• Think of It This Way: A Year of Possibilities,Ally Richardson

    Think of It This Way: A Year of Possibilities

    If you don’t believe a lot can happen in a year, remember this: Travis Kelce attended an Eras Tour show one day, and 10 months later, he had a song written about him and performed live on tour. Love him or hate him, you’ve got to appreciate the way he put himself out there. Offering Taylor a friendship bracelet with his phone number and asking for a chance to meet (she declined!), but apparently, he didn’t give up, and the rest is history. Why am I telling you this? It’s because so much can happen in a year if you open yourself up to the possibility of it. Whether that means you finally buy your first home or you put that "For Sale" sign in the yard of a house you’ve loved but is no longer serving you, taking that first step is all it takes. If the idea of moving into a new home in the next year sounds ideal to you, CALL me and simply tell me what area you’d like to be in a little about what kind of house you’d like, and a ballpark budget. I can set you up on a search through the MLS, so you will be notified if any homes meet your criteria. From there, you can browse for the next 12 months, or if you start seeing some houses you think would work for you, message me! I’d be happy to take you from browser to buyer! 😍 Cheers! Ally  

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  • Experience Napa Like a Local This Spring!,Ally Richardson

    Experience Napa Like a Local This Spring!

    Hey there, Napa! I’m going out on a limb here and declaring spring in Napa as the Season of the Locals. There is SO much to do, and it’s nearly impossible to go anywhere right now without running into people like old classmates, teammates, and local celebrities ;) I've put together a list of all things local so you, too, can experience Napa as a local this season, even if you haven’t lived here your whole life. Events: Mother’s Day: Treat your mom to a special day in Napa! Whether it's a wine tasting, a gourmet meal, or a relaxing spa day, there are plenty of ways to show your appreciation. Upcoming Mother's Day Events: Wine & Watercolors with Laces & Limos Domain Chandon: MOTHER'S DAY TASTING FLIGHT: BOUQUET OF ROSÉS Rosé Brunch at The Meritage Resort and Spa MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH BUFFET at Truffe Restaurant    Local Farmers Markets: Dive into Napa’s vibrant food scene by exploring the local farmers markets. You’ll find fresh produce, artisanal goods, and the chance to mingle with local growers and producers. Napa Farmer's Market: Napa Farmer's Market: Tuesday & Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.    Outdoor Shopping Events: Enjoy the spring weather while browsing through outdoor markets and street fairs. Discover unique treasures and support local artisans and businesses. Upcoming Events:  MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND SIDEWALK SALE IN FIRST STREET NAPA Parks: Napa Mamas are taking their kids to the park a lot these days. Alston Park and Kennedy Park are local favorites, offering beautiful scenery and recreational activities for all ages. Plus, Alston Park has a great trail that’s perfect for walking your dog or going for a run! Picnic Ideas: Pack A Picnic!   Lake Life: Locals everywhere are gearing up for some fun on the water. If you’re not a lakefront homeowner but still want to enjoy the beauty of Napa's lakes, check out Napa Boat Rentals on Lake Berryessa. Rent a boat and spend a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the stunning views. Camping at Lake Berryessa: PLEASURE COVE MARINA PUTAH CANYON CAMPGROUND STEELE CANYON CAMPGROUND   Where You’ll Find Me Hanging Out: This month, you can catch me at the Napa Valley Film Festival. I'll be enjoying some of the best independent films while sipping on delicious local wines. Can't wait to see you there! Cheers! Ally P.S. EMAIL ME to join my mailing list for my monthly newsletter, complete with your homeowner checklist and my favorite local spots!  

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  • What You Really Need to Know about Buying & Selling in 2024,Ally Richardson

    What You Really Need to Know about Buying & Selling in 2024

    Taking the "yikes!" out of navigating the market with this blog (you'll wanna save this!) Buyers and sellers are much more educated with what's happening in the market. They are researching information online long before they ever reach out to an agent.(This is why I take the time to share so much on here with you, because I want to make sure you're getting accurate info!!)With all the information out there, it can be easy to find yourself feeling analysis paralysis. In other words, you have SO MUCH INFO that you're just paralyzed and not sure what to do next.So consider this blog the skinny. It's what you *really* need to know about the market right now, especially if you're considering buying or selling in 2024.     Homes for Sale While the number of homes on the market have increased 15% since last year at this time (according to data from Calculated Risk), we are still experiencing a 40% deficit in homes for sale since 2019.In other words, the market IS starting to balance itself out, but it's taking time, as expected.Homes are sitting on the market longer, too, so patience is non-negotiable.   The Price is Right The true key to listing your home right now is pricing it right. This is where the help of an agent you trust really comes into play.This is also why, when I'm not showing homes or meeting clients, you'll usually find me sitting on my laptop, researching data in our area so that I can guide my buyers and sellers the best I can.     Savvy Buyers Now more than ever, it’s crucial that buyers know their numbers. If they don’t take the time to see what they can really afford, they may hop on the “wait until the interest rates drop” bandwagon, and find themselves in competition with an influx of buyers.If you CAN afford the house you want at today’s rates, you should go for it, because lower rates often mean more offers and higher asking prices.   If you are ready to navigate the real estate market, let's meet for coffee (my treat!) and make a plan together!

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