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

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 10, 2016

Why May Is the Best Month to Sell Your Northern Virginia Home

Homeowners in Northern Virginia have many decisions to make when it comes to selling their property, but one that I'm happy to answer is when to list. The timing surrounding the listing of your NoVA home is important and as it turns out, this month is idyllic. 

 May is one of the best times to sell your home— with homes typically selling faster and for more than the national average. If you've been considering listing your home in Alexandria, Arlington, Chantilly, Falls Church, or the surrounding areas, below are three reasons why you might like to consider this month:

School is almost finished
Many homeowners base their move around the school year and with school almost finished for the year, now is the time to make it happen. Moving before the end of the summer allows homeowners to avoid changing school districts mid-term and settle in before the new year begins.

 The weather is favorable for moving
Late spring and early summer bring a wave of warmer weather that we've been missing for months and for homeowners, that means excellent moving conditions. Few desire to move in the snow and rain, but May presents a prime opportunity to move in the clear, cool temperatures.

Tax season has just ended
As I mentioned in a previous blog post, tax refunds offer homeowners the option to either channel the money back into their property with upgrades or in this case, into a new property altogether. Homeowners listing their property this month have the opportunity to put their refund to use as a down payment and to cover closing costs on their new home.

 Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about selling your NoVA home this year! 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. 
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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, September 29, 2015

Finding the Right Listing Agent for Your Northern Virginia Real Estate

Choosing the right real estate agent in Northern Virginia is a decision that requires careful consideration, research and even gut instincts. You should feel confident that your agent has your best interests in mind, but many home sellers often ask exactly how much they need to trust them.

 Trustworthiness is key to a successful real estate transaction in Annandale, Alexandria, Arlington, Burke, McLean and Springfield, to name a few. So as you set out to choose a real estate agent, contemplate if you trust them enough to accomplish the following:

 Sell the biggest asset you have
For most families in Northern Virginia, their home is the largest asset they own. Many times the equity they have in the property is also the largest percentage of their wealth. Ask yourself if you trust your agent enough to negotiate the sale of an asset with this much importance. 

 Find the right price
In my last blog post, I outlined the value of pricing your home from the beginning. The right real estate agent will suggest a price point that drives competition and interest, not one that places it outside of buyer affordability.

 Agree with your schedule
Selling your home in Northern Virginia typically comes with a timeline attached. Do you know when you'd like to be out of your current home and into the next? Your real estate agent should be trusted to coordinate the home selling process to match a certain schedule.

 Negotiate on your behalf
Real estate transactions involve many different parties and different negotiations. For sellers, one such negotiation is agreeing on the best price and terms with the buyers. NoVA homeowners should feel at ease with their agent handling these exchanges.

 You can count on me to walk you through every step of the process and answer any questions you have along the way. I stake my reputation on each transaction and make it my priority to pursue what is best for each person. That is something you cannot always count on with the average agent!

 Give me a call today to discuss how we can work together to sell your 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, 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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Tuesday, June 2, 2015

5 Things to Do Before You Sell Your Home in McLean, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax

School is nearly out for the summer and in addition to summer vacations, Northern Virginia homeowners will be scheduling moves in the mix. There is more time to pack, more time to scout where you'd like to live, more time to house hunt, more time to ensure you're getting the best possible deal and of course, more time to get your own home ready to sell.

 Preparing your home to sell in NoVa is equally as important as where you're going next. Before you list your property this summer, consider tackling these 5 important tasks that can really make an impact on local homebuyers:

 Clean out the drains
You may not have thought about this prior to an open house or showing, but homebuyers do two things during their visit— run the water and check for odors. Oftentimes, the odors can be coming from either the sink drain or tub. Make sure they are both unclogged and clean by using a simple cleaner followed by boiling water. You can do the same with your garbage disposal!

 Refresh the curtains
Whether that means washing them or replacing them, curtains need to be refreshed before you list your home in NoVa. They, like carpet, hold a lot of dust and dirt and can become faded over time due to sunlight. Not only does this turn off homebuyers, but it gives them the impression that other (more important) things in the home may have been passed over as well.

 Empty the closets
Every home has a story, but homebuyers should be able to visualize themselves inside and start their own. Don't let cluttered closets get in the way of that! In fact, a clean and clear closet can give the appearance of larger storage space which is one of the most popular reasons homebuyers are moving today!

 Refresh the entryway
This is the first place a buyer will notice when they enter your home in McLean, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Centreville or Springfield. Improving curb appeal and spending time on the entry can lengthen the period of time before a buyer decides if the home is "the one;" Hint: it's usually 30 seconds!

 Refresh the scent
A home's odor can be a huge buyer turnoff! Even if you don't think your home smells bad, open the windows, grind half a lemon in the garbage disposal, add fresh flowers, burn odor-reducing candles or bake cookies. All of these can make your home more attractive and appealing to DC area buyers.

 With decades of real estate experience under my belt, I've seen it all! I can fill you in on the common buyer turn-offs, what they're looking for and how you can appeal to them this summer with your property. 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, April 21, 2015

Home Seller's Guide to Staging Your Northern Virginia, DC Home

The Northern Virginia real estate market has seen homebuyer demand dramatically increasing over the past few months and it is set to continue on through the summer months. With that said, home sellers are in demand! Inventory is trending lower and buyers do not have many available properties to choose from.

 Listing your NoVa home during this homebuyer boom is a great idea, but of course, the property must be ready to show! Staging your home is the best way to do so and I am happy to share the following tips to start you off on the right foot:

 Don't use the old furniture
It's important to put yourself in the buyer's shoes when staging your home. Do not use old, outdated furniture that you might have stored in the basement or garage. A buyer could get the wrong impression of the home simply due to the pieces used in the spaces. Choose what shows off your home's best features and shows it in the best light!

 Don't opt for a busy or bold theme
Appealing to the majority of NoVa homebuyers is best done with neutral, muted tones. Anything harsh or busy can distract them from the home itself and make it more difficult to visualize their belongings in the rooms. Make sure the emphasis is on the home and not on the things placed inside.

 Don't clutter the home
Staging your property in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax City, Falls Church or McLean may require you to bring in furniture and accessorize— but not to the point of cluttering a room. Always do an edit before a showing and ensure the spaces are easily navigated. The last thing you want is for a buyer to cross your home off of their list due to too much furniture or knick-knacks clouding their view.

 Do be consistent
Make sure every room is part of the same story when staging your Northern Virginia home to sell. If a certain space is out of date or in need or repair, that can raise red flags to homebuyers and reflect badly on the rest of the home. Keep your rooms neutral, consistent, clear of clutter and comfortable.

 There is always a chance Northern Virginia and DC homebuyers will not fully appreciate your staging job, so do not hesitate to contact me with questions on how to impress them! When in doubt, ask your seasoned NoVa real estate expert!
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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