Earth Day in Northern Virginia

Earth Day, also known as the modern environmental movement, has been celebrated every April 22 since 1970. Today, millions of Americans celebrate and participate in the fight for a cleaner, better environment. The NOVA and DC areas have a wealth of events to make caring for the planet and participating in the green movement a bunch of fun regardless of your age. In the next week, here are events you can attend to show you care for the environment.

United States Botanic Garden

April 19, 2013

10 AM-2 PM

Conservancy Terrace

A great time to learn to cook with seasonal produce and meet environmental representatives from the area. Come by this event to learn how you can alter your lifestyle to a more sustainable option and more about the plants that support life on Planet Earth.

Union Station Earth Month
April 1-30, 2013
A month-long celebration featuring eco-friendly exhibits and activities to promote sustainability and greener living. On Earth Day, April 22, there will be day-long entertainment with contests, games, and more.

Earth Day at the National Zoo
April 20, 2013 
11 AM-3 PM
No ticket required and free and open to the public. The National Zoo will host green-themed crafts and activities to help visitors learn how to live a better, more sustainable lifestyle. There will also be a children's area where they can make their own plant pots.

Alexandria Earth Day
April 20, 2013
10 AM-2 PM
Ben Brenman Park
This event is focused on eco-friendly options for transportation like walking, cycling, ride-sharing, and riding public transit. There will be recycling and composting demonstrations, live music, and the launch of an Eco-City action plan.

Earth Day at the National Aquarium
April 21, 2013
12 PM-4 PM
The National Aquarium has family-friendly activities to learn how you can help protect the environment. Experts will present animals with talks about those in-house and how they are affected by the environment. Admission is $9.95 for adults and $4.95 ages 3-11.

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Real Estate Forms to Purchase Your NOVA Home

If you're planning to purchase a home in the Northern Virginia or DC area, or plan to sell your home soon, you can expect a mountain of paperwork to begin to pile up both online and on paper. It can be hard to determine which forms are most important and which you must read all the way through. The documents listed below are those that every homeowner should be familiar with as they venture through the journey toward purchasing their NOVA home.

Buyer's Agent Contract
Buyer's should be prepared to get their real estate agent's trust on paper, in written form. In order to be comfortable with their decision, always know that your agent has your best interests in mind and this form can act as proof of that. Also called the "buyer representation agreement," this form will give you peace of mind that the agent is working for you.

Seller's Property Disclosure Agreement
As a buyer, you have a right to know about all of the repairs necessary or glitches that homeowners have discovered but not yet addressed. Think of this form as a brief peek into what potentially owning the home might look like— what you would be inheriting if you made the purchase and moved in. Take the time to read this all the way through. You will want to know every flaw, both large and small, involved with your future home.

Purchase Agreement
One of the most important documents in the home-buying process, this is also called the "agreement of sale." There are several sections in this document that are essential to buyers— the "inspection contingency" or home inspection report allows an inspector to come in and assess every aspect of the home. While homebuyers typically foot the bill for the inspection, this allows you to point out the quality and safety of the home. The "appraisal contingency" is also included in the purchase agreement to certify that you are paying market value for your home on the Northern Virginia real estate market.

Financing and Appraisal Contingency Addendum
An addendum to the purchase agreement, all buyers should get familiar with this document. This addition provides the financing terms of the sale— when the appraisal will be ordered and how the two parties involved will react if the appraisal comes back below the offered price. This document is the place to pay attention to the details and deadlines.

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Purchasing a Bigger, Better NOVA Home

Have you ever wanted to purchase a larger, newer home in the NOVA area but didn't think it was possible? Well, according to the National Association of Home Builders, you can!

A new study released by the organization says home buyers can purchase a more expensive, newer house and still have the same operating costs as owning an older, existing home on the NOVA housing market.

The NAHB took information from the Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2011 Housing Survey to determine how utility, maintenance, insurance costs, and property taxes vary depending on the age of the home.

According to the survey, houses built prior to 1960 have average maintenance costs of $564 per year. While homes built after 2008 actually have average maintenance costs less than half of that number— $241. Homes built prior to 1960 have operating costs that average nearly 5 percent of the home's value while homes built after 2008 average less than 3 percent.

Another factor the study considered was the after-tax cost of owning a home by its age. "A buyer can afford to pay 23 percent more for a new house than for one built prior to 1960 and still maintain the same amount of first-year annual costs," according to the NAHB.

While new homes in Northern Virginia area do tend to cost more than existing homes and the mortgage payments are likely to be higher, the lower operating costs of the newer home will give buyers annual costs that could be about equal if they purchased a lower priced, older home with a smaller mortgage payment but higher operating costs.

"Home buyers need to look beyond the initial sales price when considering whether to buy new construction or an existing home," said the NAHB Chairman, Rick Judson. "They will find that with the higher costs of operating an older home, they can often afford to spend more to buy a new home and still have annual operating costs that fit their budget."

Source: National Association of Home Builders

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Staging Secrets for Your NOVA Home

Staging is a key part to the success of selling your home in the Northern Virginia area. Did you know even the little things like clearing clutter from bathroom counters, replacing catalogs and mail with a simple fruit bowl in the kitchen, and removing family photos from your living spaces can make a big difference to a potential buyer? They can! Below are house-selling secrets that you can use to maximize your chances of intriguing buyers and selling your home.

Start with the Front Door
Starting with the first thing buyers see when they enter your home, make sure all holiday lights have been removed if the occasion is over, chipped paint and window repairs have been tended to, and that dingy door in a bland color has been updated to welcome guests inside. Even adding new sconces can really intrigue buyers from the very moment they visit.

Take Care, Organize
Buyers don't want to see your struggling, unruly house plants or an untidy office corner. Take the overflow of books from the floor and put them into storage, replace those tall, hap-hazard plants with a simple arrangement on a dining table or desk, and hide that huge TV inside a media cabinet.

Want more storage options for your NOVA home?

Hide the Clutter
If knick knacks and toys are hiding behind sofas and armchairs, find a space for them to relax like a chest or storage ottoman. When a living space feels crowded, buyers will not want to stay for long. Add a simple vase of flowers or small sculptures on a mantle. The bathroom is a likely culprit too— remove toothbrushes and toiletries, even cleaning products, from countertops to ensure a visually appealing space.

Kitchen Chaos
In the kitchen, remove all unnecessary mail, catalogs, and papers and replace them with a fruit bowl or candle. If your table is the gathering space for all trinkets and keys, find a bowl and keep them secluded to one spot. When buyers can't visualize eating in the kitchen or on the table due to clutter and chaos, they lose interest.

Too Bare is Bad
Don't go so far as to remove too much furniture from the space. Clean and simple is great, but when a space is lacking room staples like a sofa, bookshelf, or chairs, buyers may find the space to be bland and uninviting. Add some colorful throw pillows if your space feels like it's lacking in decor or bold accents. Finding the happy medium is key in the staging of your NOVA home.

End with the Basement
Think how you would feel when touring a home— piles of junk and disorganized keepsakes are a major turnoff. Even if your basement is unfinished, add a bicycle or weight bench (if you have them in storage) to help buyers visualize other uses for the space.

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Easy Ways to Add Storage to Your Northern Virginia Home

Maybe you own a home on the smaller side, are getting a jump on your spring cleaning and organizing everything in sight, or simply desire more storage options to hide your belongings— these easy tips to add storage to your Northern Virginia home are the perfect way to spring forward into the new season ahead. 

Storage Bed

The bedroom is the place where most homeowners desire storage. A place to hide closet overflow, books, linens, and more. Purchase or craft a storage chest to place at the foot of your bed. It’s an attractive piece of furniture and a great alternative to plastic bins that allows you to store extra sheets, blankets, and other trinkets you’d prefer to keep hidden.

Mudroom Bench

A catch-all bench with shelves, hooks, and drawers is exactly what you need in the entrance of your NOVA home. As the first piece of furniture you spy upon entering, it will serve as the place to drop your keys, coats, bags, and shoes and keep them organized at the same time.

Multipurpose Ottoman

No longer just a piece to rest your feet upon, a storage ottoman can serve as extra seating, a coffee table, and a chest to store your odds and ends. A version with under-lid storage is the type to look for or if you’re in the DIY mood, make the piece yourself and customize the fabric to match your home decor.

TV Cabinet

Have you ever wished your television would disappear only to come out when you need it? Enter the TV cabinet. Large televisions can sometimes be an eye sore in an otherwise neat and stylish home. By mounting a TV cabinet on the wall and storing the equipment inside, you can hide all of the wiring and get back to enjoying your leisure time.

Desk with Cubbies

In a desk with built-in storage components like cubbies and drawers, you no longer have to keep your mail and other miscellaneous papers on the kitchen counter. Staying organized with a simple piece of office furniture will keep questions of lost items and catalogs at bay.

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in NOVA

St. Patrick's Day is almost upon us and there are several events happening in NOVA for you to celebrate. So grab your best green attire and head out to experience the fun in the Northern Virginia area.

Washington, DC— St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 17th, NOON to 3 PM

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a parade down Constitution Avenue— 7th to 17th streets NW. Including Irish musicians, dancers, and singers, this parade is meant to celebrate the culture of all things Irish.

Fredericksburg— St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 16th, NOON
Spotsylvania County Business Park, 3300 Dill Smith Dr.

The 11th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at noon with fire trucks, classic cars, high school marching bands, and even Irish dancers. If you've got the time before the parade, come listen to Irish songs beginning at 11 AM. There will be shamrock face painting, a craft table, a magician performance and the typical Irish fare of corned beef and cabbage from 10:30 AM to 2 PM for $5. Proceeds from the meals benefit local volunteer fire and rescue departments. The event is happening in the Spotsylvania Business Park, a mile from downtown Fredericksburg; the parade finishes at Blue & Gray Brewing.

Fairfax— Natalie MacMaster St. Patrick's Day Concert
March 17th, 7-10 PM
George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive

You will not want to miss this musical Celtic celebration with Natalie MacMaster who is known for her step-dancing, fiddling, and Celtic, bluegrass, and folk music. MacMaster has released 10 solo albums and even done collaborations with such artists as Alison Krauss, Yo-Yo Ma, and Carlos Santana. Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, come listen to the Celtic sounds of this Grammy-nominated musician in NOVA. Admission Fees: $34, $42, $50.

Purcellville— 2013 Taste of Ireland
March 15th, 6-10 PM
Notaviva Vineyards, 13274 Sagle Road

Great Irish food, music, and fun is planned at this St. Patrick's Day event on March 15th. There will be cheese samples from Kerrygold Irish Dairy Board and an authentic Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage, Colcannon, and grasshopper parfaits, all served with Irish soda bread. Live music included with Danny Burns and Aine O'Doherty who just opened for Gaelic Storm at The Birchmere. Tickets are $29 per person.

Gaithersburg— St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 16th, 10 AM-12 PM

Parade begins at the Corner Bakery and ends at Kohl's. Participants include The Duffy School of Irish Dance, Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers, Maple School of Irish Dance, McGrath Academy of Irish Dance, and more.

Have fun this St. Patrick's Day in NOVA! Be sure to let us know which event was your favorite.

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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The Future of Home Values in NOVA

As a Northern Virginia real estate agent, a large part of what I do is monitor the latest trends and updates in the local housing market. When a seller client comes to me and asks for advice about whether or not now is the best time to sell their NOVA home, it’s up to me to be educated about the state of the market in order to give them the most sound and accurate opinion that I can. Now that March has arrived, many home sellers in the NOVAarea are thinking about listing their home in the spring or summer market. This has lead to many questions about what home values will be in the next few months.

As a Northern Virginia real estate professional, I can say that this is absolutely difficult to project. What I’ve found is that typically, the answer comes down to supply and demand. Similar to the common economic principle, in real estate supply and demand refers to the current month’s supply of homes available on the market in relation to the number of home buyers who are looking during that same month. Typically, although not always, real estate supply and demand follows a pattern: 

• 1-4 months’ supply of homes creates a seller’s market, where home values are guaranteed to go appreciate. Sellers are more confident entering the market at this time. 
• ·      5-6 months’ supply creates a balanced market, where home values appreciate at a level that coincides with inflation. Both buyers and sellers are confident at entering the market in these conditions.
• ·      7-8 months’ supply creates a buyers market. There are more homes listed than buyer demand, which means that homes often depreciate in value.

So, where is the Northern Virginia real estate market at with regard to these patterns? According to the National Association of REALTORS:

• ·      Raw unsold inventory is at the lowest level since December 2009.
• ·      Houses going into contract reached levels last seen during April 2010, which was the month the Home Buyer’s Tax Credit expired.
• ·      This has created a 4.2 month supply at the current sales’ rate.

Based upon the above information, it is safe to say that right now, the market is leaning more favorable towards sellers. That means that right now is a great time to list your home in the NOVA real estate market. Spring often brings an influx of buyers, and with a lower supply that originally suspected, demand will likely be high, meaning that your home’s value could actually appreciate.

As always, if you have any questions about buying or sellinga home in the NOVA real estate market, don’t hesitate to contact me and ask! I’d be happy to help give you advice and guide you throughout the process. I hope to hear from you soon.

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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