purpose of night or two. Fast forward 11 years and permitting short-term rentals under Airbnb is now a billion-dollar company certain terms and conditions. If with 31 offices across the world. approved, the new regulations will go into effect July 1, 2020. So, how does it work? Airbnb is an online marketplace, which A tourism lets people rent out their properties or hotbed, Richmond spare rooms to guests. The company raked in $3.8 million makes money by charging guests and collectively, hosting hosts for short-term rental stays in an estimated 27,500 private homes or apartments booked through the Airbnb website. guests. 4 WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

must be operated by the home or rentals must have smoke detectors, Since short-term rentals are nowhere property owner and not a tenant carbon monoxide detectors, and an near as prevalent in Richmond as they accessible fire extinguisher are in major cities like New York, • The total number of adult renters San Francisco, and Los Angeles, it’s allowed in a short-term rental shall Henrico County has a similar setup hard to say what, if any, impacts there be limited to two adults per available with regards to short-term rental are locally. But, as short-term rental sleeping room. requirements. Meanwhile, localities companies like Airbnb continue to are also considering the impact short- grow and expand into tourism markets, • The total number of sleeping rooms term rentals like Airbnb might have elected officials will have to continue available for rent is limited to a on the housing market. Critics argue monitoring the local impacts and be maximum of five sleeping rooms. that home-sharing platforms like prepared to revisit their policies as Events and gatherings of people Airbnb raise the cost of living for local needed. other than the authorized lodgers renters, while proponents suggest that are prohibited from occurring at the allowing short-term rentals can only short-term rental. increase property value. • For safety purposes, short-term Fun Facts Airbnb has more than five million listings worldwide 53% of travelers use Airbnb because of price Hosts in cities where they can rent their entire space could recoup 70-100% of their mortgage payment 88% of reservations are for 2-4 people There are 660,000 listings in the U.S. About 2 million people stay in Airbnb rentals across the world on an average night WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 5

OUR FAVORITE PLACES: entire family was involved in the restaurant business in Brooklyn, NY, La Cucina and Vito started working at a young age. He began by serving slices of pizza By Brandy Centolanza ingredients and to expand their and washing dishes, which evolved palates.” into working in the kitchen and meal When it comes to authentic Italian prepping. cuisine, Vito Bellantuono, owner Vito co-owns La Cucina, which means of La Cucina Ristorante Italiano & “the kitchen” in Italian, with his wife, “It was just a natural progression,” Vito Pizzeria in Midlothian, takes things Joann. The restaurant is located at said. “Being a part of this business just seriously. Vito, a native of Italy, has The Shoppes at Bellgrade on West became a part of my life.” been working hard the past nine years Huguenot Road. Though he’s owned to provide his customers with the best La Cucina since 2010, he’s been in the Vito made his way to the Richmond Italian dishes out there. restaurant industry his whole life. area in 1995, where he opened an Italian restaurant with his brother- “We are trying to strike that balance Growing Up in in-law. The duo later opened the between American Italian food and restaurant Chianti on Gaskins Road. true Italian food,” Vito said. “We are the Business Eventually, Vito sold his half of always trying new flavors. Our goal is Chianti to his brother-in-law when he to introduce our customers to different Vito was born in Italy and migrated to and Joann decided to open La Cucina. the United States in 1973. His father’s 6 WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

Bringing Genuine Italian Joann is responsible for the front of Joann strive to meet the needs of every the house. Nearly everything is made customer. Dishes to Richmond in-house at La Cucina, from the bread “Everything is made to order,” Vito to the sauces and dressings. Vito is said. “We want to give people a La Cucina serves traditional Italian constantly finding inspiration for his good quality meal and experience food such as pizza and pasta including meal selections, even traveling back at a fair price. We want to make manicotti, ravioli, cannelloni, and to Italy for ideas. Customers also rave sure everything is right from the lasagna as well as original dishes that about his soups. moment you place your order to the Vito creates on a weekly basis. presentation of the food on your plate “Our food is seasonal, and tends to be to serving you the meal. Consistency is “We pride ourselves on our fish and more hearty in the winter,” he said. “In key to the craft. We don’t compromise veal,” he said. “We have three different the summer, I will use a lot more fruit. on the quality of the food.” specials every week: a fish, a protein, Right now, I am making a lot of soups. Vito and Joann have had loyal and a pasta.” I try not to make the same soup more customers through the years, some than twice a year.” whom come routinely to eat and have La Cucina’s signature pasta dish is watched their two boys grow up. pasta Michaelangelo with chicken, Vito has recipes for more than 100 “It’s like they’ve become a part of our shrimp, sausage, red peppers, and soups. His wife’s favorite is the chicken family, and that’s very rewarding,” artichoke in a light pink sauce. Other gnocchi soup. Joann said. “It’s great to hear people top sellers are the pasta Bolognese say that this is the best food that served with a meat sauce made with “Cooking is like handwriting: they’ve had in a long time. Satisfying ground veal, beef, pork, and a hint everyone has their own signature,” our customers is what it is all about.” of cream as well as the seared salmon Vito said. “I like creating and in a lemon caper sauce. The veal and experimenting in the kitchen and Want to Go? chicken Marsala entrees are also finding out what works and what popular. The restaurant offers roughly doesn’t.” La Cucina is open half a dozen different veal and chicken Monday-Saturday from dinner entrees. It’s All About 11:00am-10:00pm. Experimenting the Customer Closed Sunday. with Food Patrons can eat in the dining room or 11400 West Huguenot Rd al fresco on the patio during warmer Unit 7 Vito operates in the kitchen while weather. At La Cucina, Vito and Midlothian, VA 23113 804-378-8940 WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 7

NewCONSTRUCTION New home construction is exploding in the Richmond area in communities like Rochambeau, Summer Lake and surrounding counties. If you are in the market for a new home or a builder to build your dream home, contact me today to get started. Check Out Our Neighborhoods 8 WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

The Chapel Hill HANOVER The Richmond The Charleston II NEW KENT The Farmington POWHATAN MOSELEY WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 9

What’s Trending? What you’ll need for your DIY makeover paintover: an old rag, INCORPORATING A painter’s tape, primer or white paint if you’re covering a dark color, your paint Pop Of Color color of choice, and an appropriate size paint brush for the project. For Want to try some bold, trendy colors is you don’t have to commit an entire added appeal, find updated or funky in your home but don’t know where to room or wall to that trendy color to accessories for your piece like a new start? We’ve got you covered. achieve the effect, a pop is just that, a lamp shade or drawer pulls. small area or item in that special shade It’s really quite simple once you have all A cayenne red can make a bold, spicy providing a flash of color. of your supplies. First, wipe away any statement. A deep purple or blue can dust so you have a smooth, clean surface. add depth and richness. A sunny yellow Try an accent wall, half wall above Next, remove drawer knobs or tape over or warm orange can brighten any space. or below your chair rail, or a piece any hardware or areas you don’t want A soft green or light blue can bring the of furniture. Even painting a frame, painted. Apply a primer coat if needed peace of nature inside. Color showcases chandelier, lamp, or pair of candle to cover particularly dark colors and our emotions and our creativity, and sticks in a bold shade can add a pop of stains. Next, apply one to two coats of always makes a statement. color and lend visual interest to a room your chosen paint color and let dry. or area in your home. Remove any tape and reaffix the These bold, trendy colors are fun, necessary items like lamp shades, light popular and can update any home, Great areas to play with color are bulbs, or drawer knobs, and wait for but trends can also be passing. A great laundry rooms, bathrooms and entry the compliments to start rolling in. way to stay current and protect your ways. You don’t spend hours in these The possibilities don’t end with paint investment from becoming outdated places, rather you pass through and fun when it comes to playing with color. is to incorporate these colors in your colors here can leave a lasting impression. So, go ahead and make a splash with home in small bursts, also known as bold, trendy colors in your home! We pops of color. You’re not a painter? No problem. You want to see your projects and how can always hire a professional for a big you incorporate pops of color in your Pops of color can highlight job, but this is a fun way to put those home. Would love to see what you’ve architectural details and add hours you’ve logged watching HGTV done. Share pictures with us at @ with personality to any space. The best part to good use. the hashtag #lizmoorePOC. Throw pillows, blankets, vases, and framed prints are easy, low commitment ways to play with color in your home. 10 WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

RICHMOND AREA $265,000 Market Insights The Median Sales Price rose just over 10.2% from $259,950 last year. + 3.7% New Listings were up slightly over the prior + 18.5% year; however, proposed new construction (not yet built) in several new homes communities Closed sales were up accounts for a fair amount of the increase. significantly overall 2018, From a practical standpoint, new listings but just slightly. Overall coming on the market remain relatively sales in the final quarter flat. In my opinion, this is the biggest factor were up just over 7.9%, this keeping a lid on the market – not enough well suggests that we’ll have a priced listings in market ready condition to more robust start to 2020. meet the buyer demand. Our strategic answer to this unmet need is the launch of our Update Now/Pay Later program, Data reflects detached and attached sales in CVR MLS which we anticipate creating additional for calendar year 2019. market ready inventory for our clients. Overall, the market in 2019 showed a steady increase in the number of homes sold. Because 2020 is 96.2% an election year, I anticipate that we will continue to see a stable or Sellers received offers slightly increasing market through around their asking price November. Most predictions are that this past year, which has interest rates will continue to hold remained steady. steady through the election, making this a 10 year streak of historically low rates. Tonya Morrow, Manager Top 20 Neighborhoods 8. Highland Springs 15. Hampton Park 9. Deer Run 16. Rountrey Based on Resale Closings 10. Hallsley 17. Stratford Hills 11. Holloway at Wyndham Forest 18. Ashbrook 1. Magnolia Green 12. Brickshire 19. Salisbury 2. Harpers Mill 13. Foxcreek 20. Tarrington 3. Woodlake 14. Highland Park 4. Brandermill WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 11 5. Collington 6. The Highlands 7. River Mill

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