Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Why You Shouldn't Wait Until Spring to Sell Your Northern Virginia, DC Area Home

Many homeowners in Northern Virginia believe spring and summer are the best, if not the only, time to sell— but that is not always the case! In fact, it is this idea that brings a wave of new inventory to the market every spring and thus, increases competition among home sellers!

 Instead, consider the benefits of selling your home during the holidays or the winter season, in general. There are numerous factors that make this time of year one of the best to move on and I'm happy to share a few with you below!

 The lack of competition
Just as I mentioned above, there are simply fewer homes for sale in Northern Virginia during the winter months. Because many homeowners prepare and renovate their homes in the winter in order to list in the spring, the inventory tends to remain on the lower side this time of year. By selling your home now, you can give your home more time in the spotlight than any other time of year!

 Buyers are more likely to notice your home now as they will have fewer properties to overwhelm them!

 Buyers are ready to move
Just before the start of the new year, homebuyers in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and the surrounding communities grow increasingly motivated to change their scenery and settle into a new home. Or they may have a strong reason to— job changes and relocation are two common factors for moving into a new home before the new year.

 Holiday decor
While we may not have any snow yet in NoVA, the holiday season does evoke magical feelings for buyers. Seeing properties lit up at night or draped in festive greenery can help buyers feel more at home and see themselves (and their own decorations!) in the new space. Listing your home this time of year can play to your advantage simply due to the charm of the season.

 Remember, if you're thinking about waiting until spring to sell your home in Northern Virginia, so is everybody else! Give me a call today to discuss how you can take advantage of the winter season by listing now!

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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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

5 Ways to Save Energy in Your Northern Virginia Home During the Holidays

With all of your guests arriving in and out of the front door, holiday meals simmering away in the kitchen and heat turned up to combat the winter temperatures, high energy bills can be a concern this time of year. What's more, utility costs are on the rise! 

 But don't worry, Northern Virginia homeowners— I've rounded up five tips to help you save energy this holiday season so you can focus on spending time relaxing with family and friends and not worrying about your energy bill.

 Install a water heater timer
One of the easiest ways to save on energy costs is to install a timer on your water heater. The timer will prompt the heater to shut off when you're not home and prevent wasting hot water.

 Use cold water when washing clothes
Did you know nearly 90 percent of the energy used by washing machines goes toward heating the water? According to this EPA Energy Star program finding, Northern Virginia homeowners are consuming large amounts of energy just by turning a dial. Switch to using cold water when doing laundry and as a result, you will lower your energy costs.

 Turn your computer to sleep mode
You may not be aware that having your computer at the ready at all times can be an energy waste. Instead, turn your computer to the sleep or hibernation mode when you're not using it or before you leave the house or office.

 Switch appliances
Many NoVA homeowners will prepare holiday meals on their range in the oven, but by using a slow cooker or microwave, you can reduce up to 50 percent of the energy consumed during meal preparation! Now, you may not be able to cook your entire holiday meal using the slow cooker, but even transferring one aspect of the feast to this appliance will help you cut down energy costs.

 Turn down your refrigerator
The fridge is another appliance that becomes very popular during the holiday season in Northern Virginia. Keep the temperature between 36 and 38 degrees in the refrigerator and between zero and 5 degrees in the freezer for optimum efficiency. Any ice that has built-up under an inch in either portion should also be defrosted to keep energy costs on the right track.

 The holiday season is a busy time of year, but don't let your energy bill get the better of you! As always, I'm here to help with any questions you have about buying or selling a home in Northern Virginia. Do not hesitate to reach out!

 Happy holidays!
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, December 1, 2015

Where to Celebrate the Holidays in Alexandria, Centreville, McLean, Fairfax VA

The holidays are here again in Northern Virginia! It's time to deck the halls, trim the tree, relax by the fire and prepare for the new year ahead. Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Springfield and the surrounding communities have dozens of events on the calendar to start the holidays off in festive style and as your local real estate expert, I'm happy to share some of them with you!

 Get ready for a season full of holiday spirit with the following events from Mount Vernon to the National Zoo!

 Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 5, 2015
4 - 9 PM Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Open House
4:15 PM Santa arrives by boat
5:30 PM Parade begins at Alexandria Waterfront
6 - 7 PM Parade at Washington Channel, Washington DC

 View the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights from the docks of the Alexandria Marina and wait for Santa as he arrives dockside for photos with the children. Santa will then visit each floor of the Torpedo Factory to greet guests.

 Christmas at Mount Vernon
Through January 6, 2016
George Washington's Mount Vernon

 Take a candlelight tour of the mansion, watch a fireworks display set to Christmas music, experience fire-side caroling and dancing as you learn what is was like to celebrate the holidays in Washington's day.

 Bull Run Festival of Lights and Holiday Village
Through January 4, 2016
Monday - Thursday 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM ($15 per car)
Friday - Sunday 5:30 PM to 10 PM ($20 per car)
Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville VA

 This light display draws thousands of visitors each year! The Portal Wreath signifies the beginning of the show and each holiday season, a new ornament is added to represent a display in the show. Santa's Enchanted Lights is also a big hit with over 40,000 animated lights set to music!

 Zoo Lights
Through January 1, 2016
National Zoo, Washington DC

 Admission is free for this annual holiday tradition in DC! More than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights have transformed the Zoo into a winter wonderland and feature a light show set to music!

 Fairfax Festival of Lights and Carols
December 5, 2015
11 AM to 7 PM
Sherwood Community Center, Downtown Fairfax VA

The weekend will be filled with holiday cheer, from lunch with Santa to s'mores by the fire to ice sculpting to face painting, holiday cider, caroling and a tree lighting!

 McLean Winterfest Parade
December 6, 2015
3:30 PM
McLean VA

 Parade route runs along Chain Bridge Road, starting at Fleetwood Road and ending at Elm Street.

 The holiday season can be a great time to make a move, whether you're buying your dream home or selling your current home for a fresh start in 2016. 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, November 24, 2015

Staging Your Northern Virginia Home for the Holidays

Thanksgiving is already here and NoVA homeowners may be planning to go tree shopping this weekend, preparing to deck the halls for the holidays. However, if you're a home seller, there are a few key rules to keep in mind as you decorate. 

 You can find great success in selling your home during the holiday season and the right staging can help buyers feel more at home. Remember the following tips for staging during the holiday season and you could just give your Northern Virginia home the competitive edge it needs to sell!

 Curb Appeal Begins at the Front Door
The front door is one of the first things a NoVA homebuyer will notice when they arrive at your home so use it to make a seasonal impression. A simple, live wreath is classic and tasteful and a bow can add flair. This easy piece of holiday decor gives buyers the impression you care about your home.

 Keep Other Outdoor Decorations to a Minimum
Steer clear of inflatable decorations, excessive lights in varying colors and holiday signs on your home or in the yard. Too many decorations can cause a homebuyer to feel overwhelmed and make it difficult for them to visualize how they would decorate for the holidays. When it doubt, keep it simple.

 Keep It Simple Indoors Too
It's best to remember that Northern Virginia buyers are there to look at your home, not your belongings. Keep decor to a minimum indoors as well— a simple Christmas tree with white lights and ornaments in one color palette. Try to place the emphasis on your home's spaces, not the tree or its outlandish decorations. 

 Accentuate the Home's Features
Many homeowners tend to use every square inch of their home when decorating for the holidays. Mistletoe hung in a doorway is fine, but avoid blocking a beautiful picture window with stick-on window clings or cluttering a fireplace with garland and ornaments galore. Allow the home's best features to shine!

 Staging your home in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Falls Church, Fairfax and the surrounding areas for the holidays can help evoke cozy feelings and the warm spirit of the season, just remember not to overdo it! If you have questions about selling your home in the area, give me a call!

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, November 17, 2015

Avoid Thanksgiving Disasters in Your Northern Virginia, DC Home This Year

Thanksgiving is now just one week away and Northern Virginia area residents may be preparing to host the holiday in their home. You've cleaned each room from top to bottom, you've purchased your turkey, but just as your guests arrive, you realize the oven won't heat.

Holiday hassles are not uncommon in the hustle and bustle of the season, but there are precautions you can take to avoid them! Follow these three rules to make sure you can enjoy your Thanksgiving feast without worry.

Problem: The Oven Won't Heat
Unfortunately, a heating malfunction in the oven will pop up in homes everywhere during the holiday season. But the good news is that there is an easy solution to prevent it! Do not allow the oven to self-clean until after the holidays as you risk blowing a fuse or thermostat. What's more, it can be tricky to find an available oven technician around this busy time of year.

Problem: You Have No Heat
Although the weather we've been experiencing may not call for heat this Thanksgiving, you don't want to risk your thermostat going out. The key to this is having your HVAC system serviced as usual each year. Regular maintenance tasks like replacing the filter can help you avoid holiday disasters such as this.

Problem: The Fridge Won't Cool
Thanksgiving cooking requires a chilly refrigerator to keep every dish in its best form and discovering this problem too late can really put a damper on your holiday plans. Install a thermometer on your fridge to make sure it stays below 40 degrees. The coils located underneath or on the back of the appliance should be free of dust and allowed to breathe. Remove any boxes that may be preventing air from circulating around these.

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the busy holiday season and an opportune time to buy a home in Northern Virginia and DC. As your local real estate expert, I'm happy to help you find your dream home and sell your current property before the new year arrives. 

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 23, 2015

Celebrate the 4th of July with Fireworks in Northern Virginia

Can you believe it's that time of year again? Time for fireworks, for parade-watching, for celebrating Independence Day in Northern Virginia and DC! Summer is typically a busy time in our area and if you're planning your 4th of July itinerary, it seems you'll have much to choose from!

 Below are just a few events (with fireworks!) you can attend in NoVa to celebrate America this 4th of July weekend:

 Herndon
Bready Park, Herndon Community Center
Herndon, VA

 This festive event will include face-painting, balloon sculptures, bingo and crafts starting at 6:30 PM, music at 7 PM and fireworks following at 9:30 PM. 

 McLean
Langley High School
McLean, VA

 Doors open at 8 PM with fireworks beginning at 9:15 PM. This 4th of July event will offer FREE admission and parking, with shuttles running from St. John's Lutheran Church and the McLean Community Center.

Mount Vernon
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA

 This day-long festival runs from 8 AM to 5 PM, saluting our nation's first president with its made-for-daytime fireworks show! Smoke fireworks in patriotic colors will be displayed over the Potomac River and guests will be treated to free birthday cake! There will even be a visit from the "First Couple" themselves!

 Fairfax
Fairfax High School
Fairfax, VA

 Celebrate Independence Day with this Fairfax event beginning at 7 PM. There will be entertainment from the City of Fairfax Band and other groups, in addition to the fireworks show set to music.

 Falls Church
City Hall and George Mason High School
Falls Church, VA

 The City of Falls Church puts on a great fireworks show and celebration, with this year's beginning at 7 PM. Free to the public, first enjoy music and then fireworks at 9:30 PM.

 Alexandria
Oronoco Bay Park
Alexandria, VA

 Celebrate both Alexandria's birthday and the USA's on July 11, 2015 from 7 PM to 10 PM. There will be a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra at 9 with fireworks following at 9:30 PM.
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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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with Northern Virginia Events!

Memorial Day weekend is almost here in Northern Virginia! It's time to get ready for summer, celebrate the great weather and participate in the upcoming local events honoring our veterans. 

 This weekend, there will be parades, festivals, concerts and memorial services from Alexandria to Arlington, Falls Church to Fairfax, DC to Mount Vernon and McLean. If you plan to be in the area this holiday weekend, are welcoming friends and family to NoVa or will be visiting the surrounding communities yourself, be sure to add the following festive events to your calendar:

 Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival
May 25, 2015; 1 PM to 7 PM
Waterfront Park
Alexandria, VA

 This annual event will feature big band, swing and contemporary jazz music. Guests can plan to picnic in the park while enjoying the music and other refreshments will be available for sale. Admission is free.

 Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival
May 25, 2015; 9 AM to 5 PM
Falls Church, VA

 This year's 34th Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival is much anticipated in Northern Virginia! Highlights of the event will include amusement rides, arts and crafts, food vendors, local businesses, live entertainment, contests and the Don Beyer 3K Fun Run. There will be a Veterans Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial outside the Community Center and afterwards, a parade will proceed down Park Avenue.

National Memorial Day Parade
May 25, 2015; 2 PM
Downtown DC— Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW

 This DC based event began in 2005 and has grown every year since! It is now the largest Memorial Day event in the country and will proceed by national monuments, the White House, museums and more!

 ViVa! Vienna! Festival
May 23 to 25, 2015; Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 10 PM; Monday 10 AM to 6 PM
Freeman House Museum
Vienna, VA

 Free to attend, this local festival is an event for the entire family! There will be amusement rides, food, crafts, vendors and entertainment for all to enjoy. Approximately 50,000 guests will be in attendance with over 300 vendors over the 3-day weekend. What's more, 100% of the proceeds will go to charitable, community and humanitarian organizations.

 Prince William Community Band Festival
May 24, 2015; 2 PM to 6 PM
Loy E. Harris Pavilion
Manassas, VA

 A free event that will highlight the music of the Prince William Community Band, the Clark County Community Band, Moonlight Jazz Orchestra and the U.S. Army Band Quintet.

 If you're planning a move to Northern Virginia or are simply ready to upgrade your home, do not hesitate to contact me! Not only am I happy to provide suggestions for local events and destinations, but I can help you find your dream home in one of our idyllic surrounding communities. 
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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