Date Archives: July 2021

Ready to hit the water? Central Virginia offers some truly amazing paddling opportunities, and our real estate agents are excited to share their favorite summer kayak spots. 

Nestled along the mighty James River, Richmond, in particular, is a great place to explore by kayak (there's a reason they call it the River City). Here's where to launch your kayak, join a guided trip, or gear up for your next kayak adventure in Richmond, VA!

• RVA Paddlesports - 1320 School St, Richmond, VA 23220
  One of the top destinations for rafting and paddling on the James River in Richmond, RVA Paddlesports provides outdoor adventure for all ages and experience levels. That includes guided whitewater kayaking and flatwater kayaking trips on the James River, as well as an intro to kayaking classes with expert teachers and guides. You can learn the ropes if you've never set foot in a kayak or challenge yourself if you're more experienced. Located just minutes from these Richmond homes for sale, RVA Paddlesports also offers boat and gear rentals and repairs. 
  
  
• Richmond Waterfront - 415 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219
  The revitalized Richmond Waterfront offers a lovely stretch of green space along the James River shoreline, with a spectacular view of the city skyline. It's a popular place to launch kayaks, do a little fishing, or simply relax along the riverside. The waterfront overlooks a section of river that is typically calm and easy to navigate by kayak, especially during the summer months, though there are some more challenging waters not too far downstream. Hourly kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available onsite. 
  
  
• Riverside Outfitters -6836 Old Westham Rd, Richmond, VA 23225
  No matter what type of adventure you have in mind—kayaking, rafting, tubing, cycling, rock climbing—the folks at Riverside Outfitters have you covered. They provide several different guided kayaking trips for large and small groups, including a whitewater trip from Pony Pasture to Reedy Creek (ages 12 and up) and a flatwater kayak trip in the Huguenot Flatwater (ages 10 and up). Of course, you can always go off on your own adventure, too, with kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, flatwater canoes, and tandem kayaks available for rent. 
  
  
• James River Park - 1200 Brander St, Richmond, VA 23224
  James River Park consists of numerous launch areas throughout the Richmond metro area, all of which provide some of the city's best opportunities for paddling, fishing, hiking, and biking. For kayakers, the Ancarrow's Landing site is one of the best places to launch, with a newly-renovated stretch of riverbank and a brand new, well-lit parking area. Other James River Park units, including Pony Pasture Rapids and Huguenot Flatwater, are also great places to start a paddling trip. With several sites up and down the river, James River Parks provide numerous options for put-in and take-out. 
  
  
• Tandem Adventures - Pump House Dr, Richmond, VA 23221
  Specializing in calm, flatwater kayak trips on the James River's tranquil canals and backwaters, Tandem Adventures is the perfect option if you're new to kayaking. And since tandem kayaks are their thing, it's also an excellent choice for couples looking for a relaxing, romantic paddling excursion. Whether you choose to paddle through the historic Kanawha Canal or meander along the James River shoreline beneath the Richmond skyline, a memorable experience is all but guaranteed.

Contact us today to learn more about all the adventures that await in Richmond and the surrounding areas! Our team can't wait to help you find your dream home in Central Virginia. 

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!

Richmond's cutting-edge food scene is one of the attributes that landed the city on the New York Times' list of top places to travel. Our real estate agents can't wait to try these inventive new restaurants that recently opened near Richmond homes for sale. 

• Cheddar Jackson - 522 N. 2nd St., Richmond, VA 23219
  Few foods are more comforting than a crispy, melty-grilled cheese sandwich. Cheddar Jackson adds a contemporary twist to a classic favorite with their grilled cheese panini creations. Creative options include Billie's Holiday, with roasted portobello, mozzarella, and provolone, and Smoked Robinson, featuring smoked Gouda, ham, and honey dijon. Many of the sandwiches, soups, and sides are vegan-friendly. Order online for convenient carryout. Hours are noon - 8 p.m. daily except Sunday when doors close at 6 p.m.
  
  
• Lillie Pearl - 416 E. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23219
  If the name of Lillie Pearl makes you think of Grandma's home cooking, that's no accident. The restaurant's namesake is chef/owner Michael Lindsey's beloved grandmother and features dishes such as obe ata braised lamb shank and braised short ribs. Complete your meal with Hoppin' John, mac and cheese, and other traditional sides. Lillie Pearl is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations are recommended.
  
  
• Native Plate - 1203 E. Main St., Richmond, VA 23219
  Global street food, one of today's hottest food trends, comes to downtown Richmond with Native Plate. With vivid colors and artistic plating, the food is almost too pretty to eat. Flavorful dishes such as bulgogi BBQ, curry laksa, and duck bao buns will take your taste buds to Asia. Looking for a light lunch? Poké bowls come with salmon, tuna, or baked tofu. Phó, the popular Vietnamese noodle soup, is served all day. Hours are 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
  
  
• Sonora Cantina - 11 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220
  Located in the heart of the Arts District, Sonora Cantina has an amazing rooftop terrace that's a perfect place to meet up with friends and family. Sip on a Margarita and share some delicious small plates, including ceviche, shrimp anticuchos, and volcano nachos. For heartier appetites, there's a full selection of tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Sonora Cantina is open 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• King Crab - 10456 Midlothian Tpk., Richmond, VA 23235
  Diners in Richmond just can't get enough seafood. King Crab kicks it up a notch by adding authentic flavors of the bayou. If you're new to Cajun cuisine, dishes like catfish po'boy, jambalaya, and crawfish will quickly turn you into a fan. Create your own seafood platter from a dozen choices, including green or black mussels, shrimp, and of course, king crab legs. Customers rave about the "everything" sauce, a mixture of garlic butter, lemon pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Choose your own spice level, from none to four flames. King Crab is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., with extended hours until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Whether you're at a great restaurant or sitting around the dining room table in your own home, Richmond is the place to be. Contact us at Joyner Fine Properties for help with all your real estate needs. 

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.