Date Archives: October 2020

The temperature is starting to drop, and the sun is setting earlier in the day. Fall might be here, but that doesn't mean it's time to skimp on your lawn maintenance. While raking leaves is most often associated with autumn lawn maintenance, there are actually several things you should do to improve your yard's appearance and ensure it's in great condition when spring arrives. To help, our REALTORS® compiled a shortlist of ways to improve your landscaping this fall:

1. Clean Up Around the Yard 
   Once fall arrives, it's time to clean up around the yard. In addition to raking leaves, make sure you pull weeds, remove dead annuals, and pick-up any fallen fruit or dead branches. Eliminating debris in the fall is essential for maintaining lawn health throughout the winter or if you are wanting to boost your curb appeal when listing your home among other Richmond homes for sale.
   
   
2. Fertilize Your Lawn
   Fall is the most important time to fertilize your lawn because it helps strengthen grass before winter sets in. Strong roots in the fall mean a healthy, green lawn in the spring. Also, don't forget to reseed any bare spots! The actions you take now will make for a vibrant yard when the weather gets warmer.
   
   
3. Mow Your Lawn As Needed
   Be sure to keep mowing until the grass stops growing. It's generally recommended you keep your grass between 2 and 2.5 inches tall in the fall. If your grass is too long, it could grow mold from snow or heavy rainfall and cold temperatures.
   
   
4. Add Some New Plants
   There are some flowers, such as pansies and mums, that are great to add to your garden in the fall as they thrive in cool weather. Autumn is also the time to plant some bulbs, like daffodils, tulips, and crocus in your garden, so they're ready for springtime. Be sure to plant before the ground freezes. Talk to your local nursery about options for fall planting. 
   
   
5. Aerating Is Key
   Over the summer, your soil tends to compact, restricting air, water, and nutrients from reaching roots. Aerating your lawn is the process of penetrating holes in the soil so these vital elements can make their way into the ground. There are several aerating tools you can use, such as spikes, slicers, or plugs, or you can hire a professional.
   
   
6. Eliminate Excess Thatch
   Thatch is a layer of organic matter that develops between soil and grass. When thatch builds-up, it can also prevent water from reaching the soil and can also create a breeding ground for lawn disease. If thatch is more than 1/2 inch thick, you'll want to invest in some dethatching tools to pull it up.

A beautiful spring lawn starts in the fall. Don't wait until spring to work on your curb appeal when you can get started now! For more tips on fall lawn maintenance, contact us today.

Richmond, Virginia was founded in 1737, and few cities in America have been such an integral part of our nation's history. Our real estate agents have gotten to know Richmond's most historic corners very well, and we're always happy to point you in the direction of a unique experience. And some of those places just happen to be historic restaurants! Be sure to dine at one of these unique historical eateries in the Richmond area.

1. Hanover Tavern - 13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd #1511, Hanover, VA 23069
   With a history spanning nearly 300 years, Hanover Tavern is an 18th-century landmark and one of the oldest taverns in America. Located just minutes from these Hanover homes for sale and adjacent to the oldest operating courthouse in the U.S., the tavern was first opened in 1733. These days, visiting the tavern is a great culinary experience as well as a historical one. Hanover Tavern serves an ever-changing seasonal menu of creative, homemade food served in an elegant dining room. 
   
   
2. Bookbinder's Seafood & Steakhouse - 2306 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23223
   Originally founded by the Bookbinder family in Philadelphia just after the Civil War and then relocated to Richmond during the Depression-era, Bookbinder's Seafood & Steakhouse has seen a lot of history. Throughout the 20th century, celebrities and presidents have dined here, and the restaurant, now located inside a former tobacco warehouse built in 1901, maintains a reputation for serving the best Chesapeake seafood in Virginia. A stone's throw from these Richmond homes for sale, the restaurant is also known for its beautiful outdoor dining area. 
   
   
3. Patrick Henry's Pub & Grille - 2300 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223
   "Give me liberty, or give me death!" Patrick Henry's famous speech—one of the events that sparked the Revolutionary War—was delivered at St. John's Church, just a block from Patrick Henry's Pub & Grille's present-day location. Today, the pub offers a warm, homey atmosphere and fantastic pub grub, along with a selection of beers, ales, ciders, and spirits that would make the Founding Fathers proud.
   
   
4. Lemaire - 101 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23220
   Serving elevated New American Fare, Lemaire is a can't-miss destination for great food in a distinctive space. The restaurant is located inside the Jefferson Hotel, built in 1895 and designed in the spectacular beaux-arts style. Even in a city known for its incredible architecture, this grand hotel really stands out. The menu is unique and innovative, merging new and old with a modern take on American cuisine in a historic space. 
   
   
5. The Brickhouse Run - 407-409 Cockade Alley, Petersburg, VA 23803
   The Brickhouse Run is an authentic English-style two-room tavern in the heart of Old Towne Petersburg. The building dates back to circa 1816, and drinking and dining in its historic space feels like visiting another era altogether. With a menu packed with specialties, both English and American, the tavern also offers an excellent wine list, a wide-ranging selection of craft beers on tap, and even a local cask-conditioned ale that's poured the old-fashioned way: by a hand pump. The Brickhouse Run is located just a few blocks from the Appomattox River and minutes from these Petersburg homes for sale.

Contact us today to learn more about life in Richmond, Virginia. It's a city with a rich history and a vibrant future, and a place we feel lucky to call home. 

The kitchen is one of if not the most important room in the home, so if you're redecorating it, you might be tempted to look for the latest stylish trends. However, it's better to consider timeless looks that are functional, pleasing to the eye, and draw in prospective buyers when you're ready to sell your home. The latest and greatest kitchen design elements may become passe in another few years, so it's better to stick with looks that have stood the test of time.
  
Our real estate agents suggest the following ways to get a timeless look in your kitchen:

1. Neutral Tones
   Using a white, off-white, or neutral palette in your kitchen creates a sophisticated look. It's easy to brighten up with pops of color that can easily be switched out as your preferences change. And when it's time to sell your home, a neutral kitchen palette appeals to most prospective buyers, who can determine what color of accents they'd like to use.
     
2. Subway Tiles
   A subway tile backsplash creates a clean appearance and is easy to install. You'll find that it brightens your kitchen and works well with many different styles of décor.
     
3. Stone Countertops
   Stone countertops are durable and work well in kitchens that are anywhere from rustic to modern. If your budget is slightly higher, you may want to consider stones such as marble or quartz, but if you're trying to lower your budget, granite or limestone are good choices.
     
4. Deep, Wide Sinks
   A deep, wide sink is highly functional, enabling you to take care of kitchen tasks such as peeling fruits and vegetables and peeling pots and pans more easily. Add a sink top chopping board that's the sink's size, and you'll have a timeless, efficient setup.
     
5. Kitchen Islands   
   Islands can increase your storage space, seating, and workspace and serve as a focal point to your kitchen, but they're about style in addition to function. Choose one that's impressively styled with contrasting counters, intricate woodwork, and cabinet colors like navy.
     
6. Ample Storage  
   Ample storage is crucial in a kitchen and will never go out of style. To make sure your kitchen has enough storage, consider getting built-in drawer organizers and pull-out cabinets for pots, pans, and canned goods. Toe-kick drawers are also popular options.
     
7. Ceiling Treatments
   You probably don't give much thought to your kitchen ceiling, but it has the potential to add to the room's timeless style. If you have a small space, shallow coffers are ideal, and if you have a larger kitchen, try adding molding that complements the shape of your kitchen island.
     
8. Fold-Down Tables  
   Fold-down tables let you save space since they can be folded up and stored anywhere. They can also be moved to another room or even outside if that's where you need them. They're also attractive, whether you're using them to eat dinner on or as a study table on a given day.
     
9. Shaker Cabinets
   Shaker-style cabinets are one of the best examples of timeless design since they've been in style for more than a century. They're known for their recessed panel doors and minimalist design that goes well in any kitchen style, from traditional to modern.

Contact us today at Napier ERA to find out how to make your kitchen stylish and functional while also appealing to prospective buyers looking for Richmond homes for sale. 

Central Virginia is still buying and selling as we move into the fall!

September had thousands of transactions and we're seeing big jumps in higher home prices as time goes on, month over month, year over year.

Contact Napier Realtors ERA for your buying and selling needs. https://www.napierera.com/contact/

How much do we love cookies? Sesame Street has an iconic character who personifies our endless craving for these delicious baked treats. October is National Cookie Month, so it's a perfect time to indulge at these great bakeries around Richmond suggested by our real estate agents.

1. La Sabrosita Bakery - 7730 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
   When Argentina Ortega opened La Sabrosita Bakery in 2005, she was essentially a one-person operation in a 600-square-foot storefront. Her baked goods were such a hit that today Argentina works from an 8,000-square-foot facility that serves as a community gathering place near North Chesterfield homes for sale. The wide range of products includes Latin American specialties such as gingerbread Marranos, a traditional pig-shaped cookie, and almond-flavored polvorones, also known as Mexican wedding cookies. La Sabrosita is open 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily except Sunday when closing time is 7 p.m.
   
   
2. Sweet Creations Bakery - 12012 Southshore Pointe Rd., Midlothian, VA 23112
   Sana Aniz, the founder of Sweet Creations Bakery, recognized her passion at the age of 5 using her second-hand Easy-Bake Oven. After honing her craft through extensive training and competition, Sana opened her custom bakery not far from Midlothian homes for sale. The cookie menu includes classic flavors such as oatmeal raisin, snickerdoodle, and coconut macaroons, but Sana is happy to accommodate any other requests you may have for flavors or special diets. Hours are noon - 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
   
   
3. Sugar & Twine 2928 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA 23221
   To dunk or not to dunk? Sugar & Twine is dedicated to the delicious pairing of coffee and pastries and serving them up near Richmond homes for sale. Sip on a coffee or espresso drink, brewed with beans from local roasters, as you savor the sweetness of a chocolate chip sea salt or peanut butter cookie. Dairy- and gluten-free options are also available. Sugar & Twine's convenient walk-up window is open 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. seven days a week.
   
   
4. WPA Bakery - 3414 Semmes Ave., Richmond, VA 23225
   How community-minded is WPA Bakery? Owner David Rohrer lives only a block away from the shop's Southside location. WPA stands for "Well-Made Pastry Alliance," and the bakery's slogan is, "A Bakery for the Rest of Us." Their cookies and other baked goods are just like grandma used to make, but with a modern addition of vegan and gluten-free options. WPA Bakery is open for takeout and delivery from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
5. Puerto Rican Bakery & Café - 1410 Blvd., Colonial Heights, VA 23834
   When Marvin Torres and Damaris Pérez moved their family from Puerto Rico to Virginia in 2001, opening a restaurant was not on the agenda. Fast-forward to 2017, when the couple's love of cooking and baking led to the opening of Puerto Rican Bakery & Café. Marvin and Damaris enjoy bringing the flavors of their homeland to fellow transplants and others around Colonial Heights homes for sale. While their cookies are delicious, why stop at sweets? Pick up some mofongo, sandwiches, or one of the daily specials to go with your treats for a full and satisfying meal. Stop by for takeout starting at noon Tuesday through Sunday.

Life doesn't get any sweeter than a home in Richmond. For experienced help buying or selling a local home, contact us at Napier ERA.