Happy New Year

I love January. It feels like a fresh start and a new beginning. I usually begin making my lists sometime in mid-December — ideas, goals, things I want to accomplish in the year ahead — and by the time January arrives, those plans are already in motion.

Still, there's something special about this month. Writing in my planner for the first time, celebrating my first new listing of the year, checking off those early wins — January makes everything feel like a "first." And even when they aren't truly firsts, this season gives them that feeling anyway.

This year's "first" is a beautiful Broadway home that's just come on the market — you can read more about it below.

Firsts have always been my favorite, and January has a way of reminding me why.

A Lesson Remembered

Recently, I had the pleasure of showing homes to a young woman relocating here from out of state. She arrived with her mom and dad — warm, gracious people I truly enjoyed spending the afternoon with.

Somewhere between the second and third house, I was reminded of something I hadn't thought about in a while: the mama bears. The moms who watch their babies step out into the world, doing everything they can to be sure they're safe, supported, and choosing a place that truly feels like home.

Her mom was thoughtful and thorough, looking at each home from top to bottom with the kind of care only a mother can give. As I walked beside them, I found myself wanting to reassure her that we would make the very best choice for her daughter — because in that moment, her daughter felt like my daughter too.

I can imagine exactly how that feels. I remember when my own daughter left home to attend college out of town. That mix of pride, worry, excitement, and letting go stays with you.

Today was a gentle reminder of the trust families place in me, and it's a responsibility I never take lightly.

Holiday Reality (and a Little Trash Talk)

The Winner!

The holidays are officially over. I would love to say I love them, but if I'm being honest, they can feel a little overwhelming to me.

I'm already a busy person, and then December shows up with shopping, Christmas gatherings, more shopping (and if I mentioned that twice, it's because it truly feels like that's all I've been doing), food, and somehow fitting it all into an already packed schedule. And then there's the annual gingerbread house contest.

I'd like to tell you that my family is calm, well-behaved, helpful, and supportive — cheering each other on in an orderly, festive way. I'd also like to say they're neat, focused, and that I don't spend weeks afterward finding tiny candy balls under the furniture.

But that wouldn't be true.

In reality, it's a full-on throwdown. A couple of hours of pure chaos. There's trash talk. There are catastrophes. Houses fall over. It almost always involves "lakes," which somehow means someone is attempting to fill aluminum-foil ponds with actual water. There are toddlers. There are choking hazards. And every established rule immediately goes out the window. 

You can watch a little of the crazy below and just so you know, Pete is almost 13, suffers from a little evening demensia and barks nonstop when hes excited....  Sorry, but its part of our crazy.  

Watch after you finish reading!
This short clip is just below — scroll back when you're done with the newsletter to watch it.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qv1zyraJqDw

Over the years, I've learned a few things that make the holidays a little easier for me.

First, I try not to stress as much. The house doesn't have to be spotless. It feels a little silly to spend a week cleaning for a couple of hours of candy-flinging fun. These days, I clean after the fun.

Second, I don't try to pull this off on Christmas Day. My kids are busy with families of their own, and I've learned to be okay with waiting a week. In fact, now I insist on it. Christmas Day — and usually a day or two after — is time I protect. Time to collect myself, relax, sleep in, and enjoy quiet mornings with coffee alongside Ken and my babies (those of you who know me know exactly who I mean). I've become a little selfish with my time, and I've learned that's not a bad thing.

Third, and most importantly, I try to remember what this season is truly about. The reason for the season. A baby born in a manger — a story that continues to shape my faith and remind me what really matters.

And one last thing that I found extremely helpful: I stopped trying to do it all in the kitchen. I bought premade food from Costco, put it in the oven, and — voilà — dinner. It was good, it was easy, and most importantly, it took the stress out of my day. Sometimes the simplest solutions really are the best ones.

And one more thing before we move on — congratulations to Mindy for winning the decorating contest. She definitely puts a lot of thought into her designs, and it shows. I may be a little biased, but I love watching her creativity come to life.

And Now, On to Business

A beautifully maintained, one-owner home in one of Broadway's most sought-after neighborhoods is now on the market.

This is a beautiful, one-owner home that has been lovingly and thoughtfully maintained over the years. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, the home also offers a full, partially finished walkout basement, providing flexible space for living, working, or entertaining.

Located in one of Broadway's most desirable subdivisions, this home combines space, condition, and location — a combination that's always in demand.

Offered at $500,000

If you have questions or would like to schedule a showing, I'm happy to help.

January Market Snapshot

January typically brings a slower, more thoughtful pace to the real estate market, and that's exactly what we're seeing as the new year begins. Buyer activity is more measured, inventory is adjusting, and pricing is becoming more strategic.

What's encouraging is that we're beginning to see early signs of a shift toward a more balanced market. Buyers are gaining a bit more breathing room, while sellers who price well and prepare thoughtfully are still seeing strong interest.

By the Numbers | January

Buyer activity: Slower, with more serious, motivated buyers
Inventory: Gradually increasing compared to late fall
Days on market: Slightly longer than peak spring and summer
Pricing trend: Stabilizing; well-maintained homes continue to stand out
What's ahead: Momentum traditionally builds as we move closer to spring

I'm genuinely excited for this new year. It feels full of possibility, and I truly believe great things are ahead — for my family, my business, and the community I'm grateful to serve.

Thank you, as always, for being here and for allowing me to be a small part of your journey. Whether this is the year you make a move or simply a year of planning and watching, I'm always happy to be a resource.

Here's to fresh starts, meaningful moments, and a year full of possibility.

Warmly,
Lisa Hensley, Realtor®
Hensley Realty Group
540-405-1606
hensleyhomesva.com