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Ready, Set, Camera Security
Keep an eye on all that goes on around your home with security cameras that offer the ultimate feedback on real-time and documented footage. Not only do home security cameras deter burglars, they can record important and useful information for police investigations and other items of interest you may not have otherwise known about. Think carefully about what you want and need in a camera: video and audio quality, hardwired or wireless and with or without night vision. Also, consider where you’ll place your camera and the area it will cover. Be sure it’s capturing enough to tell the whole story.
These revealing security measures can be surprisingly affordable, or you can opt to upgrade with units that include even more bells and whistles. Choose from features such as motion detection, Wi-Fi capability, a two-way talking component, cloud storage and weatherproof casing for outdoor cameras. Inside or out, a security camera can open up your eyes to a world of information through its observant lens.
Our Real Estate professionals are knowledgeable and ready to assist you with your buying or selling needs.
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4 Ways Realtors® Give Back To Their Communities
When it comes to finding the right real estate agent, top of your criteria should be local expertise and a deep understanding of the community. Real estate professionals need to be intimately familiar with the homes, businesses, and the economy in the area to help you buy or sell the perfect Williamsburg, VA real estate property (https://cbtraditions.com/).
However, great real estate professionals (https://cbtraditions.com/directory) should play a deeper role in the local community beyond the buying and selling of homes.
At Coldwell Banker Traditions we believe that giving back to the Williamsburg community is part and parcel of our
responsibility. As people who live in and rely on this amazing community, it’s only right to return the same support that they give us.
Specifically, here are 4 ways your Williamsburg VA real estate agent gives back to the local community:
They support local NGOs and charities
It’s important to work with real estate professionals who are passionate about the community they work in. And one of the ways this love for the community is shown is by taking part in charitable projects and local causes.
Many of our associate brokers or Realtors® have something they advocate for, whether it’s giving the furry citizens at the local animal shelter the best life possible or raising funds for programs that help disenfranchised members of the community. Some work as volunteers at local non-profit and charity organizations.
For example, one of our members is the Committee Chairperson at Habitat for Humanity Peninsula & Greater Williamsburg (https://www.habitatpgw.org/), a nonprofit organization that builds and renovates affordable homes for people in need of decent housing, regardless of background, race, or religion. Find out more about their advocacy here (https://www.habitatpgw.org/advocacy/).
They utilize their wide network of professionals and clients
Brokerages and real estate teams with a large network also use their resources to give fundraising organizations and
donation drives the platform they need to promote their cause. For example, Realtors® who have a huge following on social media often post about calls for donations. Those who write blog posts and content for their websites also write about the community programs they want to support.
Here at Coldwell Banker Traditions, some of our brokers and Realtors® volunteer at Williamsburg Area Meals on Wheels (https://williamsburgmealsonwheels.com/), which provides nutritious meals to vulnerable families in the Williamsburg area. Others are a part of the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg (https://williamsburgkiwanis.org/), a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving communities and children’s quality of life. Click on the links to find out more about how you can support these programs.
They sponsor events for a good cause
Local businesses and events are integral to keeping the spirit of community alive, and nobody knows this better than your local Williamsburg VA real estate agent. You’ll often see them attending and sponsoring community events such as farmers markets and local business luncheons. Realtors® also join walks or runs for a cause, raising money for cancer awareness or the local children’s hospital.
Our real estate team supports numerous causes, ranging from historic preservation to affordable housing and medical services. One of these is the Hospice House of Williamsburg (https://williamsburghospice.org/), a charitable organization that provides short-term residential care for end-of-life support. You can learn more about their fundraising (https://williamsburghospice.org/us-2/ways-donate/) and volunteer programs here
(https://williamsburghospice.org/volunteers/overview/).
Some of our Realtors® support Colonial Williamsburg (https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/), the largest outdoor living museum in the country. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a not-for-profit educational institution that seeks to not only conserve Williamsburg’s colonial buildings, but also to educate residents and visitors on the city’s rich history. Check out how you can support them here (https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/give/other-ways-giving/?from=navgive).
They volunteer at community-based programs and organizations
In between studying local market trends and negotiating the best deal for their clients, real estate professionals also make time to volunteer at community-based programs and organizations.
For example, some real estate agents use their landscaping and property knowledge by volunteering as educators at the JCC Williamsburg Master Gardener Association (https://jccwmg.org/wordpress/), a group of master gardeners who provide public outreach and education programs on sustainable gardening practices. You can read more about their community outreach programs (https://jccwmg.org/wordpress/community-outreach/) and demonstrations here (https://jccwmg.org/wordpress/demonstration-projects/).
Other Realtors® put their great communication skills to use at the Bacon Street Youth and Family Services
(https://baconstreet.org/), a non-profit organization that offers mental health services to teens, young adults, and their families through evidence-based behavioral health and substance use programs. Discover ways to support them here (https://baconstreet.org/get-involved/).
Be a part of the Williamsburg, VA community today
With almost a century’s worth of history in Williamsburg VA and its surrounding communities, our real estate team at Coldwell Banker Traditions (https://cbtraditions.com/about-coldwell-banker-traditions) continues to live by its principles of impeccable client service, family-oriented values, and community commitment.
Our Real Estate professionals are knowledgeable and ready to assist you with your buying or selling needs.
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Giving Back: 3 Ways You Can Help Your Community While Selling Your Home
Selling your home is always bittersweet. While it serves as the beginning of a new chapter in your life in a newer and better home (https://cbtraditions.com/listings/our-active-listings), it’s also a process of saying goodbye to a house and community that has sheltered you for a long time. If you’re in the process of selling your Williamsburg home, why not use it as an opportunity to give back to the community?
In this home sellers’ guide, we will show you different ways on how you can help your community before selling your home and relocating to a new place:
Donate to your local charity
Decluttering your home can be one of the most overwhelming parts of the home selling process. Whether you’ve lived in your home for a few years or for several decades, there always seems to be a mountain of stuff that you either forgot about, don’t use anymore, or regretted buying.
To paraphrase Marie Kondo, it’s clear that these items don’t spark joy. However, they can spark joy for someone else who needs them. Here are some items in your inventory that you might want to give away to your local charity:
Furniture
If you’re moving to a new home, it’s unlikely that you will get to keep all your furniture. Not only will it make moving out more cumbersome, but there’s also a good chance that it won’t match the interior design of your new home. So, instead of letting them waste away in landfills, you can give them away to affordable housing organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore (https://www.habitatpgw.org/restore/).
Clothing
Now is a good time to reorganize your closet. If you haven’t worn that sweater or those jeans in the past three years, then you’re probably not going to even when you move into your new home. Donate them instead at clothing-specific charities like the Salvation Army or Goodwill’s donation centers (https://www.goodwill.org/donate/donate-stuff/).
Food
Check your pantry for any non-perishable and uncompromised food items as well. Relocating and moving all your
belongings to a new house is a massive job in and of itself, so it’s better to give away those canned food items and dry pet food rather than lugging them along with you. In Williamsburg, you can drop these off at food banks like Meals on Wheels (https://williamsburgmealsonwheels.com/) or animal shelters like Heritage Humane Society (https://heritagehumane.org/).
Work with local contractors and businesses
There are a ton of things you need to do to prepare your home for sale, from enhancing your curb appeal to making repairs and home improvements. You can use this opportunity to work with local contractors or support local businesses.
Home improvements – from minor cosmetic repairs to major home renovations – can increase your home value. Ask your Williamsburg real estate agent (https://cbtraditions.com/directory) to recommend remodeling contractors who work within the area. Not only would they be familiar with the usual issues that Williamsburg homes face, but they also know which home features have the highest appreciation rates in the local market.
Similarly, you can also purchase unique furniture and fittings from local boutiques and consignment stores. There are many benefits to buying from a consignment shop, such as its relatively low prices, great quality items, and environmentally friendly shopping process. If you stage your home with these items, you can even add a tag to let prospective buyers know where you bought them.
Here are some stores you might want to check out in Williamsburg:
The Vintage Rabbit (https://www.facebook.com/The-Vintage-Rabbit-116260868465116)
The Goodman Home (https://thegoodmanhome.com/)
Williamsburg Antique Mall (https://antiqueswilliamsburg.com/)
Lucky Junque (http://www.luckyjunque.com/)
Hire Realtors® with CSR initiatives
If you’re looking for an agent, Realtors® who work in companies with transparent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are a green flag. These companies use their business operations for social improvement, whether by volunteering for community service programs, promoting diversity and inclusion in and out of the workplace, or by supporting various sustainability initiatives.
Moreover, if your real estate team puts socially responsible policies at the forefront, you can be sure that their professional relationship with you goes beyond simply making a profit – they will work towards what’s best for you and for the Williamsburg community.
Lastly, take note that great real estate agents are the ones who know their community from the inside out. That’s why many seasoned Realtors® are also community leaders who are active in various organizations and community programs. By hiring a real estate team with CSR initiatives, you get to work with local experts while also supporting their advocacies.
Our Real Estate professionals are knowledgeable and ready to assist you with your buying or selling needs.
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Smart Home Features That Will Sell Your Home Fast
In today’s digital age, savvy buyers are looking for the latest smart home features and they’re willing to spend for them. A study showed that millennials are intrigued by the possibility of having smart technology in their home
(https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2021/05/study-examines-rapid-rise-of-smart-homes.html), and this generation is beginning to become a force in the home buying market. This comes at a time when Transparency Market Research forecasted a $21.6 billion home automation industry last year.
Want to know which smart home features will sell your home fast? You’ll find out in this handy smart home sellers’ guide.
Smart security system
Buyers are reassured that their home will be well-protected from burglars if you’ve got a smart security system installed. This setup includes smart door locks that are WiFi or Bluetooth-enabled, so that you can unlock them from the outside, or anywhere using your smartphone. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a popular choice because it supports Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and other third-party devices. You can also use your smartphone to turn your security system on and off.
While you’re away, you can receive text alerts regarding the system’s status. If you invest in a high-end smart security system, expect your security cameras to include features like two-way microphones. If you have pets, you might want to invest in the $249 Furbo, which lets you see, hear and talk to your beloved pooch. You can even use the Furbo to give your pet treats. These hi-tech systems also come with good warranties and excellent customer service.
Smart lighting
Wouldn’t it be cool if you could control your home’s lighting with a single swipe? It doesn’t cost as much as some think, and installing smart lighting will immediately boost your home’s value. Replace your LED bulbs to smart ones, and you should be able to control them with most devices, and link them to a larger integrated SMART Home network.
You can even customize your lighting schedule to make your lights brighter when you wake up, or to turn your lights off as soon as you leave home. Some lighting solutions are better for different moods, adjusting the brightness and color for a specific mood.
You may be able to save as much as 60% off your energy usage per year once you install a smart sensor or dimmer system. Energy Star says that lighting your home costs around $264 annually, which is roughly equivalent to 12% of your home’s energy bill in a single year.
Smart climate control
This technology has been around since the 1950s, but wasn’t widely adopted because many people found these clock-type thermostats too inconvenient or not user friendly enough to use. But now, as the internet of things (iot) begins to permeate our homes and lives, popular thermostats like the Nest and the Ecobee Smart Thermostat are proving to be a hit with homeowners.
Features now include humidity as well temperature control. Scheduling can be set for different times of the day. This is useful if you and your family have a regular routine. When no one is in, have the house have no active cooling or heating and have it turn on just before someone returns home. Or just override a schedule if you get an unexpected day off.
Integration into your home HVAC system is easy to set up meaning that control and scheduling can be done on a portable device whether it be phone or tablet. Almost all SMART technology is made to be compatible with the big players in the market, so expect full compatibility with Android or Apple devices.
Smart play
Many can be intimidated by the idea of setting up a home with all their entertainment, audio and visual linked to a Smart set up. However, having such things can make a strong impression on buyers. For many, it will give them a glimpse of what is possible. This could be controlling audio or music from anywhere and sending it to anywhere, as well as having different audio playing in different rooms. The same can be done with video, which can be streamed to any screen in the house. Smart home features are becoming increasingly desirable for new homebuyers.
Our Real Estate professionals are knowledgeable and ready to assist you with your buying or selling needs.
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What Type of Warranty for Your Luxury Home?
Your luxury home in Williamsburg, VA deserves the best real estate warranty that you can afford. If your appliances or home systems unexpectedly break down, a home warranty plan ensures that you’re covered for what can sometimes be hefty repairs.
What is home warranty?
Home warranties differ from homeowners insurance in that they protect appliances and home systems. These will run into problems and faults as they age, and issues can arise from normal wear and tear. Homeowners insurance covers liabilities, housing costs and repairs or anything that may be considered property loss.
If you’re looking for real estate warranties for luxury homes, there are a number of things you should consider, such as the different prices, various plans, and optional add-ons. Customer service and speed of response should also factor in who you decide to get warranties from.
There are 3 types of home warranty to choose from:
Appliance plans:
As the name suggests, this warranty looks after your electrical and gas items and includes appliances such as freezers, stoves, and clothes washing and drying machines.
System plans:
This type of plan is more geared towards protecting the plumbing, and electrical system of a house. You can consider your ductwork and plumbing as part of this plan.
A Combination:
Ideally, you want to be covered for both individual appliances and for home systems. That way whether your actual appliance or your system goes down, you’re covered.
Cost of home warranties:
The cost will depend on what type of warranty you opt for. At the low end of the spectrum you could go for a basic package which only looks at repairs on household systems, a system plan. This could set you back as little as $300 dollars a year. For a luxury home that’s likely to have more comprehensive heating and plumbing systems, this could be well worth it.
However, a luxury home is also likely to have higher end appliances, which are not immune from wear and tear. At around the $600 dollar mark you could get coverage on both home systems and appliances, a combination plan.
Are warranties worth it?
If you’ve bought a home where many of the appliances are new or almost new, a warranty plan that covers appliances may not be worth it. This is because most appliances come with at least a year’s warranty, in many higher end appliances, the warranty could stretch out to 3-5 years. If you’ve specifically refurbished a house then you’ll know which items have existing warranties and how long they have to run.
If you’ve bought a house, it can be trickier as most of the time you’ll only see if appliances are in good condition and not necessarily know if they have existing warranties on them. In this case it may be a better idea to go with a package that includes coverage for appliances.
Bear in mind that warranties only cover repairs (https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/owners-manual/are-home-warranties-worth-it/), they do not help with any replacement of any appliance. So if your appliance decides to just give up and is beyond repair, that will be a large cost out of your own pocket. Another point to consider is that, as well as the package you buy, you’ll almost certainly have to pay for a service fee when you need some work done. This can range from anything between $65 to $125.
So is it worth it? A warranty provides peace of mind. And yes, you can save big. Instead of paying maybe over $1000 on a replacement appliance you could possibly repair it for a quarter of that with a warranty. So if you are buying a luxury home, the extra cost of warranties, although not inconsiderate, is not too expensive to have reassurance. As stated before, it depends on multiple conditions.
Choosing a provider
There are multiple companies providing home warranties and your choice will depend largely upon the various packages and prices they offer. However do look through the feedback of customers to let you know how customer oriented these providers are. Transparency in all their documentation is a good sign and have a look through testimonials, either on their site or better, on independent ones.
Are you looking for luxury homes for sale in Williamsburg, VA (https://cbwilliamsburg.com/williamsburg-virginia/)? You’ve come to the right place.
Our Real Estate professionals are knowledgeable and ready to assist you with your buying or selling needs.
Call Us Today!
Serving The Williamsburg Community: Hospice House and Bacon Street
As real estate agents, our relationship with our city and its surrounding communities is not just professional. In-depth market knowledge and local expertise is necessary in our line of work, and this requires us to know not just home appreciation rates and property sales, but also the events and programs happening in our municipal governments, neighborhoods, schools, and businesses.
But it’s not just about being able to sell luxury homes in Williamsburg, VA. Because of our line of work, real estate professionals are in a great position to serve the community and improve the quality of life for everyone living in the area.
At Coldwell Banker Traditions, this responsibility is doubly felt. We have been providing real estate services in Williamsburg since 1885, and our company identity has always been tied to serving the Williamsburg community.
Earlier this year, we gave financial support to two local organizations whose advocacies we believed in, and whose services and programs helped many members of the community:
Hospice House & Support Care of Williamsburg
Who are they?
The Hospice House of Williamsburg (https://williamsburghospice.org/) was first established as a nonprofit charitable organization in 1982. Primarily run by volunteers, in cooperation with local healthcare providers, the Hospice House provides short-term, high-quality residential care for individuals in the last phases of their lives. They also offer support for patients’ family and friends.
Because of community-wide support and donations, the Hospice House was able to serve over 5,000 individuals in the Historic Triangle and the tidewater area, free of charge. Everyone of all backgrounds has access to their palliative care services, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, religion, or income.
What do they do?
The Hospice House focuses on providing comfort and relief for people with life-limiting illnesses. Through personalized hospice and palliative care, they create special opportunities for the patient and their loved ones to strengthen relationships, put affairs in order, and find spiritual peace. The Hospice House also helps the patient through any decisions that they make with their physician about continuing or stopping active treatment.
How can you support them with us?
There are many ways to help the Hospice House continue their mission. You can make a gift online
(https://williamsburghospice.org/donate/) or mail donations to Hospice House & Support Care of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg VA 23188. You can also sign up as a monthly donor or contribute to their Annual Fund by becoming a member of the Rodgers-Ellis Society and Legacy Society (https://williamsburghospice.org/donate/the-annual-fund/).
The Hospital Hospice also offers engraved brick memorial pavers (https://williamsburghospice.org/memorial-brick-pavers/), which you can purchase to honor the memory of a loved one. These are permanently laid in their Patio of Memories.
Bacon Street Youth and Family Services
Who are they?
Bacon Street (https://baconstreet.org/) first started out as a Drug Action Center on Bacon Avenue in 1971, a safe space that children could go to after school. Despite formally changing its name to Bacon Street Youth and Family Services in 2015, it still retains its original mission of nurturing resiliency and healthier lifestyles among Williamsburg’s youth. Specifically, Bacon Street provides evidence-based behavioral health and substance use services to adolescents, young adults, and their families.
What do they do?
As a social work and counseling agency, Bacon Street provides several programs and treatment services that help those struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse, such as:
Treatment Services (https://baconstreet.org/treatment-services/). Bacon Street offers outpatient clinical behavioral
health services to people aged 10 to 26, including individual and family counseling sessions for substance use and
mental health disorders.
Social Work (Journey Home Project) (https://baconstreet.org/journey-home-project/). The Journey Home Project is Bacon Street’s social work arm, which provides free counseling and case management services for young people and their families who are experiencing housing insecurity and substance abuse.
Prevention Programs (https://baconstreet.org/youth-prevention/). Bacon Street also organizes several school- and
community-based prevention programs to educate and provide young people with tools to avoid substance abuse and practice healthy coping mechanisms in the face of stress and trauma. They also teach evidence-based prevention
strategies to families and various social groups.
How can you support them with us?
Bacon Street is a nonprofit agency, and they rely greatly on volunteers and financial donations. You can give a one-time or recurring gift here (https://baconstreet.org/donate/), which can pay for several counseling sessions, allow a student to attend a Bridges wilderness therapy field trip, or even help a financially struggling family.
The Best Golf Courses In and Around Williamsburg, VA
Williamsburg, VA is a playground for golf aficionados. And if you have yet to fall in love with the sport, the city will make you. Home to some of the best golf courses in the Mid-Atlantic, you will have plenty of opportunities to learn under the tutelage of pros, perfect your swing, and even win a game or two.
Ready to pick your home base? We listed the best golf courses in and around Williamsburg, VA below for you.
1. Golden Horseshoe Golf Club (https://www.colonialwilliamsburghotels.com/golf/)
The undisputed king of golf clubs in Williamsburg, Golden Horseshoe by Colonial Williamsburg Resorts is known to be among the top 100 public golf courses in the country. And you bet that there are several reasons why.
For starters, Golden Horseshoe Golf Club is home to three stunning golf courses. The 18-hole Gold course, which was
recently renovated by Rees Jones, was designed by the master himself, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. It has all the works, from bunkers to water hazards.
Rees Jones also designed his own golf course at Golden Horseshoe: the 18-hole Green course. It was opened in 1991 and takes inspiration from his father’s design sensibilities. It’s a classic parkland course that’s beginner-friendly although just a little longer than the Gold course.
Golden Horseshoe’s third course is the Spotswood, an exciting 9-hole, par-31 course also designed by the senior Jones. Quick and fun, it’s a great course for players of all skill levels, with just the right amount of challenges.
2. Kingsmill Resort (https://www.kingsmill.com/?utm_source=google.com&utm_medium=web)
Kingsmill, one of Williamsburg’s fine neighborhoods, is also home to two excellent 18-hole golf courses, one of which
takes you by the waterfront and the other deeper into local history. If that’s not a unique golfing experience, we don’t
know what is.
The Riverfront course was designed by golf course architect Peter Dye and has hosted many golf superstars since it was opened. Although scenic with its riverfront location, you’ll encounter several challenges here. This is a great course to try if you feel like you’ve leveled up in skill.
The second course, Plantation, is a 6,432-yard, par-72 course designed by Arnold Palmer with Ed Seay. It’s no less
challenging than Riverfront with its water features and ravines. While you wait for your turn, you can admire the historic remains of the 1736 plantation.
If you’re a Full Golf or National Golf member, you’ll have access to a third golf course: Wood. This exclusive parkland-style course was designed by Tom Clark and is recognized as one of the best golf courses in Virginia.
3. Williamsburg National Golf Club (https://wngc.com/)
At Williamsburg National Golf Club, two distinct golf experiences await you courtesy of Jack Nicklaus and Tom Clark. The best part is both are open to the public, but if you want added perks to enjoy, sign up for a club membership. Now, on to the courses…
Jack Nicklaus designed an 18-hole championship golf course named after the historic site that inspired it: Jamestown. Don’t be afraid of this par-72 and nearly 7,000-yard golf course— it’s beginner-friendly and offers just enough challenges to excite more advanced players.
The next course is the Yorktown course, where you’re sure to test your mettle. Classic but with a few modern twists, the course features surfaces different from the Jamestown course, with the back nine offering some of the most exciting plays at Williamsburg National Golf Club.
4. Colonial Heritage Golf Club (https://www.colonialheritageclub.com/)
One of the ideal places to skill up, Colonial Heritage Golf Club offers lots of support to beginners and even more skilled players. If you’re not yet ready for the course, spend some time at the practice facility, which comes complete with a bunker and chipping greens. You can also sign up for golf lessons with Colonial Heritage Golf Club’s Certified PGA golf instructors.
From the practice facility, move on to the 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course designed by Arthur Hills. Covering 175 acres and 6,889 yards, the course has everything: water features, bunkers, and fairways that blend well with the natural topography.
After your game, you’re welcome to relax at the Clubhouse. You can sit for post-golf cocktails at the veranda with your buddies and have a spot of lunch or dinner care of Colonial Heritage Golf Club’s in-house chef and their team. If you’re more of a quick-bites kind of person, there’s a snack bar which is reputed to have the best sandwich in all of
Williamsburg.
Is Williamsburg, VA a Great Place To Retire?
The verdict is in: Williamsburg, VA is a lovely place to retire. And it has been the case for several years. In fact, the city graced CNN Money’s list a couple of times already.
Colonial Williamsburg’s historic 18th century architecture and attractions do little to make would-be retirees feel old. It will only transport you to the past but will make you feel as great and spry as ever. There are plenty of things to do, plus amenities like age-restricted communities and top medical facilities to support their lifestyle.
Retiring soon or looking for a new place to spend the best years of your life? Continue reading to learn why Williamsburg, VA may be your next home.
Where will you live?
When it comes to real estate, you have several options. If independent living is still your thing, you are always welcome to explore Williamsburg, VA real estate. You can live large at choice neighborhoods like Ford’s Colony,
Governor’s Land, Kingsmill, Landfall at Jamestown, and the Vineyards. In anticipation of future needs, you can have your home remodeled to make it more ergonomic and senior-friendly.
You also have the option to live in a retirement community—Williamsburg has several. Some of the best in the area include:
Verena at the Reserve (https://www.trueconnectioncommunities.com/senior-living-communities-virginia/verena-at-the-reserve-senior-living/), a 55+ independent living community ideally located near Colonial Williamsburg. It bagged the gold prize during the 2020 Best of Williamsburg by Virginia Media. Standout features include a tree-filled community, walking paths, a pool area, and an arts and crafts studio. Pets are welcome to stay with you here as well.
Williamsburg Landing (https://www.williamsburglanding.org/), a Life Plan Community nestled in about 137 acres of wooded land in Williamsburg. You can start out living independently, then sign up for assisted living and other services should you need them in the future. Aside from the topnotch care you’ll receive, you’ll also be able to enjoy amenities such as a health club and on-site dining.
Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg (https://www.brookdale.com/en/communities/brookdale-chambrel-williamsburg.html), which offers both independent and assisted living arrangements. The facility is located at Treyburn Drive and features spacious floor plans, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool, among other amenities. Memory care is also available for residents faced with cognitive challenges.
What kind of amenities will you have access to?
Whether you choose to live in a retirement community or age in place (which means staying in your own home), you should have a good idea of what amenities are available to you. In Williamsburg, one thing you’re sure to have access to is excellent medical care.
On top of the list is Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center (https://www.sentara.com/hampton-roads-virginia/hospitalslocations/locations/sentara-williamsburg-regional-medical-center.aspx), which is recognized as one of the best hospitals in the world (https://www.sentara.com/woodbridge-virginia/aboutus/news/news-articles/newsweek-ranks-two-sentara-hospitals-among-the-worlds-best.aspx). The state-of-the-art hospital has 145 beds and offers a wide range of services, from emergency and maternity to orthopedics, heart, and vascular. It’s also a Certified Primary Stroke Center.
What will you do?
As a retiree, you’ll have plenty of time on your hands. You can fill your days with your hobbies and passions or, if you intend to live in a retirement community, join clubs and organizations that match your interests and lifestyle. If that’s not enough, here are some other activities you can enjoy as a retiree in Williamsburg, VA:
Golf: Tee times will be part of your regular routine with Williamsburg being home to several top golf courses. Some of the 5-star golf facilities in the city include the members-only Golden Horseshoe Golf Club (https://www.colonialwilliamsburghotels.com/golf/), Williamsburg Golf Club (https://williamsburgclub.com/), and
Williamsburg National Golf Club (https://wngc.com/). Furthermore, three of the aforementioned neighborhoods
(specifically Kingsmill, Ford’s Colony, and Governor’s Land) are golf communities.
Outdoor recreation: Plenty of fresh air and long walks in nature will be great for your health. Some of the outdoor
activities you can enjoy in or near Williamsburg include camping, trail riding, hiking, and fishing. If you don’t know
where to go, here are a few recommendations to get you started: Busch Gardens (https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/), Freedom Park (https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/attractions/freedom-park), Colonial Parkway (https://www.nps.gov/colo/parkway.htm), and Chickahominy Riverfront Park (https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/attractions/chickahominy-riverfront-park).
Attend classes for free: If you love learning within the four walls of a classroom (and with other scholars), you can sign up as a non-degree seeking student at The College of William & Mary (https://www.wm.edu/) and join courses organized by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Find out more about these learning opportunities here.
(https://www.wm.edu/offices/registrar/studentsandalumni/nds/seniorcitizens/index.php)
Ready to retire in Williamsburg, VA?
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Our Real Estate professionals are knowledgeable and ready to assist you with your buying or selling needs.
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Things To Do Before Closing A Home Sale
You’re almost done with your home sale. The end is so close, you can almost taste victory! But before you celebrate the conclusion of this real estate transaction, it’s important to be as eagle-eyed as ever. Several things can happen during closing, and some of these events can threaten to undo the entire home sale.
For your eventual move
Transfer/cancel your utilities and change your address. Weeks before closing day, make sure to transfer utilities to your new residence and cancel the ones you no longer need. Take the time to change your billing address as well—you don’t want any of your mail to pile up in the home after you’ve moved out.
Cancel your insurance policies. Unless it was agreed that you’re going to transfer the policy to the homebuyer, don’t forget to cancel your insurance policy. The best time to do this is once the title has officially been transferred.
Make sure the house is clean. If the homebuyer saw a sparkling-clean house before making an offer, they should open the doors of their new home to find it in more or less the same state as well. If it’s too much work, hire a professional cleaning service to do a deep clean of the property. It also pays to go through the rooms once again and make sure you’ve packed all of your personal belongings.
Unplug and lock. Before you say goodbye to your old home one last time, make sure everything—doors, windows, and other entryways—is locked. Do a final sweep and check if all remaining appliances and home systems have also been unplugged. This is especially important if the home is going to sit vacant for a while.
For the eventual change of ownership
Gather all of the important documents. Don’t wait until the night before the closing date to secure all of the
paperwork you need. Keep everything, from your seller disclosures to the purchase contract, in one place for
safekeeping so that it’s ready come closing day. To be safe, make copies in case something happens in the future.
Prepare a packet. This welcome kit of sorts should contain everything you need to pass to the homebuyer, including all the relevant keys (doors, gas, mailbox, pool, gate—all the works), warranties, manuals (for the appliances and home systems like HVAC and the sprinklers, if applicable), and any receipts you find from contractors as well as appliance and furniture stores.
Place everything inside an envelope and leave it an area that is private but still easy for them to locate such as the
primary bedroom’s closet. You also have the option to hand this packet to the homebuyer on closing day or during the final walkthrough.
Fulfill your end of the bargain. You might have a list of things you agreed to do during the negotiation phase. This may include making some repairs or leaving certain furniture or appliances that are part of the home sale. Whatever it is, make sure you satisfy all the buyer requests at least a few days before the closing date.
Keep yourself available. During escrow, the homebuyer and other parties involved (which may include their agent and their lender), may need to be in contact with you. Keep your phone lines just in case something arises and address requests promptly to avoid any speed bumps.
Be there during the final walkthrough. Leaving a packet of incidentals is definitely helpful to the home’s new owners, but being present in the final walkthrough is just as important. Apart from making sure everything about the home is just as agreed, you can share tips and other information only you, the former homeowner, knows about the property. It’s a kindness that will make the transition easier for you and the homebuyer.
You may be wondering, “Do I have time to do all of this?”
Of course! But it depends on when the closing date is. According to this June 2021 Ellie Mae Origination Insight Report (https://static.elliemae.com/pdf/origination-insight-reports/ICE_OIR_JUNE2021.pdf), it takes an average of 51 days to close a home purchase.
If there are few issues about the sale and the buyer’s mortgage application, you can both agree on a shorter closing period. At the same time, both parties can arrange for a longer closing period if there are several things that need to be done.
Our Real Estate professionals are knowledgeable and ready to assist you with your buying or selling needs.
Call Us Today!
Exploring Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg served as the capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1780. Around the turn of the 20th century, John Davison Rockefeller led the restoration of the colonial town to its former glory with the help of William Archer Rutherfoord Goodwin, a rector of Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living museum in the United States, wherein guests can immerse themselves in the day-to-day life and significant events of 18th century America. Visiting the area is a must for American history buffs, especially for those interested in the American Revolution. Tour guides and character actors are scattered around the town reenacting the day-to-day lives of 18th century Americans.
If you happen to be in the area of Williamsburg, VA, make your visit more worthwhile by exploring Colonial Williamsburg.
To help you out, here’s a handy guide on how to prepare for and plan your visit.
Secure your tickets
There are several types of admission options (https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/tickets/), and you can choose one that best suits you. There are standard single-day or multi-day tickets with guided tours and performances, and for art enthusiasts, single-day tickets to all the art museums in Colonial Williamsburg. There are also area passes, special event passes, and a ghost tour for extra thrills. Plan your trip by checking out the calendar on the website
(https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/) to see which programs and sites are open.
Arrival
Park at the Visitor’s Center where you will buy or confirm your tickets and take a shuttle to the Historic Area. You can also opt to walk if you want to take in the sights at a more leisurely pace. Don’t forget to grab a map so you can plan your itinerary and avoid getting lost. Check out this page (https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/update/) for any updates regarding your visit.
Must-see places
To go over all the attractions, it’s best to allot two whole days for exploring Colonial Williamsburg. However, there are enough places to see to make a shorter stay worthwhile.
Here’s where you can go during your day trip:
- The Capitol
You can take a quick 20-minute guided tour around the Williamsburg Capitol and learn about its history. The House of Burgesses of the Virginia colony was situated in the Capitol from 1705 up to 1779. The building itself is a replica, as the original buildings have since burned down.
- Trade shops
Colonial Williamsburg offers numerous trade shops that can be endlessly fascinating to 21st century visitors. These
shops were vital to the beating heart of 18th century Williamsburg. Not all shops are open every day. Shops that are
open for business have flags to identify them and shop assistants outside the establishments to invite visitors in. Explore the armory, the blacksmith, the wig maker, the silversmith, the cabinet shop, the cobbler, the printing press, and the apothecary.
- The Governor’s Palace
The Governor’s Palace in Colonial Williamsburg served as the official residence for the royal governors of the Virginia colony, as well as the first two elected governors of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry.
The Peyton Randolph House stands in stark contrast to the elegance of the Governor’s Palace. It shows how the the
average Virginian lived and provides insight into the condition of slaves in colonial Virginia. The Peyton Randolph House includes a guided tour.
On the other hand, a self-guided tour of George Wythe House shows where the law professor lived during the 18th
century. Wythe was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and served as Thomas Jefferson’s tutor.
- Fifes and Drums
The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area comes alive with the sound of the military field music during the performance of the marching Fifes and Drums in their period-accurate red uniforms and black tricons. Make sure to check performance schedules through the Historic Area.
Evening programs
Colonial Williamsburg’s vibrancy doesn’t end at sundown. There are many programs to choose from and to participate in. These include chamber music concerts, ghost tours, and historical interpreter presentations.
