The Jessica Russo Team

If you’re seeing headlines about sellers slashing prices and are worried about what that means for home values, let's clear things up.

There’s a difference between the asking price and the sold price.

While more sellers are adjusting their asking price, that’s a signal of moderating demand – not falling home values.

As this graphic shows, actual sold prices are still climbing.

You expect your real estate agent to write a great description of your house for the listing and pair it with some high-quality photos. But that’s not all you’re going to get when you partner with a great agent.

So, how can you benefit from your agent using these methods?

👉Listing on the MLS – By listing your house on the MLS, it will get more visibility from other real estate agents and buyers. This could lead to more traffic, which could ultimately help you see an increase in offers and ultimately a better price.

👉Using a Yard Sign – A yard sign catches the eye of people driving or walking by. This method drums up local interest since people who live nearby might have friends or family looking to move into the area. It also prominently displays your agent’s contact information, so interested buyers can get in touch easily.

👉Having an Open House – When your agent advertises and hosts your open house, buyers see others are interested in your house, too. This competition can lead to stronger offers. An open house is also easier for you since you only need to leave once for many buyers to visit. Plus, your agent may get useful feedback on what people like or don’t like, which can help you make improvements to attract more buyers later, if needed.

👉Showcasing on Your Agent’s Website – Having your house visible on your agent’s website allows for a professional presentation of your property. Additionally, people visiting your agent’s website are more likely to be serious buyers who are ready to make a move.

👉Social Networking – Your real estate agent works hard to have a wide-ranging social media presence. Marketing your house this way allows them to reach a large audience. It also makes it easy for people to share your listing with friends and loved ones who might be interested.

👉Providing Virtual Tours – Virtual tours are extremely convenient for buyers, especially those who are relocating from out of town. This method allows them to tour anytime, day or night. It shows your agent is using the latest technology to market your house.

Ready to list your home? Let's chat.

Thinking of selling but feeling stuck with today’s mortgage rates?

Here’s something to consider: your home equity could be the solution.

So, how can equity help? Depending on how much you have you could:

👉Buy your next home in cash.
👉Make a larger down payment and finance less.

If you’re curious about finding out about your equity, let’s connect for a free equity assessment.

Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different. With higher mortgage rates and rising prices, plus the limited supply of homes for sale, there’s a lot to consider.

But, there’s one way to avoid getting tripped up – and that’s leaning on a real estate agent for the best possible advice. An expert’s insights will help you avoid some of the most common mistakes homebuyers are making right now.

““I’m closing on Monday (with another agent) and wanted you to know that after having another homebuying experience out here, I am extremely appreciative of you. You are an order of magnitude more professional than any of the four agents I’ve worked with out here.” - A former client of the Jessica Russo Team who has since moved away.

Happy Memorial Day 🇺🇸

Wondering about the future of home prices? Here's the scoop.

Experts forecast a steady rise in home prices until at least 2028.

That means buying now sets you up to gain equity as values climb. But, if you wait, the price of a home will only be higher later on.

If you want to chat about what this means for you, I’m here and happy to help.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

If you want to find out what builders are doing in our area, let’s connect and check it out together. And if you’re willing to cast a wider net to open up your options even more, we can talk about broadening your search to include other towns nearby.

Thinking about selling your house? As you make your decision, consider what’s pushing you to think about moving. A recent survey from Realtor.com looked into why people want to sell their homes this year. Here are the top two reasons:

1. To make a profit. The latest data shows most sellers get a great return on their investment when they sell. According to a data provider, home sellers made a $121,000 profit on the typical sale in 2023.

2. For family reasons. Maybe you want to be near relatives to help take care of older family members or to have more support nearby. Or maybe you’re just eager to spend time together on special occasions like birthdays and holidays.

If you’re thinking about selling your house, there’s probably a good reason for it. Let’s talk so you have help making the right move to reach your goals this year.

New Listing in Cascadia! 🏡
1252 Delphi Lane

Join us for an Open House Saturday from 1-3pm.

Another sweet home in the amenity rich Cascadia neighborhood. Modern and designed with functionality in mind, this home has hardwood throughout the main level which includes an office space, proper dining room and sweet light filled family room with a cozy fireplace that opens to the spacious kitchen with granite and stainless steel appliances.

The spacious primary bedroom enjoys a walk-in closet and bathroom with a frameless shower and double vanity. The other three bedrooms upstairs are nicely sized and are on the same level with a rooftop sitting area that enjoys the afternoon sunsets overlooking Darden Towe Park. The private backyard has a nice stamped concrete pad for entertaining.

Yes! This house has Ting fiber internet. The location of this sweet home can't be beat with the community clubhouse, pool, one of two playgrounds and walking trails just a few steps away. Located in the Pantops section of town, only minutes to the Downtown Mall, MJH, shopping and I64.

It's just math and facts.

Ready to buy or sell? Let's chat.

When it comes to the current housing market, there’s a lot of misinformation out there right now.

And you may be confused about what’s fact and what’s fiction.

That’s why I’m busting some of the biggest myths and misconceptions in real estate today. Swipe to see.

If you have student loans and want to buy a home, you might have questions about how your debt affects your plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home? Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt? Here’s a look at the latest information so you have the answers you need.

Still on the hunt for your dream home?

If you're having a hard time finding the right house or dealing with affordability issues, let's chat. Newly built homes might be the solution you've been searching for.

Buying a home this spring? You’re probably navigating today’s affordability challenges and dealing with the limited number of homes for sale. But, what if there was a solution that could help with both?

Newly Built Homes Could Be a Game Changer This Spring Buying a home this spring? You’re probably navigating today’s affordability challenges and dealing with the limited number of homes for sale. But, what if there was a solution that could help with…

Are you thinking about making a move? If so, now may be the perfect time to start the process. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is just around the corner.

The Best Week To List Your House Is Almost Here Are you thinking about making a move? If so, now may be the perfect time to start the process. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is just around the corner. A recent Realtor.

NEW LISTING! 🏡
832 King William Drive

Another Dunlora beauty! This sweet home is spacious and has a nice open flow, with all the right rooms. The formal living room/study and dining room have beautiful hardwood floors. The open kitchen has plenty of cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a cozy breakfast eating area.

The bright family room enjoys large windows facing the serene back yard and enjoys a gas fireplace. Upstairs, the large primary bedroom suite offers a renovated bathroom with stand alone tub, walk-in shower, and double vanity, all tastefully recently updated. Three additional bedrooms share a full bathroom with double vanity.

This community offers a pool, clubhouse, tennis, trails and playground. Only a short walk through the community woods to the Rivanna River and Trail System. Dunlora is conveniently located close to 29N shopping with easy access to downtown via the John Warner Parkway.

Join us for an Open House today from 1-3pm.

I'm proud to be a member of the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors Professional Honor Society since 2015. This year also marks the third year on the CAAR Board of Directors.

NEW LISTING! 🏡 676 Victorian Court Charlottesville

Sweetest of sweet homes in Village Square. Just off Rio Road and in a great central location, this home has been carefully updated. The main level has refinished original hardwood floors that lead to the renovated kitchen (2015) with granite and newer appliances. The dining room features a lovely bay window looking out to the peaceful backyard with a large deck. Three bedrooms upstairs enjoy two updated bathrooms and downstairs has new LVP flooring with a gas fireplace in the spacious family room. See full list of improvements. Close to Pen Park and Meadowcreek Parkway.

Join us Saturday, March 2nd between 1-3pm for an Open House.

NEW LISTING! 🏡🏡🏡

Open and spacious attached Wayland's Grant home in the heart of Crozet at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains⛰️. This home has a sweet, open floor plan with flexible living spaces & a fabulous flow for entertaining. Enjoy the traditional feel of a neighborhood centered around an open grassy common field with a gazebo and playground. Steps away from the beloved Crozet Trails and a short distance to Old Trail Town Center and all things in Downtown Crozet with sidewalks, bike lanes and great mountain views. HOA covers yard maintenance and trash/recycling. 2 assigned parking spaces. Water heater 2024.

Open House Saturday from 1-3pm. DM me for more information.

Planning to make a move this year? Whether you're buzzing with excitement for the next chapter or feeling a bit sentimental about your current home, finding the right balance is key. With these three best practices, you'll feel confident and ready to take on the journey. Let's chat about your plans and ensure you navigate the process smoothly.

Thinking about selling your house soon? Here's a helpful tip: Make sure your home is available for showings as much as you can. To make it easier, think ahead and have a go-to spot nearby where you can hang out for a bit if you need to step out during showings. Let's chat about your plans and ensure you navigate the selling process with confidence and ease.

Are you feeling a bit unsure about what’s really happening with mortgage rates? That might be because you’ve heard someone say they’re coming down. But then you read somewhere else that they’re up again. And that may leave you scratching your head and wondering what’s true.

What’s Really Happening with Mortgage Rates? Are you feeling a bit unsure about what’s really happening with mortgage rates? That might be because you’ve heard someone say they’re coming down. But then you read somewhere else that they’re up…

New Listing!!! 🏡 Monticello Overlook Condos

Modern Living with Mountain Views! Nicely renovated and sun-filled condo in Belmont. This top floor, 2 bedroom 🛌 and 2 bathroom 🛁 condo has hardwood floors, updated fixtures and newer kitchen stainless steel appliances with maple cabinets. Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors lead you to your private outdoor balcony with mountain views ⛰️- perfect for sipping morning coffee or relishing stunning sunsets. Full size washer and dryer, updated bathrooms, LVP in the bedrooms,walk-in closet and newer HVAC unit (2020). Close to the Belmont scene, Quarry Park and Belmont Park. Walk or bike to UVA, the Downtown Mall and so much more.

Contact me for more information or to set up a showing!

Have you thought about buying a home but worry you can’t afford it? Just recently, the key factors influencing your ability to purchase a home – mortgage rates, home prices, and wages – have started moving in a positive direction. Let’s connect to discuss if now’s a good time for you to start your journey to homeownership.

Has the idea of sharing a home with loved ones like your grandparents, parents, or other relatives crossed your mind? If so, you’re not alone. More buyers are choosing to go this route and buy a multi-generational home. Here’s a look at some of the top reasons why, to see if a home like this may be right for you too.

The Top Benefits of Buying a Multi-Generational Home Has the idea of sharing a home with loved ones like your grandparents, parents, or other relatives crossed your mind? If so, you’re not alone. More buyers are choosing to go this route and buy a multi…

Great news for those awaiting favorable mortgage rates before making a move. They’ve been trending downward in recent months and projections indicate they’re likely to decline further throughout 2024. That means new opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Want to know how changing mortgage rates might shape your moving plans? DM me today.

2024 is already off to a strong start. With demand on the rise, it’s a great time to get your house in front of potential buyers. If the thought of selling has crossed your mind, this could be your golden opportunity to make a move. DM me today, and together, let's get your house sold.

Dreaming of your own place but struggling with the down payment? Good news: There are over 2,000 down payment assistance programs available to lend a helping hand. DM me today so we can start the homebuying process and get you connected with a trusted lender who can help you explore your options.