Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

When Alexandria VA homes for sale buyers are waiting for the inspection report to come back on a home they are purchasing, they usually expect minor issues to arise.  Some of these issues may or may not be addressed by the seller. 

What happens when a report comes back suggesting there is a major problem with the home you are purchasing?  What if there are foundation problems?  Will the seller pay these costs, share them with you or expect you to pay?  Will your real estate agent know how to help you through this problem?

To most home buyers, foundation problems could sound like a deal breaker.  But do you need to walk away from this Alexandria VA home?  Or are there solutions to fix a cracked or unstable foundation? 

Most experts suggest that when the foundation of a house is in question – the best thing to do is call an accredited residential structural engineer.  

Because there are so many different root causes for foundation problems, and many different methods to solve them – the source of the problem needs to be determined first.  A structural engineer should be able to assess the damage and suggest a sound method to repair the foundation. 

Once the engineer provides you with a report, the next step is to contact firms that repair foundations.  In most cases, a foundation repair company should agree with and follow your engineer’s suggestions and sketches.

There are many methods for repairing Alexandria VA homes for sale foundations.  These methods could include shoring up the existing foundation with steel to adding moisture to the soil.  While repairs can be costly, they can be done and should be guaranteed.

Whether you’re a buyer or seller, an experienced Alexandria REALTOR® can provide guidance as to how a major defect uncovered in the home inspection can be handled.  Buyers who still want to purchase the home will need help negotiating the best way to address these additional costs.  If you seek professional advice – in most cases the problem can be fixed and your dream home will still be within reach.

If you’re thinking of purchasing Alexandria VA homes for sale, I’d love the opportunity to help you find the right home for your family.  If we run into any home inspection problems such as a damaged foundation, I’ll help you decide if the problem can be fixed or if we need to look for another home.  Give me a call at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com to get started today!

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

Flooding is a common hazard throughout the United States, often occurring in the driest states.  No one is immune from them, and they can sometimes strike without much warning. When you are prepared for a flood emergency, you stand a much better chance of surviving it.  Here are six tips for preparing Fairfax County VA homes for sale from floods.

1. Check your elevation.  Avoid buying or building a home in a floodplain.  Don’t take the risk of living in a flood-prone area unless you take the time to reinforce your home or elevate it.  Make sure you also build a barrier to keep flood water away from your home. 
2. Flood insurance.  Remember, most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding.  This could include excess water draining into your home from heavy rains.  If your home is in a flood prone area, consider purchasing a flood insurance policy.    
3. Have a plan.  Before you find yourself in an emergency situation, create a plan and have an emergency supply kit on hand.  Know where you will go if you need to evacuate.  Make arrangements for your pets.  Set aside important documents in a safe and easy to reach place in case you need to leave your home in a hurry.
4. Pay attention. Don’t ignore weather reports.  If a flash flood is possible, you need to get out of there.  You never know what kind of damage running water can do to your property.  Follow the instructions of your local authorities.
5. Secure your home.  If you have the time, move everything to the second floor or at least move items off the floor. Turn off the electricity. Disconnect electrical appliances.  Take with you important papers, like legal documents, identification, and insurance policies.
6. After a flood.  Don’t drink water in your home until you know it is safe for consumption.  Be careful walking or driving through standing water.  You never know when it’s electrified by down power lines or covering up a large hole.

Be prepared for natural disasters.  Are you thinking about buying Fairfax County VA homes for sale?  Call me today at 703-909-3939 or drop me a quick email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com for more tips on how to prepare your Fairfax County home for floods.

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

There was a time when real estate was ruled by the phrase, “Buyer beware.”  This meant the seller did not have to share any information about defects in the home.  Today, however, more than two-thirds of all states in the U.S. require some form of seller disclosure.  This means that sellers are required to share certain information with potential buyers.  What do you have to tell about Alexandria VA homes for sale?

• Lead-based paint.  For all homes built before 1978, a seller’s disclosure is required.  This gives the buyer 10 days to have the home inspected for lead-based paint.  Some real estate brokers require this disclosure for all Alexandria VA homes for sale because lead-based paint is still sold in some places.
• Material facts.  Material facts are items which may affect a buyer’s decision to purchase a property.  What material facts are required varies from state to state, so talk to your real estate agent about the laws for your state.  Material facts can include any of the following:
  • Death in the home. Some states require sellers to disclose if anyone died in the home. Buyers may be uncomfortable buying a home in which someone has died.
  • External issues.  You may need to disclose issues that could affect the property, like earthquakes, zoning changes, flood zones, fire hazards, and pollution.  
  • Foundation problems.  Damaged slabs and accompanying moisture problems may need to be shared with the buyers.
  • Repairs.  You don’t have to disclose every repair you’ve made to your home, especially since a repair means the problem has been taken care of.  However, you can let buyers know when you had a new roof put on or the air conditioner replaced.

Don’t go through the process of selling your home on your own.  I’d love to talk with you about selling your Alexandria property.  I’ll even give you a free CD or book that was designed just for sellers.  Let me help you get top dollar for your Alexandria home.  Call me today at 703-909-3939 for more information about what you’ll have to disclose about Alexandria VA homes for sale. 

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

When you decide to sell your home or condo, you hope to close the sale within a certain amount of time, especially if you are relocating and need to sell it before buying another one. Sometimes it takes longer than you planned to sell your home or condos in Arlington VA.  One option you have is renting your home or condos in Arlington VA  while it is for sale.

Renting your property is a way to generate cash flow while it is on the market. Renting can help you cover your mortgage costs and avoid foreclosure. You also still have a chance to sell your home or condos in Arlington VA for a profit when the market recovers or you find a qualified buyer.

• If you choose to rent, you should plan to rent it for at least one year. Most renters prefer the security of a lease.   You do have the option of including a clause in the lease about the property being for sale. In this case, see a real estate attorney so the lease is clear and protects you.
• You need to be informed about the rental laws 
• There may be restrictions about how many people can live in a single family home or condo, and how to evict renters who do not pay. Many renters know how the laws protect them, and you don’t want to end up in court over something you could have prevented.
• Set aside money for repairs. You will have to make sure your home or condo is suitable for renters to move in. If anything major, like the air conditioner or refrigerator, breaks you are responsible for repairing it or purchasing a new one. After your renters move out you will also have to do repairs to the home. Sometime renters intentionally damage property, and you will have to pay for the damages.

Let me help you sell your home or condos in Arlington VA and protect your investment.  Contact me or call me today at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com for more information about renting your home or condos in Arlington VA while it is on the market.

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

It happens to everyone at some point. You walk away from the closing table wondering if you made the biggest mistake of your life. Did you sell your Fairfax County VA homes for sale for less than it was worth? Will you be able to create new memories in your new home? This is called seller’s remorse, and it happens to many people after they sell their Fairfax County VA home. 

• Seller’s remorse is a fear, and you should deal with it just like you would any other fear. Talk about it with your friends, family, and real estate agent. They can listen to you and reassure you that made the right decision.
• Remind yourself of the facts. Facts are the opposite of fear, and they will help take your focus off your fears. If you are moving because of a job relocation, you had to sell your home. If you had to sell the home because you couldn’t afford it, whatever you got for the home is better than ruining your credit.
• Find out what other Fairfax County VA homes for sale are selling for. Look through the classifieds. Drive around town. When you see what other homes have sold for, you can rest assured that got a good deal. Remember to look at the sale price instead of the asking price.
• Get on with your life. Unless you want to face expensive legal fees, go ahead and move on with your life. Backing out of a signed contract is time consuming and expensive. Begin getting settled in your new home. Meet your new neighbors. You can’t continue to worry about this past transaction.

I can help you get top dollar for your Fairfax County VA home so you can avoid seller’s remorse. If you are ready to add your home to the list of Fairfax County VA homes for sale, give me a call today at 703-909-3939 or drop me an email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.

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

A short sale happens when a lender agrees to accept less than the balance remaining on a home. It is a way for sellers to avoid foreclosure and sell their home. It seems like a good idea for people who owe more on their home than it’s worth, but that doesn’t mean it is right for everyone. Should you consider a short sale on your Fairfax County VA homes for sale?

Pros

• You will be able to sell your property and get out from under a mortgage you cannot afford and lower your debt
• You can still sell your property in a declining real estate market even if you owe more than the home is worth
• Buyers sometimes get good deals on the property or may be able to buy a home at market value in a popular area
• A short sale is better than a foreclosure which stays on your credit report for 10 years

Cons

• If your home goes into foreclosure and is sold at auction for less than the mortgage, you can still be held responsible for making up the difference
• The lender may refuse to do the short sale
• The bank’s loss is considered taxable income for you, and you may have to pay taxes on the amount
• Short sales do stay on your credit report and may make it difficult for you to a get loan in the future
• You may have to find a real estate agent willing to work for a smaller commission
• Short sales take longer to close than traditional home sales

I can help you decide if a short sale on your Fairfax County VA homes for sale is right for you. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com for more information about your selling options.

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

Putting your home on the list of Alexandria VA Homes for sale is never an easy decision. Here are the top 10 reasons people sell their Alexandria homes.

1. Death or divorce. Death and divorce can cause major changes to a family’s financial situation. Home owners are often unable to cover the maintenance and cost of the home on a single income and are forced to sell their home.
2. School district. People move to certain neighborhoods to be the school district. They also leave neighborhoods because the schools have changed or to be in a district that better meets their child’s needs.
3. Jobs. A very common reason for selling a home is a job change. The family may need to move to a new area because of a new job. A job loss can mean the owners can no longer afford their home.
4. Marriage. When a couple with separate homes marries, they will often choose to live in one home and sell the other. Marriage can also mean a change in finances.
5. Too much debt. Sometimes medical bills or consumer debt can become so overwhelming that a homeowner has no recourse but to sell their home. Home owners may sell their home to avoid foreclosure or bankruptcy.
6. Need more space. Growing families need more space. A couple may discover that their cozy bungalow does not meet the needs of their small children. They may sell their home so they can upgrade.
7. Need less space. As children move out of the home, some owners may find they need less space. They may not want to be responsible for cleaning and maintaining a large home. Instead they may opt to purchase a condominium with less upkeep.
8. Neighborhood. Local neighborhoods change as people move in and out. What seemed like the perfect area when the owners bought their home may no longer fit their lifestyle. For this reason, people sell their homes.
9. Climate. Residents of the north sometimes want to move south to a warmer climate. 
10. Home Defects. Homeowners may find themselves faced with major repairs that they don’t have the time or money to fix. Selling their home and moving is sometimes a better option.

Thinking of selling your Alexandria VA home?  I’d love to talk with you about my Marketing Plan that gets results.  Contact me today!

Ready to purchase property in Alexandria?  Let me help you search through the Alexandria VA homes for sale to find your dream home. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com for more information about Alexandria VA homes for sale.

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

When you are considering purchasing a condo or Alexandria VA homes for sale, selecting the right buyer agent is important.  You’ll be spending quite a bit of time with a real estate agent and good communication is the key ingredient to a successful client/agent relationship.  Having a REALTOR® who will listen to your concerns and needs as well as communicate effectively is a “must” for a successful real estate transaction. 

So how can you determine if the buyer’s agent you are considering hiring is going to be communicative or be a “silent” partner?  Here are some initial questions to ask when meeting with an agent to find out if the person is right for you:

• Will the agent take the time to find out what type of home you’re looking for; what community you want to live in; the price range that fits your budget; and what amenities you would like to have?
• What is the time frame the agent will inform you of new listings which meet your criteria?
• Will the agent suggest you get pre-approved for a mortgage loan?
• Does the agent have an assistant or another REALTOR® who can help you if your agent is unavailable?
• How quickly will the agent or assistant return emails and/or phone calls?
• Does the agent coordinate well with all parties including other agents?
• Will the REALTOR® provide you with some helpful advice about financing and selecting a mortgage lender? 
• How often will the REALTOR® give you a status report on the progress of your purchase?

All of these items are crucial to the successful communication between a buyer and their agent.  Good REALTORS® should be able to answer all of the above questions to your satisfaction.  And they should listen to you when discussing what you’re looking for in a real estate transaction.

Finding an experienced and knowledgeable Alexandria VA homes for sale REALTOR® can take time, but it’s worth the effort!  An agent must not only communicate well with you, but also with other agents.  One who listens and acts as your ally, is a true asset!

If you’re considering making an Alexandria VA homes for sale purchase and would like to talk with a buyer’s agent who is a great communicator and is driven to get you results, I’d love to speak with you.  I won’t stop until we find the perfect property for you!  Contact me now!  Or call me at 703-909-3939.  I look forward to hearing from you.

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

Owners of Fairfax County VA homes for sale might consider getting their home in tip-top shape by focusing on the home’s interior.  For lovers of color, their worst fear is having a white or beige room.  For these people, color means warmth, hominess, and comfort.  But for many, color is something they like to look at in a painting, not splashed on the walls of their home.

When putting a home up for sale, it’s important to create an interior space which will appeal to the largest audience as possible.  To do so means taking out the “me” and putting in the “you” in a house.  What does that mean?  Let’s take a look.

• Wallpaper
  Remember when you spent hours upon hours putting up that wallpaper with the big purple violets?  The thought of taking that wallpaper down might seem like a death wish, but chances are most prospective buyers are not going to love the purple violets in the same way you do.  The solution is to take down the wallpaper.  Learn some valuable wallpaper removal tips.  
•  Paint
  Just like wallpaper, buyers do not generally take to very specific paint colors such as reds, pinks, and blues.  Buyers want to put their own touch on a home which may mean painting walls one of these bright colors.  However, it’s best to show a home with neutral shades such as beiges and off whites so that a buyer has the option of decorating as they please if they purchase the house.
• Flooring
  Just like walls, flooring needs to be as neutral as possible.  If you’re going to be selling your home in the near future and you’re putting in hard wood or laminate flooring, stay away from the deep cherry woods.  As beautiful as they can be, lighter woods will appeal to a larger audience as will neutral carpets. 

It can be difficult to paint over your children’s bedroom mural or a fabulous orange paint splashing the walls of your dining room but in order to get the attention of buyers, neutral is key.  Give them a clean palette to work with and you’ll have an offer in no time!

It’s important to have your Fairfax County VA homes for sale in peak condition that will appeal to the most prospective buyers.  If you’re thinking about adding your home to the list of Fairfax County VA homes for sale, I’ll be happy to give you a FREE book or CD designed to learn the home selling process. 

Need some tips on preparing your home for sale?  Give me a call 703-909-3939 or drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now!  I’ve got plenty of ideas I would love to share with you. 

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