Tuesday, March 17, 2015

NoVa Home Sellers: March Is One of Best Times to Sell Your Northern Virginia Home

You may have read in an earlier blog post that selling your Northern Virginia home is best done early in the year. What exactly does "early in the year" mean for homeowners? The period of time after the holidays have calmed down and... now!

 Based upon supply, demand and home seller success, mid-March to mid-April is considered a magic window of time to sell your home. 

 The best time to list your home tends to follow weather patterns which, in Northern Virginia, may be ideal from late March to early to mid-April. This is the time where homeowners tend to sell their homes faster and for more money than any other time of the year.

 Data shows sold from mid-March to mid-April sell about 15 percent faster and for 2 percent more than the average home listed. Why is this so? It has a lot to do with avoiding the rush of homeowners listing their properties in the weeks before.

 There tends to be a rush of homes coming to the real estate market in late February and early March, therefore homeowners who listed after them allow their homes to take precedence. Homes can quickly become outranked and pushed lower in online searches—the first place today's homebuyers look—so it is important to avoid periods of high competition.

 Homebuyer confidence has also been shown to surge in early April. This is a great time to list if you want to attract serious buyers and get your home sold quickly, not to mention for a higher price.

 As your local real estate expert in communities like McLean, Alexandria, Fairfax City, Springfield and Mount Vernon, I can help you find the best time to list your home in the local real estate market. The spring season is just getting started and it's sure to be a lucrative time for NoVa home sellers!

 Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions! I have decades of experience to put you at ease and provide more information on selling your home and moving on to the next!
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 10, 2015

How to Celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival in Northern Virginia

If you live in DC or in surrounding Northern Virginia, you know March kicks off the popular Cherry Blossom Festival and we're now just weeks away! 

 Every year, the Cherry Blossom Festival marks the beginning of spring in DC and represents the gift of the cherry blossom trees given by Japan to the United States. The Festival coordinates different events celebrating arts and culture throughout DC and even extending to NoVa, from March 20 through April 12— most of which are free and open to the public. 

 And you don't even need to head into DC to experience the beautiful cherry blossoms! Below are several ways you can participate in this iconic festival right here in Northern Virginia:

 Fairfax Visitor Center
1961 Chain Bridge Road
McLean, VA
Open M-F 10 AM - 6 PM; Sunday 11 AM - 6 PM

 Fairfax County celebrates the Cherry Blossom Festival at its Visitor Center located in Tysons Corner Center. Visitors can stop by for free cherry blossom-related gifts, craft demonstrations and other activities.

 Old Town Alexandria Cherry Blossom Food Tour
March 22 - April 12, 2015
For reservations, call 202-683-8847

 Set out on this guided, narrated tour of Old Town Alexandria and learn about its significance throughout history. Along the way, participants will sample local chef creations with cherry blossom-inspired food and drinks. Food tours can include Japanese-themed dishes, cherry-centered plates, desserts with a cherry twist, even homemade "cherry cello" from a popular Italian restaurant. 

 Potomac Riverboat Company Cherry Blossom Water Taxi
Beginning March 21, 2015 (Monday through Sunday)
Departs from Alexandria, VA
Times: 11:10 AM, 1:35 and 4:30 PM

 Hop on a water taxi from Alexandria to the National Mall in Washington, DC to view the cherry blossoms in all their glory, amongst the national monuments. Skip the traffic and climb aboard this 30-minute cruise which then docks just steps from the Tidal Basin. Once in DC, take a free Cherry Blossom Walking Tour or stick around into the evening and take a free tour of the cherry blossoms by lantern. 

 Northern Virginia has so much to offer throughout the year and with proximity to our nation's capitol, it's an excellent place to call home. Contact me today for more tips on purchasing a home in Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, 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. 
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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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