Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Where to Celebrate the Holidays in Alexandria, Centreville, McLean, Fairfax VA

The holidays are here again in Northern Virginia! It's time to deck the halls, trim the tree, relax by the fire and prepare for the new year ahead. Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Springfield and the surrounding communities have dozens of events on the calendar to start the holidays off in festive style and as your local real estate expert, I'm happy to share some of them with you!

 Get ready for a season full of holiday spirit with the following events from Mount Vernon to the National Zoo!

 Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 5, 2015
4 - 9 PM Torpedo Factory Art Center Holiday Open House
4:15 PM Santa arrives by boat
5:30 PM Parade begins at Alexandria Waterfront
6 - 7 PM Parade at Washington Channel, Washington DC

 View the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights from the docks of the Alexandria Marina and wait for Santa as he arrives dockside for photos with the children. Santa will then visit each floor of the Torpedo Factory to greet guests.

 Christmas at Mount Vernon
Through January 6, 2016
George Washington's Mount Vernon

 Take a candlelight tour of the mansion, watch a fireworks display set to Christmas music, experience fire-side caroling and dancing as you learn what is was like to celebrate the holidays in Washington's day.

 Bull Run Festival of Lights and Holiday Village
Through January 4, 2016
Monday - Thursday 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM ($15 per car)
Friday - Sunday 5:30 PM to 10 PM ($20 per car)
Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville VA

 This light display draws thousands of visitors each year! The Portal Wreath signifies the beginning of the show and each holiday season, a new ornament is added to represent a display in the show. Santa's Enchanted Lights is also a big hit with over 40,000 animated lights set to music!

 Zoo Lights
Through January 1, 2016
National Zoo, Washington DC

 Admission is free for this annual holiday tradition in DC! More than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights have transformed the Zoo into a winter wonderland and feature a light show set to music!

 Fairfax Festival of Lights and Carols
December 5, 2015
11 AM to 7 PM
Sherwood Community Center, Downtown Fairfax VA

The weekend will be filled with holiday cheer, from lunch with Santa to s'mores by the fire to ice sculpting to face painting, holiday cider, caroling and a tree lighting!

 McLean Winterfest Parade
December 6, 2015
3:30 PM
McLean VA

 Parade route runs along Chain Bridge Road, starting at Fleetwood Road and ending at Elm Street.

 The holiday season can be a great time to make a move, whether you're buying your dream home or selling your current home for a fresh start in 2016. 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, November 24, 2015

Staging Your Northern Virginia Home for the Holidays

Thanksgiving is already here and NoVA homeowners may be planning to go tree shopping this weekend, preparing to deck the halls for the holidays. However, if you're a home seller, there are a few key rules to keep in mind as you decorate. 

 You can find great success in selling your home during the holiday season and the right staging can help buyers feel more at home. Remember the following tips for staging during the holiday season and you could just give your Northern Virginia home the competitive edge it needs to sell!

 Curb Appeal Begins at the Front Door
The front door is one of the first things a NoVA homebuyer will notice when they arrive at your home so use it to make a seasonal impression. A simple, live wreath is classic and tasteful and a bow can add flair. This easy piece of holiday decor gives buyers the impression you care about your home.

 Keep Other Outdoor Decorations to a Minimum
Steer clear of inflatable decorations, excessive lights in varying colors and holiday signs on your home or in the yard. Too many decorations can cause a homebuyer to feel overwhelmed and make it difficult for them to visualize how they would decorate for the holidays. When it doubt, keep it simple.

 Keep It Simple Indoors Too
It's best to remember that Northern Virginia buyers are there to look at your home, not your belongings. Keep decor to a minimum indoors as well— a simple Christmas tree with white lights and ornaments in one color palette. Try to place the emphasis on your home's spaces, not the tree or its outlandish decorations. 

 Accentuate the Home's Features
Many homeowners tend to use every square inch of their home when decorating for the holidays. Mistletoe hung in a doorway is fine, but avoid blocking a beautiful picture window with stick-on window clings or cluttering a fireplace with garland and ornaments galore. Allow the home's best features to shine!

 Staging your home in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Falls Church, Fairfax and the surrounding areas for the holidays can help evoke cozy feelings and the warm spirit of the season, just remember not to overdo it! If you have questions about selling your home in the area, 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, November 17, 2015

Avoid Thanksgiving Disasters in Your Northern Virginia, DC Home This Year

Thanksgiving is now just one week away and Northern Virginia area residents may be preparing to host the holiday in their home. You've cleaned each room from top to bottom, you've purchased your turkey, but just as your guests arrive, you realize the oven won't heat.

Holiday hassles are not uncommon in the hustle and bustle of the season, but there are precautions you can take to avoid them! Follow these three rules to make sure you can enjoy your Thanksgiving feast without worry.

Problem: The Oven Won't Heat
Unfortunately, a heating malfunction in the oven will pop up in homes everywhere during the holiday season. But the good news is that there is an easy solution to prevent it! Do not allow the oven to self-clean until after the holidays as you risk blowing a fuse or thermostat. What's more, it can be tricky to find an available oven technician around this busy time of year.

Problem: You Have No Heat
Although the weather we've been experiencing may not call for heat this Thanksgiving, you don't want to risk your thermostat going out. The key to this is having your HVAC system serviced as usual each year. Regular maintenance tasks like replacing the filter can help you avoid holiday disasters such as this.

Problem: The Fridge Won't Cool
Thanksgiving cooking requires a chilly refrigerator to keep every dish in its best form and discovering this problem too late can really put a damper on your holiday plans. Install a thermometer on your fridge to make sure it stays below 40 degrees. The coils located underneath or on the back of the appliance should be free of dust and allowed to breathe. Remove any boxes that may be preventing air from circulating around these.

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the busy holiday season and an opportune time to buy a home in Northern Virginia and DC. As your local real estate expert, I'm happy to help you find your dream home and sell your current property before the new year arrives. 

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, November 10, 2015

Buying a Home in Northern Virginia Offers More Benefits Than Renting

Buying a home can feel like a major obstacle for many first-timers in the Northern Virginia and DC area, but passing on the opportunity this year could create an even bigger hurdle. As rents continue to rise and mortgage rates continue to remain under four percent, the answer is clear— buying a home is a better investment than renting.

Homeownership allows NoVA residents to start building equity and long-term wealth. It is a way to provide stability for households and a means of reinvesting wealth, into your own pocket. If you continue to rent, tossing more money out the window each year, you place yourself further from these benefits.

Believe it or not, Northern Virginia homeowners also have the ability to save money each month by investing in a home instead of a rental. 

A new report on the local DC area real estate market found that renters spend roughly 27 percent of their income on their housing payment each month where homeowners spend around 17 percent of their income. 

Homeowners gain an advantage not only because of the "forced savings" each month, but due to the growing equity and wealth produced by this single asset. 

Renters on the other hand, due to rising costs each year and the overall expenses of apartments in the DC area, are unable to save enough for a down payment and are pushed to continue on their current housing path. 

But rest assured, first time homebuyers, not matter how you acquire the down payment, whether through family or friends, your investment is one you will not regret. You have a significant opportunity— given low mortgage rates and current housing prices—to better channel your monthly housing payment and watch your net worth build.

Prices and rates will only go up from here, so do not let this time in the real estate market pass you by! 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, November 3, 2015

5 Tips to Get Your Northern Virginia Home Ready for Winter

Believe it or not, we could be seeing the first snowflakes of the year in a few short weeks. Northern Virginia homeowners can take precautions now to ensure they are not caught off guard by a faulty heating system, water leaks in the basement or high energy bills due to drafty windows and doors.

 I am happy to share these five tips for preparing your home for winter and help you enjoy the season, without any home-related hassles.

Clean the gutters
Once all the leaves have fallen, it's time to clean out your gutters, unless of course, they are already overflowing. Gutters are the cause of many basement water problems due to water draining improperly.

 On the same note, make sure your downspouts are pointing away from your house, away from sills and driveways. You always want to route water away from the house, not emptying into a corner of it.

 Block the drafts
Seal up any gaps around windows, doors and baseboards with weather stripping, window film or caulk to keep your energy bills down. Now is also the time to repair any broken or cracked windows that could allow heat to escape.

 Have your chimney cleaned
If you'll be using your fireplace this winter in Northern Virginia, give your chimney sweep a call. An experienced chimney sweep will be able to clean buildup or blockages and prevent fires related to this feature of your home.  

 Have your furnace inspected
This time before winter arrives is best for inviting an HVAC tecnician to inspect your furnace as they can become very busy during the height of the season. Making sure everything is in working order now will save you trouble when the weather requires daily use.

 Reroute ceiling fans
If you have ceiling fans in your NoVA home, set them to rotate clockwise to force the rising warm air back toward the floor. Keep heating down with the use of your ceiling fan can also help you lower energy bills this time of year.

 Do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions about becoming a homeowner or selling your current home this year. Winter can be an ideal season to find a deal on your dream 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, October 27, 2015

Rents to Increase in Northern Virginia and DC, Home Affordability Improving

When you look at your history as a renter, chances are that your payment has gone up every year. And according to the latest finding from an apartment research firm, these price hikes will not slow down any time soon.

 Renters have been advised to "brace themselves" as costs show no signs of stopping. Annual rent growth last month was recorded at its highest level since 2011—an increase of 5.2 percent—and also marked the eighth consecutive month that rate has been 5 percent or higher. 

 Compared to one year ago, rent growth is up one full percentage point and has shown the longest sustained period of strength. This cycle of rent growth has already lasted five years, whereas the previous concluded at four.

 On the opposite side of the housing equation, homeownership continues to provide advantages that renting just cannot. And while lower inventory in the real estate market has kept renters in their current position, housing affordability has actually been improving. 

 The median price of single-family home slowed in August, while family income moved higher, according to the National Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Index. Combine those statistics with mortgage rates still holding under 4 percent and affordability was able to rise to its highest level since May!

 Buying a home has proven more affordable this year than last, even with slightly higher prices in the NoVA market. And just as you think mortgage rates are as low as they will get, they inch lower, which can help any area buyer gain an edge and increase their buying power. 

 So as you continue to mull over the decision between renting and buying, consider where rental prices will be one year from now as well as who you are paying with each monthly payment. When you rent, you are paying down your landlord's premium, versus owning where you are paying down your own!

 I'm here to help you find the best home for your needs within your price range this year, so not hesitate to 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, October 20, 2015

Fun Halloween Events to Attend in Northern Virginia and DC

Halloween is only ten days away and the events are abundant in Northern Virginia! From costume parades to trick-or-treating to fall festivals to haunted trails and tours— the whole family is sure to find something to enjoy this time of year!

 As your local Northern Virginia real estate expert, I'm happy to share a few of these spooky events with you and provide more recommendations for getting to know the communities of NoVA. Add the following to your calendar this month and do not hesitate to give me a call with any additional questions about how you can call NoVA your home!

Boo at the Zoo
October 23-25, 2015; 5:30 PM
The National Zoo, Washington DC

 A chance to trick or treat with your favorite animals at the zoo! With over 40 treat stations, animal demonstrations, jugglers and fun decorations throughout, the National Zoo is the place to be this Halloween!

 Annandale Parade
October 24, 2015; 10 AM to 12 PM
Columbia Pike from the Annandale Shopping Center near Gallows Road to the bowling Alley-Safeway

 There will be plenty of candy and activities for the entire family at this free parade and fall festival! Visitors are encouraged to come in costume to make it a Halloween parade to remember!

 Air & Scare
October 24, 2015; 2 PM to 7 PM
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly VA

This free event at the Air and Space Museum offers a safe, indoor trick-or-treating environment with Halloween activities galore! There will be an area for the little kids to play and listen to stories while the older kids gather candy and participate in the festivities!

 Haunted Happenings in Manassas
October 24, 2015; 10 AM to 1 PM
Historic Downtown Manassas 

 The businesses of downtown Manassas will be handing out candy from morning until early afternoon this Saturday, so watch out for the goblin and ghouls trolling the streets— or bring your own to collect the goodies!

 Mount Vernon's Halloween
October 30, 2015; 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
George Washington's Mount Vernon

 Attendees to this Halloween event can come in costume for a chance to win a prize in the parade, head off on the scavenger hunt or wagon rides and watch demonstrations in chocolate making and even taste some! Admission ranges from $5 to $10. 

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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