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

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

3 Things to Do Before Buying Fixer Upper Homes in Northern Virginia

So, you think you want to buy a fixer upper home? While your dreams of renovating a property may be driven by what you've seen on television shows, it's important to remember that the reality of updating a home from start to finish can be much more time-consuming, tedious, expensive and drawn-out than you realize.

 As your local real estate expert in the Northern Virginia and DC area, I am sharing below three things to do before you commit to buying a fixer upper home this year:

Research the location
Not only should you research the location of a home before purchasing, but also look into the zoning. What you may not know is that every community has zoning districts and restrictions surrounding what can and cannot be done to homes within their limits. You will want to take a close look at the zoning of your future property before you become too set on what renovations you will do once you get the keys.

 Speak with a contractor
Unless you are confident in your ability to do all of the work on your fixer upper home yourself, it is wise to speak with a contractor or architect who can assist you in carrying out your vision. One rule of thumb— gather quotes and opinions from several contractors in the area prior to choosing one for your projects.

 Bring a home inspector on board
It is a home inspector's job to look into any structural problems, in addition to pointing out what needs to be replaced— the roof, for instance. The last thing you want when you begin your renovation projects is to find that your foundation is unstable or a major operating system like the plumbing has failed. If you need recommendations for a home inspector in your area, do not hesitate to reach out! Remember, your real estate agent is a wealth of resources!

 Feel free to give me a call with any questions you have about buying a home in the NoVA area! With my decades of expertise, we can find the perfect home for your needs!

 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 7, 2016

Getting Your Northern Virginia Home Ready for a Showing in Minutes

When you've decided to list your home in Northern Virginia, it may seem like your to-do list grows longer and longer. You will need to start searching for a new home, clearing the clutter and packing up to make your move a bit easier when the time comes. But it doesn't end there! One more added stress for you may be keeping your home buyer-ready for showings.

 There are dozens of little tasks you can check off to prepare your home for a showing in minutes and as your local real estate expert in NoVA, I am sharing a few with you below!

 Mop or vacuum
Complete a quick cleaning of the floors in your entryway, kitchen and bathrooms. If necessary, spot clean debris on the floor with a sponge or towel.

 Dust screens and furniture
The last thing a buyer wants to see if dust lingering in the air or on your furniture. Dust your coffee table or end tables, TV screens and computer monitors before they arrive.

 Remove clutter from counters
Small appliances, knick knacks, mail and other miscellaneous items should be cleared off of counters and stored elsewhere. After you've removed these, wipe down all of the counters to ensure they are clean.

 Make the beds
This task takes just a few minutes and can make a world of difference in helping a room look put together. 

 Empty trash cans
You do not want any lingering odors in your home when buyers arrive for a showing, so make sure all trash cans have been emptied.

 Turn on the lights
Letting light into your Northern Virginia home can help it feel lighter, airier and larger. Turn on all of the lights in your home and open the blinds or drapes to let in more sun. If necessary, clean your windows so they are free of streaks.

 I have years of experience in helping homeowners sell their properties and move on to their next dream homes in Northern Virginia! I was even named a Top Real Estate Agent to Have on Your Side by Washingtonian Magazine!

 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, May 17, 2016

How to Lower Your Northern Virginia Utility Bills This Summer

It won't be long before the start of summer is here in Northern Virginia! And while we're all certainly looking forward to warmer temperatures, the summer heat can bring about a rise in utility bills for NoVA homeowners.

 There are dozens of ways to keep mounting utility costs at bay this year and as your Northern Virginia real estate expert, I'm sharing some with you below!

 Clean your air filters
It's important to clean your air filters to keep your heating and cooling bills down this summer. When filters are dirty, these systems have to work much harder and use much more energy to function properly. With clean filters, your home can run as it is meant to and help bring down your utility bills.

 Install a new thermostat
If you haven't already, consider installing a new thermostat in your NoVA home. A programmable model can control your home's temperature at various times of the day—for instance, when you're sleeping or out of the house—to keep costs low. These types of thermostats can reduce your energy usage drastically this summer.

 Add mulch
Summer is a popular season for planting flowers, vegetables and herbs, but that also means you'll be watering more often. Adding mulch into your landscaping will help to slow evaporation, keep the water on the ground longer and allow you to water less frequently.

 Apply window film or curtains
To keep the hot summer sun out of your home and reduce cooling costs, NoVA homeowners can install curtains or window film. Installing window film is as simple as measuring your window size, cutting the film and applying it to your window; this will help to block the heat from entering your home.

 If you're ready to begin house-hunting in Northern Virginia this summer or contemplating selling your home, 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, March 1, 2016

Northern Virginia Home-Related Deductions You Can Take on Your Taxes

Being a Northern Virginia homeowner does have its perks— from additional storage that renters just don't have to the tax benefits associated with your home. However, many NoVA residents are not aware of certain deductions available to them and as a result, skip them entirely. 

 If you have not yet filed your tax return, there is still time to look over the following list of home-related deductions you are able to claim. 

 The mortgage interest deduction
NoVA homeowners are able to deduct their mortgage interest, which you claim on Schedule A of your tax return. Interest paid on a mortgage of up to $1 million, or $500,000 if you are married filing separately, is deductible when you use the loan to buy a home, build a home or improve a home. 

 If you have a second mortgage, home equity line of credit or home equity loan, and use the loan to buy, build or improve a second home, that amount does count toward the $1 million limit. It is also important to keep in mind that any other loan secured by your home for other purposes, like your child's college tuition, does still qualify for the mortgage interest deduction (up to $100,000 for single filers or $50,000 for married filing separately) as your home secures the loan.

 The property tax deduction
Homeowners in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, McLean, Springfield and the surrounding NoVA communities are able to deduct real estate property taxes on Schedule A. The amount you paid in property taxes will show on your annual escrow statement if you have a mortgage with an escrow account.

 The private mortgage insurance deduction
If you were required to take out private mortgage insurance (PMI) on your home loan, you can deduct the cost on Schedule A if you itemize your return and your income is less than $100,000 (or $50,000 if married filing separately). This also only applies to loans taken out in 2007 or later.

 The energy-efficient upgrades deduction
Installing new energy-efficient features—like windows and appliances—in your home does allow you to claim a specific tax credit. The credit does have a lifetime cap of $500, so you will need to subtract any energy-efficency tax credits you claimed in previous years from this limit.

 Ready to become a homeowner for the first-time this year? Or simply looking to move to your next dream home in Northern Virginia? 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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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, November 3, 2015

5 Tips to Get Your Northern Virginia Home Ready for Winter

Believe it or not, we could be seeing the first snowflakes of the year in a few short weeks. Northern Virginia homeowners can take precautions now to ensure they are not caught off guard by a faulty heating system, water leaks in the basement or high energy bills due to drafty windows and doors.

 I am happy to share these five tips for preparing your home for winter and help you enjoy the season, without any home-related hassles.

Clean the gutters
Once all the leaves have fallen, it's time to clean out your gutters, unless of course, they are already overflowing. Gutters are the cause of many basement water problems due to water draining improperly.

 On the same note, make sure your downspouts are pointing away from your house, away from sills and driveways. You always want to route water away from the house, not emptying into a corner of it.

 Block the drafts
Seal up any gaps around windows, doors and baseboards with weather stripping, window film or caulk to keep your energy bills down. Now is also the time to repair any broken or cracked windows that could allow heat to escape.

 Have your chimney cleaned
If you'll be using your fireplace this winter in Northern Virginia, give your chimney sweep a call. An experienced chimney sweep will be able to clean buildup or blockages and prevent fires related to this feature of your home.  

 Have your furnace inspected
This time before winter arrives is best for inviting an HVAC tecnician to inspect your furnace as they can become very busy during the height of the season. Making sure everything is in working order now will save you trouble when the weather requires daily use.

 Reroute ceiling fans
If you have ceiling fans in your NoVA home, set them to rotate clockwise to force the rising warm air back toward the floor. Keep heating down with the use of your ceiling fan can also help you lower energy bills this time of year.

 Do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions about becoming a homeowner or selling your current home this year. Winter can be an ideal season to find a deal on your dream 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, August 25, 2015

Curb Appeal Checklist for Northern Virginia Home Sellers

There is no doubt that there are motivated homebuyers in the real estate market right now, with the majority of them beginning their home search online. What does that mean for you as a home seller? It means your curb appeal needs to be at its best!

 Homebuyers today largely rely on photos online to make a list of Northern Virginia homes they may be interested in seeing, maybe even driving by after a property has caught their eye. Your curb appeal should have buyers eager to get inside or visit an open house you may be holding this weekend.

 Before you list your home or before you open the door to potential NoVa buyers, consider this your checklist for sprucing curb appeal:

 Replace your front door
This is one area where you can recoup 102% of your investment, according to the National Association of Realtors. Homebuyers are looking for safety and energy-efficiency when it comes to front doors, so simply swap out your older, less attractive door for one in this variety.

 Wash your windows
Homebuyers in NoVa want to know you take care of the home. If the outside doesn't reflect a well-maintained persona, they may start to wonder what else you have let go. Give the windows a good washing and buyers will likely want to see more of the home!

 Replace your garage door
New garage doors can recoup around 89% of your initial investment and can make a big impression on Northern Virginia homebuyers. This is one of the features they will first notice when driving up to your home and if your door is outdated, dirty or off of its tracks, it can give the buyers the wrong idea.

 Paint the exterior
There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to give a home in Annandale, Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, Springfield and Falls Church an updated feel. If your home used to be white and now looks yellow, it's time for it to be painted.

 Tend to landscaping
An important part of curb appeal is landscaping, so get out your lawn mower! Mow the lawn, plant flowers or tend to those that you've already grown, trim hedges and overgrown shrubs around the home's entrance and make sure there is a clear path to the front door.

 If you're thinking of selling your home in NoVa this year, do not hesitate to contact me! I am happy to help with suggestions for getting the property in shape for buyers in our area.
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