"There are a few reasons. 1 - Mary and I had a baby and the hours in retail management were not allowing me to help much. 2 – We had experienced trying to find a home with a realtor who was a friend of my parents. When I heard the line – “Well we have viewed five homes which one do you want?” and he meant it. That planted the thought in my mind. If he could do as well as he does, treating people the way he does – then I should be able to do well by treating people the way I would like to be treated. Honesty, Client first = Repeat business based on past experiences! 3 – And then one night Mary and I discussed it and the classes were scheduled. 4- In the classes I would record the lecture so I could just listen, then go home and create my notes (on my deck), eat some lunch, go over my notes again, and then go over them again and highlight as needed. And I did this for every lecture. 5- I passed both the National and the State exams the first time….only two of us in the entire class accomplished this."

Richard uses his expertise to represent both buyers and sellers.

Richard is a licensed Real Estate Professional whose role is to guide clients through the buying and selling process, provide market insight, negotiate effectively, and coordinate the many moving parts of a transaction. Richard is not a licensed home inspector, loan officer, contractor, or attorney. However, he works closely with trusted, licensed professionals in those fields. When specialized expertise is needed—such as inspections, financing, legal guidance, or repairs—Richard helps connect clients with qualified experts to ensure they receive accurate information and proper advice. Real estate transactions involve multiple professionals, and Richard’s responsibility is to assemble the right team, provide steady guidance, and keep the process organized, informed, and moving smoothly from start to finish.

Listing a home involves far more than simply placing it in the MLS. Richard follows a comprehensive strategy designed to position the property competitively, attract serious buyers, and maximize results. 1. Market Awareness Because Richard works with both buyers and sellers, he stays closely attuned to what today’s buyers are actively seeking. This insight helps position the home effectively in the current market. 2. Preparing the Home for Sale Guidance is provided on properly preparing the home to make the strongest first impression. (See “Prepping Your Home for Sale” for detailed recommendations.) 3. Accurate Measurements & Feature Documentation Room measurements and notable features are carefully documented. These details are incorporated into the MLS listing remarks and photo captions to highlight the home’s strengths. 4. Professional Photography & 3D Matterport Professional photography is essential. High-quality images and a 3D Matterport tour provide an immersive experience that is far superior to a simple slideshow-style video. This allows buyers to interactively walk through the home online before scheduling a showing. 5. Strategic MLS Listing All listing details are entered into the MLS system with care, and the agreed-upon pricing and marketing strategy is executed to maximize exposure. 6. Feature Cards Throughout the Home During showings, strategically placed feature cards highlight important upgrades and unique qualities. This ensures buyers notice key improvements they might otherwise overlook. 7. Showing Binder To make the process seamless for buyers, a professionally prepared binder is placed in the home. It may include: • Documentation of completed improvements • Ages of major systems (roof, HVAC, water heater, etc.) • Utility cost information • Internet provider details • Additional helpful property information The goal is to make it easy for buyers to feel informed and confident. 8. Showing Management & Feedback Showings are scheduled through a professional showing management system, which also automatically requests feedback from buyer agents. In addition, Richard personally follows up with agents to gather insights, answer questions, and proactively address any concerns—creating opportunities to overcome objections and strengthen buyer interest. This organized and proactive approach ensures the home is properly marketed, thoughtfully presented, and professionally managed from listing through contract.

YES! Richard was interviewed by Channel 8 here in Richmond about the importance of getting a home inspection! You can check it out here: https://www.wric.com/news/taking-action/home-inspection-importance-home-buying/(https://www.wric.com/news/taking-action/home-inspection-importance-home-buying/)

• While touring a home with a client, they entered a bedroom to see a person jump out of the window to get away ! It was a squatter before the changes in law. • While touring a home with a couple, they found an inground pool in the living room. Run that by your insurance company. • He and a client witnessed two feet of water in the basement of a tri-level home. When he called the listing agent to let them know, he had to send them a photo because they could not believe it. In a tri-level, always clean out the drain outside the basement door. • And I have been propositioned a few times at open houses. My open houses and others. I learned to always have a second person at my open houses! • A Major flew in from South Korea to view some homes with Richard for a day. He said “do you have an understanding of what I am looking for?” Richard replied “yes” and then explained what he was looking for. He replied “Great, I will be returning to South Korea tonight. When you find the home let me know and we will put an offer on it based on your suggestions.” They got it done and he was happy. (But thank God facetime was available soon after this transaction)

He enjoys hiking and Camping along the Skyline Drive, in the Shenandoah National Park. The national park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, bob cats, and black bear. He has camped many times along the Skyline Drive and his favorite is Big Meadows Campground. Coming from the Richmond area, follow 64, to 15, to 33 and enter the park at the Swift run Gap entrance, located on 33. Information regarding the camp grounds: • Mathews Arm Campground (mile 22.1) is the nearest campground for those entering Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal, in the northern section of the Park. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and picnic table. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away. • Big Meadows Campground (mile 51.2) is centrally-located in Shenandoah National Park, providing easy access to many of the most popular destinations in the Park, including Big Meadows, Dark Hollow Falls, and Byrd Visitor Center. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and a picnic table. • Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in Shenandoah National Park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy while still staying within a close distance to many of the most popular destinations in the Park, including Big Meadows (7 miles away). • Loft Mountain (mile 79.5) sits atop Big Flat Mountain in the southern part of Shenandoah National Park, with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm(https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm) Hiking/walking the trails can be very relaxing and interesting. You can enjoy the Appalachian trail, look at waterfalls, or check out views from the many peaks and vistas. You can buy pocket cards at the camp stores for the kids or yourself which include: plants, animals and their tracks, and the night sky. Some of the books Richard purchased from the camp stores are Easy Hikes, Hikes to Peaks and Vistas, and Circuit Hikes. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/hiking-basics.htm (https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/hiking-basics.htm) Richard enjoys taking Charlie (chocolate lab/pointer mix) to the Skyline drive. He uses a hands-free leash system with a max length of 5-6 feet. And Charlie also has his own pack for his water and toys (Richards carries his food and snacks). The rules for pets are simple and must be followed for your pets safety. • Pets are allowed in campgrounds and pet-friendly lodging is available. • Your pet must be on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. • Pets are not allowed on Ranger Programs. • Bag your pet's waste. Be sure to have a bag or canister to put it in until you can find a trash can. Do not leave pet waste bags in trees, on trail posts, or discarded in the woods. If there’s no trash can immediately available, take it with you until you find one. • Pets are allowed, if leashed, on most trails. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/pets.htm(https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/pets.htm) Do not use a retractable leash with your pet!!! This is why: a few years ago a lady had her dog on a retractable leash. Of course, the dog was in front of her. The dog went around a corner on a trail and came upon a bear. The bear killed the dog. And this is why: a bear does not see a dog, it sees a lone small wolf. By killing the lone wolf it weakens the pack which could save its life later. Even though there are currently no wolves on the skyline drive, the mentality is still a natural thing. If you wish to drive the Skyline Drive, try beginning at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center at MP 4.6. Purchase the Audio Tour Along Skyline- Drive, and learn as you drive, enjoying the many pull offs along the Drive. Enjoy the Skyline Drive and please take care of nature while up there!

There are plenty of places to go kayaking in the Richmond area.: many sections on the James River, Pocahontas State Park, York River, Lake Chesdin, Chickahominy River, Harrison Lake in Charles City, and many more. If you are interested join this Facebook group provided by Mike Prior. https://www.facebook.com/groups/349792730285638/(https://www.facebook.com/groups/349792730285638/) If you are looking for a guide or rentals I can suggest https://rvapaddlesports.com/(https://rvapaddlesports.com/) And if you do some sections on the James River, you can exit the river and try some breweries or restaurants! Hint for you: When paddling push forward with the arm out of the water, creating leverage. And then pull with the arm in the water like you would normally do. You can last twice as long and go further because you are spreading the effort! Learned on Performance Sea Kayaking, the basics and beyond https://performancevideo.com/performance-sea-kayaking/(https://performancevideo.com/performance-sea-kayaking/)

VA Beach - We prefer a day trip to Va Beach. The Sheraton at 3501 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, 23451 allows daily parking for a fee. And it located in the perfect spot. It takes us about 2-2.5 hours to get there from Richmond depending on traffic. Moderate waves allow the kids to enjoy buggy boarding etc., and there are many places for lunch! We do not like the nightlife – it seams to go from beach goers to others at about 7:00. But we do enjoy the day on the beach! Sandbridge Beach – is a very relaxing beach where one can unwind and spend a day or a week if you wish. It is about 2 – 2.5 hours from Richmond. There are parking lots for the day beach goers. There are not as many lunch locations and there is no night life, unless you want to create it at your rental, which I kind of like. The waves are just like Va Beach, easy going. There are condos and homes for rent, try to book a year out if possible. I would take a cooler with drinks and snacks to make it easier for you. Chincoteague/Assateague Beach – This is my favorite in Virginia. Not a day trip from Richmond, about 4 hours drive. Assateague Island, where the beach is located, is part of the National Park system. There is the beach, marsh/sound side, salt water stream, hiking/biking trails, lighthouse, plenty of wild life, ranger programs, and the Chincoteague ponies. And you should try a fire on the beach - Contained fires are allowed on the beach without permit (containers must be metal). Open campfires are only allowed in designated sites and a permit is required. Visitors may obtain a fire permit, free of charge, and a site assignment from the Toms Cove Visitor Center. And take some nets and see what you find in the marsh/sound side. Be warned, when not on the beach, have mosquito repellent on. Chincoteague is actually sprayed for mosquitos, but Assateague is not due to wild life, so guess where they like to go. Chincoteague is a very family-oriented village/town. We like to do a 4-7 day house rental. But there are hotels and motels as well for something shorter! We like to stay near Pine Drive or the Oyster Bay area, allowing us to get in /out of a rented kayak easily. If you truly want to go fishing you can rent a boat with a motor or go on a fishing boat. If you are looking for a break from the beach then I suggest Maui Jacks Waterpark - https://www.mauijacks.com/ (https://www.mauijacks.com/)Definitely rent a cabana, it makes it so much easier! There are plenty of dining places, beach shops, ice cream places - Island Creamery & Mister Whippy. Do not be afraid of trying some of the outside dinning only places on the right of Main Street. And the Amarin coffee shop on the left of Main St as you drive in. And the Black Narrows Brewery for some beers! Well I guess you can tell which is my favorite beach area to go to!