Buying a home together as a couple Buying a home together as a couple is one of the biggest financial partnerships two people ever enter — usually with a lot more romance and a lot less paperwork than the moment deserves. The house-hunting part is the fun part. The part that actually protects you both happens earlier, in conversations most couples skip: How do we budget as a team? Whose name goes on what? What happens to the house if life doesn't go the way we planned? I have

Down payment assistance in Virginia — Steve Davis, REALTOR® If something's been holding you back from buying, it's probably the down payment. It's the number-one hurdle most first-time buyers name — and it's also the most misunderstood. Here's the good news: between state grants, low- and zero-down loans, and lender programs, Virginia down payment assistance can put a home in Richmond within reach a lot sooner than the old “save 20%” rule suggests. The 20% myth. You do not ne

First time homebuyer guide - Richmond, VA Buying your first home can feel like everyone else got a handbook you never received. This guide is that handbook. Whoever you are and whoever you love, you're welcome here — and by the end of this you'll know exactly how the process works and what your first step looks like. You're not alone if it feels daunting. Nationally, most first-time buyers say some part of the process felt difficult — and simply understanding how it works is

One of the first questions I hear from people moving to Richmond is simple: where should I even start looking? It's a great question, and the honest answer is that RVA is a city of distinct little worlds, each with its own feel. Here's a friendly, plain-English tour to help you get your bearings before we ever set up a single showing. In the city The Fan District is Richmond at its most iconic — blocks of preserved row houses, tree-lined avenues, and a walk-everywhere layout

Getting around Richmond VA Part of picturing a new city is picturing your daily movement through it — the commute, the errands, the weekend escapes. Here's how getting around Richmond actually works, so you can factor it into where you choose to live. Driving and commuting Richmond sits at the crossroads of two major interstates, I-95 (north–south) and I-64 (east–west), with I-295 looping around the metro. That means most cross-town commutes are manageable — often 15 to 30 mi

Your first 30 days in Richmond, VA You've got the keys — congratulations! The move itself is only half the job; the other half is turning a new address into a home. Here's a friendly checklist to get the essentials handled in your first month so you can spend the rest of your energy actually enjoying the city. The paperwork (don't miss these deadlines) Virginia gives new residents specific windows, and two of them come up fast: Vehicle title & registration — within 30 days. T

What your budget actually buys in RVA If you're moving to Richmond from a bigger or pricier metro, there's a good chance your housing budget is about to go a lot further. And if this is your first home, RVA is a genuinely approachable place to buy. Here's a straight-talk look at the numbers — and the help that's out there. Where prices stand right now As of August 2026, the median single-family sale price across the Richmond metro area is $450,000, per Central Virginia Region

If you’re buying a home in Virginia and you’re LGBTQ+, you are protected by state law — explicitly, by name. Not by implication, and not by a broad reading of some other category. Virginia’s Fair Housing Law lists sexual orientation and gender identity among its protected classes, and has since 2020. That matters more in 2026 than it did a year ago, and here is why. Fair Housing Protections for LGBTQ+ Buyers Virginia’s Fair Housing Law prohibits housing discrimination based o

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, and having the right realtor by your side makes all the difference. For LGBTQ+ homebuyers and sellers, working with an LGBTQ+ affirming realtor ensures that you’re in a supportive and inclusive environment every step of the way. This Pride Month, let’s talk about why this is so important. What is an LGBTQ+ Affirming Realtor? An LGBTQ+ affirming realtor is more than just a real estate professional—they are s

As the days grow longer and flowers begin to bloom, so does the spring housing market here in Richmond, Virginia. This bustling season brings a surge of activity, with buyers eager to find their dream homes and sellers ready to make a move. If you’re considering entering the market, here’s what makes spring such an exciting time—and how you can take advantage of it. Why Spring Is the Hottest Season for Real Estate 1. More Buyers Are Looking Spring draws out motivated buyers w