Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Why You Shouldn't Wait Until Spring to Sell Your Northern Virginia, DC Area Home

Many homeowners in Northern Virginia believe spring and summer are the best, if not the only, time to sell— but that is not always the case! In fact, it is this idea that brings a wave of new inventory to the market every spring and thus, increases competition among home sellers!

 Instead, consider the benefits of selling your home during the holidays or the winter season, in general. There are numerous factors that make this time of year one of the best to move on and I'm happy to share a few with you below!

 The lack of competition
Just as I mentioned above, there are simply fewer homes for sale in Northern Virginia during the winter months. Because many homeowners prepare and renovate their homes in the winter in order to list in the spring, the inventory tends to remain on the lower side this time of year. By selling your home now, you can give your home more time in the spotlight than any other time of year!

 Buyers are more likely to notice your home now as they will have fewer properties to overwhelm them!

 Buyers are ready to move
Just before the start of the new year, homebuyers in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and the surrounding communities grow increasingly motivated to change their scenery and settle into a new home. Or they may have a strong reason to— job changes and relocation are two common factors for moving into a new home before the new year.

 Holiday decor
While we may not have any snow yet in NoVA, the holiday season does evoke magical feelings for buyers. Seeing properties lit up at night or draped in festive greenery can help buyers feel more at home and see themselves (and their own decorations!) in the new space. Listing your home this time of year can play to your advantage simply due to the charm of the season.

 Remember, if you're thinking about waiting until spring to sell your home in Northern Virginia, so is everybody else! Give me a call today to discuss how you can take advantage of the winter season by listing now!

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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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

5 Ways to Save Energy in Your Northern Virginia Home During the Holidays

With all of your guests arriving in and out of the front door, holiday meals simmering away in the kitchen and heat turned up to combat the winter temperatures, high energy bills can be a concern this time of year. What's more, utility costs are on the rise! 

 But don't worry, Northern Virginia homeowners— I've rounded up five tips to help you save energy this holiday season so you can focus on spending time relaxing with family and friends and not worrying about your energy bill.

 Install a water heater timer
One of the easiest ways to save on energy costs is to install a timer on your water heater. The timer will prompt the heater to shut off when you're not home and prevent wasting hot water.

 Use cold water when washing clothes
Did you know nearly 90 percent of the energy used by washing machines goes toward heating the water? According to this EPA Energy Star program finding, Northern Virginia homeowners are consuming large amounts of energy just by turning a dial. Switch to using cold water when doing laundry and as a result, you will lower your energy costs.

 Turn your computer to sleep mode
You may not be aware that having your computer at the ready at all times can be an energy waste. Instead, turn your computer to the sleep or hibernation mode when you're not using it or before you leave the house or office.

 Switch appliances
Many NoVA homeowners will prepare holiday meals on their range in the oven, but by using a slow cooker or microwave, you can reduce up to 50 percent of the energy consumed during meal preparation! Now, you may not be able to cook your entire holiday meal using the slow cooker, but even transferring one aspect of the feast to this appliance will help you cut down energy costs.

 Turn down your refrigerator
The fridge is another appliance that becomes very popular during the holiday season in Northern Virginia. Keep the temperature between 36 and 38 degrees in the refrigerator and between zero and 5 degrees in the freezer for optimum efficiency. Any ice that has built-up under an inch in either portion should also be defrosted to keep energy costs on the right track.

 The holiday season is a busy time of year, but don't let your energy bill get the better of you! As always, I'm here to help with any questions you have about buying or selling a home in Northern Virginia. Do not hesitate to reach out!

 Happy holidays!
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 1, 2015

Where to Celebrate the Holidays in Alexandria, Centreville, McLean, Fairfax VA

The holidays are here again in Northern Virginia! It's time to deck the halls, trim the tree, relax by the fire and prepare for the new year ahead. Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Springfield and the surrounding communities have dozens of events on the calendar to start the holidays off in festive style and as your local real estate expert, I'm happy to share some of them with you!

 Get ready for a season full of holiday spirit with the following events from Mount Vernon to the National Zoo!

 Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 5, 2015
4 - 9 PM Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Open House
4:15 PM Santa arrives by boat
5:30 PM Parade begins at Alexandria Waterfront
6 - 7 PM Parade at Washington Channel, Washington DC

 View the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights from the docks of the Alexandria Marina and wait for Santa as he arrives dockside for photos with the children. Santa will then visit each floor of the Torpedo Factory to greet guests.

 Christmas at Mount Vernon
Through January 6, 2016
George Washington's Mount Vernon

 Take a candlelight tour of the mansion, watch a fireworks display set to Christmas music, experience fire-side caroling and dancing as you learn what is was like to celebrate the holidays in Washington's day.

 Bull Run Festival of Lights and Holiday Village
Through January 4, 2016
Monday - Thursday 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM ($15 per car)
Friday - Sunday 5:30 PM to 10 PM ($20 per car)
Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville VA

 This light display draws thousands of visitors each year! The Portal Wreath signifies the beginning of the show and each holiday season, a new ornament is added to represent a display in the show. Santa's Enchanted Lights is also a big hit with over 40,000 animated lights set to music!

 Zoo Lights
Through January 1, 2016
National Zoo, Washington DC

 Admission is free for this annual holiday tradition in DC! More than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights have transformed the Zoo into a winter wonderland and feature a light show set to music!

 Fairfax Festival of Lights and Carols
December 5, 2015
11 AM to 7 PM
Sherwood Community Center, Downtown Fairfax VA

The weekend will be filled with holiday cheer, from lunch with Santa to s'mores by the fire to ice sculpting to face painting, holiday cider, caroling and a tree lighting!

 McLean Winterfest Parade
December 6, 2015
3:30 PM
McLean VA

 Parade route runs along Chain Bridge Road, starting at Fleetwood Road and ending at Elm Street.

 The holiday season can be a great time to make a move, whether you're buying your dream home or selling your current home for a fresh start in 2016. Give me a call 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. 
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Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Staging Your Northern Virginia Home for the Holidays

Thanksgiving is already here and NoVA homeowners may be planning to go tree shopping this weekend, preparing to deck the halls for the holidays. However, if you're a home seller, there are a few key rules to keep in mind as you decorate. 

 You can find great success in selling your home during the holiday season and the right staging can help buyers feel more at home. Remember the following tips for staging during the holiday season and you could just give your Northern Virginia home the competitive edge it needs to sell!

 Curb Appeal Begins at the Front Door
The front door is one of the first things a NoVA homebuyer will notice when they arrive at your home so use it to make a seasonal impression. A simple, live wreath is classic and tasteful and a bow can add flair. This easy piece of holiday decor gives buyers the impression you care about your home.

 Keep Other Outdoor Decorations to a Minimum
Steer clear of inflatable decorations, excessive lights in varying colors and holiday signs on your home or in the yard. Too many decorations can cause a homebuyer to feel overwhelmed and make it difficult for them to visualize how they would decorate for the holidays. When it doubt, keep it simple.

 Keep It Simple Indoors Too
It's best to remember that Northern Virginia buyers are there to look at your home, not your belongings. Keep decor to a minimum indoors as well— a simple Christmas tree with white lights and ornaments in one color palette. Try to place the emphasis on your home's spaces, not the tree or its outlandish decorations. 

 Accentuate the Home's Features
Many homeowners tend to use every square inch of their home when decorating for the holidays. Mistletoe hung in a doorway is fine, but avoid blocking a beautiful picture window with stick-on window clings or cluttering a fireplace with garland and ornaments galore. Allow the home's best features to shine!

 Staging your home in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Falls Church, Fairfax and the surrounding areas for the holidays can help evoke cozy feelings and the warm spirit of the season, just remember not to overdo it! If you have questions about selling your home in the area, give me a call!

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 31, 2013

Two New Year's Resolutions for Northern Virginia Homebuyers


Have you been planning to buy Northern Virginia real estate in 2014 or recently moved into new homes in Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax City, or McLean? If so, you will soon find that the coming year will be much different than in the past. You’ll have new responsibilities tied to your new home in the NoVA area and now is the time to mull over what you have to look forward to and plan for in 2014. The following are a few New Year’s resolutions for homeowners and those soon to become homeowners in the Northern Virginia areas of Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, and surrounding communities.
Know Your Homeowners Insurance
A very important aspect of buying homes in Northern Virginia is your homeowners insurance— you'll want to become familiar with its in’s and out’s. Find out how extensive your coverage is and be sure it’s enough to repair or replace your NoVA home, if necessary. If you’ve made home improvements in the past year and added more space to your home, you’ll want to know how your insurance plays into those additions. “Many homeowners don’t realize they need extra insurance for a detached garage, a fence or a pool,” reported MSN Real Estate. They also recommend, if you have a basement, to acquire optional sewer and drain backup insurance.
You might also like to check up on your personal property and contents insurance as jewelry and expensive items may require special coverage.
Get a Jump on Repairs
Before the start of the new year tomorrow, do a check-up on your home to make sure make sure everything is in working order. Just as Northern Virginia homebuyers do with themselves at the beginning of every new year, your home also needs the annual examination to avoid any problems going forward. Start with the outside of your home, check the trees to see if they need to be trimmed or removed if they’re in bad shape, move on to the roof to check for signs of repair, and then the gutters. Next, move inside to test smoke alarms, sump pumps and alarm systems. If any of these are not working their best, it’s time to replace them or look into repairing. Start the new year off right and your home will function much better as time goes on.
Homebuyers in Northern Virginia are checking off their to-do lists as they prepare to buy a home in 2014 and the biggest and most important step you can take is finding a real estate agent to navigate you through the process. Ready to start your search for homes in Northern Virginia? 

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 19, 2013

Holiday Events in Northern Virginia

Get ready to kick off the holiday season in Northern Virginia and DC with the following seasonal events! For homebuyers, residents, and tourists alike— there is nothing like the holidays in  Northern Virginia. Here are some great opportunities to enjoy the area this time of year in communities like Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church:

 Visit Santa at the Ice Palace
November 9, 2013 to December 24, 2013; Mall hours
Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax VA

 Fair Oaks spectacular interactive Ice Palace with visits to Santa and the Ice Princes is an endearing holiday tradition throughout the DC area. The Ice Palace features a 30-foot ice dome with falling snow, interactive multi-sensory elements, larger-than-life snow globes with animals and images from BBC's "Frozen Planet," and a light show beneath twinkling icicles descending from Fair Oaks' 65-foot atrium. Come immerse yourself into a winter wonderland!

 Bull Run Festival of Lights
November 20, 2013 to January 5, 2014; 5:30 to 9:30 PM, Monday through Thursday, 5:30 to 10 PM Friday through Sunday
Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville VA

 For more than 12 years the Bull Run Festival of Lights at Bull Run Regional Park has drawn thousands of visitors from hundreds of miles away to Centreville, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. This year's festival opens November 20th and runs  through January 5th, 2014!  The Bull Run Festival of Lights is held each year to celebrate the winter holiday 
season. The event sees more than 30,000 cars each season, and over 130,000 people!

 A Broadway Christmas Carol
November 21, 2013 to December 22, Times vary
1201 N. Royal St, Alexandria VA

 Just as much a holiday tradition as presents under the tree, “A Christmas Carol” is the classic Dickens’ tale that has been retold for decades. At the Metro Stage, the story is told along with parodies of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most popular Broadway songs to create a laugh-out-loud evening.

 13th Annual Enchanted Forest Extravaganza
November 23, 2013 to November 24, 2013
The Westin Tyson's Corner, Falls Church VA

 Stroll through the whimsical forest of theme-decorated holiday trees and handmade gingerbread homes, have Georgetown Cupcakes & Cocoa with the Snow Fairy Princess or Breakfast and a Photo with Santa. Enjoy a wine course and dessert tasting with with Lost Creek Winery! On Saturday, come out for an evening gala celebration with open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a DJ, a photo booth and Vegas-style gaming from Always Fun Casinos for the adults. 
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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