Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Prep Your NoVA and DC Homes for Thanksgiving Guests

It's time for Thanksgiving and many NoVA and DC homeowners are expecting guests to flood their homes with holiday cheer. You may be ready, but is your home? It's time to prep NoVA and DC homes for the holiday with the following tips to make it easy— especially helpful if you're getting ready to sell!

 Work Ahead of Time
Just like your Thanksgiving meal, work ahead of time to prep your home for guests. Make your way into those guest bedrooms and clean out the closets to open up the room. Just like staging a home to sell in Northern Virginia, clean off countertops and entryways, removing any unnecessary items. For the holiday, keep these items out of sight and out of mind.

 Safety
Your guests don't know your home as well as you do. Install night lights and make sure your outside lights are working so they don't trip coming to the door. Bathrooms and bedrooms should also have motion activated lights to ensure safe travels through your homes in NoVA.

 Make a Good Impression
Your home's entryway will be the first thing they see, make sure it's well-equipped and clean. Give doors a new coat of paint, oil hinges to prevent squeaking, and tighten door hardware. Houselogic even suggests removing "scratches from hardwood floors, stairs, and wood railings [and placing] a small rug or welcome mat at the entrance to protect floors from mud and snow."
Sleeping Arrangements
If you have a guest room, it's helpful to install a ceiling fan/light combo to help guests control the room temperature without fiddling with the thermostat.

 Ready to move this holiday season? I can help you with Northern Virginia real estate to find a home that works for 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.

Earle Whitmore
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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Holiday Events in Northern Virginia

Get ready to kick off the holiday season in Northern Virginia and DC with the following seasonal events! For homebuyers, residents, and tourists alike— there is nothing like the holidays in  Northern Virginia. Here are some great opportunities to enjoy the area this time of year in communities like Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church:

 Visit Santa at the Ice Palace
November 9, 2013 to December 24, 2013; Mall hours
Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax VA

 Fair Oaks spectacular interactive Ice Palace with visits to Santa and the Ice Princes is an endearing holiday tradition throughout the DC area. The Ice Palace features a 30-foot ice dome with falling snow, interactive multi-sensory elements, larger-than-life snow globes with animals and images from BBC's "Frozen Planet," and a light show beneath twinkling icicles descending from Fair Oaks' 65-foot atrium. Come immerse yourself into a winter wonderland!

 Bull Run Festival of Lights
November 20, 2013 to January 5, 2014; 5:30 to 9:30 PM, Monday through Thursday, 5:30 to 10 PM Friday through Sunday
Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville VA

 For more than 12 years the Bull Run Festival of Lights at Bull Run Regional Park has drawn thousands of visitors from hundreds of miles away to Centreville, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. This year's festival opens November 20th and runs  through January 5th, 2014!  The Bull Run Festival of Lights is held each year to celebrate the winter holiday 
season. The event sees more than 30,000 cars each season, and over 130,000 people!

 A Broadway Christmas Carol
November 21, 2013 to December 22, Times vary
1201 N. Royal St, Alexandria VA

 Just as much a holiday tradition as presents under the tree, “A Christmas Carol” is the classic Dickens’ tale that has been retold for decades. At the Metro Stage, the story is told along with parodies of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most popular Broadway songs to create a laugh-out-loud evening.

 13th Annual Enchanted Forest Extravaganza
November 23, 2013 to November 24, 2013
The Westin Tyson's Corner, Falls Church VA

 Stroll through the whimsical forest of theme-decorated holiday trees and handmade gingerbread homes, have Georgetown Cupcakes & Cocoa with the Snow Fairy Princess or Breakfast and a Photo with Santa. Enjoy a wine course and dessert tasting with with Lost Creek Winery! On Saturday, come out for an evening gala celebration with open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a DJ, a photo booth and Vegas-style gaming from Always Fun Casinos for the adults. 
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, October 15, 2013

Why You'll Want to Sell Your NOVA Home Now

The busy homebuying season of the summer is officially over and homebuyers are getting ready to enter the real estate market again. But there is one other category in Northern Virginia real estate who would do well to hit the local markets now— home sellers! Below are four reasons why it's a great time to put your house on the market:

You're in Demand
Northern Virginia homes for sale are high in demand right now. As the summer buying season is over, the inventory is now lower. NOVA and DC homebuyers are starting to flood local real estate markets, but do not have much to pick from. List your home for sale and attract buyers while they're serious about buying a home in Northern Virginia.

New Construction Becoming More Popular
In the past, home sellers did not have to compete much with new construction homes in Northern Virginia. However, now builders are jumping back in and ready to provide homebuyers with a shiny, new option for homebuyers. Think about selling your home now before new construction becomes the hot ticket in real estate.

Interest Rates are on the Move
They're rising once again! According to KCM, "Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have softened recently," however many real estate experts are predicting rates will begin to rise again later this year.

No matter if you're moving up in homes for sale in Northern Virginia or down, purchasing a new home next year will indeed cost more than if you acted upon moving right now.

It's Time for a Change
Now is a great time to make a move to a new home in the Northern Virginia areas of Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church. Think about saving yourself the money in the long run and starting your home search for a new home now. It all starts with selling your current home and I have the experience and industry know-how to lead you on the right path.

Ready to sell? 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, September 24, 2013

Northern Virginia Real Estate Trends— Buying a House Before Marriage

The American dream of owning a home is still alive and well and it seems more popular among those soon to be married. According to AOL Real Estate, Northern Virginia homebuyers may actually be better off purchasing a home before they tie the knot. Here are some reasons to consider buying a home in the Northern Virginia or DC areas if you're in this situation:

Debt
The most limiting factor in buying Northern Virginia real estate is the debt of your future spouse. For instance, if your future spouse has a low credit score, credit card debt, auto loans, and other financial obligations, you may have trouble qualifying for homes for sale in Northern Virginia. In some cases, by purchasing a house before you're married, you can avoid this problem.

 Credit Score
If you have a higher credit score than your future spouse, it is important to know that lenders often take the lower of the scores. Because of this, you may be granted a higher interest rate even if you have a higher credit score. The way around it? You guessed it. Buying a home before you get married— if you know your credit scores now, you may be able to improve them before the time comes to buy.

 Cash
If your spouse cannot source cash deposits in their bank account, it's a losing situation for the both of you. AOL Real Estate advises, "the mortgage company is still required by federal law to source any deposits beyond one's normal income source. [This is] another problem that's solved by buying the house first."

 Loan Type
When using a conventional loan for your Northern Virginia home, and the other spouse is not included on the loan, their debts will not be included in your ratio that determines how much you are able to borrow in a home loan. However, they will be factored in when using FHA, VA, and USDA loans.

The moral of this real estate story? Buying a home when you're married can limit your lending options. Ready to start the search with a trusted, experienced real estate professional? Contact me today to discuss your options and begin the home search.


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, August 27, 2013

Mortgages and the Northern Virginia Home Seller

The word mortgage is in every NOVA homebuyer and seller's vocabulary and now, as rates rise with Northern Virginia real estate supply and demand, it's important to know the basics. Cash offers may come in and you might be tempted, but knowing how to prioritize and sort through the others might actually be the better option. A better approach is indeed to consider all of your home seller opportunities:

 Cash Offers
An all-cash offer should always peak a home seller's interest, especially since this often provides a quicker sale and closing. After all, a failure to secure proper financing for one's NOVA real estate transaction is the number one reason why deals fall through. 

 "A cash offer isn't a guarantee, however. And there's another downside for the seller: Most cash offers come from investors looking to "fix and flip" houses they buy at a discount," one home loan expert told MSN Real Estate. "These investors don't plan to occupy these houses for the long term, if at all."

 Taking a cash offer is often a good bet that you'll receive your money quicker and sell faster, but on the other hand, with a homebuyer who secures financing, you might be able to make money in the process.

 Pre-qualification Letters
These letters are written by lenders to state that a homebuyer is qualified to obtain financing for homes for sale in Northern Virginia. But, not all of these are created equal, and it's up to the real estate agent and seller to do some research to determine which are best. While loan officers cannot give a homebuyers personal details, they can discuss their strengths and just how qualified they are.

 Closing Deals
Either way, NOVA home sellers have the ability to choose which offer best suits them and their real estate needs and wants. Cash offers do often mean a closing is imminent and a quick one at that, with no hassle of financing. But if you, the home seller, feel strongly about another offer, it's important you research before making the final decision.

 Selling your home in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, or the DC area? Contact me today to plan out the best strategy for closing on your home.


Earle Whitmore


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Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Northern Virginia Real Estate: Pricing Your NOVA Home to Sell

There's no doubt that more homebuyers are making their way into the Northern Virginia real estate market, with confidence high in buying a house. As a result, confidence is building with sellers too— with more ready to list their homes and move on to their next dream home in the NOVA or DC area.

First on their list? Pricing their home appropriately. Pricing one's home can be a tricky subject and can cause a home to sit with no activity if its not done well. In this case, the key to pricing your NOVA home to sell begins with pricing it on the higher end.

According to a new study by researchers Grace Bucchianeri and Julia Minson, "the higher a home is priced at the outset, the more likely it is that it will get a higher offer from a buyer."

That may come as a surprise to NOVA home sellers as a popular pricing strategy in real estate is to underprice a home in order to spark a bidding war. However, the researchers in this new study say this is ineffective as there are seldom enough buyers in a given real estate market to create the "herding effect" to increase prices. In fact, the researchers found underpricing a home could actually lead to a lower sales price than anticipated.

NOVA homebuyers may take into account a wide range of housing prices in their home search, but always refer back to their original first impressions when making a decision to buy a house in Northern Virginia. 

Your best bet and first item on your home seller to-do list? Wow the homebuyers with curb appeal, as well as interior staging, and price your home on the higher side to inspire higher sales prices. Ready to take the next step in selling your NOVA home or make a move to Alexandria, Fairfax, or other area of our great NOVA community? Contact us today!
Earle Whitmore


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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

What to Do in Northern Virginia— Upcoming NOVA Events

With Back to School just around the corner, summer vacations ending, and schedules starting to get busy once again, you may need some down time just to prepare for what's ahead this fall. How about a Staycation? Northern Virginia has many fun events coming up that allow you to stay close to home and still experience a vacation-type scenario. Here's a look at what to do in NOVA and DC this fall:

 First Annual Chesapeake Crab & Wine Feast
August 17, 2013, 5 PM to 8 PM
The Harvest House at Lost Creek Winery
Leesburg, VA
“Crack, Sip & Savor” crabs and wine at the 1st Annual Chesapeake Crab & Wine Feast. Featuring the release of Lost Creek’s Reserve Chardonnay, join the owners of Lost Creek for a festive evening including an all you can eat gourmet menu. Live music by Josh Burgess will accompany your meal. Reserve your seat now as tickets will not be available at the event.

 Doggie Yappy Hour
August 15, 20, 22, Tuesday and Thursdays, 5 PM
Hotel Monaco, Alexandria, VA
Put a twist on your happy hour this Tuesday and Thursday! Take your favorite canine companion to Jackson 20, where Fido can enjoy complimentary treats while you drink and dine. Dogs must have tags and a 6-foot leash.

 Virginia Scottish Games & Festival
August 31 through September 1, 2013, 9 AM to 6 PM
Great Meadow, Old Tavern Road, The Plains
No matter your heritage, this is a festival you will not want to miss! Including two action-packed days, this festival is meant to celebrate those in Northern Virginia with Scottish heritage, but will be entertaining for all. Expect the event to be reminiscent of a county fair, but with much more of a global appeal. Two day, $30. Single day, $20.

 Washington Nationals Baseball Boat Water Taxi
Through September 21, 2013, Recurring Daily
Potomac Riverboat Company, Alexandria, VA
Skip the traffic and ride this baseball boat to a game at the Washington Nationals Stadium, located in Southeast DC. Free parking pass with online ticket purchase.

 Chamber Music Concert with Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
August 25, 2013, 3 PM
Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association, Alexandria, VA
Concert featuring Violinist Will Hurd and Pianist Elizabeth Hill. Music by Bach, Brahms, and Hindemith.

 Northern Virginia BrewFest
October 19-20, 2013, 11 AM to 7 PM
Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville, VA
This World Beer Experience will feature more than 40 of the world’s best breweries, plenty of delicious food to complement the craft beers, outstanding local and regional bands providing entertainment as well as artists, crafters and retail vendors for your early holiday shopping!


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