Where: Hot ChikN KitchN and Water’s End Brewery in Fredericksburg, VA

Are you looking for a bite to eat with a freshly crafted beer in Downtown Fredericksburg? Well, you’re in luck! Fredericksburg Square is now home to Water’s End Brewery and Hot ChikN KitchN. Stop in for a bite to eat, a drink, live music, or all of the above.

Water’s End Brewery offers a rotating tap list of seasonal beers ranging from fruity sours like their Cranberry beer to juicy IPAs including their Don’t Haze Me, Bro! and Hop Drop to American Lagers and Blonde Ales. Their 1854 Lager, named after the year Fredericksburg Square was constructed is crisp and clean in flavor and can serve as the perfect refresher after a bite of Hot ChikN’s spicier sauced dishes. You can order your favorite Water’s End beer in one of four sizes; half-pour, full-pour, or a six-pack and growler to take home.

Water’s End also has plenty of seating space for larger and smaller groups alike, making it a great spot to bring all your friends and family out for a fun evening out in Downtown Fredericksburg. On select nights they host local musicians to perform, and on holidays like upcoming Saint Patrick’s day, special edition beer flavors hit the menu. We recommend on quieter nights bringing card games to play with friends while enjoying a drink and a side of HCK’s perfectly seasoned crinkle cut fries.

Hot ChikN KitchN lives up to its name, serving a variety of chicken-based dishes including their ‘Country Style ChikN Salad’, ‘Loaded Fries’, wings, and ‘Loaded Mac N Cheese’. All of these dishes are made with the juiciest fried chicken and can be topped with one of their four signature sauces. Their least spicy ‘Base” sauce packs in the flavor without being overly spicy. If you’re feeling like something a step up on the spice scale, their ‘After Burner’ and ‘Angry Hot’ sauces won’t disappoint. And if you think ‘Angry Hot’ isn’t hot enough for you, give Hot ChikN’s spiciest sauce, aptly named ‘Medic’ a try. This sauce is not for the faint of heart as it’s crafted using Carolina Reaper peppers. You’ll definitely want to have a beer and water on hand for anything you order with this sauce.

Water’s End Brewery and Hot ChikN KitchN are open 7 days a week at noon and 11 am respectively, both closing at 9 pm Sunday-Tuesday, and 10 pm Wednesday-Saturday. In addition to their shared location in Fredericksburg Square, Hot ChikN KitchN has locations in nearby Woodbridge, Stafford, and a new location in Spotsylvania coming soon. Water’s End Brewery also has two additional taprooms located in nearby Woodbridge, and Lake Ridge.

**Photos by Water’s End Brewery and Hot ChikN KitchN**

As experts in the local Virginia real estate market, we are always excited to share what this great state has to offer and why people are moving to Virginia from all over the country. Could Virginia be your ideal place to live in 2023? 

In today’s blog, we’re discussing some of our favorite things about this state and the reasons why so many people love living here. Whether young families, professional adults, retirees, or anyone else, this area of the country has an abundance of activities, natural beauty, and modern conveniences to offer newcomers. 

Why Might You Want to Live In Virginia?

Between the political headquarters that is Washington D.C. and the stunning rural landscapes of the Virginia countryside, our state has an abundance to offer locals and newcomers alike. Here are some of the top reasons that Virginia residents love where they live: 

• Proximity to everything: Virginia is conveniently located on the East Coast and provides easy access to major cities such as Washington D.C., New York, and Philadelphia. Additionally, it is home to many major airports, making travel convenient and accessible.

• Great schools: Virginia is consistently ranked as having some of the best public schools in the country for K-12, and the state is also home to several highly ranked universities, including the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and George Mason University.

• Things to do: Virginia is filled with a wide variety of diverse activities for individuals and families. From hiking and biking in the Shenandoah Valley to exploring bustling cities like Richmond, there is something for all ages and just about any interest.  

• History: Virginia is steeped in history and rich culture. The state is home to all kinds of historic landmarks, including Monticello, Mount Vernon, and Colonial Williamsburg. It has also played a significant role in the founding of the United States and is home to many important monuments and museums from that period of US history. 

• Moderate Weather: Although we do experience all four seasons, our winters are not as intense as our neighbors to the north, nor are our summers as humid and intense as some of the more southern states. 

Find Your Dream Home in Virginia

If you’re considering relocating to Virginia, our Coldwell Banker Elite team is here to help you find your dream home. Our team of experienced real estate agents can guide you through the process of finding and purchasing your ideal home, no matter if you’re looking to move to the D.C. metro area or out near beautiful Colonial Beach. We have extensive knowledge of the Virginia real estate market and can provide you with insights and advice on neighborhoods, school districts, and more based on your family’s needs and interests. 

Partner With the Experts 

Virginia is a highly desirable destination for people looking for a high quality of life, great schools, and a strong economy. If you’re interested in relocating, contact us at Coldwell Banker Elite to find your next dream home. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the Virginia real estate market and find the perfect place to call home. Don’t stress about the details – Let us guide you home.

As the weather continues to work in the favor of our local outdoor enthusiasts, we know the numerous nature trails around Richmond will start to populate with hikers, trail runners, bikers, and those seeking peace in the great outdoors.

Surrounding Richmond are several popular trails great for the opportunity to escape on your next lunch break for a walk, share a family picnic, or enjoy an outdoor workout! 

After scouting the local area and connecting with some local Richmonders, we have chosen our top five favorite nature trails for you to plan your next venture outdoors.

Buttermilk Trail 

This iconic 4.5-mile trail loops around the James River with scenic views throughout, connecting to other local trails like North Bank and Belle Isle! One of the most popular trails in Richmond, it can make an adventurous half-day walk with stops along the way to use the restroom or break for snacks. There are several starting points along this trail to park and begin your walk including the Belle Isle parking lot, Texas Beach parking lot, and Reedy Creek trail entrance.

Pony Pasture Trail 

One of the best trails along River Road is the Pony Pasture trail, offering local kayakers, paddle boarders, and rafters a great entry point to travel downriver towards Belle Isle and the notorious Pipeline walkway. This 2.1-mile looped trail travels along flat land for an easy walk, bike ride, or jog through the woods of the James River Park.

Texas Beach Trail 

A nature trail consisting mostly of sand, Texas Beach is a wild phenomenon combining both aspects of the beach and James River wildlife into one 3.4-mile coastline walk. With plenty of inlets to set up camp for the day, this popular trail also marks a great location to bring loved ones and enjoy a few hours by the water.

North Bank Trail 

One of the more challenging nature trails to venture out to in Richmond, VA is the 2.7-mile North Bank Trail. Featuring paths for both hikers and bikers, most of this walk is uphill navigating a few stone-covered areas. This nature walk is 100% worth the effort, providing broad views of the river and ‘fantasy-like’ greenery along the winding trail. Park in the Texas Beach parking lot and veer left or right to walk the full path.

Belle Isle Trail 

Famous for the suspended bridge walkway, the Belle Isle trail gathers a big portion of the Richmond community offering a 1.2-mile walk with a bike course, sunny summer spots by the water to swim, and scenic bird-watching year-round. Every spring, Great Blue Herons dance around the rocks and rapids of the James River for their annual mating season, making this time of year perfect to plan a visit to catch sight of these prehistoric birds flying along the coast. 

Looking for more information about these trails and more surrounding the Richmond, Virginia area? Download our favorite AllTrails app to plan your next nature trail walk and more! 

While investing in real estate is becoming more of a topic of conversion for those looking to grow their investment portfolios, the differences between choosing to invest in commercial real estate or residential real estate are more pronounced than you might expect. 

Each is fundamentally different in a few key ways. Today, we’ll explore the differences between the two types of investments and help you decide which one might be right for you.

Commercial Real Estate Investing

Commercial real estate involves properties used for business purposes, including housing developments and five or more individual residences. Additionally, undeveloped lots are often categorized as commercial real estate. Commercial real estate investments often involve longer lease terms, larger tenants, and higher rental income. They also typically have a much higher price tag and therefore a significant barrier to entry for the average person looking to invest some extra cash. 

One of the main advantages of investing in commercial real estate is that the tenants are usually businesses, meaning that they are responsible for paying the rent and maintaining the property. In contrast, with residential real estate, landlords often have to deal with individual tenants who may not always pay their rent on time or take good care of the property.

Another advantage of commercial real estate is that the value of the property is often tied to the business operating within it. This means that if the business is successful, the property will likely increase in value, making it a more valuable investment over time.

Residential Real Estate Investing

Residential real estate, on the other hand, involves properties that are rented by individuals or families for their housing. This also can include residential developments such as condos, duplexes, triplexes, or quadplexes. Once the building houses more than four residences, it is then considered a commercial property. Examples of residential properties include single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums. Residential real estate investments often involve shorter lease terms, smaller tenants, and lower rental income. 

This can mean that real estate investing is more approachable from a financial perspective, but there is also more frequent turnover and therefore a higher level of involvement from the investor unless they plan to hire out the job of property management and day-to-day communication in the event of an issue. 

Because these types of investment properties tend to be less expensive, they also bring in a lower margin of profit for the investor compared with their commercial counterparts. 

One of the main advantages of investing in residential real estate is that there is always a demand for housing, which means that the property will likely be in demand at any given time. In addition, residential properties often require less maintenance and are easier to manage than commercial properties.

Which is Right for You?

Deciding whether to invest in commercial or residential real estate depends on your personal preferences and investment goals. If you are looking for a high rental income and are comfortable with longer lease terms and larger tenants, then commercial real estate might be the better choice for you. However, if you are looking for an investment with a lower cost to purchase as well as lower maintenance and management requirements, then residential real estate might be the way to go.

It’s also important to consider your investment goals. If you are looking for a short-term investment with a high return on investment, then residential real estate might be the better choice. However, if you are looking for a long-term investment with the potential for greater returns over time, then commercial real estate might be a better fit.

Choose Your Partner Wisely 

While each type of investment is unique in its demands and returns, your decision should ultimately be based on your personal preferences and investment goals. Regardless of which option you choose, partnering with a real estate professional is a crucial step in ensuring that your investment is successful. Our experienced real estate professionals are well-versed in finding the right investment property for your goals. Learn more at www.cbcelite.com for commercial real estate or www.coldwellbankerelite.com for support with residential real estate.

The concept of a smart home has been around for several years, but it’s only recently that it’s become more accessible to the general public. With the advancement of technology and the growing trend of connected devices, more and more people are turning their homes into smart homes. 

Not only does it make life more convenient and comfortable, but it also adds value to your home. Whether you’re interested in leveling up the value of your home to sell or building in functionality for long-term convenience, smart tech is a great way to level up your house. 

Have you made the leap to Smart Home status? If not, this blog will walk you through the essential considerations for adding the convenience of technology into your home.

What Makes a Home “Smart?”

Smart home technology refers to the integration of various devices and systems in your home to control them through a central WiFi system, usually through a smartphone app or a smart speaker like Amazon Echo or Google Home. Some common examples of smart home devices include smart lights, locks, thermostats, security cameras, and appliances.

When it comes to making your home a smart home, it’s essential to know what type of devices make sense for you and your family. It’s important to consider your lifestyle and the specific needs of your household before investing in smart home technology.

For instance, if you’re concerned about security, you may want to consider a smart lock or smart security camera. If you’re looking to save money on your energy bills, a smart thermostat may be a good investment. If you want to control your lights from your phone, smart lights may be a good option.

Getting Started with Smart Home Devices 

Getting started with setting up a smart home can be intimidating, but it’s easier than you may think. The first step is to determine what type of smart home devices you want and need. Once you’ve figured out which devices make sense in your home, you can then research different brands and models to find the best options for you. 

One of the most common ways to get started is by purchasing a virtual voice-controlled assistant like an Amazon Echo device or a Google Home to be the main hub for controlling all of your additional smart home devices. The Amazon Echo devices tend to connect with more kinds of devices, but there are pros and cons to each depending on your preferences.

Next, you’ll want to create a plan for how you want to integrate the devices into your home. This can involve deciding on the best location for each device, determining how you want to control them, and ensuring that everything is compatible with your home’s existing systems. 

This step doesn’t have to be a total overhaul of every device in your home. For example, smart plugs can turn lamps, appliances, and more into “smart” devices simply by plugging them into a smart plug. The level of commitment is entirely up to you and your family! 

Finally, you’ll want to install the devices and connect them to your smart home system. Some devices may be more complicated to install than others, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully and seek help if you need it.

Are You Ready to Get Smart?

Making your home a smart home can greatly enhance your life and add value to your property. By researching and considering your specific needs, creating a plan, and installing the devices correctly, you can enjoy the convenience and benefits of a smart home in no time.

As we move into 2023 and the commercial real estate market continues to grow and evolve, those who have invested in commercial real estate are looking closer at ways to maximize their investment in commercial buildings, spaces, and properties. While the initial cost of commercial real estate can be lofty, the real bottom line comes down to the return on investment (ROI) that owners see on those commercial properties over time. 

As with any investment, the ultimate goal is to make the most of the money spent, so how can you as a commercial real estate property owner leverage your investment to maximize your return on investment? In this blog, we’re looking at five considerations:  

1. Location, Location, Location: 

One of the most important factors in maximizing ROI is choosing the right location for your commercial property. After all, if your property is located somewhere that businesses don’t want to operate, there will be little to no demand for your space. In a situation like that, your best option may be to sell the property rather than to shoulder the responsibilities and expenses of property management potentially at a loss. 

Generally, you’ll want to look for areas with high foot traffic, easy access to major transportation, and a growing population. This will increase the chances of finding high-quality tenants and achieving a high rental income.

2. Conduct Market Research:

As should be the case before making any investment, it is essential to conduct in-depth market research. This process will help you identify the current trends and future prospects in the commercial real estate market, and make informed decisions about where and how to invest.

This can mean understanding the latest trends in technology and equipping your property accordingly, keeping a finger on the pulse of what people are looking for in commercial spaces, looking toward the potential future needs of your customers, and more! When you can meet and exceed the expectations of your target market, you can justify a higher price point and therefore increase your ROI. 

3. Invest in Improvements: 

When investing in commercial property, it’s important to consider the potential for property improvements and renovations. This can include things like remodeling, adding new features, and making the space more energy-efficient. These improvements can increase the value of the property and make it more attractive to potential tenants.

By strategically investing in updates, upgrades, and renovations, your property can go from being a cheaper option on the market to fetching a high price on the commercial real estate market simply by planning and implementing high-value improvements. 

4. Consider Multiple Tenants: 

Another way to maximize ROI is to consider properties that have the potential to attract multiple tenants. This can include multi-tenant buildings, retail centers, and office buildings. When you have more spaces or parts of your commercial space that are available for rent, you immediately increase the income potential on that property. Increased income potential over the same operational costs results in an instantaneous jump in the ROI for your listing.  

5. Diversify Your Portfolio: 

Diversifying your portfolio can reduce risk and increase the chances of achieving a high ROI. Consider investing in different types of commercial properties, such as apartments, office buildings, and retail centers. This will help to distribute the risk associated with property ownership and increase the chances of finding tenants for your property.

Make the Most of Your Investment

Overall, the key to maximizing your ROI when investing in commercial real estate is staying informed. When you understand the market, you are able to make informed decisions based on thorough research and careful consideration rather than guessing what might pay off in the long term. By following these five strategies, you can increase the chances of finding high-quality tenants, improving your commercial properties, and ultimately making the most of your investment into commercial real estate.