This Spring Break, Explore Virginia!

That coveted time of year is just around the corner. I am, of course, referring to spring break. So many people in the Northern Virginia area know and love the area in which they live, be it Annandale or Alexandria, but so few actually know what else their home state has to offer. This spring break, why not take some time to explore the rest of Virginia?

Whether you are new to the Northern Virginia area or have lived here for years, you’ve probably noticed that most of our region’s residents are proud to be from our state. It’s understandable. We’re one of the most historically rich states in the union with a high quality of life and desirable climate. We offer the perfect mixture of small-town Southern charm and urban amenities that most other areas across the US only dream of. Why not show some pride in your state this spring break? Here are a few statewide attractions you can enjoy while the kids are off school. It’d be fun to make a road trip out of some of these ideas!

Hit a theme park! Busch Gardens in Williamsburg and Kings Dominion in Richmond both have fun-filled, family friendly rollercoasters. If you’re looking for a more aquatic adventure, Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark in Williamsburg offers some indoor water fun.

Enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Virginia State Parks are some of the best in the country. They offer everything from hiking and boating to fishing and wildlife. There are even a few caverns that offer some gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites that the youngsters will love.

Discover a little bit of history. There’s no question that Virginia is one of the most historical states in the union. From Mount Vernon to Jamestown settlement to Colonial Williamsburg, the abundance of historical attractions in our state can give anyone a strong idea of what life was like in our part of the country when the colonists first settled upon it.

Visit our nation’s capitol. One of the biggest benefits of living in NOVA is that we are a hop, skip and a jump away from the thrills of Washington DC. The amount of attractions here could keep you entertained all week long! From the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials to the Capitol Building to Arlington Cemetery to the White House, there are plenty of places to go and things to do if you’re willing to make the drive into the city.

These are a just a few of the many statewide attractions you can enjoy this spring break! Feel free to explore the many amazing communities in the Northern Virginia area, too! Each has something special and unique to offer. As always, contact me if you have questions about buying or selling a home in Northern Virginia. I hope to hear from you soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Win the Bidding War on Your NOVA Home!

It appears that bidding wars have snuck back in to the Northern Virginia real estate market. Now that home buyers in the area feel more comfortable with entering the market, there is more competition for a smaller inventory, particularly since it’s the off-season. As one of the premiere real estate agents in Northern Virginia, part of my job is guiding my clients through their transaction and helping them through all phases. This, oftentimes, includes a bidding war.

If you’re facing a bidding war on your Northern Virginia home, don’t panic. There are a few ways that you can put yourself ahead of other buyers who might want to make an offer on the home, including:

Having a lender on call. If you’re pre-approved for a mortgage, it shows the seller that you’re both capable of buying a home right now and that you’re serious about going through with a purchase. Both are solid indicators of a successful transaction that will cause the home’s owner to take you more seriously as a buyer. You’d be surprised how many people don’t get pre-approved. This is definitely a way to set yourself apart.

Always have proof. A strong preapproval is great in theory, but in order to get the seller to really take you seriously, you’re going to have to show proof of funds with your offer. You should also offer a minimum of 20% down payment along with your offer. The home’s owner needs to be reassured that you have the funds to close and afford the down payment on this home, so have the necessary paperwork ready to go!

Move quickly. When you’re competing against other buyers, you don’t want to lollygag. Have you Northern Virginia real estate agent be on a constant lookout for new properties that go on the market, and have them take you to see those properties the same day they are listed, if possible. This will show your strong interest in buying. It will also give you a head start in making an offer.

Eliminate issues ahead of time. If you’re open to inheriting a house that might require some work or repairs, try to waive certain contingencies in the contract, like the need to repair issues in the home before closing. This would put you in a stronger position in a bidding war.

These are just a few of the ways to outshine your competition during a bidding war on the NOVA home of your dreams. If you need more guidance and advice, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d be happy to help you! Remember: the key to a successful real estate transaction is staying ahead of the curve and working with the right professional. I hope to hear from you soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Add a Splash of Color to Your Northern Virginia Home!

Decorating your Northern Virginia home doesn’t have to be a hassle. It’s probably the most fun part of buying a new home! So many people are afraid to add bold colors because they’re afraid that their home will look tacky. What you need to realize is that there is a way to tastefully integrate color into your decorating scheme.

As the premier real estate experts in Northern Virginia, we have an eye for what makes a home stand out to visitors and potential buyers alike. Here are a few quick tips for decorating your home in the most dynamic, colorful way possible:

Stick to the 60-30-10 Rule. This rule refers to how domineering certain colors should be in a room. The room should consist of 60% of a dominating color, typically a neutral, 30% of a secondary color, typically something brighter, and 10% of an accent color. If you stick to this scheme, you can get away with adding pops of bright color to your room and livening up your space.

Choose a color scheme. In order for your home to look cohesive and classic, you need to choose a color scheme. You can go with an analogous scheme, which refers to colors that are next to each other on a typical color wheel. When you go with this kind of color scheme, your tones should be more muted and it should be used in a more casual, restful space. A complementary color scheme refers to colors opposite from each other on the color wheel. Since these are often more visually challenging and contrasting, they’re often used on more formal areas of the property.

Add a little black. Having elements like a black lampshade or table enhances all of the other colors in the room and clarifies their tone. Don’t believe us? Give it a try.

Always pull from the pattern. Take the most prominent pattern in the room, whether it is an upholstery or curtain, and pull the rest of the room’s decorating scheme from it. You don’t want to have colors that clash or overpower. Factor in the pattern for your 60-30-10 rule.

These are just a few of the many ways that you can up the ante in terms of your home’s color. While sticking to black, white and grey might be within your comfort zone, adding color will brighten up your space and make your home a happier, healthier place to live.

Questions about buying or selling a Northern Virginia home? Feel free to contact us at any time. We’d be happy to help you in any way that we can. We hope to hear from you soon!


Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Upcoming Events in Northern Virginia

Mardi Gras Beads

During the summer months, Northern Virginia is bustling with festivals, performances, and educational tours. But, don’t worry! Even though it’s a little bit colder, there is still a lot of fun to be had! There are plenty of ways to keep warm in Northern Virginia this February. Bundle up, grab a partner in crime, and check out some of these great events coming up in Northern Virginia.

Alexandria
George Washington’s  Birth Night Banquet and Ball at Gadsby's Tavern Museum on February 16th at 5:30 p.m.

George Washington Birthday Parade. This annual parade and celebration will be held in Old Town on the weekend of February 16th -18th.

Arlington
The Big Meow will be performed at the Theatre on the Run on February 9th. This family-friendly performance starts at 4 p.m.

Forty + presented by Theater on the Run. This dance centered show will be on February 5th.

Murder Mystery Theater - The Butler’s been murdered! This classic night of mystery and fun has several dates scheduled in February at the Mystery Dinner Playhouse  in Arlington.

Fairfax County
Mark Morris Dance Troupe at George Mason University Center for the Arts on February 8th and 9th.

Mardi Gras with the MJO by the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra. This Mardi Gras themed show will be at the George Mason University's Center for the Arts on February 16th at 8pm.

Virginia Opera Presents: An Evening of Arias and Duets. This night of musical performances will be held at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center on February 21st at 7 pm.
Around the World in 80 Days presented by the Walnut Street Theatre. This classic show will be at the George Mason University's Center for the Arts on February 23rd at 7 pm.

Plus, don’t forget it’s restaurant week in Northern Virginia February 4th - 10th. This annual event is when the area’s finest restaurants offer discounted pre-fixed lunch and dinner specials. Several restaurants are participating in Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria.

As someone who works and lives in Northern Virginia, I can attest that it truly is one of the best places to live in the U.S. If you are thinking about buying a home in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, or surrounding areas, please contact me. I will would love to welcome you to the neighborhood!

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Why Now is the Best Time to List Your Home in Northern Virginia

It’s a common misconception that homes don’t sell as fast in Northern Virginia in the winter months as they do in the spring. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Buying season can be any time of year when you are have the right agent. This year is projected to be the best year for the housing market since 2007, so why not get a running start? Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t wait to list your home:

Supply is low. As the real estate market recovers, the only thing standing in the way of selling a home is not listing it. This is great news for people looking to sell their home or upgrade, as this means that prices will be right and the houses are selling! There is a lot of activity in the Northern Virginia area and now is the best time to get involved. 

Demand is high. The National Association of Realtors reported that annual sales in 2012 increased 9.2% over 2011. The increase in sales is projected to continue to rise through 2013. People are finally upgrading, finding great deals on financing, and first-time buyers are making the move. 

Shorter transaction time. This time of year, fewer people are listing their homes. This means that less inspections are scheduled, which means shorter wait times for those who are taking advantage of the perks of listing a house at the beginning of the year. 

New houses are coming. Construction is one of the first industries that will see a boost as the economy gets stronger. Investors are taking advantage of this time and new homes will be popping up, which means more competition. 

There is no better time than now to list your home for sale in the Northern Virginia area. As the premier real estate agent in the area, specializing in Fairfax County, Arlington County, and Alexandria, I can assure you that your home selling experience will be a smooth one. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your options, please do not hesitate to contact me! 

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Popular Attractions in Northern Virginia

Mount Vernon Estate 

Everybody who lives in Northern Virginia already knows how great it is. However, if you just moved to the area, are planning a visit, or you are planning on buying a home in the Northern Virginia area, here are just a few of the attractions that make Virginia great.

Great Falls Park. This park provides 800 acres of beautiful scenic trails along the Potomac River. Perfect for hiking, biking, and kayaking, this park is one of the most popular recreational areas in the country. It is also a very popular location for weddings. 

Arlington National Cemetery. This cemetery is 624 acres of rolling landscape dedicated to those who have fought and served for America. Arlington National Cemetery is still active and performs funeral services everyday. Open 365 days of the year, More than four million people visit the cemetery annually. 

Mount Vernon Estate Museum and Gardens. Home to America’s first president, the 500 acre historic estate dates back to the 1740s. Located in Fairfax County, Mount Vernon is also George Washington’s final resting place. 

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Naval Aviation and Space Museum. This museum holds hundreds of air and spacecraft, including the Discovery space shuttle. Open since 2003, this museum is a top attraction in Northern Virginia. 

The U. S. Marine Corps War Memorial. Also referred to as The Iwo Jima Memorial, the 32 foot high sculpture is from the Pulitzer Prize winning photograph from the Battle of Iwo Jima. A turning point in WWII, the scene is of five Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman raising the American flag after overtaking the island. 

Manassas National Battlefield. This 5,000-acre park is the historic site of the Battles of Manassas during the Civil War. Guided tours and reenactments turn this park into an outdoor classroom. 

Northern Virginia truly is a wealth of American history and landscape. If you have recently moved to the area, please explore this beautiful part of the country. If you are thinking of buying a home in Northern Virginia, please contact me! I would love to make your dreams of finding a dream home a success. 

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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Sell your home in NOVA now!

Why you should list your home NOW! 

Buyers that are looking to buy now are more serious buyers than the warmer months.  

People tend to shop around and also have more options in warmer months.  So, when people need to move and quick it doesn't matter the weather.  Buyers in the cold season tend to not only be more serious buyers but also have a quicker turn around.   Plus, there is less competition because most home sellers wait till the spring season. Also, better for you to sell now so when you need to buy you have a better opportunity to purchase durring the hot spring selling season and have more options.  

This will allow you to sell high and buy low.

Remember:

Buyers are Serious

There is Less Competition

You'll have a Quicker Selling Process

No Better Time to Move-Up in a Larger Home - Prices are projected to rise by 16% by 2016   

If you need more information or help selling your home, please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.  I am here to help!

Earle Whitmore
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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