Articles Tagged "real estate agents"

As an independent real estate firm, our goal is to provide the best possible service to you and provide comprehensive assistance in achieving your real estate goals. This is true whether you're moving to a Virginia/West Virginia community from across town or across the world. One of the ways that we provide that level of service is through our affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE), a worldwide network of top independent real estate brokerages.

Both our real estate agents and our clients benefit from our affiliation with LeadingRE, whose mantra is "Making the Best Brokerages Better." No matter where you're moving from, our team is here to help you find the home that perfectly suits your needs.

Get to Know Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®

Founded in 1997 by 50 of the largest real estate brokerages in the United States, LeadingRE has grown into a worldwide network over the last 25 years. It's now comprised of 550 companies in more than 70 countries, with 4,700 offices located across the world and 136,000 sales associates. LeadingRE is a by-invitation-only network focused on raising the bar in real estate, with industry-leading metrics in sales and market coverage.

What this means for clients is that no matter where you're currently located and where you're planning to move, there's a global network of like-minded real estate firms ready to serve you. Long-distance moves are so much easier when you have a worldwide network to lean on, and we're proud to be part of a network that's built to serve you.

A Global Network with Local Knowledge

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® is made up of industry-leading local and regional real estate firms. As a client, one key benefit of working with a local or regional real estate brand is that you have access to unparalleled local knowledge. In our case, that means helping you find the right home, in the right neighborhood, in Virginia and West Virginia communities.

When you're relocating from far away, there are so many factors to consider, whether you're relocating for work, family, military service, or simply to experience something new. Starting a new life in a new location is so much smoother when you have access to a global network with unmatched local knowledge. Take the guesswork out of a long-distance move, and find a real estate brand you can trust to make your transition a smooth, streamlined experience so you can focus on settling into your new home.

Our Affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®

You can find our Old Dominion Realty page on the LeadingRE website and our video on Old Dominion Realty and LeadingRE to learn more about our affiliation with the network. If you're moving from out of state or outside the country, we can help you manage the logistics, find the right neighborhood, and find the right home. If you're moving from Virginia/West Virginia to another location, our affiliation with LeadingRE means that we can help you find the right agent in communities across the world.

On the LeadingRE website, you can also access tools like the Global Cost of Living Report, Currency Converter, and Mortgage Calculator to help you make informed decisions. The goal is to provide you with the best possible service, no matter where you're moving from or where you're moving to, through a network with global reach.

Services from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® offers a variety of tools to help facilitate long-distance moves for individuals and organizations.

• Luxury Portfolio International®
  Luxury Portfolio International® is geared toward luxury clientele, with more than 50,000 of the world's finest properties listed annually. If you're searching for a luxury home, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® can help you find it.
  
  
• RELO Direct, Inc.®
  RELO Direct, Inc.® is a service for corporate clients, providing comprehensive administrative support to help employees move with high satisfaction rates. It also has extensive certifications to help government organizations manage employee moves.
  
  
• Solutions Group
  The Solutions Group program helps us help you. LeadingRE partners with a wide range of service providers that allow members to leverage the best tools, technology, and services in the real estate industry to provide the best possible service to our clients.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Next Move

Whether you're shopping for Augusta County homes for sale or homes in another Virginia or West Virginia community, our team is here to help you accomplish your real estate goals. Our affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® can help us accommodate your needs, no matter where you're moving from or what is motivating your move. Contact us to buy and sell homes in the Augusta County, VA area.

This year, we are happy to celebrate our 60th anniversary and mark a milestone in our commitment to servicing our local community. Join in on the celebration and discover more about our 60 years and plans for the future below.

60 Years of History

In 1962 Clyde Pugh founded Old Dominion Realty in the building that is now the Crimson Inn in Bridgewater, VA. In the early days, Clyde shared an office with the town police. He recounted that when the town policeman was out on a call, he would answer the phone for the police. He received some entertaining calls in those days. In the same spirit of cooperation, the town policeman would answer Clyde's real estate calls when he was out of the office on appointment. 

Old Dominion was founded on Clyde's integrity, spirit of cooperation, and love for the local community. In the '60s and '70s, Clyde and Old Dominion were deeply involved in the growth and development of the Town of Bridgewater. Clyde was on the town council and was a part of the committee that built Ashby Pool. He was a Director for First Virginia Bank and was on the James Madison Foundation. He was a part of developing Windsor Estates, Northshore, Sanston Sites, Holly Hill Subdivision, Fletcher Pope Subdivision, and much of the western part of the town of Bridgewater and Reherd Acres in Harrisonburg.

In 1973 Clyde Pugh suffered a heart attack and his son, Michael Pugh, 19 at the time was suddenly cast in the role of Managing Broker for Old Dominion Realty at a very young age. Clyde's community stepped up to help in a huge way. Clyde's friends and competing brokers came together to help Mike keep the business running. Clyde's close friend Paige Gordon, a broker at Homeland Realty at the time provided almost daily support for Mike and Old Dominion Realty to continue to operate. 

Mike Pugh continued in the broker role after Clyde's recovery and never looked back. Mike's talents and contributions to the local community are innumerable. He has been a part of numerous commercial and residential projects and developments. Some of his work includes Old Mill Landing, Oak Meadows, and Millview Estates in Bridgewater, Saddlebrook Plantation in Mount Crawford, The Springs at Osceola and Wingate Meadows in Rockingham County, Broadway Plaza, the Wal-Mart in Timberville, and Crossroads Plaza in Penn Laird. His vision and ability to draw talented staff and agents to Old Dominion and train and provide support in everyday operations is truly amazing.

Mike has been a leader in the community his entire career. In addition to being Principal Broker for Old Dominion, he is also a Certified General Appraiser and was one of the founding members of Colonial Appraisal Service, Inc. He now serves as Chairman of the Board of F&M Bank and is Vice-Chair on the Board at Sunnyside. He is a past member of the board for Bridgewater Retirement Community, served on the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He is a current board member for Valley Southern Title, Bankers Title, and F&M Mortgage. He currently serves as Chairman of F&M Bankcorp. He was voted businessperson of the year by the Chamber of Commerce in 2012.

Truly a family operation Barry Pugh, Mike's brother has been with Old Dominion Realty for over 40 years as a real estate sales agent. He has also served as a Certified General Appraiser along with his wife Susan Pugh in the past. Prior to real estate both Barry and Susan served the Town of Bridgewater by being deeply involved in the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Company.

Mike's daughter Micah and son-in-law Chad Branson are both involved with the family business. Micah is an Associate Broker and Chad runs Old Dominion Realty Property Management in addition to sales. Micah is a Certified Residential Appraiser. Son John Pugh provides landscaping, snow removal, and general maintenance support through his business, Pugh Landscaping. Clyde, Mike, and Micah are all past presidents of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of Realtors.

In 2005, Old Dominion joined Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. LeadingRE is an invitation only network of the world's market-leading independent real estate brokerages. From 2006 through 2007 Old Dominion experienced steady growth, opening offices in Franklin, WV; Moorefield, WV and Penn Laird, VA. In December of 2010 an opportunity arose for Old Dominion to open a real estate office in Augusta County under the leadership of Cathy Ward, who also became a partner in the firm. The Augusta office started with seven agents and quickly grew creating the need for more office space. In 2018, the Old Dominion Augusta Office moved to Myers Corner, where it remains today, and is home to 33 agents and 2 staff members. In recent years, Cathy has passed the leadership torch to her daughter, Natalie Campbell, who is now the Managing Broker for that office. Natalie shared her thoughts on the tremendous growth over 11 years stating, "The key to our success has been the hard work of every ODR member and we hope to continue serving our local communities for many years to come." 

Our ODR team has grown to support a sales force and staff of over 100 people. Still family-owned and operated by a talented team who value community and the family culture. With 5 offices in Virginia and West Virginia, our footprint covers the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

For more information on our history, be sure to check out this video detailing our full history.

Our Present and Future

Today our real estate agents are happy to serve our community with support for residential, land, commercial, agricultural and recreational sellers and buyers in Virginia and West Virginia. Additionally, we offer or have partnering services in property management, appraisal, and auction services. We are a proud partner with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. Which gives our agents the tools to refer clients to qualified agents throughout the United States and Internationally. Ready to work with a real estate team that has the experience you need to accomplish your goals? Contact us today. 

A combination of low-interest rates, limited nationwide inventory, and pent-up demand has made this year's real estate market one of the hottest in history. In a competitive seller's market, buyers often lose some negotiating leverage and are forced to enter into bidding wars.  

However, if you're looking for a home in today's real estate market, all hope isn't lost. The key to finding the right home for the right price is a combination of patience, dedication, and working with an experienced real estate agent. 

Our real estate agents are working with clients to help them navigate the complexities of today's hot market. Below are some ways we can help you:

1. Agents Can Help Minimize Issues During Closing
   After putting weeks of work into looking for the right house, securing financing, and negotiating terms, the last thing you want is for the deal to fall apart at closing. Title problems and financing issues are the things that most commonly delay closings. An experienced real estate agent can establish a realistic closing timeline and knows how to spot problems before they arise.
   
   
2. Agents Are Expert Negotiators
   Buyers can lose some negotiating leverage in a hot seller's market, which is why is the expertise of your agent is more important than ever. As a consumer, negotiating with a home seller can be an emotional process. Agents are able to remove emotion from the equation entirely. They also don't have any issue with being persistent and aggressive when asking for contingencies. Buying a new home is an emotional process, which is why it's important to have a good agent negotiating on your behalf.
   
   

3. Agents Can Help You Make A Competitive Offer
   In a hot market, the key to winning a bid is making your offer as competitive as possible. Luckily, there are many things you can do to help your offer stand out without drastically exceeding the asking price. For example, you may consider waiving the appraisal contingency, putting down a higher earnest money deposit, and making your offer as straightforward as possible in order to increase the chance of your offer being accepted. The bottom line, your agent can work with you to create a compelling offer.

4. Agents Know The Market
   Not only can your agent help you find homes that meet all of your criteria, but they're also familiar with current market trends as well as specific neighborhoods in your area. If you're considering one of these beautiful Shenandoah County homes for sale, your agent can provide you with insights about homes and locations that you may not be able to find on your own. They can also help you gauge whether a particular property is over or underpriced.
   
   
5. Agents Can Act Quickly
   Buyers need to act fast when looking for a home in a seller's market, especially if you're considering one of these great Augusta County homes for sale. If you find a property you absolutely love, a good agent will be willing to turn around an offer in a matter of hours. 
   

6. Agents Can Handle The Paperwork
   A real estate transaction requires an immense amount of paperwork, which an average consumer likely can't handle on their own. Between the offer, counteroffer, and contingencies, there is a lot riding on the accuracy and completeness of the paperwork. Your agent will not only ensure everything is documented correctly, but that all pages are signed and initialed.

7. An Agent Can Connect You To Resources
   A standard real estate transaction often involves several third parties who perform various services throughout the process. If you need a mortgage broker, home inspector, or notary public, your real estate agent likely has a wide network of trusted resources. Real estate agents often manage multiple closings each week, so chances are, they've had ample opportunity to vet the efficiency of the service providers in their network. Since your agent can connect you with the services you need to ensure a smooth transaction, you can avoid a lot of stress and headaches along the way.

While a hot seller's market can present a number of challenges for buyers, working with a good agent is the best way to mitigate risks and secure the home of your dreams. For more tips on how to make a competitive offer, contact us today.

April showers may bring May flowers, but planning the perfect spring garden starts well before that. When it comes to creating the right conditions and choosing the best plants, even Mother Nature needs a helping hand.

So what are the secrets to adding curb appeal to Virginia homes for sale with a stunning garden? Our real estate agents share their favorite tips for planning a garden that makes your vision a reality.

1. Do Your Homework
   Johnny Appleseed may have been successful with random planting, but that's the stuff of legends and children's tales. Agent Judy Linhoss points out that it's easy to find webinars, how-to guides, and all the information you need online. Sit down with your tablet or laptop and a hot cup of coffee, and you're ready to go.
   
   
2. Put It in Writing
   Any goal begins taking shape when you write it down. Use whichever style you prefer, whether electronic or paper and pencil. In addition to documenting the actual steps, be sure to sketch out a diagram of the layout, including which plants will go where.
   
   
3. Create a Schedule
   Agent Renee Whitmore warns about planting too early, advice she learned from her husband's grandmother, Janice. Despite warm weather and sunshine in April, the danger of frost still lingers, and you may be left scrambling to save your plants. As Renee says, "Always listen to Grandma! She knows best."
   
   
4. Order Seeds and Plants
   As soon as you decide exactly what you'll be planting, order the corresponding seeds from a local nursery or online source. If you decide to go with garden-ready starter plants, they'll be shipped when it's the right time to plant them.
   
   
5. Clean Garden Beds
   Agent Kay Horn stresses the importance of cleaning the garden beds as soon as weather permits.  Clear out any rocks or dead leaves and sticks cluttering up the surface and removing existing weeds. Start a compost pile to hold any organic debris. Adding a layer of mulch will help keep moisture in while preventing new weeds from gaining a foothold.
   
   
6. Gather Your Gardening Tools
   When you're having a great gardening session, the last thing you want is constant interruptions having to look for the proper tool. Assemble your gloves, pruners, trowels, and other tools in a convenient location. If you don't already have one, consider purchasing a tote or bag that will make it easy to store and carry tools. Be sure to get a tune-up for shears, spades, hoses, and other items that may need maintenance.
   
   
7. Collect Starter Pots and Trays
   Some seedlings, such as petunias and tomatoes, are too fragile to survive outdoors, no matter how warm the weather is. If this applies to any plants you'll be including in your garden, you'll want to start them indoors and transplant them once they have grown enough to gain some strength.
   
   
8. Prepare the Soil
   Just as food fuels our bodies, soil provides the nutrients that plants need to thrive. If a handful of soil clumps together, it's still too damp for planting. Whether you're using in-ground beds, raised beds, or container gardens, supplement the existing soil with a revitalizer that can be found at nurseries or home improvement stores. A soil testing kit gives more detailed information as to which specific minerals and nutrients are lacking.
   
   
9. Manicure the Yard
   This dormant period is a good time to prune bushes and trim trees and ornamental grass. Use a flat-bladed spade to cut a clean edge around the garden beds so the lawn won't creep into them. 
   
   
   
   
10. Make Plant Markers
    Markers help you identify what has been planted where until the plants grow large enough to take shape. While a wide variety of plant markers can be purchased in stores and online, it's a great DIY craft project, especially if you have kids who will love to join in on the fun.
    
    
11. Develop a Contingency Plan
    As in many parts of the country, weather around Rockingham homes for sale can be unpredictable. Come up with an action plan outlining the steps you'll take if the area should be hit by an unexpected frost or heavy rains.
    
    
12. Update Accessories
    Styling gardens at Augusta homes for sale increases the visual appeal. Use this time to paint and repair bird feeders, statues, and other accessories or add new ones for an updated look.

Want more tips for indoor and outdoor projects that will boost your home's value? Our experienced and knowledgeable real estate agents are ready to help. Contact us at Old Dominion Realty to learn more.

As you prepare to show your home, our real estate agents suggest that you and your agent take an afternoon to evaluate the entire house once more to ensure that everything is as presentable as possible. Unless you've hired a professional staging company, you may want to consider these easy last-minute staging suggestions that will showcase your home.

1. Perform a Quick Clean
   If you've only got a few minutes to spare before a showing, devote that time to spot cleaning. Check corners for debris collections, wipe the dust from windowsills and countertops, and remove any trash that may have been deposited during previous showings. Remember to do a walkthrough of all areas, including bathrooms, the garage, and closets.
   
   
2. Hide Your Cleaning Supplies
   After you've cleaned the space, finish tidying up by storing all cleaning supplies. Although you still want these items to be easily accessible after the showing, keeping them visible in the home is not recommended. Consider keeping them in a container in your vehicle, so they're always on hand yet always out of the way of your buyers.
   
   
3. Perform a Quick Declutter
   Cleaning and decluttering a space have two different objectives. When you declutter, you're removing items that can distract or obstruct a viewer during the showing. For instance, put away all kitchen appliances that normally sit on the countertops. You should also remove all personal items on display in the home, such as photographs, awards, or other mementos that paint a picture of who you are in the buyer's mind. You want your home to be a blank slate for your buyer to fill in however they wish.  
   
   
4. Remove Signs of Pets
   Although your pets are part of your family and home, not all buyers are thrilled to discover that animals once lived inside the home of their dreams. You may have kept your home in great shape, but some buyers will wonder if there are any stains or damages caused by your pets. Remove as many signs of your pet as possible and consider spraying a fresh scent in the areas where pet beds or litter boxes are usually stored.  
   
   
5. Create a Comfortable Space
   Staging is more than a visual technique; it also involves creating a comfortable space that's appealing to the other senses. If the home seems stuffy or if a smell lingers, open the windows and let fresh air in. Look up at all of your lighting fixtures and replace any dim or dead lightbulbs to ensure that all rooms are adequately lit. You can also consider playing light music and leaving out refreshments that will help your guests relax while they browse the home.  
   
   
6. Exit Stage Left!
   Now that you've finished staging your home, it's time to make a swift exit! While you may be excited to show potential buyers everything your property has to offer, you want to give them the space and time they need to take everything in.

When listing Virginia homes for sale, we typically recommend hiring a professional staging company to showcase your home for a successful sale! For help buying or selling homes in Virginia, contact us today.

Help! We Sold Our Home Before We Bought Another

If the first three rules of real estate are, "Location, location, location," the fourth rule would be, "Timing is everything." Selling and buying a home simultaneously is a tightrope act that defies the skills of the most experienced circus acrobat.

Fortunately, our real estate agents have a superior sense of balance. Here are their top tips for buying and selling a home at the same time.

1. Study the Market
   At any given time, based largely on the overall economic climate, the real estate market will favor either buyers or sellers. Knowing where the current advantage lies will help direct your strategy.
2. Crunch the Numbers
   Get a solid handle on your financial picture. Determine your current liquidity, a realistic resale value of your home, and how much equity you have. This will give you an idea of the budget you're working with, including the amount of down payment you can comfortably afford.
3. Get Pre-Approval
   "Your reach should exceed your grasp" is fine advice, except when it comes to real estate. Many people mistakenly assume their purchasing power will go much further than it actually does. With a pre-approval in hand, you won't be tempted to waste time on a home you can't afford.
4. Have a Backup Plan (or Two)
   If you sell your home first, you'll need to arrange temporary housing. On the other hand, if you buy first, two mortgages can be a significant drain on your cash reserves. Draw up a workable game plan for either of these possibilities. Options include rent-back agreements, contingency clauses (for buyers and sellers), bridge loans or renting out your home. Keep in mind that each method comes with its own set of pros and cons.
5. Prepare Your Home for Sale
   Take a good look at your home. Would you buy it today as is? Take care of any upgrades or repairs immediately so the home is ready to roll once it hits the market. Consider getting a pre-inspection so you're not caught off-guard by any unseen conditions.
6. Work With a Qualified Real Estate Agent
   While it doesn't absolve you of responsibility for making informed decisions, the assistance of a reliable real estate agent is invaluable. Along with providing market insight, a good agent successfully steers you through the curves and speed bumps of buying and selling a home simultaneously.
7. Negotiate Terms
   Selling price is only one of the terms that may be negotiated in a real estate transaction. If you need some adjustments to accommodate your timeline, your agent can negotiate the closing date, contingency clauses, and other elements that factor into your backup plans.
8. Don't Operate Out of Fear or Emotion
   Yes, we develop emotional attachments to Virginia homes for sale but save that for the business of living, not the business of real estate. Remain level-headed and clear-eyed, and you'll find it much easier to make good decisions.
9. Be Flexible
   No matter how carefully you construct your plans, there's a wild card you can't account for: the behavior of others. Accept the fact that you can't control what other buyers and sellers, lenders, and inspectors will do, and be prepared to pivot when need be. 

Buying and selling West Virginia real estate can be a roller coaster ride, but we can reduce the scares and increase the thrills. Contact us at Old Dominion Realty to get started.

Colton Mitchell of our South Main, Harrisonburg office is a resident of Bridgewater.  He grew up in Dayton and attended Turner Ashby High School with wife Charlotte, who now teaches 5th grade at John Wayland Elementary School. They welcomed their beautiful daughter, Rowan, into the world in November 2019.

1. What do you love best about your community?
   Rockingham County has a small-town feel yet the amenities of the big city are within easy driving distance.  Colton enjoys the location between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains for all the outdoor recreation the mountains create.  He loves to hunt, fish, camp, and hike.  Natural Chimneys is one of his favorite places to camp.  He enjoys the small-town feel of Bridgewater with its restaurants, shops, and all you need just minutes away.  He feels it is a fantastic place to raise his new daughter Rowan Paige.
   
   
   Colton also loves being two hours from Washington D.C., Richmond, and Roanoke because there are constantly things to do and see.  He enjoys the big-name country concerts that the larger cities bring us and the wide range of restaurants and activities all within a few hours' drive.
   
   
2. What is your favorite local sports team?
   Colton played baseball and football at TA and still cheers for his alma mater.  He follows the Washington Redskins as they have the home team feeling being so close to FedEx Field.
   
   
3. Favorite local restaurant?
   Colton and wife Charlotte love to eat and relax at Union Station downtown Harrisonburg in the old Wetsel Seed building.  They love the reclaimed ambiance and amazing food.  For burgers, they would choose Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint downtown or Billy Jacks for an evening outing.
   
   
4. Favorite local coffee shop?
   A few mornings each week, Colton loves to swing into Bridgewater Coffee on the way to work for an iced coffee and blueberry muffin. He enjoys the cheery staff and cozy atmosphere of the coffee shop to start off his day.
   
   
5. Favorite place for happy hour?
   You can find Colton and a few friends at the Cracked Pillar around happy hour.  Their selection of beers on tap is ever-changing and the food is good too.
   
   
6. Favorite local grocery store?
   Colton prefers to shop at the Dayton Farmers Market for locally grown produce. He loves the wide variety of meats, cheeses, and desserts that are offered from local sources.
   
   
7. Favorite local festival/parade/event?
   Colton loves the Maple Festival in Highland County.  Featuring homemade maple syrup, maple donuts, pancake breakfasts, good music, shopping and fun are always something to look forward to for two weekends in March.  Not to mention the beautiful hour or so drive from Bridgewater to Monterey, VA to take in the Maple Festival is something to look forward to each year.
   
   Growing up in Dayton instills a love for Dayton Days as a time to celebrate the community.  Good company, good food, and shopping draw Colton to Dayton each year for the annual town festival. 
   
   Being a big fan of country music you can always catch Colton taking in the Rockingham County Fair and its country headlining concert.
   
   Colton and his wife love spending Friday evenings at Bluestone Vineyard's Toast the Weekend events. He and his friends gather for great music, wine, and food from local food trucks.
   
   
8. Favorite local activity
   Hunting is Colton's favorite local activity and there are plenty of opportunities for hunting close by!  Colton frequents Highland County, Virginia, and Pendleton County, West Virginia to hunt whitetail deer, eastern wild turkey, and black bear.  He also predator hunts on local farms.  When Colton is not hunting locally he enjoys heading west to hunt whitetail and elk.  He is an avid fisherman and takes to the water every summer in search of a citation Striped Bass on Smith Mountain Lake.  He spends many early mornings taking in the sunrise over SML with a community of tight-knit fishermen who share a love for the pursuit of the next citation Striper! Since having his daughter Rowan, he loves to spend many evenings taking her on walks around Bridgewater. They frequent Wildwood Park so she can listen to the rushing river and see the ducks. Colton wants to make sure he instills a love of the outdoors in Rowan!
   
   
9. Other local business(es) you love?
   Colton loves to support Heartland Outfitters in Dayton.  They are a full-service bow shop with everything you need.  Rockingham Cooperative is another business he always loves to frequent for hunting and fishing gear.
   
   
10. Three words to describe why you love living in your community.
    Family, Opportunity, and Experiences
    
    
11. What you love best about your career in real estate?
    Colton loves being a real estate agent because he loves meeting new people.  The gratification of being able to help with one of their largest financial decisions and knowing that they were happy with their experience is what motivates Colton in his real estate career. 
    
    Find out how to work with Colton Mitchell to buy and sell homes on his website:
    
    

Gail Mitchell, REALTOR® Talks About Why She Loves Living in Dayton, VA

South Breeze Estates | Dayton, VA

We sat down with Gail Mitchell, from our Harrisonburg office, to find out what she loves most about living in Dayton.

Gail grew up in the small town of Dayton and has lived in five different new homes (all built by Gail and her husband, Kevin), since 1986. Her homes have ranged from Rockingham County, Bridgewater, and Dayton. She has returned to Dayton, where she truly calls home!  She currently lives in South Breeze Estates, in Dayton.  Gail is an alumnus of Turner Ashby where her two grown children also attended school.

Gail loves the quaintness of Dayton with its specialty shops, parks, and restaurants.  Her favorite thing about Dayton is the people, the friendliness of its residents.  Her connections with the people she grew up with and a lifetime of memories make Dayton not only her home but the home of her heart.

These days Gail enjoys the social aspect of attending ball games locally.  Her favorite team to follow in the last few years in our own Old Dominion Realty co-ed softball team.  Gail loves to bring her two dogs, Charlie and Max out to cheer for her husband, Kevin, and son, Colton as they are staples on our softball team.  

It is truly a family affair as Gail's daughter, Lauren, and daughter-in-law, Charlotte and their dogs Milo and Koda all come together to enjoy ball games and cheer for our team, as well.  There is also the treat of Kline's Ice Cream or El Charro as a group after the games, on occasion.

You can find Gail enjoying a good dinner of her favorite oysters at Mill Street Grill in Staunton, with husband, Kevin as he enjoys their famous ribs.  She loves Vito's for lunch or dinner and is a connoisseur of steak and cheese subs which they do very well!  Her favorite burger is the Cobra-Kai (jalapeño jelly and cream cheeseburger) at Jack Brown's downtown. 

Gail loves coffee shops in general.  Some of her favorite local shops are Starbucks on Port Republic Road.  The Kaffee Klatsch in the Dayton Farmers Market is her favorite close to home.  She also loves the Rumor Mill Coffee Shop in the Valley Pike Farmers Market.

The ambiance and charm of Union Station Restaurant, in the old Wetsel Seed Building, in Downtown Harrisonburg, or Blue Mountain Brewery, on Afton Mountain, make these two spots Gail's favorite place for happy hour.

Bridgewater Foods is Gail's favorite stop for convenience items and small-town interaction at the grocery store.

Gail is a long-time member of Dayton United Methodist Church and is actively involved in heading up and serving community meals in the winter months and the Dayton Autumn Celebration in October.  She also serves as a Trustee member, all in which she greatly enjoys. For Gail, worship is much more than Sunday morning service. Her service extends into everything she does to serve her community.

Gail's favorite quick getaway is Smith Mountain Lake.  She loves the small, local decorating stores the lake has to offer or an occasional drive to Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke. She also enjoys supporting the local restaurants in the lake community at Moneta and West Lake. 

Hopeful Things on Dayton's Main Street is a favorite gift and decor shop for Gail.  She loves to support local shops in Dayton such as the Dayton Farmers Market. Other favorites are Valley Pike Farm Market in Weyers Cave and the shops in Downtown Harrisonburg.

The three words that describe why she loves living in your community are:

Peaceful, Safe & Unity

When asked what Gail loves best about her community "the people" is her first response.  She has a lifetime of deep relationships with her family, friends and the local community. Real estate has given her the opportunity to see people happy after buying or selling. This is Gail's greatest reward in working!  She truly lives and breathes her community and is deeply committed to her Church, her town and the people that make it so special.  

Get to know more about Gail Mitchell by visiting her website.

Colby Shifflett, REALTOR® Talks About Why He Loves Living in Staunton, VA

College Park | Staunton, VA

We sat down with Colby Shifflett, from our Augusta office, to find out what he loves most about living in Staunton.

I live in the College Park neighborhood of Staunton, Virginia (McSwain Elementary and Staunton High School districts), and my family and I love it here! We have great neighbors, and there is a genuine sense of warmth and community here. We're always looking out for each other, and it's always easy to say hello or offer neighborly help to one another. Life is a little bit slower, and southern hospitality is everywhere. Furthermore, my son really enjoys McSwain Elementary, and we have nothing but good things to say about the awesome teachers there. I would also like to highlight the plentiful programs available to us through Staunton Parks and Rec and the local YMCA.

Living in Staunton, there are a lot of great restaurants to enjoy, with one of my personal favorites being Kline's Ice Cream and BBQ. My son gets some delicious ice cream while my wife and I chow down on some pulled pork BBQ! I'll never get tired of their Carolina-style BBQ.

Another few local spots we greatly enjoy including Gypsy Hill Park, where the ducks are always waiting to be fed and downtown Staunton where you can find some great gelato at Split Banana as well as cool antique shops and historic buildings to take in. If I were to use only three words to describe why I love living in my Staunton community, it would be "connected," charming," and "historic."

Even though I live in Staunton, I work with clients all over the Shenandoah Valley. The best part of my real estate career would be meeting people from all walks of life and helping them by representing them, working with them closely, as well as being able to bring their dreams to reality. With this career, I've been able to explore many parts of the Valley and make new friends and acquaintances, which has also been very rewarding.

I have overcome many challenges in my life, and I am very thankful to be where I am today with my family and career. I'm excited to continue to serve my community with the Old Dominion Realty team!

Get to know more about Colby Shifflett by visiting his website.

Brian Ratliff, REALTOR®, Talks About Why He Loves Living In Broadway, VA

Rockingham County | Broadway, Virginia

Brian, his wife, and his two beautiful daughters reside in Rockingham County, specifically the Broadway, Virginia area. He loves the community he lives in because they always come together to help those in need.

Brian's favorite sports teams are the Broadway Gobblers.

His favorite restaurants are Jack Browns in Harrisonburg, Virginia and in his hometown he enjoys dining at The Gobbler Grill and Romans.

Mac's Superette is his favorite local grocery spot. He has many fond memories there… his parents owned it at one time.

Every year Brian and his family look forward to the Bergton Fair.

In his spare time, Brian enjoys golfing.

Some of his favorite local businesses include Rocktown CrossFit, Ratliff's Tree & Blueberry Farm, and Showalter's Orchard.

Three words that describe why Brian loves living in Broadway… Family, Friendly, Neighbors.

Brian started at Old Dominion Realty in 2004. He loves getting to work with friends and family to make their home dreams come true.

Are you ready to put on your running shoes, spend some time with the community, and support a great cause in the process? Then we hope to see you at the Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership's 11th Annual 5K Run/Walk for Autism! Every year, this well-attended local event provides an opportunity to raise autism awareness, raise funds for the Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership, and bring the community together. Many of our REALTORS® with their families and friends will be hitting the streets to participate in the 5K Run/Walk for Autism, and we've got all the details on how you can join us for this wonderful, local event. 

Hit the Streets of Harrisonburg for the 5K Run/Walk for Autism in 2018

The Event: Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership 5KRun/Walk for Autism
Where: Eastern Mennonite University Commons in Harrisonburg, VA
When: Saturday April 21, 2018
Key Times: Check-In/Walk-Up Registration (7:15 AM), Introductions (9:00 AM), Start of 5K Walk/Run (9:30 AM)

11 Years Strong for the SVAP 5k Run/Walk for Autism

Every year around this time, residents from throughout the Shenandoah Valley come together in Harrisonburg to support the Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership's 5K Run/Walk for Autism, and raise money for a cause that touches so many of our hearts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with Autism, which can cause a wide range of developmental challenges. This year's event will be the 11^th Annual Run/Walk for Autism, and support only seems to grow stronger with each passing year.

How to Sign Up and What to Expect on Race Day

Are you ready to register, and support this great event? The easiest option is to register online, with online registration available until April 18, 2018. If you're not able to register ahead of time, simply show up at 7:15 AM on race day, and you'll have the option to register on-site. The registration fee is $20 for individuals, or $15 for each member of a team. There's an added fee of $10 for on-site registration, and it's all going toward a great cause.

The race will take you through the scenic commons of Eastern Mennonite University, and participants are encouraged to reach the finish line at their own pace. You'll have plenty of company if you want to run and try to beat your best time, but you're also welcome to walk at whatever pace is most comfortable.

Support a Great, Local Cause and Have Fun in the Process

The Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership is dedicated to improving quality of life for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. SVAP advocates for people with Autism, provides a support system, organizes events like the 5k Run/Walk, and offers networking opportunities for families and professionals. The 5K Run/Walk for Autism is the signature fundraising event of the SVAP, and a great opportunity to get involved with the cause first-hand.

Look for Old Dominion Realty at the 5K Run/Walk for Autism 2018

Our team is proud to support the local causes that make our corner of Virginia such a special place to call home, and we'll have plenty of team members at the 5K Run/Walk for Autism if you'd like to stop by and say hello. Look for Old Dominion team members Janet Harrison, Kari Miller, Linda Goodson, Kristen and Kendra Eppard, Suzanne Riddleberger, and Renee Whitmore at the event this year. We hope to see you there!

Are you shopping for homes in Harrisonburg, and looking to work with a local, knowledgeable real estate team? Contact Old Dominion Realty for all of your Harrisonburg real estate needs.