Tuesday, July 28, 2015

4 Reasons to Sell Your Northern Virginia Home This Summer

There is no doubt that now is a beneficial time for NoVa homebuyers to make a move and purchase their dream home— mortgage rates will be up nearly a percentage point next year, home prices are rising and the cost of renting is significantly higher.

 However, it's also a great time for home sellers in Northern Virginia to jump into the market and take advantage of the increasing buyer activity and demand! 

 If you've been thinking about moving, here are four reasons that might convince you to sell your Annandale, Falls Church, Springfield, Alexandria, Arlington, McLean home this summer:

 Buyer demand
As I mentioned above, buyer demand right now is soaring! Homes are selling quicker and foot traffic of those ready to purchase a home is the highest it's been in two years! Home sellers in NoVa can take advantage of the number of buyers in the market and list their property now.

 Home prices are rising
According to the president of RealtyTrac, 2015 sellers are realizing the biggest gains in home appreciation in eight years! In June alone, homeowners were able to sell above market value for the first time in two years. One reason for it? The lack of inventory available to buyers, which brings me to the next point.

 Lack of inventory
A lack of inventory in the real estate market means less competition for you, home sellers! Not only does this drive up the final sales price, but it allows your home to move faster pending the home was prepared well for listing. Oftentimes, with lower inventory numbers, buyers find that they are not the only ones interested in a property and thus, the sales price is driven up!

 Great time to move
If you've been dreaming of a move in Northern Virginia, now is the time to do it! Mortgage rates and housing prices will be up significantly by this time next year and you will only end up costing yourself more money by waiting.

 With my decades of expertise in the Northern Virginia real estate market, I can help you achieve a successful home sale and find your next dream home! 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. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

5 Museums Where You Can Beat the Heat in Northern Virginia

It seems those hot, dog days of summer have set in here in Northern Virginia! The rising temperatures no doubt have NoVa residents turning up the AC and searching for ways to cool off away from the glaring sun. And I've got just the thing!

 One of the reasons that makes Northern Virginia such a great place to call home is the abundance of museums and culture available to residents. Below are five local museums where you can enjoy a summer afternoon, cooling off and soaking in the information available at the exhibits.

 Carlyle House
Alexandria, VA

 Carlyle House was built in 1753 by Scottish businessman John Carlyle and quickly became a popular destination for politics. Visitors today can take tours and enjoy the numerous events and exhibits in place to detail this NoVa hotspot.

 Gunston Hall
Lorton, VA

 George Mason, known as the Father of the Bill of Rights, lived in this colonial mansion that is now open to experience! Guided tours are available to educate visitors on the mansion's decor, grounds, outbuildings and more. 

 National Air and Space Museum
Chantilly, VA

 View thousands of artifacts from planes, jets and spacecraft in this newer museum located in Chantilly. The museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian and also boasts an IMAX theater, food court and Wall of Honor that notes experts in air and space.

 Manassas Battlefield Park
Manassas, VA

 This park located right off I-66 is one of Northern Virginia's most historic sites. It is the home of an early Civil War Battle and full of exhibits, statues, weapons and videos to learn more about this key part of our nation's history.

 The Lyceum
Alexandria, VA

 Also known as Alexandria's History Museum, the Lyceum gives visitors a chance to uncover the community's rich history. The museum is located right in Old Town and is filled to the brim with exhibits and galleries on different eras in history. Here you can also find over 5,000 relics to deepen your experience!

 If you're new to Northern Virginia or simply deciding which community would be the best place to buy a home, give me a call! With my years of experience in the NoVa real estate market, I can guide you through the homebuying process and 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. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Should You Wait Until Next Year to Buy a Home in Northern Virginia?

There are many questions for homebuyers in Northern Virginia this summer— one of which may cross your mind as you're browsing available properties. Is now really the right time? Should you wait until next year to buy a home instead?

While only you can know what's right for you financially, it's important to remember that there will be a cost associated with waiting to buy. And it will be hundreds of dollars higher than this year!

Let's take a $250,000 house in Northern Virginia, for instance. With mortgage rates currently around 4 percent, your principal and interest will come out near $1,100. However, you decide to wait until next year to make that same purchase. Home prices are projected to appreciate by 5 percent over the next year which means that home will soon cost nearly $263,000. Interest rates will be higher also, meaning your new mortgage payment will be $1,400 instead of that initial $1,100!

Depending on your financial situation, the difference could be as high as $300 per month! Over the course of a year, with a new mortgage rate of 5 percent, the annual extra cost will come out to $2,600 or more!

What does that mean for your wallet? Think of it this way:

  • It's your morning coffee ($2) every day and $10 spent for lunch
  • It's dinner out every Friday night ($50, 4 nights per month)
  • It's a new car with a monthly payment of $215-300 per month
  • It's your yearly family vacation ($2000)
  • It's a new deck or similar home renovation
If you don't have this much extra money in your budget to purchase a home next year, it may be wise to invest now! With my expertise in the Northern Virginia real estate market, I'm here to help you make smart home buying decisions and enjoy a stress-free process!
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. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Moving Your Northern Virginia Closing Process Along This Summer

Buying a home in Northern Virginia is a process that ultimately ends with your closing. However, there can be some bumps along the way that cause the closing date to be pushed back. 

 Closing delays can be caused by both the NoVa home seller and the homebuyer— but, don't be dismayed! There are steps you can take to ensure the process moves smoothly this summer:

 Have your agent help
Once your property is under contract in Annandale, Fairfax, McLean, Alexandria, Arlington, Springfield, your real estate agent can check in with all of the parties involved once (or more!) per week. An expert real estate agent can notice surprises or changes in the transaction and work ahead to prevent any delays. 

Keep in touch with your lender
Buyers in NoVa should check in with their lender often, as much as once per week. With so much paperwork involved in today's real estate transactions, lenders can need the same information over and over again. When lenders ask for documents or signatures, do your best to get it to them right away!

 Keep your finances on track
If you're in the process of obtaining financing for your Northern Virginia home, do not make any major changes as even the littlest one can affect your closing status. Buying a new car or applying for a credit card can affect your loan and could cause you to lose the loan entirely or delay the home purchase. 

 It's an exciting time in the real estate market for both buyers and sellers, so don't let a closing delay get the best of you! More often than not, closing delays can be avoided by planning and exercising financial care during the home purchase period. Simply stay on top of the parties involved in the transaction and your home closing should move along swiftly this summer!

 Have questions about the closing process or buying a home in NoVa? 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. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Where to Save for a Down Payment on a Home in Northern Virginia

For homebuyers in NoVa this summer, saving for the down payment is one of the biggest hurdles in front of the finish line. In a past blog post, I shared how to start saving for the down payment, but you might be wondering where to keep the money. 

Below are four options for risk-free accounts in which you can keep your down payment. You may sacrifice return, but you can be assured the money will be there when you need it to purchase your NoVa home!

 Online savings account
Compare online rates to determine which online savings account is best, but this may be the easiest option for moving around funds. You can track the money easily via online banking and set up transfers in a snap. You also don't need to worry about the bank not being open when you need to pull your down payment. 

 CD or Certificate of Deposit
Most CD's have penalties if you withdraw money before the term is up, but most are indeed FDIC-insured. If you're concerned about withdrawing before the term ends, you can invest your down payment in a shorter CD (perhaps 3 months). Just know that the interest rates are better the longer the term!

 Money market account
These accounts can be set up at your local bank in Northern Virginia, but do not confuse with money market funds which are similar to mutual funds. Money market accounts are typically FDIC-insured while money market funds are not. Also keep in mind that the highest-yielding money market accounts do often start with a rate that drops over time. 

 Checking account
Certain checking accounts are high-yielding and can offer interest rates over two and three percent. However, these accounts often have requirements like a certain number of transactions in a month, using direct deposit and even put a cap on the balance you can have in the account at a given time. If you are planning to save over $20,000, this might not be the best option.

 Buying a home in Northern Virginia is one of the best investments you can make, especially long-term. Give me a call today to discuss the necessary steps toward becoming a homeowner and tour available properties in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Springfield 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. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Celebrate the 4th of July with Fireworks in Northern Virginia

Can you believe it's that time of year again? Time for fireworks, for parade-watching, for celebrating Independence Day in Northern Virginia and DC! Summer is typically a busy time in our area and if you're planning your 4th of July itinerary, it seems you'll have much to choose from!

 Below are just a few events (with fireworks!) you can attend in NoVa to celebrate America this 4th of July weekend:

 Herndon
Bready Park, Herndon Community Center
Herndon, VA

 This festive event will include face-painting, balloon sculptures, bingo and crafts starting at 6:30 PM, music at 7 PM and fireworks following at 9:30 PM. 

 McLean
Langley High School
McLean, VA

 Doors open at 8 PM with fireworks beginning at 9:15 PM. This 4th of July event will offer FREE admission and parking, with shuttles running from St. John's Lutheran Church and the McLean Community Center.

Mount Vernon
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA

 This day-long festival runs from 8 AM to 5 PM, saluting our nation's first president with its made-for-daytime fireworks show! Smoke fireworks in patriotic colors will be displayed over the Potomac River and guests will be treated to free birthday cake! There will even be a visit from the "First Couple" themselves!

 Fairfax
Fairfax High School
Fairfax, VA

 Celebrate Independence Day with this Fairfax event beginning at 7 PM. There will be entertainment from the City of Fairfax Band and other groups, in addition to the fireworks show set to music.

 Falls Church
City Hall and George Mason High School
Falls Church, VA

 The City of Falls Church puts on a great fireworks show and celebration, with this year's beginning at 7 PM. Free to the public, first enjoy music and then fireworks at 9:30 PM.

 Alexandria
Oronoco Bay Park
Alexandria, VA

 Celebrate both Alexandria's birthday and the USA's on July 11, 2015 from 7 PM to 10 PM. There will be a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra at 9 with fireworks following at 9:30 PM.
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. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Extra Fees to Watch for When Moving in Northern Virginia, DC

As I mentioned in a previous post—Your Guide to Moving to a New House—it is so secret that the moving process can be overwhelming. After all, you're on your way to settle into your dream home! It's both exciting and new and as a result, it can be easy to overlook a few key items like fees along the way.

 If you're moving to a new home in Northern Virginia this summer, it is important to keep an eye out for these extra fees that could pop up when changing homes. Even little things like disposing of packing materials can add up in charges.

 Packing and Unpacking
If you don't take the time to carefully package each item or piece of furniture, you could risk damaging them in your move. However, some new homeowners just do not have the time to dedicate to this task. It's understandable, but know that it can cost you! 

 Some moving companies will pack for you and even unpack when you arrive. Fees are typically calculated on an hourly basis and if you want them to dispose of the packing materials when it's all said and done, you could acquire a disposal fee as well.

 Disassembling and Assembling Furniture
We all know how much time it can take to disassemble furniture and try to remember what goes where before packing it onto the moving truck. Your moving company can do this for you (they oftentimes have extra tools to make it efficient!), but for a fee. They will also reassemble the furniture in your new home for an added charge so you can jump right into unpacking.

 Handling Heavy Items
If you have extremely heavy personal items like a piano, pool table, hot tub or safe, movers can charge an additional handling fee as these often require special treatment and packing. Items like appliances can be transported to your new NoVa home and set up, but movers will also charge an appliance servicing fee.

 Carrying a Distance
It may not even cross your mind, but if movers have to park more than 50 to 75 feet from the entrance of your home in communities like McLean, Springfield, Centreville, Annandale, Arlington or Alexandria, you could be required to pay an extra fee for them to take the items inside. This is called a "long carry fee" and is assessed based on the distance movers need to carry items from the truck to the entrance of the home.

 Moving to a new home in Northern Virginia is an exciting time, so don't let unexpected moving fees catch you off guard! With my experience in the NoVa real estate market, I'm happy to help your home buying process run as smoothly as possible. 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. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)