Articles Tagged "weather"

Spring is the perfect time to get out and partake in all the entertaining events and activities around Richmond homes for sale. Check out these incredible options that our real estate agents have on their must-list. 

1. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, VA 23228
   April showers bring May flowers, and there's probably no better place to view nature's handiwork than Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Walk the 50-acre grounds that include upwards of a dozen themed gardens, including Cherry Tree Walk, Asian Valley, and the spectacular 11,000 square-foot Conservatory, dubbed the "Jewel of the Garden." Kids get a hands-on experience exploring a treehouse, planting seeds, and viewing wildlife in the Children's Garden. The whole family will enjoy special visiting exhibits such as Butterflies LIVE!, which runs through October 22. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily, with extended Thursday hours through September. Admission is $17 for adults and $8 for ages 3-12.
   
   
2. Metro Richmond Zoo - 8300 Beaver Bridge Rd., Moseley, VA 23120
   No matter what your age, everyone's a kid when they visit the Metro Richmond Zoo. Located just minutes from Moseley homes for sale, the Zoo features more than 2,000 exotic animals as well as a large number of barnyard animals, such as chickens, sheep, and goats. Add to your adventure at Treetop Zoofari, the area's first zipline course. Try your hand at 40 challenges across 15 ziplines that span more than 3,000 feet. The smaller Junior Explorer Course lets the little ones join in on the fun. Zoo hours are 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Tickets are $21.95 for adults and $15.95 for ages 2-11. Separate admission for Treetop Zoofari is $55 and $22.50 for the Junior Explorer Course.
   
   
3. Richmond Flying Squirrels - The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond, VA 23230
   Watch the next Mike Trout or Bryce Harper take the field for a game with the Richmond Flying Squirrels. As the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, the Squirrels have included MLB players such as Brandon Crawford, Hunter Strickland, and Brandon Belt on their roster. Nearly every game features a promotion such as fireworks, kids running the bases, and t-shirt giveaways. The regular season runs through Sunday, September 18. Visit the website for the full schedule and ticket prices. 
   
   
4. Richmond Scavenger Hunts
   Whether you're a lifelong resident or newly transplanted, you'll learn something fascinating during Richmond Scavenger Hunts. These self-guided interactive tours take you through culturally and historically important neighborhoods, including Downtown Richmond, Capitol Square, Museum District, and Church Hill. There is no time limit, so you can proceed at your own pace and make side trips as you like. Fee is $28 for teams of up to four people. Visit the website to purchase tours and download the app.
   
   
5. Dominion Energy Riverrock
   With activities ranging from biking to stand-up paddleboarding, Dominion Energy Riverrock is a great kickoff to summer outdoor fun. Founded in 2009, Riverrock is a pet-friendly outdoor sports and lifestyle festival taking place at various venues throughout Richmond. In addition to the competitive events, Adventure Zone offers a great opportunity for all ages to try slacklining, bouldering, and other activities at no charge. There will be food, beverages, and live music on hand when you need some downtime. Riverrock is set for Friday, May 20 through Sunday, May 22. Visit the website for schedule and competition registration fees.

Life in Richmond is always exciting, no matter what the season. If you're buying or selling a home, contact us at Joyner Fine Properties for experienced help.

If you're tired of your yard turning brown during the stifling dog days of summer or want to cut down on the time you spend watering your garden, it's time to install a sprinkler system. Not only will a sprinkler system make it easier for you to care for your landscaping, but our real estate agents know that it appeals to potential homebuyers when it's time to sell your home. Here are a few tips to follow when installing a sprinkler system. 

1. Decide If You Should Hire a Pro
   A DIY project is an excellent way to save money when you're on a tight budget. Opting to purchase and install your sprinkler components yourself can cut the cost of the project in half. However, you have to spend time installing the system, and adding a sprinkler system can be a fairly labor-intensive project. You may also have to rent or purchase tools to complete the job. It can also be tricky to properly place the sprinklers so that every area of your landscaping receives ample moisture. While it costs more to hire a pro to install your new sprinkler system, you'll maximize the amount of time in your schedule by letting someone else handle the job. Most professionally installed sprinkler systems also come with a warranty on the parts and labor, giving you a little peace of mind in your investment.

2. Have Underground Lines and Cables Marked
   Regardless of which installation method you choose, you'll need to have your local utility companies come and mark any underground lines that are located on your property. When installing a sprinkler system, you'll need to avoid these lines. Otherwise, you risk cutting power, cable, or TV to your home. You'll also have to pay for any damage caused to these lines or cables. 

3. Determine What Features You Want
   Your sprinkler system should incorporate elements that make it a good fit for your home. After considering what the sprinkler will water (such as grass, vegetables, flowers, or trees), you can decide what kind of water pressure the system should have and how quickly the water needs to flow. These features will also factor into what kind of service lines you purchase for the system. When you add your home to the inventory of Richmond homes for sale, buyers will appreciate a sprinkler system that's adapted to the property's unique vegetation. 

4. Select Your Sprinkler Heads
   The sprinkler heads are one of the most important components of your sprinkler system. Different heads will add moisture to your landscaping in distinct ways. For example, fixed spray heads produce a consistent span of water that travels 5 to 15 feet, while bubbler sprinkler heads add moisture at the base of vegetation. Bubbler sprinkler heads are ideal for plants that easily mold due to excessive moisture, like hydrangeas. Pop-up sprinkler heads are popular with families who enjoy using their yard for exercise and recreation; when they aren't in use, these sprinkler heads disappear into the ground. You can mix and match sprinkler heads to have the best alternative for each section of your yard. 

Ready to put your home on the market? Contact us today to get started!

Need a break from the fast pace and digital overload of daily living? Our real estate agents recommend bird watching as a perfect way to connect with nature and restore a peaceful state of mind.

Whether you go alone or with family and friends, check out these great bird watching trails in Pocahontas State Park, just minutes from Chesterfield homes for sale.

• Beaver Lake Trail
  Bodies of water always attract great numbers of birds. As a bonus, they provide a beautiful background for bird-watching scenes. Stunning scenery is one of the reasons that make Beaver Lake Trail one of the more popular destinations in Pocahontas State Park. The dog-friendly 2.3-mile trail offers a moderate challenge suitable for families. Please note that, unlike several other trails in the park, biking is not permitted. 
  
  
• Forest Exploration Trail
  When you really want to get away from it all, head to Forest Exploration Trail. The densely wooded grounds create a peaceful serenity that lets you focus on spotting birds. Leashed dogs are welcome on the 2.2-mile trail, which is also a good spot for mountain biking year-round.
  
  
• Bright Hope Trail and Otter Lick Loop
  Want to combine bird-watching with an invigorating workout? Bright Hope Trail and Otter Lick Loop may have a tongue-twister of a name, and at 6.8 miles, it's one of the longer trails in Pocahontas State Park. On any given day, you may share the trail with hikers, mountain bikers, runners, and horseback riders. Bring your leashed dog along when you visit the trail, which is accessible all year long. 
  
  
• Parallel Trail
  Enjoy an outing with the kids and get them hooked on bird watching with a hike along Parallel Trail. Measuring just over one mile in length with minimal elevation, the trail accommodates both newbies and experienced hikers. The forest setting allows for easy conversation along with opportunities to view different trees and plants. The kids will be happy that they can bring Fido along as well. 
  
  
• Pocahontas State Park Red Trail MTB
  Mountain bikers, rejoice! Pocahontas State Park Red Trail MTB is reserved exclusively for bikers. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of birds and wildlife as you cycle around the 3.2-mile looped route. February through November are the best months to visit this trail.

Bird Watching Tips

• Avoid dressing in bright colors. Birds have poor color vision, but the greater the contrast, the more you'll stand out from the natural background. Stick with dark colors and earth tones in order to blend in with the surroundings.
  
  
• Be patient. Birds are not on a schedule. They will eventually reveal themselves on their own timetable. Also, avoid sudden movements and loud noises that are likely to frighten birds away.
  
  
• Keep the sun behind you. When you're facing the sun, resulting shadows make it harder to distinguish actual bird sightings.
  
  
• Bring a bird identification guide along. National Geographic and Peterson are considered the gold standards by most bird watchers. Today, many guides are even available for download on a smartphone. Take a picture with your cell phone camera to make identification easier.
  
  
• Binoculars are a must-have for even casual bird watchers. Without a decent pair of binoculars, you'll miss out on many details of a bird's appearance and behavior. 

Where will you be feathering your nest this year? Find out why Chesterfield is a wonderful place to call home. Contact us at Joyner Fine Properties to learn more.

High heating bills pack a real punch into homeowners' budgets each winter. Sure, it's not cheap to keep your entire house warm, but that doesn't mean you accept this as an annual hit to your wallet. Consider these tips from our real estate agents that are free or low-cost tricks for staying warm and saving money.

1. Turn Down Your Thermostat
   Turning your thermostat down a few degrees can shave up to 10% off your heating bill. Whether you're going to be at work all day, running some errands for a few hours, or will be headed out for the weekend, lower your thermostat temperature by 3 to 7 degrees. If you're slightly forgetful or the back and forth is just getting on your nerves, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. You can set it to adjust the heat on a predetermined schedule. Many are Wi-Fi compatible and let you control your thermostat from an app.
   
   
2. Seal Up Air Leaks
   Air leaks allow heat to escape your home easily. Light a candle, and let's do some detective work here. Hold the flame near doors, windows, light fixtures, ceilings, walls, switches, and in areas where cables and wires enter your house. If you see the flame flicker, that could mean you've spotted an air leak. Sealing up those air leaks is as easy as applying some inexpensive caulking, weather stripping, or adding insulating material.
   
   
3. Let Ceiling Fans Work to Your Advantage
   Yep, you read that right. Ceiling fans are typically meant to cool down a room, but they can also be good at warming them up and helping you save on heating bill costs. During cold weather, get that fan to spin clockwise and keep it on the lowest setting. This will push warm air downward, leaving your house feeling warmer.
   
   
4. Don't Let Heat Escape 
   If you don't use a certain room in your house, why heat it? Everyone knows that turning off the lights when exiting a room helps lower your electric bill. The same goes for keeping your windows and doors shut when you leave a room. Even when you're in the room, shutting the doors will allow the heat to hang out in the room, reducing the load on your HVAC system. If you aren't using your fireplace, seal the chimney flue and ensure the glass door is in place to minimize heat loss.
   
   
5. Use a Humidifier
   The air in your home tends to be dry during the winter months. Using a humidifier can help put some moisture in the air and keep your home warm without causing a dramatic increase in your heating bill. The moisture released by the humidifier will retain heat, keeping you more comfortable. 
   
   
6. Let the Sun Hit Things Up
   When the sun comes out, open your shades, curtains, and blinds to make the best use of "passive solar gain." Your home's exterior walls can soak the heat and give some serious warmth the old-fashioned way. 
   
   
7. Call for a Checkup
   Proper maintenance of your heating systems can make a big difference in your home's heating efficiency. You can keep your furnaces or heaters running at peak performance by having them checked by a professional at least once a year. It also pays to have your ductwork fixed to prevent the loss of heated air. Similarly, you should change the air filters to allow better airflow and reduce the strain on your furnace.

Are you looking for beautiful and winter-ready property among the wonderful Richmond homes for sale? Contact us to get started.

With the end of the year approaching, prospective homebuyers have holiday cheer on their minds as they tour Richmond homes for sale. This doesn't mean you should make your home into a replica of the North Pole though! Successfully staging your home for the holidays takes subtlety and class. Here are a few tips for tastefully staging your home for the holidays.

1. Decorate the front door. 
   The front door is your best place to make a good first impression. Hanging a cheery holiday wreath on the door can set the stage for your prospective buyers to imagine themselves in your home for the holidays from the moment they step over that threshold. Don't clutter up the yard with a lot of decorations, though, as it doesn't take much to cross over the line into the realm of tacky. Instead, focus on improving your curb appeal.
   
   
2. Match your decorations to your decor. 
   The best way to achieve subtlety and class is to make sure your holiday decorations blend seamlessly with the existing decor. Opt for holiday colors and styles that complement your themes and furnishings. If you've done your job with staging, these should be fairly neutral, setting the stage for a subtle holiday display.
   
   
3. Remember that less is more. 
   The rule of thumb for staging isn't any different around the holidays. As always, you should minimize the decor as much as possible. Instead of adding holiday decor, replace what you had used for staging before, as you don't want it to appear too cluttered by trying to squeeze everything in. And don't break out your entire collection of holiday ornaments! Just a few tasteful touches, such as a bowl of pinecones on the coffee table or a holiday greenery arrangement, will be just enough to encourage your buyer to envision themselves in your home.
   
   
4. Keep the decor impersonal. 
   Staging your home needs to be impersonal at any time of the year, but perhaps most of all around the holidays, when people are thinking about entertaining and celebrating with their families. This means that not only should you remove family pictures from the walls, but you also should make sure not to hang any holiday decorations that are too personal. We all have our own ways of celebrating the holidays, so keeping your holiday decor subtle and impersonal will allow them to picture themselves and their own traditions in your home.
   
   
5. Highlight your home's best features. 
   Finally, don't forget that the main purpose of staging is to show your home to its best advantage. You can use your holiday decor to highlight your home's best features, just as you would with any other decor. A strategically placed decoration can draw attention to a feature of your home that you want to highlight. Use your decorations sparingly, but use them to help your home shine.

No matter the season, staging a home for sale is an art form. If you feel overwhelmed or are unsure of how to proceed, one of our real estate agents can walk you through it. Contact us today to start the process!

The weather around Richmond is cooling down, and our real estate agents are ready to cozy up for the winter. One of the best ways to embrace and enjoy the seasonal shift from falling leaves to snow flurries is to grab a hot cup of cocoa when you're out and about. Next time you're spending the afternoon running errands, order up a warm cup of hot chocolate at these RVA cafes.

1. Stir Crazy Café — 4015 MacArthur Ave., Richmond, VA 23227
   Let's face it, we're all a little stir crazy these days. Thankfully, Stir Crazy Café provides the perfect excuse to get out of the house to trip to the North Side. While we'd normally order up one of their Snowing In Space Nitro coffees or their custom espresso bled featuring three different Latin American beans, the last days of fall calls for a creamy cup of chocolate blended with steamed milk.
   
   
2. Gearharts Fine Chocolates — 306 B Libble Ave., Richmond, VA 23226
   When you think artisan chocolate, Belgian or Swiss varieties usually come to mind. Gearharts Fine Chocolates has spent the last two decades working to make his chocolate shop in Virginia one of the world's finest. Their dessert café has freshly baked brownies, cookies, cakes, and other confections, as well as specialty coffees and hot chocolates. We recommend bringing home a bag of their Maya Drinking Chocolate to create the perfect hot chocolate in the comfort of your own home.
   
   
3. Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream — 3600 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond, VA 23225
   Crossroads really does put you at a difficult intersection with fantastic flavorful food options. On the one hand, the chilly Richmond weather begs for a cup of their fresh hot chocolate. On the other hand, Crossroads has such decadent ice cream flavors that enjoying a few scoops of their best batches is almost worth the shivering that will follow. Our advice is to grab a scoop and a cup of hot chocolate, alternating between bites to keep your taste buds at the perfect temperature.
   
   
4. Bright Spot Coffee — 6114 Lakeside Ave., Henrico, VA 23228
   Our Henrico homes for sale aren't the only bright spots in town. Bright Spot Coffee in the Lakeside neighborhood invites you to relax and sip on a hot chocolate. If you're on your lunch break and would really like to warm up, you should try their newest menu item: Bright Spot Coffee's award-winning chili.
   
   
5. Les Crepes — 9200 Stony Point Pkwy #152, Richmond, VA 23235
   Les Crepes brings French-inspired cuisine to the RVA using local, fresh ingredients. Whether you prefer a breakfast crepe loaded with eggs, a savory crepe stacked with meat and veggies, or a sweet crepe filled with Nutella, whipped cream, and fruit, Les Crepes has the crepe for you. Add a hot chocolate to your order and take your taste buds on a trip to France without ever leaving the RVA.

Would you love to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate on your own porch or patio? Contact us today to tour our Richmond homes for sale.