Tuesday, January 26, 2016

How to Protect Your Northern Virginia, DC Home From the Snow

This weekend's historic blizzard dropped loads of snow onto many Northern Virginia and DC homeowner's rooftops. And while some were prepared for the storm, others were scrambling to de-ice sidewalks and driveways and protect pipes after the fact. 

 In a previous blog post, I shared a few tips for preparing your NoVA home for winter and now I'm happy to provide a few more suggestions to protect your property from the snow. The cold, winter conditions can wreak havoc on your home and it's important to take the following steps ahead of time:

Shut off outdoor faucets
Be sure to shut off inside valves for your outdoor faucets and unhook hoses. Any excess water left in the exterior faucets should be drained ahead of a snowfall in Alexandria, Arlington, Annandale, Fairfax, Falls Church or the surrounding communities. When the temperatures dip low, the pipes leading to these faucets are susceptible to damage, so you might also consider wrapping them in a towel for added insulation.

 Protect indoor pipes
Cold air can also put your indoor pipes at risk of bursting. Open your cabinet doors under the sink to allow warm air from your home to circulate inside. If necessary, you can always turn up the heat inside your NoVA home to warm up the pipes.

 Clean the gutters
Prior to a snowstorm, your gutters should be clear of any leaves as ice dams can form and flood your home.

 Purchase salt and sand
Sprinkling salt or sand ahead of a snowfall can actually cut down on your shoveling time! A few hours before the snowfall, toss on walkways and driveways to be safe.

 Check carbon monoxide detectors
Gas appliances and wood-burning fireplaces have the potential to produce carbon monoxide, so it is always wise to conduct a routine check of your detectors. 

 As your local Northern Virginia real estate expert, I am here to answer any questions you might have about buying or selling a home in the winter months—as well as year-round—so do not hesitate to contact me!
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, January 19, 2016

Northern Virginia, DC Homebuyers: Should You Choose A New or Existing Home?

Even if you've already made your homebuyer wish list—detailing everything you want in a property from number of bedrooms to outdoor space—you may not have considered the age of the home itself. Should you choose a new construction home that includes the items on your wish list? Or should you go with an existing property in NoVA that you can make your own?

 Before you begin house-hunting, you should be prepared to answer these questions and as your local real estate expert in Northern Virginia, I'm including a few points below that can help you decide!

 New Home Pros
  • You'll be the first to live in the house.
  • Appliances are brand-new and covered by warranties.
  • Appliances, roofing and major household systems like plumbing and HVAC will have years before they need to be replaced.
  • New homes will have the latest energy-efficient and safety features.
  • Less maintenance.
New Home Cons
  • A new home will generally cost more per square foot. 
  • Even with new appliances and systems, new homes are subject to malfunctions and breaks just like any other home.
  • If customizing your home, you may have to compromise on choices like cabinets and flooring due to budget.
Existing Home Pros
  • Existing homes generally cost less per square foot and give the NoVA homeowner more value for their money.
  • You can channel the price difference into renovations and upgrades.
  • Move-in dates tend to be quicker than homes that need to be customized or finished.
  • Existing homes already have appliances, landscaping and features included— you don't need to choose prior to move-in.
Existing Home Cons
  • Appliances and major systems can be older and in need of repair when you purchase the home.
  • The home may have had multiple owners.
  • Existing homes, depending on their age, may have electrical or plumbing that is not up to current standards.
  • Renovations can uncover damage from previous years and owners.
Have an idea of which type of home you'd like to purchase this year? Need a little more assistance with your decision? I'm here to help! 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, January 12, 2016

3 Northern Virginia Home Upgrades to Make with Your Tax Refund

Early in the year, Northern Virginia and DC area residents begin to prepare their taxes and thinking one step ahead, plan ways to spend their refund. While you likely have dozens of ideas about how you're going to spend your money this year, why not invest it back into your home? 

 The following home upgrades actually pay off at resale and will be well worth their initial cost:

 Remodeled Kitchen
Upgrading your kitchen is one of the smartest investments you can make in your NoVA home. Stick to high-quality fixtures, including stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. However, also keep in mind the size of your home when remodeling. If your home is a smaller, two-bedroom, you may not recoup all of your investment. Do not be afraid to ask your real estate agent about the best upgrades for your home's size if you're planning to sell this year!

 New windows
During the winter months, you may notice drafts around your windows and doors, not to mention higher energy bills each month. Replacing windows will keep your home warmer and intrigue NoVA buyers that are looking for a newly-updated home.

 Landscaping
Curb appeal is the first thing a buyer will notice when they visit your home or view it online. Every addition from hedges to flower beds is well worth your while as a homeowner as these tell homebuyers that you care about your property and its upkeep.

 If you're thinking about selling your home in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax or the surrounding communities, it is wise to invest in the upgrades that will pay off! Contact me today with any questions about the real estate market or for more information about selling your home for top dollar in Northern Virginia!
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, January 5, 2016

5 Things to Do This January in Northern Virginia

January can indeed be a time when the winter blues set in, but not with the ongoing list of fun events in Northern Virginia to kick off the new year! This month's calendar in Alexandria, Arlington, Chantilly, Reston, Vienna and beyond is packed with family-friendly activities to get you moving again and take your focus off of the dark, dreary days of winter!

 I've selected a few events happening in the area this month that you'll want to add to your schedule— take a look:

 An Evening with the Gonzal Bergara Quartet
When: January 13, 2016; 7:30 PM
Where: Jammin' Java, Vienna VA

 The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet will mix the sounds of Paris and Argentina this month, with a form they call "Gypsy Jazz." The group performs on various string instruments and presents their audience with the likes of sounds you may have never heard before. 

 Reston Orchestra MLK Concert
When: January 16, 2016; 4 PM to 5:30 PM
Where: Reston Community Center, Reston VA

 The Reston Community Orchestra will present their 10th Annual "Remembering the Dream" concert this month, the weekend before Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The concert is free to attend and will feature many songs inspired by the great leader.

 Snow White
When: Through January 17, 2016
Where: Encore Stage and Studio, Arlington VA

 It seems January is the month of culture and memorable performances in Northern Virginia! The classic Snow White fairy tale will come to the stage in a musical adaptation in this NOVA performance, featuring all of your favorite characters.

 Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
When: January 29, 30, 31, 2016
Where: Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly VA

This festival features the nation's most talented artists, both displaying and selling their wares. In fact, this craft festival was rated one of the Top Craft Experiences in the Country, so you won't want to miss it!

 Civil War Ball
When: January 23, 2016; 8 PM to 10 PM
Where: Gadsby's Tavern Museum, Alexandria VA

 This is your chance to dress up in your best Civil War-era ensemble and attend an evening of elegance in Alexandria! There will be live music, dance instruction and 1860's inspired desserts at this 19th century themed ball. 

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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