Date Archives: February 2022

With spring around the corner, it's time to plan your spring cleaning. One area that many homeowners often overlook is their windows. 

Clean windows maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home; our real estate agents know that gleaming windows also help your home look its best during home showings. 

Here are a few guidelines to follow when spring cleaning your windows. 

• Start by Vacuuming Around Your Window Sills and Window Frames
  Have you ever tried to wipe up dirt with a wet cloth? If so, you know that it turns to mud, making it more difficult for you to clean. Use the crevice attachment on your vacuum to remove dirt and debris from your window sills and frames. 

• Choose the Right Materials
  To clean your window glass, you need cleaning materials that won't leave streaks. Usually, it's your rag that leaves streaks, not your window cleaner. Newspaper is one cheap alternative that won't leave streaks, or you can use microfiber cleaning cloths. Depending on how many windows you need to clean, you may want to invest in a squeegee specifically designed for glass cleaning. A squeegee will allow you to quickly remove the excess cleaning solution, so you have a streak-free finish. 

• Use Soapy Water to Clean Your Window Frames
  When cleaning your window frames, you don't need anything fancy. Usually, a few drops of dish soap and warm water are an effective cleaner. After you wash the frames, make sure that you dry them, as the materials of some frames (like wood or metal) can be damaged by excess moisture. 

• Remember to Wash Your Curtains or Blinds
  Don't forget to wash your curtains or clean your blinds. Otherwise, they'll transfer dust and grime to your clean windows. You should also wash your window coverings before adding your home to the list of Richmond homes for sale. Remove your curtains and launder according to the instructions. Some curtains can be washed in the washing machine on the gentle cycle, while others require dry cleaning or steam cleaning. To get your blinds clean, use an old sock and a mixture that's half water and half vinegar to dust them. If your blinds are extremely dirty or have a greasy residue, spray them with a degreaser (like the yellow Mr. Clean). Then, wipe them with a warm, wet rag. Make sure that you also dust your window hardware, like your curtain rod or blind brackets. 

• Remove Your Window Screens to Clean Them
  If your windows have screens, remove them and lay them on a towel or old sheet. Vacuum both sides of your screens to remove dirt and debris. Then, mix a quarter of a cup of cleaner with a half-gallon of warm water. Wash each side of your screens using a sponge or microfiber cloth. Then, rinse them with your water hose on a low setting. Use a dry towel to remove excess moisture before reinstalling your screens. 

With a little time and a few materials, you'll quickly have your windows looking their best. Interested in buying a home with more windows or natural lighting? Contact us today to start your search!

Many households view their pets as family members, so it only makes sense that you would consider your pets when searching for a new home. Our real estate agents suggest following these tips to ensure you buy a pet-friendly home. 

1. Look for Flooring That's Easy to Clean
   Despite your best efforts, it's almost inevitable that your pet is eventually going to make a mess on your floors. If your pet is elderly or has a finicky stomach, these messes may occur more frequently. A pet-friendly home should have flooring that's quick and easy for you to clean, like laminate or tile. If you don't want this type of flooring throughout your whole home, search for a property that has pet-friendly flooring in the areas where your pet will spend most of their day. 

2. Make Sure a Potential Home Has Space to Exercise Your Pet
   Your pet needs exercise, and the right home will give you space to provide your pet with the exercise it needs. This space doesn't necessarily need to be a large yard. A walkable neighborhood or a home that's close to a park are both terrific alternatives. Or, if you know from experience that you prefer the convenience of opening the door to give your pet room to play and exercise, make a spacious yard with a fence a top priority on your homebuying wishlist. 

3. Check That a Potential Home Has Space for Your Pet's Equipment
   If your dog uses a crate or if you own pets that require a cage (like birds, rabbits, snakes, or guinea pigs), make sure that a potential home has ample space to house your pet's equipment. A large crate or cage can quickly take up much of the floor space in a smaller room. Or, if you have multiple cats, you'll likely need an area to house multiple litter boxes. When touring Richmond homes for sale, keep in mind the amount of space that your pet's equipment needs. Homes with an under-the-stairs area provide a great spot to house your pet's crate or litterbox. 

4. Search for Homes with a Mudroom
   A mudroom is an excellent addition for any pet owner. It gives you a space to house your pet supplies so that they're conveniently located but out of sight. You can use your mudroom to clean your pet before granting them access to the rest of your home. Some mudrooms even come with wash stations ideal for washing muddy paws. 

5. Consider if the Home Will be Accessible as Your Pet Ages
   As your pet gets older, they may have issues climbing stairs. A single-story home is a good option to ensure that your pets can easily navigate your home. Or, if you're interested in a multi-story home, look for one that offers the space your pet needs on the main level. 

Ready to move to a home with more space for all your family members? Contact us today to get started!

Richmond is a place where a rich history and vibrant present come together, and if you're thinking about making this area your new home, then we're here to help.

Just like any city, the best way to get to know Richmond is to put boots on the ground and explore it in person. If you want to get to know the city a little better, our real estate agents recommend these fascinating Richmond tours!

• RVA Trolley Tour - 1301 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219
  Offered by the RVA on Wheels tour company, RVA Trolley Tours provides a chance to experience Richmond's landmarks and historic architecture aboard a classic vintage trolley. The narration from the tour guide on this 2-hour tour is often hilarious, and always fascinating. You might spot some beautiful Richmond homes for sale along the way, and you'll certainly experience a few sides of Richmond you've never seen before. RVA on Wheels also offers electric bike and Segway tours. 
  
  
• Discover Richmond Food Tours - Various Locations, Richmond, VA 23219
  If you want to get to know a city, the best way to do so is to get to know its food. Richmond is home ro a rich and diverse culinary scene, and there's something here to delight every palate. You'll get a broad taste of what Richmond has to offer on a Discover Richmond Food Tour. Discover Richmond leads guided food tours in several different neighborhoods—The Arts District, Carytown, Church Hill, and Scott's Addition—so you can really savor what makes each part of the city special. 
  
  
• Basket & Bike - 1301 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219
  Richmond is known as an eminently bike-able city, and you can really get a feel for its streets on a Basket & Bike tour. The Basket & Bike company offers several different tour options that offer a chance to explore the Virginia Capital Trail, Downtown Richmond, and the city's unique urban art and murals. Every Basket & Bike tour comes with a free drink voucher at Urban Farmhouse and Cafe, a beloved local cafe and market with locations in Richmond and Midlothian, VA.  
  
  
• Riverfront Canal Cruises - 139 Virginia St, Richmond, VA 23219
  You get a different view of Richmond from the water. With their fleet of authentic canal boats, Riverfront Canal Cruises offers unique tours of Richmond's waterfront along the James River and Kanawha Canal. Your boat will follow a route that parallels the historic Canal Walk, the Virginia Capital Trail, and the Low Line gardens, while your knowledgeable guide provides insights into the development of the city over the course of four centuries. Keep an eye out for wildlife including deer and great blue heron along the wilder portions of the route. 
  
  
• Eerie Nights Ghost Tour - 100 N 17th St, Richmond, VA 23219
  No visit to Richmond is complete without an exploration to the city's spookier side. On an Eerie Nights Ghost Tour, you'll have a chance to see and learn about some of the city's most notorious haunted and historic sites. This walking and/or trolley tour departs after nightfall, and you will be accompanied by guides in period costume and ghoulish makeup. It's a fun, frightful way to spend an evening in Richmond, and you'll leave having learned some fun facts about the city's ghostly past.

Contact us today to learn more about life in Richmond, and talk to our real estate agents about finding your dream home in Central Virginia. 

Sports leagues offer a fun, social way to stay fit, enjoy all of your favorite games, and meet some new people in the process. Richmond homes for sale make it easy to join up with leagues for all of your favorite sports, at locations all around the city. Our real estate agents have the inside scoop on some of the local groups you can join when you move to the Richmond area.

Adult Soccer at the Sports Center of Richmond – 1385 Overbrook Rd., Richmond, VA 23220

If soccer is your favorite game, then you're sure to love one of the many adult soccer leagues held at the Sports Center of Richmond. Leagues here are all held in one convenient location and run all year long. There are men's, women's, and coed leagues available, with varying team sizes to accommodate your group.

Pick Your Game at River City Sports & Social Club

No matter how popular or how niche your favorite sport is, there's likely a league for it with the River City Sports & Social Club. These leagues are held at parks and athletic facilities all around the Richmond area.

• Basketball Leagues
  Whether you're looking for an intense season or a laid-back league, basketball leagues at River City Sports & Social Club are sure to have something for you. Join up for a men's, women's, or coed league, then stick around after the game for happy hour at the club.
  
  
• Men's and Women's Football
  Join up with a touch football league for a fun, accessible football experience that everyone can enjoy – no experience necessary. Football games are typically held at some of your favorite parks around Richmond.
  
  
• Bowling Leagues
  Bowling is the type of sport that looks easy, right up until you attempt to master it. Bowling leagues are a great way to embrace that challenge and have plenty of good times in the process. Many of these leagues are as big on the social aspect as they are on the results of the games.
  
  
• Everything from Axe Throwing to Wiffle Ball
  Interested in axe throwing? Or perhaps you're an expert at floorball, Wiffle ball, dodgeball, or even skeeball. There's a league for just about everything at the River City Sports & Social Club.

Sports Leagues with Hanover County Parks & Rec

The Hanover County Parks & Recreation Department also offers a wide variety of sports leagues for adults of all ages. Depending on the sport, you may be playing at a park, YMCA, school facility, or another destination near Hanover homes for sale.

• Men's, Women's, and Coed Softball
  What could be better than spending a pleasant spring day on the diamond, playing some softball with friends? Hanover County Parks & Rec offers great softball leagues held at Pole Green Park and Poor Farm Park.
  
  
• Pickleball and Tennis
  Pickleball is one sport that has surged in popularity in recent years, and you can play close to home in Richmond. Of course, there are also tennis leagues if you're in the mood for a different racket sport.
  
  
• Rugby, Soccer, Basketball, and More
  Hanover County Parks & Rec offers many of the sports that we have mentioned at the two other locations on our list, along with some extras like rugby and roller hockey.

Are you searching for a home that makes it easy to enjoy all of Richmond's fun sports leagues? Our local team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes in the Richmond, VA area.