Liz Local Williamsburg Magazine - Winter Edition

WILLIAMSBURG WINTER 2020 WE’RE SO EXCITED ABOUT Our New Look! REAL ESTATE FACTS ON Airbnb OUR FAVORITE PLACES: Casa Pearl WILLIAMSBURG AREA Market Update INCORPORATING A Pop Of Color

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 to believe we will celebrate our 17th that is our legendary “No Surprises” birthday as a company later this year… platform – pre-listing home inspections it seems like just yesterday we opened and appraisals for our clients. It was our doors for the very first time in virtually unheard of when we entered December of 2003. the market in 2003, and now is heralded as one of the industry’s best practices, as Since then, we’ve grown from a crew well as a huge competitive advantage for of 32 in one office in Newport News, our 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 a Hello from your Liz Moore REALTOR® FREE Real estate facts REGULAR SUB on Airbnb Our favorite places: with the purchase of a regular sub Casa Pearl and two 22oz drinks. Williamsburg area homes for sale (Promo code 1210) Williamsburg area market update 4655 Monticello Ave, Ste 202 Incorporating a Williamsburg, VA 23188 pop of color 757-345-5880 WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 3 Sunday-Saturday 10am-9pm www.jerseymikes.com/6055

REAL ESTATE Simple, right? Here are a few: FACTS ON Well, sort of. • Short-term rentals require a “special exception” approval from the Board Airbnb Airbnb hosts like it because they of Zoning appeals stand to make a decent income, and While mega short-term rental guests like the value they get for the • Rentals are limited to owner-occupied company Airbnb is quickly becoming accommodations and locations of the single-family detached homes and a tourism staple in many cities, some properties, which typically rival that of the owner must be physically present municipalities have been slow to accept area hotels. But, even after 11 years of at the property during any rental the new industry. being in existence, localities still have period - this essentially rules out a lot of questions. For instance, how any real estate investors looking to If you’re not familiar with the company, will it be regulated? How does the city buy properties based on short-term Airbnb was created in 2008 by Brian or county collect tax? Will it affect the rental income Chesky and Joe Gebbia, former existing tourism industry? How will roommates who found themselves this impact neighborhoods? • Hosts cannot provide meals constantly struggling to make rent. In order to bring in some extra cash, For these reasons, some localities are they threw a few air mattresses on their taking years to put formal regulations living room floor, bought some eggs and in place. All the while, homeowners bacon and marketed the space as an ‘air are covertly renting out their properties bed and breakfast.’ The concept was to until they get a slap on the wrist, a fine, offer visitors a cheap place to sleep for a or whichever comes first. night or two. Fast forward 11 years and Airbnb is now a billion-dollar company Locally, the City of Williamsburg with 31 offices across the world. recently addressed the issue and agreed upon a short-term rental policy, albeit with a number of provisions. So, how does it work? Airbnb is an online marketplace, which A tourism lets people rent out their properties or hotbed with roughly spare rooms to guests. The company makes money by charging guests and 14,000 residents, hosts for short-term rental stays in Williamsburg is a private homes or apartments booked likely place to host through the Airbnb website. Airbnbs. 4 WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

• Only one room in the house may During a city council meeting, one Since short-term rentals are nowhere be rented local innkeeper argued that tourists near as prevalent in Williamsburg as already have enough overnight options they are in major tourist cities such • Event rentals are not permitted, etc. to choose from and that Airbnbs aren’t as New York, San Francisco and Los necessarily any cheaper. Angeles, it’s hard to say what if any • Hosts must maintain a logbook of impacts there are locally. But, as all visitors for a minimum of two However, those who own rental short-term rental platforms like Airbnb years and allow zoning officials properties in the city – especially those continue to grow and expand into access with written request outside of restrictive homeowners’ tourism markets, elected officials will associations – feel it’s unfair to limit have to continue monitoring the local A tourism hotbed with roughly 14,000 the use of their homes. impacts and be prepared to revisit its residents, Williamsburg is a likely policy as needed. place to host Airbnbs. There are hotels, At the city council meeting on this motels, inns and timeshares galore. issue one homeowner said: “I do feel Fun Facts What’s one more? that I am unfairly restricted in this avenue of short-term rentals because of Airbnb has more than where the location of my property is.” five million listings worldwide Williamsburg communications specialist Leigh Ann Hartmann 53% of travelers confirmed that the city does have one use Airbnb because approved short-term rental, meaning that the homeowner obtained a business of price license, received approval from the city’s Board of Zoning appeals, and agreed Hosts in cities where to pay personal property taxes on every they can rent their item in the room being rented. entire space could While there is officially one approved recoup 70-100% of their short-term rental, a quick search on mortgage payment Airbnb.com reveals that there are several other properties operating Airbnbs 88% of reservations are within the city limits, which brings up for 2-4 people the next question: How will the city enforce it short-term rental policy. There are 660,000 listings in the U.S. The quick answer is, it won’t. Instead, the city will rely on neighbors to alert About 2 million people them by filing complaints to the city’s stay in Airbnb rentals zoning department. On another level, across the world on an localities are also considering the impact short-term rentals like Airbnb might average night have on the housing market. Critics argue that home-sharing platforms like Airbnb raise the cost of living for local renters, while proponents suggest that allowing short-term rentals can only increase property value. WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 5

OUR FAVORITE PLACES: The Concept: Casa Pearl Casa Pearl focuses on quality, locally- sourced ingredients, seasoned culinary If you haven’t tried Williamsburg’s almost twice the business we were expertise, and amazing customer service. Casa Pearl restaurant, then you are anticipating.” missing out! Mikey, who hails from Virginia’s When Mikey came up with the Northern Neck, grew up crabbing with Located in what used to be an old concept of Casa Pearl a couple years his dad and cooking a lot of seafood. gas station off Merrimac Trail at the ago, he wasn’t sure how Williamsburg edge of the city, the oyster and taco would respond. “It was our family’s hobby,” he said. restaurant has enjoyed a steady stream of local clientele as well as positive “In the beginning we were skeptical,” His southern heritage, combined with reviews since opening last December. admitted Mikey. “Because we are a his experiences in culinary school and taco restaurant, but by no means are in fine-dining restaurants around the “It’s been a whirlwind of trying to keep we a Mexican restaurant. We’re more globe prepared and inspired him to up,” said owner Mikey Maksimowicz. of a very eclectic, no-defined cuisine open Casa Pearl. He wanted to create a “We’re doing like one and a half to focusing on fresh ingredients.” unique dining experience. 6 WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

“I thought, why can’t we offer great The Food: beer and its third top-selling menu food in a casual atmosphere with raw item, the Casa Margarita – made with concrete floors and whatnot, but still Since opening last winter, Casa Pearl’s Lunazul Tequila, Cointreau, Ancho have awesome service, awesome food core menu has stayed mostly the same, Reyes Chili liqueur, lime, agave and and great cocktails at a mid-range price but weekly food and drink specials grapefruit jalapeño bitters? point where it’s not breaking the bank keep customers on their toes. for everyone to go out and eat – and On the horizon: that’s kind of the concept of Casa Pearl The raw bar features many of the and how it evolved,” he said. delicious fish and shellfish that the Coming this fall and winter, Mikey Chesapeake Bay region has to offer said to look for a few seasonal changes Williamsburg has embraced Mikey’s and tacos are Latin-inspired, but with in the menu. He will be incorporating concept whole-heartedly. Locals can’t a southern twist. For instance, the butternut squash, blood oranges, get enough of Casa Pearl’s distinctive fried chicken taco features a creamy Meyer lemons, and other winter citrus dishes. pimento cheese coleslaw combined into menu items. Look for seasonal with sweet Bread & Butter pickles and cocktail specials as well. “My husband and I love the grilled the baked Chincoteague clams are oysters and the hushpuppies are served with Thai sausage, coconut milk Also coming this fall will be oyster amazing,” said Liz Moore, of boutique and basil gremolata. roasts on the patio. real estate brokerage Liz Moore & Associates. Among Casa Pearl’s top sellers are the “This is something we did a lot when I oyster po-boy taco -- a heavenly mix of worked in Charleston, S.C.,” said Mikey. Liz is always looking for fun, new friend oysters, Napa cabbage, jalapeno, “You take raw oysters, steam them up places to eat with her family as well as tomatillo salsa verde and remoulade outside and eat them with some Saltines to recommend to clients. as well as an extremely fresh-tasting and a couple pitchers of beer – it’s a ceviche comprised of cucumber, great time and great way to use the patio “Williamsburg’s restaurant scene is avocado, jalapeno, garlic and herbs. during the cooler months. really growing into an exciting mix of dining options and Casa Pearl is As if that doesn’t sound delicious Want to Go? a shining example of how our area is enough, Casa Pearl also boasts an embracing new things,” she said. impressive cocktail menu, which Casa Pearl is open includes a seasonal slushie, Virginia Wednesday-Sundays for lunch 11:30am-3:30pm and for dinner 4:30pm-9pm on weekdays and 4:30pm- 9:30pm on weekends. 722 Merrimac Trail Williamsburg, VA 23185 757-208-0149 eatcasapearl.com WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 7

Love Where You Live! 3004 Kitchums Close | Governor’s Land | $1,900,000 2729 Jockey’s Neck | The Vineyards | $950,000 224 Jeffersons Hundred | Kingsmill | $749,000 220 Holly Hills Drive | Holly Hills | $737,000 152 Southport | Ford’s Colony | $725,000 1022 Jamestown Rd | Williamsburg | $619,000 3322 Running Cedar | Graylin Woods | $560,000 114 Worksop | Ford’s Colony | $525,000 2687 Brownstone | Cottages at Stone Haven | $489,000 121 Jordans Journey | First Colony | $475,000 684 Counselors Way | Counselors Close | $470,000 9424 Ashlock Ct | Stonehouse Glen | $465,000 232 William Barksdale | Kingsmill | $455,000 3829 South Orchard | The Settlement | $415,000 4190 Winthrop Cir | Colonial Heritage | $380,000 8 WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

2923 Chesapeake Ave | Hampton | $375,000 1002 Dare Road | Yorktown | $369,900 6543 Wysteria Lane | Gloucester | $295,000 4445 Eaglebrook | Powhatan Village | $295,000 3124 Maplewood Pl | Village Square | $265,000 202 Braemar Creek | Braemar Creek | $259,900 109 Hite Park | Whittakers Mill | $245,000 464 Crooked Stick | Williamsburg | $200,000 223 Claiborne Drive | Claiborne | $195,000 Enjoy the lifestyle you’ve earned! Home is important – we get that. Finding the perfect home to fit your lifestyle is our mission. Whether it’s a dream home on the river, a short walk to the golf course, or a cottage in the woods, no one understands this market like we do. Let us help you love where you live! See all of our listings online at: lizmoore.com WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 9

Williamsburg Market Insights + 3.2% $312,000 New Listings were up slightly over the prior The Median Sales Price year; however, proposed new construction (not remained steady with yet built) in several new homes communities last year. accounts for a fair amount of the increase. From a practical standpoint, new listings - 1.1% coming on the market remain relatively flat. In my opinion, this is the biggest factor Closed sales were down over keeping a lid on the market – not enough well 2018, but just slightly. Pending priced listings in market ready condition to sales in the final quarter were up meet the buyer demand. just over 4% (as an office, our Our strategic answer to this unmet need is the under-contract sales were up close launch of our Update Now/Pay Later program, to 10%!), which suggests that which we anticipate creating additional we’ll have a more robust start to market ready inventory for our clients. 2020 (last January was the slowest we had seen in a number of years). 98.7% Sellers enjoyed offers close Overall, the market in 2019 was very to 99% of their asking stable, and largely unchanged over price this past year, which the year before. Because 2020 is an has remained steady. election year, I anticipate that we will continue to see a stable or slightly $1,635 increasing market through November. Most predictions are that interest The average rent in rates will continue to hold steady Greater Williamsburg was through the election, making this a almost the same as 2018 - 10 year streak of historically low rates. the rental market has proven to be very stable. Liz Moore, President Data reflects detached and attached sales in Greater Williamsburg (23185, 23168, 23188) for calendar year 2019, WMLS. 10 WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

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. WINTER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 11

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