This season is full of cozy inspiration, local events, Santa sightings, winter home tips, design ideas, and even a delicious recipe to warm up your evenings. I’ve gathered my favorite Valley happenings to help you soak up all the festive magic this time of year has to offer.
Click below to open the full Winter Newsletter and explore everything inside — from community highlights to seasonal home inspiration
Wishing you a season filled with warmth, joy, and all things local. ✨ — Carolyn Book, REALTOR® | eXp Realty
Autumn in the Shenandoah Valley is pure magic — golden light, crisp mornings, and the kind of scenery that makes you pull over just to take it all in. This season, I’m exploring our region from every angle: above ground, through the ground, and below it.
Above Ground: Skyline Drive & the Blue Ridge Parkway
Leaf-peeping season doesn’t get better than this. Cruise along Skyline Drive or the Blue Ridge Parkway — both are showing off right now with sweeping views, crisp air, and more photo ops than your camera roll can handle. Pack a picnic, roll the windows down, and let the mountain breeze reset your soul. Bonus: even with the government shutdown lingering, Shenandoah National Park remains open for visitors. Just remember that what you pack in-you pack back out.
Through the Ground: The Blue Ridge Tunnel
For a unique twist on “fall walk,” head underground — well, through ground — at the Blue Ridge Tunnel. Just outside of Afton, this historic railroad tunnel stretches nearly a mile and a half beneath the mountain. Bring a flashlight (it gets dark!) and enjoy the cool air, echoing footsteps, and the feeling of stepping through history.
Below Ground: Grand Caverns
When you’re ready to really go deep, Grand Caverns in Grottoes are waiting. It’s America’s oldest continually operating show cave — think cathedral-sized rooms, dramatic limestone formations, and the perfect steady 54°F. Guided tours run daily, and it’s a great way to experience nature’s art gallery from a whole new angle.
Until Next TimeThe Shenandoah Valley always knows how to put on a show, especially in fall. Whether you’re chasing foliage or dreaming about your next move here, I’m happy to share local pumpkin patches and corn maze locations-don’t forget apple picking.
Warmly, Carolyn Book, The Realtor RN eXp Realty | Staunton, VA
The Realtor RN — Guiding Moves with Heart & Precision
Every August, I pause to celebrate one of the greatest joys of my life: my Labrador, Kai. If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you already know he’s not just a pet — he’s my constant shadow, my best friend, and forever “Employee of the Year.”
But Kai’s story didn’t begin that way. For weeks, he was “mine not mine.” He was promised to another family, and I was devastated at the thought that he wouldn’t be coming home with me. Then, in one of those wonderful twists of fate, that first family’s plans fell through. Kai became mine — and eight years later, I can’t imagine a day without him.
Why Dogs Change Everything
Living and working in Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley, I see firsthand how much pets shape the way we live in our homes. For me, Kai isn’t just company — he’s part of the family. From neighborhood walks to afternoons curled up while I work on real estate, he reminds me daily that home is about more than square footage. It’s about the life you live inside those walls.
As a Realtor (and an RN), I meet so many people whose four-legged friends are top of mind when they buy or sell. They’re looking for fenced yards, mudrooms for wet paws, or just cozy spots by the fireplace. A dog like Kai makes you think about “home” in a whole new way.
Dog-Friendly Living in the Shenandoah Valley
The Staunton area is full of pet-friendly parks, trails, and neighborhoods that make life with a dog so much richer. From Gypsy Hill Park to the Shenandoah National Park trails, Kai and I have our share of favorite spots. Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here forever, exploring our community through your dog’s eyes is a gift.
A Realtor Who Gets It
As The Realtor RN, I know a home search isn’t just about bedrooms and bathrooms — it’s about lifestyle. If you have pets, they’re part of that lifestyle. Whether you’re selling your home and want to highlight pet-friendly features, or you’re buying a new place and searching for the perfect yard for your pup, I’d love to help.
Closing Thoughts
So on this National Dog Day, here’s to Kai — my glue, my shadow, my heart. And here’s to all the dogs out there who make our lives better and our homes feel truly complete.
If you’re a fellow dog parent, I’d love to see your “Employee of the Year.” Drop a photo in the comments or send me a note — let’s celebrate together.
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.
August in Staunton gives us two reasons to celebrate: children return to school and the Staunton Summer Music Festival begins. Described by Travel + Leisure as “Virginia’s world-class music festival,” if you are a classical music enthusiast or someone who appreciates the power and grace of this timeless genre, then you’re in for a treat! Staunton is hosting its 25th annual Summer Music Festival, showcasing an impressive lineup of renowned musicians and inspiring performances. Join us as we dive into what makes this festival so special and why you shouldn’t miss out on this grand celebration of music. But wait, did you even know that there is a music festival in Staunton????
Staunton has a deep-rooted connection with classical music. Did you know that more than 90 acclaimed musicians are in town and that there will be over 30 performances in the coming days? The town boasts a strong musical heritage, attracting talented musicians and showcasing their brilliance. The festival pays homage to this heritage by presenting a diverse range of classical music performances that cater to all tastes and preferences. From Baroque to Romantic, the festival transports you through different eras, allowing you fully immerse yourself in the breadth of the genre’s richness.
From historic venues, prepare to be mesmerized by the virtuosity of world-class performers who grace the festival’s stage. Renowned performers, chamber ensembles, soloists, and choirs from near and far will come together to create unforgettable musical moments. Whether it’s the delicate beauty of a solo pianist or the grandeur of a full choir, each performance promises to be a feast for the ears and a sight to behold. . Additionally, the festival’s program includes masterclasses, lecture recitals, and open rehearsals, providing an immersive experience that connects the audience with the music and the musicians. Not to mention FREE noon time performances.
While the music takes center stage, Staunton offers much more to complement your festival experience. Take some time to explore the town’s picturesque streets, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, cozy cafes, and farm to table eateries. Visit the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse for a dose of theatrical magic or delve into the town’s rich history by exploring the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Museum. Staunton’s vibrant culture is sure to leave a lasting impression.
So, for non-Stauntonites, pack your bags, book your tickets, and let Staunton be your gateway to the soul-stirring world of classical music. Join us at the Staunton Summer Music Festival and create memories that will resonate with you long after the final note has been played.
Despite what you may read, hear or see on the news, Americans are buying houses this winter and especially in Staunton, VA. Housing inventory continues to fall and pending properties/under contract continue to rise.. As I write this post this evening, Monday, February 6th, 2023 our MLS currently has (129) pending/under contract properties and only (73) new listings. While the market is not insanely crazy hot like last year, it is very active. There were so many naysayers out there that in my humble opinion I think some of those folks are surprised about how the market is maintaining traction.
The demand for homes in Staunton, Waynesboro Augusta County and the surrounding areas is strong for the current levels of supply. There are more qualified buyers than there are active properties/inventory on the market. The big question on everyone’s mind is will this last? Who knows? Depending on your choice for media delivery you will hear arguments supporting the continued market and you will find the naysayer arguments. You might be better off consulting your Magic 8 Ball. What I can say is that the best person to ask about the market in your municipality is a local Realtor you know, like and trust. The person the is elbows and eyeball deep in your local area is the true expert.
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Straight from the experts at Altos Research: “the first few days of February 2023 available inventory of homes for sale declined by another 1.8% this week to 457,000. It’s not totally unheard of for inventory this early in the year to keep down for a few weeks. This year’s change though is notable because inventory was rising unusually fast in September, October, and November. if you’re only watching the headlines or if you like to watch the real estate crash Youtubers you’d be expecting now for inventory to be climbing each week and it’s simply not happening.” Inventory across the country is declining because we have more buyers than sellers. What is significant regarding the market is that we continue to see homes that are priced well MOVE. Let me say that again-homes in our area that are priced well are MOVING. And not with just one offer. We continue to homes in locations desired by buyers that are priced well, receive multiple offers and MOVE quickly from “just listed” to “under contract.” Even with the rise of mortgage rates buyers are still buying.
Why does this matter to you? As a seller it matters because we have buyers-and if your home is priced well it will move. As a buyer this means that when a home comes to market, in the location you desire and that home is priced well-you need to be ready to act. Being ready to act means being pre-approved by a lender, working actively with your buyer’s agent and feeling comfortable with the process of buying. Stay tuned for that blog post-Buyers Education 101. Have a great night!
With the festive season behind us, there is no better time to start preparing your home for the Spring market. Well, I should say there is a better time, the Fall or at least 3 months prior to listing, but many times that just cannot happen. I would ideally have my selling clients start in the late fall if they know they are going to sell their home in the New Year-specifically in the spring. But, honestly, who wants to think about prepping their home for sale during the festive season? We are busy enough with decorating for the holidays, attending functions and traveling. I completely understand why homeowners do not want to even think about getting their home ready for the market until after the holidays. Either way, I am sharing some tips to get your home ready for the Spring Market.
In the Shenandoah Valley, our real estate market slows a little during the winter months but begins to gear back up towards the end of February and beginning of March. Technically speaking, the first day of spring is not until Monday, March 20th, 2023, so maybe we should call this prepping your home for the “pre-spring” market. My current potential clients are planning to list the first-second week in March, so we have been talking and planning since the first week of January. Do not FRET! WE can still have you ready in time for the spring market-just be ready to work 😊
Step 1
Choose a Realtor: We are a wealth of information and we have an iPhone full of preferred vendors who can get your home ready for the market. For instance, when you list with me I am not only your Realtor but project manager, home stager, marketing executive, counselor, task organizer and trusted advisor. A full-service experience!
I know this might seem like a no-brainer but a Realtor is more than someone who will just throw you house on the MLS. You want someone who will be with you every step of the way. From pre-listing appointment to the closing table. That includes getting your home ready to market while also starting to pre-list your property to find potential buyers. Frequently I get asked “how do I choose the right Realtor? (hmmm that might be the next blog post)”. The best advice I can give-is choose someone you feel comfortable with. Someone that is going to work not only for you, but with you.
Step 2
Upgrades and Repairs: Your Realtor will help you decide where your investment in upgrades is best spent-or if you need to spend any money in upgrades prior to listing your home. For instance, maybe adding a new dining room light fixture or an updated kitchen faucet will be all you need to do. Your Realtor will also be able to coordinate with getting those upgrades done and be able to provide you with sources for materials and contractors.
Step 3
Declutter and Pack: Put yourself in the mindset that you will sell. So, declutter and pack up. I recommend (3) categories: donate, discard, keep. Donate or toss items you no longer need or use. I love the rule of twos. If you have not worn it or used it in (2) years then toss or donate. Super handy trick-buy post it notes in (3) colors to label household items for the donate, discard and keep categories. When it comes to packing for your next home consider my other Rule of 3:
When a home is staged and priced right the goal is to sell in under 3 months. From list to the closing table. If you are not going to use it or wear it in those three months, consider packing it. Also consider renting a storage space to store items that you will not be using while your home is on the market. Sometimes we need to edit furniture, artwork and personal pictures to showcase your home’s beautiful features. Instead of cluttering up the basement, garage or guest room renting a storage unit is a great idea.
Step 4
Paint: In my experience in staging and real estate, every home has had some paintwork. Maybe there is peeling paint on the crown molding or maybe you tried a trend a number of years ago that is now outdated. Paint is a great return on your investment. Here are some links to most sought-after pain colors.
Stage: Staging Sells. Staging Sells. Staging Sells. I still get told by clients, “I am not going to stage my home.” I always reply, “Yes we are staging your home.” Staging is NOT just the rental of furniture for a vacant space. Staging is often the act of editing and re-arranging your current furniture, styling your bookcases & mantles, rearranging your kitchen cabinets and counter-tops. As your realtor I will help you with styling, staging, editing and making sure your home is staged right to sell.
Working together, we can make your home ready for the spring market. Let me know how I can assist you in the best way and look for new blog posts coming soon.
therealtorrn 