Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Why Northern Virginia Home Buyers Want to Go Green

If there is one trend that I have noticed taking over the real estate industry, it is green construction. It appears that home buyers in the Northern Virginia real estate market are more interested in energy-efficient homes than the mega-mansions of last decade. According to a survey completed by Ogilvy & Mather in 2011, 66% of the population identifies themselves as “Upper and Middle Greens”, meaning that they’re following the green movement and that they want to buy green homes, so long as it doesn’t break their bank account.

The reason why I emphasize this to my seller clients is because it’s imperative to understand what it is that buyers are looking for in today’s market. People don’t want to have to pay a ton of money to make energy efficient upgrades on a home they just bought. They would much rather make an offer on a home that already has the amenities that they’re looking for. With that being said, if you’re thinking about doing a remodeling project or renovation before putting your home on the market, you need to be thinking about including green appliances and updates.

Still not convinced? Here are a few more reasons why Northern Virginia’s home buyers want to go green:

•    Cheaper utility bills. Using certain energy efficient appliances, shower heads, faucets and toilets actually saves you money on your energy bills. For empty-nesters or people on a budget, that is an appealing thought. They will more than pay off their initial investment in a green home through these savings on their bills.
•    People want their kids to grow up in a home without allergens or toxins. The amount of chemically-enhanced products and chemicals that we use in our day to day lives can be more harmful to our health than helpful to our home. Certain green upgrades allow you to use more natural products that won’t be harmful to your family.
•    It has become the new American dream. The McMansions of yesteryear are no longer considered to be the most desirable to most Northern Virginia home buyers. Now, people are more concerned with having smaller, more energy-efficient homes that have sustainable materials and help reduce carbon footprint.

According to the Ogilvy & Mather study, up to 50% of people said that they consider green amenities to be more important than water views, mountain views and custom-built homes. 60% also said that they want their next home to have green or energy efficient appliances. The numbers don’t lie—if you’re a seller, you need to get on board with going green. This may mean investing in some upgrades in order to raise the value of your Northern Virginia home.

If you have any questions about what you need to do to sell your home in the Northern Virginia real estate market, don’t hesitate to contact me and ask! 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.
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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Give Your Backyard a Facelift in Northern Virginia!

Sure, the weather in Northern Virginia isn’t always perfect, but a warmer climate and more moderate weather conditions allow for our residents to enjoy the outdoors more often throughout the year. In our area, one of the best upgrades that you can make before putting your home on the market is to your backyard. Creating a little fun or relaxing escape back there will show NOVA home buyers what they can do with the space during showing time. Remember: buyers want the whole package. As a home seller, it’s your job to showcase the potential of your home, and that includes its exterior.

The perfect backyard means fun for family and friends and a little escape haven from the stresses of everyday life. You can create one, and you don’t have to break the bank to do it! Here are a few ideas on how to obtain your own slice of paradise:

Create an interactive environment. One of the best ideas that we’ve heard about is a “Message Center.” Mount a little blackboard on the back of your house and put a little mailbox next to it. Kids will love being able to draw pictures, write messages and play games on the chalkboard, and friends and family can send little messages to one another. Little touches like that add a sense of togetherness and interaction to your backyard, and even if that isn’t going to come with the home, buyers will appreciate the ideas and potential behind it.

Spruce up the entryway into your home. Whether it’s a front or back entrance, you want each portal into your home to say “Welcome.” Adding a fresh coat of paint in a bright color will make your whole yard look much more warm and friendly.

Automate your watering. A green lawn is an enticing lawn. A drip irrigation kit that you can pre-set will keep you from having to adhere to a strict watering schedule, and it will amp up your curb appeal at the same time.

Give yourself some new lighting. When it comes to your backyard, you want to have a gentle glow throughout. It’s more flattering and better suited for entertaining. Light fixtures with a downward cast are better for this sort of scheme.

Have multi-tasking pieces. The most effective patio furniture is that which can double as storage space. Having a bench that can house toys and extra seasonal necessities will allow people to relax and have easy access to the things that they need. This is the ideal combination to have in an outdoor space.

These are just a few ideas that you can use to transform your backyard into the ideal outdoor getaway. Giving your yard a facelift will reel potential home buyers in and show them the potential that your NOVA home really has. Even if these upgrades won’t come with the home, you’ll be giving them ideas on how they can enjoy your property to its fullest if they choose to live there.

If you ever need any ideas on how to best prepare your home to sell in the Northern Virginia real estate market, don’t hesitate to contact me and ask! I’d be happy to help you and share my experiences with you. I hope to hear from you soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Have a Little Fun This Weekend in Alexandria!

As a Northern Virginia real estate agent, I service many towns and communities, but Alexandria is one of my personal favorites. As one of the bigger cities in the area, there is a vibrancy and excitement that essentially ensures that you’ll never be bored there. I make it a top priority to stay in touch with what’s happening in Alexandria because it’s a central hub in Northern Virginia, and several people in surrounding communities flock there for fun and entertainment.

This weekend, there is certainly no shortage of interesting events happening in the Alexandria area. I thought that I’d give you a little “sneak peek” in to what’s coming up. Something is bound to pique your interest!

Alexandria and the War of 1812: A Town Occupied
Saturday, August 18th, 10:00am-4:00pm
Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria, VA
History buffs everywhere will appreciate this quick look back into our area’s past. In this annual local event, knowledgeable historians will take you through the difficulties encountered by Americans during the burning of Washington and surrender of Alexandria. From 10:00am-1:00pm, you can hear some enticing lectures on the event in the former home of the Bank of Alexandria. From there, you can enjoy a tour of the museum, which will be running all day. Your kids will love it too, as they can participate in a number of activities, all of which are included with admission.

Mount Vernon Ice Cream Making Demonstrations
Saturday, August 18th, 10:00am-12:00pm
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, Alexandria, VA
Every Saturday this month, you and the kids can satisfy your sweet tooth during these special demonstrations! Watch the costumed staff of this national historic landmark make one of our founding fathers’ favorite desserts. Receive an adapted 18th century recipe for chocolate ice cream that you can make in plastic bags. Ice cream treats are an additional perk of this creative, fun, family-friendly tour!

2012 MPAT Summer Sensations Showcase
Saturday, August 18th, 7:00pm
Convergence Lab, Alexandria, VA
Are you mad for music? This showcase will give you the opportunity to hear some of the best talent in the Northern Virginia area! Acts include Abbey Smith on the piano, talented soloists from MPAT’s current and past productions and the MYTE tap ensemble. This is the ideal opportunity to see what some of the local talent has to offer and enjoy some artistic masterpieces with the entire family.

One of the best qualities of Alexandria, VA is its abundance of things to do and historical background. This weekend, you can experience what much of what the Northern Virginia area has to offer! If you have any questions about what’s happening in Alexandria or any of the surrounding communities, don’t hesitate to contact me and ask! As a Northern Virginia real estate agent, I’d be happy to help you in any way that I possibly can. I hope to hear from you very soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Tell Tale Signs the Real Estate Market is Turning Around


Many home owners and prospective home buyers doubt the turnaround of the real estate market.  The NOVA real estate market may be on a steady incline, but what exactly proves this? Reports state that market analysts believe the market is finally turning around, and there are some clear reasons as to why this could be plausible. 

The latest reports show that housing prices are on the rise.  While many see this type of increase as negative for future home buyers, it is in fact the opposite. The increase in home prices shows that buyers are willing to spend more money; therefore sellers are getting full value for their home.

Rental prices are also on the rise. It has been a long time debate on whether people should rent or buy a home in the Northern Virginia area.  Skyrocketing rents make it more financially logical for people to buy a home. In some cases reports are indicating rent is so high that it would be cheaper to pay a mortgage every month. 

People can afford to buy a home. Digging ourselves out of this recession has not been a simple task. With job security getting better and the unemployment rate dropping, more people are willing to make large financial decisions and investmetns.  Another contribution is the low mortgage rates that are making people increasingly eager to purchase a home. 

While many prospective buyers are still hesitant to purchase a home, and sellers are nervous about putting their home on the market, these few stats show steady recovery for the market. With mortgage rates continuing to fall and home and rental prices continue to rise; the market will just continue to improve.

If you have any questions regarding the real estate market, feel free to ask. Remember, if you or anyone you know is interested in buying or selling Northern Virginian Real Estate, contact me! I look forward to hearing from you!

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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