Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Has New Competition, Ready to Spring Forward

After many weeks of snow and cold weather, Northern Virginia residents are ready to speed up the clocks toward springtime. One more reason to speed up time? The spring real estate market! 

 The housing market is about to "spring forward," especially for home sellers. With rising demand and competition from new construction homes, it's crunch time for NoVa homeowners.

 Tight inventory has been a strong factor in holding back the market and many homeowners are now catching on, soon to list when they believe the most homebuyers will be ready to make a move. While we still have two weeks until the official start of the new season, listing your home now could beat the rush of homes that may soon inundate the market. 

 Typically, sellers believe waiting until spring is their best interest due to buyer demand. However, this year is an exception. 

 Buyer demand has not fallen off during the winter months as it has in the past. In fact, demand this year is three times as strong as it was last year at this time. 

 Competition is also a major factor to consider for NoVa home sellers. Aside from the homes that will come to the market in the next few weeks and even months, new construction properties are the new competitors. 

 New home sales made up 16% of all homes sold last year, according to the National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. New construction homes, over existing homes, are attracting more buyers this year for their ability to customize design and avoid renovations— as well as their providing an alternate option to the tight inventory we're seeing.

 Home sellers that act quickly and list their homes now can benefit from the exposure to buyers before the additional competition hits the market. Contact me today for information about selling your home in Alexandria, Arlington, Springfield, Centreville, Reston and beyond. 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, February 24, 2015

4 Things Northern Virginia Buyers Must Do Before House Hunting This Spring

Spring is typically the busy season for real estate and this year will be no exception in Northern Virginia. Some residents are finally prepared to make a move as equity returns to more homes, some are now in a position to stop renting and buy their first home and some are ready to move up before mortgage rates increase.

We're getting closer to the start of the new season, but there are still a few tasks you must-do before you even start your spring house-hunting. 

File your taxes
It is tax season after all! Lenders will want to see your most recent tax return to show your income when you're preparing to buy a home in Northern Virginia. If you are making payments now or are filing an extension to file your return later, the lender will require additional documents to confirm your income. Regardless, the bank will want to see your federal tax return prior to your purchasing a home.

Get other financial documents ready
Preparing to buy a home this spring is a process that will require documents like W-2's, 1099's and old tax returns to show your income for the past two years. The more assets you can show, the better. What lenders want is the proof that you have funds to cover at least two months of mortgage payments, plus insurance.

Check on your credit
Credit scores are important to homebuyers in NoVa, so look into your report now. Any errors you find can take months to fully correct which is why working slightly ahead of your home buying timeline is always advised.

Research the market
Before you can start house hunting in Alexandria, Arlington, Springfield or Annandale, it's helpful to get pre-approved, research how much you can comfortably afford and take note of home prices in the area.

Start shopping smarter for homes in Northern Virginia this spring. Don't wait until you find a home you love to do the prep work— I'm here to help! Have questions? I have years of experience in real estate to answer them!
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, February 17, 2015

Thinking Spring with Events in Northern Virginia and DC

We're just about one month away from the beginning of spring, although the weather is yet to show any signs! However, the events calendar in Northern Virginia and DC are bursting with opportunities to think spring, get out and enjoy everything the area has to offer. 

 From spring festivals to home shows to popular events celebrating the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, this spring is set to be an exciting time in Northern Virginia! Here are some of the many ways you can start thinking spring this month and next:

 Capital Home and Garden Show

 When: February 27-March 1, 2015; 
Friday and Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM; Sunday 9 AM to 6 PM

 Where: Dulles Expo Center
4368 Chantilly Shopping Center
Chantilly VA

 With over hundreds of exhibits and vendors, homeowners can gather inspiration for their homes in McLean, Alexandria, Arlington, Chantilly, Reston and the surrounding areas. The Capital Home and Garden Show is a one-stop shop for the latest in remodeling, decorating, home services and products.

 National Cherry Blossom Festival

 When: March 20-April 12, 2015

 Where: Washington, DC

 This popular festival in our nation's capital celebrates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees given to Washington by the city of Tokyo. You can find them surrounding the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin, with their pale pink and white flowers. 

 Lasting for three weeks, the Cherry Blossom Festival is city-wide and includes more than 200 cultural performances and other events. The events span sports, art exhibits, dining and more— something for everyone!

 Chantilly Craftsmen's Spring Classic Art and Craft Festival

 When: March 20-22, 2015; 
Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM; Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM

 Where: Dulles Expo Center

 Chantilly's favorite arts and crafts show! Find one-of-a-kind treasures for your home or yourself from hundreds of artists and craftsmen from all over the country. 
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, 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. 

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Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Buying a House in Northern Virginia: How to Save for a Down Payment

With rising rents expected to surpass home values this year, Northern Virginia residents may be feeling that push to buy a home. You may have already started visiting open houses in the area, tracking mortgage rates and making a homebuyer wish list, but what about the down payment?

 The down payment is a crucial part of the homebuying process, but not one that should discourage NoVa buyers. If you're stressing about saving for your new home, consider the following ways to start putting cash away now— it's easier than you think!

 Cut back on big purchases and expenses
One way to start saving for your next Northern Virginia home is to cut back on large expenses— your morning coffee run, for instance. While it may seem small, buying a daily coffee can add up to hundreds of dollars a month that may be better put in a down payment savings account. 

 If your current renting expense is claiming over 30 percent of your take-home pay, consider down-sizing or moving to a less pricey location for the time being.

 Auto-save your money
With each paycheck, you can ask for a portion to be automatically deposited into a down payment savings account. Choose a small amount to start— something like two percent is barely noticeable but can have a huge payoff in the long run.

 Save that tax refund
It's tax season and this year, the average refund is expected to rise. It's tempting for Northern Virginia residents to put that money toward a big purchase, but why not deposit your refund into your down payment savings account? You may not come across a sum of money like this for a while and you will thank yourself later when you're able to purchase a home in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Reston or Springfield!

 Start the new year off as a homeowner instead of a renter! I am here to help you make your dream of a new home in Northern Virginia a reality— just 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, January 27, 2015

Easy Ways to Increase Your Northern Virginia Home Value

With more homeowners regaining equity—now up to 85 percent of homeowners nationwide—we may soon see an influx of competition for home sellers. These homeowners could be thinking of selling and if you're on the same track, your Northern Virginia home will need to stand out! 

The most important factor in selling your home and thus, attracting homebuyers is pricing the property well. But that's not all you can do! Increasing your home's value with a few easy, inexpensive upgrades can push it to the top of a buyer's list and beat other comparable homes in Fairfax, McLean, Alexandria or Arlington.

Keep curb appeal a priority
Even in the winter months, increasing your home's curb appeal should be on your to-do list. Be sure to clear the pathways to your door, removing all snow and ice, and clean the windows. It's also crucial to highlight your home's outdoor features, whether they be an outdoor fireplace, patio or deck. Make sure homebuyers can view these features from indoors!

Adding a new front door, mailbox and fence are also simple ways to spark homebuyer interest.

Revamp the bathroom
Bathrooms and kitchens are two places Northern Virginia homebuyers will desire renovations. However, that doesn't mean you need to plan a complete overhaul. Small changes like replacing fixtures, wallpaper and re-grouting tile can do the trick just as well.

Change out light fixtures
Some Northern Virginia homebuyers look for older homes, but not the light fixtures that can quickly date them. Swap out older light fixtures for new and consider increasing the wattage in darker rooms with little natural light. This a quick fix that allows rooms to feel fresh, larger and open.
 
With nearly 3 decades of experience in real estate, I can answer any questions you might have about homebuyer wants and selling your home in Burke, Centerville, Falls Church, Mount Vernon and beyond. Contact me 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, January 20, 2015

Mistakes Northern Virginia Homeowners Make on Their Taxes

It's officially tax season and many Northern Virginia homeowners will start scrambling for the documents necessary to complete their property taxes. But after the paperwork is all rounded up, there are several common mistakes that homeowners are known to make when filing.

 Keep these in mind as you prepare to file your taxes this year— avoiding these mistakes is easier than you might think:

 Deducting the wrong year for property taxes
A tax deduction for property taxes is taken in the year you actually paid them. Oftentimes, you are not billed for 2013 property taxes until 2014, but according to Houselogic, "that's irrelevant to the feds." 

 On your federal forms, enter the amount you actually paid in that tax year, despite the date that is on your tax bill. Confusing payments for different years and claiming the wrong amount is a common mistake.

 Confusing escrow and the taxes paid
Does your lender escrow money to pay your property taxes? Don't only deduct the amount you escrowed. The amount you pay into your escrow account every month to cover the taxes is likely slightly more or less than your overall property tax bill. Your lender will make the adjustments to make sure the two match up.

 As an example: Say you owe $1,200 in property taxes, but your lender collects $1,100 or $1,300 in escrow. You should deduct only the $1,200 or the amount you owe on your ta bill. This is often listed on Form 1098.

 Not repaying the first-time homebuyer tax credit
Did you know if you used the first-time homebuyer tax credit in 2008, you are required to pay a portion of that back? In fact, you are required to pay back 1/15 of the credit over 15 years.

 Tax time can be stressful for Northern Virginia homeowners! Remember to file or scan necessary documents as you go to avoid scrambling at the last minute. 

 Ready to start the new year fresh with a new home? I'm here to answer any questions you have!
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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