Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

Fairfax County, Virginia real estate advice for Sellers everywhere!  Apply common sense curb appeal when you’re trying to sell your Fairfax County VA homes for sale.  Turn on the TV, radio, or computer and you’re practically saturated in ideas on how to prepare your home for sale to the highest bidder.

Curb Appeal: It’s Elementary, My Dear Watson

Sometimes the simplest (and cheapest) solutions are right under our nose.  Sure, renovations, additions, upgrades and updates are great—and should not be overlooked.  But common sense says a Fairfax County home needs maintenance if it is to be sellable.

You need to start thinking about basic things you should be doing to maintain the home, particularly the exterior.

Increasingly Discerning Buyers in Today’s Real Estate Market

The Fairfax County, Virginia real estate market right now is a challenging one for sellers—hence, all the more reason why every little detail matters!  Buyers know they are in a strong marketing position and literally won’t put up with any rubbish when window shopping for homes.

Remember that before a potential buyer even considers an in-home showing, they want curb appeal—and not just any curb appeal, mind you. The discerning home buyer of today wants everything “just so.” 

Here’s what Buyers look for in a Home’s Exterior:

• Precision lawn care is Key—that means weekly mowing and edging in the warm months and snow or ice removal in the cold months.  The perfect model home features mowing done in precise straight lines resulting in a very symmetrical, uniform look.  Don’t forget to trim around the driveway, stones, garden, trees, and especially at the sidewalk.
• No junk lying Around: Pack rats, you know who you are!  Put things in storage!  Don’t have old cars up on jacks or bikes and toys strewn everywhere!
• Beautify: Pick up leaves, weeds, branches and other debris; plant beautiful flowers (you can even buy pre-bloomed flowers and replant)
• Splash o’ Color: Paint the house, garage, and shutters in neutral, updated colors 
• Fix and Re-Finish: wooden decks or porch railings should be in tip-top shape 

 Shoot for Showroom Shine

Just imagine that you are trying to win a contest for “best looking home” in the Fairfax County area. Think model-home quality.  Keeping your home clean is very important.  If your time is limited you may wish to hire a local cleaning company to do the work for you.

You’ve got a Friend!

Thinking of putting your Fairfax County, Virginia home or condo on the real estate market?  To help you get the most out of your valuable Fairfax County VA homes for sale, request my FREE Seller’s Book or CD today! 

You can reach me by phone at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now!  I can help you with more tips and advice on selling your home or condo.  

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
709-909-3939

It’s time!  Out of all the Fairfax County VA homes for sale, you’ve found the perfect one for you and your family.  Your home has been in escrow and your loan is approved.  Now you’re ready to think about and prepare for your big moving day.

Some important considerations before you move:

• How soon will you be moving to Fairfax County?
• Will you be taking your furniture or disposing of it before the move?
• How will you transport furniture and belongings?
• Will you hire a moving company? 
• Or will you rent a moving van such as UHaul, and drive it to Fairfax County yourself?

Obviously, there is packing to do.  Whether you are renting or purchasing your current home, effort must be made to leave it clean and in good condition.

Don’t get overwhelmed and procrastinate until the last minute. On the other extreme, don’t try to get it all done in one weekend and exhaust yourself either.

Moving Prep Tips

• Schedule: Be sure and schedule your mover and if you’re moving yourself, schedule a moving van well in advance.
• What’s moving: You’ll need to decide what you’re going to take with you and what you’ll sell or donate to charity.
• Make a List: Before you get started, devise an organized plan of action.  Make sure you get it down on paper so it is removed from your weary mind!
• Enlist Help: Delegate as many tasks as possible.  Involve the whole family. Have each one write down the jobs they will be required to do.
• Time-management: Decide how much time should be spent daily to get ready for this move.
• Make it fun: Set up rewards for jobs well done. Preparing to relocate can become an exciting adventure rather than a nerve-racking job!
• Utilize Your Support System: Call a friend or family member outside your household for encouragement when things get crazy.
• Relax, relax, relax! 

Moving to a new home is a big job, but a rewarding one.  Once you’ve moved to your new residence you can start your new life, begin your new job and make new friends and acquaintances. 

Not ready to move quite yet?  If you’re in the market for Fairfax County VA homes for sale, and you need a highly motivated Fairfax County Virginia REALTOR®, I’d love to speak with you! 

I love nothing better than the trill of working with clients to help them find the perfect home with the amenities they long for.  I’ll help weed out what you won’t be interested in, so we can concentrate on the urban communities and Fairfax County VA homes for sale that will be right for you.

So, give me a call today at 703-909-3939 and we’ll get started searching for your next home.  Or drop me a quick email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now!

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

Home buyers often have the option of buying points to decrease the interest rate of their mortgage.  Although the appeal of having a lower interest rate sounds like a smart move, you need to make sure that you weigh all the factors before you decide to spring for the discount points.

Generally, the cost of a point is equal to 1% of your loan.  For example, buying a point for a $200,000 loan would cost $2,000.

The purchase of a point typically buys down the interest rate by 0.125%.  In other words, if your interest rate is 6.5%, this rate would be lowered to 6.375% after the purchase of one point.

The most important factor to consider is how long you plan on staying in the house.  If you plan on living in the house for five years, buying points probably does not make sense.

If you plan on staying in the house for the life of the loan, buying a point for a lower interest rate may save you money in the long run.

In order to calculate the potential savings of buying points, find a good online mortgage calculator and do the math for both the actual interest rate and the rate after buying points.  Don’t forget to factor in the money that you spend on the points.  You might be surprised at the difference, often it may not be enough to warrant the expense of buying the points.

One other factor to consider is that if you do buy down your interest rate, the money that you spend is tax deductible in the year that you purchase the property.

It’s important whnowen deciding whether or not to buy points to check the math from every angle.  This may be a great way to save some money – or you may find that it’s not worth the trouble or money after all.

Ready to purchase one of the Fairfax County VA homes for sale?  If so, please request my FREE Seller Book or CD at no obligation to you, now! You can learn the selling process from beginning to a successful end. 

Just contact me now!  Or call me direct at 703-909-3939 or drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com for more information about selling your home at the best price. 

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

Relocating to another city or state can be more of a challenge than just moving across town. This is certainly true when you’re considering purchasing Alexandria VA condos or Alexandria VA homes for sale. 

So, before you decide to relocate to the Alexandria, Virginia area, ask yourself these questions:

• Are you planning to rent or purchase?
• Are you open to a single-family residence or condo living?
• Will you require an Alexandria Virginia real estate agent? 
• Do you know the local neighborhood communities in Alexandria?
• Are you aware of the distinct differences between communities?
• Do you have information about the Alexandria school system?

The Alexandria VA homes for sale choices can seem overwhelming at best.  There are many different types of homes and condos available in Alexandria.  Additionally, you’ll find various price ranges and urban communities to live in.  And each urban community has something unique to its own neighborhood.  Learn more about Alexandria, Virginia!

Here I Come To Save the Day!

There is much to consider before you are able to relocate to Alexandria, Virginia.  You’ll need to find an expert Alexandria, Virginia real estate agent that knows the area well.  Help is available to manage this life transition and make the way smoother for you.  That’s why I’m here! 

Once we’ve discussed your home or condo needs, you will feel a great sense of relief.  I’ll help you find the best neighborhood and property that fits your requirements and financial budget.  And I’ll help you negotiate the best deal!  Give me a call at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com and let me do the stressing for you.

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

When it comes to putting in a swimming pool, one thing to consider is whether or not this is a wise investment for you. In the real estate world of what-ifs and ever-threatening to burst bubbles, this is a no-brainer. If you’re thinking of selling your home soon, then do not invest in a pool for your Fairfax County VA homes for sale.

Most experts agree that homeowners do not get their money back when selling a home with a pool. Although an in-ground pool may increase the market value of a home by 15-25%, this is nothing compared to, say, a new garage, which increases the market value by 75-100%.

So when do you take the plunge and invest in a pool?

Ask yourself these important questions:

1. How long am I staying in the home? If you expect to live in the home for quite some time, your return on investment may be 100% — if you consider your own personal enjoyment a satisfactory return.
2. How much maintenance can I handle? Pool technology has come along way. Depending on the price you are willing to pay, automated water analysis and chemical dispensers make maintaining your pool a lot easier. However, there are skimmer baskets to clean, tiles to scrub, and the deck to hose down….
3. How much can I spend? In-ground pool prices range from $10,000-$40,000 dollars, but you also need to consider the cost of extra utilities such as electricity and water.
4.  What are Fairfax County code requirements for a pool? Insure you can meet these requirements before adding a pool.
5. Finding an Installer. How can I find a reputable custom pool, spa or hot tub installer in the Fairfax County area?
6.  Types of pools. What different types of pools are available to choose from?

If you decide to dive in – congratulations  – now get to work hunting for the ideal builder and let the digging begin!

Are you ready to add your home to the list of Fairfax County VA homes for sale? Need some advice on what to do to put your home or condo in tip-top shape to sell? Give me a call at 703-909-3939 or drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com today!

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

Arlington, Virginia is a really exciting place to work, live and raise a family.  Homeowners of homes and condos in Arlington VA are fortunate to live in charming urban villages that are just a short commute into Washington, D.C. and the surrounding areas.  You’ll fall in love with Arlington’s top schools, easy access to great shopping, cultural events, activities galore, wonderful parks, top restaurants and a lively nightlife.   

Business is booming in Arlington where so many large corporations have their headquarters.  If you’re a government contractor or wish to work for a private sector contracting firm, there are myriads of businesses to choose from.  The U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Pentagon are also located here. 

Urban Villages in Arlington County
If you’re thinking about relocating to Arlington County, there are many charming urban villages that provide owners of homes and condos in Arlington VA a peaceful, relaxing lifestyle away from the busy bustle of Washington D.C., yet close enough to enjoy all that the area has to offer.  Search for homes or condos in Arlington VA now!

You can find homes and condos in Arlington VA in these urban <a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.commuterpage.com/art