Homeownership

Furniture really makes a room. Arrange the furniture one way, and you have a sleek and sophisticated look. Arrange it another way, and the same room looks cozy and inviting. Whether you're already in a home or still looking at Richmond homes for sale, the following furniture rearranging tips are sure to come in handy.

• Decide on a Focal Point
  Before you move anything, decide on a focal point for the room. The focal point is the place that you want the eyes to be drawn to. All of your other furnishings will be oriented towards the focal point. In a living room, common focal points are the television and a picture window. In a dining room, the focal point may be a china cabinet or a piece of art.
  
  
• Create Symmetry
  One way to make a room look balanced is to arrange your furniture symmetrically. In other words, you want there to be a clear dividing line between the room, and for furnishings on either side of that dividing line to match. For instance, you could put matching end tables on either side of the sofa and matching ottomans in front of the sofa on either side.
  
  
• Consider a Floating Furniture Arrangement
  People often put furnishings along the walls by default. However, you can give your space a whole new look by opting for a floating furniture arrangement instead. Move chairs and sofas off the wall, orienting them around an area rug or coffee table. Create little "islands" of furniture throughout the room — maybe a TV area in one corner and a reading nook in another.
  
  
• Measure First
  Regardless of how you arrange your furniture, make sure you measure it first. This will keep you from having to move heavy furniture more than once. With measurements in hand, you can measure your walls and spaces to ensure the furniture will fit in the area where you intend to place it.
  
  
• Use Graph Paper
  If you're struggling to decide on a layout, grab some graph paper. Measure your room and draw its outline on the graph paper, allowing each square to account for one foot. Then, start drawing in your furniture. Create a few different layouts. Then, compare and contrast them to decide which one you like best.
  
  
• Move the Big Items First
  You don't have to design the whole room at once if this feels overwhelming to you. Instead, start by putting your largest furnishings into place. In a living room, for example, this would typically be your sofa, entertainment center, and coffee table. Smaller items, like ottomans and end tables, are easier to move. So, you can experiment with a few different locations for these pieces until you find the one that feels right.
  
  
• Leave Room for Traffic
  No matter how you arrange your furniture, always consider how people will travel through the room. Make sure there is a clear footpath with enough room for people to fit through without bumping into anything.
  
  
• Use Light as an Accent
  Remember, lamps and portable lights are furniture, and they can also be used to accentuate other furniture. If you want to draw more attention to a certain table, put a small lamp on it. If a corner of the room looks dark, add a floor lamp. The right lights can transform a space.

At the end of the day, rearranging your furniture is about finding what works for you and your family. If you're still looking for the perfect home to refurnish, contact us soon. Our real estate agents are happy to help.

Interior design trends come and go. But one that has gained popularity in recent years is a modern twist on farmhouse style.

Our real estate agents see this style frequently in the homes they show, and many buyers love this look. Here are a few ways to create this look yourself by adding farmhouse details to your modern decor.

• Choose Neutral Colors
  Like many other popular styles, modern farmhouse decor tends to feature a lot of neutral colors. This doesn't mean everything has to be stark white, though. Look for softer neutrals such as off-white and beige. Don't feel like you have to make everything monochrome, though. You can mix and match neutrals and textures for a layered look.
  
  
• Opt for Natural, Weathered Finishes
  Cut through smooth modern lines with rustic-looking finishes. Weathered-looking wood cabinetry, trim, and furniture are perfect for achieving the farmhouse vibe. Shiplap and beadboard are popular for giving walls that quaint country look. If a little light remodeling is in your budget, consider removing plaster and drywall to expose the brick in the walls and the wooden rafters in the ceiling.
  
  
• Create a Gathering Place in Your Kitchen
  Farmhouses revolve around food and family, so to pick up that farmhouse vibe, so should your home. The kitchen is one of the top things that buyers focus on in Richmond homes for sale, so if you're planning on selling yours, pay close attention to how welcoming your kitchen looks. A central island with bar stools or a table with ample bench seating promotes the idea that the kitchen is the heart of your home.
  
  
• Install Sliding Barn Doors
  You may have seen the trend of installing "barn doors," sliding top-mounting doors with a country look. These doors are designed to look similar to the doors you see on a barn but more indoor-friendly. They can be installed as single or double doors, depending on space, and typically feature a farm-like construction with rustic hardware. If you've got the space, barn doors are easy to install and a great way to bring strong farmhouse vibes to your home.
  
  
• Repurpose and Reclaim
  Farmers save and reuse absolutely everything. You can too, and give your home a stronger farmhouse feel while you're at it. Turn glass jars into rustic light fixtures and soap dispensers, scour thrift and antique stores for vintage signs and other decor, and find ways to reuse old brick and wood in your renovations.
  
  
• Pull in Traditional Linens
  Don't forget to soften the rustic look by making your home cozy, too. Traditional linens and textiles are a great way to capture that farmhouse feel, plus they give you the opportunity to vary the texture and get away from the smoothness of everything modern. For instance, you can find a vintage or antique quilt at a thrift or antique store and use it either as a wall hanging or a bed covering. Knit and crocheted blankets are another option.

With the recent popularity of the modern farmhouse style, staging your home with some light but trendy rustic vibes can be a great way to attract interested buyers. For more ideas on effectively staging your home before you list, contact us today.

For many, laundry rooms are just a simple, functional area for washing clothes, but our real estate agents see them as a room with lots of opportunities.

During the staging process, we always remind our clients not to forget about the laundry room. It's among the most desirable features for buyers. In fact, 91% of home shoppers want a laundry room, and 57% said it's a must-have. Therefore, taking the time to stage this space gives you the opportunity to turn a basic functional area into a true asset.

Adding some beautiful decor or designs to your laundry room is an easy and affordable way to increase the overall appeal of your home. There are many wonderful ways to transform your laundry room into a beautifully designed addition. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

• Add Cabinets
  If there is one thing every laundry room needs, it's storage space. Adding some beautiful wood cabinets can not only provide you with that extra space, but they can also add some aesthetic appeal. Nice cabinets over the washer and dryer make it easy to keep cleaning materials put away. Just be sure to choose cabinets that match your appliances. 
  
  
• Hang Floating Shelves
  New cabinets can be pricey, so if you're looking for a less expensive way to add more storage, consider some nice floating shelves. You can then organize your supplies into baskets and place store them nicely along the wall.
  
  
• Add A Tile Backsplash
  Tile backsplashes aren't just for the kitchen. They make for a great design element in the laundry room too. Backsplashes are so versatile, as you can pick from a wide range of colors and patterns. Add one behind the washer and dryer for some nice contrast. 
  
  
• Add An Island Or Counterspace For Folding
  If you have room for it, a small island or counter that can be used for folding clothes makes for a really nice addition. Buyers can envision themselves doing laundry all in one place as opposed to dragging laundry all over the house. An island or counter space also gives you some extra storage options. 
  
  
• Go With A Bright Color Scheme
  All white laundry rooms are not only brighter, but they also appear larger as well. Try white appliances, walls, and floor tiles for a super clean and bright look. If you have windows in the laundry room, keep them open to maximize light exposure. Lots of natural light plus white colors can make for a great combination.
  
  
• Add Wallpaper 
  Wallpaper is back in style this year, and you can have a lot of fun with it in the laundry room. There are many different styles and patterns on the market, so you can choose one that matches your personality and your decor.

With a little extra work, it's easy to transform a basic laundry room into a major selling point for buyers when they are looking at Richmond homes for sale. Contact us today for more tips on interior design.

With spring around the corner, it's time to plan your spring cleaning. One area that many homeowners often overlook is their windows. 

Clean windows maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home; our real estate agents know that gleaming windows also help your home look its best during home showings. 

Here are a few guidelines to follow when spring cleaning your windows. 

• Start by Vacuuming Around Your Window Sills and Window Frames
  Have you ever tried to wipe up dirt with a wet cloth? If so, you know that it turns to mud, making it more difficult for you to clean. Use the crevice attachment on your vacuum to remove dirt and debris from your window sills and frames. 

• Choose the Right Materials
  To clean your window glass, you need cleaning materials that won't leave streaks. Usually, it's your rag that leaves streaks, not your window cleaner. Newspaper is one cheap alternative that won't leave streaks, or you can use microfiber cleaning cloths. Depending on how many windows you need to clean, you may want to invest in a squeegee specifically designed for glass cleaning. A squeegee will allow you to quickly remove the excess cleaning solution, so you have a streak-free finish. 

• Use Soapy Water to Clean Your Window Frames
  When cleaning your window frames, you don't need anything fancy. Usually, a few drops of dish soap and warm water are an effective cleaner. After you wash the frames, make sure that you dry them, as the materials of some frames (like wood or metal) can be damaged by excess moisture. 

• Remember to Wash Your Curtains or Blinds
  Don't forget to wash your curtains or clean your blinds. Otherwise, they'll transfer dust and grime to your clean windows. You should also wash your window coverings before adding your home to the list of Richmond homes for sale. Remove your curtains and launder according to the instructions. Some curtains can be washed in the washing machine on the gentle cycle, while others require dry cleaning or steam cleaning. To get your blinds clean, use an old sock and a mixture that's half water and half vinegar to dust them. If your blinds are extremely dirty or have a greasy residue, spray them with a degreaser (like the yellow Mr. Clean). Then, wipe them with a warm, wet rag. Make sure that you also dust your window hardware, like your curtain rod or blind brackets. 

• Remove Your Window Screens to Clean Them
  If your windows have screens, remove them and lay them on a towel or old sheet. Vacuum both sides of your screens to remove dirt and debris. Then, mix a quarter of a cup of cleaner with a half-gallon of warm water. Wash each side of your screens using a sponge or microfiber cloth. Then, rinse them with your water hose on a low setting. Use a dry towel to remove excess moisture before reinstalling your screens. 

With a little time and a few materials, you'll quickly have your windows looking their best. Interested in buying a home with more windows or natural lighting? Contact us today to start your search!

Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge, no matter what the occasion. One occasion that may have you scratching your head is shopping for a house-warming present for a new homeowner.

Is your friend or relative settling in among Richmond homes for sale? Our real estate agents have vast experience helping homeowners acquire the home of their dreams or selling their homes so they can move on -- but they also know a thing or two about what a new homeowner might welcome in the way of a gift.

Here are a few suggestions your friend or relative will love having in their newly acquired home.

1. Every Home Chef Needs One: an Instant Pot
   There are lots of Instant Pots on the market, so you'll have to decide about how many functions (do your friends/family members need the frying function?), and how big (will the 3-quart do for a couple, or does the growing family need a 10-12-quart model?). Regardless of size or number of functions, your giftee will love how fast an Instant Pot can cook dinner so that they can get back to unpacking boxes.
   
   
2. Chip in for a Robotic Vacuum
   A robotic vacuum is perfect for the folks with a big, shedding dog, multiple cats, or just a family with kids tracking dirt in and out. Maybe you have one, and you've seen the amazing way these self-propelled vacuum cleaners go about ensuring the floor is dust-free. They're pricey, though, so maybe this is a gift a couple or more of you can go into buying together. Your giftee will be forever grateful.
   
   
3. Celebrate Their New Space with Wine
   After moving, your giftees may want to break out their new wine glasses and give them a try. There are all kinds of wine glasses on the market these days, and if you didn't know, some are for white wine -- that's the more traditional shape we think of a wine glass having -- and a bigger, more balloon-like shape, which aerates red wine better, bringing out the flavor. What might really work as a gift is a set of four, good-quality wine glasses with pretty patterns etched on them. Consider gifting with a bottle of their favorite wine.
   
   
4. Give a Polyethylene Chopping Board
   These are sturdy enough to stand up to strenuous chopping chores but you can find some pretty ones too, in an assortment of colors. Some are so pretty they can do double duty as a cheese tray. Add in some local cheese to encourage them to use their new chopping board as a cheese tray. Polyethylene chopping boards are easy to clean with soap and water.
   
   
5. Cook up a Present for Their New Kitchen
   The kitchen is the heart of the home, so gifting something for the kitchen means you're giving the new homeowner a great gift! There are plenty of things you can gift to encourage the new homeowner to utilize their new cooking space. Consider spice mixes, olive oils, or fresh pasta from a local farmers market. They'll appreciate the gift when they get to try it out in their new kitchen. 

Need tips on buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Contact us today. 

It's easy not to think about your gutters when they're doing their job, but a little cleaning and maintenance should be done at least once or twice a year. If you haven't cleaned your gutters since the trees dropped their leaves last fall, doing your maintenance now will help keep them clean throughout the summer's rainstorms. Here are a few tips from our real estate agents for gutter maintenance this summer.

1. Remove Nests
   First things first: Check your gutters for any nests from animals or creepy crawlies. Birds' nests are commonly found in and around gutters. If you've waited until summer to clean your gutters, chances are the birds aren't using the nests anymore, so you can remove them without worrying about the occupants. Wasps nests, on the other hand, are best left to a professional pest service for your own safety.
   
   
2. Remove Debris
   Before you can flush your gutters, it's important to make sure you remove any loose debris so that you're not washing it all downstream and creating a blockage. Check your gutters for leaves, sticks, and other debris that can be removed manually. It may be time-consuming, but it'll save you any hassle later on.
   
   
3. Flush Your Gutters
   Once you've removed all the loose debris, you can use a garden hose to manually flush the gutters. Make sure the downspouts are running quickly and don't show any signs of blockage inside. If you do find blockages, you can remove the downspout and work on it from the safety of the ground. Clear the blockage by running the garden hose directly into the downspout, running a plumbing snake through the downspout, and if none of those work, disassembling the downspout to find and remove the blockage. Once the downspout is clear, you can reattach it to the gutters.
   
   
4. Repair Any Damage
   Gutters can become damaged over time, especially if they're not cleaned regularly. Inspect your gutters thoroughly for rust, cracks and busted seams, and signs of problems such as algae growth. Algae can be scrubbed off, but cracked or rusted gutters should be repaired or replaced. This is especially important if you're planning on selling your home, as unsightly gutters will be an immediate red flag to potential buyers that can be seen from the street, if not the listing pictures.
   
   
5. Call a Professional if Needed
   Whether you're working on a ladder at gutter height, or leaning down to access the gutters from your roof, cleaning and repairing gutters can be dangerous. Consider whether you have the tools and skills to do this job yourself, and call the pros if you don't. Especially if you are planning to sell the home, it may benefit you to have a pro doing the work, and recent gutter maintenance or even a brand new gutter system will be a selling point over other Richmond homes for sale.

Keeping up on home maintenance is an easy way to protect your investment, but it's especially important to catch up on any maintenance tasks if you're planning on selling your home soon. The outside of your home is a great place to start because that's the first thing a buyer sees. For more suggestions on how to get your home ready to sell and boost your curb appeal, contact us today.

If you're tired of your yard turning brown during the stifling dog days of summer or want to cut down on the time you spend watering your garden, it's time to install a sprinkler system. Not only will a sprinkler system make it easier for you to care for your landscaping, but our real estate agents know that it appeals to potential homebuyers when it's time to sell your home. Here are a few tips to follow when installing a sprinkler system. 

1. Decide If You Should Hire a Pro
   A DIY project is an excellent way to save money when you're on a tight budget. Opting to purchase and install your sprinkler components yourself can cut the cost of the project in half. However, you have to spend time installing the system, and adding a sprinkler system can be a fairly labor-intensive project. You may also have to rent or purchase tools to complete the job. It can also be tricky to properly place the sprinklers so that every area of your landscaping receives ample moisture. While it costs more to hire a pro to install your new sprinkler system, you'll maximize the amount of time in your schedule by letting someone else handle the job. Most professionally installed sprinkler systems also come with a warranty on the parts and labor, giving you a little peace of mind in your investment.

2. Have Underground Lines and Cables Marked
   Regardless of which installation method you choose, you'll need to have your local utility companies come and mark any underground lines that are located on your property. When installing a sprinkler system, you'll need to avoid these lines. Otherwise, you risk cutting power, cable, or TV to your home. You'll also have to pay for any damage caused to these lines or cables. 

3. Determine What Features You Want
   Your sprinkler system should incorporate elements that make it a good fit for your home. After considering what the sprinkler will water (such as grass, vegetables, flowers, or trees), you can decide what kind of water pressure the system should have and how quickly the water needs to flow. These features will also factor into what kind of service lines you purchase for the system. When you add your home to the inventory of Richmond homes for sale, buyers will appreciate a sprinkler system that's adapted to the property's unique vegetation. 

4. Select Your Sprinkler Heads
   The sprinkler heads are one of the most important components of your sprinkler system. Different heads will add moisture to your landscaping in distinct ways. For example, fixed spray heads produce a consistent span of water that travels 5 to 15 feet, while bubbler sprinkler heads add moisture at the base of vegetation. Bubbler sprinkler heads are ideal for plants that easily mold due to excessive moisture, like hydrangeas. Pop-up sprinkler heads are popular with families who enjoy using their yard for exercise and recreation; when they aren't in use, these sprinkler heads disappear into the ground. You can mix and match sprinkler heads to have the best alternative for each section of your yard. 

Ready to put your home on the market? Contact us today to get started!

When it comes to your home decorating style, do you struggle to pick out pieces because you don't know what to focus on? Do you feel pulled around by trends? Or do you feel like you can't put your finger on it because everything is mismatched and pieced together? Identifying your home decorating style can be a minefield of indecision and procrastination.

Our real estate agents believe that our homes should be a reflection of our personalities. It has to do with trusting your intuition instead of following the crowd. The following tips for finding the right style of décor for your home will help you create spaces that look beautiful, feel authentic, and make you happy.

• Look in Your Closet
  Take a good, hard look at what's in your closet. Pay attention to the colors, textures, patterns, and fabrics you turn to again and again. Are they mostly neutral?  Or are your favorite clothes made with bold patterns and lots of colors? Let the colors guide you when choosing textiles and décor items for your home.
  
  
• Design a Style Vignette
  A style vignette is an arrangement of objects displayed together in a pleasing, balanced way. The grouping is typically made up of homeware pieces but can also feature craft objects, art, natural elements, flowers, and other mementos. Walk around your home and gather anything that tickles your fantasy and captures the look you're going for. Arrange them and live with them for a few days to help you define the decorating style that appeals to you. If you end up liking the overall vibe, tone, and color scheme, you can spread that style across your entire home.
  
  
• Get Inspired
  You can also use outside inspiration to find your design style. You might want to create a Pinterest board with places and rooms you love or scroll through home décor hashtags on Instagram. See if you can spot a color scheme, trend, or theme that you're most drawn to. Sometimes, however, Instagram and Pinterest can be a bit overwhelming because there are so many beautiful images at one time. Instead, you can just flip through a magazine to find out what you love. Next, look through your magazine and Pinterest boards to decipher commonalities among the photos.
  
  
• Take an Online Decorating Quiz
  There are tons of online decorating quizzes that can help you discover and pinpoint your tastes and preferences, so you can start designing your dream home. Some quizzes will also reveal the paint colors, types of furniture, and accent pieces that you should have in your space. Consider taking multiple design style quizzes at your leisure. You know you've found your style and are ready to start designing if the quizzes end in similar results.
  
  
• Think About Your Current Décor
  It's not common to start decorating from scratch. Walk through your house and make a list of all pieces of furniture, accessories, or art that have to stay. Separate what you love from what you wish you could replace. Next, review the list of things you love to see the common traits and write those down. This will serve as a guide to keep you true to your style.

Need some additional advice about decorating your home as you think about buying one of the Richmond homes for sale? We can help you. Contact us today to schedule tours of beautiful homes in the RVA.

You might think your home is neat and tidy, but it's likely that clutter is hiding in your home. If you're getting ready to list your home, excess clutter will make it harder to prepare your home to add to the inventory of Richmond homes for sale. Before you list your home, here are a few common spaces that clutter may be lurking and a few tips for taming these hidden areas.

1. Your Kitchen Counters
   The kitchen is the heart of the home for many families. It's only natural that your kitchen counters act as a breeding spot for various stuff, like seldom-used appliances, papers, mail, and snacks. Not only does clutter make it harder to keep your kitchen counters clean and clear of crumbs and other debris, but our real estate agents know that properties with cluttered kitchen counters actually look smaller than those with clear counters. Tame your kitchen clutter by stowing your seldom-used appliances in your cabinets or pantry. Only keep appliances out that you use every single day out, like your coffee maker. Tackle the mountain of papers on your counters by organizing a filing system for incoming papers and mail. A wall box is a fantastic option to get paper off your kitchen while it's still "in process." Don't let papers linger indefinitely in this box! Make a commitment to go through it once a month and deal with each document. Half-eaten snacks are another common problem for many homeowners. Consider dedicating a bin in your pantry or cabinets to snacks that have already been opened. This will also keep you from having three open bags of tortilla chips at one time. 

2. Your Entryway
   The entryway is another area prone to accumulating clutter simply because you use it so much. It's the first spot your family uses when they come home, making it the prime gathering spot for bags, shoes, coats, and winter gear. Make sure that all the clutter that likes to accumulate in your entryway has a home. One way to do so is by adding a hall tree to this space. A hall tree is a fabulous addition that includes storage for multiple items (and you can customize the storage to your family's needs). Look for a hall tree with hooks so that you have an area to neatly hang a coat or bookbag. Or, if you prefer to keep some things out of sight, a unit with a storage bench is a necessity. Have a lot of shoes that you keep in your entryway? Check out a hall tree with storage cubbies.

3. Your Laundry Room
   Don't let your laundry room become the storage space for unfolded clothing, dirty laundry, and articles of clothing that aren't quite clean or dirty (i.e., a shirt you wore for an hour or two). Commit to folding a load of laundry and putting it away the same day it's dry. If you have a large family, you might invest in multiple hampers so that each family member can get their own laundry and put it away when they have a chunk of free time. When you're through wearing an item, either hang the item back up or put it in the dirty clothes hamper. Get rid of the in-between pile that breeds clothing clutter. Have a collection of half-used laundry detergents and fabric softeners? Shelving above your washer and dryer is an excellent spot to stow your laundry essentials. 

Now that you've tackled the clutter in your home are you ready to sell your home? Contact us today to get started!