Date Archives: March 2022

Saving for a down payment may seem difficult, especially if you're new to the idea of buying a home. It's not impossible, though, and a carefully planned strategy can make all the difference in helping you save. Here are a few suggestions from our real estate agents to help you save up a down payment.

• Figure Out Your Goal
  If you think you have to save a full 20 percent to qualify for a mortgage, that may be making your home buying dreams seem less attainable than they actually are. In truth, the biggest difference not having 20 percent will make is that you'll have to pay an additional amount for private mortgage insurance. But it's still possible to buy a home with as little as 3 percent down. Figure out how much that will be, and don't forget to add another 3 to 6 percent to cover your closing costs. That gives you a minimum, and probably much more doable, goal to strive for as you save.
  
  
• Pay Down Your Debt
  If you're still making payments every month on your debt, it'll make it difficult to put aside money for savings, so focus first on paying down that debt as much as possible. Pay off small amounts first, just to minimize the number of payments you have to make each month, and then prioritize paying off the debts with the highest interest rates. If you can't pay it all off, you might be able to refinance and cut down your payments that way, helping you to funnel more money into savings.
  
  
• Cut Unnecessary Spending
  Now for the hard part! The best way to save money is, of course, to spend less. This means going through your monthly budget and spending records with a fine-toothed comb and reducing or eliminating the amount you spend on unnecessary stuff. You can save a lot by cutting the cable and switching to Netflix, and cooking at home, so you're not spending a lot on eating out and takeout. It's not going to seem like big savings at first, but over time it'll add up. If you need reminders of why you're saving, keep pictures of your favorite Richmond homes for sale posted where they can help you make good decisions, such as in the kitchen, to help motivate you to cook.
  
  
• Save Any Extra Money
  If you get a bonus at work or a tax refund, for example, put that money away as soon as you get it. This keeps you from spending it and adds a significant amount all at once to your savings account. You can also find some deliberate ways to bring in extra money, such as selling off possessions you no longer need or picking up a side hustle, and stash that in savings as well.
  
  
• Automate Your Savings
  Another tactic for making sure you make good decisions is to automate your savings. Set your accounts up to automatically transfer a certain amount of each paycheck into savings, for example. Never seeing that money in your account in the first place can help keep you from dipping into it, whether intentionally or accidentally.

As you save for your down payment, don't forget that there are programs to help reduce the down payment burden for first-time homebuyers. For more information about down payments or questions about buying your first home, contact us today.

Much like the craft beer explosion, coffee has grown from a handful of basic brands to a wide spectrum of flavors, blends, and roasts. Thanks to bulk sales and online ordering, you can even enjoy gourmet coffee at home. Our real estate agents get their java fix from these amazing coffee roasters only minutes away from Richmond homes for sale.

• Demolition Coffee - 215 E. Bank St., Petersburg, VA 23803
  Start your day with a charge when you pick up one of the delicious beverages at Demolition Coffee. Choose from coffee or tea, handcrafted in Richmond, and sit back in their cozy shop in a historic building near Petersburg homes for sale. Demo Coffee is open 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekends.

• Ironclad Coffee Roasters - 1805 E. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23223 
  Ironclad Coffee Roasters has its promise to customers built right into their name. After living in Europe for nearly five years, founder Ryan O'Roarke knew he wanted to provide a first-class product along with an "ironclad" commitment to a level of customer service he found lacking in many other businesses. Get a free bag of coffee with an order of Mexican Cocoa, Earl Grey & Lavender, or one of their other whole layer cakes. Cafe hours are 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekends.
  
  
• Roastology Coffee - 2701 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA 23220
  Dan Allen, the owner of Roastology Coffee, believes he has a greater purpose than creating a superior brand of coffee. In order to build a strong community connection, Dan shares his knowledge with the public to enrich their own experience. Dan's approach is working as Roastology moved into a new 4,500-square-foot facility to accommodate their booming business. Roastology is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  
  
• Riverbend Roastery - 2623 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23223
  After traveling the country in an RV in search of a "real job," Alexa and Brittany Schuett realized their calling was back in their hometown of Richmond. In a stroke of serendipity, they took the opportunity to purchase Riverbend Roastery. In late 2021, Riverbend brought back the popular Church Hill Blend, a delicious mix of hazelnut and cinnamon. Hours are 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekends.
  
  
• Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Co. - 3121 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230
  Coffee from a vending machine? No, not the white paper cups of generic brew you used to find in hospitals and laundromats. Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Co. operates vending machines around town where you can purchase bags of their quality gourmet coffee. Be sure to check out Handshake Quarterly, Blanchard's digital newsletter, with fascinating insights into their business and the coffee industry overall. Weekday hours are 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., and weekend hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  
  
• Legacy Roasting - Guncotton Coffee, 238 E. Broadway, Hopewell, VA 23860
  The Legacy Roasting operation began in a garage with a grill purchased off Craiglist and supplemented with a Chevy windshield wiper motor and rotisserie drum. Today, the process takes place in a historic 1920s brick building, just down the street from Hopewell homes for sale. In addition to shipping online orders, Legacy has partnered with Guncotton Coffee to provide a convenient retail outlet. Hours are 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
  
  

When you wake up in your own Richmond home, it's always a great day. Contact us at Napier Realtors ERA for help with all your real estate questions. 

Exploring a local art gallery is a great way to spend a free afternoon, and Richmond has plenty to choose from.  

Many of our real estate agents are art lovers themselves, and over the years, they've spent a lot of time in the galleries around our Richmond homes for sale. Before your next outing, take a look at our guide below and discover some of the art galleries that you should visit this year. 

• Artspace - 2833-A Hathaway Rd, Richmond, VA 23225 
  Artspace is a non-profit member-operated gallery that has been a vital part of Richmond's art scene for over 33 years. They are currently located inside the Stratford Hills Shopping Center and feature a number of individual and group exhibitions by talented members of the community, including a collection of pieces by local middle schoolers. Plus, they host Artist Talks where you can learn from their featured artists. 
    
• The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen - 2880 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
  The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen is home to four different galleries that art lovers are sure to appreciate. The artwork on display are pieces from regional and international artists, plus this arts center is conveniently close to Glen Allen homes for sale. Their four galleries are Gumenick Family Gallery, Slantwall Gallery, Midway Gallery, and Glass Door Gallery. Be sure to keep an eye on their website for the latest on featured local artists.
   
• The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design - 2501 Monument Ave, Richmond, VA 23220 
  The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design is one of the more unique gallery experiences in Richmond. Devoted to exploring how and why things are designed the way they are, the museum explores its subject matter from all angles and includes some very unique pieces as a result. Cityscape paintings, audio exhibits, and even furniture have all been integral parts of recent showcases. If you're open to thinking about art a little differently, this place is well worth a visit.  
  
  
• Artemis Gallery - 1601 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220 
  The Artemis Gallery is a small, locally-owned art gallery with works by more than 175 local and international artists in its collection. The pieces span a range of mediums, from photography and ceramics to wood and metal works. You'll always find something new and innovative to admire here - and if you fall in love with a piece, you may be able to take it home with you. Many of the works on display are available for purchase. 

• Walton Gallery -  17 N Sycamore St, Petersburg, VA 23803
  There are many art galleries in downtown Richmond, but thanks to Walton Gallery, you can check out contemporary fine art in Petersburg's Old Towne District. This family-owned gallery first opened back in 2011 and has been a delightful addition to the local art scene ever since. Consider stopping by after viewing some Petersburg homes for sale.

Richmond's art scene is rich, diverse, and always changing, so why not live closer to the action? Contact us today for more information on any of our Richmond homes for sale or to book a viewing for one that's caught your eye.  

Our real estate agents are always happy to welcome St. Patrick's Day back to the Richmond area! After being forced to cancel a lot of events in 2020 and 2021, we're excited to announce these great St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Richmond for 2022.

St. Patrick's Day falls on Thursday, March 17th. That means you can expect to see a lot of fun and excitement not only the weekend before St. Patrick's Day, but also the weekend after!

• Shamrock the Block - N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220
  One of the biggest parties of the year returns to Richmond on Saturday, March 12. Shamrock the Block is not only a celebration of St. Patrick's Day but also marks the beginning of the outdoor festival season. The festivities take place along Arthur Ashe Boulevard, not far from these Richmond homes for sale. Now in its 17th year, Shamrock the Block draws upwards of 20,000 people and offers a fun-filled day of food, beer, and live music. Festivities take place from noon until 6 pm. 
  
  
• Richmond's Official St. Patrick's Bar Crawl - Richmond, VA 23220
  There's more to St. Patrick's Day than drinking green beer, but it also wouldn't be St. Patrick's Day without stopping at least a bar or two. Richmond's Official St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl offers an opportunity to do just that, including stops at several beloved local watering holes where there will be some tempting drink specials and deals to suit the occasion. The crawl takes place the evening of Saturday, March 12, but the starting point and specials are usually announced in advance, so keep an eye on the Bar Crawl's official Facebook page. 
  
  
• Shamrock RunRVA 5k - 2410 Ownby Ln, Richmond, VA 23220
  You might want to take it a little easy at the bar crawl because the Shamrock RunRVA 5k takes place the next morning! Luckily, runners don't have to get underway until 10:30 am on Sunday, March 13, and many participants will surely be grateful for the relatively late start. The 5k run/walk follows a picturesque course through Richmond, starting and ending at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. There will be a post-race after-party at the brewery, where prizes will be given out to top finishers. All participants will receive a shamrock pint glass, and a free pint to go with it. 
  
  
• Richmond Shamrock Stroll - 101-107 N 18th St, Richmond, VA 23223
  If by the weekend after St. Patrick's Day you're ready for yet another bar crawl, then the Richmond Shamrock Stroll is ready to deliver. Beginning at 1 pm on Saturday, March 19, the Shamrock Stroll includes amazing drink specials at some of the best bars in town. It all begins at Margarita's Cantina, home of Richmond's longest happy hour, and your wrist band will also grant quick entry and cheap drinks at some of the city's favorite pubs.
  
  
• Church Hill Irish Festival - E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223
  Now in its 35th year, the annual Church Hill Irish Festival returns to Richmond on Saturday, March 26, and Sunday, March 27, 2022. Although it's more than a week after St. Patrick's Day, this traditional festival keeps the Irish spirit going. The festivities take place from 10 am to 6 pm both days, and include traditional Irish music, dancing, crafts, food, and drink at Patrick Henry Park.
  
  
• Explore Local Breweries - Multiple Locations
  Not able to make it during the official bar crawls? Part of living in the Central Virginia area means you're never far from a great local brewery. If you'll be further south in the Petersburg area looking at Petersburg homes for sale, consider stopping by Trapezium Brewing Co for a great selection of rotating drafts. Or if you'll be up north looking at Glen Allen homes for sale, consider grabbing a bite and a brew to enjoy at Intermission Beer Company.

Contact us today to learn more about fun upcoming events in the Richmond area! No matter the season, there's always something exciting to look forward to, which is just one of the reasons Richmond is such a special place to call home.