March 2020 Real Estate Market Outlook

Here is the March 2020 Market Outlook for Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads. This data is based on February’s statistics. More information can be obtained from The Real Estate Information Network. Read more here….

Cities	Median Residential Sales Price
Norfolk Virginia Beach Portsmouth Chesapeake Suffolk Hampton Newport News	$214,900 $269,900 $167,075 $279,900 $275,000 $181,500 $181,500

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTENANCE OF trees and BOUNDARY FENCES ?

Conflicts with neighbors can be a genuine pain. It’s not uncommon for neighboring property owners to differ about issues like fences, the property line, or overhanging tree limbs. According to FindLaw.com, there are rules concerning fence laws and property lines in Virginia.

Boundary Fence Rules

Adjoining landowners are obligated to build and maintain (at joint and equal expense) a division fence between their lands, unless one landowner decides to let their land lie open or the property owners agree otherwise between themselves.

If an existing border fence falls out of repair, either landowner can give notice to the other of the intent to repair the fence, and request one-half reimbursement.

Tree Trimming Rules

A landowner has the right to “self help” by trimming encroaching tree branches and roots up to the property line, at his own expense.If actual damage is caused by encroaching branches or roots, the landowner has a right of action for nuisance.

Encroaching tree branches are not considered a nuisance merely because they cast shade, or drop leaves, flowers or fruit.

Read the full article here….

If you have a discrepancy regarding who where a property begins and ends, if you had a survey done at the time you bought the house it may be helpful in determining where the property boundaries lie. Also, regarding the fence, the smooth side should always face the neighbor. If your side is not the smooth side, then more than likely you own the fence.