Liz Local Peninsula Magazine - Summer Edition

PENINSULA SUMMER 2020 2020 Year of “Home” OUR FAVORITE PLACES: La Tienda PENINSULA Beaches PENINSULA-AREA Market Update Good Fences

2020 - In other news this year, we are thrilled to finally be in our brand-new office Year of in Richmond – stop in for a cup of “Home” coffee and a visit at 14061 Midlothian Turnpike in Midlothian Village. We Home has never felt more important also opened a satellite office in McLaws than it does right now. After months of Park in Williamsburg this summer, quarantine, many of us are re-thinking welcoming 4 transfer agents from what’s important to us. Separate Kingsmill Realty. spaces for remote working and distance learning, as well as home gyms, outdoor Who knows what the remainder of living spaces and vegetable gardens will 2020 has in store? Whatever it will be, undoubtedly bring a premium in the we would love to help you love where months to come. you live! Our real estate family has been blessed Liz Moore, that we have stayed busy (very busy!) President throughout these crazy times. We began the year with record setting sales in the first quarter, and like so many, we were forced to pivot quickly to figure out how to keep our clients safe in a whole new environment. I am incredibly proud of our team, who persevered through a very challenging few months with nothing short of grit, to ensure that our clients who needed to move in the midst of a pandemic could do it safely. With interest rates in the 2.75% range (yes, I said 2!), we are experiencing record levels of buyer demand. At the same time, we have extremely low inventory, as many sellers have delayed putting homes on the market for a variety of virus- related reasons. What does that mean for the market? It’s a great time to sell; with little competition and multiple offers in most price points, it’s the most robust sellers’ market that we’ve seen in years. Buyers need to be patient and heed their agent’s advice about moving quickly and aggressively when they find the right home. It’s worth it, though, as the reward will be historically low house payments and the promise of solid appreciation in the years to come. 2 SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

WANT TO KEEP UP WITH REAL ESTATE IN Your Neighborhood? Sign up to receive FREE neighborhood insider emails including price, photos, and home feature details. It’s a great way to stay on top of value trends and keep an eye on the market! There’s no cost and absolutely no obligation...simply call or send me your email address and neighborhoods you’d like to keep an eye on. I look forward to adding you to our “first-to-know” list! Accurate, Up-To-Date Contents Listings In The Hello From Your Palm Of Your Hand! Liz Moore REALTOR® Contact me Our Favorite Places: for a link to La Tienda download my app! Peninsula Beaches Peninsula-Area Homes For Sale Peninsula-Area Market Update Good Fences SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 3

OUR FAVORITE PLACES: La Tienda While La Tienda made a name for itself the Chaplain Corps, Don founded La Tienda’s paella features Calasparra selling gourmet Spanish foods, wine LaTienda.com in 1996 with his wife rice – a unique, centuries old, short and kitchen accessories to customers and sons. As the popularity of their grain rice – North Carolina-raised online more than 20 years ago, locals online business grew, Harris opened chicken, mild chorizo, smoked paprika get to enjoy the Mediterranean cuisine a retail store followed by the tapas and saffron. There is also a vegetarian first-hand at the La Tienda Tapas bar – creating an authentic Spanish option as well as a seafood option, that Bar located off Jamestown Road. The experience for customers. includes monkfish, Carolina shrimp, authentic Spanish restaurant is a favorite mussels and calamari. One order of among foodies. This past January, Greg Mincher paella serves 2-4 people! purchased the restaurant and is also La Tienda got its start when former the executive chef. Other standout tapas offerings include owner Don Harris fell in love with the their Berenjenas con Miel, a thinly- Spanish culture more than 40 years One of the restaurant’s most popular sliced fried eggplant drizzled with ago when he arrived in Spain as a menu items is its made-to-order paella. honey and fresh thyme; the Dátiles chaplain in the U.S. Navy. For a time, Considered the best-known dish in con Tocino, which are Ibérico bacon- Don and his wife Ruth raised their Spanish cuisine, paella takes its name wrapped Medjool dates stuffed with young family in El Puerto de Santa from the wide, shallow traditional pan aged Manchego cheese; and their Maria. After retiring as a captain from used to cook the dish on an open fire. Mejillones al Vapor con Chorizo – Paella means “frying pan” in Valencian. steamed mussels in white wine, garlic, mild chorizo and Galician bread. 4 SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

Their amazing menu is made even In the wake of CoVid-19, instead of Want to Go? better by their homemade Sangria – a offering curbside and delivery, Mincher Spanish punch made with wine and and his staff turned to a new model: a La Tienda Tapas Bar chopped fruit. Locals often enjoy a community kitchen operating under is open glass while dining outside on the patio. the umbrella of the massive nonprofit World Central Kitchen (WCK). The Tuesday-Saturday, 12-8 pm The restaurant also features a retail charity, started 10 years ago by Spanish Or check us out on section where customers can purchase Chef José Andrés, steps in during food Facebook! Spanish wines, cheeses and meats as crises throughout the world. well as many other culinary items. 757-808-5344 Throughout the year, locals also enjoy Community kitchens offer hot meals La Tienda Tapas Bar wine tastings and themed dinners. from set menus under a “pay what you 1325 Jamestown Road can” program, from full-price to free. Williamsburg, VA, 23185 In addition to its delicious wine and Three days a week, La Tienda sold food offerings, La Tienda is also an to-go entrees and appetizers from tents tienda.com amazing community partner. outside its restaurant, following strict hygiene and social distancing rules. SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 5

PENINSULA During the warm summer months, many people enjoy visiting the beach. The waves, the sun, the water, it can all be very relaxing or very exciting. Beaches Beach days are what you make of them! While there are well-known beaches within an hour or two hour’s drive – such as Virginia Beach or the Outer Banks in North Carolina, you might be surprised to learn that the Peninsula offers several beautiful beachfront locations – and they are much closer to home. Here’s a roundup of some of the Peninsula’s best beaches! Fort Monroe Gullick Drive, Hampton, VA 23651 | hampton.gov/beaches Surrounded by water on all sides, Fort Monroe beaches extend If you are looking for an upbeat, fun atmosphere, check out for miles and offer some of the best views in all of the Chesa- the Paradise Ocean Club, at Fort Monroe. The beach club, peake Bay. Outlook Beach at Fort Monroe is a public beach located at 490 Fenwick Road, has its own private beach where and is perfect for swimming, sun bathing and relaxing. If (for a fee) guests can use the club’s chairs and umbrellas as well you’re looking for a quiet spot to catch up on your favorite as order food and drinks from the snack bar or restaurants. novel or just enjoy the serenity of the water, Outlook Beach is Paradise Ocean Club also offers a pool and tiki bar. a great option! Grandview Nature Preserve State Park Drive, Hampton, VA 23664 | hampton.gov/beaches The Grandview Nature Preserve forms the northeast corner If you want to bring your fishing pole, it’s a great saltwater of the city of Hampton and includes more than 475 acres of spot. Just don’t forget your license! salt marsh, tidal creeks, and Chesapeake Bay beachfront. The Preserve is a great location to beach comb, observe birds, take “Most people forget this exists,” said Todd. “It’s a nice small pictures or just relax. It’s also ideal for kayaking and is open beach to go to for a few hours of peaceful time.” daily year-round Pro Tips: There are no public restrooms, so plan accordingly. 6 SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

Buckroe Beach North First Street, Hampton, VA, 23664 | hampton.gov/beaches Located right before the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, “They have a food truck there most weekends, a boardwalk, Buckroe Beach spans 3/4 of a mile along the Chesapeake Bay playground, places to have parties (covered patio areas), and un- and offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. Watch der normal circumstances have concerts and events,” said Todd. the ocean-going ships come into port while relaxing on the clean, sandy beach. The gentle surf is perfect for skim board- The beach is open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with lifeguards on ing or body boarding. staff during those hours. A playground and picnic shelters for families & groups are available separate from the beach. Liz Moore realtor Peggy Todd said Buckroe Beach is her go- to for a beach day with friends and family. For recreation on the water, Hampton Watersports rents jet skis, kayaks & paddleboards on the beach. They also offer hot food to go, cold beverages, ice cream, snacks and bags of ice. Yorktown Beach 425 Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23690 | visityorktown.org/163/Outdoor-Fun The two-acre beachfront along the York River is great for the street such as The Yorktown Pub (good crab dip) or just a boating, swimming, fishing or just lounging by the shoreline. short walk over to Ben & Jerrys for a cool refreshing ice cream After soaking up some sun, take a leisurely stroll along the cone. Yorktown beach is also the location of Market Days, a boardwalk and then pop into a local shop or restaurant. You local farmers market that runs from spring to fall.” can also rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and Segways. “Yorktown beach is my favorite,” added Stevens. “Water Street Liz Moore’s Ashley Wood and Valerie Stevens both appreciate grill is awesome and faces the bay and Gloucester beach. It’s a the amenities offered at Yorktown Beach. great place to go in the afternoon or evening.” “There are clean public restrooms and a handicap mat leading Pro Tips: Garage Parking is free for those shopping and eating straight to the water,” says Wood. “I also love that after a long at the beach. Beach parking can be limited, especially during day at the beach there are a couple places to eat just across events, so plan ahead and be prepared to walk a little bit. Jamestown Beach 2205 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | jamescitycountyva.gov/2898/Fishing-Watersport Perhaps the best kept secret in Williamsburg, Jamestown Between Memorial Day and Labor Day a concession stand Beach is a great place to visit! You can sunbathe in the pristine offers ice cream, hot dogs and other beach day treats. sand, rent a kayak, purchase food, grill out, or just enjoy the view of the historic James River. Located at the end of James- Pro Tip: Dogs are allowed at the beach, so feel free to bring town Road, right before the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, the Fido! Also, while the beach is free for City of Williamsburg beach is a favorite among locals. The beach also offers picnic and James City County residents, others will be charged an areas, restrooms and wash-off stations. entry fee. SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 7

Love Where You Live! 721 Railway Road | Yorktown 18003 Morgarts Beach Road | Smithfield $1,249,000 $725,000 104 Octavia Drive | Smith Farm Estates 11678 River Crest Dr | Gloucester 102 Whippoorwill Turn | Smith Farm Estates $725,000 $675,000 $665,000 9408 Ottoway Court | Stonehouse Glen 111 Harrigan Way | Kiln Creek 33A Moore Road | Poquoson $517,500 $440,000 $399,900 122 Meredith Street | Acorn Point Botetourt Avenue | Gloucester 670 Town Center Dr #409 | Point at City Center $354,900 $290,000 $290,000 8 SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

7 Red Leaf Place | Hampton Woods 564 Kristy Court | Oyster Point Cove 662 Harpersville Road | Robinson Terrace $194,900 $189,500 $167,900 44 Gambol Street | Green Oaks 1331 Penniman Road | Williamsburg 1214 74th Street | Newmarket Village $165,000 $147,000 $145,000 Need some room to grow? We understand that whatever the reason, moving up can be overwhelming. Our team does this every day, and we have the expertise to ensure that you get top dollar for the home you need to sell, as well as find the perfect place to meet your needs for the next chapter of life. It doesn’t have to be stressful! Let us help you love where you live! lizmoore.com

PENINSULA-AREA $213,000 Market median price, Insights has shown .5% appreciation over 98.9% the past year. Sellers enjoyed offers over 98% $1250 of their asking price this past year, which has The median rent on remained steady. the Peninsula was down slightly from 2019 — the rental market has proven to be very stable. -33% -12% Listing inventory is down Closed sales are down just 12% significantly, directly as a result of under last year at the midway sellers hesitant about coming into the point, in spite of the dip in sales market due to Covid-19. This has during April and May. Pending created the largest inventory shortage sales are up 27% during the we’ve seen in many years, and those same period, which reflects the sellers who have entered the market quick rebound we’ve experienced. are enjoying multiple offers and peak Historically low interest rates and prices in most price points. strong buyer demand point toward a solid summer and fall market. Top Neighborhoods based on closed sales last 12 months: 1. Kiln Creek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 6. Colony Pines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 2. Wythe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 7. Courthouse Green. . . . . . . . . . . 44 3. Beechwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 8. Windsor Great Park . . . . . . . . . 40 4. Fordham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 9. Michaels Woods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 5. Riverdale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 10. Coventry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 10 SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL Data reflects detached and attached sales in the Peninsula (REIN MLS 101-113; attached and detached) for calendar year 2020.

Good Fences Anew trend in garden art is emerging and it might not be what you expect! Decorative fence painting is a great way to add a little happiness to your backyard, and it can also be a great focal point for an inviting outdoor space. Long-time Williamsburg resident Apryl Altman is a master gardener and artist who had painted pictures of fences on walls, but had never actually painted a fence. Altman painted this fence for her friend. Altman, who once owned a flower shop in town, was used and hydrangea – a gorgeous depiction of what a blooming to painting murals, doing faux finishes and decorating garden with plenty of sun would look like. see photo. furniture, but she had never been asked to paint a fence until a friend of hers in Charles City approached her with the idea. When asked if there’s anything particularly challenging about decorative fence painting, Altman said the sun is the “My friend, who is also a master gardener, couldn’t get hurdle – since it can make the paint fade. flowers to grow in a certain part of her yard because there was too much shade, so she asked me if I could paint flowers As for working outside, Altman is a fan. on the fence in that area,” said Altman. “When the weather is nice, I find it to be a lot of fun,” she The result was a beautiful mural of flowers including wisteria said. “Just make sure you use the right paint for exterior work and make sure to prime the fence first!” —Amy McCluskey Want to Do It? Fence painting can by a fun DIY project, or you could hire a painter to do it for you. It’s a good idea to check with your home owners’ association before you take brush to fence. Pinterest is a great resource for fence-painting inspiration, or you can also check out these sites! https://www.diys.com/stunning-fence-painting-designs/ https://fenceanddecksupply.com/fence-decorations/ SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 11

lizmoore.com 11801 Canon Blvd., Ste. 100, Newport News, VA 23606 © COPYRIGHT LIZ MOORE AND ASSOCIATES. IF YOUR HOME IS CURRENTLY LISTED WITH ANOTHER REALTOR® PLEASE DISREGARD THIS POSTAL, AS IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SOLICIT ANOTHER AGENT’S LISTING. REASONS TO INVEST Diversify Your in Rental Property Portfolio Investment properties come with many benefits. Increased Wealth Eligible Tax Professional Management Deductions Earn Services Rental Rental Income Income Pays The Mortgage Contact us to find out what purchasing an investment property would look like for you! 757-707-5388