Date Archives: June 2022

Relaxing on a deck is enjoyable in any season, but especially during the summer months. 

Want to expand your home's outdoor spaces and increase your home's value? Building a deck will help you accomplish both of these goals!

With so many different options regarding deck materials, styles, and designs, it's important to do your research so your deck is right for your home. Here are a few things our real estate agents suggest you know when building a deck. 

1. A Deck is a Cost-Effective Way to Add More Space to Your Home
   Even though a deck usually isn't fully enclosed, it expands your home's usable outdoor areas for a price that's significantly less than building another room onto your home. A deck provides a large amount of open space for you to use according to your family's needs; set up a table for outside dining, or invest in a comfortable, conversational set for an evening of board games and snacks. 

2. You Have Numerous Material Options for Constructing Your Deck
   When choosing from the multitude of deck materials, you'll want to pick a selection that fits your aesthetic, maintenance preferences, and budget. Natural wood looks beautiful and resists rotting and insects. However, it's more expensive than other options and requires re-sealing every couple of years to keep it from cracking. You'll also need to pressure wash it annually to remove grime. Pressure-treated lumber is a more affordable alternative to natural wood that's also resistant to rot and insects. Like natural wood, it needs re-sealing every couple of years and an annual pressure washing to keep it clean. Composite decking combines recycled plastic with wood fibers. Trex and TimberTech are examples of composite decking. While composite decking is resistant to insects and rotting, it can get extremely hot when exposed to direct sunlight. Shady areas are also prone to developing mold and mildew. Plastic decking is durable and easy to clean with your garden hose or a scrub brush. It's not vulnerable to moisture, insects, or rot. Like composite decking, plastic decking gets very hot in direct sunlight and has a tendency to develop mold and mildew in shady areas. 

3. Overly Extravagant Decks Might Not Pay Off
   If you're planning to add your home to the list of Richmond homes for sale, you may wonder if a fancy deck will help you secure a higher asking price for your home. While a deck will raise your overall home value, potential buyers aren't likely to place as high of a value on customized deck features or extravagant deck designs. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't add unique deck features or opt for more expensive decking materials if they're important to you; just realize that you might not recoup your money when it's time to sell your home. Ultimately, you'll need to consider how you'd like to use this space and how long you'd like to stay in your current home.

4. You May Need a Building Permit
   Depending on the size and height of your deck and your town's specific laws, you may need to apply for a building permit to construct your new deck. This will add at least a few hundred to the cost of your deck. Don't skip this step if you do need a permit. Otherwise, you'll have issues when you sell your home, and insurance claims associated with your deck may be denied. 

A deck is a fantastic addition to any home that will help increase its value and expand the outdoor living space. Want to upgrade to a home with space for a larger deck? Contact us today to get started!

If you enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, handmade crafts, and mingling with neighbors, Richmond has quite a few local markets that take place all summer long. Shopping at small businesses helps to support the community, local economy, and independent artists and farmers. Since food doesn't travel far to get to the local market, you're sure to find some of the freshest fruits and vegetables around. 

You just might run into one of our real estate agents shopping at one of these local markets this summer:

• Richmond Night Market - 100 N 17th St, Richmond, VA 23219
  Food, live music, and tons of local artists can all be found at the Richmond Night Market, which has become a fun, popular weekend activity over the years. You never know what you'll find, and it's a great chance to become acquainted with some of Richmond's best local businesses. The event takes place at the 17th Street market every second Saturday of the month between 5 pm and 9 pm from April through December. The market is just a short drive away from these Richmond homes for sale.
   
• Pop Up RVA - 3001 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220
  Explore dozens of local artists, food trucks, wineries, distilleries, and more at this fun community market that takes place every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm at the Diamond (home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels) Red Lot. You can check Pop Up RVA's website for a list of vendors and a live music schedule. 
  
  
• Carytown Farmer's Market - At City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Ave, Richmond, VA 23221
  Food travels an average distance of 31 short miles from the farm to Richmond's premier farmer's market, which sources food from 156 acres of local farmland and supports 28 local businesses in total. Shop local specialty foods and crafts from a wide selection of vendors every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm. The Carytown Farmer's Market runs weekly from May through October.  
  
  
• On The Square VA Farmer's Market - 109 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219
  Break up the workday and stop by this lunchtime downtown market for some of the freshest local fruit, vegetables, baked goods, condiments, gifts, and more. You'll find high-quality products and reasonable prices at On the Square VA Farmer's Market, which takes place every Thursday from 11 am to 1 pm from May through September. The market is located in the plaza adjacent to the Madison Building. 
  
  
• Lakeside Farmer's Market - 6106 Lakeside Ave, Henrico, VA 23228
  Enjoy some of the great local produce at the Lakeside Farmer's Market, which operates Wednesdays and Saturdays all year long. One trip to this wonderful local market is all you need to make some of the tastiest farm-to-table dishes at home. You'll also find tons of handmade goods, so it's a great place to grab a gift. If you're interested in living nearby, there are some beautiful Henrico homes for sale just a short drive away.

Richmond has a strong local food economy, and visiting our great local markets is a great way to support it. Considering a move to our area? Contact us today to check out some listings.

Interior design trends come and go. But one that has gained popularity in recent years is a modern twist on farmhouse style.

Our real estate agents see this style frequently in the homes they show, and many buyers love this look. Here are a few ways to create this look yourself by adding farmhouse details to your modern decor.

• Choose Neutral Colors
  Like many other popular styles, modern farmhouse decor tends to feature a lot of neutral colors. This doesn't mean everything has to be stark white, though. Look for softer neutrals such as off-white and beige. Don't feel like you have to make everything monochrome, though. You can mix and match neutrals and textures for a layered look.
  
  
• Opt for Natural, Weathered Finishes
  Cut through smooth modern lines with rustic-looking finishes. Weathered-looking wood cabinetry, trim, and furniture are perfect for achieving the farmhouse vibe. Shiplap and beadboard are popular for giving walls that quaint country look. If a little light remodeling is in your budget, consider removing plaster and drywall to expose the brick in the walls and the wooden rafters in the ceiling.
  
  
• Create a Gathering Place in Your Kitchen
  Farmhouses revolve around food and family, so to pick up that farmhouse vibe, so should your home. The kitchen is one of the top things that buyers focus on in Richmond homes for sale, so if you're planning on selling yours, pay close attention to how welcoming your kitchen looks. A central island with bar stools or a table with ample bench seating promotes the idea that the kitchen is the heart of your home.
  
  
• Install Sliding Barn Doors
  You may have seen the trend of installing "barn doors," sliding top-mounting doors with a country look. These doors are designed to look similar to the doors you see on a barn but more indoor-friendly. They can be installed as single or double doors, depending on space, and typically feature a farm-like construction with rustic hardware. If you've got the space, barn doors are easy to install and a great way to bring strong farmhouse vibes to your home.
  
  
• Repurpose and Reclaim
  Farmers save and reuse absolutely everything. You can too, and give your home a stronger farmhouse feel while you're at it. Turn glass jars into rustic light fixtures and soap dispensers, scour thrift and antique stores for vintage signs and other decor, and find ways to reuse old brick and wood in your renovations.
  
  
• Pull in Traditional Linens
  Don't forget to soften the rustic look by making your home cozy, too. Traditional linens and textiles are a great way to capture that farmhouse feel, plus they give you the opportunity to vary the texture and get away from the smoothness of everything modern. For instance, you can find a vintage or antique quilt at a thrift or antique store and use it either as a wall hanging or a bed covering. Knit and crocheted blankets are another option.

With the recent popularity of the modern farmhouse style, staging your home with some light but trendy rustic vibes can be a great way to attract interested buyers. For more ideas on effectively staging your home before you list, contact us today.

So summer is almost here and you're already dreading the cries of, "There's nothing to do!" Our real estate agents have been there, and they recommend these wonderful summer programs near Richmond homes for sale to keep your kids engaged in productive and entertaining activities. 

• Steward School Summer Experience - The Steward School, 11600 Gayton Rd., Richmond, VA 23238
  With more than 80 programs for K-12 students, the Steward School Summer Experience offers something for everyone. Camp categories include Academics, Arts, Innovation, Sports, and Traditional. Choose from full-day, half-day, or single-session options, along with early drop-off and extended daycare for maximum flexibility. Share quality time with parents and kids workshops in activities such as painting, cooking, and yoga. Visit the website for full catalog, including schedule and pricing. 
  
  
• Twist Gymnastics - 2130 John Rolfe Pkwy., Richmond, VA 23233
  Whether your child dreams of the Olympics or just enjoys challenging themselves, Twist Gymnastics will help them accomplish their goals. Summer camps are available in half-day and full-day options, by the week or day. Full-day camps include afternoon sessions in Young Chef's Academy, with hands-on lessons in preparing healthy and delicious meals. Camps begin the week of June 20 - June 24, and discounted pricing is given for additional siblings. Learn more at the Twist Gymnastics website.
  
  
• SPARC - 2106 N. Hamilton St., Richmond, VA 23230
  Kids can develop their creative and performing chops at summer camps offered by SPARC. K-Grade 4 students have fun with themed sessions like, "Super Pets and Super Friends," while Grades 5-12 take part in film and performing arts classes, including the chance to stage a production of Spamalot, SPARC's summer musical for 2022. Camps run for one to two weeks. Visit the website for more information.
  
  
• RoboKai - Village Marketplace Shopping Center, 13114 Midlothian Tpke., Midlothian, VA 23113
  Robots have gone from a fixture of sci-fi films to real-life applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and industry. Half-day summer camps at RoboKai, not far from Midlothian homes for sale, let kids explore this fascinating field through games and teamwork. Many activities are live-streamed for parents to follow, and each camp concludes with a lively tournament. Classes are open to kids from ages 7-12 with any level of experience. Monday through Friday sessions from 8 a.m. - noon or 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. begin the week of July 11 - July 15. Price is $289 per week. 
  
  
• Hanover County Summer Youth Programs - Various Locations
  Offering a variety of summer camps for kids of all ages and interests, Hanover County Summer Youth Programs are put on by the Parks and Recreation Department. The huge selection of camps allows you to pick the right one for your family's summer schedule. With EPIC Summer Camps and Theme-based camps, your kid will learn and have fun while doing so. Plus, these camps aren't far from Hanover homes for sale. 

Richmond offers family fun all year long. Are you buying or selling a home in the area? Contact us at Joyner Fine Properties for experienced real estate help.