Date Archives: February 2020

When it comes to making your home stand out, it's critical to ensure every room in the house is attractive to buyers. Our real estate agents help tons of clients with Richmond homes for sale understand how to prepare to put their homes on the market.

Sometimes it may be a certain room holding you back from getting offers on your home. Beware of the following pitfalls that may leave you wondering why buyers aren't biting.

1. Cluttered Rooms
   It doesn't matter if it's a children's playroom, your bedroom, or basement, clutter plain turns buyers off and putting your house on the market is a perfect excuse to get rid of it. It's critical. When potential buyers see clutter, they often assume that your house is dirty. It's also difficult for them to envision themselves and their things living there. Sell, donate, or throw away anything and everything you don't need or want to keep. And don't forget closets, cabinets, and drawers—the last thing you want is a pile of clothes falling on someone's head when they open the door to check out closet space in the hall or bedroom.
2. Poorly Lit Rooms
   Nobody wants to walk into a dark, creepy room, even if the rest of the house is bright and light. Make sure to open all the curtains and blinds before showing your home. Turn on lamps or add new ones if a room is in desperate need of light. One easy, affordable way to make your house look updated is to install more modern overhead light figures. Sparkling clean windows and a pretty plant by the window or in the corner will also brighten up any room. If any area of your home is painted in dark colors, painting it a lighter color like beige or gray will also lighten things up.
3. Damp, Creepy Basements
   If your basement needs a little TLC, consider putting up some shelves or bookcases and neatly storing books, toys, or other items. It's also essential to make sure your basement smells good. Mildewy smells can make buyers think there's been a flood or there's something wrong with the foundation. If there is a problem—fix it before listing.
4. Outdated Kitchens
   The kitchen is the heart of most homes, so if yours looks old and decrepit, buyers might consider it a dealbreaker. You don't have to spend a lot of money to make your kitchen look clean and updated. Painted cabinets and new hardware can make it look like new, and mid-grade vinyl flooring that looks like tile is an affordable way to make your kitchen pop. As far as appliances go, swap them out with newer models. Even if they're used, and in good condition, it's an improvement. 
5. Yucky Bathrooms
   The bathroom is another room that can make or break a sale. Scrub it down, paint the walls, and invest in new towels, a shower curtain, and small bath rugs. If your bathroom (unfortunately) has carpet installed, rip it out and install the tile. If your toilet, tub, or sink is in particularly bad shape, consider replacing it.

Are you looking to buy or sell a home in or around Richmond? Contact us to get started.

Why leave your pets at home when you can take them out for a night on the town? National Love Your Pet Day is coming up on February 20th and is the perfect opportunity to bring your pooch along for a nice meal in the Richmond area. The next time you are heading out for a little relaxation with your family, bring Fido or Fifi with you to these fantastic area restaurants that are dog-friendly.  

1. Tap House - 100 S 14th St, Richmond, VA 23219
   Nothing beats relaxing with a flavorful, juicy burger and a cold beer on tap. At The Tap House, you can enjoy your favorite burger with a wide selection of specialty beers. Always warm and welcoming, you and your pet can sit back, relax, and enjoy spending time outside of the house together. 
2. Acacia Mid-Town - 2601 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23220
   Located just a few blocks away from Boat Lake, Acacia Mid-Town is a popular place to sit down and have a bite to eat. Their burgers are crafted from the freshest ingredients America has to offer. With over a decade of experience operating in Richmond, the chefs are some of the best in the area. You'll appreciate their skill and attention to detail in every bite!
3. Sine Irish Pub - 1327 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219
   If you are craving a taste from the old world, head into Sine Irish Pub and ask them to fill your plate and glass with plenty of Irish treats. From a pint of Guinness to an Angus burger so thick and juicy, you will need two hands to lift it off the plate. It's a beautiful place to enjoy a night out with friends or stop in with Fido on your way home from a walk in the park.
4. The Burger Bach - 101 Heaths Way Rd, Midlothian, VA 23114
   Every bite at Burger Bach is a symphony, a flavor in your mouth. Inspired by New Zealand, this gastropub is sure to please with its 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised beef. Each burger is cooked to perfection and served up with a friendly smile and a side of great conversation about everything from the weather to the best of the best Midlothian homes for sale. 
5. Carytown Burgers & Fries - 3449 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
   Everybody in the family loves burgers and fries, and at Carytown Burgers & Fries, everyone can satisfy their cravings. Their burgers are some of the juiciest and best-prepared burgers in the country. Their menu is packed with a myriad of specialty burgers, and you are going to want to make more than one trip to try them all. The ambiance is warm and inviting, which makes it the perfect place to talk with your family about which Richmond homes for sale would be the best place for you to live. 

Contact us for more information about the many pet-friendly activities and locations in the area. Our real estate agents are always ready to help you find the perfect fit for your family and your furry friends. 

Valentine's Day is coming, which means love is in the air around Richmond homes for sale. Brighten your sweetheart's day and "say it with flowers" from one of these great shops in the Richmond area. 

1. Christopher Flowers - 3120 W. Cary St., Richmond 23221
   The owner and head designer of Christopher Flowers has spent his life in the business studying under his mother, an acclaimed Richmond florist known as the "Flower Lady." Christoper also has a younger designer on staff to ensure that they can accommodate a full range of styles and trends. Christopher Flowers is open 8:45 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
2. Pat's Florist - 1721 W. Main St., Richmond 23220
   For more than 40 years, family-owned Pat's Florist has been providing residents of the Richmond area with stunning flower arrangements for all occasions. Add a unique touch with "flowers in a gift," featuring an assortment of creative reusable vases in colorful and whimsical styles. Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays and 8:30 a.m. - noon Saturday.
   
   
3. Vogue Flower Market - 1114 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond 23230
   Farm-to-table restaurants obtain products directly from the source for maximum freshness. Vogue Flower Market follows the same philosophy by using flowers from their family-owned farm. Develop your creativity with Vogue's seminars and services for customers who want to try their hand at DIY flower arranging. Flora Vino classes that combine wine sipping with floral designing double as a fun night out with friends. Vogue is open weekdays from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
   
   
4. Tommy's Garden - 3325 W. Cary St., Richmond 23221
   How can you go wrong with a flower shop named Tommy's Garden? The family-owned florist combines the freshest flowers and plants with customer service that goes the extra mile for results that exceed expectations. Choose from lavish multi-flower arrangements or traditional and elegant rose bouquets. Hours at Tommy's Garden are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. - noon Saturday. 
   
   
5. Strawberry Fields Flowers & Finds - 432 Strawberry St., Richmond 23220
   Members of the talented design team at Strawberry Fields Flowers & Finds individually curate an impressive variety of seasonal arrangements, or you can opt for an arrangement created using your personal choices. As a proud member of the Historic Fan District in Richmond, Strawberry Fields promotes a sense of community by partnering with local artisans to sell their jewelry, cards and stationery, artwork, and other handmade gift items. Hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday.
   
   
6. Coleman Brothers Flowers - 2104 Dumbarton Rd., Richmond 23228
   Since 1971, Coleman Brothers Flowers has grown from a tiny shop with fewer than five employees to a thriving florist with a staff of more than 50 people on the strength of superior product and service. Their dedicated team can help you find the perfect bouquet for your sweetheart. Coleman Brothers are open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday.

Richmond is a vibrant city in bloom and a perfect place to put down roots. Contact us at Napier ERA and let our real estate agents go to work for you.

Did you know that Richmond is home to a dynamic collection of local distilleries and breweries? The second annual River City Spirits Festival provides the perfect opportunity to experience all of the best award-winning local spirits in one convenient location. It's a full day of spirits, live music, food, and shopping at Stony Point Fashion Park. Our REALTORS® have all the exciting details about what to expect from this year's River City Spirits Festival.

Event Spotlight: River City Spirits Festival

Location: Stony Point Fashion Park – 9200 Stony Point Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23235

Date: February 15, 2020 – 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

• Get a Taste of Richmond's Local Distilling and Brewing Scene
  The River City Spirits Festival is the place to taste the best spirits, wine, and craft beer that the Richmond area has to offer. Your admission buys you unlimited drinks from more than 20 distilleries and craft breweries from throughout Virginia, including your favorites from Richmond. Spirits from local distilleries have earned international acclaim for their taste and complexity, giving Richmond a reputation as a true distilling hotspot. Try them all in one place at the River City Spirits Festival.

• An Afternoon of Fun at Stony Point Fashion Park
  Great drinks are just the start of what you'll enjoy at the River City Spirits Festival. Stony Point Fashion Park, the indoor/outdoor mall where the festival is held, will be hopping all day long with great deals, live entertainment, and delicious food to pair with your drinks. The festival features a mix of outdoor tables, tents, and indoor cocktail lounges. Take in some live music from Zach Angle, win great raffle prizes from local stores, and sample $5 food plates from some Richmond restaurants.

Featured Local Distilleries

• Three Crosses Distilling Co. – 3835 Old Buckingham Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139
  Established as the first distillery in Powhatan, Three Crosses Distilling Co. is your source for locally crafted fine spirits close to Powhatan homes for sale. Three Crosses is proud to represent Powhatan and sources most ingredients locally. They create a diverse collection of rum, vodka, and whiskey, with unique flavor profiles and a constant commitment to quality.

• Cirrus Vodka – 1603 Ownby Ln., Richmond, VA 23220
  The River City Spirits Festival is an excellent example of the growing distilling scene around Richmond homes for sale, including the award-winning spirits from Cirrus Vodka. One of the only local distillers to take home a prestigious Gold Medal award from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Cirrus Vodka, creates smooth, triple-distilled vodkas. Great for sipping and mixing in your favorite cocktails. Head distiller Eliad Gebrehiwot relies on a mix of art and science to create potato-based vodkas that rival the biggest names in the world.

• Virago Spirits – 1727 Rhoadmiller St., Richmond, VA 23220
  If you're searching for world-class spirits created in Richmond, few local spots can top the list of international awards earned by Virago Spirits. The vintage, 2,500-liter still at Virago Spirits, is one of just a handful operating in the country, and it's used to create a broad selection of award-winning craft spirits. Try it for yourself at the River City Spirits Festival.

When you call the River City home, you're never far from a great drink and even better times. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the area.