Date Archives: October 2019

Buying and selling a home at the same time is essentially doing two jobs at once. Coupled with other life obligations, you will have a lot on your plate. While our real estate agents know it seems like a daunting challenge, the following tips can help you sell your home, buy a new home, and stay balanced.

1. Study the Market
   Timing is critical, and you should have a solid understanding of prevailing market trends where your home is located and where the home you want to buy is located. This can help you position your home to sell so you won't have to wait to buy a home where you want.
   
   
2. Secure Funds for a Down Payment
   Apply for a home equity line of credit (HELOC) before you list your home. This will give you access to funds you can use as a down payment. Alternatively, build up your savings, or speak with your bank about a bridge loan.
   
   
3. Be Ready to Make a Contingent Offer
   If you find the home you want before you selling, then you may want to broach the subject of a sales and settlement contingency with the seller. This allows you to put an offer on a home with a first-right-of-refusal if the seller accepts your offer. Ideally, you will want to wait until you have an offer on your own home and then discuss a settlement contingency that allows you to buy the home when your home is sold.  
   
   
4. Consider Renting Your Home Out
   If the market is slow and inventory of rental properties is low, you may want to rent your home out. This can ease your financial burdens and allow you to move into your new home right away. However, you will need to be willing to accept the risks and responsibilities of becoming a landlord.
   
   
5. Consider Renting Your Home
   If you sell your home first, it may be possible to negotiate a rent-back agreement. In this scenario, you agree to pay rent on your property for a set time until you find a new home. It's important to note this is usually an option in a seller's market, and it may reduce the number of offers.  
   
   
6. Have a Plan B, C, & D
   Selling and buying a home at the same time means you may miss out on your first choice. Because of the variables in play, it is vital to identify a second, third, and even fourth home that you would like. Giving you a little more flexibility during the process.  
   
   
7. Sign on with an Experienced Agent
   An experienced agent can help you market the home effectively. They can also help you zero in on the ideal listing price for Richmond homes for sale and strategy for selling your home as quickly as possible. 

We encourage you to contact us for more tips on buying and selling a home at the same time. Our team can guide you through the steps you'll take on the way toward your new home. 

With a vibrant city like Richmond, there's always somewhere new and fun for a date night! But with so many options, sometimes choosing one can be overwhelming. We've narrowed down a list of top 5 date night spots in our area. Our real estate agents have the inside scoop on 5 of the best places.

1. The Shaved Duck Restaurant – 15408 Westchester Commons Way, Midlothian, VA 23113
   Located close to Midlothian homes for sale you'll find the fantastic Shaved Duck Restaurant, where fresh, local ingredients are simply part of the package. The Shaved Duck specializes in upscale, casual dining and craft cocktails, with a menu your date will love. Meals at the Shaved Duck are created, presented, and served with love. Taste the flavors of New American cuisine in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere at this well-known Midlothian dining destination.

2. Red Salt Chophouse and Sushi – 12221 Broad St., Henrico, VA 23233
   Planning a date night after looking at Henrico homes for sale? Head to Red Salt Chophouse and Sushi, where there's always something new. Red Salt is a classic American steakhouse, mixed with a sushi bar that's second to none. Enjoy a hand-cut steak, a plate of our area's best sushi, or a combination of both.

3. Lola's Farmhouse Bistro – 1840 Manakin Rd., Manakin, VA 23103
   Have your date night close to Goochland homes for sale at the legendary Lola's Farmhouse Bistro, where the service is just as amazing as the food on your plate. Lola's serves fresh, healthy food in a relaxed, inviting setting, perfect for a quiet evening with your special someone. The meals on the menu are delicious, and the desserts at Lola's are some of the best. Lola's Farmhouse Bistro also offers an excellent brunch menu, ideal for surprising your date!

4. The Circuit Barcade – 3121 W Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23230
   Richmond homes for sale are close to so many great local destinations, including the Circuit Barcade. This popular date-night spot mixes delicious dining with a massive collection of arcade games. The result is a fun evening of fabulous food and gaming with your special someone. At the Circuit, you'll find a mix of classic arcade games, racers, social games, pinball machines, and multiplayer games to enjoy with the person you love.

5. CineBistro – 9200 Stony Point Pkwy Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23235
   Ready to recreate the magic of your first movie night? Head to Richmond's CineBistro for an evening of film, food, and fun all in one venue. CineBistro is a unique mix of a movie theater, bar, and restaurant, where you can enjoy all of the latest hit movies along with your meal. Enjoy luxurious seating, in-theater dining service, and an extensive craft cocktail menu.

Every day is a little sweeter when you call Richmond home, and now is the time to find your next home. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Richmond, VA, area.

When the leaves start to change color, and the air turns crisp, there are few things better than indulging in some comfort food. National Pasta Day is right around the corner, and our real estate agents are looking forward to celebrating at some of the area's best Italian restaurants. 

Not sure where to go for a great pasta dish? Check out this list of our favorite local spots! 

1. Bombolini Pasta: 1606 W Main St., Richmond, Va 23220 
   When you're ready to take a break from looking at Richmond homes for sale, you can't go wrong with a stop at Bombolini Pasta. This family-owned business is known for its unique and creative pasta flavors and dishes made from only the finest quality ingredients.
   
   Here you'll find fresh-made pasta in flavors like pumpkin, chocolate, carrot, and even squid ink! Not feeling adventurous? No problem! Bombolini Pasta also carries more traditional flavors like spicy tomato, lemon pepper, and roasted garlic as well as pressed sandwiches and entrees like Chicken Marsala and Salmon (served with pasta, of course!)
   
   
2. Casa Italiana: 8801 Three Chopt Road, Henrico, Virginia 23229
   Located nearby some of the best Henrico homes for sale, Casa Italiana celebrates food and family with a history that spans generations and goes back to Carini, Italy.
   
   They serve pizza and sandwiches for lunch and take-out and offer a huge menu of entree items and decadent pasta dishes. Save room for the house-made Sicilian cannoli, tiramisu, or limoncello cake!
   
   
3. Nota Bene: 2110 E. Main St. Richmond, VA 23223
   Serving modern cuisine with Italian and Mediterranian flair, Nota Bene is well-known for their fresh pasta, locally-sourced vegetables, and wood-fired meats and seafood.
   
   They serve a seasonal lunch and dinner menu, desserts made in house daily, and have a Sunday Brunch you won't soon forget. 
   
   
4. Sergio's: 4824 Market Square Ln, Midlothian, VA 23112
   If you're in the area checking out Midlothian homes for sale, you'll want to leave enough time to stop at Sergio's. This New-York-style restaurant with Sicilian roots has been family owned and operated since 1990.
   
   Their menu features an excellent selection of specialty pasta and entrees like Stuffed Shells Florentine, Lobster & Crab Ravioli, and Chicken Manicotti. They also serve pizza, stromboli, calzones, sandwiches, and more. You'll also love satisfying your sweet tooth with frozen custard or a slice of New York cheesecake. 
   
   
5. Mamma Zu: 501 S. Pine St. Richmond, VA 23220
   For fantastic food in a quirky, understated atmosphere, Mamma Zu is the place to go. This isn't a fancy spot by any means, but it's also where you're likely to get one of the best Italian meals! Try a seafood dish, veal marsala, or one of their exceptional pasta entrees.
   
   Mamma Zu is so popular among locals that it's common to see lines wrapped around the building. It only takes one visit for you to see what the buzz is all about. 

Fall is a great time to start shopping for your dream home! If you're ready to begin exploring some of the great homes for sale in the Richmond area, we can help. Contact us today to discuss your goals and get started. 

Who did Richmond vote as THE BEST in Real Estate? Napier ERA Realtors!

We're so proud of the Napier ERA team for representing us at the Richmond Times-Dispatch's BEST FEST!

Dianne Long once again took home the title of The Best Real Estate Agent! Dianne was voted The Best in 2017 and 2018 from Richmond Times-Dispatch and Richmond.com readers and was also Richmond Association of REALTOR's Realtor of the Year in 2018! Dianne is consistently a top producer and we are proud of her commitment to her clients.

The Chalk Homes Team placed 2nd in the Best Real Estate Team segment. Bryan and Amy are invaluable members of the Napier ERA team and we couldn't be prouder of them and their accomplishments in the past year!

For the 5th year in a row, Napier ERA finished in the top three in the Best Real Estate Firms category. 

Thank you to everyone who voted for Napier ERA and our agents! We are so appreciative of our Central Virginia community and couldn't do what we do best without your support! 

The Best Fest was a lovely evening with our friends and colleagues from all around town! Thank you to RTD for hosting and honoring so many amazing businesses in our area. 

The end of summer doesn't mean the end of fun around Richmond. October is jam-packed with festivals promising fun and excitement for all ages. Our real estate agents provide the inside scoop on the best events in the area, so you can start making plans.

• Dia de Los Muertos Festival - Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center, 2880 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen 23060
  Add some cultural flair to your Halloween celebration near Glen Allen homes for sale at the Dia de Los Muertos Festival. Dia de Los Muertos translates to "Day of the Dead," is observed during the three days between October 31 and November 2. Despite the somber name, Dia de Los Muertos is a colorful and joyous remembrance of loved ones who have passed. The family-friendly festival includes live music and dancing, sweet treats, and art activities. Guests are invited to wear their Halloween costumes. Dia de Los Muertos Festival takes place on Sunday, October 27 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. and admission is free.
  
  
• Magnificent Midlothian Food Festival - Westchester Commons, 15786 WC Main St., Midlothian 23113
  Spend a glorious fall afternoon in Virginia, sampling the best local food and beverages at the 31st annual Magnificent Midlothian Food Festival. Tijuana Flats, Smoke Pit Grill, and Toast are just a few of the restaurants close to Midlothian homes for sale serving up their specialties. Popular bands South of James and Party Fins will be pumping out the jams throughout the day. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 day of the event. Receive a refillable beverage glass for an additional $10. Five food/beverage tickets are included with each paid admission, and more are available at $5 each on-site. Kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult ticket. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 12 from noon - 7 p.m.
  
  
• Scott's Addition Pumpkin Festival - The Boulevard between Leigh St. and Broad St., Richmond 23230
  October around Richmond homes for sale wouldn't be complete without pumpkins, and you'll find plenty of them at Scott's Addition Pumpkin Festival. In addition to live music and kids' activities, the highlight of the festival is the costume contest with categories for adults, kids, and pets. Food and beverage vendors will also be on hand. The Pumpkin Festival is scheduled for noon - 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, rain or shine and admission is free.
  
  
• Richmond! VA Comicon - Richmond Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum, Richmond 23222
  Superheroes, fantasy figures, and other comic book characters have never been more popular. For 32 years, Richmond! VA Comicon has been the place for comic book enthusiasts to meet and share their passion. Activities include panel discussions, costume contests, and vendor exhibits. Have some comic books you want to sell? Bring them along! Dates for Comicon are Saturday, October 26 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 27 from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tickets start at $9.95 and kids ages 12 and under get in free with a paid adult admission.

There's something happening around Richmond every time of the year. Contact us at Napier ERA for experienced help buying or selling your Richmond area home from our friendly and professional real estate agents.