2013 is Near in Fairfax County

3

2

1

Happy New Year!

2013 is right around the corner and is one of my favorite times of the year as it is so hopeful and full of new beginnings.  Lots of planning and goal setting for the coming year and 2013 is only going to be better for real estate and the economy.  

Every year I throw a party in our home in Fairfax County and do some traditional things and always try to incorporate some new trends.  Here are some things to do or remember when you host a New Year’s Celebration.  

I always start with a theme and go from there.  A trendy theme this year  but also a classic is using clocks as décor and classic color themes of black, white, silver and gold.   So, this year I am going to use gold as the main color, as gold is also a popular décor color for 2013. 

Everyone loves mini sized items.  A cute and trendy idea is to take Mini Moet & Chandon Champagne Bottles and place them in ice with the name of your guest to toast the New Year with!  Always have the noise makers and toss some gold glitter on table cloths.

For the food stick with small and simple.  You can also use some fun items that are traditional New Year’s Foods.  Such as black eyed peas for luck and prosperity.  Any type of green like collards, kale or cabbage which symbolizes money and the more greens one eats the larger one's fortune next year.  There are also bad luck food traditions such as lobster because they walk backwards could lead to setbacks.  Chicken is also discouraged because the bird scratches backwards, which could cause regret or dwelling on the past.

Don’t forget goodie bags to take along when your guest leave.  Some nice items are 2013 planners, alarm clocks, goal setters, journal etc.  Get creative but try to stay in your theme and always have a stocked bar!

Wanting to go out on the town for New Years Eve?  Take a look at these festivities in our area:  http://dc.about.com/od/newyearseve/a/NewYearsEve.htm

Not in our area?  Here are some major events around the globe:  

http://blog.discoversd.com/san-diego-nightlife-blog/2013-new-years-eve-parties-san-diego.html

Got little one’s and want to spend New Year’s Day out and about?  

Check out these great events going on the D.C. area:  http://dc.about.com/od/hoildaysseasonalevents/tp/NewYearsDay.htm

As the new year comes I hope you celebrate the past year and what's going to come.  Spend it with one's you care about and as always be safe!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Last Minute Holiday Shopping in NOVA!

Still haven’t found that one gift?  Last minute gifts can be stressful and can add more stress to our busy lifestyles here in NOVA.  I want to help you place that red check mark on your list! We have great shops in Fairfax that you’ll be sure to find that one unique item that I promise won’t be re-gifted for next year.  Forget the mall and step out of the big boxed stores.  Look right in your local area for the right item that will surely put a smile on that special someone’s face.  

Some places I have discovered over the years I would like to share with you. I frequently go to local boutiques not only for these holiday gifts but any time I need to find something I can’t anywhere else.

Need a special item for a lovely uptown lady in your life?  

Undeniable Boutique (Fairfax Corner, 11891 Grand Commons Ave. Fairfax, Virginia 22030) www.undeniableboutique.com carries clothing and accessories for women who want to dress for the occasion but not like everyone else.

You boss, husband or dad adores good cigars but you have no idea how to pick them out? 

Fairfax Cigar Town (118877 Grand Commons Ave. Fairfax, Virginia 22030) www.cigartowns.com Invites you to visit their location that is family operated and owned and will take the time to make sure you leave satisfied and educated.  

Heading to the families for the holiday and need to get your host a fab gift?  

Head to Oakton Wine Shop (2952 Chain Bridge R. Ste. A Oaktonm VA 22124) www.oaktonwineshop.com which carries wine, cheese and beer.  You’re sure to satisfy with the wide array of reasonably priced wines, expensive ones too and more than 40 handcrafted beers.

Also, to help your holiday spirit remember the Fairfax High School Winter Concert is this Thursday, December 20^th at 7 p.m. The Fairfax High School Choral and Orchestra Department present a performance of Christmas tunes. Bring an unwrapped gift for a child to donate to the Toys for Tots drive.  Location: Fairfax High School, 3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax; 703-219-2355; fhschorus.net and the event is free.

I hope this helps with some last minute ideas and I truly wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.  I cannot believe the holiday is already near.  I am blessed to reside in such a great area in America and so happy to serve the community with their housing needs.  I hope all your homes are warm with love this holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

A New Diet for 2013

A new year is around the corner, and what better way to start it right than by dieting?  I don’t mean go get a gym membership and start Atkins.  I mean dieting for your home.  Get rid of the extra stuff and use your local resources to help freshen up your living space.  Is your dinning room still stuck in the 80’s or your bedroom looks like it’s been sleeping for the last 10 years? A wonderful part of living in Northern Virginia is the abundance of designers right at your fingertips.  Whether it’s painting, landscaping, furniture or unique knick knacks, I’m sure I can steer you in the right direction to give your home a good diet plan for 2013.

Local Interior Designers, Landscapers, Remodeling Companies and Store Fronts:

A.Houck Designs , Arlington; 703-237-2111; www.ahouckdesigns.com

Ellen Brotman Interior Designs, Fairfax; 703-573-6100; www.brotmaninteriors.com

Faulkner House Interior Redesign, primarily in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties; 703-689-9886; www.faulknerhouse.com

Maureen McGough, 10332 Main St., # 235, Fairfax; 703-716-0076;www.mcgoughinteriors.com

Jodie Okun for The Nest Egg, 11940 Grand Commons Avenue, Fairfax; 703-988-0944;www.shopTheNestEgg.com

Commonwealth Home Remodelers, 208-A Dominion Road N.E., Vienna; 703-255-9861; www.commonwealthhome.com

Cook Brothers Design, Building and Remodeling, 5521 Lee Highway, Arlington; 703-536-0900; www.cookbros.org

Michael Nash Custom Kitchens and Homes, 8630-C Lee Highway, Fairfax; 703-641-9800; www.michaelnashkitchens.com

Oak Hill Building and Remodeling, 10615 Judicial Drive, Suite 501, Fairfax; 703-591-1200; www.oakhillbuilding.com

Professional Remodeling Group, 8632 Centreville Road, Manassas, and 11350 Random Hills Road, Suite 800, Fairfax; 703-281-0909; www.professionalremodelinggroup.com

TerraScape Design Build Company, 3160 Spring St., Unit E, Fairfax; 703-359-9264;www.terrascape.net

Red Barn Mercantile, 113 S. Columbus St., Alexandria; 703-838-0355;www.redbarnmercantile.com

Embellishments of Alexandria, 1303 King St., Alexandria; 703-299-6262;www.embellishmentsofalexandria.com

Le Beau Chateau Home Décor, 8621 Lee Highway, Fairfax; 703-207-0022

Patrick’s Fine Linen and Home Décor, 106 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria; 571-970-6931;www.patricksdesigns.com

Some trends to consider for home décor in 2013 are as follows.  Animal prints are still a good print to use in a home.  However,  use them in more of a hidden way.  For example, the pattern of a Zebra but find the pattern using one color on an item like a pillow. It will give a room good texture.  When using floral patterns, don’t think of your garden but more painterly floral.  Stripes are still in and aren’t backing out for some time.  Use stripes on walls, pillows or rugs; they bring movement to a room.  Yellow, blue and red colors are trending for 2013.  Instead of black being a natural color in the room use navy or grey.  Need a pop of color?  Consider yellow to brighten an area that's lacking.  Need spunk or edge?  Try red but always in moderation.  Think 1940’s Hollywood with soft curvy lines when it comes to furniture.  Take a look at some new hotel lobbies for the new metropolitan look featured in 2013 home.  Another great resource for ideas is Pinterest.com.  Just type a word in the search box and get great ideas for spaces.  Revamping a lot or a little can keep you slimmer and always ready for a party, get together or that unexpected move.  It also will make you feel a little bit more lively, stress free and happier.  So, break out the pin and paper.  Get moving around your space and write down what you would like or what you would want to change.  Give yourself a budget and run with it.

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Spreading Holiday Cheer in Northern Virginia!

One great part of the holiday season is not just the beautiful lights the NOVA area brings and not always receiving gifts.  One of the greatest things is being able to give back to ones in need or ones that can use some holiday cheer.  The Northern Virginia area has many local charities’ that are in need for certain items.  Even though you may not be able to purchase items to donate, you probably have some items lying around that would be appreciated.

As the year ends and cold begins you may find you have a lot of items you accumulated over the last four seasons.  What to do with these items that you may or may not use over the course of next year?  Sure you can wrap them up for White Elephant to give away, but how about starting a pile to give to NOVA Charities? Grab your spouse, kids and anyone around that could use a good cleaning.  To begin have a designated area and start a pile.  Don’t worry about sorting till the end of cleaning.  Organize and see what you can spare to get rid of.  Look in the drawers, look in the closets, garage and under the couch.  You never know what you may have lying around.  An old book, pair of shoes or five extra tubes of toothpaste are perfect items to give.  Look in your pantry; do you see 6 cans of corn?  Spare one or two will do! Have a years’ worth of old magazines?  I’m sure someone would like to read it or a child would like to use a pair of scissors too.

Once you have all the items compiled take some extra boxes or bag’s and mark each with the charity you want to give to.  Here are some in the Fairfax County area and what they are looking for:

- Ecumenical Council Helping Others (ECHO) 7205 Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield

703-569-9160 

www.needsyou.org 

ECHO Inc. seeks donations of food, housewares, bedding, clothing, small appliances, children’s books and toys. No furniture, please.

- Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, Mental Health Services14150 Parkeast Cir., Suite 200, Chantilly.

703-481-4142

Contact Carol Taylor.
Outer clothing, gift certificates for grocery and retail stores, toys, sports equipment and games, craft activities, food baskets and toiletries. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 14. 

- Food for Others Food can be brought to the warehouse at 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

703-207-9173

Food for Others, Northern Virginia’s largest provider of emergency food services, requests donations of nonperishable food. Items most needed include peanut butter, tuna fish, canned fruit, rice, macaroni and cheese, pasta, cereal, soups, canned vegetables, spaghetti sauce, meat chili with beans, dried beans and beef stew. For holiday assistance in December, frozen turkeys, stuffing and cranberry sauce are especially welcome. 

- Herndon-Reston FISH

703-471-9024

Donations of nonperishable food items, toys, gifts and clothing for the needy will be collected at United Christian Parish, 2222 Colts Neck Rd., Reston, Dec. 18-20. 

- Lamb Center

703-691-3178

This daytime drop-in center for the homeless needs men’s and children’s winter coats, hats, gloves, blankets and sleeping bags. Also needed are diapers, laundry detergent, coffee, creamer, powdered drink mixes, paper towels, paper plates, disposable utensils, soap, shampoo and monetary donations. Donations may be dropped off between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays at 3220 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax. For more information, contact Steve Schlossberg or Barbara D’Annibale.

- Prevent a Litter Coalition (PaLC)

703-818-8009

contact@palc.org
www.palc.org

PaLC advocates responsible pet ownership by promoting spaying and neutering. The group, made up entirely of volunteers, needs a desktop copier and cartridges, a black and white laser printer and cartridges, a Healthy Back office chair, a fax machine that uses plain paper, an executive desk, a computer credenza, a HON four-drawer Grey Letter filing cabinet, frequent flier miles and six copies of the American Bar Association’s “Guidebook for Directors of Nonprofit Corporations. The organization’s mailing address is P.O. Box 9294, Reston, Va. 20195.

- Shelter House

703-538-6457

www.shelterhouse.org

Shelter House, a nonprofit shelter for homeless families in Fairfax County, provides crisis intervention, temporary housing, training, counseling and programs to promote self-sufficiency. It is looking for donations of dishes, pots, pans, kitchen appliances, blankets, cold medicines, humidifiers and pillows. Volunteers are sought to work at the front desk. Contact Suzanne Nordfelt.

Even if the items may not listed include them with the organization that  seems appropriate. Include your children to be a part of the giving.  It is a great way to show them how lucky they are and to be more appreciative of what they have and how important it is to give.  Isn't that season is all about!

If you have time, a lot of these non-profits also need volunteers to get packages together, to help in sorting, and distributing items to the needy.  This is another great way to get the family involved in spreading even more holiday cheer.

And I end today with a quote from Henry Drummond, “There is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving.”

Happy Holidays! 

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Front Doors Speak Volumes In Northern Virginia Homes!

When you think about the focal point of a Northern Virginia home, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the front door. It symbolizes entry and the portal into someone’s living space. Residents and guests go in and out many times each day. With that sort of meaning and significance behind a front door, it’s no wonder that people often get a first impression of a home based upon the color of its entryway. As a Northern Virginia real estate agent, I find that without realizing it, many home buyers actually take away different impressions from various properties based upon the color of the front door.

This can actually be useful information to know if you’re a seller. Depending on your Northern Virginia neighborhood and target buyer, you can use a simple can of paint to create a certain impression about your property. It’s a unique, creative and cost-effective tactic for controlling the first impression prospective buyers will have as they walk up to come inside.

Here are some color schemes that you can use and the meaning behind them:

Blue indicates a place of refuge or retreat.
Green projects health, tranquility and harmony.
Black is a clear indication of strength, power and authority.
Red conveys passion, energy and excitement.
Brown gives off a natural vibe that conveys reliability, warmth and stability.

Now that you know what each color means, here are the questions that you’re going to want to ask yourself before selecting the appropriate color:

•    Which color would look best with my home?
•    Who is my target buyer?
•    What do I want them to feel when they enter my home?
•    Which of these colors best represents the character of my neighborhood and community?
•    What statement do I want to make to potential buyers?

As trivial as paint color might seem, many psychologists have asserted that the color of a front door makes a strong statement about both the owner of the home and the property itself. As a Northern Virginia real estate agent, I always recommend giving your front door a fresh coat of paint as part of the process of preparing your home for showings. It gives it a newer and well-maintained look. Re-painting is also an opportunity to give your home a personality that you’d want it to have and reel prospective buyers in based upon what color you choose.

This is just another fun and creative marketing tactic to think about as you prepare your Northern Virginia home for sale! As always, if you have any questions about your Northern Virginia real estate needs, don’t hesitate to contact me and ask. I’m happy to put my many years of experience to work for you and guide you through your entire transaction, from contract to close. I hope to hear from you soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Get in the Holiday Spirit in Annandale this Saturday!

Thanksgiving is just two days away! You’ve most likely been busy preparing for a feast in your Northern Virginia home or coming up with a dish to bring to the home of a friend or neighbor. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of what is known as the holiday season, and after you put away the leftover turkey and wake up from your food coma, communities all over the Northern Virginia area will be transforming into Winter Wonderlands.

As your Northern Virginia real estate agent, I keep track of all of the fun-filled holiday happenings in the area each year because they promote community togetherness. One of the fundamental values surrounding the holidays is thankfulness for the people in your life, and that includes your community. Each of these holiday festivals is designed to bring Northern Virginia communities together to celebrate, give back, and remind ourselves how fortunate we are to live in such a wonderful region.

There are plenty of holiday-friendly happenings this weekend in the Northern Virginia area! Here are a few of the highlights:

Ford Fusion Street Chic Tour, 10:00am
November 21st, 2012
1100 S. Hayes Street, Arlington, VA
Ladies, this is a great opportunity to give back to women in need in the Northern Virginia area. Ford is partnering with Dress for Success at The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City on November 21st-25th. At this unique fundraiser, you can bring gently-worn clothing for donation and get fitted for a 2013 Ford Fusion that matches your personal style. You could even have the opportunity to win a brand new Ford Fusion or $2,000 worth of accessories and other designer items. This fun, unique and fashionable event will be great for you and your girlfriends, and you’ll be helping other women in the area have a happy holiday season.

Fifth Annual Christkindlmarket, 10:00am
November 24th, 2012
18 S. Berlin Pike, Lovettsville, VA
Sponsored by the Loudoun Valley German Society, this traditional European market will provide the perfect setting to start off your holiday season! Featuring five live musical acts, all of which play a variety of folk music from different cultures, this is one holiday event that will transport you to the environment of our neighbors across the Atlantic. Dine on traditional European sausages and potato pancakes while you shop from various vendors, listen to German storytellers and watch puppet shows. Children will enjoy face painting and craft stations as well. This is a fantastic, family-friendly event that doubles as a cultural experience.

Classical Ballet Theatre Presents “The Nutcracker” 7:00pm
November 24th, 2012
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA
It’s a holiday classic! Enter the world of sugar plum fairies and nutcracker princes at this balletic performance. Complete with stunning costumes and beautiful choreography, you’ll be swept away with the music of Tchaikovsky.

With ample opportunity to get in the holiday spirit this weekend in the Northern Virginia area, you’ll likely end this weekend by counting down the days until Christmas! If you have any questions about the communities in the Northern Virginia area, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d be happy to help in any way that I can. I hope to hear from you soon.


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Have a Stress-Free Holiday Feast in Northern Virginia!

You have all the ingredients you need for your Thanksgiving dinner. The guests know what time to arrive, and you’re busy preparing your home for a wonderful feast when all of a sudden, disaster strikes. Several homeowners in the Northern Virginia area have faced predicaments similar to this one, and it can cause a lot of stress during a time when you’re supposed to be giving thanks for the blessings in your life. Hosting a holiday is stressful enough without the sudden issues at home.

We’ve compiled a few ideas that will help you prepare your Northern Virginia home for hosting a Thanksgiving celebration. If you take action now, you may actually be able to ENJOY your Thanksgiving dinner, despite being the host.

Can your appliance really make it one more year? Thanksgiving is just as good a time as any to consider getting that new stove or microwave. The last thing you want is for your oven to go on the fritz when you’re trying to cook the turkey. If you’re going to have to replace an item in your kitchen, now would be the time to do so! That way, you can rest easy knowing that everything will actually work when you start preparing your culinary specialties.

Is your oven ready to go? Many people think that the best time to run your oven’s self-cleaning cycle is in the days before Thanksgiving. This isn’t true. The process is actually very draining on the appliance and could cause it to break down as you put the turkey in the oven. Instead, use a damp cloth, wipe out your burners and do some basic cleaning and run the cycle AFTER the holiday.

Do your basic appliance maintenance and cleaning. Make sure your refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher are all in good working order by performing some basic maintenance.  Ensure that your refrigerator coils are clean, remove caked-on foods from your microwave and clean your dishwasher tubs. These will help your appliances run more efficiently as your prepare and clean up your meal.

Clean out your refrigerator. Just like you can guarantee that you’ll be in a food coma after dinner, you know that there will be leftovers. The last thing that you want is to have to juggle and shuffle items all over your fridge for the extra space. Cleaning it out beforehand will give you the room to store your leftovers and allow you to get rid of old and expired items in one shot. It’s worth the extra time and effort when you’re cleaning up your meal!

These are just a few of many pre-meal preparations you can make in order to ensure a smooth and successful Thanksgiving dinner. As your Northern Virginia real estate agent, I think that the ability to host large family gatherings is just one of the many benefits of being a homeowner. However, this privilege also comes with a bit of stress, and these ideas can help you relax during the anxiety-provoking preparations.

If you need any help with your Northern Virginia real estate needs, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d be happy to help in any way I can. I hope to hear from you soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Don’t Be Afraid to Buy Your NOVA Home in the Off-Season!

Happy Election Day, Northern Virginia! November has arrived, the weather is getting a tiny bit cooler, and the time to buy a home this year has passed…right?

Not exactly. Contrary to popular belief, it IS possible to start the home buying process during the holiday season. You just need to know what to expect. As a Northern Virginia real estate agent, part of my job is to help people find the home of their dreams at ANY time of year. I certainly make it a priority to tell my buyer clients the pros and cons of starting their search in the off-season, but know this: it IS possible. Here are a few things to expect when you enter the real estate market at this time of year:

Lower inventory. Fewer homes are listed in the Northern Virginia real estate market during this time of year, which can be one of the pitfalls of starting your home search in the off-season.

More serious buyers. While the number of homes available on the market might be a bit smaller, one of the major benefits of starting your search now is that the sellers who ARE listing their homes are serious about moving. Nobody is going to list their home in the off-season unless they are trying to move as quickly as possible. As a buyer, this puts you in a great position. It ensures that you’re entering into negotiations with a serious seller and that you can work with them to come to a mutually beneficial agreement. Sellers who aren’t as serious can be unreliable when you go under contract. In this season, however, that obstacle is less likely to become an issue.

You won’t have to compete with as many offers. Since fewer buyers will be searching for a new home during the off-season, you won’t have as much competition when you decide to submit an offer. Buying now could help you avoid a bidding war in the spring.

The holiday season is the perfect time to start over. Think about it: there’s no better time to start thinking about your future than during the holiday season! Pretty soon, people will be giving thanks, wrapping presents and listing out their New Year’s resolutions. It’s really a time when you can start thinking about making changes in your life. Having a new home provides the perfect setting for you to start improving the livelihood of your entire family.

These are just a few of the emotions, obstacles and benefits to expect if you choose to start searching for your dream home during the off-season. As a Northern Virginia real estate agent, I try to prepare my clients for their transaction as thoroughly as possible. There are several benefits to starting your home search now, but you do need to know what to expect and use the market conditions to your advantage.

If you have any questions about buying a home in the Northern Virginia real estate market, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d be happy to guide you throughout the entire transaction, from contract to close. I hope to hear from you soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Prepare Your Annandale Home for the Next Emergency!

Well, we made it, folks: Hurricane Sandy has come and gone, and we sincerely hope that all of you are safe and with power! It’s difficult to protect your home for unexpected disasters that can come your way, especially if you don’t live in an area particularly prone to certain kinds of natural occurrences! In Florida, sure, a lot of homes are hurricane-proof. But here in Northern Virginia, this isn’t exactly the case.

As a real estate agent in the Northern Virginia area, I think that it’s important to be in-the-know about how to protect your home and which steps to take to prepare your property for hardship. After all, as mild as NOVA weather is much of the time, we do have our bouts of bad weather, just like other places. Next time it appears that disaster will strike, stay strong and relax a bit knowing that you, your family and your home are prepared.

Here are a few preparations you should make in your Northern Virginia home next time an emergency looms. Remember: it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Make sure you’re stocked with emergency supplies. There are some natural disasters that will cause you to be shut in at home for a few days. If that’s the case, you want to be prepared to not leave the house for a few days AND be able to survive without electricity. This includes plenty of water, non-perishable food items, a first aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, toilet paper, and other hygiene products. The better prepared you are with the essentials, the more comfortable you’ll be at home in emergency mode.

Prepare your family. There are a number of loose ends that could need tying up when disaster hits. For example, what is your public school’s policy about releasing students? If you can’t go get them during an emergency, who can? If your family gets separated, where is the designated meeting place after the disaster? This might sound a bit extreme, but these are common occurrences that many people overlook when preparing for inclement weather. Save yourself the panic when the impending storm arrives and have a plan.

Be prepared to evacuate. Some disasters or emergencies will require you to leave your home. Don’t wait until you’re told to evacuate to prepare for this. Have a bag packed, the car ready to go, and everyone ready to walk out the door at any given time. The sooner you reach a safe area, the sooner you can wait out the storm and know that your family is safe.

These are just a few of the many things that you can do to ensure that you and your home are ready for the next natural disaster to come your way! Remember: nothing is more important than YOUR safety.

If you have any questions about buying or selling a home in the Northern Virginia real estate market, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d be happy to help in any way that I can. I hope to hear from you soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Being a Homeowner is the Right Choice in the Northern Virginia Area!

The recent economic slump and hardship that many people across the nation have faced over the past few years has made several question whether or not they should buy or rent a home in the Northern Virginia area. As a Northern Virginia real estate agent, of course I am a bit biased toward homeownership; however the recent economic statistics suggest that buying a home is actually cheaper than renting in most metropolitan areas in today’s market.

Other studies have shown that homeownership is actually a better option for people who are looking to raise families. It is commonly believed that for children, growing up in a home that’s owned is more positive overall. Here are some of the other benefits of homeownership:

You have more stability. Rents are skyrocketing nationwide. Each year, your monthly rent can fluctuate depending on the economy and demand for rental units or homes. When you have a fixed rate mortgage, your monthly payment is the same year after year, which will give you more financial stability within your living situation.

Right now is the time to buy. Nationwide, it is less expensive to buy a home than rent in this economy. Combine that with the fact that mortgage rates are at an all-time low and home prices are still on the affordable side, and you have the ideal scenario for a home buyer. Lending restrictions are still tight, however many lenders are actually starting to loosen their grip on loans.

Typically, it’s a positive, long-term investment. The market might not be at its highest right now, but if you’re planning on buying a home for the long-term, now actually would be the time to buy. We have reached recovery mode in the local housing market, and while it may take years for the market to fully stabilize, there’s also a high likelihood that your property will appreciate in value between now and the time you sell it. You have to think of your home as an investment that you will one day profit from.

You get tax benefits. There’s no doubt that one of the biggest benefits to owning a home is the tax write-off that you get. The deductible is beneficial to most homeowners in the country.

These are just a few of the many benefits to being a homeowner in the Northern Virginia area! If you have any questions about buying or selling a home in the Northern Virginia real estate market, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d be happy to help in any way I can. I hope to hear from you soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Your Weekend Events Roundup for Annandale

As someone who has dedicated their career to helping people buy or sell their homes in the Northern Virginia area, I believe that it’s important to stay in the loop about community events. As I always say, when you live in Annandale, Virginia, it’s practically impossible to ever complain of boredom. Not only is it close to our lovely nation’s capital, but there are plenty of other surrounding cities in the Northern Virginia area that have something fun or exciting to offer, especially on the weekends.

There are some fantastic events happening around Annandale this weekend, so if you’re new to the area, it would be a great time for you to get out there in the community and attend. Here are some of the highlights:

The Reunion Music Society Twentieth Anniversary Celebration Concert
Friday, October 19th, 7:30pm
Ernst Theatre, NVCC Annandale Campus
The NVCC Annandale Symphony Orchestra is gearing up for an exciting fall 2012 season, and this Friday night, they want you to celebrate with them. Join them as they recognize the 20th anniversary of the Reunion Music Society. The symphony’s string musicians will join with jazz artists all over the DC area for an evening of music you won’t forget! Enjoy songs from the Charlie Parker/Clifford Brown tradition. Tickets are $35.00. This is one opening night that you will not want to miss!

St. Charles Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 20th, 7:00am
3299 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA
Have some fun with the entire family at this Oktoberfest celebration! Start your morning off with a yard sale, where you can browse donated household items, pieces of furniture, toys, books, movies and music for a great price. In the afternoon, grab some grub and participate in some family fun, including moon bounces, face painting, carnival games, arts and crafts and an obstacle course. Guests can also enjoy a haunted house and cakewalk throughout the day. End the day with a spaghetti dinner featuring some famous sauce.

Complete the Circle
Sunday, October 21st, 2:00pm
10515 School Street, Fairfax, VA
Hunger is still a prominent issue in the Northern Virginia area, and this Sunday, Our Daily Bread is hosting its 2nd annual Complete the Circle FOODraiser event. Designed to spend community awareness about hunger, this event will allow you to donate food to help those in need while having a great time. Complete with snacks, live music, and activities for the kids, you can make a difference in the lives of many local families who are struggling to feed themselves.

From musical concerts to charitable fundraisers, you’ll undoubtedly find something to do this weekend in the Northern Virginia area! If you have any questions about any of the amazing communities in this region, feel free to contact me and ask. I’ve lived and worked as a real estate agent in the area for several years and would be happy to help you in any way that I can. I hope to hear from you very soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Short on Space? Try a Little Paint in Your NOVA Home!

Not all homes are designed with the spacious, open floor plans that today’s home buyers in the Northern Virginia area find so appealing. Some properties have rooms that are more confined or a smaller living space. These can be tough sells, so the best way to get around this is to do everything that you can to make your smaller, more cramped rooms appear bigger. As a Northern Virginia real estate agent, I know a few tips and tricks of the trade that you can use to make smaller homes or rooms appear to be larger. It’s all about creating an illusion. It doesn’t always involve rearranging furniture or a complete overhaul in your home’s layout. Sometimes, it simply involves a can of paint.

The right paint color can really open up a space and make it look more spacious, light and airy. You can best achieve this by using the correct shades. Here are a few color schemes that you should try to create more “spacious” rooms in your NOVA home:

Cool greens and blues create a light and airy feel. Something about soft blue and green hues is very soothing and tranquil. It definitely creates a peaceful vibe, which reels buyers in. That color scheme also gives an illusion of more visual space because they make the walls recede a bit. These are the perfect colors to use if you’re desperate to make a small space look bigger.

Give the indoors a small taste of the outdoors. If you use earthy, outdoorsy colors, such as a yellowish green, a room can look more like an extension of the outdoors than part of your interior, which creates more space visually. It also looks good with both natural and artificial light, so you’ll have a space that’s flattering and eye-catching in any environment. This color also looks fantastic against white trim.

Give dull or tiny rooms a pop of interest with a warm hue. Some bold colors, like reds or yellows or oranges, would be overwhelming in a large space like a living room or kitchen. If you have a small play room or office space that doesn’t have anything of interest to look at, try using these pops of color to add something extra. You can enjoy the bold hue without it being overwhelming or inappropriate.

Rustic reds can take attention off of clutter-filled spaces. Some rooms, such as a foyer or mudroom, can appear smaller or more unsightly because of the clutter that accumulates there. In an ideal world, we’d keep everything organized at all times, but this isn’t always possible, especially if you have kids. A rustic red paint color in spaces like that will take your eyes off of the clutter and onto the potential the room has in your home.

Add a pop of color to your home. It’s more cost effective than a remodel, and if you use the right hues strategically enough, you can make smaller, more dull spaces look both bigger AND more interesting. I always advise my seller clients to make minor adjustments like these in order to make the best possible impression on buyers.

If you have any questions about how to prepare your Northern Virginia home for sale, don’t hesitate to contact me and ask! I’d be happy to help you in any way I can. I hope to hear from you soon.


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Prepare for National Walk To School Day in NOVA!

Remember the days when there wasn’t a school bus route for every child, and some people had to actually walk? It seems like ancient history, doesn’t it? In reality, walking to school not only promotes more physical activity; it also helps solve a problem that has been facing the Northern Virginia area for quite awhile, and that is overcrowding in our bus systems.

Tomorrow marks National Walk to School Day, and the Northern Virginia area will be celebrating wholeheartedly. From Annandale to Fairfax to Alexandria, students all over the region will be skipping their bus rides and taking to the sidewalks. With an expected high temperature around 84, students should be able to get to school comfortably.

This nationwide program was started twelve years ago by the Partnership for a Walkable America in the Chicago area. Since then, more and more states and schools have signed up to participate each year. Last year marked the first year that Fairfax County Public Schools publicly endorsed the event, and this year 35 local elementary schools have decided to participate. These include Canterbury Woods, Ravensworth, North Springfield Elementary and Poe Middle School in Annandale. The Northern Virginia area hopes that a program like this will provide a springboard for more permanent initiatives to get our kids walking and biking to school.

There are a number of reasons why this program is so important, including raising awareness about safer routes to walk or bike to school. Other issues such as traffic congestion, pedestrian safety and increased physical activity for kids are brought to light through the initiative. As a Northern Virginia real estate professional, I have devoted many years of my life to the communities of the area and feel that it’s important to publicize events like this regularly. I feel that they can only help improve our communities, promote a healthier environment for our kids and help with the bus overcrowding issue that has been prominent in Fairfax County.

As a Northern Virginia real estate agent, a large part of my job is to sell my area of service. Yes, selling an individual property is exceedingly important, but if a home buyer isn’t 100% thrilled with the neighborhood that they decide to live in, then they will never be completely satisfied with their home. Participation in national initiatives such as Walk to School Day shows that our region is dedicated to supporting important community efforts, and it shows that we are always taking strides to improve our neighborhoods. To many buyers, this is an appealing quality in a community that adds to its charm.

If you have any questions about the amazing communities in the Northern Virginia area, don’t hesitate to contact me and ask! As someone who has lived and worked in the region for several years, I would be happy to show you what makes Northern Virginia so special. I’d also be happy to show you some of the many homes available in the NOVA real estate market. I hope to hear from you soon!

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Cut Down Costs on Your Northern Virginia Move

Buying a home in the Northern Virginia area is expensive enough, but when you add moving costs to the equation your pocketbook goes from significantly lighter to majorly dented. The average professional household move costs over $12,000. While it is wise to hire professional movers during this period of your life, (unless, of course, you have the manpower to pack and move yourself), there are several things that you can do to cut down on moving expenses. As someone who has worked in Northern Virginia real estate for several years, I have learned of several ways that people can cut back on moving expenses. This way, you can put that money toward something more important: getting settled in to your new home.

Move during off-season. If you move between October and April, then your moving expenses won’t be quite as high. Doing so during the summer season will ensure that you pay up to 25% more for professional moving services. That’s quite an increase!

Unload unneeded items. If you can cut down the amount of things you need to move, then you will most certainly save on cost! Go through each room and gather the items that you don’t need or want and furniture that you can’t fit into your new home. From there, sell it or donate it. If it’s something that isn’t usable anymore, throw it away or recycle it. This will allow you to start in a new home clutter-free AND cut down on your moving expenses at the same time.

Time it strategically. Moving at the beginning or end of the month costs much more money than moving in the middle of the month, so if you can, that would be the ideal time to schedule your relocation.

Save on boxes. Purchase used, recycled boxes for cheap and pack up some of the smaller items yourself before the movers get there. This will save on the time it takes for them to pack everything and get to your house. You can also sell those boxes back and recoup the cost you spent on them.

Plan and organize your packing strategy. Buy colored labels and label each box with which room it goes in. That way, you don’t have to waste time instructing the movers on where to put things once you get to your new Northern Virginia home.

These are just a few of the many ways that you can save money on your move! Relocating to the Northern Virginia area is a big enough step without having to put a burden on your bank account from moving expenses. Instead, use that money to get settled in to your brand new home.
If you’re interested in buying or selling a home in the Northern Virginia real estate market, don’t hesitate to contact me! I can put my years of experience and familiarity with the area to work for you. I hope to hear from you soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Put Your Best Foot Forward in Annandale This Weekend!

As a Northern Virginia real estate agent, I make it a priority to know about important events in the area and do my best to promote them. I’m of the belief that newcomers to any area would benefit from getting involved in community events early-on. It gives them ample opportunity to get to know some of their new friends and neighbors. It’s all the better if the event is charity-based because it shows the supportive side of the neighborhood, and everyone is gathered for a common goal.

One of the biggest selling points of the Northern Virginia area is how supportive each community is of one another. There is almost always a charitable function or fundraiser going on that is designed to help other members of the community. This Saturday is no exception.

The annual NAMI, or National Association of Mental Illness, Walk is being held this Saturday, September 22nd at 10:00am. Registration starts at 9:00am. Every year, the Northern Virginia affiliate of NAMI puts on this event in order to raise funds for mental health programs in the area. At last count, there were over 258 people signed up for the event this weekend, and participants are encouraged to collect donations from family and friends for the cause. The walk is also designed to promote awareness of mental illness and reduce the stigma that surrounds it. The hope is that more people who are suffering from mental illness will be encouraged to seek help for their issues.

Even more fun this year is the rock and roll theme surrounding the walk! With music, food, a team t-shirt contest and an abundance of prizes to win, this event will be exciting and family-friendly. You’ll be motivated to walk with family and friends while listening to the sounds of some of your favorite rock and roll hits.

I’m of the opinion that in order to feel genuinely at-home in a community, you need to be supportive of the people in it. Mental illness is an important cause, and it’s an issue that many people suffer with. One of my favorite things about living in the Northern Virginia area is how supportive our communities are of one another. In fact, when I’m showing potential home buyers around the area, I always mention how close-knit each community is.

If you have any questions about buying or selling a home in the Northern Virginia real estate market, don’t hesitate to contact me and ask! I’m happy to help you and how you what our excellent neighborhoods have to offer. Remember: put your best foot forward this weekend!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

Five Great Apps for Your Northern Virginia Home and Garden

It’s in my job description. As a Northern Virginia real estate agent, I should be making your job as a homeowner easier. Keeping your home in peak condition and transforming your garden into a mini-Eden is definitely not easy, but it is somewhat important. After all, when you start thinking about selling your home in the Northern Virginia real estate market, you have to remember that a buyer wants a home that is well cared for and maintained. You’ll also reel more buyers in if you make an effort to stand out from your competitors. It can be a lot of pressure. Thankfully, technology has made things much easier.

The advent of iPads, laptops, smartphones and other tech tablets has been a blessing because it gives us such easy access to so many helpful tips and tricks that homeowners can use to take their Northern Virginia home to the next level. Here are five outstanding apps that you can use to amplify your home and garden:

inchCalc and inchCalc+. Gone are the days where you have to convert pesky measurements in your head. Simply input the dimensions in whatever form you have them (inches, centimeters, square feet, etc) and the app will spit out the information you need.

Home Depot. Besides just telling you where the closest store is, this app does helpful, menial tasks that will come to your aid at the store. Calculate how much drywall you need by entering your wall’s dimensions, figure out the size of the nuts and bolts you need and watch DIY videos on everything from painting to toilet installation. You can watch while you work.

Iris. Manage your home’s activity when you’re not there with this cloud-based app introduced by Lowe’s last year. Purchase basic kits that connect to your home’s wireless router that will allow you to manage everything from your home’s alarm schedule to your thermostat.

Landscaper’s Companion. Can’t figure out which plants would work best in your garden? This is the app you want to use. With over 25,000 different informational entries about plants in North America alone, you will undoubtedly find one that will thrive in your landscaping.

3D Home Design by LiveCad. If you’re looking to change the color and layout of your home, this app can help you envision what the finished product will look like. It’s user-friendly and used by many interior design professionals, so you know it works well.

Apps like these are both user-friendly and beneficial to making your home and garden stand out from other homes in the Northern Virginia real estate market. Maintaining your home can oftentimes feel like a full-time job in itself. Hopefully, these apps will make things much easier for you.

If you have any questions about buying or selling a home in the Northern Virginia area, don’t hesitate to contact me and ask! I’d be happy to help any way I can. I hope to hear from you soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us

The Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Live in Northern Virginia

One of my jobs as a Northern Virginia real estate agent is to explain to home buyers and people relocating to the area why they should live here. There are a number of factors which make the NOVA area appealing, so it’s not terribly difficult to sell the communities within it; however I make it a priority to do this whenever I work with people who are new to the region. After all, if you’re not happy with the area that you choose to buy in, then you’re never going to be happy with your new home. This is why, in my opinion, selling a region or community is just as important as selling a property. If you can get a home buyer to fall in love with one of the communities in Northern Virginia, then you can get them to find a home much easier than if they were hesitant to move there.

There are a number of reasons why Northern Virginia is thought to be such a desirable place to live, but, for the purpose of keeping this blog post from becoming a novel, I thought I’d pick my top five:

The temperate weather. Unlike other areas of the country where you can experience harsh winters or overheated summers each year, in Northern Virginia, you essentially get the benefit of nice weather year-round. The winters are mild, the summers are hot, and spring and fall are nearly always gorgeous. Typically, outside of a few unbearable heat waves few and far between, the weather is pleasant in our region.

Ideal location. Many Northern Virginia communities are in close proximity to Washington D.C., which makes it a desirable location for commuters and those who want to be close to our nation’s capital. You also have relatively easy access to three international airports, and trips to other major East Coast cities are easy and brief.
 
Superior schools.  A whopping 47 schools in our area are ranked in Newsweek’s Top 100 High Schools in the nation, including the top-ranked Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria. For an excellent education and proximity to some of the nation’s finest colleges and universities, Northern Virginia is the place to go.

Desirable attractions and lifestyle. It’s fairly difficult to be bored when you live in Northern Virginia. Between the myriad shopping opportunities, dining experiences and historical monuments, the local lifestyle is vibrant and bustling. These modern amenities are intermixed with Southern charm and hospitality, creating a mix that is difficult to find in many other regions in the nation.

Ample opportunities to buy and sell real estate. Right now, home prices are starting to go up, which is great news for sellers; however they’re still low enough that buyers will want to start their search soon. There are a number of beautiful homes available in the NOVA real estate market, so now is the perfect time to think about relocating to the area.

These are just a few of the many qualities that make Northern Virginia such a great place to live! If you have any questions about one of the communities in the region, feel free to contact me and ask! I’d be happy to help you in any way that I can. I hope to hear from you soon.


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn
Contact Us