Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

There’s no other time in your life when you’ll likely have to sign more paperwork than when you buy or sell a Fairfax County, VA, homes for sale – but one form in particular can protect a buyer and a seller as they work toward the closing date – the real estate disclosure statement. 

Although disclosure laws vary from state to state, in many states, sellers are required by law to complete a real estate transfer disclosure statement.

The disclosure form should tell potential buyers what is actually in the house.  For example, there would be a list of all appliances in the kitchen that will come with the house or condo, any appliances such as washer/dryer, water softener, etc. will be on this list. 

Also listed will be any safety features, from home alarm systems to smoke detectors.

The disclosure form might also indicate the presence of a TV antenna, satellite dish, garage, even an automatic garage door opener is listed if there is one.

Perhaps the most important section of the disclosure form lists the major operating systems and structural elements of the home.  Here you will find notation of any leaks in the roof, any known defects in the heating/cooling systems, any known structural damage – and what if anything has been done to repair these defects.

Of course, it’s imperative that you have a home inspection to verify the disclosure statement.  Remember, that if an inspector finds any deficiencies that are not listed on your disclosure, chances are these problems were hidden from the seller as well.

The real estate transfer disclosure statement is the first step to insure that a buyer knows what they are getting.  It is also a document that can protect a seller from any legal problems down the line, especially if the problem involves something that you disclosed on the form. 

As a licensed and experienced REALTOR®, whether you’ve listed your home with me or purchasing a Fairfax County, VA homes for sale, I’ll answer any questions you might have about the seller disclosure form.  I’ll do my best to make sure all parties are protected.

Are you looking for Fairfax County VA homes for sale?  I’d love to help you find the home of your dreams and help you get the best price and terms.  Call me now at 703-909-3939.

If you own Fairfax County, VA property, give me a call today at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.  I’ll be happy to meet with you and develop a great marketing plan! 

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939

Pricing a home properly can sometimes feel like a guessing game.  Determining what buyers are willing to pay, how much homes in your area are selling for and the overall state of the Fairfax County VA homes for sale market, can make the process of coming up with that “magic number” a difficult task. 

Because 51% of homes sell in the first four weeks, it is important to price a home properly at the onset in order to avoid a price adjustment.  A knowledgeable agent will do extensive research on homes in the Fairfax County, VA, homes for sale area that are of comparable size and condition, that have recently sold or are on the market.  Based on what these numbers are, a good REALTOR® will then recommend a sales range for a seller to consider pricing his or her home so that a price adjustment will not (hopefully) be necessary. 

If, however, your Fairfax County, Virginia real estate agent has thoroughly marketed your home and you still have not received any offers, it may be time to consider a price adjustment.  Signs that it might be time to drop your listing price include:

• The market has shifted to a buyer’s market 
• Home has been on the market longer than four weeks
• Very few showings
• Negative feedback from potential buyers at showings

If a price adjustment has been made and there is still very little interest, another price adjustment may be in order.  Or, it may be market conditions, such as time of the year and a downturn in the local economy may have created a slow market.  If any of these are the case, your agent might suggest the option of taking your home off the market until conditions improve.

Are you considering putting your home on the market?  I’d love to talk with you about selling your home.  I’ll provide you with a current FREE Comparative Analysis Report of your home’s worth and other Fairfax County, VA homes for sale in your area.  I’ll help you determine the best price for your property so you can obtain the most net.  I will also give you tips on how to best “stage” your home to sell quickly.  Give me a call today at 703-909-3939 or send me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.  I look forward to speaking with you!

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939

Creating a home for your family, from the ground up, can be an exciting experience.  But with the numerous steps involved in building Alexandria VA homes for sale and the sometimes unexpected setbacks that can plague new construction, it can also be a stressful experience. 

Knowing what potential setbacks lurk ahead can aid in coming up with a realistic schedule for the building of your new home.  Having a good idea of what can go wrong and preparing for the possibility of a setback will help lower your stress and make the process go much smoother.

Following are some of the setbacks commonly experienced in new construction:

• Weather
  Depending on what stage of the home building process your builder is at, rain can cause a work stoppage.  Remember that if you’re building your home during a time of the year that is known for a lot of rainfall, there will probably be setbacks, especially if you’re just starting the building process during this time.
• Permits
  If numerous permits are required before building can begin, there may be a delay.  Permits can involve a lot of paperwork and time.  Also, agencies which issue permits may not move as quickly as a builder and homeowner would prefer.
• Reworks
  Most people building a home visit the building site frequently to keep an eye on work in progress and make sure that what they’ve ask for is being done.  However, there are times when things will be done incorrectly.  For example, a homebuyer may pick out a certain type of door to be put into the house only to find the wrong door was installed.  This will slow down work because the incorrect item will need to be removed, reordered (in most cases) and then reinstalled.
• Communication Breakdowns 
  One of the worst problems is a lack of communication between the builder, contractors and the prospective new home owner.

 These are just a few of the things which can get a home building schedule out of whack.  A knowledgeable REALTOR® will be able to keep tabs on the building progress and make sure the work schedule stays as close to the original timeline as possible and follows the new home construction checklist. 

If you’re thinking of buying a new construction home, be sure and take your REALTOR® with you the FIRST time.  Instead of having a builder who is interested in just selling his home, you’ll have an experienced Alexandria VA homes for sale REALTOR® who will represent you and your interests. 

I can show you any type of new construction home you’re interested in.  Just give me a call at 703-909-3939 now!  Or, email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com so we can begin your home search today!

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939

When preparing Fairfax County VA homes for sale you need to adopt this mantra:  “I will spend as little money as possible… and get the most bang for my buck.”  You’ll find a little goes a long way when it comes to making a house shine in the eyes of prospective buyers. 

Below is a checklist of super-cheap fixes that can maximize the appeal of your Fairfax County VA homes for sale:

• Change out the hardware.  New kitchen and bathroom cabinet knobs or pulls are inexpensive and can instantly update a tired room.
• Keep it neutral.  Paint any out-of-the-ordinary colors a nice shade of neutral.  Again, this is just a small investment that can equal a BIG return.
• Control the waterworks.  Check under sinks and around faucets for evidence of leaks or parts that might need replaced.  Often minor repairs are necessary that can be handled easily by the homeowner.
• Keep it clean.  Your Fairfax County, VA, homes for sale needs to be spotless from top to bottom.  If you have a busy schedule this can sound like an impossible task.  If it is heavy duty cleaning you need, then consider hiring a professional cleaning service.  Often this is a very budget-friendly task that is well worth the money. 
• Make potential buyers want to come and stay.  Think of your Fairfax County, VA, homes for sale as a bed and breakfast (yes, you have to use your imagination here).  What would a guest expect to see?  Fresh, clean towels, nicely made beds, fragrant flowers and an immaculate bathroom.  You can leave the mints off the pillows though.

 Cheap fixes are what you are after when preparing your Fairfax County VA homes for sale – you want to walk away with as much money from the transaction as possible.  So use your imagination, whenever possible and… keep your pocketbook closed! 

Are you thinking of selling your Fairfax County VA home?  I would love to provide you with a FREE market analysis of your current home’s worth and send you a helpful CD.   And, I’ll help you net the most $$$$ from the sale of your Fairfax County, VA, homes for sale.  Give me a call today at 703-909-3939 or, email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com. 

If you’re looking for a Fairfax County VA homes for sale to purchase, visit my website to see all my featured listings and much more.  Or give me a call at 703-909-3939 now! 

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939

If you are in the early stages of a Alexandria VA homes for sale relocation you may be wondering where to turn to get the most up-to-date, pertinent information about your new home town.  This is the time to do your relocation research!

You might guess that the first place to start is online.  The Internet is an endless source of information – but you have to be careful.  Be sure that the information you access is current and reliable.  That’s not a difficult task when you know where to search. 

Below are a few places to begin your search:

Chamber of Commerce
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is a great place to begin your relocation research and prepare for a house hunting trip with your REALTOR®.  Request an information packet if available with a detailed map of the Alexandria, Virginia area.

Calculate the Cost of Living
Find an online calculator that will compare the cost of living in your current location with your new location.  This information is not always dead-on accurate, but will give you a general idea of what, if any, shift in cost of living you can expect.

Schools
Access the Virginia state education system website, which provides links to individual school systems in the Alexandria, VA homes for sale area.  

Local Newspaper
Consider obtaining an online subscription to the local newspaper.  This will give you access to valuable information – from cultural events to crime, and provide you with Alexandria VA homes for sale real estate listings from the classified section.

Neighborhood Association
Once you settle on a specific neighborhood, check to see if there is an active neighborhood association.  Many of these associations have websites where you can get an idea of crime rate, community organizations and community activities.

If you can get around easily online, you’re off to a great start on your relocation research.  You’ll be sure to get a good idea of what Alexandria, Virginia has to offer and you’ll feel more comfortable as you make your big move.

It’s important to find a knowledgeable REALTOR®, one who knows the community and the local Alexandria, VA, homes for sale real estate market well.  I’d love to show you available homes for sale that meet your criteria and families needs.  Give me a call at 703-909-3939 or send me an email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com today!

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939

If you are getting ready to sell your Fairfax County VA homes for sale and know that it needs a little work, you may be asking yourself “Where do I start?”  The prospect can be overwhelming, so start with the basics.  Here are five relatively painless (both to you and your wallet) suggestions for home improvements that are essential for a quick sale:

Curb appeal 
Mow your lawn, pull your weeds, lay down some mulch, add new house numbers and paint your mailbox.  These quick, inexpensive improvements speak volumes to potential Fairfax County VA homes for sale buyers.

Fresh paint
Does your home’s exterior need a new coat of paint?  Consider a fresh coat of paint that suits the home well.  Or, did you try a new shade of green and end up with a bathroom that glows?  Now is the time to fix interior decorating errors.  Light neutral colors of paint are most appealing to prospective buyers.

Known defects
This can become a costly prospect, but one that may save you in the long run.  Do you have a roof that’s past its prime?  Consider having it replaced before you put your home on the market.  The price of a new roof is often less than the reduced listing price that an old roof may require.  Defects can cost you a contract, be prepared – don’t let that happen!

Kitchen
Does your kitchen look like it’s a throw back to the 80’s?  When you’re selling your home, it’s helpful if the kitchen looks great and is functional.  However, don’t break the bank remodeling.  You probably don’t need a luxurious Chef’s kitchen with professional grade appliances.  You’ll find a mid-range kitchen remodel with new flooring, updated hardware, refinished cabinets, can all be achieved with a meager budget – and you can expect to recoup much of the cost.

Bathrooms
Bathroom improvements can recoup an average of 100% in a home sale, which is staggering for this little tiny space.  Doing a mid-range remodel such as new floors, paint, fixtures and updated lighting will do wonders.  If the shower tile needs replaced, have that done the same time as the new flooring is installed.  Or, look at cultured marble as an alternative.  With a nice shower door , prospective buyers will love the look of your remodeled bathroom.

Investing in home improvements for a home sale may feel a bit like spending money on something you won’t be around to enjoy.  Don’t look at it that way – look at the money as an investment that will get you into a new home FAST!

Want more tips on how to spruce up your Fairfax County VA homes for sale?  Give me a call at 703-909-3939 or drop me a quick email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com today!

Are you a buyer who is thinking of relocating to Fairfax County VA homes for sale?  I’d love to show you the homes that fit your needs.  Contact me now!  

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939

Moving to a Alexandria VA homes for sale can be an exciting event.  It can also be a difficult thing, especially for children.  When a move means a new home, new friends and a new school, children are leaving their comfort zone for the unknown.  These big changes can be frightening, especially to very young children.

Parents not only need to make plans to move and pack up boxes, they need to think about how to make the transition to a new Alexandria, VA homes for sale an easy move for their children. 

Following are some suggestions to alleviate your children’s fears and ease the transition to their new home: 

• Make a scrapbook
  Let your kids take pictures of friends and places they would like to remember.  Put together a scrapbook your children can take to their new home and look at. 
• Listen to your kids
  Children will many times have fears they do not share with parents.  They may be ambivalent about moving, but afraid to say so.  Take time to discuss the move with your children.  Ask them how they feel about the move and then talk through any fears they may have.  Don’t dismiss the fear of making new friends by simply saying, “of course you’ll make new friends.”  Explain that you’ll all meet new people and make new friends.
• Visit your new home
  If possible, take your children to the home you’ll be moving into.  Let them visit their new school, walk around the neighborhood, play at the local park.  Giving them a chance to visit the place they’ll soon call home, will help alleviate some of their fears and even get them excited about the move.

Searching for a new home can seem like a daunting task.  There is a lot of work involved and hard decisions to make.  Enlist the expertise of a well established and knowledgeable Alexandria, VA REALTOR®, who can assist you in your home search and help you obtain the best price and terms.  

If you are thinking about or ready to look for Alexandria VA homes for sale, please visit my website to learn more about the community and view homes and condos for sale.  Contact me today to get started with your home search!  Or, call me now at 703-909-3939, you’ll be glad you did!

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939

When you’re thinking about looking at Alexandria, VA, homes for sale you need to take a qualified Buyer’s Agent with you.  They will represent your best interests in the home buying process – as opposed to the builder whose top priority is to sell you a home. 

Now that you’re convinced you need an agent to represent you and your needs, consider that agent your guide through the sometimes frightening jungle of buying new construction.  Here are four valuable things you can expect your guide to do for you:

1. Navigate the rapids of contracts and negotiations.  This process can be mind-boggling, but an experienced REALTOR® knows that there is always room to negotiate with your builder.  Your agent will help you stay afloat and advise you on special builder incentives, discounts on upgrades and/or discounts from suppliers/vendors.
2. Crack the whip on the closing date.  Builders are notorious for delayed schedules, therefore delayed closing dates.  While many valid factors can affect the construction schedule, a savvy REALTOR® will insist that you get a 30-day notice of closing date in the contract.
3. Steer you around danger.  The best buyer’s agents will aid you in finding a top-notch licensed structural engineer to inspect the structure of the home before drywall is hung.  At this point the engineer can do an inspection of the systems that are being installed in your home.  Of course, the best builders offer regular, planned inspections during key stages of construction.
4. Get you home in one piece.  An experienced Buyer’s Agent for new construction will make sure that the home building process is as painless as possible.  It may be a jungle out there, but your agent will get you home safe and sound.

 Do you have any new construction developments with Alexandria VA homes for sale that you want to look at?  Give me a call at 703-090-3939, and I’ll be happy to represent your interests as your Buyer’s Agent.  I’d love to tell you about the new construction homes that fit your requirements.  Just email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com to start your new construction home search today!

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939