October is here! Fall is officially underway which brings about its own share of tasks for Northern Virginia homeowners— raking leaves, cleaning out the fireplace, updating decor and now, preparing for Halloween. You might not have anticipated getting ready for trick or treaters, but there are a few ways you can make sure the path to your door is as safe as possible.
Clear the way
Just as you would do to prepare for potential Northern Virginia homebuyers, you need to ensure the pathways are unobstructed. While it's still daylight, inspect your lawn, driveway and other pathways for anything that could prove an obstacle. That means tree roots, fallen branches, or even cracks in the pavement. Make updates and repairs where you can or at the very least, block off these areas.
It's also important to make sure your Halloween decor is not in the way. Things like extension cords or small pumpkins can cause trick or treaters to trip.
Light the way
While you don't need to install extra lighting along the pathways of your home in McLean, Mount Vernon, Arlington, Centreville, Fairfax City or Reston, there are other ways to light the way. You can use your pumpkins, glow sticks, luminaries or tea lights to help Halloween visitors find your door. And unless you're attempting to avoid the candy-giving ritual, it's always safer to keep the porch light on.
Be fire-conscious
I know I mentioned how important it is to light the way to your door, but it's also a must to keep paper and other decorations away from any flames. Halloween tends to bring candle lit decor to the forefront and while it does help your Northern Virginia property look the part, you can achieve the same look with LED tea lights. Not an option for you? Take extra precautions to keep corn stalks, hay and paper out of the fire.
Calm your dog
If you're a dog lover like me, chances are you'll be getting your pets in the Halloween spirit too. However, your dog might not love all of the costumes and visitors to your home that night. It's not only safe for your dog, but for the trick or treaters if you keep your pets in a calming, indoor space away from the front door.
I'm happy to provide tips for keeping your homes in Northern Virginia as safe as possible. If you have any questions about the local real estate market, do not hesitate to reach out!
Have a safe and happy Halloween this 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.
Homebuyers today have many options when choosing to sell their current home or buy a new property in Northern Virginia. And while it may seem tempting to forgo the real estate agent altogether, it's important to remember everything an agent can do for you!
With my decades of experience in Northern Virginia real estate, you can count on the following:
I'll handle the paperwork and disclosures
In today's real estate industry, there are many regulations and disclosures involved in the process of both buying and selling homes. When you forgo the real estate agent, all of this falls on your shoulders to understand. But when you choose to partner with an experienced agent, you can rest assured knowing I will handle all of the documents involved in a transaction!
I've been there before
As one of the top producing real estate professionals in the Northern Virginia/DC area, I have closed many real estate transactions. I am here to help with both your home purchase and your home sale— whichever stage of the game you may be in right now. I have been there before and am well-educated in every aspect of the sale— let my experience go to work for you!
I'll act as the buffer
There are many people and parties to negotiate with during a real estate transaction in Northern Virginia. All of the negotiating will fall on you when you forgo the agent, but I am here to act as the buffer between you as the home seller or homebuyer and the other parties involved.
I'll find the right pricing strategy
Agreeing on a sales price for your home in Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, Mount Vernon or Fairfax is one of the most important factors in the entire process. I know the in's and out's of the market in the Northern Virginia/DC area and will use my knowledge to find the right price for your home. Don't head into your home sale blind— together we can work to find a price that's attractive to homebuyers.
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.
When you first move into a home in Northern Virginia, you might be overwhelmed with home project ideas. From painting the house to renovating the kitchen, it's hard to prioritize what needs to be done and how to stay on budget.
If you've just moved in or are in the process of house hunting and deciding which home to buy, here are a few tips to help you stay on task.
Take notes around the home
Any time you decide to take on a home project, you should plan out the process and assess the conditions of the space. For instance, what needs to be done versus what you'd like to get done first. Is the flooring damaged? Are the appliances not running their best? These may be prioritized ahead of simply changing out paint colors that you don't love.
Determine your budget
Just as you did before buying a home in Alexandria, McLean, Mount Vernon or Fairfax, you need to set a budget. It's easy for home projects to get out of hand, especially if you don't have a dollar amount in mind. You do not want to go into debt over one single home project, so be mindful of what you're spending!
Write out your plan
Now that you know what needs to be done and how much you can spend, it's time to make a plan. Write out your strategy for your home projects, whether that means you go from room to room or you plan to tackle the home as a whole, such as painting every space. Also take into account how much energy you have to devote to each project. If you've just moved into your Northern Virginia home, you might not feel up to a big task!
As your Northern Virginia real estate expert, I have decades of experience to help homebuyers, home sellers and homeowners alike make a smooth transition into communities like Annandale, Arlington, Centreville and Reston. Contact me today with any questions you might have!
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.
There's no doubt that fall in Northern Virginia is one of the best times of year. Not only do the leaves begin to fall and the scenery begin to change, but the area also welcomes seasonal festivals like the Alexandria Festival of the Arts and numerous fall harvests.
Below are a few events you can add to your mid-September calendar to enjoy the best of Northern Virginia in communities like Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington and Centreville.
DC Shorts Film Festival
September 11-21, 2014
Times vary
3002 District Ave
Fairfax, VA
If you love watching movies, you'll love this Fairfax festival spanning over 11 days. The festival will show a total of 135 films from 25 different countries throughout the event. From animated films to documentaries and more, there is a movie of every genre to be enjoyed this year.
12th Annual Alexandria Festival of the Arts
September 13, 2014; 10 AM to 7 PM
September 14, 2014; 10 AM to 5 PM
King Street
Alexandria, VA
This free event is hosted on King Street in Alexandria, transforming historic main street into an outdoor event venue. Featuring local jewelry, sculptures, photography, ceramics and more over the downtown's six blocks. And being that this is the 12th year for the arts festival, all attendees will be able to purchase and take home a piece of artwork which in total amounts to over $15 million.
Irish Folk Festival
September 13, 2014
12 PM to 8:30 PM
3740 Old Lee Highway
3791 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA
This year's Irish Folk Festival in Fairfax will allow attendees to experience the rich culture of Irish music, language, dance, sport and of course food! You can expect to find step dancing and other performances, as well as lessons and workshops in history, genealogy and language.
Not only is fall in Northern Virginia a great time to experience the scenery, but also the culture and history of the various communities. From Fairfax to Falls Church, McLean and Mount Vernon— this season will be packed with events and opportunities to get to know your neighbors as well as local vendors.
With my experience in the area, I can answer any questions you might have on the local real estate market in addition to how you can make NoVA your home. No matter if you're planning to sell your home or purchase a new home, I'd love to hear from 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.
When it comes to creating an inviting space in your Northern Virginia home, it's not all just about hanging a wreath on the door and setting out the welcome mat. Creating an ideal space is much about how your furniture is arranged inside and how easily your guests—or potential homebuyers—can navigate it.
As you prepare for the new fall season, give your home a spruce by moving furniture around. These arranging tips will help your home in Northern Virginia feel more open and bonus, boost appeal for homebuyers if you're selling the property.
Find the Focal Point
What is the focal point of the living room in your Northern Virginia home? Is it a great view or a fireplace or maybe just the television? Start by placing the biggest piece of furniture directly facing the focal point and angle all other pieces toward it. For instance, the couch should be placed straight in front of the television with armchairs angled on each side.
Direct through the Space
Find the doorways of the room and allow a straight path through the space. This allows guests and potential NoVA homebuyers to easily move from room to room. Imagine there is a line from doorway to doorway and create a trail on either side of it.
Keep Symmetry in Mind
While it is important to mind the focal point of the room, it's also important to encourage conversation and interaction with furniture arrangement. One common way to do this is to move two couches to face each other, keeping the focal point on one end. No one has a direct view of the focal point, thus making the set up great for entertaining.
If you're getting ready to sell your home in the Northern Virginia area, I'm here to help! I have decades of experience to assist you with the sale and also shed light on what homebuyers are looking for in a home, including what appeals to them with home staging. Contact me today to chat about how you can boost your home's image to buyers.
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.
