Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Northern Virginia, DC Homebuyers: Should You Choose A New or Existing Home?

Even if you've already made your homebuyer wish list—detailing everything you want in a property from number of bedrooms to outdoor space—you may not have considered the age of the home itself. Should you choose a new construction home that includes the items on your wish list? Or should you go with an existing property in NoVA that you can make your own?

 Before you begin house-hunting, you should be prepared to answer these questions and as your local real estate expert in Northern Virginia, I'm including a few points below that can help you decide!

 New Home Pros
  • You'll be the first to live in the house.
  • Appliances are brand-new and covered by warranties.
  • Appliances, roofing and major household systems like plumbing and HVAC will have years before they need to be replaced.
  • New homes will have the latest energy-efficient and safety features.
  • Less maintenance.
New Home Cons
  • A new home will generally cost more per square foot. 
  • Even with new appliances and systems, new homes are subject to malfunctions and breaks just like any other home.
  • If customizing your home, you may have to compromise on choices like cabinets and flooring due to budget.
Existing Home Pros
  • Existing homes generally cost less per square foot and give the NoVA homeowner more value for their money.
  • You can channel the price difference into renovations and upgrades.
  • Move-in dates tend to be quicker than homes that need to be customized or finished.
  • Existing homes already have appliances, landscaping and features included— you don't need to choose prior to move-in.
Existing Home Cons
  • Appliances and major systems can be older and in need of repair when you purchase the home.
  • The home may have had multiple owners.
  • Existing homes, depending on their age, may have electrical or plumbing that is not up to current standards.
  • Renovations can uncover damage from previous years and owners.
Have an idea of which type of home you'd like to purchase this year? Need a little more assistance with your decision? I'm here to help! 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, January 12, 2016

3 Northern Virginia Home Upgrades to Make with Your Tax Refund

Early in the year, Northern Virginia and DC area residents begin to prepare their taxes and thinking one step ahead, plan ways to spend their refund. While you likely have dozens of ideas about how you're going to spend your money this year, why not invest it back into your home? 

 The following home upgrades actually pay off at resale and will be well worth their initial cost:

 Remodeled Kitchen
Upgrading your kitchen is one of the smartest investments you can make in your NoVA home. Stick to high-quality fixtures, including stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. However, also keep in mind the size of your home when remodeling. If your home is a smaller, two-bedroom, you may not recoup all of your investment. Do not be afraid to ask your real estate agent about the best upgrades for your home's size if you're planning to sell this year!

 New windows
During the winter months, you may notice drafts around your windows and doors, not to mention higher energy bills each month. Replacing windows will keep your home warmer and intrigue NoVA buyers that are looking for a newly-updated home.

 Landscaping
Curb appeal is the first thing a buyer will notice when they visit your home or view it online. Every addition from hedges to flower beds is well worth your while as a homeowner as these tell homebuyers that you care about your property and its upkeep.

 If you're thinking about selling your home in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax or the surrounding communities, it is wise to invest in the upgrades that will pay off! Contact me today with any questions about the real estate market or for more information about selling your home for top dollar in Northern Virginia!
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 5, 2016

5 Things to Do This January in Northern Virginia

January can indeed be a time when the winter blues set in, but not with the ongoing list of fun events in Northern Virginia to kick off the new year! This month's calendar in Alexandria, Arlington, Chantilly, Reston, Vienna and beyond is packed with family-friendly activities to get you moving again and take your focus off of the dark, dreary days of winter!

 I've selected a few events happening in the area this month that you'll want to add to your schedule— take a look:

 An Evening with the Gonzal Bergara Quartet
When: January 13, 2016; 7:30 PM
Where: Jammin' Java, Vienna VA

 The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet will mix the sounds of Paris and Argentina this month, with a form they call "Gypsy Jazz." The group performs on various string instruments and presents their audience with the likes of sounds you may have never heard before. 

 Reston Orchestra MLK Concert
When: January 16, 2016; 4 PM to 5:30 PM
Where: Reston Community Center, Reston VA

 The Reston Community Orchestra will present their 10th Annual "Remembering the Dream" concert this month, the weekend before Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The concert is free to attend and will feature many songs inspired by the great leader.

 Snow White
When: Through January 17, 2016
Where: Encore Stage and Studio, Arlington VA

 It seems January is the month of culture and memorable performances in Northern Virginia! The classic Snow White fairy tale will come to the stage in a musical adaptation in this NOVA performance, featuring all of your favorite characters.

 Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
When: January 29, 30, 31, 2016
Where: Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly VA

This festival features the nation's most talented artists, both displaying and selling their wares. In fact, this craft festival was rated one of the Top Craft Experiences in the Country, so you won't want to miss it!

 Civil War Ball
When: January 23, 2016; 8 PM to 10 PM
Where: Gadsby's Tavern Museum, Alexandria VA

 This is your chance to dress up in your best Civil War-era ensemble and attend an evening of elegance in Alexandria! There will be live music, dance instruction and 1860's inspired desserts at this 19th century themed ball. 

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, December 29, 2015

How to Start Fresh for the New Year in Your Northern Virginia Kitchen

As they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home— but it's also the place that can become the messiest! With the new year just days away, NoVA residents are preparing for a fresh start and what better spot than in this busy area of your home?

 Follow these easy tips for creating a clean slate in your kitchen just in time for 2016:

 Clean out the cabinets
First, start by removing any odds and ends that belong in other places of your Northern Virginia home— mail, books, electronics. Next, empty every cabinet, drawer and shelf, clearing out any broken or rarely used pieces to make more room for the others. Tackle the pantry and toss out any expired items or anything you're trying to steer clear of in the new year ahead.

 Clean off all of the shelves, the inside of drawers and cabinets and begin to place the items back inside. Just make sure the items you use most often or those close to expiring are well within your reach!

 Clear away grease and grime
A well-used kitchen can be quite messy, so it's time to give everything a good cleaning! Remove all oven knobs, drawer pulls and appliance handles and soak them in a soap and water mixture. While they are soaking, wipe down every surface with a kitchen degreaser, including tile grout and backsplashes. 

 Be sure to dust spice racks, pot hangers, light fixtures and clocks that may be high enough to forget about!

 Mind the appliances
Two of the most frequently used items in your kitchen are likely the oven and the refrigerator and they can quickly build up residue and grease if not cleaned often. Treat these just as you did the cabinets earlier— pull everything out, toss out expired or old items, soak racks and shelves and wipe down with a degreaser or specific appliance cleaner. 

 Soak the burners if possible and clean any fallen food that may have collected underneath. Before you put everything back together, make it a point to dust coils and fans behind the appliances.

 As always, if you have any questions about buying or selling a home in Northern Virginia, do not hesitate to reach out! I wish you a happy and safe new year!

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, December 22, 2015

Why You Shouldn't Wait Until Spring to Sell Your Northern Virginia, DC Area Home

Many homeowners in Northern Virginia believe spring and summer are the best, if not the only, time to sell— but that is not always the case! In fact, it is this idea that brings a wave of new inventory to the market every spring and thus, increases competition among home sellers!

 Instead, consider the benefits of selling your home during the holidays or the winter season, in general. There are numerous factors that make this time of year one of the best to move on and I'm happy to share a few with you below!

 The lack of competition
Just as I mentioned above, there are simply fewer homes for sale in Northern Virginia during the winter months. Because many homeowners prepare and renovate their homes in the winter in order to list in the spring, the inventory tends to remain on the lower side this time of year. By selling your home now, you can give your home more time in the spotlight than any other time of year!

 Buyers are more likely to notice your home now as they will have fewer properties to overwhelm them!

 Buyers are ready to move
Just before the start of the new year, homebuyers in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and the surrounding communities grow increasingly motivated to change their scenery and settle into a new home. Or they may have a strong reason to— job changes and relocation are two common factors for moving into a new home before the new year.

 Holiday decor
While we may not have any snow yet in NoVA, the holiday season does evoke magical feelings for buyers. Seeing properties lit up at night or draped in festive greenery can help buyers feel more at home and see themselves (and their own decorations!) in the new space. Listing your home this time of year can play to your advantage simply due to the charm of the season.

 Remember, if you're thinking about waiting until spring to sell your home in Northern Virginia, so is everybody else! Give me a call today to discuss how you can take advantage of the winter season by listing now!

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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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

5 Ways to Save Energy in Your Northern Virginia Home During the Holidays

With all of your guests arriving in and out of the front door, holiday meals simmering away in the kitchen and heat turned up to combat the winter temperatures, high energy bills can be a concern this time of year. What's more, utility costs are on the rise! 

 But don't worry, Northern Virginia homeowners— I've rounded up five tips to help you save energy this holiday season so you can focus on spending time relaxing with family and friends and not worrying about your energy bill.

 Install a water heater timer
One of the easiest ways to save on energy costs is to install a timer on your water heater. The timer will prompt the heater to shut off when you're not home and prevent wasting hot water.

 Use cold water when washing clothes
Did you know nearly 90 percent of the energy used by washing machines goes toward heating the water? According to this EPA Energy Star program finding, Northern Virginia homeowners are consuming large amounts of energy just by turning a dial. Switch to using cold water when doing laundry and as a result, you will lower your energy costs.

 Turn your computer to sleep mode
You may not be aware that having your computer at the ready at all times can be an energy waste. Instead, turn your computer to the sleep or hibernation mode when you're not using it or before you leave the house or office.

 Switch appliances
Many NoVA homeowners will prepare holiday meals on their range in the oven, but by using a slow cooker or microwave, you can reduce up to 50 percent of the energy consumed during meal preparation! Now, you may not be able to cook your entire holiday meal using the slow cooker, but even transferring one aspect of the feast to this appliance will help you cut down energy costs.

 Turn down your refrigerator
The fridge is another appliance that becomes very popular during the holiday season in Northern Virginia. Keep the temperature between 36 and 38 degrees in the refrigerator and between zero and 5 degrees in the freezer for optimum efficiency. Any ice that has built-up under an inch in either portion should also be defrosted to keep energy costs on the right track.

 The holiday season is a busy time of year, but don't let your energy bill get the better of you! As always, I'm here to help with any questions you have about buying or selling a home in Northern Virginia. Do not hesitate to reach out!

 Happy holidays!
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, December 8, 2015

Northern Virginia Homebuyers: What It Actually Takes To Qualify For A Mortgage

When it comes to buying a home in Northern Virginia and DC, you would be surprised by the number of potential buyers that sit back because they do not think they will qualify for a mortgage. However, the reality is that qualifying for a mortgage is simpler than you think and as a result, you are missing out on the many benefits of homeownership!

 If you're sick of renting, given the increasing costs each year, and are ready to settle into a place of your own, now is the time! Don't allow yourself to put off homeownership any longer, just research the facts. Consider the following your checklist of what it takes to qualify for a mortgage: 

1. A Down Payment
Did you know nearly half of all homebuyers believe 20 percent is required as a down payment? With today's mortgage requirements, that is just not the case. Many homebuyers today are purchasing a home with as little as 3 to 5 percent down. There are many loan programs available to you that no longer require the standard 20 percent down. 

 In fact, according to a survey of Millennials that recently purchased a home, 44 percent put down less than 10 percent.

 2. A Credit Score
Lenders will take a look at your credit score to determine your ability to repay a loan, but that doesn't mean your score needs to be the best. Two-thirds of survey respondents said they thought they needed a "very good" credit score to buy a home, with "good" meaning over 780. 

 Keep in mind that the average scores of approved conventional and FHA mortgages are much lower than 780. The average score for approved FHA loans is 687, while the average for conventional loans is 754. 

 3. Employment History
If you have a stable employment history, lenders will be able to sidestep one more obstacle on the path to approving your mortgage. They will want to see that you have the funds to pay for your impending home loan and tax returns and payment stubs can help them to verify. 

 Do not let your ideas of mortgage qualifications hold you back from purchasing a home this year! As your local real estate agent, I have years of dedication to clients and helping them achieve their homeownership goals. 

 Give me a call today with any questions you might 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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