How "To" Your HouseSelling Your Home June 22, 2025

6 Easy Curb Appeal Tricks to Sell Your Richmond Home Faster This Summer

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Richmond this summer, there’s one area that can deliver a major return without breaking the bank: curb appeal.

Buyers form opinions in the first 10 seconds of seeing your home. If your front yard looks neglected or outdated, they may never make it inside. Fortunately, improving your curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.

Here are six practical curb appeal tips Richmond VA homeowners can use to sell their home faster—and for more money.

1. Give Your Front Door a Facelift

Your front door sets the tone for the entire house. A fresh coat of paint in a bold but classic color—navy blue, deep red, or even matte black—makes a powerful statement in listing photos and in person. Don’t forget to polish or replace the door hardware to complete the look.

Pro tip: A doorbell that works and a doormat that isn’t fraying show that your home is well cared for.

2. Refresh the Landscaping

Trim overgrown bushes, edge the lawn, pull weeds, and lay down fresh mulch. These small tasks have a huge visual impact and signal that the property is move-in ready. Focus on symmetry and simplicity—too much clutter can turn buyers off.

3. Power Wash Your Home’s Exterior

Richmond’s humid summers mean buildup on siding, walkways, and driveways happens fast. A quick pressure wash can make your home look years newer. It’s an easy, affordable weekend project—or one you can outsource for under $300.

4. Add Pops of Seasonal Color

Simple planters near the entryway or flower beds with bright blooms can make your home feel welcoming. Go for low-maintenance options like begonias, petunias, or impatiens that thrive in Virginia’s summer climate.

5. Update House Numbers and Exterior Lighting

Outdated or barely visible address numbers? Replace them with modern, legible ones. Consider installing solar-powered pathway lights or a stylish fixture at the front door. Good lighting is not just decorative—it makes your home safer and more inviting at night.

6. Make the Entryway Shine

Clean your windows, sweep the porch, and make sure the porch light works. Add a new welcome mat and maybe a seasonal wreath or door hanger. The goal is a clean, warm entry that feels like “home” from the first step.

Click Here Download 40 Ways to Boost Curb Appeal Checklist for FREE

Ready to Sell Smart This Summer?

Small upgrades can lead to major gains in buyer interest and final sale price. If you’d like a personalized listing prep checklist—or want to know what buyers in your neighborhood are really looking for—reach out anytime. I offer no-pressure consultations and local expertise to help you sell confidently.

📞 (804) 212-4071
📧 chrisrouse@bhgbasecamp.com

Selling Your Home February 13, 2024

Selling your home when you have pets

 

As a seasoned real estate professional dedicated to ensuring a smooth home selling experience, I understand the unique challenges that pet owners face when listing their homes. In this blog post, we’ll explore effective strategies to manage showings when you have furry pet friends in the house.

Create a Pet Plan

Begin by developing a comprehensive plan for your pets during showings. Consider enlisting the help of a trusted friend, family member, or even a professional pet sitter to take care of your pets during scheduled showings. This ensures that potential buyers can explore your home without any distractions or concerns about pets.

Invest in Temporary Housing

If arranging for someone to take care of your pets isn’t feasible, explore temporary housing options. This could include sending your pets to a local pet daycare, boarding facility, or even a pet-friendly hotel for the duration of the showing. This not only ensures a stress-free environment for potential buyers but also eliminates the risk of pets escaping during showings.

Create Pet Friendly Spaces

Designate specific areas in your home as pet-friendly zones. Showcase these spaces to potential buyers, emphasizing how easily adaptable they are for pet owners. Highlight features such as pet-friendly flooring, built-in pet doors, or a cozy corner where pets can relax comfortably.

Minimize Pet Presence

Prior to showings, make an effort to minimize the visible presence of pets in your home. Hide pet toys, litter boxes, and feeding bowls. Consider investing in discreet storage solutions that keep pet-related items out of sight, maintaining a clean and inviting atmosphere for potential buyers.

Utilize Scheduling Flexibility

Work with your real estate agent to create a showing schedule that accommodates your pet’s routine. If your pet is more active during specific times of the day, try to schedule showings during their downtime. This ensures that your home is presented in the best light, and potential buyers won’t be greeted by a barking dog or a curious cat.

Provide Clean Instructions

Communicate clear instructions to your real estate agent regarding the presence of pets in your home. Share information about your pets’ personalities, any specific care instructions, and how to safely navigate around them. This helps your agent provide valuable insights to potential buyers about living harmoniously with pets in the space.

Conclusion

Successfully selling your home when you own pets requires careful planning and consideration. By implementing these strategies, you can create a positive and welcoming environment for potential buyers while ensuring the well-being of your beloved pets. As your dedicated real estate partner, I am committed to making your home selling journey as seamless as possible.

Getting Ready to Sale?

Considering strategies for an upcoming move? Contact me today at 804.212.4071 for a complimentary consultation. I can expertly advise you on strategic plans that will maximize your home’s value and ensure you not only achieve top value but also expedite the selling process. Your journey to a lucrative and swift home sale starts with a conversation. Contact me now, and let’s make your real estate goals a reality.