Showing posts with label Northern Virginia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Northern Virginia. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Common Reasons Northern Virginia Homeowners Overprice Their Homes

With home sales rising and home prices following suit, many Northern Virginia residents have begun the process of listing their properties to take advantage of this exciting time in the market. But one common disconnect between homeowners and their agents is the price at which they believe they should list the property. 

 The price homeowners have in mind is oftentimes not realistic for the local market and takes into account a variety of factors including their emotional ties to the home. Finding a comfortable price for you can be a major obstacle when selling your home and you may need to compromise— just take a look at these common reasons homeowners overprice their homes in Northern Virginia:

 You think your decor is the best
Naturally, your home in NoVA will represent your unique tastes and style, but keep in mind that it may not do the same for other buyers. Your knick-knacks, bright colors on the walls and large furniture items can get in the way of buyers envisioning themselves living in the home, so take care to scale back on these during the selling process.

 You have emotional ties
Homeowners who have lived in a property for several years will develop emotional ties to the home, especially if you've raised your family there. In your mind, the home's worth may be far more than what buyers are willing to pay, so remind yourself to be realistic and remove your homeowner hat. It's important to look at the property as a buyer, without emotional ties, in order to find an accurate price.

 You want to make a major profit
Who doesn't want to make a profit when selling their NoVA home? This may tempt you to drive up the price, but don't be too hasty. Your home value is dependent on the current market, comparable properties and its condition. Just because you need a specific amount of money from the sale to purchase your next dream home does not mean you can or will sell your home for that amount.

 Questions about selling your home in NoVA? 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, June 28, 2016

Fourth of July Events and Fireworks in Northern Virginia!

It's that time of year again! Fourth of July is next week and for those of us in Northern Virginia, that means making plans to celebrate our nation's independence and of course, take in a fireworks display or two! 

 Below are a few of the many events planned for the NoVA and DC area this Fourth of July— so be sure to mark your calendar!

 Mount Vernon Independence Day Celebration - July 2, 2016; 8 AM to 5 PM; George Washington's Mount Vernon. All day long, Mount Vernon will be hosting fun and games, mansion tours, musical performances and even a meet and greet with the First Couple themselves!

Independence Fireworks - July 2, 2016; 6 PM to 10 PM; George Washington's Mount Vernon. Visit Mount Vernon for an evening of fireworks set to patriotic music!

 4th of July at Longbridge Park - July 4, 2016; 5 PM to 10 PM; Long Bridge Park, Arlington VA. This FREE Fourth of July event is now in its fifth year, returning with games, live music, a food truck rally and more!

Fairfax Fourth of July Celebration - July 4, 2016; 10 AM to 10:30 PM; Old Town Historic Fairfax VA. Don't miss the largest FREE parade in Northern Virginia! Parade begins at 10 AM, winding through Old Town Fairfax and continues at Fairfax High School for entertainment at 7 PM and fireworks at 9:30 PM!

 4th of July in Herndon - July 4, 2016; 6:30 PM to 10 PM; Bready Park, Herndon VA. Enjoy this classic celebration featuring arts, crafts, games, music and more! Choreographed musical fireworks show begins at 9:30. 

 4th of July in Falls Church - July 4, 2016; 7 PM to 10 PM; City Hall and George Mason High School, Falls Church VA. This free events includes a musical performance beginning at 7 PM, followed by fireworks at 9:20 PM. 

 Town of Vienna Fourth of July Celebration - July 4, 2016; 4 PM to 10:30 PM; Southside Park, Vienna VA. The fun begins at 4 PM with food, a chili dog eating contest, musical entertainment starting at 7 PM and fireworks at 9:30 PM. 

 4th of July Hometown Celebration - July 4, 2016; 8 AM to 9:30 PM; Great Falls Village Centre and Turner Farm Park, Great Falls VA. The 5K and festivities begin at 8 AM at Great Falls Village Centre, followed by a parade at 10 AM, and fireworks at Turner Farm Park. Gates open at 6 PM. 

 McLean Fireworks - July 4, 2016; 6:30 PM; Churchill Road Elementary School, McLean VA. New location this year! Grounds open at 6:30 PM for fireworks show at dusk. 

 I wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!

 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, May 24, 2016

What to Do This Memorial Day Weekend in Northern Virginia

Just as we've been anticipating here in Northern Virginia, the unofficial start of summer will arrive this weekend! Memorial Day typically kicks off the season with a long weekend of barbecues, beach visits, pool time and afternoons spent in the sun. 

 If you'll be in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax, McLean, Mount Vernon or the surrounding communities this weekend, here are a few events that you will want to add to your calendar:

 Memorial Day Observance Arlington National Cemetery. May 30, 2016; 10:30 AM. Arlington, VA. Around 5,000 visitors are expected to attend each of the two ceremonies planned for Memorial Day in the amphitheater beginning at 10:30 AM. After, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at 11 AM, followed by an observance program in the amphitheater.

 Star-Spangled Sing-Along. May 28, 2016; 2 PM. Reston, VA. Everyone is encouraged to attend this free patriotic sing-along with the Reston Chorale. This event will be held at the Reston Town Center Pavilion and include kids activities and refreshments.

 ViVa Vienna! Memorial Day Festival. May 28-30, 2016; 10 AM to 10 PM Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, Monday. Vienna, VA. This local NoVA event is free to attend and 100% of the proceeds go to support charitable and community organizations. Attendees can expect rides, over 300 vendors, food, crafts and more! 

 39th Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival. May 30, 2016; 1 PM to 5 PM. Alexandria, VA. Free to attend, this popular festival celebrates the holiday with jazz by the river. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. This year's festival will hold performances on the hour beginning at 1 PM, with the last beginning at 5 PM.

 Memorial Day Festival and Parade. May 30, 2016; 9 AM. Falls Church, VA. With more than 10,000 visitors expected to gather on the City Hall grounds, the Memorial Day Festival in Falls Church includes a Fun Run (9 AM), veterans' ceremony (11 AM), kids activities, food, vendors, parade (2 PM) and more!

 As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions about the Northern Virginia real estate market— I'm here to help! I wish you a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend! 

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, April 26, 2016

3 Hassles to Avoid When Moving to a New Northern Virginia Home

Moving to a new home in Northern Virginia can be a stressful process, no matter what time of year it is. In fact, failing to do enough research before your move can cause even more problems that will dampen your excitement about your fresh, new start. 

 As your local NoVA real estate expert, I am sharing three common moving hassles that can throw a wrench into new homeowner plans for an easy transition. Each of these can be avoided with enough planning and research, so you will want to begin long before Moving Day!

 1. Not Researching the Moving Company
When you're choosing a moving company to help shuffle your belongings from home to home, it is important to do the background work. Gather recommendations from family and friends, or even your real estate agent, on the best team for the job. Checking references and reading all customer reviews can also offer insight into the abilities of the moving team.

 2. Not Reading the Moving Contract
Go over every line of the moving contract prior to signing on the dotted line. Oftentimes, these contracts come with fine print and disclaimers and you do not want any surprises on Moving Day! Make sure you are aware of what happens if something breaks, damages or goes missing during the move, as well as any additional costs you could be required to pay.

 3. Not Allowing Enough Time
This is perhaps one of the biggest (and most common!) moving hassles— and one that could be easily avoided! Start as early as possible with your moving preparations. Begin clearing out all clothing and items that have gone unused and take a trip to donate them. Pull everything out of cupboards, cabinets, storage and the garage to make sure you're not moving anything unnecessary. 

 Organize everything into labeled boxes and take care to only place items that belong in that respective room or area in the box. The last thing you want is a lost toothbrush on your first night in your new NoVA home!
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, April 19, 2016

Art and Cultural Events Abound in Northern Virginia This Spring

With the warm weather making its way back to Northern Virginia, it's time to get out and explore the scenery, the shops and restaurants, and of course, the events! 

 For the remainder of April, there are dozens of arts and cultural events to attend in NoVA, from art shows to plays to exhibits at local museums. Below are just a few that you can mark on your calendar this month and truly enjoy the culture that the NoVA communities have to offer:

 The Rat Pack
April 19-23, 2016
Signature Theatre; Arlington

 This group, popular since the 1960's, is making a five-day appearance at the Signature Theatre to perform a collection of both oldies and monologues.

 The Flying Dutchman
April 23-24, 2016
George Mason University Center for the Arts; Fairfax

 The Virginia Opera will be holding a production of Richard Wagner's 1840 opera about a group of shipwrecked sailors, directed by Francesca Zambello of the Washington National Opera. 

 To Kill A Mockingbird
April 23-May 14, 2016
The Little Theatre of Alexandria; Alexandria

 NoVA residents and visitors alike can revisit this classic tale, as performed by the Little Theatre of Alexandria.

 HeART of Reston
Through April 25, 2016
Jo Ann Rose Gallery at Reston Community Center; Reston

 This art-centered event will celebrate the League of Reston Artists with over 60 pieces from over 35 regional artists. Held in honor of Robert E. Simon, who established the Reston community in the early '60s, the event will also feature one of the League of Reston Artists' founding members. 

 Partnerships
Through May 15, 2016
VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital; Alexandria

 Artists from Del Ray provide a unique look at the affection that brings humans and animals together in this exhibit. If you're a pet lover, you will appreciate this artistic take.

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, April 12, 2016

What Exactly Is Curb Appeal for a Northern Virginia Home?

When selling your home in Northern Virginia, one term you may have heard time and time again is curb appeal. But what exactly is curb appeal for a NoVA home and does it really make a difference?

 Think in terms of first impressions. What is the first thing you notice when you are browsing homes for sale in Alexandria, Arlington, Annandale, Falls Church, Herndon, McLean, Springfield and the surrounding communities? Most likely the listing photos you found online and the exterior of the home. It is the exterior of the home that will force homebuyers to decide if they would like to view the inside and ultimately, set up a showing to view in person.

 Buyers may never step foot inside the door if you cannot wow them first in listing photos. Curb appeal is the landscaping, paint color, mailbox, front door and exterior walkways that really make these photos pop. If a buyer doesn't like what they see from the curb, they may decide to move on to the next house.

 So what can you do as a NoVA home seller to grab and keep buyer interest this spring and summer? Below are three tips for creating intriguing curb appeal:

 Clean Up
A well-manicured lawn that is not strewn with broken branches, leaves and overgrown weeds or flowers shows a buyer that you care about your home. It will also give them the idea that you've probably maintained the inside as well. While you're on clean-up duty, take the time to power wash your home's exterior, sidewalks and driveway to remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated over the past months.

 Focus on Landscaping
Seeding a lawn that has become sparse or patchy, trimming shrubs and bushes, removing weeds, mulching plant beds and planting new flowers are all ways to draw a buyer's eye to your NoVA home. You might even consider installing window boxes or placing pots on either side of your front door to create a focal point in the entryway.

Choose Paint Colors
One of the best ways to give your curb appeal a quick boost is painting. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint in a new color or take on the project of painting the entire house. Look at what other colors are common on your street and when in doubt, stick to a neutral, traditional palette.

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, March 22, 2016

5 Money-Saving Tips for Northern Virginia Homebuyers to Follow This Spring

While we are only days into the new season, this spring is already projected as a stand-out period for first-time buyers to enter the real estate market. Mortgage rates are low, home prices are rising in addition to rents and first-timers are ready to invest into something of their very own in Northern Virginia.

 But when you are new to purchasing a home, you can overlook the many ways you can potentially save money in the process. Keep the following in mind as you house hunt this spring and as always, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions!

 Look past cosmetic issues
Many first-time buyers in NoVA tour a home only to write it off because they didn't like the paint colors. Remember that these are only minor cosmetic issues and can easily be fixed! Look past the paint and if the home could work for you, you might want to act before the competition does!

 Get pre-approved
This step may not save you money, but it will save you time when a seller is reviewing offers. A pre-approval letter shows you are serious about the purchase and that you have the funds to back up your offer. 

 Don't open new credit cards
If you want to set yourself up to receive the best possible interest rate for your mortgage, it is wise to steer clear of opening any new lines of credit prior to applying. These hard inquiries on your credit report will remain there for up to two years and as a result, can cause a drop in your score.

 Shop around for a mortgage
Even seasoned homebuyers in NoVA forget to shop around for a mortgage! Gather rates from different lenders on the same day in order to accurately compare terms and rates. Even the smallest different in percentage can equate to thousands over the life of the loan.

 Work with an agent
Did you know working with a real estate agent saves you more money when both buying and selling a home than if you tried it on your own? I have decades of experience in assisting buyers navigate the market and can help you negotiate the best offer possible.
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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