Moving to a new city is exciting, but it also has challenges. If your new city is more than a couple of hours from your current home, then house hunting might be one of those challenges. How do you go about finding a home from a distance? We've helped plenty of out-of-town buyers find lovely Richmond homes for sale. Along the way, we've compiled a few tips.

• Make Sure You're Ready
  When shopping for a home from a distance, you often need to make quick decisions. You may need to say "yes" or "no" to a home without waiting for that weekend's open house. You may need to decide, within a day or two, whether you're interested in a home outside of the first neighborhood you were looking in.
  
  These decisions will be easier if you sit down and make sure you are completely ready to buy a home before you start looking. Apply for mortgage pre-approval, decide what month you want to move, clarify terms with your employer, and so forth.
  
  
• Find the Right Real Estate Agent
  You'll be relying on your real estate agent to be your eyes and ears on the ground. So, you want to hire a real estate agent who is used to working with remote clients. When interviewing various agents, ask how comfortable they are with video conferencing technology. Make sure they are comfortable navigating remote document signing software, too.
  
  You also want an agent who knows the area well. Since you're not there and may not be overly familiar with the area, you will be relying on your agent to know which neighborhoods suit your needs, what the market is like in certain towns, and so forth. Search through our real estate agents and see how they'll be able to help with your house hunt.
  
  
• Research the Area
  Read up on the cost of living in the city you're moving to. Research various neighborhoods and what they have to offer. As you learn more about the area, you can start to create a short list of neighborhoods where you would prefer to buy a home. Provide this list to your agent, and ask them for more information on your desired areas.
  
  
• Use Cost of Living to Inform Your Budget
  Setting a budget when house shopping in a new city can take some work. First, you want to see what various homes are selling for in certain neighborhoods. However, you also need to consider the cost of living in the new city. You can do this by creating a mock budget.
  
  Based on the cost of living, write down how much you expect to spend on groceries, utilities, fuel, and other needs. Subtract these costs from your monthly income. How much of what is left can you afford to spend on housing? From this number, you can work backward and determine how much house you can afford.
  
  
• Be Flexible
  It's always good to be flexible when buying a home, but even more so when you're shopping remotely. You may not find a home that checks every one of your boxes, but you may find one that checks 9 out of 10. You may not find a home in your top-choice neighborhood, but your agent may recommend one that you like even more. Make plans and lists, but be willing to change them as needed if your information and goals change.

Follow the tips above to successfully find a home in a different city. If you're looking for a home in the Richmond area, please contact us soon. Our real estate agents have experience working with out-of-town buyers and can simplify the process for you.

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.

The hustle and bustle of daily life can be a drain on your energy and health. To promote a healthy lifestyle, experts recommend making your home a place of comfort and relaxation where you can unwind from a stressful day. Our real estate agents know homebuyers are drawn to welcoming spaces that reflect all the comforts of home.

Once you purchase a home, you can add special touches that reflect your design style and personality and welcome you home. Start incorporating your personal style into your new space by following these tips. 

• Decorate with One-of-a-Kind Pieces
  If you inherited a few family heirlooms or purchased some great vintage pieces, adding them to your home will create a unique style. One-of-a-kind pieces that can't be replicated instill character and personal charm in a home. Antiques and family heirlooms introduce pieces of history that enhance special memories, while vintage items bring out creative and sometimes quirky personality traits.
   
• Hang Art Reflecting Your Style
  Whether you're an educated art connoisseur or a novice, art plays an important role in design style. If you don't have the budget to invest in original art pieces, look for art that reflects your personality. If you're a whimsical free spirit, look for abstract art with bold patterns and colors. If you're a bit more reserved, landscapes and historical scenes may be more your style. Hanging art that reflects your personality is a great way to welcome yourself home after a long, stressful day.
  
  
• Display Your Hobbies
  Most of us have hobbies we enjoy, even if we are not masters of them. Displaying your hobbies in your home is an easy way to add personal touches to interior spaces. If you play the guitar, hang it on a family room wall or display it in a bookcase. If you love throwing pottery, choose your favorite pieces and display them on shelves and tables. If you enjoy photography, display some of your favorite photos throughout the house in frames that compliment your interior design style.
  
  
• Showcase Your Collection of Books
  If you're an avid reader, you likely have a large collection of books that range from paperbacks to beautifully bound novels. Books make wonderful design accessories when they're displayed in bookshelves, hutches, and cabinets. Gather a collection of your favorite books with embossed leather and colorful jackets and put them on display. They will not only reflect your personality, but they will also start many memorable conversations with guests around a warm, cozy fireplace.
  
  
• Relax and Unwind with Nature
  Plants and flowers have health benefits because they increase oxygen and decrease carbon dioxide in the air. It's a good idea to bring green plants and flowers into your home. You can add personality with clay or painted pots, decorative containers or baskets, or colorful glass vases that reflect your style. If you have a backyard or a deck, create a peaceful garden oasis where you can relax with nature while you enjoy your morning cup of coffee or your favorite glass of wine after dinner.

Creating a comfortable, welcoming home that reflects who you are and the things you love is what home is all about. If we can help you find that perfect home among the Richmond homes for sale, contact us today.

Credit scores have long been a mystery to homebuyers, in both how they are determined and how they matter in the long run. Most people think that if you pay your bills on time, you'll have a good score, but our real estate agents can tell you that there is far more to it than that. But while the exact formula used to determine your score is not public knowledge, you still have a great deal of control over it. Here's how you can optimize your credit score and qualify for a mortgage with a good rate.

• Monitor Your Credit Activity
  Federal law requires that you be able to access your credit reports once each year, free of charge. Ignore all the ads you see for quick credit repair and go to the federally mandated site: annualcreditreport.com. Run one report from TransUnion, Equifax, or Experian. Each will have the same information and will vary by only a few points. Check for any item that is not accurate. Such items could be fraudulent use of your name and Social Security number, debts that were paid but still show open, or items older than seven to ten years. A single negative item can drop your credit score by a hundred points or more!

• Pay Down Your Debts
  You may think that paying the minimum balance on time each month will mean you have great credit, but it's important that you don't use close to your limit. You never want your debt to exceed 30 percent of your total credit available. Carrying a monthly balance on a card does not increase your credit score. Paying it off each month does. Many people with high credit scores use one card each month for convenience in tracking expenses, then pay off the entire balance each month. Not only does this practice support a healthy score, but it also eliminates interest payments.

• Don't Chase Credit
  Retailers often lure buyers with special deals if they apply for a store credit card. Credit companies consider the length of time the card has been open, lowering scores for new cards. Be particularly careful when purchasing a car, as multiple credit checks can also indicate poor financial health. Apply for additional credit with as much consideration as you use when considering a major purchase. This is an example of a hidden cost.

• Maintain a Healthy Credit Mix
  Maintaining a few credit cards and paying them off each month will help your overall score, but the scoring model also looks at car loans, cash loans, and mortgages. Making your payments late on any of these, even by just a few days, can really damage your credit score. Just because you make your payment before a late fee is applied, that doesn't mean "on time." Use auto-draft options if you have trouble tracking payments to avoid being late. 

• Understand How Your Score Affects Your Rate
  Mortgage companies offer different interest rates for different credit scores. While you may be able to qualify for a $300,000 home with a credit score of 620, that could mean an APR of about 3.962%. The same loan to a buyer with a credit score of 800 may have an APR of about 2.373%. The difference over 30 years is $93,611!

If you're considering Richmond homes for sale, be sure to contact us for help navigating the mortgage process. 

Understanding Real Estate – a new series of educational videos from Napier Realtors ERA!

Our first video is all about HOW & WHY to do the real estate home search. Some ways are better than others (looking at you, Zillow) – learn how to search with the home experts!

Buying a new home can be exciting, complicated, and overwhelming all at the same time. After all, it's also commonly considered one of the largest financial decisions many people will make in a lifetime. With so much on the line, it can be easy to make mistakes, especially if you're buying your first home. Being prepared is the best way to avoid costly pitfalls. If you're considering these Richmond homes for sale, below are six things to know before you buy.

1. Always Use a REALTOR®
   Working with a REALTOR® is the best way to avoid costly mistakes. Not only are they trained negotiators, real estate agents can guide you through the entire home-buying process from start to finish. They can help you narrow down your choices, save you a lot of time, and provide information about a particular neighborhood. 
   
   
2. Always Put Down 20%...Unless You Can't Afford It
   You should make every effort to make a 20% down payment. Otherwise, you might be stuck paying private mortgage insurance (PMI). This covers the lender in the event you default on your mortgage, and it can cost you thousands in unnecessary expenses. However, if making a 20% down payment leaves you with little to no savings, you may be better off paying PMI in the short term, as owning a home can come with many unexpected costs.
   
   
3. You Should Get Prequalified Before Looking at Homes
   If you've decided you're ready to purchase your first home, it might be tempting to start booking appointments and viewing houses. However, the best first step is to get prequalified for a mortgage. This not only helps you understand what you can afford, but it signals to potential buyers that you are seriously in the market. The last thing you want to do is miss out on the home of your dreams because you're not prequalified.
   
   
4. Home Inspections Often Uncover Issues
   It's not uncommon for a home inspector to discover a wide range of issues before the closing, so it's important to be prepared and temper your expectations. Keep in mind the negotiation process can continue after the home inspection, so you can use the results to your advantage to have the seller fix an issue or reduce the cost of the home.
   
   
5. The Closing Process Can Take Awhile
   Many first-time homebuyers are surprised by how long it takes to actually close on a home. Unlike other major purchases, the process is lengthy and can take anywhere from 30-60 days on average to close after a seller accepts your offer.
   
   
6. Don't Forget About the Closing Costs
   In addition to your down payment, you also need to account for closing costs, which are fees that cover inspections, title services, taxes, appraisals, and many other expenses involved with the transaction. Closing costs can range anywhere from 2-7% of your sale price, and they must be paid upfront.

If you're in the market for your first home, our real estate agents can help guide you along the way. Contact us today!

Buying a home is a big decision that can feel overwhelming. But when you've found the home that's right for you, you'll want to recognize this fact and prepare to make an offer.

Our real estate agents share the following 9 signs that you've found the right home for you and your family.

1. It Makes You Feel Happy
   You've probably viewed plenty of other homes for sale in the area! Even if you've looked at a lot of other homes, this one will be an instant standout. It should make you feel happy when you visit it, and you should be able to picture yourself in the home, having fun or relaxing.
   
   
2. It Has All of Your Needs and Most of Your Wants
   This home should check a lot of your boxes for what you're looking for in a house. It should meet all your requirements, such as a minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms and a desirable location, and most of your preferred amenities, such as a fireplace or a big backyard.
   
   
3. You're Already Mentally Moving into the Home
   If you're starting to think about where you could hang your art and how you'd love to put a swing in the yard, you're already starting to claim the home as your own.
   
   
4. You Don't Want to Look at Other Homes
   When you first started looking at homes, the idea of visiting them was probably exciting. But if you are feeling like you found the right home already, you may not want to look at other homes. Even if you visit a few, you'll find yourself comparing them unfavorably.
   
   
5. You Can't Wait to Tell Your Friends and Family About it
   You'll be so excited to tell your friends and family all the details about this home. You'll find yourself gushing about the home - "It has huge closets! The kitchen is fantastic!" - and wish they could see it with you.
   
   
6. You Worry Someone Else Will Buy it 
   You'll get so caught up in the idea of this home being right for you that the idea of anyone else making an offer on it is upsetting. In your mind, it's already your home, so you may be ready to talk to your real estate agent about making an offer of your own.
   
   
7. You Minimize Any Flaws
   A real estate agent should mention any possible flaws with the home, and instead of being deterred by them, they don't bother you. You'll plan to make any necessary changes or will be interested in checking if the seller will make the changes needed or will pay for them. 
   
   
8. It's Within Your Budget
   Don't forget to keep your budget in mind! Finding a home you love that costs more than you've budgeted can lead to anxiety and buyer's remorse.
   
   
9. The Location is Right for You
   Location is all-important when it comes to real estate, so the perfect home for your family will be in the type of area you'd like to live in. The home should be in the type of area you're glad to come home to and all members of your family will enjoy.

Contact us if you're interested in Richmond homes for sale. Our experienced real estate agents will talk with you about your needs and preferences and will help you find the home of your dreams. 

Home design trends are fun to stay updated on, which is why there are so many TV shows dedicated to highlighting them! But seeing a trend take shape on a home renovation show is different from considering it as a prospective homeowner. Open floor plans have cycled in and out of fashion for quite a long time, and according to The Spruce, the most recent trend started in the 1990s. If you're considering homes built after 1950, you'll probably see a few open floor plans among the Richmond homes for sale. Determining whether they are right for you involves paying attention to several key factors. 

Mix and Mismatch

Open floor plans work best when the decor scheme is consistent, or at least harmonious, between spaces. A farmhouse kitchen and a shabby chic dining room will work well together, but if your coffee table is glass and chrome and your kitchen table weathered wood, the lack of a wall between the two will make that contrast jarring. This includes major appliances, so if you have a chrome refrigerator that you love, it may wind up influencing the look of the entire first floor. A closed floor plan creates a mental "reset" as you move through doors to new rooms, so if you have very different styles for different rooms, a closed floor plan might be for you. If you have an eclectic style, or if your preferred style is consistent throughout your home, an open floor plan is a great way to show that off. 

The Family That Stays Together

If you have children, floor plans affect family life in distinct ways. The flow of sound in the household isn't broken up by doors, which may not be the best situation when you're trying to get a toddler to nap so you can make a phone call. Some open floor plans have closed kitchens, which can be crucial to the safety of very young children. Older kids and teens may want privacy. But opening up a floor plan can also encourage the family to interact more. You may get to hear more about your teen's day at school besides the fact that it was "fine." But if you need to tiptoe backward out of the nursery so you can finally watch a movie, a closed floor plan is best. 

Over the Overflow 

Without walls and doors to break up a space, everything moves freely. This can include heated or cooled air into spaces that aren't being used, dust into far corners, and various household items into spaces where they don't belong. For large homes with young children, keeping heating and cooling costs down while maintaining an organized home could be challenging. But if your dream home is small and you keep clutter to a minimum, an open floor plan can be an excellent choice.

Our REALTORS® will be happy to discuss the best floor plan options for the way you live. 

There is no universally ideal home design, which is why there are so many. Whether a home design is on trend is much less important than your comfort. We're here to help you find the home you love, so contact us today.

Our REALTORS® know getting a mortgage on the best terms is something all buyers think about. That's especially true of first-time buyers! When you're exploring the best Richmond homes for sale, sound financing means peace of mind.

Luckily, the mortgage process is a lot easier than it seems at first!

The more you know, the simpler it is to get a mortgage loan you can be happy with. We'd like to address one of the most common questions about home financing our team gets: The difference between pre-qualifying for a loan versus receiving pre-approval.

Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval: What's the Difference?

When it comes to getting a great home loan, starting sooner makes life easier.

Prequalification and preapproval are steps you take to smooth the path to your final loan package. You can think of one of them as the trial run, while the other is the "real deal."

Pre-qualifying can happen in a matter of minutes the first time you talk to your lender. You discuss your finances and get a ballpark estimate for what loan amount you can expect. It's not necessary to document your income, and you're not committing.

Pre-qualification is often the first or second step someone takes before starting a house hunt since it indicates what homes and neighborhoods to focus on. It's a good idea to check with several different lenders and take an average of their estimates.

Pre-approval, on the other hand, represents a conditional commitment by your lender. During the pre-approval process, you submit detailed documentation of your income. The lender takes extra steps to verify your financial health, including a detailed credit check.

Once you "pass" pre-approval, your loan package is effectively ready. You can bid on a home at or below your conditional loan approval amount. However, you need to act quickly. Specific loan amounts and rates are usually only locked in for 30-90 days.

A loan commitment is a final step. It's issued only when the lender approves both the funding amount and the property. This takes longer because lenders want to make sure the home is insurable, usually by awaiting the results of a home inspection.

Why Do Both Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval?

Technically, you can skip pre-qualification if you wish. It is not a requirement, but it will give you some beneficial advantages as you move through the buying process.

First and foremost, you'll never have to guess how much funding you may qualify for. That saves you time and effort you might otherwise waste on properties that won't fit your budget.

Plus, you have the chance to see whether a given lender seems right for you. How a lender responds to your questions and discusses your needs can provide you with plenty of insight.

Pre-approval is valuable, too. Although it's not the same as a loan commitment, it gives you a negotiating edge when working with sellers. They'll know you are ready to move forward right away. Only cash bidders can offer sellers a faster process.

Whether you're pre-approved, pre-qualified, or just getting started, Napier ERA is here for you.

Our experienced team members are experts in the Richmond area. We'll work with you to find properties fitting your needs and your budget. Contact us to find out more.

For first-time buyers, furnishing a new home is equal parts fun and intimidating. Give a gift this holiday season that will help warm up a new home.

Get holiday gift inspiration from this baker's dozen list of holiday gifts for first-time homebuyers compiled by our REALTORS®.

1. Throw Blankets and Pillows
   You can never have too many throw blankets and pillows. Create a new look in five minutes just by changing them out based on season, theme, or mood. Throw blankets and pillows also create a cozy, comfortable ambiance.
   
   
2. Pizza Baking Stone
   A pizza baking stone lets first-time homebuyers maintain the regular pizza night schedule without denting the budget. Great for baking homemade bread as well.
   
   
3. Meal Delivery Service
   When the pressures of work and home get to be too much, cooking is the last thing on your mind. Make it more comfortable with a gift card for Blue Apron, HelloFresh, or another convenient meal delivery service. For those stressful days, go with a gift card for a restaurant delivery service like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
   
   
4. Instant Coffee Maker
   Today's K-cup coffee makers deliver a fresh cup of java instantly with no guesswork. Include a K-cup sampler of different brands and flavors so they can expand their coffee horizons.
   
   
5. Basic Toolbox
   Being responsible for home maintenance can be a rude awakening for many first-time buyers. A toolbox filled with a hammer, pliers, screwdriver kit, tape measure, level, wrench, and other essentials eases the transition.
   
   
6. Doormat
   Help the new homeowners welcome guests in style with an eye-catching doormat. Personalize it with names, sayings, or themes revolving around personal interests. 
   
   
7. Amazon Prime Membership
   It's Amazon's world, and we're just living in it. A Prime membership includes free two-day delivery and automatic shipment options on an unbelievably wide range of products along with streaming video and music for at-home date nights.
   
   
8. Snap-On USB Outlets
   Between phones, tablets, e-readers, and other high-tech devices, old-school electrical outlets aren't enough. Outlet cover plates with built-in USB ports take just minutes to install and provide power access for all your gadgets.
   
   
9. Bartending Kit
   Entertaining is one of the joys of homeownership. Get the party started with a pro-style mixology set including a cocktail shaker, corkscrew, ice tongs, and mixing spoon. Many kits come in attractive cases and stands that look good even when they're not in use. 
   
   
10. Linens
    Towels and sheets are another category of household items that are always needed. Before buying sheets, make sure you know the correct bed size.
    
    
11. Personal Assistant
    With Amazon Echo or Google Assistant, a busy owner can check the weather, make a shopping list or turn on some music even in the middle of other tasks.
    
    
12. Vases
    Vases are one of those items that are rarely thought about until they're needed. They come in an endless variety of colors and styles to fit any decor. Some vases even perform double duty, such as bookend vases.
    
    
13. Subscription Boxes
    Traditional wine- and cheese-of-the-month services have exploded into subscription boxes tailored to any interest. Choose from makeup and skincare, vegan products, pet toys and accessories, wellness care, hot sauces, crafts, and even clothing and underwear. 

Any of these items would make wonderful accents for the beautiful Richmond homes for sale. Whether you're buying or selling, contact us to get started.