Tuesday, April 26, 2016

3 Hassles to Avoid When Moving to a New Northern Virginia Home

Moving to a new home in Northern Virginia can be a stressful process, no matter what time of year it is. In fact, failing to do enough research before your move can cause even more problems that will dampen your excitement about your fresh, new start

As your local NoVA real estate expert, I am sharing three common moving hassles that can throw a wrench into new homeowner plans for an easy transition. Each of these can be avoided with enough planning and research, so you will want to begin long before Moving Day!

1. Not Researching the Moving Company
When you're choosing a moving company to help shuffle your belongings from home to home, it is important to do the background work. Gather recommendations from family and friends, or even your real estate agent, on the best team for the job. Checking references and reading all customer reviews can also offer insight into the abilities of the moving team.

2. Not Reading the Moving Contract
Go over every line of the moving contract prior to signing on the dotted line. Oftentimes, these contracts come with fine print and disclaimers and you do not want any surprises on Moving Day! Make sure you are aware of what happens if something breaks, damages or goes missing during the move, as well as any additional costs you could be required to pay.

3. Not Allowing Enough Time
This is perhaps one of the biggest (and most common!) moving hassles— and one that could be easily avoided! Start as early as possible with your moving preparations. Begin clearing out all clothing and items that have gone unused and take a trip to donate them. Pull everything out of cupboards, cabinets, storage and the garage to make sure you're not moving anything unnecessary. 

Organize everything into labeled boxes and take care to only place items that belong in that respective room or area in the box. The last thing you want is a lost toothbrush on your first night in your new NoVA home!


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. 

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Art and Cultural Events Abound in Northern Virginia This Spring

With the warm weather making its way back to Northern Virginia, it's time to get out and explore the scenery, the shops and restaurants, and of course, the events! 

For the remainder of April, there are dozens of arts and cultural events to attend in NoVA, from art shows to plays to exhibits at local museums. Below are just a few that you can mark on your calendar this month and truly enjoy the culture that the NoVA communities have to offer:

The Rat Pack
April 19-23, 2016
Signature Theatre; Arlington

This group, popular since the 1960's, is making a five-day appearance at the Signature Theatre to perform a collection of both oldies and monologues.

The Flying Dutchman
April 23-24, 2016
George Mason University Center for the Arts; Fairfax

The Virginia Opera will be holding a production of Richard Wagner's 1840 opera about a group of shipwrecked sailors, directed by Francesca Zambello of the Washington National Opera. 

To Kill A Mockingbird
April 23-May 14, 2016
The Little Theatre of Alexandria; Alexandria

NoVA residents and visitors alike can revisit this classic tale, as performed by the Little Theatre of Alexandria.

HeART of Reston
Through April 25, 2016
Jo Ann Rose Gallery at Reston Community Center; Reston

This art-centered event will celebrate the League of Reston Artists with over 60 pieces from over 35 regional artists. Held in honor of Robert E. Simon, who established the Reston community in the early '60s, the event will also feature one of the League of Reston Artists' founding members. 

Partnerships
Through May 15, 2016
VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital; Alexandria

Artists from Del Ray provide a unique look at the affection that brings humans and animals together in this exhibit. If you're a pet lover, you will appreciate this artistic take.

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. 

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

What Exactly Is Curb Appeal for a Northern Virginia Home?

When selling your home in Northern Virginia, one term you may have heard time and time again is curb appeal. But what exactly is curb appeal for a NoVA home and does it really make a difference?

Think in terms of first impressions. What is the first thing you notice when you are browsing homes for sale in Alexandria, Arlington, Annandale, Falls Church, Herndon, McLean, Springfield and the surrounding communities? Most likely the listing photos you found online and the exterior of the home. It is the exterior of the home that will force homebuyers to decide if they would like to view the inside and ultimately, set up a showing to view in person.

Buyers may never step foot inside the door if you cannot wow them first in listing photos. Curb appeal is the landscaping, paint color, mailbox, front door and exterior walkways that really make these photos pop. If a buyer doesn't like what they see from the curb, they may decide to move on to the next house.

So what can you do as a NoVA home seller to grab and keep buyer interest this spring and summer? Below are three tips for creating intriguing curb appeal:

Clean Up
A well-manicured lawn that is not strewn with broken branches, leaves and overgrown weeds or flowers shows a buyer that you care about your home. It will also give them the idea that you've probably maintained the inside as well. While you're on clean-up duty, take the time to power wash your home's exterior, sidewalks and driveway to remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated over the past months.

Focus on Landscaping
Seeding a lawn that has become sparse or patchy, trimming shrubs and bushes, removing weeds, mulching plant beds and planting new flowers are all ways to draw a buyer's eye to your NoVA home. You might even consider installing window boxes or placing pots on either side of your front door to create a focal point in the entryway.

Choose Paint Colors
One of the best ways to give your curb appeal a quick boost is painting. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint in a new color or take on the project of painting the entire house. Look at what other colors are common on your street and when in doubt, stick to a neutral, traditional palette.

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. 

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

How to Downsize to a New Home in Northern Virginia

This spring, it is not just first-time homebuyers that are taking the real estate market by storm. Seasoned buyers looking to both upgrade and downsize their current homes are house-hunting right along side of them! 

With decades of real estate experience in hand, I know the process of moving to a new home, a new neighborhood and especially a new city can be overwhelming— even if you are moving to a smaller home! So as your local real estate expert, I have provided a few tips for downsizing to a new property in Northern Virginia this spring:

1. Take inventory
When downsizing, it may be useful to pare down your belongings— but in order to do so efficiently, you will need to take inventory! Use a spreadsheet or write all of your belongings (and their conditions) down on paper as you walk through each room. You can then go over the list later to decide which items can go and which you will keep.

2. Draw out your new home
Another exercise that can help you make the most of your new living space is drawing out the floor plan. Sketch each room and where your furniture pieces will go. If you don't have room for something, it may be time to part with it!

3. Stay ahead of schedule
Downsizing your Northern Virginia home can take time, so don't leave it until the last minute!  Forcing yourself to scale down your belongings quickly may result in getting rid of something you intended to keep or donating an item you actually need. Make a packing list ahead of schedule and ensure everything is accounted for on Moving Day.

Are you planning to downsize to a smaller home in NoVA this spring? Do not hesitate to contact me! I can provide a list of available properties that meet your criteria and assist with your move from one home to the next!


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.