Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Home Seller Tips for Northern Virginia Real Estate

Spring has sprung in Northern Virginia and homeowners are confident in selling their homes in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, DC! But first, a bit of spring cleaning is in order, especially outside your Northern Virginia homes to boost curb appeal. Homebuyers in Northern Virginia real estate will notice curb appeal right from the start and with these tips you can make a great impression:

Spruce Up the Yard
When a homebuyer first spots your home in Northern Virginia, it's the outside that catches their eye. So start with the yard! If you have a messy yard, a homebuyer will walk through the door with an unfavorable idea of the property. Clean up the yard, removing all debris and weeds from sight. Next, be sure to mow your yard to a short length and trim all flowers, shrubs, and trees.

Power Wash
Winter has been harsh and undoubtedly left its mark on your home. Now that it's spring, it's time to wash away all dirt and grime that may be present after those long months. Present a clean image to a homebuyer and they will enter your home with optimism, especially given the level of confidence in the Northern Virginia real estate market now. 

Add Landscaping
Landscaping might be on the minds of many homeowners this spring, but take it seriously if you're preparing to sell. Plant flowers, add new trees, well-manicured shrubs and edging to complete your yard this season. Consider your home's landscaping and others you've noticed in the area— if you're impressed by a particular home's yard, take note. Other homebuyers would likely be impressed by the same at your home.

Shed Some Light
When you've boosted your home's curb appeal, you've increased your likelihood for homebuyers to put the property on their must-see list. Add exterior lighting or replace your current fixtures to bring everything to light even after dark. If a homebuyer happens to drive by the property after dark, the beauty of your home will still shine through.

As your Northern Virginia real estate expert, I am happy to help you sell your home this spring. From boosting curb appeal to finding your next dream home, contact me today to start the new season off on the right foot!


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.

Earle Whitmore
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Tuesday, March 18, 2014

First-time Homebuyer Tips for Northern Virginia Real Estate

The Northern Virginia real estate market is heating up this spring! Mortgage rates are rising, housing prices are increasing, and more and more Northern Virginia homebuyers are making their way into new homes in Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, DC and more. But don't be discouraged if you aren't quite ready to purchase a new home in Northern Virginia this spring, here's what you can do to prepare:

 How Much Can You Borrow?
The first thing you'll want to do on your journey to buy a new home in Northern Virginia is speak to a lender or mortgage broker to determine how much you can afford. They can help determine which type of home loan fits your needs and better assess your financial situation.

 Scout Locations
Next up, take a tour of your neighborhood or those you would like to live in. It's all about location when it comes to buying a new home and when you decide where you'd like to be, you can narrow down homes in your search. Knowing what you want in a neighborhood can help your real estate agent pick the best properties for you too.

 Start Your Home Search Online
Once you've narrowed down your budget and your location, begin your search for homes in Northern Virginia online. My home search tool can help you find the best properties in Northern Virginia, categorizing them by price, size, and location. "Early in the stages of looking for a home, online is a great place to start. You get a good general sense," said one real estate insider. However, always go through your real estate agent with questions and concerns— the internet can have some disconnect in terms of local real estate information.

 Team Up with a Great Agent
As your Northern Virginia real estate expert, I am happy to guide you the process of buying homes in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax and more this year. I can help you find the best neighborhood, best property, and help with mortgage tips, especially if you're a first-time buyer. Team up with an experienced professional and your experience will be a smooth one!

 Have more questions about preparing to buy a new home this year? Contact me 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.

Earle Whitmore


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Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Northern Virginia, DC

Now that Northern Virginia is beginning to thaw, it's time to celebrate the beginning of spring and just next week, St. Patrick's Day! If you're planning to buy a home in Northern Virginia this spring, the holiday is a great opportunity to experience different parts of the area or even celebrate your pending home sale. With the suggestions below, you can make the most of the start of the spring season— shaping up to be great for Northern Virginia real estate— and explore the area's communities like Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and even DC.

 The Washington DC 43rd Annual St Patrick's Day Parade
March 16, 2014; 12 PM to 3 PM
Along Constitution Avenue, 7th to 17th Streets NW

 Come out to the 43rd annual St Patrick's Day Parade in our nation's capital and enjoy the longstanding celebration that has been held annually since 1971. What began as a yearly gathering of a stroll on Massachusetts Avenue with just a few participants has now blossomed into a three-hour long celebration of the Irish culture.

 St Patrick's Day Tea at Historic Green Spring
4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria
703-642-5173

 March 17, 2014; 1 PM to 3 PM

 This Irish-themed tea gives you the chance to toast the Emerald Isle as Alexandria's Historic Green Spring Gardens celebrates the holiday. Come enjoy a cup of tea and learn more about the history and traditions associated with St. Patrick's Day. Tickets are $27 per person.

 Ireland's Four Provinces
105 W. Broad St, Falls Church
703-534-8999

 March 17, 2014; Breakfast 8 AM to 10 AM, Lunch 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM
Dinner 5, 7, and 9 PM

 Celebrate St Patrick's Day in Northern Virginia with a healthy sales competition between two nations' traditional breakfasts. Enjoy a full American breakfast versus the full Irish breakfast, including potato leek soup, Caesar salad, corned beef and cabbage and more available for both lunch and dinner. Music will be playing all day at the Four Provinces.

 The Auld Shebeen
3971 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax
703-293-9600

 March 17, 2014; All day long

 At this Fairfax event, The Auld Shebeen, guests can enjoy musical performances during lunch and through the evening as well as an Irish dancing performance by Aoibhneas An Rince. Traditional Irish fare will also be served all day long.

 Moving to Northern Virginia this spring? I am happy to help you with both the homebuying and home selling process and provide more resources for making the most of your visit or move to 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.

Earle Whitmore
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Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Choosing a Neighborhood for Your Northern Virginia Home

In a recent post, I highlighted how Northern Virginia homebuyers this year are growing increasingly interested in the neighborhoods these homes fall into. Homebuyers are looking for neighborhoods with the right balance of homes and stores, the perfect mix of living and entertainment. 

 In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors 2013 Community Preference Survey, those in the market to purchase a home (60 percent to be exact) were found to favor neighborhoods with a mix of homes, stores, and other businesses that are easy to walk around. 

 Ready to purchase a new home in Northern Virginia this year? With the busy spring buying season coming up, it's important to know if you might need to act quickly to beat other buyers on your dream home in a desired neighborhood. I've included some tips below for choosing the right neighborhood, including how to know when a neighborhood is about to take off in terms of popularity.

 New Homes Going Up
New homes being built in the area is a great sign that the area is about to take off— not only residential housing, but retail as well. When you begin to see large-scale developments in an area of Northern Virginia, that can be a tip-off that there is progress happening and an interest among those who live nearby to spend more time there.

 One real estate expert also advised, "on a smaller scale, the big tip... is look for a Starbucks going in." The coffee giant spends a lot of money on market research to determine their new locations.

 Trendy Places Going Up
It's not just the amount of retail or entertainment establishments going in, but the quality of them that matters in Northern Virginia real estate. If you're a homebuyer, look for new spaces like juice bars, organic restaurants, boutique hotels and the like to determine how an area will function. These types of places tend to mimic the type of neighborhood they're surrounded by.

 Location, Location, Location
Again, this real estate mantra holds true for Northern Virginia homebuyers looking for the next big thing in neighborhoods. Being that communities like Arlington are on the cusp of a major metropolitan area like DC, more people tend to take interest. For instance, many homebuyers get priced out of major metropolitan areas and look for homes in Northern Virginia to be close to the hubbub, but at a better price.

 Want more tips on choosing the right place to live or finding the right Northern Virginia homes for you and your family? Let's discuss what areas will fit with your homebuyer needs and wants!


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.

Earle Whitmore




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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Rules of Real Estate for Northern Virginia Homebuyers

Spring is set to be a busy homebuying season for those in Northern Virginia. And with more homebuyers in the Northern Virginia real estate market and more sellers confident in listing their homes, it's important to keep your real estate rules of the road in mind. Below are just a few real estate rules to remember, like using an experienced real estate agent, that should help you in your home search or sale this spring:

 Don't Make an Offer Without Pre-Approval
Know what you can afford. This all starts with a pre-approval, meaning "a lender has vetted your credit and financials and is so far willing to continue the mortgage dance," explained MSN Real Estate. A pre-approval letter will tell the real estate agent and home seller how much you can afford in a home and the confidence that you are able to follow through on the purchase.

 Use a Real Estate Agent
As this is the biggest purchase you will likely ever make, you'll want to have someone on your side who has been there before. I, as your trusted, experienced real estate agent in Northern Virginia will work on your behalf to make sure all aspects of the transaction are to benefit you as the buyer. It can really pay to have an expert in your corner when buying a home and I have over 3 decades of experience to get the job done.

 While the internet does help in answering questions for homebuyers, there is nothing like having an agent on your side. "Nearly 90% of homebuyers use a real estate agent of broker," according to the National Association of Realtors.

 Tour the Home in Person
Many homebuyers these days begin their home search online and tour the home through photos. This can be helpful for those buying homes from different states, when relocating, or if you are unable to physically visit the home. But if you're able, go tour the homes in Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, DC, or McLean in person and see for yourself if the property feels like a fit for you and your family.

 There is nothing like visiting a home, looking for those feelings that come with falling in love with a property. Homebuying is often an emotional experience which you will want to begin in person.

 Put Down Earnest Money
It's customary when purchasing homes in Northern Virginia but putting down earnest money shows that you are serious about buying. This "deposit" is typically 1-2% of the purchase price, but consult with your agent to determine the right amount.

 When submitting this with your pre-approval letter, not only does it show the home seller that you are interested, but that you've done the research and have the funds to back it up.

 Ready to buy this spring season? 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.

Earle Whitmore
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