Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

By the time you finally find the home of your dreams, you probably hope the process is finished. Yet, finding the right home is only part it. You still have to find a price you and the seller can agree upon. To do this, you need to make and counter offers on the Fairfax County VA homes for sale you want. As your real estate agent, I will speak to the seller on your behalf, but you have to be prepared for the negotiation process.

Here are some tips to help make your purchase go smoother:

• Start with your best offer. This is usually the first communication you will have with the seller, and it will give them an idea of whether or not they really want to work with you. Choose a realistic price (an offer that is too low is offensive to the seller), and leave yourself a little room to negotiate. We need to include with this offer a realistic time frame, terms, and deposit information.
• Keep your eye on the end result. If you really want this particular home, you may have to ignore small differences. Does it really matter if you have to pay $1000 more for the home or if you have to buy new curtain rods for each room? The negotiation process is merely a way for you and the seller to find terms you can both agree with. Don’t let petty issues keep you from owning the home of your dreams.
• Save your contingencies. Your initial offer needs to contain basic information about the sale price, terms of the agreement, and closing time frame. Contingencies, like asking the seller to leave behind certain items in the home, should wait until you are further in the negotiation process. If you really want the window treatments in the home and the seller refuses to lower their asking price, you can ask them to include the window treatments in lieu of the price reduction.

Be smart as you make and counter an offer on Fairfax County VA homes for sale. Never purchased a real estate property before?  Order my free Buyers book or CD to learn the real estate buying process from A to Z.   

Are you ready to work with one of the top Fairfax County VA Accredited Buyer Representative agents?  If you’ll let me, I’ll guide you through the entire home buying process and help you negotiate the best price and terms on your new home. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.

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

When you’re thinking of purchasing Fairfax County VA homes for sale it’s important to understand zoning terms.  Most municipalities have zoning laws that explain what property owners can and cannot do with land. This protects residents by keeping business, industry, and residential areas separate.

Zoning terms are very important to you when you own Fairfax County VA real estate that you want to build on. You should also be aware of zoning in your area because land use can change over time. Here is a brief guide to zoning terms.

Agricultural Land. This is land that is used primarily for farming. Most regions have specific definitions of how many animals or how many trees and plants must be grown to be classified as agricultural land.

Commercial Land. Commercial property is used for business purposes. This includes land for shopping centers, office space, and service centers.

Easement. An easement is the right to use someone else’s land. A common form of easement is when a utility company has the right to go across someone’s property so they can access electrical poles. There is usually no money exchanged with an easement.

Eminent Domain. This is the government’s right to acquire private land for public use. When the government exercises its eminent domain rights, it will pay the owner for the property.

Industrial Land. This land is used for manufacturing. Industrial land usually carries with it certain regulations to protect the environment around it and shield residential areas from danger resulting from the work done there.

Residential Land. Residential property includes single family homes, apartments, townhouses, and condominiums.

Whether you’re looking for a single-family home, condo, townhome, land or investment property, I can help!  I’ll assist you in finding the right Fairfax County VA homes for sale that meets your specific needs and mortgage budget. Call me at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.

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

In a down market, buyers have so many homes or condos in Arlington VA to choose from that you need to do whatever you can to make your property stand out from the rest. One way to do this is to offer incentives for the buyer so you can sell your real estate faster.

1. A home warranty. When you offer your buyer a home warranty, you are giving them peace of mind. They know that if a covered item breaks, they won’t be paying a fortune to have it repaired or replaced. This is especially true for older homes or condos in Arlington VA.
2. Pay some dues. If you live in a condo or a community with home owner association dues, offer to pay the dues for one year. This will lower the buyer’s monthly payment.
3. Give a tax break. If you live in an area where property taxes are reasonable, you can pay the property taxes for the following year. The buyer will appreciate the lower monthly payment, and you may even get a discount for paying the taxes early.
4. Home service. Throw in a year’s worth of lawn or pool maintenance. If your buyers are first time home owners, they may not even know how to take care of the yard or a pool. Anyone will appreciate the time and money they will save with a pre-paid service.
5. Closing costs. A common incentive sellers offer buyers is to cover all or part of the buyer’s closing costs. Your Title Company or real estate lawyer can estimate the closing costs for you.

 Do you own a home or condos in Arlington VA and are ready to sell?  I’d love to share my marketing plan with you.  If you’ll let me, I’ll help you put together a package to sell your Arlington VA real estate. Give me a call at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com to get started!

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

Are you thinking of buying one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale?   You’re probably wondering if now is the right time to purchase real estate. You want to buy a home you can afford in a growing area so you can build equity while you live there. While there is no magic formula to tell you when a market is stable, you can look for some signs that it’s the right time to buy.

1. Fewer homes on the market. As people begin buying homes in an area, there won’t be as many homes for sale. This means people are buying properties and want to live in that region. Growth usually means your home’s value will increase.
2. Sold prices are closer to asking (or list) prices. When more Alexandria VA homes are on the market, the competition drives prices down so sellers don’t get their full asking price. Likewise, when the number of buyers is greater than the number of homes on the market, buyers are willing to pay more to get the homes they want.
3. Days on market decreases.  As one of the best Alexandria Virginia REALTORS®, I measure the real estate market by the number of days a home stays for sale. In a booming market, homes are not for sale for long (and they often sell before they are even advertised to the public). Look for an area where homes are being sold within a reasonable amount of time (usually less than 3 months).
4. Prices are firm. In a stable market, home prices don’t fluctuate and don’t vary greatly among comparable homes. This is because sellers aren’t anxious to sell their homes, and buyers are paying what homes are worth.
5. Incentives disappear. Sellers and builders offer all sorts of incentives when they have trouble selling homes. When those incentives start disappearing, you know people are buying again, and this may be a good time for you to buy a home.

Are you ready to find a home or condo?  I’d love to assist you in finding the right real estate property to fit your needs and budget.  To learn about today’s Alexandria VA homes for sale real estate market, give me a call now at 703-909-3939 or drop me a quick email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.

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

Investing in Fairfax County VA homes for sale is popular because it is a hands-on investment that can be lucrative when you know what you’re doing. When you get started, it may seem overwhelming to you, but when you know what to look for in an investment property, you will be on your way.

1. Affordability. You have to be able to afford any property you purchase. You need to obtain financing and be able to make payments on the property if the market or your personal situation changes. Make sure the property fits in your investment budget.
2. Neighborhood. The neighborhood is probably the most important consideration for investment property. If you want to rent the property, you may want something close to shopping and public transportation. Yet, if you want to flip the Fairfax County VA real estate, you want to find something in a growing neighborhood where buyers want to live.
3. A match for your strengths. If you are a detail-oriented person with good managerial skills, you may want to consider using those strengths as a landlord. On the other hand, if you prefer to construct and create, you might be better suited to renovate and resell properties.
4. Something you have time to work with. If you don’t have the time to be a landlord or the time to renovate a home, you may need to reconsider your investment. Real estate investing takes time to find, to repair, and to maintain.
5. Community rules. Some neighborhoods may not allow renters to live in a property, or they may have homeowner association rules  about what colors you can use on the home’s exterior. Make sure you know the rules before you buy so you can incorporate them into your plans.
6. Something that will have a good rate of return. It only makes sense that you want to make money on your investment. Think through what you will have to invest in both time and money. You may find a better return on a higher priced home that needs fewer repairs than on a “handyman’s special” that will require extensive work.
7. Repairs and maintenance. As an investment homeowner, you will be responsible for keeping up with the property. Choose Fairfax County VA homes for sale that you can maintain with your experience and budget.

If you’re thinking about investing in Fairfax County VA homes for sale, I can help you find the right investment property for you. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or drop me a quick email now at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com for more information about real estate investing.

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

Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”) is a Chinese practice based on the idea of balance in your environment. The idea is that colors and furniture arrangements create or disrupt a peaceful sanctuary in your home. Fairfax County VA homes for sale don’t have to completely remodeled, but by following a few Feng Shui principles, you can make your home or condo more appealing to buyers.

1. Choose colors carefully. In Feng Shui, colors have a positive and negative energy associated with them. Bright colors can be either irritating or uplifting. Dark colors can be either depressing or relaxing. Green is a fresh color that brings peace and harmony. Blue is rejuvenating and healing. Yellow, red, and purple bring good luck.
2. Bring in some nature. In Feng Shui theory, nature is the ultimate in balance. When you bring natural elements inside your home, you bring with them their perfect balance. The easiest way to incorporate nature into your décor is with plants. Use real or silk plants with healthy, broad leaves and stay clear of dried plants and flowers. Place them at different levels throughout your home.
3. Arrange your furniture thoughtfully. Feng Shui followers believe furniture should always be placed so that the person sitting there can see the doors and windows in the room. You also want to minimize sharp corners, and you can do this by placing plants or furniture diagonally in front of corners.
4. De-Clutter. Take a serious look around your home and make a list of anything you don’t need or don’t use. Throw away broken items and give away anything that’s useful for someone who will use it. Clutter in your home conveys a sense of chaos and destroys peace.

With just a few adjustments to your current decorating plan, you can use Feng Shui principles to create a home or condo that will be appealing to buyers. As an experienced Fairfax County Virginia REALTOR®, I can help you prepare your Fairfax County VA homes for sale. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.

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

When your REALTOR® advertises your Alexandria VA homes for sale in the MLS or prepares marketing materials, they are sharing with potential buyers all the information about your home.

A well-informed buyer will not have to spend as much time inside your home, nor will they take up time asking questions that could have been answered on a flyer. Make sure your Alexandria real estate agent includes some key information that buyers want to know.

1. Photographs. Buyers want to see your home even before they step inside. 83% of buyers start their search for a new home online, so a single outside shot of your home is just not going to cut it. Make sure your real estate agent takes several pictures of each room from different vantage points. That way you will be able to choose which photograph best captures each room.
2. Room dimensions. Accurate room dimensions help buyers decide if the rooms are big enough for their furniture and belongings. You real estate agent probably measured each room as they took pictures. Ask your agent to include these room dimensions in your marketing materials.
3. Special features.  What features enhance and add extra value to your property?  Talk with your REALTOR® and make sure the special features are included in all of your properties marketing advertisements. 
4. School information.  If buyers have children, they will want to know the school zoning for the neighborhood. Ask your agent to include the elementary, middle, and high schools for which your home is zoned and a list of nearby private schools. Not everyone will send their children to the local public schools, and buyers will appreciate the additional information.
5. Neighborhood information. Not all buyers will know what’s near your home. Even buyers from your same area may not know just how close you are to the nearest grocery store or the easy access you have to local gyms. Ask your Alexandria real estate agent to share certain neighborhood amenities like the distance to major roads, shopping centers, and entertainment facilities.

Want to add your home or condo to the MLS list of Alexandria VA homes for sale?  It’s important to select an Alexandria agent who has a comprehensive marketing plan.  If you’ll let me, I would like to assist you in selling your Alexandria real estate faster and for top dollar. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com to put together the best marketing materials for your property.

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

Real estate investing is an exciting opportunity for many people. It’s hands-on and can be a lucrative experience. When you’re ready to begin investing in Fairfax County VA real estate, you have to start by finding the right property. There are so many different types of properties available that you may feel overwhelmed at first.  But there are just as many ways to find real estate investment properties in the list of Fairfax County VA homes for sale. 

1. Know what you want. If you don’t know what kind of rental property you’re looking for, how will you know when you find it? Before you begin looking, decide if you will rent or flip the property because this may change your criteria.
2. Get online. There are many ways for people to advertise properties online at little or no cost. Craigslist is filled with Fairfax County VA homes for sale.  You can also go to a search engine and type in a city name along with the phrase “real estate for sale” and see what appears.  On my website, you can use my free tool to search for all Fairfax County VA real estate for sale. 
3. Drive around. You can always hop in your car and drive around town looking for abandoned homes or properties with for sale by owner signs on the lawn. This is time and fuel consuming, but you should find available properties.  If you find something you want to look at, even if it’s for sale by owner, I can still help you negotiate the best terms and price.  Just give me a call and let me know what you’ve found.
4. Use a REALTOR®. A professional REALTOR® can help you find exactly what you’re looking for in an investment property. They know the areas where they work and know where to look to find the right property for you.

As a professional Fairfax County Virginia REALTOR®, I can help you find the Fairfax County real estate investment property that is perfect for you. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.

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

When the Condos in Arlington VA real estate market slows, you may find yourself owing more on your property than it’s actually worth. If you plan to live in your home or condo for a while, this isn’t a problem because the market will correct itself and you will get back your equity.

However, if you have to put your condos in Arlington VA on the market, you may find yourself paying at the closing table or negotiating for a short sale. A short sale means your lender agrees to accept an amount less than what you owe so you can sell your property. This solution is not perfect, and you need to carefully consider if selling home or condo for less than you owe is right for you.

1. Save your credit score. Your credit score is the most important item banks look at when deciding to give you a loan. The higher your score, the better chance you have of being approved for a loan and getting a decent interest rate. You need to do everything in your power to protect your credit score. A short sale will lower your credit score by close to 100 points, but a foreclosure will drop your score by 250-280 points.
2. You can’t make the payments. If you cannot make your payments because of a job loss or medical reasons, you may need to sell your home or condo for whatever you can get. Your bank may approve a short sale if you can prove a hardship. Even if you have to pay for the difference between the sale price and what you owe, you won’t ruin your credit score by not paying your mortgage on time or risk foreclosure.
3. You’re moving. If you’re moving out of the area and don’t want to rent your home, you may want to cut your losses and sell your condos in Arlington VA real estate for less than you owe. The cost of maintaining two homes, in both money and time, is just too much for most people to handle. Unless your home seriously depreciated, you probably aren’t losing enough to make it worth paying another year’s worth of monthly payments.

If you’ll let me, I’ll help you sell your home or condos in Arlington VA real estate fast and for top dollar. Need some valuable information on how to sell your property?  I’d be happy to send you an informative free book or CD that tells you how to have a successful real estate sale. 

If you’re ready to work with one of the best Arlington Virginia REALTORS®, give me a call at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now! 

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