Hampton Roads Real Estate Blog

Market reports, buying & selling guides, and community insights — from the Legacy Home Search team.

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131 posts · page 4 of 6
Are You Overpaying Property Taxes in Virginia Beach in 2026?
cost-breakdown

Are You Overpaying Property Taxes in Virginia Beach in 2026?

Most homeowners in Virginia Beach pay their 2026 property tax bill without ever checking if the city's assessed value of their home is actually accurate. Here's a 2-minute check to see if you're over-assessed — and what to do about it if you are.

April 26, 2026
What's Happening in Hampton Roads in May — Events, Festivals & Things To Do
Community Spotlight

What's Happening in Hampton Roads in May — Events, Festivals & Things To Do

May is one of the best months of the year in Hampton Roads, and 2026 is stacking up to be no exception. From waterfront wine festivals and Cajun food to Memorial Day country music and family-friendly farmers markets, there's genuinely something for everyone across the region. Here's your local guide to what's worth getting out for this month.

April 26, 2026
Sip, Stroll, and Celebrate Spring at the Town Point Virginia Wine Festival in May
Community Spotlight

Sip, Stroll, and Celebrate Spring at the Town Point Virginia Wine Festival in May

The Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival returns to Norfolk's beautiful waterfront on May 2–3, 2026, and it's one of those events that reminds you why living in Hampton Roads is so special. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just love a great afternoon outside by the water, this is a weekend worth putting on your calendar.

April 26, 2026
What Does It Actually Cost to Buy a Home in Hampton Roads in 2026?
cost-breakdown

What Does It Actually Cost to Buy a Home in Hampton Roads in 2026?

Most Hampton Roads buyers walk into the process thinking about the down payment — and get blindsided by everything else. Here's a full, honest breakdown of what it actually costs to buy a home in Hampton Roads in 2026, from closing costs to first-year expenses.

April 26, 2026
3 Major Virginia Beach Development Projects That Could Reshape Property Values in 2026
Community Spotlight

3 Major Virginia Beach Development Projects That Could Reshape Property Values in 2026

Virginia Beach isn't standing still. Three major development projects are actively reshaping corridors across the city — and buyers, investors, and homeowners who understand what's coming can position themselves before the market catches up.

April 25, 2026
Virginia Beach Property Values Are Up 8% — What It Means for Homeowners Right Now
Market Update

Virginia Beach Property Values Are Up 8% — What It Means for Homeowners Right Now

Virginia Beach median home prices hit $385,000 in Q1 2026, an 8.2% jump from a year ago. If you own a home here, you're sitting on more equity than you probably realize — and knowing what to do with it matters. Here's what the latest data actually means for homeowners, sellers, and investors in Hampton Roads.

April 25, 2026
Norfolk Flood Zone Map 2026: What Homeowners Need to Know Before the Remapping
flood-and-risk

Norfolk Flood Zone Map 2026: What Homeowners Need to Know Before the Remapping

FEMA is redrawing flood zone maps across Norfolk in 2026, and thousands of properties could land in mandatory flood insurance zones for the first time. Here's what that means for your mortgage, your insurance costs, and your home's value.

April 25, 2026
Virginia Beach Property Values Are Rising Again — Here's What That Means for Your Wallet
Market Update

Virginia Beach Property Values Are Rising Again — Here's What That Means for Your Wallet

Virginia Beach property assessments are climbing for another year, and whether you own, rent, or are planning to buy, it affects you. Here's a straightforward breakdown of what rising assessments mean for homeowners, buyers, and investors across Hampton Roads.

April 20, 2026
The Hampton Roads Neighborhoods Smart Investors Are Watching Right Now
Investment

The Hampton Roads Neighborhoods Smart Investors Are Watching Right Now

Hampton Roads is quietly becoming one of the Mid-Atlantic's most compelling rental markets, and certain neighborhoods are pulling ahead faster than others. If you're building a rental portfolio across Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, or Suffolk, knowing where growth is happening before prices climb is a real advantage. Here's what the data and local trends are telling us.

April 20, 2026
Suffolk's Hidden Gem Neighborhoods: Where Hampton Roads Buyers Are Finding Real Value in 2026
Community Spotlight

Suffolk's Hidden Gem Neighborhoods: Where Hampton Roads Buyers Are Finding Real Value in 2026

While Virginia Beach prices keep climbing, Suffolk is quietly offering Hampton Roads buyers something increasingly rare: affordability, character, and real long-term growth potential. If you've been priced out of coastal markets, Suffolk deserves a serious look. Here's what you need to know.

April 19, 2026
Suffolk Home Prices Dip 4.4%: Correction or Buying Opportunity?
Market Update

Suffolk Home Prices Dip 4.4%: Correction or Buying Opportunity?

Suffolk home prices dropped 4.4% year-over-year in March 2026, with a median sale price of $393K. For buyers and investors watching Hampton Roads, this shift is worth paying attention to. Here's what the data means and how to think about it strategically.

April 19, 2026
Virginia Beach Property Values Are Rising Again — Here's What That Means for Your Wallet
Market Update

Virginia Beach Property Values Are Rising Again — Here's What That Means for Your Wallet

Virginia Beach property assessments are climbing for another year, and the ripple effects touch every homeowner, buyer, and investor in Hampton Roads. Understanding what's driving these increases — and how to respond — can make a real difference in your financial decisions this year.

April 19, 2026
What Virginia's 2025 HOA Law Changes Mean for Hampton Roads Homeowners
News

What Virginia's 2025 HOA Law Changes Mean for Hampton Roads Homeowners

Virginia's 2025 HOA law updates introduce important reforms affecting homeowners, buyers, and associations across Hampton Roads. From resale disclosures to stronger owner protections, here's what you need to know before buying, selling, or living in an HOA community.

April 18, 2026
Virginia Homeowners Can Now Build ADUs By Right — Here's What That Means for Hampton Roads
News

Virginia Homeowners Can Now Build ADUs By Right — Here's What That Means for Hampton Roads

A new Virginia law signed in April 2026 gives homeowners the legal right to build accessory dwelling units on their property, removing the local red tape that previously blocked many projects. For Hampton Roads homeowners, this could mean new rental income, added living space, or a meaningful boost in property value. Here's what you need to know.

April 18, 2026
What Are Hampton Roads Home Values Doing in 2026?
Market Update

What Are Hampton Roads Home Values Doing in 2026?

Hampton Roads home values rose 4.17% in 2025 — more than double the national average. Here's what's driving the market and what to expect in 2026.

April 18, 2026AI
Virginia Beach vs Chesapeake: Which Is Better for Home Buyers?
Community Spotlight

Virginia Beach vs Chesapeake: Which Is Better for Home Buyers?

Both cities offer strong value — but they're different in important ways. Here's a head-to-head comparison for buyers weighing their options.

April 18, 2026AI
Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Buyers in Virginia Beach?
Buying Tips

Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Buyers in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has great options for first-time buyers — if you know where to look. Here are the neighborhoods offering the best value in 2026.

April 18, 2026AI
What Happens If the Appraisal Comes In Low in Virginia?
Buying Tips

What Happens If the Appraisal Comes In Low in Virginia?

A low appraisal doesn't have to kill the deal. Here are your options as a buyer when the appraised value comes in below the contract price.

April 18, 2026AI
What Do Hampton Roads Home Sellers Need to Know About Appraisals?
Selling Tips

What Do Hampton Roads Home Sellers Need to Know About Appraisals?

The buyer's lender orders an appraisal after your home goes under contract. Here's how it works, what can go wrong, and how to prepare.

April 18, 2026AI
What Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Virginia Beach in 2026?
Buying Tips

What Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Virginia Beach in 2026?

Beyond the purchase price, buying in Virginia Beach means closing costs, a down payment, and ongoing ownership costs. Here's what to budget.

April 18, 2026AI
What Does It Cost to Sell a House in Virginia Beach?
Selling Tips

What Does It Cost to Sell a House in Virginia Beach?

Selling in Virginia Beach costs 6–9% of the sale price when you add up commission, closing costs, and repairs. Here's the full picture.

April 18, 2026AI
How Much Are Closing Costs for Hampton Roads Home Sellers?
Selling Tips

How Much Are Closing Costs for Hampton Roads Home Sellers?

Beyond commission, Hampton Roads sellers pay grantor's tax, settlement fees, and prorated taxes. Here's the complete breakdown.

April 18, 2026AI
What Do Sellers Pay in Virginia Real Estate Commissions?
Selling Tips

What Do Sellers Pay in Virginia Real Estate Commissions?

The NAR settlement changed how commissions work. Here's what Virginia Beach sellers actually pay in 2026 — and how to negotiate it.

April 18, 2026AI
What Are Typical Closing Costs for Virginia Home Buyers?
Buying Tips

What Are Typical Closing Costs for Virginia Home Buyers?

Closing costs in Virginia typically run 2–5% of the purchase price for buyers. Here's exactly what you'll pay — and a few ways to reduce it.

April 18, 2026AI
Virginia Beach Home Prices Up 6.3%: What March 2026 Data Means for Hampton Roads Buyers and Sellers
Market Update

Virginia Beach Home Prices Up 6.3%: What March 2026 Data Means for Hampton Roads Buyers and Sellers

Virginia Beach home prices jumped 6.3% year-over-year in March 2026, pushing the median sale price to around $340,000. Homes are moving fast, often going pending in under 30 days. Here's what that means if you're buying, selling, or investing in Hampton Roads right now.

April 18, 2026