Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with Northern Virginia Events!

Memorial Day weekend is almost here in Northern Virginia! It's time to get ready for summer, celebrate the great weather and participate in the upcoming local events honoring our veterans. 

 This weekend, there will be parades, festivals, concerts and memorial services from Alexandria to Arlington, Falls Church to Fairfax, DC to Mount Vernon and McLean. If you plan to be in the area this holiday weekend, are welcoming friends and family to NoVa or will be visiting the surrounding communities yourself, be sure to add the following festive events to your calendar:

 Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival
May 25, 2015; 1 PM to 7 PM
Waterfront Park
Alexandria, VA

 This annual event will feature big band, swing and contemporary jazz music. Guests can plan to picnic in the park while enjoying the music and other refreshments will be available for sale. Admission is free.

 Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival
May 25, 2015; 9 AM to 5 PM
Falls Church, VA

 This year's 34th Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival is much anticipated in Northern Virginia! Highlights of the event will include amusement rides, arts and crafts, food vendors, local businesses, live entertainment, contests and the Don Beyer 3K Fun Run. There will be a Veterans Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial outside the Community Center and afterwards, a parade will proceed down Park Avenue.

National Memorial Day Parade
May 25, 2015; 2 PM
Downtown DC— Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW

 This DC based event began in 2005 and has grown every year since! It is now the largest Memorial Day event in the country and will proceed by national monuments, the White House, museums and more!

 ViVa! Vienna! Festival
May 23 to 25, 2015; Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 10 PM; Monday 10 AM to 6 PM
Freeman House Museum
Vienna, VA

 Free to attend, this local festival is an event for the entire family! There will be amusement rides, food, crafts, vendors and entertainment for all to enjoy. Approximately 50,000 guests will be in attendance with over 300 vendors over the 3-day weekend. What's more, 100% of the proceeds will go to charitable, community and humanitarian organizations.

 Prince William Community Band Festival
May 24, 2015; 2 PM to 6 PM
Loy E. Harris Pavilion
Manassas, VA

 A free event that will highlight the music of the Prince William Community Band, the Clark County Community Band, Moonlight Jazz Orchestra and the U.S. Army Band Quintet.

 If you're planning a move to Northern Virginia or are simply ready to upgrade your home, do not hesitate to contact me! Not only am I happy to provide suggestions for local events and destinations, but I can help you find your dream home in one of our idyllic surrounding communities. 
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, May 12, 2015

Finding the Perfect Neighborhood in Northern Virginia


My last blog post explored how to know if you're ready to buy a home in Northern Virginia, especially if it is your first time making such an important purchase. Once you've asked yourself the important questions, it's time to move on to determining what it is you want in a NoVa home.

 There is much more to consider than the number of bedrooms, square footage and backyard— real estate is all about location! Oftentimes, choosing a neighborhood is just as serious as choosing the house itself and for first-time buyers, you'll need to factor in the following:

 Affordability
Depending on where you desire to live, affordability will fluctuate greatly. Get pre-approved to determine your price range and then take some time to research home prices, noticing where the higher priced homes are located. You don't want to fall in love with a home that's out of your budget!

 Type of neighborhood
Many Northern Virginia homebuyers seek to live in a neighborhood close to restaurants, entertainment, shopping, parks and fitness. It's nice to be located to all of these, but that can also come with heavy traffic and noise. Living in a suburban community can mean a longer commute time and a rural locale can mean travel time to everyday amenities. Make sure you're house-hunting in the right place for you!

 School districts
Excellent education is a must-have for homebuyers with children, so factor this into your neighborhood search! You can do a simple search for school ratings and even chat with the city for more details. 

 The neighbors
When you tour a neighborhood, pay attention to the people and pets outdoors. You may find a home you love, but a large, noisy dog next door. Look for the empty properties, both retail and residential, as you never know what could be built there next. 

 With my decades of experience in Northern Virginia real estate, I will be your inside guide to neighborhoods in the area. 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, May 5, 2015

Summer Festivals Prepare to Visit Northern Virginia— Mount Vernon, Centreville, Herndon, Arlington VA

Now that warmer weather is finally here, I think we're all looking forward to summer. After all, it's already May! Northern Virginia is full of fun destinations to visit and events to attend in the summer sun and this month will be no exception. 

 May will welcome dozens of festivals to local communities like Mount Vernon, Centreville, Herndon and nearby Washington, DC. If you're planning your summer festivities ahead, you'll want to add these to your calendar!

 Mount Vernon Wine Festival and Sunset Tour
When: May 15-17, 2015, 6 PM to 9 PM
Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon 22121 

 Mount Vernon is widely known as the home of our first president, George Washington, and as an iconic NoVa locale, a sunset tour is a dream. This month, Mount Vernon will present its wine festival and tour to celebrate history while also enjoying local wine. Guests who attend can enjoy live jazz and picnic while overlooking the Potomac.

 Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
When: May 16, 2015, 10 AM to 6 PM; May 17, 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Reston Town Center, 12001 Market St, Reston 20190

 When the weather is nice, it's a great time to explore Northern Virginia and its many local artisans— the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is just the place! There will be original works of art for purchase by over 200 artisans, children's activities and live performance throughout the event.

 Taste of Arlington
When: May 17, 2015, 12 PM to 6 PM
Where: Arlington, VA

 This lively street festival will highlight the best of Arlington's food scene with proceeds benefiting the Virginia Hospital Center and Arlington Community Foundation. There will be a chance to taste the cuisine of over 40 restaurants, live music, kids activities in the KidZone and a farmers' market. Admission is free, but food tickets will be required.

 Hernon Festival
When: May 28-31, 2015
Where: Downtown Herndon

 A traditional outdoor festival with live music, fireworks, a carnival and dozens of vendors in historic downtown Herndon.

 Vintage Virginia Wine and Food Festival
When: May 31-June 1, 2015
Where: Bull Run Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville

 Virginia is celebrated for its wonderful wines and this is just the place to try over 50 of the best local wineries! 

 Contact me today for more information on moving to a new home or relocating to Northern Virginia— I have decades of experience in the area to help find the best community for you!

 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, April 28, 2015

How to Know If You're Ready to Buy Your First Northern Virginia Home

With the rising costs of rent in Northern Virginia, it is no longer a smart financial decision for area residents. Mortgage rates are historically low, the market is beginning to heat up and homebuyers are noticing. 

 However, if this is your first time purchasing a home in NoVa, you need to be ready to assume the responsibility of homeownership. Here are four questions to ask yourself to determine if now is the right time for you to buy:

 Can you afford the costs?
Hopefully you have been saving for a downpayment and other costs over the past few years as homeownership comes with its fair share. You should have enough to cover 20% of the home's purchase price to secure the best mortgage rate and avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). 

 It is also wise to be prepared to pay closing costs which can typically range from 2 to 5% of the home's purchase price.

 Can you afford the payment?
You may have found the perfect home in Arlington, Alexandria, Springfield, Reston or Centreville, but it's important to know if you can afford to take on the mortgage payment. Take the steps to get pre-approved with a lender to first see how much the bank will lend you. After, you can begin searching for homes in your appropriate price range. 

 Can you afford the upkeep?
When renting, you likely do not have the expense of maintaining the property. When you are a homeowner, repairs are all left up to you! Do you have enough funds to cover a broken faucet or appliance? Or are you willing to learn how to fix them yourself? These questions are crucial in your decision to buy a home.

 Do you have good credit?
If you have great credit, buying a home could be smooth sailing. If not, it's wise to begin grooming your credit report months before you meet with a lender. Any errors can put a hitch in your homebuying plan.

 I have decades of experience in real estate and am here to help Northern Virginia residents (and those relocating!) achieve their goal of becoming a homeowner. Contact me today with any questions about the real estate market or for a list of available homes.
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, April 21, 2015

Home Seller's Guide to Staging Your Northern Virginia, DC Home

The Northern Virginia real estate market has seen homebuyer demand dramatically increasing over the past few months and it is set to continue on through the summer months. With that said, home sellers are in demand! Inventory is trending lower and buyers do not have many available properties to choose from.

 Listing your NoVa home during this homebuyer boom is a great idea, but of course, the property must be ready to show! Staging your home is the best way to do so and I am happy to share the following tips to start you off on the right foot:

 Don't use the old furniture
It's important to put yourself in the buyer's shoes when staging your home. Do not use old, outdated furniture that you might have stored in the basement or garage. A buyer could get the wrong impression of the home simply due to the pieces used in the spaces. Choose what shows off your home's best features and shows it in the best light!

 Don't opt for a busy or bold theme
Appealing to the majority of NoVa homebuyers is best done with neutral, muted tones. Anything harsh or busy can distract them from the home itself and make it more difficult to visualize their belongings in the rooms. Make sure the emphasis is on the home and not on the things placed inside.

 Don't clutter the home
Staging your property in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax City, Falls Church or McLean may require you to bring in furniture and accessorize— but not to the point of cluttering a room. Always do an edit before a showing and ensure the spaces are easily navigated. The last thing you want is for a buyer to cross your home off of their list due to too much furniture or knick-knacks clouding their view.

 Do be consistent
Make sure every room is part of the same story when staging your Northern Virginia home to sell. If a certain space is out of date or in need or repair, that can raise red flags to homebuyers and reflect badly on the rest of the home. Keep your rooms neutral, consistent, clear of clutter and comfortable.

 There is always a chance Northern Virginia and DC homebuyers will not fully appreciate your staging job, so do not hesitate to contact me with questions on how to impress them! When in doubt, ask your seasoned NoVa real estate expert!
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, April 14, 2015

What Lenders Are Looking for in Northern Virginia Homebuyers This Spring

House hunting is indeed an exciting aspect of the spring real estate market— from browsing available properties online, visiting open houses and exploring desired neighborhoods in NoVa. However, that is just one small part of the homebuying process.

 In a previous blog post, I explained the importance of being prepared before you begin the house hunt this spring. It is wise to take the steps mentioned in the post and meet with a lender to get pre-approved. 

 If you have yet to meet with a Northern Virginia lender to learn if you're able to qualify for a mortgage, here are four things they will be looking for in potential buyers:

 1. Capacity
Lenders in NoVa and DC will want to know you have the ability to pay back the loan on a home. They will look at your income, your current employment and employment history, your monthly payments or debts (such as credit card payments) and your savings to decide if you can comfortably afford a mortgage every month.

 2. Credit
Your credit score, as you can imagine, plays a major part in deciding if you will be granted a mortgage loan. Lenders in Northern Virginia will look at how well you have done paying your bills on time, in addition to other debt payments. It is also recommended to try to improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage to increase your chances of being approved.

 3. Collateral
Lenders will look at the value of the home you intend to purchase in Northern Virginia when deciding if you qualify to take on a mortgage. 

 4. Capital
In order to determine whether to grant a homebuyer a loan, the lender will look over the money and savings you have on hand in accounts, plus any investments you have or other assets that may be sold for capital. They will want to see that you have at least two months of reserves to cover a mortgage payment and that you can manage your money well to pay back the debt of the loan.

 If you are ready to begin the homebuying process in the NoVa and DC area, I am happy to help! Contact me today to discuss what steps you should take first!
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, April 7, 2015

Take a Staycation— Spring Break Activities Right Here in Northern Virginia

"Spring break" oftentimes means packing the car and heading off on a long distance road trip, but that doesn't have to be the case if you live in Northern Virginia! Our area is full of local fun and activities that don't require hours of travel time.

 Fairfax and Arlington County each offer great spring break getaways, no matter if you live in NoVa, are simply visiting or looking to call this your permanent home. Here are a few ideas to explore this spring:

 Be Historical
Northern Virginia is an area rich in history, so why not brush up on your knowledge this spring? Take a trip to Alexandria and Springfield— Tour Woodlawn Estate, which was designed by the architect of the first U.S. Capitol. It was also the home of Eleanor Custis and Lawrence Lewis, Martha Washington's granddaughter and George Washington's nephew. 

 George Washington's Mount Vernon is another place of historical beauty. Situated on the banks of the Potomac, it was the plantation home of our nation's first president. 

 Be Green
Hit the hiking and biking trails NoVa has to offer this month or spend some time in one of the beautiful local parks. Mason District Park in Annandale offers a large natural area, playground, tennis courts and playing fields. While in Annandale, you can also visit Hidden Oaks Nature Preserve set within the 52 acre Annandale Community Park.

 In nearby Burke, Centreville and Clifton, you'll find many beautiful outdoor attractions like Burke Lake, Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, Cox Farms and Bull Run Regional Park.

 Be Spoiled
Northern Virginia is also home to some of the best shopping in the area. If retail therapy is on your spring break to-do list, head to Tysons Galleria or Tysons Corner Center in McLean or the shops at Fairfax Square in Vienna.

 As a resident of Northern Virginia, I know how nice it is to call this area home. Contact me today for more information on purchasing a home in one of these great communities!
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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