Date Archives: February 2019

It might feel like winter is never going to end, but spring will be here before you know it.

If you're planning to list your Tri-Cities home for sale on the spring real estate market, now is the time to prepare. Getting your home ready now will minimize your stress later and allow you to get a jump on your listing before other spring home sales come on the market.

Not sure where to start? No problem! Our REALTORS® are here to share their list of the top seven things you can do now to help make your house stand out this spring.

1. Create a "To Do" List
   Take a careful look at each room in your home and create a list of small improvements you can do yourself. Keep an eye out for things like missing trim, chipped paint, broken light fixtures, smudges on the floor, and carpet stains.
   
   Once you've completed your list, get started! Taking on small projects in your free time is far better than trying to tackle them all at once right before your listing. 

2. Declutter Your Home
   If your house is a mess when prospective buyers some to check it out, it might cause you to miss out on a sale. While you're cooped up inside, use it as an opportunity to thin out your belongings.
   
   It's important that prospective buyers can visualize themselves living in the home, so go ahead and pack up things like framed photos and personal items, and put excess furniture in storage.

3. Brighten Up the Interior
   Assess your home honestly to determine if you can make some changes to brighten it up. Is the paint too dark? Does the wallpaper need to be replaced? Are the drapes heavy and outdated?
   
   Consider adding fresh coats of light, neutral-colored paint, replacing dirty carpets, polishing wood floors, and swapping out your furniture for lighter, more modern pieces.

4. Do Your Basic Maintenance
   Now is a great time to take care of any maintenance projects you may have been putting off. This includes tasks like changing out your air filters, maintaining your septic tank, fixing leaky faucets, flushing out your water heater, and oiling your garage door hinges.  

5. Assess Your Kitchen
   The kitchen is one of the most important considerations for potential home buyers, and upgrades typically take time. This means that right now is the best time to do an assessment and decide if you need to make any changes.
   
   Painting cabinet doors and replacing countertops are some minor upgrades that can make a big difference. If you're not sure whether an upgrade is worth the investment, consult with a realtor who can give you honest feedback. 

6. Plan Your Spring Landscaping Projects
   As soon as the snow melts, you'll want to jump on your outdoor projects. Start by raking up fallen leaves and branches, then trim and prune your trees and bushes.
   
   Aerate your lawn, so it grows in full and lush.  Add seed to any bare spots. Buy some plants and fertilize them, so they look full and healthy when prospective buyers arrive.

7. Find a Great Real Estate Agent
   If you wait until the springtime to start looking for a real estate agent, both you and your agent will feel rushed to make important decisions. Starting now will give you a chance to conduct interviews and make sure you find an agent with whom you're comfortable working.

Many buyers planning to move in the spring start viewing homes early in the spring. Our REALTORS® can help you put your home at the forefront of Central Virginia's real estate market. Contact our Tri-Cities office to make it happen.

Homeowners love living in the Richmond area because fantastic shopping options are within minutes from their doorsteps. Whether you're searching for holiday gifts, school supplies for your children or a little something special for the ones you love, Richmond area homes are conveniently surrounded by more retail stores than you can imagine. If you're in the mood to spend the day discovering great deals, our real estate agents suggest that you check out these top shops around Richmond.

Your Guide to Retailing In & Around Richmond

• Shockoe Atelier, 13A South 15^th St., Richmond, VA, 23219
  In the Shockoe Bottom valley, close to fabulous Richmond homes for sale, is a workshop like no other. Shockoe Atelier offers a lifetime guarantee on all of their tops, bottoms and denim jeans. Their classic American apparel pieces are made right there at the workshop, giving shoppers the opportunity to own a fantastic article of clothing made right here in Richmond. With sizes ranging from XS to XXL and 25 to 38, everyone is sure to find their perfect fit at Shockoe.

• Short Pump Town Center, 11800 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23233
  Where Interstate 64 and 295 come together is a town center where fashion, food, and fun sit under one roof. Short Pump Town Center, just minutes away from Henrico homes for sale, boasts nearly 150 shops. From Anthropologie and Claire's to Kate Spade and Tommy Bahama, the only thing you won't find at Short Pump is more hands to help you carry all of your great finds!
  
  
• Stony Point Fashion Park, 9200 Stony Point Parkway, Richmond, VA 23235
  If you want more than a leisurely stroll through the usual big-box stores, head over to Stony Point Fashion Park and get ready to shop until you drop. Another convenient shopping destination near Richmond homes for sale, Stony Point is ready to give you a shopping experience like no other. With over 60 different shopping and dining options, you can spend a whole day hunting down sales. Local favorites like Gnome & Raven, #loveYOU, Iconic 7 and L'Occitane en Provence sit next to trusted retailers like Dillard's, H&M, Victoria Secret, and the Banana Republic. Take a break for lunch at one of their amazing eateries or pamper yourself at their salon. Leave the kids at home and enjoy a perfect day browsing everything Stony Point Fashion Park has to offer.
  
  
• Chesterfield Towne Center, 11500 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235
  When it's time to shop, Chesterfield County homeowners go straight to Chesterfield Towne Center. As the largest enclosed shopping center in the entire Richmond area, Chesterfield Towne Center has clothes, entertainment, home furnishings and more. Anchored by favorites like JC Penney, TJ Maxx, Macy's and Barnes & Noble, you'll find great deals on jewelry, children's apparel, housewares, books and anything else you may desire. Located right next to beautiful Chesterfield homes for sale, Chesterfield Towne Center is your one-stop-shop for everything your family needs.
  
  
• Virginia Center Commons, 10101 Brook Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23059
  Glen Allen homes for sale have the advantage of being within proximity to the many merchants of Virginia Center Commons. This center features 64 shops and restaurants where you can also grab a haircut, get family photos taken, play in the arcade or even enjoy time on their bungee trampoline. Stop by today and check a few to-dos off of your list.

Napier ERA - Central Virginia's Real Estate Leader

Retail shopping around the Richmond area is just one of the many reasons why you'll love calling Virginia home. Contact Napier ERA today to learn more about the ultimate Richmond shopping experience--buying a home in one of our Central Virginia real estate areas.  

The only real estate company in Central Virginia to reach Platinum Status in the Cartus Broker Network for 2018... Napier ERA! 

Cartus is the industry leader in corporate relocation services. We have been working with the Cartus Broker Network for many years and are proud to announce that Napier ERA is the only real estate company in Central Virginia to reach Platinum Status for 2018! We congratulate and thank the Napier Relocation Team and our agents for their outstanding service to our Cartus clients!

Thank you to the whole Napier ERA team for making us a company of diligent real estate professionals. Let's keep it going in 2019! 

Life  is a little more special thanks to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. This multi-award-winning facility is packed with exhibits, events, and activities that no two visits are ever the same. Our real estate agents share details about the must-see attractions at Lewis Ginter along with can't-miss events on February's calendar.

About the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

The Garden's namesake was a Richmond businessman and philanthropist who in 1895 purchased nine acres of what had once been Powhatan Indian hunting grounds. Ginter's niece, Grace Arents, bequeathed the land to Richmond, stipulating that it be used for a botanical garden to honor her uncle. 

What to Do and See at Lewis Ginter

The centerpiece of Lewis Ginter's 50-acre property is a 63-foot classical domed Conservatory, which is unique in the mid-Atlantic region. Visitors can explore 15 themed gardens including Asian Valley, Cherry Tree Walk, and Children's Garden, featuring the popular CWDKids Tree House.

Enjoy a snack or light meal of seasonally driven soups, salads, and sandwiches at the Garden Café. Before you leave, stop in at the Garden Shop to pick up gifts or treat yourself to a memento of your visit. Both the café and shop are accessible without Garden admission.

February is a great time to plan an outing to Lewis Ginter. Admission is half-price through the end of the month. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 3 to 12. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.

February Events and Activities

• Beekeeping for Beginners - Saturday, February 16, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  Honey bees are a vital part of the natural food chain. This class features hands-on demonstrations of best practices for setting up an apiary and caring for honey bees. Two additional class sessions are held at the same time on March 2 and March 16.
  
  
• Basic Floral Design Part 1 - Tuesday, February 19, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  Become your own florist as you learn professional techniques and styles to create stunning floral arrangements. The five-part class is held each Tuesday through March 5.
  
  
• Floral Design in the Asian Manner - Wednesday, February 20, 9:30 a.m. - noon
  Apply elegant Asian-style design methods to plants commonly found in winter gardens.
  
  
• Beginning Botany for Gardeners - Wednesday, February 20, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  Get more delight out of your own garden when you learn the secrets of plant growth and reproduction. Three additional class sessions are held at the same time on February 21, 27 and 28.
  
  
• Boxwood Care - Saturday, February 23, 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  Take the guesswork out of caring for boxwood as you practice on older plants.
  
  
• Organic Vegetable Gardening - Saturday, February 23, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  Imagine preparing healthy and delicious meals with vegetables grown in your own garden. Head home with a packet of seeds to get started.
  
  
• Lunchtime Lecture: Arranging from the Winter Garden - Wednesday, February 27, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  Dine on a buffet lunch as David Pippen gives a demonstration of creating beautiful arrangements using winter plants. 

Homeowners in Richmond enjoy proximity to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden along with a wide range of cultural and entertainment opportunities for all ages. Contact us at Napier ERA to learn about homes for sale in Richmond.