Date Archives: May 2020

Buying a home is a big decision that can feel overwhelming. But when you've found the home that's right for you, you'll want to recognize this fact and prepare to make an offer.

Our real estate agents share the following 9 signs that you've found the right home for you and your family.

1. It Makes You Feel Happy
   You've probably viewed plenty of other homes for sale in the area! Even if you've looked at a lot of other homes, this one will be an instant standout. It should make you feel happy when you visit it, and you should be able to picture yourself in the home, having fun or relaxing.
   
   
2. It Has All of Your Needs and Most of Your Wants
   This home should check a lot of your boxes for what you're looking for in a house. It should meet all your requirements, such as a minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms and a desirable location, and most of your preferred amenities, such as a fireplace or a big backyard.
   
   
3. You're Already Mentally Moving into the Home
   If you're starting to think about where you could hang your art and how you'd love to put a swing in the yard, you're already starting to claim the home as your own.
   
   
4. You Don't Want to Look at Other Homes
   When you first started looking at homes, the idea of visiting them was probably exciting. But if you are feeling like you found the right home already, you may not want to look at other homes. Even if you visit a few, you'll find yourself comparing them unfavorably.
   
   
5. You Can't Wait to Tell Your Friends and Family About it
   You'll be so excited to tell your friends and family all the details about this home. You'll find yourself gushing about the home - "It has huge closets! The kitchen is fantastic!" - and wish they could see it with you.
   
   
6. You Worry Someone Else Will Buy it 
   You'll get so caught up in the idea of this home being right for you that the idea of anyone else making an offer on it is upsetting. In your mind, it's already your home, so you may be ready to talk to your real estate agent about making an offer of your own.
   
   
7. You Minimize Any Flaws
   A real estate agent should mention any possible flaws with the home, and instead of being deterred by them, they don't bother you. You'll plan to make any necessary changes or will be interested in checking if the seller will make the changes needed or will pay for them. 
   
   
8. It's Within Your Budget
   Don't forget to keep your budget in mind! Finding a home you love that costs more than you've budgeted can lead to anxiety and buyer's remorse.
   
   
9. The Location is Right for You
   Location is all-important when it comes to real estate, so the perfect home for your family will be in the type of area you'd like to live in. The home should be in the type of area you're glad to come home to and all members of your family will enjoy.

Contact us if you're interested in Richmond homes for sale. Our experienced real estate agents will talk with you about your needs and preferences and will help you find the home of your dreams. 

Central Virginia is still buying and selling in Spring 2020! April brought us over 4000 transactions – and May is going strong! 

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Home design trends are fun to stay updated on, which is why there are so many TV shows dedicated to highlighting them! But seeing a trend take shape on a home renovation show is different from considering it as a prospective homeowner. Open floor plans have cycled in and out of fashion for quite a long time, and according to The Spruce, the most recent trend started in the 1990s. If you're considering homes built after 1950, you'll probably see a few open floor plans among the Richmond homes for sale. Determining whether they are right for you involves paying attention to several key factors. 

Mix and Mismatch

Open floor plans work best when the decor scheme is consistent, or at least harmonious, between spaces. A farmhouse kitchen and a shabby chic dining room will work well together, but if your coffee table is glass and chrome and your kitchen table weathered wood, the lack of a wall between the two will make that contrast jarring. This includes major appliances, so if you have a chrome refrigerator that you love, it may wind up influencing the look of the entire first floor. A closed floor plan creates a mental "reset" as you move through doors to new rooms, so if you have very different styles for different rooms, a closed floor plan might be for you. If you have an eclectic style, or if your preferred style is consistent throughout your home, an open floor plan is a great way to show that off. 

The Family That Stays Together

If you have children, floor plans affect family life in distinct ways. The flow of sound in the household isn't broken up by doors, which may not be the best situation when you're trying to get a toddler to nap so you can make a phone call. Some open floor plans have closed kitchens, which can be crucial to the safety of very young children. Older kids and teens may want privacy. But opening up a floor plan can also encourage the family to interact more. You may get to hear more about your teen's day at school besides the fact that it was "fine." But if you need to tiptoe backward out of the nursery so you can finally watch a movie, a closed floor plan is best. 

Over the Overflow 

Without walls and doors to break up a space, everything moves freely. This can include heated or cooled air into spaces that aren't being used, dust into far corners, and various household items into spaces where they don't belong. For large homes with young children, keeping heating and cooling costs down while maintaining an organized home could be challenging. But if your dream home is small and you keep clutter to a minimum, an open floor plan can be an excellent choice.

Our REALTORS® will be happy to discuss the best floor plan options for the way you live. 

There is no universally ideal home design, which is why there are so many. Whether a home design is on trend is much less important than your comfort. We're here to help you find the home you love, so contact us today.

Whether you're preparing to list your home for sale or to make it high-end looking, you don't have to spend an extravagant amount of money to get big results. Instead of running up your credit card or depleting your savings account to renovate your home and get that high-end look you dream of, consider small and inexpensive changes that can transform your space.

Our real estate agents share these simple and inexpensive ways to make your home look elegant.

• Cut the Clutter
  One of the easiest ways to make your home look elegant is actually free. All you have to do is declutter and clean your home. Regular cleaning helps you to avoid clutter, allows other elements to really stand out, and makes your home welcoming. So, dust and vacuum every room on a weekly basis, take care of stains on area rugs and furniture, and clean your windows. Another great way to make your space neat is to hide the unsightly wires and cables that may be sticking out of your internet router or television.
  
  
• Swap Out Your Throw Pillows
  Throw pillows offer a layered feeling to your rooms, provide a little extra comfort on the couch, and can really punch-up the elegance factor. Whether you buy or make them, incorporating throw pillows is an easy way to create a very plush, elegant appearance, if they are chosen and arranged correctly. Consider replacing your older throw pillows with bright, fuller pillows from another room – or just buy new pillow covers. Blend different groupings and mix and match colors, but make sure you don't go overboard.
  
  
• Lighting Makes a Difference
  Bringing your lighting up-to-date with interesting and expressive lighting pieces can give you that high-end look without that high-end price. Think of lighting fixtures as the jewelry of the room. Lean toward unique pieces with an interesting design, shape, or finish, focusing on lighting that will make a statement in a room. In addition, be sure to have the lighting in various heights and sizes and include floor lamps and table lamps to increase the elegant feeling.
  
  
• Accessorize
  Most homes lack accessories to bring that elegant touch. The most common excuse for this is that accessorizing is expensive and would over-extend the budget. However, there are many affordable home décor shops online or stores that offer stupendous finds to create a luxurious and upscale look. Try accessorizing with gold or silver mirrors, trays, candleholders, picture frames, or small sculptures. Coffee table books can also create an elegant feeling.
  
  
• Minimize or Move Furniture
  A minimalist approach is another great way to transform your space. When a home has too many accessories and too much furniture, the space can feel cramped and overwhelming. When it comes to furniture, choose items that you need versus those you want. Another trick is moving furniture pieces slightly farther away from one another of a few inches from the wall. This will give your space a lighter, airier feel.

Are you selling or shopping for Richmond homes for sale? Our real estate agents are here to help you learn more about buying, selling, and making the most of your home. Contact us today for your homeownership needs.

Thank you, Hometown Heroes!

The people on the frontlines are serving our community and continuing to make Central Virginia a wonderful place to call home. From all of us at Napier Realtors ERA, thank you!

We are so happy we've been able to partner with Stuffy's Subs of Gayton Crossing, River's Bend Grill of Colonial Heights, More than Greek RVA of Mechanicsville, Burger Bach Midlothian, Galley, and Mi Rodeo of Colonial Heights to provide over 200 meals for frontline workers and first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Right now more than ever is the time to show love to our neighbors and hometown businesses. Thank you to everyone who makes our community a wonderful place to live. 

The events of the last several months have highlighted the indispensable role nurses play in all our lives. Nurses are sacrificing so much to give others in the community the care they need during the coronavirus pandemic. They are truly our local heroes on the frontline of this crisis.  

While nurses always deserve a huge thank you, National Nurses Week is the perfect time to do so. National Nurses Week is observed every May 6 through May 12, coinciding with the birthday of Florence Nightingale on May 12.

There are many ways you can show appreciation to nurses for everything they do. On Nurses Week or any time, some of the best ways to show appreciation include:

1. Sending Gifts 
   With many businesses still closed, an unexpected gift is a great way to help your favorite nurse unwind with a special surprise. A gift card from a local business benefits the recipient and also helps support small businesses that value every sale at a time like this.
2. Making Donations to Area Hospitals
   Nationally ranked VCU Medical Center, Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital and Chippenham Hospital are just a few healthcare facilities right in Richmond. Donations of requested food, equipment, and funds help to reduce the burden on hard-working nursing staff.
3. Giving Blood
   No matter the time of year, there's always a need for blood at major hospitals. A prompt blood transfusion can make a difference after an accident or medical emergency. You don't have to wait for a local blood drive: Many hospitals maintain year-round blood donation programs.
4. Reach Out to Your Friends
   Have a friend or family member who is a nurse? Send them a card thanking them for all they do in their profession. You could also ask them how you can help them. Maybe they need grocery pick up or someone to walk their dog? Simple acts like this go a long way! 

With nearly two dozen major hospitals and care centers right in the area, Richmond is at the forefront when it comes to the latest medical treatments. Our real estate agents know just how important that quality of care is to our homebuyers and the community.

Richmond homes for sale are desirable for many reasons, but the hard work of our local nurses is a factor that makes a big difference. Thousands of nurses are employed across the Richmond, VA area, part of a vibrant and growing healthcare workforce.

To find out more about local real estate opportunities, contact us.