Open House Sunday!

We have three lovely properties to show this Sunday!  All will be showing from 2 pm - 4 pm.  It's supposed to be sunny and about 60 degrees so grab your sunglasses and a light jacket and go house hunting on a beautiful Spring Day!

3562 Horseshoe Drive
Quinton, VA 23141
$310,000
4 Bedroom
2.5 Bath

Check out this spacious 2-story located on the 3rd hole of Brookwood Golf Course at the women's tee box! The home offers an eat-in kitchen, dining room with wood floors, great room with a gas fireplace and vaulted ceilings open to the second story foyer. There is a first-floor master suite with a door leading straight to the rear deck and a low maintenance SALT WATER POOL! The home was built with a garage but has been converted into the perfect "man cave" or rec room with double french doors. A short distance from shopping, dining and interstate access points. Wood floors have been refinished and new carpet installed on second level! If you are looking for a quiet sanctuary or the perfect entertaining house- this is the one for you! If the pool wasn't enough, don't forget about the carport, detached storage shed, and fire pit all ready to help you turn this house into your new HOME! Privacy fenced rear and paved driveway too! So much to offer, a must see, DO NOT MISS OUT!

212 W Franklin Street #206

Richmond, VA 23220

$224,900

2 Bedroom

2 Bath

What a wonderful place to call home, this condominium on W Franklin is just steps away from the Jefferson Hotel and the VCU area. The condo is on the 2nd floor, so you do not have anyone else above you. As you enter the condo you will notice an intricate stone design in the hardwood floors and a 9ft+ ceiling. The half bath encases all marble. The kitchen encompasses new granite counter tops with stainless steel appliances. The condo has fresh paint, exposed brick, new blinds in all windows, and much more. There are TWO masters in this lovely condo with their OWN bathrooms attached and large closets. Both master baths showcase solid marble tub/showers. This condo has a deeded parking space, that has a direct entry into the condo from the parking lot. Residents have access to a rooftop lounge area, a nice patio area, heated pool, rec room, and fitness center. You have to come see this condo for yourself! It truly is astonishing!

5607 Forest Hill Avenue

Richmond, VA 23225

$229,000

3 Bedroom

2 Bath

Welcome to this beautiful cape cod home, located off of Forest Hill Ave. This home has been very well maintained, it has fresh interior paint, exterior repairs, and fresh landscaping improvements . When entering the home you will see a living room with a dining room off to the left. The kitchen has great natural lighting and beautiful finishing on the walls under the cabinets. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Going upstairs you will notice a very large master suite with a large sitting area and a large master bathroom as well. Off to the side of the home is a screened in porch, great for entertaining and relaxing. There is a full/unfinished walk out basement that has great potential! Come see this wonderful home today!

5 Red Flags to Look for When Buying an Older Home

There are a TON of old homes in Richmond.  It’s part of what gives this city charm and character, as well as one of the reasons I love the Historic Church Hill neighborhood so much!  However, some of these old homes need our help to secure their place in the 21st century.  First-time homebuyers need to especially look out for these old ‘quirks,' because it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement without realizing your utility bill might literally go through the roof.  It’s a good idea to have ANY home inspected, new or old before you sign the dotted line, but some of these issues are easy to spot in the first walk-through.

Windows

Original windows might add to the charm of the house, but not to your utility bill.  Old windows are typically drafty, single-paned and potentially rotting.  There are two routes you could take to remedy this problem.  If you are restoration minded, there are lots of contractors in Richmond that are certified to restore and/or replicate those original windows, depending on how authentic you’d like to be.  We have worked with plenty of them and can make a good recommendation. If authenticity isn’t worth those cold winters, opt for double paned, energy efficient windows to stop any harsh winter weather…or summer heat!…from getting in.

Inefficient Heating

Lots of Richmond Homes are equipped with oil burners.  While oil may be cheap it’s typically an inefficient system.  Worse, if it hasn’t been properly maintained poses a serious fire hazard.  If having the system checked is a problem for the previous owners, that’s a red flag.  Furthermore, if the system has been updated, the buried old oil tank has the potential to become hazardous by leeching into the soil. Having it removed can be costly.

Lead Paint

Although lead paint wasn’t banned until 1978, there was a growing awareness of the dangers before then, so only the really old homes pose a greater danger of lead paint.  However, if there are going to be youngsters in the house you might want to get it checked out thoroughly as it’s a danger to developing brains.  Removing lead paint can be costly, so make sure you know what you’re getting into!

There are some additional concerns that go beyond the age of a home.  While the longer a house has been around the more likely one of these issues have taken effect.

Foundation and structural issues 

Make sure to find a highly reviewed and recommended home inspector the older the home.  Foundation issues can be very serious and won’t necessarily go away with an expensive fix.  It also depends on the land the house is sitting on and it takes a keen eye to find those issues.

Termites and Pests

These can be found in any home, but the older the home the more likely there are more nooks and crannies for these guys to get into.  Termites are not the only bugs that can cause major structural damage.  There are certain types of beetles that can eat away those support beams just as easily.

Not all old homes have these problems.  Really, it all depends on how well-maintained it was by the previous owners.  While from the outside an old home may look like a fairytale dream come true, make sure you find out all it’s ‘quirks’ so maintaining that house won’t become a living nightmare! 

Spring Open Houses!

We have lots of new listings this month! Come out this weekend to see all of our great properties and get a head start on the busy home-buying Spring season!

Saturday 3pm - 5pm

11671 Deep Point Lane
Gloucester, VA 23061
$324,900

Ever dreamed of living in a secluded paradise?! Well here is your chance to own a home with 5 acres that have been freshly landscaped. Leading up to the front of the home is a full country porch just waiting for you to come relax on it. Inside the home there is new flooring throughout and fresh paint. The kitchen boasts corian counter tops & brushed nickel fixtures. The master bedroom is downstairs including another bedroom. Upstairs there are 2 bedrooms and a bonus room that has the potential to be an entertainment center, play room or whatever you desire! Here are some of the many features this home has to offer, whole house water purification & softening system, generator, and fan. Also, on the outside this home boasts a two tier rear deck with fresh paint, screened in porch, two car attached garage and a 1 car garage with workshop, playhouse that has the same siding as home, a shed, and down the street is a state-maintained boat ramp w/deep water access. This home encompasses much more than what is written here. You must come see for yourself!!

Sunday 2pm - 4pm

212 W Franklin #205
Richmond, VA

What a wonderful place to call home, this condominium on W Franklin is just steps away from the Jefferson Hotel and the VCU area. The condo is on the 2nd floor, so you do not have anyone else above you. As you enter the condo you will notice an intricate stone design in the hardwood floors and a 9ft+ ceiling. The half bath encases all marble. The kitchen encompasses new granite counter tops with stainless steel appliances. The condo has fresh paint, exposed brick, new blinds in all windows, and much more. There are TWO masters in this lovely condo with their OWN bathrooms attached and large closets. Both master baths showcase solid marble tub/showers. This condo has a deeded parking space, that has a direct entry into the condo from the parking lot. Residents have access to a roof top lounge area, a nice patio area, heated pool, rec room, and fitness center. You have to come see this condo for yourself! It truly is astonishing!

5607 Forest Hill Ave
Richmond, VA 23225
$229,000 - PRICE REDUCED!

Welcome to this beautiful cape cod home, located off of Forest Hill Ave. This home has been very well maintained, it has fresh interior paint, exterior repairs, and fresh landscaping improvements . When entering the home you will see a living room with a dining room off to the left. The kitchen has great natural lighting and beautiful finishing on the walls under the cabinets. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Going upstairs you will notice a very large master suite with a large sitting area and a large master bathroom as well. Off to the side of the home is a screened in porch, great for entertaining and relaxing. There is a full/unfinished walk out basement that has great potential! Come see this wonderful home today!

117 S. Colonial Ave
Richmond, VA 23220
$349,900

Come make 117 S Colonial your home!! This well maintained home is two blocks away from all the action in Carytown. Within walking distance to cafes and shops, this is a prime location!! As you walk in you will notice a large foyer with 9ft+ ceilings and a chandelier. The formal living room has great detailing, including marble on the mantle of the fireplace. The family room has new carpet, this could double as a first floor master. The full bath on the first floor includes new flooring, vanity, and fixtures. Going upstairs you will notice the original pine floors that have been refinished and full bathroom w/vanity and a tub/shower combo. The home has an unfinished basement, fresh paint throughout, new windows, wired for alarm system, original doors and glass door knobs, detached 1-car garage w/new door and direct entrance to garage from alley. Come see this beautiful 2-story home in its prime location before its too late!

4806 Sanburne Pkwy
Sanburne, VA 23150
$134,400 - PRICE REDUCED!

Welcome to 4806 Sanburne Pkwy. This cute all brick ranch home as been well maintained. It has 3 bedrooms with recently refinished and buffed hardwood floors in almost all parts of the home. The home has a nice sized screened in rear porch, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The pull down attic will not disappoint with all your storage needs. The windows have been replaced and recently underneath the home a vapor barrier and insulation has been installed. Outside you will find an over sized detached garage with room for a workshop space and a large asphalt driveway. Come see this lovely home today!

5 First-Time Homes to Avoid!

At Clocktower Realty, a big portion of what we do is help first-time buyers find the perfect home for them!  Every person has a different idea of what creates the perfect home, but if you’re the average first-time home buyer there are a lot more commonalities than differences!  Here are 5 choices that often plague first-timers making  the buying experience stressful.  As long as you can identify these pitfalls, it can narrow down the seemingly endless options, so you can make a more clear and informed decision on the best house for you!

The Fixer-Upper
This is an option that’s becoming more and more popular because let’s face it, we all think we can DIY.  That is - until a real problem comes up!  A lot of first-time buyers get enthusiastic about a great deal that needs “a little work.”  But don’t bite off more than you can chew.  If there are a couple repairs that can be done over the weekend then go for it, but a complete rehab might be going overboard and over budget.

The Goldilocks Effect
Buying for the future is something a lot of first timers think about when making their decision.  It’s one of the biggest purchases a person will make, and they want it to last a while.  However, many people run into the dilemma of finding something too big or too small.  Sacrificing space for a charming cottage home in a cute neighborhood may not fit your needs a year from now.  What do you use your one extra bedroom for?  An office, a guest room, for a growing family?  Then it becomes a battle of the uses.  But buying a five-bedroom is not necessarily the answer, either.  Confused space, too much maintenance and a higher mortgage aren't worth it.  Often times a three bedroom is the perfect compromise that will keep you comfortable for the years to come!

Chores Galore!
Having luscious landscaping and a giant green lawn packs some powerful curb appeal.  It looks amazing on all the online pictures you stalked on your iPhone in bed and really does impress onlookers.  Having a hot tub, a pool or a water feature are all very impressive as well, but they all of one thing in common— maintenance.  It is an extra expense, but where it will really cost you is your time!  If you don’t want to put up the weekend hours to maintain a tropical bungalow, move on.

The Investment Dream
While this ties in somewhat to "the fixer-upper," it’s more about expecting a return on those improvements you’ve made.  Don’t look at the investment potential, because chances are good your improvements won’t mean very much to future buyers.  Not only do housing trends change (i.e. Open floor plans haven’t always been in style) but there’s no way to tell where your market will be years down the road.  Make improvements for what fits your lifestyle now because you (or someone else) can always change it!

Too Good To Be True
It really hurts to say, but in Real Estate especially…if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is!  If you find a really good deal, do your research and then do it again!  Make sure to get a home inspection for the property if you’re seriously considering buying.  There may be a hidden, underlying problem that hasn’t been taken care of by previous owners.  Some of these things can be very serious like buried fuel oil tanks, asbestos siding issues, down to foundation problems that could amount to an unimaginable headache.  Another thing to consider is school districts, crime rates, etc.  There is a reason for the discount, and you don’t want to have to offer that extreme discount yourself when trying to resell.

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be so stressful.  While there are a lot of things to consider, it’s more manageable than it can seem especially with professionals in your corner.  Getting too emotional or only looking at numbers won’t ultimately lead you to the best first home for you, but a balance of the two.

Open House Weekend

Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend by getting out to one of our two Open Houses this Saturday!

Saturday 2 pm - 4 pm

5607 Forest Hill Ave

Richmond, VA 23225

$245,000

Welcome to this beautiful cape cod home, located off of Forest Hill Ave. This home has been very well maintained. When entering the home you will see a living room with a dining room off to the left. The kitchen has great natural lighting and beautiful finishing on the walls under the cabinets. It has 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Going upstairs you will notice a very large master suite with a large sitting area and a large master bathroom as well. Off to the side of the home is a screened in porch, great for entertaining and relaxing. There is a full/unfinished walk out basement that has great potential! Fresh interior paint, exterior repairs, and landscaping improvements to come! 

Saturday 1 pm - 3 pm

5628 River Road

Petersburg, VA 23803

$199,950

Welcome to the newly updated 5628 River Rd in South Chesterfield. This home has re-finished hardwood floors and new carpet throughout. The office has a private entrance, which is great if you work from home! This office encompasses a large bay window and original pine floors, which could be a 4th bedroom! Large mudroom w/ceramic tile and w/d hookup. The kitchen has all new cabinets, new granite counters, stainless steel appliances, tile back splash, hardwood floors, lights under the cabinets, recessed lighting and so much more. The dining room has HW floors, new chandelier, and crown molding. Downstairs master bedroom with connected master bath, new vanity, recessed lighting, ceramic tile, and more! Upstairs you will find a full bath with black marble tile, new toilet, new vanity, and crown molding. The electrical has been upgraded. There is a large cellar with an entrance from the outside that doubles as a walk-down partial basement, fully sealed. Privacy fence to be installed between drive & neighbor to left. Come see this wonderfully updated property with a relaxing den space.

We're Not Waiting for the Weekend! Come to Thursday's Open House Happy Hour!

We aren't waiting for the weekend to have an open house for one of our newest listings!  This jewel is in a prime location near Carytown at 117 S. Colonial Avenue.  Within walking distance to lots of shops, restaurants and entertainment, this is a sought after neighborhood.  There are gorgeous lighting fixtures throughout the home along with newly renovated full bathroom, original hardwood flooring and marble detailing on the fireplace and glass doorknobs.  Along with all of these charming features characteristic of a classic Richmond home comes a detached one car garage, which makes this property even more desirable!  Come check out our Open House Happy Hour this Thursday from 5 pm - 7 pm for refreshments and light snacks while browsing this beautiful home!

April Charity of the Month: March of Dimes

Our Charity of the Month for April will be the March of Dimes!  Money from every one of our closings in the month of April will go to this great cause and to help our great friend and fellow Realtor, Missie Dussett. Help us support this charity by making a donation yourself by following the link below.

Read more about Missie's story.