Articles Tagged "Chesterfield"

Moving to a new place is never easy. In addition to the chore of dragging your stuff from one house to another, you also have to readjust to a new area and find a way to incorporate all of your old routines into unfamiliar surroundings. For instance, walking and playing with your dog. There are plenty of Richmond homes for sale, where you and your family can move, but where are the dog-friendly hiking trails near those homes? We've got you covered. Here are a few of our favorite spaces in nature where you and your dog can walk, hike, and play.

• James River North Bank and Buttermilk Loop Trail - 4190 Riverside Drive, Richmond, VA 23225.
  This 6.9-mile loop near Richmond is rated of moderate difficulty. It's great for hiking and biking and has beautiful views of the river. It's accessible year-round, but can get fairly busy, particularly on weekends. Not only are dogs welcome on this trail, but horses are, too.
  
  
• Texas Beach Trail - 1907 Texas Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220.
  Located near James River Park, this 4.8-mile hiking trail isn't in the Lone Star State, but right here in Virginia. A simple hike with mostly dirt trails, it will take between 1 and 3 hours, and runs over bridges and alongside train tracks. There are plenty of beautiful sites to see along the way, from muraled walls to old stone structures to flowing water, and more. It's a great place to take your dog and explore.
  
  
• Powhite Park - 7200 Jahnke Road, Richmond, VA 23225.
  Tucked away behind a series of busy streets and a hospital complex, Powhite Park is a great place to leave behind the bustling city and commune with nature for a while. It's 100 acres of woods and wetlands, great for watching wildlife, such as deer, birds, beavers, and more. You can walk your dog or ride your bike here, among the twisting trails, in peace and serenity.
  
  
• Dutch Gap - 341 Henricus Park Road, Chester, VA 23836.
  Richmond isn't the only area with dog-friendly hiking trails. If you go a little bit south, you'll find great Chesterfield homes for sale, and plenty of hiking for you and your dog in that area too. The Dutch Gap Conservation Area has several easy hiking trails, without much elevation, making it great for families, as well as for pets. There are 5.8 total miles of hiking trails, along with campgrounds, picnic areas, and spots for fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. You and your dog will love it here.
  
  
• Cheswick Park - 1700 Forest Avenue, Henrico, VA 23229.
  There are any number of beautiful Henrico homes for sale as well, and hiking trails in this area surrounding Richmond for both you and your dog. Cheswick Park is open daily from dawn to dusk and features about a mile of trails where you can walk your furry friend. It also has a playground and a picnic area that takes reservations for parties and other gatherings. This beautiful, wooded area is a great place for you and your pet to get away for a few hours.

These are just a few of the amazing trails and parks in the Richmond area where you and your dog can have fun together. Our real estate agents can help you find all the best hiking spots near you. Contact us today.

Fall is a good time to embrace all the things that make us cozy and comfortable. Beyond sweaters, leggings, and pumpkin spice, this is also a great time to consider upgrades to make your home cozier as the weather gets cooler. Here are a few upgrades our real estate agents say can make a big difference, especially if you plan on listing your home for sale this fall.

• Upgrade Your Flooring
  When the weather gets cool, you'll want flooring with a cozier vibe to keep your feet comfy. This could mean something as easy as picking out new throw rugs for your hardwood or tile floors or as involved as replacing your flooring entirely. If your carpet is wearing thin, consider replacing the pad and carpet for a lush floor you can dig your toes into this winter. If it's time to upgrade your bathroom floor, why not install heating elements beneath the tile? Flooring upgrades will make your home not just look better but also feel better too.
  
  
• Update Your Windows and Exterior Doors
  As cold weather sets in, don't forget to update your windows and exterior doors, as they can be a source of drafts in the winter. Feel for drafts around the perimeters of all windows and doors to see if caulking or weatherstripping is needed. A new front door can provide better insulation as well, in addition to improved security and better curb appeal.
  
  
• Invest in Energy-Saving Window Treatments
  If you don't have the funds to replace your windows at this time, you can make your home cozier by sealing drafts and hanging energy-saving blinds or curtains. Insulating window treatments help prevent your home from losing heat in the winter and keep the heat out in the summer, so they're useful all year long.
  
  
• Get Your Fireplace Ready for Winter
  Nothing makes you feel cozier in cool weather than a fireplace! Before you use your fireplace, you should have the chimney checked for nests, as some creatures might have made it their home during the warmer months. If you have an old-fashioned wood-burning fireplace, you might also want to look into what it would take to convert it into a gas fireplace. 
  
  
• Get Your Furnace Serviced
  One of the best ways to make sure you're not left in the cold this winter is to have your furnace serviced now, before winter weather sets in. An HVAC technician will do a tune-up, which involves changing your air filter, testing your furnace, and performing any needed maintenance. This would also be a great time to discuss upgrading to a new furnace or a smart thermostat.
  
  
• Add a mudroom
  Popular Richmond homes for sale often feature a well-designed mudroom. If you don't have a dedicated room for a mudroom, you can repurpose an entryway with a built-in storage bench. Cubbies underneath the bench can hold shoes and other important things and hooks above the bench corral coats in one place. Add a mirror and a shelf for keys and other small items.

Everyone loves to get cozy in cooler weather, so if you'll be selling your home this fall, focus on updates that will wow buyers as they come in out of the cold. For more information about selling your home this fall, contact us today.

Richmond is one of the best cities in the region for craft breweries, and the Richmond Beer Trail is the perfect way to discover all that local breweries have to offer. As you travel the trail, you'll have the opportunity to experience the best local breweries and the many attractions in the unique communities where each brewery is located. Our real estate agents have all of the details on 5 breweries that you won't want to miss along the Richmond Beer Trail.

• Intermission Beer Company – 10089 Brook Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23059
  Founded by a husband-and-wife team of film majors with a passion for craft brewing, Intermission Beer Company makes it easy to enjoy a great brew anytime with a convenient location near Glen Allen homes for sale. If you love unique events at your favorite breweries, you'll always have something new to experience at Intermission Beer Company. Throughout the week, you will find live music, trivia nights, book clubs, meetups for car enthusiasts, open mic comedy, and even a knitting club. No matter when you visit, you're sure to love one of the many craft brews on tap.
  
  
• Extra Billy's Brewery & Smokehouse – 1110 Alverser Dr., Midlothian, VA 23113
  Can't decide between outstanding craft beer or a delicious barbecue dinner? Extra Billy's Brewery & Smokehouse makes it easy to enjoy both, with a location that's around the corner from Midlothian homes for sale. With multiple gold medal award-winning beers on tap and ribs that have consistently been voted among the best in the region, the team at Extra Billy's is committed to going the extra mile to provide you with the best service whenever you visit.
  
  
• Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop – 3406 W. Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23230
  With a busy schedule of special events every week and an even longer list of unique craft beers, Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop has everything you need to enjoy a night on the town near Richmond homes for sale. The large team at Starr Hill operates five excellent breweries in Richmond and beyond, with a mix of flagship brews and seasonal varieties that put fresh spins on your favorite flavors.
  
  
• Legend Brewing Co. – 321 W. 7th St., Richmond, VA 23224
  What started as a small, popular pub more than 25 years ago has since grown into the Legend Brewing Co. that Richmond residents enjoy today. Legend Brewing Co. now has a large, 180-seat restaurant, along with an outdoor dining area that can seat up to 200 guests and a smaller, more intimate beer garden space. This local brewer is known best for its popular Brown Ale and features various seasonal brews that ensure you'll always have something new to try.
  
  
• Molly's Bicycle Shop & Blind Dog Brewery – 4515 W. Hundred Rd., Chester, VA 23831
  It's not every day that you come across a hybrid bicycle shop/brewery, but that's exactly what you'll find when you visit Molly's Bicycle Shop & Blind Dog Brewery. The beer garden at Blind Dog Brewery is the place to be, with a location close to Chesterfield County homes for sale and a great atmosphere for enjoying a cold brew outdoors. This is also a great place to visit if you love live music, with live performances taking place nearly every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday evening.

Searching for a home that makes it easy to enjoy the delicious drinks and dining around Richmond? Our team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Richmond area.

The importance of natural light in the home can't be overstated. Everyone loves bright, open rooms, and natural lighting really makes your home appear larger and more welcoming. Maximizing your home's natural lighting can also decrease your utility costs, and more importantly, it can actually improve your mood and mental health.

The best part is, increasing natural light exposure can be easy and cost-effective. While windows are your primary natural light source, there are many simple things you can do to maximize light throughout your house. Here are simple tips from our real estate agents:

• Focus On Light Colors
  Did you know that painting your walls bright colors or using bright colored wallpaper actually helps maximize natural light exposure throughout the room? This is because light coming in from your windows reflects or bounces off light-colored walls. Dark colors do the opposite - they absorb light which lessens its impact. Try different shades of off-white for the best impact. Choosing light-colored furniture can also create the same effect. For inspiration, check out the light colors in some of these beautiful Richmond homes for sale.
  
  
• Add Mirrors And Shiny Surfaces
  Mirrors, shiny surfaces, or anything with reflective properties are effective at helping natural light reach every nook and cranny of a room. Using mirrors and reflective surfaces is a great strategy, especially for rooms that don't see a lot of natural light, to begin with. Mirrors are especially effective at achieving this. Not only do they make for some great home decor, but they also can significantly increase lighting. The larger the mirror or reflective surface, the more light it will reflect. 
  
  
• Choose The Right Flooring
  While we're on the subject of reflective surfaces, think about how the floors in your home reflect light. Naturally shiny surfaces like light hardwood or ceramic will make a room appear much bigger and brighter. Carpet is much less reflective, especially if it's a darker color. Combining reflecting flooring with bright walls can really create a stunning effect.
  
  
• Pick A New Front Door With A Window
  Adding new windows frames to your home can be a fairly expensive home renovation project, but adding a front door with big open windows is much more affordable. If your living room doesn't receive much natural light, a door with a window can serve as an extra light source.
  
  
• Add A Skylight
  The best way to increase natural lighting in a room is by adding a skylight. A skylight is a fantastic addition, especially in the bathroom or kitchen. Since skylights are positioned directly upwards, they're likely to generate more natural light than a regular door or window. While it can be a bit of an expensive investment, skylights are truly a great option.

Whether you're planning to sell your home or are simply looking for ways to spruce up your interior, maximizing natural light is easy and cost-effective. For more tips on home staging techniques, contact us today.

Our real estate agents recommend staging, cleaning, and organizing your outdoor areas to ensure they show well with potential buyers. This might include considering some updates as well! Take your outdoor spaces to the next level with these upgrades. 

1. Clean Your Home's Exterior
   Before you start adding decorative pieces or installing new outdoor products, see that your home's exterior is free from dirt, grime, and mildew. Most surfaces (including vinyl siding, concrete, wood, and bricks) can be pressure-washed to quickly enhance their appearance. You can then use a stiff deck brush and outdoor cleaner to quickly scrub away spills and mud. 

2. Add an Outdoor Firepit
   A firepit is a fantastic addition that suits any outdoor space. Use it for relaxing evenings with family and friends, or roast marshmallows for an after-dinner treat. Wood-burning ones are the most affordable option, and a lot of buyers love the smell of an authentic bonfire. However, if you have a surface not suited for wood-burning fires or prefer a fire with less prep work, a gas-burning firepit is a terrific alternative. 

3. Revamp Your Front Door
   Your front door is the first thing that greets guests and homebuyers exploring Richmond homes for sale. See that it creates a positive first impression by giving it a makeover. If your front door is old and wobbly, replace it with a durable steel door. Not only will a newer door look better, but it will help make your home more energy-efficient. However, if your door is relatively new and you like the style, give it a fresh coat of paint and consider replacing the hardware.

4. Install a New Deck or Patio
   Feel like your current patio doesn't have ample space for your outdoor entertaining needs? Expand your outdoor living area with a new deck or patio. New decks and patios recoup a lot of their cost when you sell your home, and they enable you to make your outdoor area more functional. If you currently have a deck in decent shape, one option is to expand it and then stain the new and old portions the same color for a uniform appearance. This will also help you save on the cost of materials and labor. 

5. Get Your Lawn Healthy
   A yard full of lush, green grass appeals to any buyer. Get your yard looking its best by making sure it has everything it needs for optimal growth. See that you fertilize and treat your yard for weeds every six months. You can install a sprinkler system to make it easier to water your lawn when weather conditions are dry and hot. If you have a few areas where grass simply refuses to grow, add a few mats of sod. Your yard will instantly have green grass in these barren spots. 

Need more assistance selling your home? Contact us today for help!

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!

Designing a beautiful home is no easy task. While it may seem simple, it takes a keen, knowledgeable eye to create an interior with that special wow factor! Our real estate agents show a variety of homes that reflect beautiful design style, and we see the difference it makes when buying or selling a home.

As interior designers know, it requires vision, skill, and planning to understand the impact of scale, color, and balance in your home. Many design decisions go into a well-designed interior. In Richmond homes for sale, savvy buyers are looking for interiors that reflect current design trends, so they don't have to sink money into costly design mistakes.

Scale

Scale is so important when designing interior spaces. It's more than just taking measurements to make sure everything fits. Scale means understanding how the size of the room relates to interior furnishings like rugs, furniture, lighting, artwork, and accessories. The slightest mistake can quickly destroy the design style and ambiance in a room. Common design mistakes to avoid:

• Over-Sized Furnishings – The scale of your furniture must work with the scale of your room. Large rooms with high ceilings are great for oversized sofas, large tables, and heavy armories, but using them in small rooms will make the space feel cramped and uncomfortable.

• Small Area Rugs – If you fall in love with an area rug that doesn't fit your budget, don't buy a smaller rug just because it does. Area rugs should be anchored under furniture pieces, not floating between them, leaving the room feeling sparse and unfinished.

Color

Colors used in paints, wallpapers, textiles, window treatments, rugs, and accessories have a big impact on your room's comfort and light. While lighter colors reflect light and make rooms feel more spacious, darker colors absorb light, making rooms feel smaller. When choosing interior colors, avoid mistakes that may create an uncomfortable room:

• Dark Colors – Using dark colors on low ceilings or walls in small rooms can create a gloomy, uncomfortable space that feels claustrophobic, especially when rooms have minimal natural light from windows and doors.

• Glossy Paints – While high-gloss and semi-gloss paints are great for doors and trim, they often create too much sheen on walls and ceilings. Glossy paints should be avoided on stucco or textured walls where surfaces are uneven or flawed.

• Large Patterns – Wallpapers and textiles with large, bold patterns and colors can create a showstopping style in a large room, but they quickly overpower everything else in a small room. Consider your room size, furnishings, and light before choosing large, bold patterns.

Balance

Creating good balance in a room means paying attention to important details like the ceiling height, interesting focal points, and symmetrical or asymmetrical features. To avoid mistakes that ruin balance:

• Create a focal point

• Vary heights of furnishings, accessories, and light fixtures

• Spread colors and patterns evenly throughout the room

If your room has a built-in focal point like a beautiful stone fireplace, emphasize it with spot or track lighting. If there's no focal point in the room, you can create one with a wall of colorful paintings or black and white photos. To create a good balance, keep frame colors and finishes to a minimum and make sure that artwork complements other things in the room. In a bedroom, your bed can serve as the focal point with beautiful quilts, linens, and throw pillows that showcase the room.

If you're interested in buying or selling your home, contact us for more information and opportunities. We can help with all your real estate needs.

If it feels like your counters are consistently cluttered, or you waste precious time searching for the proper kitchen tools each time you cook, it's time to declutter your kitchen.

Ready to make your kitchen more visually appealing and organized? Follow this guide to maximize your decluttering efforts. 

1. Be Picky with Your Kitchen Utensils
   It's easy to collect a stash of kitchen utensils. After all, if a spatula is still functional, why throw it out? However, take a few moments and consider which utensils you grab when you're cooking. Chances are, you tend to reach for the same spatula or ladle, leaving the rest of your utensils untouched a majority of the time. Get rid of anything that's broken, redundant, or that you haven't used in two years. 

2. Rethink Bulky Items
   If you have limited kitchen or counter space, rethink how many bulky, oversized items that you decide to keep. Keep only pieces that you've used in the past year or two, and be leery of duplicates. Richmond homes for sale that have less "stuff" tend to look larger and appear more attractive to potential buyers. For the remaining items, consider storing anything that you don't use multiple times a week in your pantry or other storage space. Or, if some of your items are seasonal (like seasonal serving dishes or cookie jars), you can store them in a plastic tote in your garage or attic. 

3. Group Like Ingredients Together
   When decluttering your pantry or cabinets, you may find that you have several bags or containers of the same ingredient. Store these duplicates together so that you can clearly see how much flour or pasta you have before you head to the store. 

4. Downsize Your Collections
   It's not uncommon for homeowners to collect mugs or shot glasses, or even recipe books. However, when you have so much of a single item, it's easy for the best items in your collection to get lost. Keep only the pieces that you absolutely love, and display them, so that doesn't sacrifice your counter or cabinet space. A wall-mounted display unit (like a shelf or small cabinet) is an excellent alternative to add to your kitchen. 

5. Store Like Items Together
   Once you've gotten rid of pieces that don't fit your needs, it's imperative to store your remaining pieces in a way that makes sense for your cooking preferences. This will make it easier for you to find the item when you need to use it. There are a couple of ways to do this. One solution is to store like items together. For example, you might store all your baking sheets together, all your plates together, or all your Tupperware together. Another idea is to store items that you use for the same job in a single location. If you like to grill, you might stow everything that you need for grilling (utensils, silicone mats, spices, and meat thermometers) in the same cabinet. It's trendy to store or display items according to color. While this certainly creates a lovely space, it's usually not the most practical way to organize a kitchen. 

Feel like your home is lacking storage space? Our real estate agents can help! Contact us today to start exploring Richmond homes with spacious kitchens. 

Putting your home on the market is a big decision, and the process can be intimidating. Did you know the best way to prepare your home for an upcoming listing is by taking the time to properly stage it for potential buyers? The home staging process is actually one of the most exciting parts of the sales process. While it does require a lot of work and planning, it can also be fun. Proper staging can not only help you sell your home faster, but it can also help you get more in return. 

Below are some tips from our real estate agents on how to get your home ready for the real estate market:

1. Empty Your Closets
   A lack of storage space can be a deal-breaker for many buyers, so it's a good idea to show off the size of your closets. Cramped or overflowing storage space can really make your home smaller than it actually is, but the reverse is true as well. Half-empty closets can make your storage space seem more than adequate. By keeping a minimal number of items in your closets, you can create the visual perception that they're actually a lot larger.
   
   
2. Hide Your Pets
   We know you love your pets, and even if they're incredibly cute, potential homebuyers might not think so. Not only should you keep your dogs, cats, fish, and hamsters out of sight, you should also conceal their toys and bowls as well. You also want to be sure to get rid of any lingering pet odors before showing your home.
   
   
3. Depersonalize The Space
   Creating an environment that enables buyers to envision themselves in the home is crucial to the staging process. The more personalized a home, the more difficult it will be for visitors to imagine themselves living in the space. We recommend keeping things as neutral as possible. Limit the exposure of family photos or bold art pieces and put away any clothes or personal items. 
   
   
4. Do A Thorough Deep Cleaning
   We don't mean a quick tidy-up. Before listing your home for sale, you'll need to make every inch of your house shine. Baseboards, floors, ceilings, and windows -- every nook and cranny. Not only will this give buyers a good first impression, but it will also indicate that you've taken good care of the property.
   
   
5. Maximize Light Exposure
   Maximizing the light exposure across every room of the house is critical before putting your home on the market. If you have rooms that don't receive a lot of sunlight, consider investing in inexpensive lighting to help brighten things up. Not only are bright rooms more welcoming, but they can also appear larger from a visual perspective. For inspiration on how to really maximize light exposure throughout your home, check out these Richmond homes for sale.
   
   
6. Rearrange Your Furniture 
   The location or layout of your furniture can have a tremendous impact on the appearance of a room. Consider eliminating large pieces of furniture that don't fit the size of the room. As a rule of thumb, there should be adequate space on both sides of every furniture piece, and you should be able to easily walk around the room without issue. 

Home staging is both an art and a science. Working with a professional real estate agent is the best way to ensure your home is ready to list on the market. Contact us today for more tips!

Need a break from the fast pace and digital overload of daily living? Our real estate agents recommend bird watching as a perfect way to connect with nature and restore a peaceful state of mind.

Whether you go alone or with family and friends, check out these great bird watching trails in Pocahontas State Park, just minutes from Chesterfield homes for sale.

• Beaver Lake Trail
  Bodies of water always attract great numbers of birds. As a bonus, they provide a beautiful background for bird-watching scenes. Stunning scenery is one of the reasons that make Beaver Lake Trail one of the more popular destinations in Pocahontas State Park. The dog-friendly 2.3-mile trail offers a moderate challenge suitable for families. Please note that, unlike several other trails in the park, biking is not permitted. 
  
  
• Forest Exploration Trail
  When you really want to get away from it all, head to Forest Exploration Trail. The densely wooded grounds create a peaceful serenity that lets you focus on spotting birds. Leashed dogs are welcome on the 2.2-mile trail, which is also a good spot for mountain biking year-round.
  
  
• Bright Hope Trail and Otter Lick Loop
  Want to combine bird-watching with an invigorating workout? Bright Hope Trail and Otter Lick Loop may have a tongue-twister of a name, and at 6.8 miles, it's one of the longer trails in Pocahontas State Park. On any given day, you may share the trail with hikers, mountain bikers, runners, and horseback riders. Bring your leashed dog along when you visit the trail, which is accessible all year long. 
  
  
• Parallel Trail
  Enjoy an outing with the kids and get them hooked on bird watching with a hike along Parallel Trail. Measuring just over one mile in length with minimal elevation, the trail accommodates both newbies and experienced hikers. The forest setting allows for easy conversation along with opportunities to view different trees and plants. The kids will be happy that they can bring Fido along as well. 
  
  
• Pocahontas State Park Red Trail MTB
  Mountain bikers, rejoice! Pocahontas State Park Red Trail MTB is reserved exclusively for bikers. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of birds and wildlife as you cycle around the 3.2-mile looped route. February through November are the best months to visit this trail.

Bird Watching Tips

• Avoid dressing in bright colors. Birds have poor color vision, but the greater the contrast, the more you'll stand out from the natural background. Stick with dark colors and earth tones in order to blend in with the surroundings.
  
  
• Be patient. Birds are not on a schedule. They will eventually reveal themselves on their own timetable. Also, avoid sudden movements and loud noises that are likely to frighten birds away.
  
  
• Keep the sun behind you. When you're facing the sun, resulting shadows make it harder to distinguish actual bird sightings.
  
  
• Bring a bird identification guide along. National Geographic and Peterson are considered the gold standards by most bird watchers. Today, many guides are even available for download on a smartphone. Take a picture with your cell phone camera to make identification easier.
  
  
• Binoculars are a must-have for even casual bird watchers. Without a decent pair of binoculars, you'll miss out on many details of a bird's appearance and behavior. 

Where will you be feathering your nest this year? Find out why Chesterfield is a wonderful place to call home. Contact us at Joyner Fine Properties to learn more.

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.

High heating bills pack a real punch into homeowners' budgets each winter. Sure, it's not cheap to keep your entire house warm, but that doesn't mean you accept this as an annual hit to your wallet. Consider these tips from our real estate agents that are free or low-cost tricks for staying warm and saving money.

1. Turn Down Your Thermostat
   Turning your thermostat down a few degrees can shave up to 10% off your heating bill. Whether you're going to be at work all day, running some errands for a few hours, or will be headed out for the weekend, lower your thermostat temperature by 3 to 7 degrees. If you're slightly forgetful or the back and forth is just getting on your nerves, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. You can set it to adjust the heat on a predetermined schedule. Many are Wi-Fi compatible and let you control your thermostat from an app.
   
   
2. Seal Up Air Leaks
   Air leaks allow heat to escape your home easily. Light a candle, and let's do some detective work here. Hold the flame near doors, windows, light fixtures, ceilings, walls, switches, and in areas where cables and wires enter your house. If you see the flame flicker, that could mean you've spotted an air leak. Sealing up those air leaks is as easy as applying some inexpensive caulking, weather stripping, or adding insulating material.
   
   
3. Let Ceiling Fans Work to Your Advantage
   Yep, you read that right. Ceiling fans are typically meant to cool down a room, but they can also be good at warming them up and helping you save on heating bill costs. During cold weather, get that fan to spin clockwise and keep it on the lowest setting. This will push warm air downward, leaving your house feeling warmer.
   
   
4. Don't Let Heat Escape 
   If you don't use a certain room in your house, why heat it? Everyone knows that turning off the lights when exiting a room helps lower your electric bill. The same goes for keeping your windows and doors shut when you leave a room. Even when you're in the room, shutting the doors will allow the heat to hang out in the room, reducing the load on your HVAC system. If you aren't using your fireplace, seal the chimney flue and ensure the glass door is in place to minimize heat loss.
   
   
5. Use a Humidifier
   The air in your home tends to be dry during the winter months. Using a humidifier can help put some moisture in the air and keep your home warm without causing a dramatic increase in your heating bill. The moisture released by the humidifier will retain heat, keeping you more comfortable. 
   
   
6. Let the Sun Hit Things Up
   When the sun comes out, open your shades, curtains, and blinds to make the best use of "passive solar gain." Your home's exterior walls can soak the heat and give some serious warmth the old-fashioned way. 
   
   
7. Call for a Checkup
   Proper maintenance of your heating systems can make a big difference in your home's heating efficiency. You can keep your furnaces or heaters running at peak performance by having them checked by a professional at least once a year. It also pays to have your ductwork fixed to prevent the loss of heated air. Similarly, you should change the air filters to allow better airflow and reduce the strain on your furnace.

Are you looking for beautiful and winter-ready property among the wonderful Richmond homes for sale? Contact us to get started.

With the end of the year approaching, prospective homebuyers have holiday cheer on their minds as they tour Richmond homes for sale. This doesn't mean you should make your home into a replica of the North Pole though! Successfully staging your home for the holidays takes subtlety and class. Here are a few tips for tastefully staging your home for the holidays.

1. Decorate the front door. 
   The front door is your best place to make a good first impression. Hanging a cheery holiday wreath on the door can set the stage for your prospective buyers to imagine themselves in your home for the holidays from the moment they step over that threshold. Don't clutter up the yard with a lot of decorations, though, as it doesn't take much to cross over the line into the realm of tacky. Instead, focus on improving your curb appeal.
   
   
2. Match your decorations to your decor. 
   The best way to achieve subtlety and class is to make sure your holiday decorations blend seamlessly with the existing decor. Opt for holiday colors and styles that complement your themes and furnishings. If you've done your job with staging, these should be fairly neutral, setting the stage for a subtle holiday display.
   
   
3. Remember that less is more. 
   The rule of thumb for staging isn't any different around the holidays. As always, you should minimize the decor as much as possible. Instead of adding holiday decor, replace what you had used for staging before, as you don't want it to appear too cluttered by trying to squeeze everything in. And don't break out your entire collection of holiday ornaments! Just a few tasteful touches, such as a bowl of pinecones on the coffee table or a holiday greenery arrangement, will be just enough to encourage your buyer to envision themselves in your home.
   
   
4. Keep the decor impersonal. 
   Staging your home needs to be impersonal at any time of the year, but perhaps most of all around the holidays, when people are thinking about entertaining and celebrating with their families. This means that not only should you remove family pictures from the walls, but you also should make sure not to hang any holiday decorations that are too personal. We all have our own ways of celebrating the holidays, so keeping your holiday decor subtle and impersonal will allow them to picture themselves and their own traditions in your home.
   
   
5. Highlight your home's best features. 
   Finally, don't forget that the main purpose of staging is to show your home to its best advantage. You can use your holiday decor to highlight your home's best features, just as you would with any other decor. A strategically placed decoration can draw attention to a feature of your home that you want to highlight. Use your decorations sparingly, but use them to help your home shine.

No matter the season, staging a home for sale is an art form. If you feel overwhelmed or are unsure of how to proceed, one of our real estate agents can walk you through it. Contact us today to start the process!

Fall is the prime time of the year to tackle certain home improvement projects! Not so hot and sticky outside, and you can even turn off the air conditioner, open the windows, and get some work done before the cold weather sets in. 

Inside or outside the home, get your property ready for the winter so it will stand out among other Richmond homes for sale. 

1. Clear the rain gutters.
   After the leaves have all fallen, clear your rain gutters of leaves and debris. This will make it harder for animals to build nests that block the flow of rain. Check for sagging sections of gutter and cracks in the edge of the roof where water might be entering.
   
   After securing a ladder, remove leaf debris and put it in a bucket, handing it down to a helper when full. Wash out the gutters with a power hose attachment. If you have rain gutter covers, you'll need to remove and reattach them when you're done with the job. 
   
   
2. Have the roof inspected.
   It's a good idea to get the roof inspected now and then, even if it is fairly new and hasn't been damaged by hail or a major wind storm. These days, roof inspectors often use drones to do the job, so no need to endanger yourself. Or, if you're handy, have a go at it. Do schedule a roofing company to make any needed repairs. 
   
   
3. Disconnect garden hoses. 
   Disconnect hoses and turn off valves. Cover faucets whenever freezing is imminent.
   
   
4. Protect outdoor furniture.
   Clean and store plastic, resin, wood, or wicker furniture indoors. You can leave teak and metal furniture outdoors, although if you have a covered patio, maybe you should move it there and cover it. Store cushions and umbrellas out of the elements. 
   
   
5. Air seal your home.
   Your furnace or other types of heating system will work much more efficiently if your home is tightly sealed around areas where conditioned air typically leaks out and air from the outside gets in. Use caulk, weatherstripping, and insulation around the door and window frames, around the attic hatch, along baseboards, and around the holes in exterior walls for cables, wires, and pipes. You'll boost your efficiency and lower your energy bill considerably.
   
   
6. Switch the direction of ceiling fan blades.
   When ceiling fan blades go counter-clockwise, they help to lift warm air from floor level and move cooler air from the central air conditioner down the walls to the level of the room's occupants. Reverse the direction of the fan blades with a switch on the motor in the winter, and they do the opposite. If you've been using the ceiling fans all summer, wipe off the blades so they will work with less resistance.
   
   
7. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
   These two devices can save your family's lives, but only if they're connected to the home's wiring or have fresh batteries in them. Perform tests according to instructions.

Ask our real estate agents for more tips about ensuring that your Richmond home's shipshape for winter. Contact us today. 

Does it make you sad to leave your furry pal behind when you go out to dinner? Man's (and woman's) best friend is now welcome at a growing number of eateries. Our REALTORS® recommend their favorite dog-friendly restaurants in the Richmond area.

1. Ammo Brewing - 235 N. Market St., Petersburg, VA 23803
   Four-legged dogs aren't the only kind you'll find on the patio at Ammo Brewing. Hot dogs are the specialty at this brewpub near Petersburg homes for sale. Choose from beef, brat, chicken or vegan for a basic dog or opt for a "show dog" with unique toppings such as kimchi, bleu cheese, and smoked brisket. Save room for a brownie or moon pie topped with Ammo's special beerberry sauce. Ammo Brewing is open Wednesday through Sunday with brunch served 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
2. Saladworks - 11845 W. Broad St., Henrico, VA 23230
   In the mood for a light summer lunch, you can enjoy with Fido at your side? Saladworks, located just minutes from Henrico homes for sale, has a wide variety of fresh and healthy soups, sandwiches, salads, wraps and grain bowls available for dining at their outdoor tables. If you prefer, create your own wrap or salad with ingredients like kale, quinoa, roasted Brussels sprouts, and edamame. Top with one of 19 different dressings such as green goddess, pumpkin vinaigrette and salsa ranch. Hours at Saladworks are 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekends.
   
   
3. 526 Grille - 3635 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834
   Cap off a great day of viewing Colonial Heights homes for sale with some delicious comfort food at 526 Grille. The menu at this dog-friendly restaurant features Southern-style pork chops, grilled ham and cheese sandwich, peach cobbler and other classics as well as a weekly burger special. 526 Grille is open 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
4. Made in Asia - 7302 Hancock Village Dr., Chesterfield, VA 23832
   Your dog's palate is pretty basic, but he won't mind you indulging in the exotic dishes from Made in Asia, only a short drive from Chesterfield homes for sale. Relax at one of the outdoor tables as you select from the extensive menu of traditional pan-Asian and Thai dishes including curries, noodles, fried rice, and sushi. You'll also find a dozen small plates that are just the right size to share with a two-legged friend. Hours are noon - 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon - 9 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
5. Sweet Shop Donuts Café - 1800A S. Creek One, Powhatan, VA 23139
   Sweet Shop Donuts Café is a charming restaurant serving all-day breakfast along with burgers, sandwiches, and salads. But it's no secret that the stars of the show are the luscious treats for which the café is named. Take a break from touring Powhatan homes for sale to sit out front and people-watch with your dog as you savor an apple fritter, cinnamon roll or sea-salted caramel donut. Sweet Shop is open until 2 p.m. daily except for extended hours until 6 p.m. on Friday.
   
   
6. Bottoms Up - 1700 Dock St., Richmond, VA 23223
   What family doesn't love a good pizza joint? Now your four-legged family members can join you at on the downstairs patio at Bottoms Up, not far from Richmond homes for sale. Between the specialty pizzas and the make-your-own options, the combinations are endless. There's even a low-carb pizza with Portobello mushroom as the "crust." Bottoms Up opens at 11 a.m. seven days a week.

Whether you're buying or selling a home in the Richmond area, we can handle all your real estate needs. Contact us to learn more.

Your best friends are always there to celebrate the highs and cheer you up during the lows. August 1 is National Girlfriends Day, so show your gal pals how much you love and appreciate them with an outing to one of these great places around Richmond suggested by our REALTORS®.

1. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa - 7204 Hancock Village Dr., Chesterfield, VA 23832
   Take time out from your many responsibilities to enjoy some pampering with your BFFs at Hand & Stone. Their comprehensive menu of services includes a full range of massage styles as well as facials, aromatherapy, exfoliation, hair removal, and hot towel treatments. New customers receive special pricing on a one-hour massage or facial. Reservations are recommended, but they also accept walk-ins. Hand & Stone is open seven days a week, so it's a perfect treat after a day of viewing Chesterfield homes for sale.
   
   
2. Beacon Theatre - 401 N. Main St., Hopewell, VA 23860
   Beacon Theatre, centrally located to Hopewell homes for sale. began its life nearly 100 years ago hosting silent movies and vaudeville shows. Today the fully restored Beacon is an intimate venue for both contemporary and classic performers such as the Oak Ridge Boys and Blue Oyster Cult, along with tribute acts honoring Motown, Elton John, and other favorites. 
   
   
3. Virginia Rep at Hanover Tavern - 13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd., Hanover, VA 23069
   Instead of dinner and a movie at a generic multiplex, why not have dinner and live theater at a charming tavern? It's only minutes from Hanover homes for sale to historic Hanover Tavern, a unique setting for performances staged by Virginia Repertory Theatre. The showtime menu includes Southern favorites such as fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and pork cassoulet. Can't make the show? Lunch and dinner are served Wednesday through Sunday.
   
   
4. Stony Point Fashion Park - 9200 Stony Point Pkwy., Richmond, VA 23235
   Is "shop 'til you drop" your personal mission statement? You and your BFFs will be in seventh heaven at Stony Point Fashion Park, conveniently located near Richmond homes for sale. Browse the latest in fashion at upscale stores such as Anthropologie, Lucky Brand and Talbots, then relax over a late lunch at Fleming's, La Hacienda or P.F. Chang's. Check out the classes, demonstrations, and workshops at Live 360°. Hours are 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon - 6 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
5. Old Towne Studio 7 - 230 E. Bank St., Petersburg, VA 23803
   Everyone's an artist at Old Towne Studio 7, not far from Petersburg homes for sale. Owner Denise Tipton expands the popular "paint and sip" concept to "create and sip," in which you and your friends may find yourself pouring candles or making a macrame plant hanger as well as painting. It's ladies only from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on Wine Down Wednesdays. Fees are just $20 and bring your own beverages and snacks. 
   
   
6. County Seat Restaurant - 3883 Old Buckingham Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139
   Weekend brunch is a traditional way to share time with good friends. County Seat Restaurant refers to itself as a "Gathering Place" close to Powhatan homes for sale, so they specialize in creating an ambiance encouraging warm and leisurely get-togethers. Weekend brunch buffets include biscuits and gravy, breakfast meats and an assortment of fresh baked goods with the addition of a waffle and omelet station on Sunday. Hours are 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Sunday. There's also a Sunday lunch buffet from noon - 3 p.m. for late risers. 

Richmond is a great area to put down roots and nurture close relationships. If you're buying or selling a home around Richmond, contact us for personalized service.