Laurie Gist Real Estate

09/12/2026

09/11/2026

08/29/2026

I’m so excited (and incredibly grateful!) to be nominated, along with some incredible agents, for Best Real Estate Agent in this year’s Best of Rockbridge!

I truly love what I do, and getting to help people buy and sell homes right here in the community I love makes this recognition extra special.

Now I need your help! ❤️ You can vote once EVERY DAY through September 26th, and I would be so grateful if you’d take a minute to vote for me and our team!

https://thenews-gazette.revfluent.com/bestof/og/yrel0yj7pz/8vw76l17q2

08/26/2026

🏡 “We’ll pay your closing costs AND give you a lower interest rate!”

Sounds like an amazing deal, right? But what does that actually mean?

When a builder advertises a below-market interest rate, they may be paying discount points to “buy down” your rate. That can be a great benefit, but it’s important to understand exactly how the offer is structured.

The incentive could be:

✔️ A permanent rate buydown that lowers your rate for the life of the loan
✔️ A temporary buydown that lowers your payment for the first one to three years
✔️ A credit toward your regular closing costs
✔️ A combination of closing costs and discount points
✔️ Special financing available only through the builder’s preferred lender

Here’s the catch: the incentive isn’t always completely “free.”

The cost may already be factored into the price of the home, and you may have to use the builder’s preferred lender or title company to qualify. Choosing the incentive could also mean giving up a possible price reduction, upgrade allowance, or another concession.

That doesn’t mean it’s a bad deal! Builder incentives can save buyers thousands of dollars and significantly lower a monthly payment. You just need to compare the full picture, not only the advertised rate.

Before choosing, ask to see:

• The interest rate and APR
• Any points being paid
• Whether the rate is temporary or permanent
• The total closing-cost credit
• Your cash needed at closing
• The home price without the incentive
• What your payment will be after a temporary buydown ends

The lowest advertised rate isn’t automatically the best deal, and the biggest closing-cost credit isn’t always the greatest savings.

A good buyer’s agent can help you compare the builder’s offer with outside financing and determine which option actually saves you the most money.

Thinking about buying new construction? Send me a message before visiting the model home. The builder’s sales representative works for the builder. You deserve someone looking at the numbers and contract from your side, too.

08/24/2026

Client text that brought me joy this week…

There are some closings that just stick with you, and this sweet family was definitely one of them.

First-time homebuyers, the cutest little first home, and an even cuter baby girl who gets to grow up there. 🏡💕 Getting to be a small part of such a big chapter in someone’s life is one of my absolute favorite things about what I do.

I loved working with these two from start to finish, but getting a text afterward telling me how much they appreciated having me in their corner? That’s the kind of thing that makes my whole week. 🥹

Buying your first home can feel exciting, overwhelming, terrifying and amazing all at the same time. I love getting to walk my clients through all of it, answer the million questions, celebrate the wins, navigate the stressful parts and finally hand over those keys.

And now this sweet little family has a place to make their own, make memories, and watch that precious baby girl grow.

Yep. This one brought me joy. 💕

08/22/2026

🏡 JUST LISTED | 480 Hemlock Avenue

Tucked away on a quiet dead-end street, this charming tri-level brick home offers plenty of space, privacy, and recent improvements!

Inside, you’ll find three bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms, spacious living and dining areas, and a flexible lower level that could become a den, home office, recreation room, or fourth bedroom.

Outside, enjoy a fenced backyard with a cozy fire pit area, perfect for cookouts and quiet evenings at home. Recent improvements include new windows, a new HVAC system, updated plumbing, and more!

📍 Buena Vista, Virginia
📩 Message me for additional details or to schedule a showing!

08/21/2026

Get ready to toss for a cause!

The Rockbridge County Public Schools Foundation Co****le Tournament is coming up, and we’d love to see you there!

Join us for an afternoon of friendly competition, community, and fun, all while supporting our local schools. Proceeds from the tournament help RCPSF fund grants that give Rockbridge County teachers and students opportunities and resources that go beyond the classroom budget.

Whether you’re a co****le pro or just really good at getting lucky with a bag toss, grab a partner and come play!

📅 Saturday, September 26
⏰ 12–4 PM
📍 Virginia Horse Center

Come play, cheer on your friends, and help us support the students and teachers of Rockbridge County! ❤️

Register your team today!

https://rcpsf.com/events/co****le-tournament-registration/

08/20/2026

Every buyer has one.

Uncle Bob. The family’s self-appointed construction expert who “used to do this kind of work” and arrives at the inspection ready to question everything from the foundation to the direction the doors swing.

He’s tapping on walls, testing every light switch, questioning the inspector, and casually announcing that he could fix it all himself for about $200 and a Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, I’m standing nearby, smiling professionally, taking notes, and trying desperately to keep my inner David Rose from becoming my outer David Rose.

In all seriousness, I love when buyers bring someone they trust to help them feel confident about such a big decision. But let’s agree to let the licensed inspector finish before Uncle Bob declares the entire house structurally unsound because one bedroom door sticks.

Realtors, please tell me you’ve met Uncle Bob too.

08/17/2026

Doing a quick check-in on a property

Pros: Great lot, peaceful setting, plenty of snacks
Cons: Current resident refuses to vacate 🍄🐌

08/13/2026