Date Archives: November 2021

Thinking about making some upgrades before selling your home? It might make sense to include new appliances on your list.

Appliances last a long time, have aesthetic appeal, and are a major necessity, so it's no surprise new units can have a big impact when it's time to sell your home. Our real estate agents often find appliances, especially in the kitchen, can really shape a buyer's perspective. They're a major selling point.

Upgrading your appliances before selling gives you an opportunity to boost your sale price and ultimately see a higher return on your investment. When deciding whether it's worth it to upgrade, consider the cost of the new appliance and to what degree you'll be able to recover your costs. Here are the appliances you should prioritize when considering upgrades:

• Refrigerators
  Kitchens are often one of the most important rooms when it comes to home value, and your refrigerator is often the first thing buyers see when walking into the kitchen. Catch their attention with a nice upgrade. Think stainless steel, energy-efficient, and maybe even an appliance with smart technology or Internet connectivity. You can buy a decent model for $2,500 to $4,000. Most refrigerators last quite a while -- usually 10 to 13 years, so this is a big-ticket item. Check out some of the great-looking refrigerators in these Richmond homes for sale.
   
• Washers and Dryers
  After the refrigerator, your washer and dryer are also major selling points. A high-quality, energy-efficient washer and dryer set with lots of features will run you $2,000 to $3,000 upfront, but you can most certainly see a return in your sale price. A good washer and dryer set will last 15 to 17 years.
  
  
• Range/Oven
  Flat-top stoves and ovens that blend seamlessly into your counter space will attract more buyer attention than a standalone appliance. Select a sleek model that matches your kitchen. Buyers don't want to worry about having to upgrade their range/oven, so a brand new unit will be an attractive feature. A new model might cost you $2,000 to $3,000, and a range/oven will typically last about 15 years. 
  
  
• Dishwashers
  A nice, energy-efficient dishwasher that matches the refrigerator can also help improve your kitchen's appeal and ultimately improve your home value. A new dishwasher will cost you $800 to $1,500. However, because dishwashers generally have a shorter lifespan than many other appliances (8 - 10 years), you might want to prioritize other upgrades first.

You don't have to spring the most expensive models, but investing in nice appliance upgrades is a good way to improve your home value and realize a greater return. For more home selling tips, contact us today.

When you enter a room, the scents inside the space impact your feelings, emotions, and immediate perception of the home. This is especially true around the holidays.

Our real estate agents know that inviting, comforting scents are what people associate with the holiday season. Here are a few ways to enjoy seasonal scents in your home. 

• Light a Festive Candle
  A candle is a go-to way to add festive aromas to any space thanks to its simplicity and widespread availability. Make sure that you keep the wick trimmed to a quarter of an inch in length to prolong the candle's lifespan. Try a candle that mimics the aroma of your favorite holiday treat. Or, opt for a more nature-inspired scent that resembles the fresh aroma of a Christmas tree or snowy winter day. Feeling creative? Create a tablescape to combine multiple candles that have complementary scents.
   
• Use a Scent Diffuser
  A scent diffuser combines an essential oil or scented oil with water and diffuses the scent throughout the room. Some scent diffusers also act as humidifiers due to the amount of moisture they add to a room. Scent diffusers are easy to use, don't involve an open flame, and add seasonal aromas to your home for hours at a time. They come in a variety of styles and colors, making it easy to find one that suits your decor. Grab your favorite essential or scented oil and add a few drops to your scent diffuser, combining it with the correct amount of water. Start small; you can always add more oil if the smell isn't strong enough.
   
• Simmer a Festive Blend
  Aromas from the kitchen have a way of wafting throughout your entire home. Put some water or cider in a pot and add cinnamon, orange slices, cloves, and cranberries and simmer on low. Make sure that the water or cider covers the contents, and keep in mind you'll need to add more as it evaporates.
   
• Bake a Batch of Cookies
  There's nothing like the delicious aroma of a fresh batch of cookies. When clients add their homes to the list of Richmond homes for sale, we often recommend that they bake cookies before open houses or showings to ensure their home smells heavenly. Not only can you change the scent with your cookie recipe, but you'll have a tasty treat to enjoy. 
  
  
• Make Cinnamon Ornaments
  Cinnamon ornaments are an old-fashioned way to add festive scents to your home. While you can purchase cinnamon ornaments, it's much more enjoyable to make your own. Combine three-quarters of a cup of applesauce with two bottles of cinnamon until it forms a soft dough. Then, grab about a fourth of the dough and roll it out until it's a quarter of an inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut your ornament out. Make sure to add a hole to hang your ornament with the end of a drinking straw. Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 2.5 hours. 

Want a home with more space for holiday festivities? There are plenty of Richmond homes for sale! Contact us today to start your search.

Richmond has a long, interesting story that spans centuries, and residents have always had a love of local history. Many of the city's historic buildings have been preserved to the present day, and are just waiting to be explored. Whether you're a history buff yourself or you're searching for fun, educational family activities in Richmond, a historic tour is a great way to spend a day in the city. Our real estate agents have the inside scoop on 6 historic buildings in downtown Richmond to explore.

• The Valentine – 1015 E. Clay St., Richmond, VA 23219
  Located near Richmond homes for sale and dedicated to exploring local history, The Valentine is the perfect place to start your historical journey in downtown Richmond. The museum is home to tons of fascinating artifacts from the 400-year history of the Richmond area, with rotating exhibits that complement the permanent collections. They also host history tours, which will take you to a variety of historic locations around Richmond.|
  
  
• Byrd Theatre – 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA 23221
  Ever since it first opened its doors in 1928, the Byrd Theatre has been one of Richmond's most popular cultural destinations. The Baroque architecture and spectacular murals are more than worth a visit, while the theater also still operates as one of the most unique places to watch movies that you'll ever find. The theater shows both new and historic films, with a busy schedule that ensures you'll always have something to look forward to on the schedule.
  
  
• Main Street Station – 1500 E. Main St., Richmond, VA 23219
  Historic Main Street Station has had an interesting story since it first opened in 1901. It was one of Richmond's biggest transportation hubs for nearly 75 years before closing its doors in 1975. But it has since been reopened and revitalized, serving as a transportation hub once again while also being a destination for lovers of historic architecture.
  
  
• Maymont Mansion & Estate – 1000 Westover Rd., Richmond, VA 23220
  Once belonging to a wealthy local couple, Maymont Mansion & Estate has been transformed into a 100-acre public landmark that is enjoyed by visitors of all ages. The mansion is an elegant stone structure that would fit in nicely in historic Europe. The grounds are also home to some amazing gardens, inspired by flora from different parts of the world like Japan and Italy. It's easy to spend a full day exploring all that this historic site has to offer.
  
  
• Old City Hall – 1001 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219
  An imposing, gorgeous Victorian Gothic structure built in 1904, Old City Hall is one of Richmond's most distinctive historic buildings. While most of the structure now serves as a private office space, visitors can still tour the first floor of Old City Hall and explore the building's amazing exterior.
  
  
• Virginia Capitol & Executive Mansion – 10th and Banks Streets, Richmond, VA 23219
  The oldest legislative assembly in America, the Virginia Capitol & Executive Mansion was designed by none other than Thomas Jefferson. There are daily guided tours that will take you through the historic halls, filled with historical statues, paintings, and exhibits. You can even tour the legislative chambers, which have been recently restored. The Executive Mansion is still in use today and has been continuously inhabited since 1813.

Ready to find your own outstanding home close to all of the history and attractions of Richmond? Let our local real estate team help. Contact us to buy and sell homes in the Richmond, VA area.

Officially opened in 2015, the Virginia Capital Trail unites the state's past and present. Pedestrians and bikers can travel just over 51 miles between Jamestown, Virginia's first capital, and Richmond. 

Our real estate agents enjoy visiting these exciting attractions along the trail, just minutes from Richmond homes for sale.

• Belle Isle - 300 Tredegar St., Richmond, VA 23219
  How many cities can boast a scenic island right in the heart of downtown? Just cross the Tredegar St. pedestrian bridge to reach Belle Isle, a natural oasis in the James River. Activities include hiking, biking, rock climbing, and fishing. Water is too rough for swimming, but the large, flat rocks found around the island are perfect for sunbathing. Belle Isle is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
  
  
• The Valentine - 1015 E. Clay St., Richmond, VA 23219
  Take a walk through years of Richmond history with a visit to the Valentine. For more than a century, the Valentine has served as a repository for collections and exhibits that bring Richmond's past to life for a current audience. One of the highlights is the Costume & Textiles Collection, featuring more than 30,000 pieces of clothing and accessories spanning the late 18th century to the present day. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and free for kids under age 18.
  
  
• Canal Walk - 139 Virginia St., Richmond, VA 23219
  Stretching 1.25 miles along the James River, the Canal Walk serves as an outdoor museum. A fascinating series of medallions, statues and exhibits depict major events and themes throughout 400 years of Richmond's history. George Washington, an early supporter of canal transportation, was instrumental in the passage of legislation authorizing the Kanawha Canal. The Canal Walk is open 24/7 to walkers, bikers, and leashed pets.
  
  
• Deep Bottom Park & Four Mile Creek - 9525 Deep Bottom Rd., Henrico, VA 23231
  The Virginia Capital Trail isn't just for landlubbers. Deep Bottom Park & Four Mile Creek, not far from Henrico homes for sale, has two boat ramps and a canoe launch providing access to the James River. Try your luck fishing or just enjoy a leisurely day on the water. Be sure to bring Fido along, as leashed dogs are welcome. Park hours are sunrise to sunset daily.
  
  
• Great Shiplock Park - 2803 Dock St., Richmond, VA 23223
  Located at mile marker 51.2, Great Shiplock Park is the western trailhead for the Virginia Capital Trail. The park is one of the quieter, less-visited parts of the trail, making it a nice place to get away with a good book or simply take in the scenic views of downtown Richmond and the James River. Cross the footbridge to Chapel Island and fish for shad, white perch, and smallmouth bass. Great Shiplock Park is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
  
  
• National Battlefield Park - 470 Tredegar St., Richmond, VA 23219
  Take the whole family for a living history lesson at National Battlefield Park, which encompasses 13 war-related sites around the city. Follow the self-guided driving tour or walk the pet-friendly trails at Gaines' Mill, Totopotomoy Creek, Cold Harbor, and Malvern Hill. Battlefield areas are open daily from sunrise to sunset and there is no charge for admission.

Blaze your own real estate trail in Richmond. Contact us at Joyner Fine Properties to learn more.