Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Summer Festivals Prepare to Visit Northern Virginia— Mount Vernon, Centreville, Herndon, Arlington VA

Now that warmer weather is finally here, I think we're all looking forward to summer. After all, it's already May! Northern Virginia is full of fun destinations to visit and events to attend in the summer sun and this month will be no exception. 

 May will welcome dozens of festivals to local communities like Mount Vernon, Centreville, Herndon and nearby Washington, DC. If you're planning your summer festivities ahead, you'll want to add these to your calendar!

 Mount Vernon Wine Festival and Sunset Tour
When: May 15-17, 2015, 6 PM to 9 PM
Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon 22121 

 Mount Vernon is widely known as the home of our first president, George Washington, and as an iconic NoVa locale, a sunset tour is a dream. This month, Mount Vernon will present its wine festival and tour to celebrate history while also enjoying local wine. Guests who attend can enjoy live jazz and picnic while overlooking the Potomac.

 Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
When: May 16, 2015, 10 AM to 6 PM; May 17, 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Reston Town Center, 12001 Market St, Reston 20190

 When the weather is nice, it's a great time to explore Northern Virginia and its many local artisans— the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is just the place! There will be original works of art for purchase by over 200 artisans, children's activities and live performance throughout the event.

 Taste of Arlington
When: May 17, 2015, 12 PM to 6 PM
Where: Arlington, VA

 This lively street festival will highlight the best of Arlington's food scene with proceeds benefiting the Virginia Hospital Center and Arlington Community Foundation. There will be a chance to taste the cuisine of over 40 restaurants, live music, kids activities in the KidZone and a farmers' market. Admission is free, but food tickets will be required.

 Hernon Festival
When: May 28-31, 2015
Where: Downtown Herndon

 A traditional outdoor festival with live music, fireworks, a carnival and dozens of vendors in historic downtown Herndon.

 Vintage Virginia Wine and Food Festival
When: May 31-June 1, 2015
Where: Bull Run Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville

 Virginia is celebrated for its wonderful wines and this is just the place to try over 50 of the best local wineries! 

 Contact me today for more information on moving to a new home or relocating to Northern Virginia— I have decades of experience in the area to help find the best community for you!

 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 28, 2015

How to Know If You're Ready to Buy Your First Northern Virginia Home

With the rising costs of rent in Northern Virginia, it is no longer a smart financial decision for area residents. Mortgage rates are historically low, the market is beginning to heat up and homebuyers are noticing. 

 However, if this is your first time purchasing a home in NoVa, you need to be ready to assume the responsibility of homeownership. Here are four questions to ask yourself to determine if now is the right time for you to buy:

 Can you afford the costs?
Hopefully you have been saving for a downpayment and other costs over the past few years as homeownership comes with its fair share. You should have enough to cover 20% of the home's purchase price to secure the best mortgage rate and avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). 

 It is also wise to be prepared to pay closing costs which can typically range from 2 to 5% of the home's purchase price.

 Can you afford the payment?
You may have found the perfect home in Arlington, Alexandria, Springfield, Reston or Centreville, but it's important to know if you can afford to take on the mortgage payment. Take the steps to get pre-approved with a lender to first see how much the bank will lend you. After, you can begin searching for homes in your appropriate price range. 

 Can you afford the upkeep?
When renting, you likely do not have the expense of maintaining the property. When you are a homeowner, repairs are all left up to you! Do you have enough funds to cover a broken faucet or appliance? Or are you willing to learn how to fix them yourself? These questions are crucial in your decision to buy a home.

 Do you have good credit?
If you have great credit, buying a home could be smooth sailing. If not, it's wise to begin grooming your credit report months before you meet with a lender. Any errors can put a hitch in your homebuying plan.

 I have decades of experience in real estate and am here to help Northern Virginia residents (and those relocating!) achieve their goal of becoming a homeowner. Contact me today with any questions about the real estate market or for a list of available homes.
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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Tuesday, April 14, 2015

What Lenders Are Looking for in Northern Virginia Homebuyers This Spring

House hunting is indeed an exciting aspect of the spring real estate market— from browsing available properties online, visiting open houses and exploring desired neighborhoods in NoVa. However, that is just one small part of the homebuying process.

 In a previous blog post, I explained the importance of being prepared before you begin the house hunt this spring. It is wise to take the steps mentioned in the post and meet with a lender to get pre-approved. 

 If you have yet to meet with a Northern Virginia lender to learn if you're able to qualify for a mortgage, here are four things they will be looking for in potential buyers:

 1. Capacity
Lenders in NoVa and DC will want to know you have the ability to pay back the loan on a home. They will look at your income, your current employment and employment history, your monthly payments or debts (such as credit card payments) and your savings to decide if you can comfortably afford a mortgage every month.

 2. Credit
Your credit score, as you can imagine, plays a major part in deciding if you will be granted a mortgage loan. Lenders in Northern Virginia will look at how well you have done paying your bills on time, in addition to other debt payments. It is also recommended to try to improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage to increase your chances of being approved.

 3. Collateral
Lenders will look at the value of the home you intend to purchase in Northern Virginia when deciding if you qualify to take on a mortgage. 

 4. Capital
In order to determine whether to grant a homebuyer a loan, the lender will look over the money and savings you have on hand in accounts, plus any investments you have or other assets that may be sold for capital. They will want to see that you have at least two months of reserves to cover a mortgage payment and that you can manage your money well to pay back the debt of the loan.

 If you are ready to begin the homebuying process in the NoVa and DC area, I am happy to help! Contact me today to discuss what steps you should take first!
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 7, 2015

Take a Staycation— Spring Break Activities Right Here in Northern Virginia

"Spring break" oftentimes means packing the car and heading off on a long distance road trip, but that doesn't have to be the case if you live in Northern Virginia! Our area is full of local fun and activities that don't require hours of travel time.

 Fairfax and Arlington County each offer great spring break getaways, no matter if you live in NoVa, are simply visiting or looking to call this your permanent home. Here are a few ideas to explore this spring:

 Be Historical
Northern Virginia is an area rich in history, so why not brush up on your knowledge this spring? Take a trip to Alexandria and Springfield— Tour Woodlawn Estate, which was designed by the architect of the first U.S. Capitol. It was also the home of Eleanor Custis and Lawrence Lewis, Martha Washington's granddaughter and George Washington's nephew. 

 George Washington's Mount Vernon is another place of historical beauty. Situated on the banks of the Potomac, it was the plantation home of our nation's first president. 

 Be Green
Hit the hiking and biking trails NoVa has to offer this month or spend some time in one of the beautiful local parks. Mason District Park in Annandale offers a large natural area, playground, tennis courts and playing fields. While in Annandale, you can also visit Hidden Oaks Nature Preserve set within the 52 acre Annandale Community Park.

 In nearby Burke, Centreville and Clifton, you'll find many beautiful outdoor attractions like Burke Lake, Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, Cox Farms and Bull Run Regional Park.

 Be Spoiled
Northern Virginia is also home to some of the best shopping in the area. If retail therapy is on your spring break to-do list, head to Tysons Galleria or Tysons Corner Center in McLean or the shops at Fairfax Square in Vienna.

 As a resident of Northern Virginia, I know how nice it is to call this area home. Contact me today for more information on purchasing a home in one of these great communities!
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 31, 2015

Spring Refresh— Planning a Smart Home Renovation in Northern Virginia

More Northern Virginia homeowners are staying put this year and instead of moving, are now planning more home projects.

 The average for home renovation projects is estimated at $4,100 and include popular areas of the home like the kitchen and bathroom, improving landscaping, installing new flooring, adding or redoing a deck or patio and even painting. 

 But there are many moving parts and remodeling your home in Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Annandale, Centreville, Springfield or Reston can quickly become overwhelming! Here are 5 tips to keep in mind for a smart and successful home renovation:

 Plan Ahead
Having everything set in advance, like tile choices or flooring, can prevent delays later— it can also help you stay on budget! The last thing you want are surprises when it comes to costs.

 Factor in Maintenance
When figuring costs associated with your renovation, remember the big picture. Will there be long-term maintenance costs associated with your new deck or addition? How about energy loss? Do you have large repair expenses? Factoring all of these in will help you in comparing prices.

 Research the Team
You'll likely have many choices in choosing a remodeling team. Hire those with more than three years of experience, a good standing with the local business association and positive customer references. You can also visit their job sites around town— a great remodeler will maintain a clean and organized job site. 

 Review the Contract
Be a smart homeowner when signing the contract with your remodeler! Request a detailed contract with the start date, completion date and outline (in detail) of what exactly will and will not be done. Always read carefully!

 Protect Your Valuables
Home renovation can affect every room in your Northern Virginia home. Pack up your valuables to avoid them getting damaged— including chandeliers, picture frames, vases and other fixtures. If you are worried about scuffing or damaging your flooring, cover it with cardboard sheets. 

 Not ready to take on the major task of renovating your Northern Virginia home this year? I am happy to help you find a NoVa property that allows you to move in and relax! Contact me today for more information about homes available in the area!
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 24, 2015

Northern Virginia Homebuyers: Your Guide to Moving to a New House

Spring is officially here! Not only does that mean warmer weather, but also that more Northern Virginia residents are now looking to move into a new home. If you've already applied for a mortgage, found your dream home and made it to closing, next comes the big (and oftentimes, tiresome) task of moving into the new house.  

 You'll need to pack up your belongings, decide what stays and what goes and also, choose a moving company in NoVa. It can be overwhelming, but I'm here to help make it easier on you! 

 Consider the following your Guide to Moving into a New House in Northern Virginia:
  • Give yourself a daily packing quota. Take it room by room. Don't burn out trying to move everything in one day or pack the house in a single weekend. Space it out over the course of a few weeks if you have the time. 
  • Choose a moving company that offers reusable boxes and containers to move your belongings. In most cases, they drop off the boxes and lids for your move and pick them up when you're finished. This saves on purchasing pricey moving boxes and risking cardboard boxes breaking in the process.
  • Don't pack up your wardrobe. Moving can mean taking all of your clothes off the hangers, storing them and then spending more time ironing them afterward. Instead, use wardrobe boxes to give to your movers and pack the clothes right on the hangers.
  • Set out the essentials. With boxes upon boxes, Northern Virginia homebuyers stress about which holds the toothpaste and their clothes for the next week. Set out what you'll need for a few days and if your new home is within driving distance, take them to the new house prior to Moving Day!
  • Create a system. Choose a color to represent each room— for instance, yellow for the kitchen or blue for the bathroom. Use colored labels on each box next to their number so the movers will know exactly where each box is meant to go. Also post a sign in each room ("Boxes Here, Please!")where you want boxes stacked or they can quickly take over the house!
As your Northern Virginia real estate expert, I know that moving can be a chore. I'm happy to provide suggestions for local moving companies to help calm this chaotic time. 

Not in new house mode quite yet? Contact me for information about the spring real estate market in McLean, Alexandria, Arlington, 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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