Wednesday, December 31, 2014

New Year's Resolutions to Help Sell Your Northern Virginia Home

Many homeowners in Northern Virginia are now realizing the positive direction in which the market is heading— and as a result, plan to sell their homes in 2015. Low mortgage rates are said to continue, as well as steady home value appreciation and an increasing number of motivated homebuyers. 

 If you're ready to sell in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean or Mount Vernon this coming year, here are three home seller's resolutions that can help bring you success in 2015.

 Appeal to buyers online
As your real estate agent in NoVa, I have a strategy for seeking out homebuyers in the first place they look— online. Listing photos are especially important to grabbing a buyer's attention. Staying away from the online aspect of a listing may just yield you less activity.

 Don't sell before you are ready
One of the biggest rules for listing your home is to not do so until you are ready. Have you listened to your agent's advice for selling and pricing? Have you prepared your home for sale, cleaning and removing clutter? Do you know where you will go when you sell? If you've tackled all of these, you can move forward with the selling process.

 Think of your home as an investment
It is inevitable that you will have strong emotions connected to your Northern Virginia home. After all, a home holds memories. But it is important as a home seller that you are able to think of you home as an investment. If your emotions get in the way, you could end up passing by a great offer or avoid negotiating with a serious homebuyer.

 2015 will be a lucrative time to be both a homebuyer and home seller in Northern Virginia. Winter was recently even named the best time to sell! Consider these new year's resolutions as a NoVa home seller and you just may be met with success (and a new home!) in the year ahead.
I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna. 
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Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Keeping Your Northern Virginia Home Safe While You're Away for the Holidays

It's common for many Northern Virginia homeowners to head out of town for the holidays, from Christmas through New Year's. If you're packing up this week to visit your friends and family, be sure to take the extra precautions to keep your home safe. 

 Follow the tips below to ensure you're not met with a holiday disaster upon your return to your home in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean or Mount Vernon. 

  • Update the entryways to your Northern Virginia home. Burglars are more likely to target homes with older doors and dilapidated window frames. Take a step back to look at your home from a new perspective and fortify the entry points.
  • You may have already taken the time to put your lights on a timer, but going to extra mile to make your home look occupied is key to preventing theft. If you can, rely on your neighbors to pick up your mail and shovel if snow falls while you're away.
  • Know where all of your valuables are when you leave. If you'll be leaving valuable items in your house while you travel, take inventory before you go. You can even use household items like flour bags and cupboards to keep them out of sight.
  • Do not post your location on social media. It's important to keep your travels off of social media if your home will be unoccupied. The last thing you need is for someone to see you'll be out of town for a week and pay your NoVa home a visit.
  • Light up the rooms. As I mentioned above, timers can be helpful to make it look like someone is home. Burglars know lights are typically left on during the holidays, so changing lights are essential.  
When you return to Northern Virginia, do not hesitate to contact me! My experience in local real estate can help you both buy a new home and sell your current property in the new year.
I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna. 
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Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Northern Virginia Real Estate: Winter Found as Best Time to Sell

According to a new real estate brokerage Redfin, the winter season will be the best time to sell your Northern Virginia home. In fact, sellers who list during this time of year will actually find it to be the most opportune time to make a move. 

 Winter officially lasts from December 21 through March 20 and during this time, the Northern Virginia real estate market will see an influx of more focused, more motivated home sellers and buyers.

 The study also found that February is "historically the best month to list, with an average of 66 percent of homes listed then selling within 90 days." Despite the cold weather, researchers found that sellers were better off listing their home in the winter than in any other month.

 In fact, in their research, Redfin found December 2012 listings produced the highest percentage of sales prices above-asking for the entire year. 

 Many home sellers tend to wait until the spring to list, but taking advantage of the current real estate market could help you reap the rewards. The winter season offers less competition, smaller inventory to keep eyes focused on your property, and motivated buyers as many will be relocating for the beginning of the new year.

 Thinking of selling this winter? The months of December, January, February and March are more likely to net sellers above asking price as compared to sales in June through November. 

 With my expertise in real estate, I can help you find the best homebuyer for your property and close the best possible deal on your end. Don't let the winter discourage you from selling your home in Northern Virginia— this time of year is equally as advantageous as the spring and summer months!
I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna. 
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Tuesday, December 9, 2014

2015 Looking Like an Exciting Year for Northern Virginia, DC Real Estate

Realtor.com has already called 2015 the "Year of the First-time Homebuyer" and for Northern Virginia and DC real estate, it is looking like it will be a great year at that.

 With the rising costs of rent expected to continue, new 3% down payment programs rolling out, and CNN Money even naming DC one of the 10 hottest markets for 2015, homebuyers have much to look forward to in the coming year. With my expertise in real estate, I would be happy to help you sell your current home in Mount Vernon, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean or find your dream home in the NoVa and DC area next year. There is much to take advantage of given the optimistic housing outlook.

 Here are just a few of the main points both buyers and sellers can look forward to in the real estate market:
  • Home value appreciation will cool down, from around 6 percent to 2.5 percent.
  • Rents will continue to rise, to the tune of 3.5 percent annually through 2015, and as a result, homeownership will continue to be the better investment.
  • Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's new mortgage programs allowing for as little as 3% down on a home purchase.
  • In terms of new household formation, DC will be among the top 5 metro areas and hold that place over the net 5 years, according to Realtor.com's Chief Economist.
  • Home sales continuing to rise, thus strengthening the real estate market and boosting home seller confidence.
If buying new or selling your current home is on your to-do list for the next year, do not hesitate to contact me! With all of the positive factors coming up in the real estate market, 2015 is looking like an exciting year!
I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna. 
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Tuesday, December 2, 2014

4 Ways to Prepare Your Northern Virginia Home for Winter

Temperatures are dropping and the snow is falling in Northern Virginia— winter is almost here! But even if you're feeling ready for the snowy season to settle in, your home in Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, Mount Vernon and Centreville will need some attention. 

Bundling up the attic and protecting your pipes are just two winter preparation tasks to cross off of your list this month!

Insulate the hot water heater
Depending on where your water heater is located in your Northern Virginia home, insulation can be especially important this winter. If the heater is located in the garage, for instance, it will have to work that much harder to heat in such a cold room. Adding an insulating blanket over your heater can help it to remain efficient all winter long.

Find gaps and holes where heat can escape
Heating your home can be pricey— you don't want to let all of the heat escape out of a tiny crack in the attic or through faulty windows. Take a walk around your home, feeling for places where cold air may be creeping in (and thus, heat traveling out). Pay attention to window panes and around door frames.

Warm up the attic
By repairing the insulation in your NoVa home's attic, you can save up to 20 percent on utility bills. Be sure to patch any air leaks here and check that your attic door is just as insulated as the rest of the space.

Protect the pipes
Water can freeze inside your pipes and cause them to burst, giving way to an expensive repair bill. To prevent this, always keep your thermostat set at or above 55 degrees F, even if you'll be away from home.

Winter can be a lovely time in Northern Virginia, don't let these common homeowner hassles get you down. I have decades of experience working in the real estate market and I'd be happy to assist you with your homebuyer or seller goals this year! 

I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna. 
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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Northern Virginia Real Estate: Selling a Home During the Holidays

While many Northern Virginia residents would love to receive a new home for the holidays, not many are up to the task of selling a home during this time. But don't be discouraged! Selling a home during the holidays can happen and there are quite a few reasons a home seller may choose to list their property now.

 You're relocating
If your purpose for listing your Northern Virginia home is relocation, either out of state or to a new community, it is perfectly fine to sell now. Teaming up with a great real estate agent is half of the battle when listing during the off-season and I am happy to help! Remember, a well-priced home in great condition can sell nearly any time.

 Buyers are serious
Home sellers in Northern Virginia are recognizing that buyers are motivated right now— and there are many of them waiting for the perfect property. With inventory low, you have a chance of standing out among other homes for sale and finding a serious buyer who has a deadline for moving during these holiday months.

 The holidays are an emotional time
Think about it— the process of choosing your next place to live is an emotional experience, as are the holidays. Sellers can cozy up their properties, using the scents and sounds of the season, to help buyers feel more at home. Buyers may also have family in town, and children on school vacation, thus giving them more time to house hunt and other opinions to help them choose. 

 Fewer homes for sale
As I mentioned above, there are fewer homes for sale in McLean, Annandale, Arlington, Fairfax City, Falls Church and Alexandria during the holidays. The majority of Northern Virginia home sellers are not aware that the holidays can be a lucrative time to sell, given the current real estate market conditions. Listing now can help your home stand out in the community.

 Don't wait until spring to list your home in NoVa! The holidays can be an opportune time as well and as your local real estate agent, I am here to answer any questions you have about selling over the next few months!

I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna.

Earle Whitmore
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Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Celebrate Thanksgiving in Northern Virginia: Reston, Centreville, Fairfax

You may have seen your neighbors start to decorate their homes or may have even pulled the decor out yourself. But with Thanksgiving next week, the holiday season is about to officially begin in Northern Virginia. 

 There will be holiday-themed events including a parade in Reston, a christmas carol presentation in Fairfax and dozens of runs like the Turkey Trot in Centreville to counteract your Thanksgiving feasting. 

 Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
November 27, 2014; 8 AM
Centreville, VA

 Just before your Thanksgiving dinner, you can participate in this 5K Run and 2K Walk in Centreville. This year marks the 26th annual race that takes place every Thanksgiving, rain or shine. Adults, kids and even pets can head out on a leisurely stroll with the 2K or compete in the 5K. Admission ranges from $10 - $35. 

 Reston Holiday Parade
November 28, 2014; 8 AM
Reston, VA

 This year's 23rd annual Reston Holiday Parade and celebration is a Macy's-style event that takes place right here in Northern Virginia. Complete with balloons, music, dancers, antique cars and more, the one-hour parade along Market Street ends with the arrival of Santa. 

 Carols by Candlelight
November 29, 2014
Fairfax, VA

 Get in the holiday spirit with an a cappella performance by Seraphic Fire. The candlelight performance will mix classic carols with contemporary music and chanting— something you won't want to miss!

 As your Northern Virginia real estate professional, I look forward to sharing new ways for residents and potential homebuyers alike to enjoy the local communities. The holiday season is perfect for exploring Northern Virginia and I am happy to provide recommendations, from local events to available homes. 

 Contact me today!

 I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna.

Earle Whitmore
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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Northern Virginia Real Estate: Buying a Home Before Winter

Winter brings many great things to Northern Virginia, but an ideal moving scenario is not one of them. And while you can indeed buy a home during the winter season, it's important to note that the process can take longer than usual.

 If you're on the fence about buying a home in McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Chantilly, Centreville, Alexandria, Arlington or Falls Church, now is the time to get started. I have over three decades of real estate experience to help you find your dream home before winter and enjoy the holiday season in your new surroundings.

 Northern Virginia homebuyers should be sure to take the following into consideration in their decision to buy before winter:

 Mortgage Rates
We recently saw record lows for mortgage rates, but they are now back around four percent. If you missed buying a home at a low rate, don't wait longer! Mortgage rates will continue to increase and could be up as much as a full percentage point by the end of next year.

 The Process
In my last blog post, I discussed the mortgage process and how you can better prepare yourself this year. However, during the holiday season, the entire process tends to slow down. With all of the paperwork necessary, the lender and your timing, it can take much longer for everything to come together than it would be if you purchased a home now.

 Home Prices
Home prices, like mortgage rates, are on the rise! In fact, one of the reasons many home sellers are now ready to move is due to these higher prices. Waiting to buy a home in Northern Virginia could mean edging yourself out of a great deal. 

There is no time like the present to purchase a home, whether you're moving up, moving down or simply moving to a new location. I'm happy to help you every step of the way to ensure you're in a new home before the winter season arrives.

 Contact me today!

 I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna.

Earle Whitmore
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