A Letter from Beth to our Clients:
Hello Everyone! Hope this message finds you healthy and managing the close quarters at home. I know that you have been bombarded with emails and messages from all of the places and companies with whom you do business. They are all reassuring you and introducing you to the new norm for their industry. I guess this message is no different, except that The Pretty Team is focused on our relationship with you and your family.
There are those of you who have expressed interest in listing your home in the coming days and/or weeks. This brings up a lot of questions about the market, preparation, marketing, staging, etc… Hopefully the information below will help you make the decision that is in the best interest for your family.
THE MARKET—How is the real estate market?
I am asked this question every day. We are following the numbers very closely. The Pretty Team is doing our best to keep our clients and the public informed. If you follow us on Instagram or Facebook, you will see that we are posting a graphic every evening with the total New Listings, New Under Contract, and Solds for the day in the Richmond Metro market. Below is an example of the graphic that I will be posting each evening/following morning that represents market information for the last 24 hours. As you can see, we are getting under contract about the same number that is being listed each day. In the last 3 weeks, we have gotten every one of our listings under contract in 14 days or less. We have 4 properties closing this week and have 11 additional under contract to close in April and May. These are great numbers for us and we are way ahead of our numbers from last year.

GOVERNOR’S ORDERS—How do these orders affect real estate transactions?
The simple answer is that they don’t. We are not prohibited from listing properties or selling properties. Our only restriction is that we can no longer do open houses.
LENDERS & COURTHOUSES—Are closings delayed?
Fortunately, lenders are a lot like the rest of us. They can work from home. So far, courthouses are still recording closings. The settlement agents we recommend to our clients do electronic recording. Therefore, we have not had any closings delayed.
ECONOMY—Is the economy affecting closings?
You are probably aware that many businesses and industries are experiencing furloughs and downsizing of their workforce. It is possible that a buyer could lost their job (& therefore their loan). Or a buyer may have their hours cut and may not be able to afford the home that they are under contract to buy. This has not happened to our team to date. However, it has happened to our colleagues and it could happen to our clients in the future.
SHOWINGS—How will showings be handled?
We have instituted showing protocols for our listings. There is a basket of gloves and an instruction sheet at the entrance of all of our listings. The showing agent and buyers are required to wear gloves. They are only to touch the front doorknob, back doorknob, and garage doorknob. They will leave lights on and closet doors ajar. We have best practice recommendations for you as well. We encourage you to disinfect every doorknob, light switch, faucet, and plumbing fixture.

PREPARATION—What services are offered?
We are currently offering pre-listing inspections, staging, and professional photography. There are safety protocols that will be followed by our vendors to best protect you. However, if you do not wish to have our vendors in your home to stage, we can utilize virtual staging services for VACANT SPACES. This is not as successful as actual staging, but it is a nice alternative. We cover all expenses for virtual staging. Video is now more important than ever. So we will definitely be doing extensive video!!
TIMING—When should we list?
Best answer—when it is right for you. We are ready and able to list you now. My Team members are all working from their homes. We are ready, willing, and able to get your home on the market if you are ready to move forward. We have a shortage of inventory. Homes are still selling and buyers are still looking. Feel free to contact me directly to discuss your concerns or questions about this.
SOCIAL MEDIA—What’s happening?
We have a community page on Facebook called Midlothian & Moseley Living. I know that many of you do not live in these two areas. However, I would recommend you join our community group. We are posting all kinds of resources daily. We also have a private group just for our clients on Facebook. We highly encourage you to join this group. It is another way to get market and local information. Here are a few links for you:
https://www.facebook.com/theprettyteamRVA/?ref=bookmarks
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1828035000629530/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/873834436309347/
THE PRETTY TEAM—How are we doing?
Many of you have reached out to me to ask how we are making out. Thank you so much for your kind messages.
PAIGE
Paige is home with her 2 children, husband, 2 dogs, & rabbit in Powhatan. They are doing great. I love seeing the photos that Paige posts everyday of her kids and their projects. I think this time at home with her family is getting Paige’s creative juices flowing. So she is ready to go to develop some cutting edge materials for your property.
ROBIN
Robin is hanging out with her beloved Yeti (sheepadoodle) and her rescue dogs. She has been busy finding the perfect home for our many buyers. She has gotten 2 buyers under contract in the last few days. Robin is working her sources to find off-market properties for our buyers who aren’t finding exactly what they want. And yes, we have successfully found some off-market properties for our buyers. We leave no stone unturned.
ALICE
Alice is super-busy getting many contracts to the finish line. She normally works from home, so nothing has changed for her. Her husband leaves early in the morning to serve those on the front line at Newport News Shipbuilding. She and her puppy (Murphy) are focused on supporting you and us on our goals.
BETH
Well, I am home with 3 teenagers, 2 dogs, and my husband. Stephen works from home normally, so he gets the office, and I get the kitchen. If you call, you may hear a barking dog or arguing teens in the background. I am sure that many of you can relate.
I have gotten 4 listings under contract in the last 3 weeks. So we are plugging along with those who are comfortable moving forward. Do not hesitate to contact me with your questions or concerns. You can email, call, or text. I am happy to Facetime with you if preferred. Just know that my hair is a fright. 😊 The Pretty Team is here to serve you. We are very confident that the local real estate market will continue to thrive in spite of our situation. How can we help you??
Stay healthy!!
Beth & The Pretty Team