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The Richmond art scene doesn't end with going to the museum. Many of our REALTORS® love to get in touch with their creative side with hands-on classes offered all over the area. Many arts organizations have a full range of classes for kids and adults.

Inspire Your Heart With Art Day is coming later this month on Friday, January 31. Let's look at some of the best ways you can have fun and unleash your vision with local art classes:

1. Visual Arts Center of Richmond – 1812 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23220
   Not too far from great Richmond homes for sale, you'll find Visual Arts Center of Richmond. Founded in 1963, it's dedicated to helping adults and kids alike explore their creativity. About 40,000 people every year visit its array of 1,000 visual and creative arts classes. With more than 100 volunteer art instructors, it has taught on everything from clay to wood to fiber.
   
   

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If you're like most Americans, your New Year's resolution will include some fitness or weight loss goal. CrossFit is a popular workout option that is sweeping the nation. If you're looking to reach your goals fast, this is a great way to do it!

Our REALTORS® scoped out some of the best local CrossFit gyms and created this shortlist to help you get started. Lace-up your sneakers and get ready to make 2020 your best year ever! 

1. DBG CrossFit: 3821 Gaskins Rd. Henrico, VA 23233
   If you're looking for intense, no-nonsense training, DBG Crossfit may be the perfect gym for you. The owner is a former Naval Special Warfare boat operator who knows the value of a "can-do" attitude. Participants are expected to bring this attitude with them to the gym and commit to giving 110% effort during each session.
   
   In addition to CrossFit, this gym also offers personal training, "DBG Fit" classes, and DuraMater therapy for rapid recovery. Next time you're in the area looking at Henrico homes for sale, stop by and check it out. You can even get your first class free. 

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Our REALTORS® know getting a mortgage on the best terms is something all buyers think about. That's especially true of first-time buyers! When you're exploring the best Richmond homes for sale, sound financing means peace of mind.

Luckily, the mortgage process is a lot easier than it seems at first!

The more you know, the simpler it is to get a mortgage loan you can be happy with. We'd like to address one of the most common questions about home financing our team gets: The difference between pre-qualifying for a loan versus receiving pre-approval.

Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval: What's the Difference?

When it comes to getting a great home loan, starting sooner makes life easier.

Prequalification and preapproval are steps you take to smooth the path to your final loan package. You can think of one of them as the trial run, while the other is the "real deal."

Pre-qualifying can happen in a matter of minutes the first time you talk to your lender. You discuss your finances and get a ballpark estimate for what loan amount you can expect. It's not necessary to document your income, and you're not committing.

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There is plenty to celebrate as the year comes to a close, especially in the Richmond area!  As the year winds down and 2020 is set to begin, the following venues are the perfect place to say farewell and adieu to the past and welcome in the new year.

1. New Year's Eve Moonlight Masquerade - DoubleTree Hilton, 1021 Kroger Center Blvd, Richmond, VA 23235
   If you are looking for a fancy yet affordable way to ring in 2020, this event is for you! The DoubleTree Hilton knows how to do New Year's right. Their Moonlight Masquerade starts at 9 pm and goes until the wee hours of the morning. Early bird tickets are just $45 per couple. Dressed in semi-formal attire, you will spend the night enjoying fabulous music, delicious appetizers, and lots of fun and frivolity. Book a room before you go, and you can save yourself a trip home and treat yourself to a fabulous night you won't forget. 

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For first-time buyers, furnishing a new home is equal parts fun and intimidating. Give a gift this holiday season that will help warm up a new home.

Get holiday gift inspiration from this baker's dozen list of holiday gifts for first-time homebuyers compiled by our REALTORS®.

1. Throw Blankets and Pillows
   You can never have too many throw blankets and pillows. Create a new look in five minutes just by changing them out based on season, theme, or mood. Throw blankets and pillows also create a cozy, comfortable ambiance.
   
   
2. Pizza Baking Stone
   A pizza baking stone lets first-time homebuyers maintain the regular pizza night schedule without denting the budget. Great for baking homemade bread as well.
   
   
3. Meal Delivery Service
   When the pressures of work and home get to be too much, cooking is the last thing on your mind. Make it more comfortable with a gift card for Blue Apron, HelloFresh, or another convenient meal delivery service. For those stressful days, go with a gift card for a restaurant delivery service like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
   
   
4. Instant Coffee Maker
   Today's K-cup coffee makers deliver a fresh cup of java instantly with no guesswork. Include a K-cup sampler of different brands and flavors so they can expand their coffee horizons.

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