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

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Homebuyers Gaining Confidence in Northern Virginia Real Estate

Good news has come for  homebuyers in Northern Virginia! Especially those planning to purchase a home this coming year. Homebuyer confidence is rising, according to a recent Redfin survey, which means buyers are beginning to breathe a little easier when it comes to Northern Virginia real estate.

 The latest Redfin Real-Time Buyer Survey found that "homebuyer confidence picked up for the first time in 2013, a sentiment that almost certainly reflects softer competition and buyers' improved negotiating power during real estate's slow season," reported MSN Real Estate. Mortgage rates have also fallen which has eased concerns about home affordability in the  Northern Virginia real estate market.

 What's different this time around? For homebuyers their confidence is boosted by a number of things, but here's what has changed for those looking to purchase homes in Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax City, or McLean this year.

 Homebuyers are Confident
According to MSN Real Estate, after three consecutive months of decline in confidence, "28 percent of survey respondents said now is a "good" time to buy a home, up from 24 percent in the third quarter." On the same note, almost 60 percent of those surveyed believe now is an "OK" time to purchase homes in Northern Virginia which may indeed have an affect on how many of those will be entering the market in early 2014.

 Inventory Problems
Homebuyers' confidence in the market has a lot to do with the number of homes for sale in Northern Virginia. Homebuyers are increasingly frustrated with the lack of inventory and cited that as their main concern with buying a home. In addition to rising home prices, homebuyers' confidence is set to boost again this year as inventory is expected to rise as more homeowners regain positive equity in their homes and consider selling.

 Here's an idea of how homebuyers feel in the market, as projected by Redfin:


Homebuyers are gaining momentum as they prepare to buy a home in 2014 and the biggest and most important step you can take is finding a real estate agent to navigate you through the process. Ready to start your search for homes 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.

Earle Whitmore
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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 5, 2013

What NoVA Homebuyers Want: Neighborhoods

When it comes to Northern Virginia real estate, it seems homebuyers have one feature on the top of their Home Wish List— neighborhoods. But not just any kind of neighborhoods. Northern Virginia and DC homebuyers are looking specifically for neighborhoods that offer the right amount of homes and stores. In fact, what they don't want in NoVA real estate is a neighborhood with just homes.

According to the National Association of Realtors 2013 Community Preference Survey, those in the market to purchase a home (60 percent to be exact) were found to favor neighborhoods with a mix of homes, stores, and other businesses that are easy to walk around. The least desirable were neighborhoods that required homeowners to drive to home, work, and recreational locations.

In order to live in these types of neighborhoods, Americans are even willing to forgo a larger home just for the sake of a walkable home location and shorter commute time to work. As many as 57 percent of homebuyers admitted they would give up a home with a larger yard in order to have a shorter commute time and 55 percent said they would give up the yard if they were able to live within walking distance to places like stores, restaurants, and schools.

"Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach, smart growth is typically characterized by mixed-use development, higher densities, and pedestrian-friendly streets that accommodate a wide diversity of transportation models," said the NAR's President. "Growth patterns, economic development, and quality-of-life issues are inextricably linked to the success of communities and residents."

What are you looking for in a Northern Virginia or DC home? Are these types of neighborhoods on the top of your Home Wish List? With nearly 3 decades of service, experience and knowledge in the real estate industry, I'm here to help find your dream home in the NoVA areas listed below. Contact me today to start your home search and achieve your homeowner goals.


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 22, 2013

Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Stats


















































































The latest in Northern Virginia real estate market statistics to help you get a better idea of what the market looks like in our area. All statistics provided by RBIIntel.

Ready to buy? 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, October 8, 2013

Buying a Home This Fall in Northern Virginia

There's a lot to think about when it comes to buying a home in Northern Virginia. Besides all of the house hunting for Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax real estate, there are the elements of purchasing a home during this specific season— fall. What does fall bring for Northern Virginia real estate and what do you need to know? Some tips below should help you toward homebuying success.

Mortgage Rates Still Low
Everyone has heard the talk about mortgage rates increasing, but the truth remains that they are still at historic lows. Don't let the real estate talk get you down— this is a great time to purchase a home in Northern Virginia and DC. As usual, there's always the chance they won't be this low next year.

Less Inventory
It is true that fewer people buy homes during the fall as we've just come out of the busy summer buying season. You do have less competition, but in turn, have less inventory to choose from. Not many home sellers are placing their homes up for sale at this time, so there are fewer properties available.

Motivated Sellers
Despite having less inventory in the real estate market, home sellers at this time are very motivated. Their homes may not have sold in the summer and as a result, they are ready to move these properties. Consider this when making your offer on a home— you might walk away with a great deal.

Keep it Reasonable
You might be able to score a great deal on real estate in Northern Virginia and DC, but don't get too greedy. The sellers have to be equally as motivated as you are to buy the home before they agree to a low offer. Keep it reasonable and you will be in the clear.

Fall is a great time to buy a home in Northern Virginia and DC and with the right knowledge and research, you just may score your dream home at a dream price.


Ready to buy? 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 3, 2013

Who's Buying Northern Virginia Real Estate? This Group!

More and more homebuyers have been entering the real estate market, looking for homes for sale in Northern Virginia. But who makes up this group of homebuyers? According to the National Association of Realtors, "more Americans are opting to live alone, with single buyers making up a quarter of all home purchases last year."

"In the U.S., there are 33 million one-person households, and living solo is an international trend," MSN Real Estate also reported.

But why are so many Northern Virginia homebuyers living alone? The fact, as determined by sociologists, remains that among this local real estate demographic, many of them are marrying later, divorcing more, and living longer.

It has also been determined recently that more homebuyers looking for Northern Virginia real estate are single women."Solo households are mostly women: 18 million women live alone versus 14 million men [with] the majority of solo households in cities and metro areas," one sociologist reported.

With more homebuyers being single and searching for real estate in Northern Virginia, the perk is being able to focus on lifestyles and how that translates into real estate— home features, home styles, and housing characteristics that play into a homebuyer's specific interests.

Agents say single person households may tend to be drawn to more low-maintenance homes, typically condos, and yet according to data, still place a high priority on buying homes in Northern Virginia that are in good school districts— for resale purposes.

The biggest challenge for single homebuyers is qualifying for a mortgage— do you fall into that category? If you're looking to buy a house in Northern Virginia and begin discussing your options for financing your new home, contact me today.

Let me show you the Best Real Estate in Northern Virginia and help you find your dream home!

Earle Whitmore





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