Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Curb Appeal Checklist for Northern Virginia Home Sellers

There is no doubt that there are motivated homebuyers in the real estate market right now, with the majority of them beginning their home search online. What does that mean for you as a home seller? It means your curb appeal needs to be at its best!

 Homebuyers today largely rely on photos online to make a list of Northern Virginia homes they may be interested in seeing, maybe even driving by after a property has caught their eye. Your curb appeal should have buyers eager to get inside or visit an open house you may be holding this weekend.

 Before you list your home or before you open the door to potential NoVa buyers, consider this your checklist for sprucing curb appeal:

 Replace your front door
This is one area where you can recoup 102% of your investment, according to the National Association of Realtors. Homebuyers are looking for safety and energy-efficiency when it comes to front doors, so simply swap out your older, less attractive door for one in this variety.

 Wash your windows
Homebuyers in NoVa want to know you take care of the home. If the outside doesn't reflect a well-maintained persona, they may start to wonder what else you have let go. Give the windows a good washing and buyers will likely want to see more of the home!

 Replace your garage door
New garage doors can recoup around 89% of your initial investment and can make a big impression on Northern Virginia homebuyers. This is one of the features they will first notice when driving up to your home and if your door is outdated, dirty or off of its tracks, it can give the buyers the wrong idea.

 Paint the exterior
There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to give a home in Annandale, Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, Springfield and Falls Church an updated feel. If your home used to be white and now looks yellow, it's time for it to be painted.

 Tend to landscaping
An important part of curb appeal is landscaping, so get out your lawn mower! Mow the lawn, plant flowers or tend to those that you've already grown, trim hedges and overgrown shrubs around the home's entrance and make sure there is a clear path to the front door.

 If you're thinking of selling your home in NoVa this year, do not hesitate to contact me! I am happy to help with suggestions for getting the property in shape for buyers in our area.
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Tuesday, August 18, 2015

The Perks of Buying a Home in Northern Virginia

Renting may seem appealing, but there are many more perks of buying a home in Northern Virginia! From building wealth to creating the ideal space through renovations, the possibilities are endless and the benefits great. 


So before you start your search for a new apartment this year, consider homeownership! Not only is it one of the best investments you can make in your future, but homeownership offers Northern Virginia residents the following:

Proximity to great schools
Education is an important factor for NoVa homebuyers and buying a home allows you to invest in the future of your family. Purchase a home in the school district you desire now while rates are low— home values and prices are appreciating rapidly and chances are, homes in a desirable school district will go quickly!

More space
One of the most popular reasons NoVa homebuyers are moving this year is space! Have you outgrown your home? Are you planning ahead for your growing family? Do you simply need more storage space? Homeownership allows you to move up and now is the best time to do so!

More control
Renting does not allow you the freedom to always decorate how you like or in most cases, change your living spaces in any way. Homeownership allows you to paint and renovate as you see fit. On another note, renters do not always have permission to own pets! By purchasing a home, you can finally adopt that puppy you've always wanted!

Personal wealth
Purchasing real estate is one of the best investments you can make! And whether you own or rent, you're paying a mortgage— by renting, you are paying down your landlord's principal. Take advantage of low mortgage rates now and start building equity in your very own home in Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, DC, Falls Church or Springfield. 

With my expertise in the local real estate market, I can assist you in finding your dream home at the best price! Do not hesitate to contact me today with any questions about the homebuying process. 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. 


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Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Earle Whitmore Named Among Top DC Real Estate Agents by Washingtonian Magazine

This past month, I had the honor of being included among Washingtonian Magazine's list of 99 DC area real estate agents you want on your side. Not only did the list feature top producers, but also agents who had the most satisfied clients and colleagues!

 To compile the list, Washingtonian asked 16,000 recent homebuyers in the DC area to rank agents based on integrity, market knowledge and negotiation skills. They also asked those on the finance side of the real estate market—lenders, mortgage brokers, title companies—whose clients always seem the happiest and those they enjoy working with. After they received the responses, they were able to compose their list of 99 top real estate agents you want to work with this year.

 And I'm thrilled to be included! I have taken pride in providing only the best real estate service to both Northern Virginia buyers and sellers for nearly three decades, helping them to make the most of their investment. 

 It is the Earle Factor— the tangible and intangible extras— that I bring to each transaction that makes all the difference. Here are just a few of the services I'm happy to provide my clients, whether you're buying a home in the DC area or selling your current property:

 Communication and Constant Contact
When you call me, you will not get lost in voice mail or automated answering systems. A live person will be available to answer your questions and resolve your issues quickly and accurately!

 Every seller is also called at least once per week. Sellers are never left in the dark!

 Timely Response
From making sure the brochure box is never empty to quickly correcting any errors found in the MLS, my team works diligently to do all of the research necessary for incredible accuracy on listings and marketing pieces.

 Quality Work
I feel the quality of listing marketing truly reflects on me and that is why I ensure topnotch advertising with each property. When a property postcard is mailed, it is sent to at least 3,000 addresses. The Earle Factor means all marketing is completed in color and with the highest quality possible. 

 Up-to-date Technology
Each one of my listings has a text messaging link for instant information for prospective NoVa buyers.

 Contact me today for more on how the Earle Factor can work for you! I look forward to working with you!
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, August 4, 2015

Northern Virginia Summer Events: Arlington County Fair

August is here and while we may be rounding the last corner of summer, there are plenty more events to attend in Northern Virginia! One of these must-see events is the local Arlington County Fair!

 Hailed as one of the largest free events on the East Coast, the Arlington County Fair has been providing summer entertainment to residents and tourists alike for well over 30 years. Every year, the Fair draws a large crowd from Arlington and the surrounding communities of Northern Virginia and this year will be no exception— past years have counted as many as 70,000 in attendance! 

 This year's Arlington County Fair will feature exhibits, midway rides and games, entertainment, food, vendors, animals and more! Whether you are a resident of NoVa or a tourist visiting for the summer, this event is truly a great place to experience the Best of Arlington. 

 Below are just a few activities on the schedule for the 2015 Arlington County Fair:

  • Opening Day Parade— with a "Summer Lights & Nights" theme, this parade will open festivities at the Fair. Begins at 6 PM on Wednesday at the Arlington Career Center, finishing on the fairgrounds at Thomas Jefferson Community Center.
  • Racing Piglets— a popular activity at the Fair, racing piglets are scheduled for varying times August 5-9.
  • Lionel Ward (Elvis Tribute)— 7:30-8:15 PM, Friday August 7
  • Arlington County Fair 5K Run/Walk— 8 AM, Saturday August 8
  • Silver City (Americana)— 2:30-3:15 Saturday August 8
  • Harlem Wizards, Kids' Court— Beginning 3 PM, Friday August 7 through end of Fair

The Fair kicks off tomorrow, August 5 and runs through August 9 at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington, Virginia. As always, admission is free and shuttles are available from various locations throughout Arlington.

 As a longtime resident and real estate expert in NoVa, I know how wonderful it is to call this area home. Contact me today with questions about purchasing your own home 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, 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. 
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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. 
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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. 
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