Date Archives: November 2021

The holidays are a time to gather and celebrate in an air of cheer and goodwill. And throughout the Richmond area, there are plenty of local events to keep your calendar full of festive fun. Our real estate agents eagerly anticipate these upcoming events around Central Virginia. 

• Holiday Brunch - Publix Aprons Cooking School at Nuckols Place, 5400 Wyndham Forest Dr., Glen Allen, VA 23059
  Want to wow family and friends at this year's gatherings? Pick up some tasty recipes at the Holiday Brunch class conducted by Publix Aprons Cooking School, down the street from Glen Allen homes for sale. Learn how to prepare elegant eggnog crepes, pear and cranberry Bellinis, lobster eggs Benedict, and other brunch items. Finish with cream-cheese frosted gingerbread scones for a sweet treat. Wine will be served for anyone over the age of 21. The class starts at 6 p.m. on Monday, December 20. Tickets to the age-18-and-up event are $55.
  
  
• 2021 Holidays at the Branch - Branch House, 2501 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23220
  In its third year, Holidays at the Branch is well on its way to becoming a favorite tradition near Richmond homes for sale. Stunning Branch House, which dates back to 1916, was once the private residence of financier John Kerr Branch and his family. Today, the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and houses the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design. Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 16 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $125.
  
  
• Christmas with the Celts - The Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Rd., Richmond, VA 23229 
  Enjoy an evening of traditional holiday songs performed in unique style at Christmas with the Celts. This live edition of the popular PBS pledge show adds some Celtic flavor to "Little Drummer Boy," "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," and other classics, with Irish dancers completing the picture. Christmas with the Celts takes place at the Tin Pan on Thursday, December 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $41.50 at the door, with dinner reservations available.
  
  
• Christmas Cookie Decorating - Steam Bell Beer Works, 1717 E. Oak Lake Blvd., Midlothian, VA 23112
  What are the holidays without the delightful smell of cookies baking throughout Midlothian homes for sale? The whole family will have fun picking up tips at Christmas Cookie Decorating, sponsored by Steam Bell Beer Works. Mom and Dad can sip on a craft farmhouse ale while the kids express their creativity decorating tasty cookies. The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 18, from noon - 2 p.m., and free admission.
  
  
• Christmas on High Street - High St., Petersburg, VA 23803
  Experience an old-fashioned holiday while supporting a good cause at Christmas on High Street. A candlelight tour takes you through eight beautiful homes as you get hot chocolate and wreaths along the way. Purchase $5 raffle tickets for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Brickhouse Run, a delightful tavern located in a historic building just minutes from Petersburg homes for sale. Proceeds benefit Young Ladies Boarding House, a local homeless shelter. Festivities run from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 4.

There's still no place like home for the holidays. Whether you're buying or selling a home in Central Virginia, contact us at Napier Realtors ERA for cheerful and knowledgeable assistance. 

Sometimes a myth is fun to believe, but other times, it has a negative impact on your ability to accomplish your goals. Our real estate agents know that real estate myths are fairly common in our industry. Here are several we've heard over the years that we want to debunk. 

• Myth 1: Real Estate Agents Want You to Hurry Up and Buy a Home
  Real estate agents absolutely want you to find and buy a home, but they don't want it to be just any home. They want you to find a home that meets your needs so that you're a happy client. Unhappy clients are often very vocal about their experiences, and many agents receive recommendations from their satisfied clients. 

• Myth 2: You Need a Lot of Cash to Buy a Home
  While it's always wise to have cash set aside for emergencies or homebuying expenses, you don't need a ton of cash to purchase a home. An FHA mortgage allows a down payment as small as 3.5 percent of the home's purchase price. Conventional mortgages may call for a down payment of 5-10 percent of the home's purchase price.

• Myth 3: The Best Mortgage is the One with the Lowest Payment
  The loan with the lowest payment isn't always your best choice. Choose a mortgage that fits your financial needs. A shorter loan term will have higher payments, but you'll have a lower interest rate and pay less interest over the life of the loan. Look at a couple of options and decide which one is the right fit for you.

• Myth 4: You Should Start Searching for a Home Before Anything Else
  Hold off your home search until you're preapproved for a home loan. Obtaining mortgage preapproval lets you know that you can for sure obtain a mortgage and it lets you know exactly how much you can spend. Make sure you get preapproved rather than prequalified for a loan. The preapproval process is much more intensive and accurate than the prequalification process. 

• Myth 5: Open Houses are Absolutely Necessary to Sell Your Home
  The success rate of an open house depends in part on your area. However, it isn't absolutely vital to hold open houses in order to sell your home. If you decide to forgo an open house, you do need to make sure that your family is prepared for a showing on short notice. Buyers typically want to view potential homes as quickly as possible, and sellers are generally expected to adjust to the buyer's schedule. 

• Myth 6: You Can Save Money Selling Your Home Yourself
  Some home sellers try to sell their homes on their own. This move can potentially cost you money and lengthen the amount of time that it takes for you to sell your home. When you hire a real estate agent, they'll add your home to the MLS database of Richmond homes for sale. This allows it to reach more potential buyers. Agents also know to negotiate a fair deal and confirm that all the necessary tasks are completed before your closing date. 

• Myth 7: Start with a High Listing Price
  It's a bad idea to list your home at a high price, assuming that you can always lower the price if it doesn't sell. The longer a home is on the market, the less attractive it is to potential buyers. Buyers tend to assume that homes on the market for extended periods have something "wrong" with them. They're unlikely to pay a price that seems above the fair market price for the home. 

Our team has the experience needed to help you successfully navigate the Central Virginia real estate market. Contact us today for assistance!

If espresso is your favorite "pick me up," our real estate agents have some great news for you!

National Espresso Day 2021 is coming up on Tuesday the 23rd. No matter where you are in Central Virginia, you'll find plenty of places where you can perk up with a cup of this powerful beverage. Whether you prefer your espresso hot, iced, on its own, or combined with milk, you'll find plenty of options in Richmond area cafes.

Let's look at some options for celebrating National Espresso Day in style:

• Grit Coffee Roasting Co. – 409 Libbie Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226
  You can order online for convenient pickup at Grit Coffee Roasting Co., an area staple not far from Richmond homes for sale. It's come a long way since opening its very first location in 2008 just off the University of Virginia campus. Known for globally sourced roasts like "Side Hustle" and "Night Shift," it's also a friendly and happening place to raise a cup for National Espresso Day.
  
  
• The Village Cafe – 1001 West Grace Street, Richmond, VA 23220
  Open daily from 9 a.m., with extended hours all the way to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, The Village Cafe is a family business that has been owned by the Ruegers since 2004. In addition to the espresso, you can find a wide range of treats on a menu bursting with flavor: Starters, salads, loaded potatoes, baked subs, sandwiches, croissants, burritos, pizza, pasta, and signature dishes are all available.
  
  
• Demolition Coffee – 215 East Bank Street, Petersburg, VA 23803
  A treat nestled just a short drive from Petersburg homes for sale, you can visit Demolition Coffee for your morning or afternoon pick me up. Menu options featuring their fantastic espresso include their mocha, cappuccino, and dirty chai. Or add an extra shot of espresso to your beverage for only $1.50. Don't forget to check out their pastry case while you're there!
  
  
• Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe – 13872 Coalfield Commons Place, Midlothian, VA 23114
  Conveniently located right next to the Midlothian Library, Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe is a place you might just love to visit if you choose Midlothian homes for sale. Dedicated to "bringing the farm to the city," it's where to look first for locally sourced, wholesome meals based on fresh produce, dairy, and humanely raised meat. And you won't want to forget the espresso, either!
  
  
• Coal Mine Coffee – 117 Browns Way Road, Midlothian, VA 23114
  Coal Mine Coffee has a menu of different coffee styles to choose from, including favorites like espresso and new takes on the classics, not to mention cake pops. It also delivers a full list of events such as book signings and tastings inside the coffeehouse and beyond. 

Now that you've ordered your espresso are you ready to explore real estate opportunities throughout Central Virginia? Contact us for experienced assistance buying or selling properties throughout the area.

The leaves are changing colors and Central Virginia's finest fall foliage is on display. What a perfect time to go on a scenic drive to take it all in! On Monday, November 22, Go for a Ride Day honors our nation's long love affair with the open road. Our real estate agents urge you to take a spin along one of these scenic routes near Richmond.

• Heart of Virginia Wine Trail - James River Cellars, 11008 Washington Hwy., Glen Allen, VA 23059
  Is there a better excuse for a road trip than wine tasting? Follow the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail and sample the wares of five top Richmond-area wineries. Start your travels at James River Cellars Winery, just minutes from Glen Allen homes for sale. Purchase a $25 passport for a souvenir wine glass and a basic wine flight at each stop. Complete the passport in a day, a month, or a year to be eligible for a quarterly prize drawing.
  
  
• Virginia State Route 6
  As part of a Virginia Scenic Byway, Virginia State Route 6 offers a pleasant drive through some of the area's loveliest scenery. Start in the Mission District, right down the street from Richmond homes for sale, and take time to stop at some of the vineyards and wineries along the way. The entire road stretches just over 100 miles, ending in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Afton. 
  
  
• Skyline Drive - Shenandoah National Park, 3655 US Hwy. 211 E., Luray, VA 22835
  Two hours north of Richmond, at 105 miles, Skyline Drive takes only about three hours to travel from start to finish. The good news is that this allows plenty of time to explore the many delights of majestic Shenandoah National Park. Skyline Drive is the only public road running through the park, so you may find yourself sharing it with deer, turkeys, and other wildlife that live on the grounds. With nearly 70 overlooks, there are numerous opportunities for sweeping, panoramic views of the Valley. Skyline Drive is open daily around the clock, weather allowing, and there is no admission fee charged.
  
  
• Colonial Parkway - Colonial National Historical Park, 1000 Colonial Pkwy., Yorktown, VA 23690
  Colonial Parkway is a relatively short 23 miles long, but the distance it takes you back in time is incredible. Construction of the parkway presented a unique challenge of unifying several sites while maintaining the integrity of both the structures and the land surrounding them, Today, millions of residents and tourists travel the parkway each year to view Virginia's historic triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Roughly one hour southeast of Richmond, you'll experience 400 years of colonial history against a backdrop of rivers, forests, and open vistas.
  
  
• Pocahontas State Park - 10301 State Park Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23832
  Of course, you don't have to travel far to see stunning fall colors! In fact, near Chesterfield homes for sale, Pocahontas State Park is a great option to see some stunning Virginia scenery. Not only is this drive close by, but it's also a great way to enjoy a scenic drive into the park followed by stretching your legs on one of the many hiking trails. 

When you live in Central Virginia, shopping, entertainment, and cultural activities are all just minutes or a short drive away. Contact us at Napier Realtors ERA for more information.