Showing posts with label home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

3 Mortgage Myths to Correct Before Buying a House in Northern Virginia

Did you know misconceptions and myths are what holds would-be homebuyers back most in Northern Virginia? Buying a home is indeed one of the biggest steps you will ever take, but don't allow what you assume is true or required to become fact without first doing the research.

 As your local real estate expert in NoVA, I'm happy to help you clear a few things up! Below are three myths surrounding mortgages that may be keeping you from purchasing your dream home in Alexandria, Arlington, Centreville, Falls Church and the surrounding areas:

 Myth: Your best credit scores will be used
When you apply jointly with another borrower for a mortgage in Northern Virginia, your lender will take the middle of three credit scores from the three credit reporting bureaus, then use the lowest score between the two borrower's middle scores. For instance, if your middle score was 780, but your co-borrower's middle score was 700, many lenders' decisions would be based on the 700. 

 Myth: Your quoted rate is the one you'll secure
I've emphasized the importance of shopping around for a mortgage rate in the past, but it is important to note that your quoted rate is not necessarily the one you will secure. Unless you are locking in the rate that day, the rate quotes are subject to change. You will find you need to gather quotes throughout your home buying journey until you've found the right property and are ready to lock down a rate.

 Myth: Fixed-rate mortgages are the only option
While 30-year fixed-rate loans are common among homebuyers, they are not the only option and may not be the right option for you. The rate and payment with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will never change, but keep in mind that the longer the loan is stretched, the higher the rate. Ask yourself how long you will stay in the home you're planning to purchase as an adjustable-rate mortgage could be a better fit.

 Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about buying a home 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. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Northern Virginia Homebuyers: Your Guide to Moving to a New House

Spring is officially here! Not only does that mean warmer weather, but also that more Northern Virginia residents are now looking to move into a new home. If you've already applied for a mortgage, found your dream home and made it to closing, next comes the big (and oftentimes, tiresome) task of moving into the new house.  

 You'll need to pack up your belongings, decide what stays and what goes and also, choose a moving company in NoVa. It can be overwhelming, but I'm here to help make it easier on you! 

 Consider the following your Guide to Moving into a New House in Northern Virginia:
  • Give yourself a daily packing quota. Take it room by room. Don't burn out trying to move everything in one day or pack the house in a single weekend. Space it out over the course of a few weeks if you have the time. 
  • Choose a moving company that offers reusable boxes and containers to move your belongings. In most cases, they drop off the boxes and lids for your move and pick them up when you're finished. This saves on purchasing pricey moving boxes and risking cardboard boxes breaking in the process.
  • Don't pack up your wardrobe. Moving can mean taking all of your clothes off the hangers, storing them and then spending more time ironing them afterward. Instead, use wardrobe boxes to give to your movers and pack the clothes right on the hangers.
  • Set out the essentials. With boxes upon boxes, Northern Virginia homebuyers stress about which holds the toothpaste and their clothes for the next week. Set out what you'll need for a few days and if your new home is within driving distance, take them to the new house prior to Moving Day!
  • Create a system. Choose a color to represent each room— for instance, yellow for the kitchen or blue for the bathroom. Use colored labels on each box next to their number so the movers will know exactly where each box is meant to go. Also post a sign in each room ("Boxes Here, Please!")where you want boxes stacked or they can quickly take over the house!
As your Northern Virginia real estate expert, I know that moving can be a chore. I'm happy to provide suggestions for local moving companies to help calm this chaotic time. 

Not in new house mode quite yet? Contact me for information about the spring real estate market in McLean, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and beyond!
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. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Spring Cleaning Checklist and Tips for Northern Virginia Homeowners

The weather may be cold and snowy, but why not start thinking spring in your Northern Virginia home? Early in the year is the best time to take on organizing your spaces, tossing out the old to make room for the new and cleaning each room from top to bottom. 

It can be a major project, so don't wait until March 20 to start! Northern Virginia homeowners can follow the checklist below and begin spring cleaning their home, room by room. These tasks are also important to cross off your list if you're planning to sell your home this year!

  • Remove dust. Use a vacuum to remove dust from the walls, ceilings and corners of rooms in your Northern Virginia home. Always work from the top of the room to the bottom. Remember the tops of ceiling fans and window casings, avoiding using dusting sprays. However, take the opportunity to remove surface dirt and grime, in the kitchen for example, with a degreaser or cleaner.
  •  Clean carpets and rugs. Rent a deep-cleaning carpet shampoo machine or if you own a steamer, kick off your cleaning by running it over each carpet and rug in your NoVa home. Some rugs, including Oriental rugs, may need to be professionally cleaned.
  • Clean upholstery and furniture. You would be amazed at the amount of dust that can gather in furniture cushions. Take them outside and give them a beating to remove dust. If you find stains on the upholstery, check for cleaning instructions. Finish the task by vacuuming in between and under cushions.
  • Polish hardware. Your entryway should make a statement, so remember to polish your front door's hardware to remove any signs of tarnishing. Use a liquid polish or polish cloth or light work or a paste or cream for heavy work.

These spring cleaning tasks can bring your NoVa property out of its winter slumber and put a fresh face on for the new season ahead! If you're prepping your home in the NoVa and DC area with these items in order to sell, give me a call! I'm happy to help set you on the path to home seller success.

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. 

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Keeping Your Northern Virginia Home Safe While You're Away for the Holidays

It's common for many Northern Virginia homeowners to head out of town for the holidays, from Christmas through New Year's. If you're packing up this week to visit your friends and family, be sure to take the extra precautions to keep your home safe. 

 Follow the tips below to ensure you're not met with a holiday disaster upon your return to your home in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean or Mount Vernon. 

  • Update the entryways to your Northern Virginia home. Burglars are more likely to target homes with older doors and dilapidated window frames. Take a step back to look at your home from a new perspective and fortify the entry points.
  • You may have already taken the time to put your lights on a timer, but going to extra mile to make your home look occupied is key to preventing theft. If you can, rely on your neighbors to pick up your mail and shovel if snow falls while you're away.
  • Know where all of your valuables are when you leave. If you'll be leaving valuable items in your house while you travel, take inventory before you go. You can even use household items like flour bags and cupboards to keep them out of sight.
  • Do not post your location on social media. It's important to keep your travels off of social media if your home will be unoccupied. The last thing you need is for someone to see you'll be out of town for a week and pay your NoVa home a visit.
  • Light up the rooms. As I mentioned above, timers can be helpful to make it look like someone is home. Burglars know lights are typically left on during the holidays, so changing lights are essential.  
When you return to Northern Virginia, do not hesitate to contact me! My experience in local real estate can help you both buy a new home and sell your current property in the new year.
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. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

4 Ways to Prepare Your Northern Virginia Home for Winter

Temperatures are dropping and the snow is falling in Northern Virginia— winter is almost here! But even if you're feeling ready for the snowy season to settle in, your home in Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, Mount Vernon and Centreville will need some attention. 

Bundling up the attic and protecting your pipes are just two winter preparation tasks to cross off of your list this month!

Insulate the hot water heater
Depending on where your water heater is located in your Northern Virginia home, insulation can be especially important this winter. If the heater is located in the garage, for instance, it will have to work that much harder to heat in such a cold room. Adding an insulating blanket over your heater can help it to remain efficient all winter long.

Find gaps and holes where heat can escape
Heating your home can be pricey— you don't want to let all of the heat escape out of a tiny crack in the attic or through faulty windows. Take a walk around your home, feeling for places where cold air may be creeping in (and thus, heat traveling out). Pay attention to window panes and around door frames.

Warm up the attic
By repairing the insulation in your NoVa home's attic, you can save up to 20 percent on utility bills. Be sure to patch any air leaks here and check that your attic door is just as insulated as the rest of the space.

Protect the pipes
Water can freeze inside your pipes and cause them to burst, giving way to an expensive repair bill. To prevent this, always keep your thermostat set at or above 55 degrees F, even if you'll be away from home.

Winter can be a lovely time in Northern Virginia, don't let these common homeowner hassles get you down. I have decades of experience working in the real estate market and I'd be happy to assist you with your homebuyer or seller goals this year! 

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. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Protect Your Northern Virginia Home from Winter Weather


There's no doubt, the weather is frightful out there with a winter storm in full effect. If you're stuck at home, you may have been wondering if there are steps you can take to protect your Northern Virginia homes this winter, especially from the harsh cold temperatures. Yes, there are! Whether you've just purchased this home as a first-time homebuyer or you're a long-time homeowner in the NoVA and DC areas, the following steps can help you protect your home before the winter taks a toll on the property.
Keep Your Pipes Warm
Winter weather can cause homes in Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax City, or McLean (as well as their owners!) to endure expensive repairs this time of year, many of which come from burst pipes. Take note— the rest of your home may be warm, but the water in the pipes in other areas, like the attic, basement, crawl space and back of cabinets, can freeze. To keep your pipes from bursting, MSN Real Estate suggests to "wrap the pipes in the cold parts of your house in insulation, and open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes." You can also "let water drip slowly from the faucets to help keep the water flowing."
Protect the Outside of Your Home
You might have taken this precaution in the fall, but cleaning your gutters can really help to prevent water from backing up and freezing. Take a look at the downspouts and be sure the water is being routed away from your home, disconnect your garden hoses, and use weatherstripping or caulking to seal drafty windows and doors. You should also trim any low-hanging branches outside that might freeze and snap which can damage your home or nearby power lines.
Watch the Roof
The roofs of homes in Northern Virginia can become problematic during the winter season if not taken care of properly. If alot of snow accumulates, the roof can actually collapse, especially those over porches or additions. Average accumulations and dry snow will not typically have negatives affects on homes, but when heavy snow begins you can use a roof rake with a long handle to remove the snow while on the ground.


Think About a Generator
Before a big winter storm hits, consider buying a generator. While you may not have time now, it's something to keep in mind to protect Northern Virginia real estate for the long-haul of the winter season. " A generator can help keep your heat and power — as well as your sump pump and your fire and burglar alarms — running," stated MSN Real Estate. "It can help prevent frozen pipes and keep you a lot more comfortable, too." Winter weather can often cause power outages due to ice and wet snow, therefore an automatic standby generator can be useful. This type immediately turns on after a power outage and can even qualify you for a discount on your homeowners insurance.
Thinking of moving this winter? I'm here to help! 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
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

4th of July Fun in DC, Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia and DC are great places to spend our nation's birthday on the 4th of July. The following are events taking place in the area that are sure to be fun for the entire family!


 Washington, DC
National Independence Day Parade
July 4, 11:45 AM
The parade will begin at 11:45 AM on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Sts. NW. The parade will have marching bands, military and specialty units, floats, and more. The parade kicks off a full day of events on the National Mall.

 Fairfax City
Independence Day Parade
July 4, 10 AM
The Independence Day Parade will begin at 10 AM with musical entertainment at 7 PM and a fireworks display beginning at dark.

Falls Church
Fireworks and Live Music
July 4, 7 PM
Live music will begin at George Mason High School in Falls Church at 7 PM and fireworks to follow at 9:20 PM.

Herndon
Fireworks Display and Activities
July 4, 5 PM
The Herndon Community Center is hosting rides at 5 PM, music, crafts, bingo and games at 6:30 PM, and fireworks at 9:30 PM. 

McLean
Fireworks Display
July 4, 8 PM
Langley High School in McLean is kicking off the holiday at 8 PM, offering free parking and shuttles from St. John's Lutheran Church and the McLean Community Center. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 PM.

Reston
Fireworks Display
July 4, 9 PM
The Reston fireworks display will begin at Lake Fairfax Park will begin at 9:15 PM.


Earle Whitmore


Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)