Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Northern Virginia Real Estate: Selling a Home During the Holidays

While many Northern Virginia residents would love to receive a new home for the holidays, not many are up to the task of selling a home during this time. But don't be discouraged! Selling a home during the holidays can happen and there are quite a few reasons a home seller may choose to list their property now.

 You're relocating
If your purpose for listing your Northern Virginia home is relocation, either out of state or to a new community, it is perfectly fine to sell now. Teaming up with a great real estate agent is half of the battle when listing during the off-season and I am happy to help! Remember, a well-priced home in great condition can sell nearly any time.

 Buyers are serious
Home sellers in Northern Virginia are recognizing that buyers are motivated right now— and there are many of them waiting for the perfect property. With inventory low, you have a chance of standing out among other homes for sale and finding a serious buyer who has a deadline for moving during these holiday months.

 The holidays are an emotional time
Think about it— the process of choosing your next place to live is an emotional experience, as are the holidays. Sellers can cozy up their properties, using the scents and sounds of the season, to help buyers feel more at home. Buyers may also have family in town, and children on school vacation, thus giving them more time to house hunt and other opinions to help them choose. 

 Fewer homes for sale
As I mentioned above, there are fewer homes for sale in McLean, Annandale, Arlington, Fairfax City, Falls Church and Alexandria during the holidays. The majority of Northern Virginia home sellers are not aware that the holidays can be a lucrative time to sell, given the current real estate market conditions. Listing now can help your home stand out in the community.

 Don't wait until spring to list your home in NoVa! The holidays can be an opportune time as well and as your local real estate agent, I am here to answer any questions you have about selling over the next few months!

I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna.

Earle Whitmore
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Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Celebrate Thanksgiving in Northern Virginia: Reston, Centreville, Fairfax

You may have seen your neighbors start to decorate their homes or may have even pulled the decor out yourself. But with Thanksgiving next week, the holiday season is about to officially begin in Northern Virginia. 

 There will be holiday-themed events including a parade in Reston, a christmas carol presentation in Fairfax and dozens of runs like the Turkey Trot in Centreville to counteract your Thanksgiving feasting. 

 Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
November 27, 2014; 8 AM
Centreville, VA

 Just before your Thanksgiving dinner, you can participate in this 5K Run and 2K Walk in Centreville. This year marks the 26th annual race that takes place every Thanksgiving, rain or shine. Adults, kids and even pets can head out on a leisurely stroll with the 2K or compete in the 5K. Admission ranges from $10 - $35. 

 Reston Holiday Parade
November 28, 2014; 8 AM
Reston, VA

 This year's 23rd annual Reston Holiday Parade and celebration is a Macy's-style event that takes place right here in Northern Virginia. Complete with balloons, music, dancers, antique cars and more, the one-hour parade along Market Street ends with the arrival of Santa. 

 Carols by Candlelight
November 29, 2014
Fairfax, VA

 Get in the holiday spirit with an a cappella performance by Seraphic Fire. The candlelight performance will mix classic carols with contemporary music and chanting— something you won't want to miss!

 As your Northern Virginia real estate professional, I look forward to sharing new ways for residents and potential homebuyers alike to enjoy the local communities. The holiday season is perfect for exploring Northern Virginia and I am happy to provide recommendations, from local events to available homes. 

 Contact me 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.

Earle Whitmore
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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Northern Virginia Real Estate: Buying a Home Before Winter

Winter brings many great things to Northern Virginia, but an ideal moving scenario is not one of them. And while you can indeed buy a home during the winter season, it's important to note that the process can take longer than usual.

 If you're on the fence about buying a home in McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Chantilly, Centreville, Alexandria, Arlington or Falls Church, now is the time to get started. I have over three decades of real estate experience to help you find your dream home before winter and enjoy the holiday season in your new surroundings.

 Northern Virginia homebuyers should be sure to take the following into consideration in their decision to buy before winter:

 Mortgage Rates
We recently saw record lows for mortgage rates, but they are now back around four percent. If you missed buying a home at a low rate, don't wait longer! Mortgage rates will continue to increase and could be up as much as a full percentage point by the end of next year.

 The Process
In my last blog post, I discussed the mortgage process and how you can better prepare yourself this year. However, during the holiday season, the entire process tends to slow down. With all of the paperwork necessary, the lender and your timing, it can take much longer for everything to come together than it would be if you purchased a home now.

 Home Prices
Home prices, like mortgage rates, are on the rise! In fact, one of the reasons many home sellers are now ready to move is due to these higher prices. Waiting to buy a home in Northern Virginia could mean edging yourself out of a great deal. 

There is no time like the present to purchase a home, whether you're moving up, moving down or simply moving to a new location. I'm happy to help you every step of the way to ensure you're in a new home before the winter season arrives.

 Contact me 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.

Earle Whitmore
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Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Breaking Down the Mortgage Process for Northern Virginia Homebuyers

Buying a home in Northern Virginia has many steps— from house hunting to beginning the mortgage process. And while finding your dream home may not be a quick and easy feat, the mortgage process can appear much scarier to some buyers. 

As your Northern Virginia real estate expert, I look forward to simplifying the real estate process for my clients, including the process of obtaining a mortgage! I have three decades of experience and can recommend area finance professionals to put you at ease. 

What else do you need to know about the mortgage process? The following should help break it down and further calm your nerves about buying a home in communities like Alexandria, Springfield, Fairfax, Falls Church or Arlington this year.

You need: Down payment
To qualify for a mortgage in Northern Virginia, a down payment of anywhere from 5 to 20 percent is helpful. Don't let previous assumptions about money down stop you from purchasing your dream home— depending on the type of mortgage you choose, your down payment could be as low as the single digits. 

You need: Income verification, credit history
Your lender will want to see verification of your income and your credit history to ensure you have the funds to make a monthly mortgage payment. Now is the time to put together all of your documents, keep them organized and research your credit history to ensure there are no errors. If there are, correct them before you begin!

A stable income and good credit history will put you on the path to homebuyer success.

You need: Appraisal
The lender will need to verify the value of the home you wish to purchase in Northern Virginia. 

You need: A real estate agent
Remember that your real estate agent has done this before— leave it to the pros! Team up with an experienced agent in NoVA who can answer any concerns or questions you have about the process. I am happy to help!

I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna.

Earle Whitmore
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