Re-Al-It-Y – therealtorrn

Q2 2025 Real Estate Market Report: Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro

The Greater Augusta Association of Realtors just released the Q2 2025 housing market stats — and while the numbers are the same ones every Realtor in our area has, my job is to interpret them so you can make smart decisions whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about your home’s value.

Inventory Rising

Buyers now have more homes to choose from than this time last year:

Augusta County listings up 18% (165 homes)
Staunton up 2% (65 homes)
Waynesboro up 28% (88 homes)

How Fast Are Homes Selling? If I got a dime for every time I am asked this question…

Days on market tell us how quickly homes are going under contract. Staunton is moving fast — down to just 6 days on average — while Waynesboro has slowed slightly to 11 days. If the price is right-don’t blink or you will miss out.

Price Movements

Prices moved in different directions: Staunton saw a 4% dip in median sales price, creating potential opportunity for buyers. Waynesboro prices rose 5%, great news for sellers. Augusta County prices held steady with a slight 1% bump.

Sales Volume Surge

The big winner in total sold dollar volume is Augusta County, jumping 65% over last year.

Why Does this Matter?

Market trends don’t wait. Whether you’re thinking about listing this fall or buying before rates shift, now’s the time to align your plans with the numbers. Let’s talk about your next move. I don’t have a crystal ball. I cannot tell you exactly what will happen next month, next quarter or even next year. What I can tell you is that numbers matter whether you are listing a property to sell OR looking to buy a home in Staunton, Waynesboro or Augusta County. When you match goals to data closing happen!

Falling in Love With Virginia

Crisp mountain air. Foggy mornings. Steaming mugs of coffee. Autumnal hues on the mountainsides. Fresh apples. Scent of wood smoke curling from a chimney. Falling leaves. It is easy to fall in love with Virginia.

Fall is a beautiful time in Virginia-especially in the Shenandoah Valley. The mountainsides become a watercolor of autumnal hues, the valley floor and vineyards are wrapped in early morning fog, pumpkin patches and corn mazes pop up and you understand how the Blue Ridge Mountains got their name.

Fall is also a perfect time to buy a home in Virginia.

As the mornings become crisper and days shorter, sellers are often more motivated (who wants to keep up with an on-market home through the holiday season), and buyers have more wiggle room for negotiations. What does this mean for you? You may be able to negotiate closing costs or repairs. What this doesn’t equate to is a seller accepting a low-ball offer, but you may be able to make your money worker wiser and not harder for you. That is a win!

Inventory remains historically low in Virginia which means competition amongst buyers, especially in certain price points can be fierce. Traditionally, in the fall and early winter buyers tend to put their house hunting on hold (brrrr it is COLD outside), but bundle up, put on that scarf, and prepare to head outside. This can work in your favor! As a buyer, a chill in the air can mean that less competition. Let those cooler temps fuel your house hunt.

If falling leaves encourage you to turn over a new leaf and begin, or revitalize, your house hunting journey here in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding areas, reach out and let’s talk about finding you the perfect property. Let’s get outside, enjoy fantastic fall days and explore your options.

P.S. If your dream property isn’t nestled in the Shenandoah Valley and you are exploring other regions of the US, or even thinking about a Tuscan farmhouse, reach out and let’s talk-I have contacts around the world that can assist you in finding your perfect property.

How I Stayed Out of Jail Today

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

In today’s day and age, stress has become an inevitable part of life. With the fast-paced lifestyle, it’s easy to get stressed and feel overwhelmed. And it is no secret that one of the best ways to combat stress is by working out.

Working out is a great way to de-stress since working out releases endorphins. Ever heard of the “runners high?” I’ve heard of it, but honestly I have never experienced it because I LOATHE running. I feel like the Pillsbury Doughboy plodding down a city street. I prefer to get my cardio through 10k steps a day and some quality time on my Peloton-and that “Peloton Power” high is legit. I may not feel like getting on the bike. I may clip in, sit and seriously contemplate clipping out and walking away-but I know that even a 20 minute ride makes me feel like a better human.

Exercise isn’t just for our physical health but our mental well being too. I find that when I take time for myself to walk, cycle, take a Pilates class or strength train-I feel more centered. I am more focused on tasks I need to accomplish. Taking that essential time for me allows me to be more present when others need me the most-whether that is as a Realtor or an ER Nurse.

I heard once that people who live a healthy lifestyle are less likely to end up in jail. Well, today’s workout (thank you @PelotonJenn on IG) kept me out of a velcro orange jumpsuit. What a day! (stay tuned for future blog post on today’s adventure in real estate). Exercise is a fantastic way to burn off that negative energy-it is my favorite way to “simmer down” when dealing with a difficult transaction. Somedays that means that I walk, Peloton, take a pilates class AND an evening meditation. Hey-I don’t look good in bright orange 🙂

https://carolynbook.exprealty.com

Be present. Take care of you. Life is short. Incorporate daily “me time”-even if it is 10 minutes locked in the bathroom while kids are screaming. When you put yourself first you are better prepared for this roller coaster called life.