Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

When Alexandria VA Homes for Sale are in foreclosure, homeowners go through a variety of emotions. It’s embarrassing to give your home back to the bank. It’s also frustrating to know your credit score will drop considerably. However, foreclosures do happen, and you can rebuild your credit after you lose your home.

1. Educate yourself about credit. You need to understand how credit works so you don’t end up in this same situation again. For example, did your [city] home take up more of your budget than you expected? There are several great books and courses available to show you how to manage your finances.
2. Create a budget. A budget lets you see exactly how much money you have to spend each month. It also helps you track where you spend your money. Put together a budget that fits your lifestyle and then stick to it no matter what.
3. Build an emergency fund. You never know when an emergency will happen. When you’re prepared for a financial emergency, you’re better protected from those financial problems.
4. Get new credit. This can be tricky after a foreclosure. New credit will give you a chance to prove you can manage debt. However, you certainly don’t want to find yourself owing more than you can possibly pay. Choose your new credit wisely.
5. Give yourself time. It takes time to rebuild your credit. Don’t expect your credit score to be in the good or excellent range within weeks or even months after your foreclosure. Your foreclosure is going to stay on your credit report for seven years anyway, so there’s no need to rush.

A foreclosure is not the end of the world. Let me help you go through the Alexandria VA Homes for Sale and together we’ll find the one that fits your budget and needs.  Call me 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

Buying condos in Arlington VA for a second home can be a great investment, especially if you like to visit the same area each year or you work there part of the year.  You won’t have to deal with overcrowded hotels and fluctuating room prices. As an added benefit, you can even rent your condo to others and make money from it. However, just like any other real estate investment, you need to be cautious and purchase the right property for you. Here are a few tips.

1. Don’t go over your budget. This is obvious, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to get caught up in the amenities offered by different condos. Keep in mind that there’s no good reason to spend more money on an Arlington condo than you can afford.
2. Know what amenities you want. You have to know what you want before you start looking. Do you want a condo with sweeping views of the Potomac River?  Are you willing to save money by purchasing something within walking distance of the river? Are you looking for a family friendly area? Be specific.
3. Check rental prices. One of the benefits of a second property is making money by renting it to other families. Find out what others charge for their condos in Arlington VA and make sure it fits within your budget. It doesn’t make sense to buy a condo that won’t bring you a decent rental fee.
4. Make sure you will be able to enjoy the condo. If you really want a peaceful place to relax, you shouldn’t buy a condo in a family-oriented community. Likewise, if you plan to spend most of your time visiting local attractions, you want something with easy access to good transportation.
5. Look around the neighborhood. The neighborhood will certainly give you clues about whether or not this is the right condo for you. Are the people there mostly condo owners or vacationers? Do you see families renting the condos as a primary residence? Is the neighborhood well maintained? This will show you the strength of the condo association. 

Let me help you find the right condos in Arlington VA that will meet your needs and budget.  Call me today at 703-909-3939 or send me a quick email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com right now!

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

A traditional bank loan isn’t the only way to purchase Fairfax County VA homes for sale, even if you have less than perfect credit. One of your options is owner financing. Owner financing happens when the seller chooses to carry all or part of the loan on the home.

This is a great situation for buyers because the down payment is flexible, closing costs are lower, and they can get into the home quicker. Sellers also benefit from tax breaks, a shorter listing term, and often a higher sales price. There are three main types of owner financing.

• Land contract. In this situation, you make payments directly to the seller for the property. The contract is valid until either the loan is paid in full or you secure your own financing. At that point, the deed is transferred to you and you become the legal owner of the property.
• Promissory note. A promissory note is a legal agreement for a buyer to make payments to the seller. Promissory notes are commonly used when the seller has a mortgage on the property because it gives them some measure of legal protection. If you do not make your payments, the seller has proof of your agreement and can attempt to recover their money.
• Lease/purchase agreement. With this arrangement, the seller leases the property to you and gives you equitable title. Once the lease purchase agreement is fulfilled, you receive the title. To fulfill the lease, you either get your own loan or pay cash to the seller for the remainder of the purchase price. Of course, you also receive credit for the payments made during the lease period.

Don’t let financing worries keep you from purchasing Fairfax County VA homes for sale. I can help you find the right real estate for you and help you obtain financing. 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

Although you may not think much about the air quality inside your Arlington home or condo, it is very important. After all, think about how much time you spend inside your home each day breathing in the same air. This indoor air can be extremely polluted and contribute to respiratory illnesses and allergies. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to reduce the air pollution inside your home or condos in Arlington VA.

1. Decorate with green plants. Switch out the silk plants in your Arlington home for the real thing. Green plants reduce the amount of toxins in the air. English ivy, peace lily, and mother-in-law tongue plants are all great at improving air quality and are easy to take care of.
2. Open your doors and windows. Unless you use a window unit with a vent control, your air conditioner just circulates the same old air throughout your home. Open your doors and windows occasionally to let in fresh air and force out the stale air.
3. Change your air filter. Your air filter’s job is to collect pollutants from indoor air and keep them from re-entering through your air conditioner. It cannot do this when it’s clogged. Choose a high quality air filter and change it monthly.
4. Switch to green cleaning products. There’s no point in contaminating your air while you clean. Yet, when you use commercial cleaning products you fill the air with harmful chemicals. If you use green cleaning products, everyone can breathe easier and you get the same level of cleaning.
5. Have a problem with allergies?  Get rid of the carpet. Carpet traps pollutants like dirt, pet dander, and mold. Most carpet padding and adhesives also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute the air. Tile, laminate, and hardwood flooring can easily be cleaned and make your home’s air cleaner.

You deserve a  home or condos in Arlington VA with clean, healthy air. Let me help you find a home that has good air quality and meets all your needs. Email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com or call me at 703-909-3939 now!  I’d love to talk “green” homes with you.

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

Trying to sell your Fairfax County VA homes for sale in a slow market is definitely frustrating. You may find that it takes longer to sell and you cannot get as much money as you could during a booming market. However, you can’t believe all the hype about a sluggish real estate market. Do your research and separate the facts from the fiction.

1. You won’t get a decent price. Your Fairfax County VA real estate will sell for whatever a buyer is willing to spend on it. A comparative market analysis shows you what other buyers spent on real estate like yours. Of course, if you bought your real estate when values were up, you may have to take a loss. However, most people can get a fair price and even make a profit in a slow market.  Contact me now to find out what your home is worth in today’s market. 
2. Your real estate will stay on the market too long. While it’s true that real estate tends to take longer to sell during a slow market, it’s not impossible to sell them. People do still buy real estate in slower markets. If your real estate is priced right and prepared for sale, you can still sell it within a reasonable amount of time.
3. Buyers only want foreclosures and short sales. The truth is that buyers want good deals, and this can be in the form of money or time. The price of a foreclosure or short sale may certainly be attractive, but they can take a considerable amount of time to close while the banks negotiate their terms. Paying slightly more for a traditional sale is sometimes well worth the time they can save.

Selling your Fairfax County VA real estate in a slow market isn’t easy, but it can be done. Using my proven marketing plan, whether it’s a slow or a booming market, I can sell Fairfax County VA homes for sale. Call me today 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

A beautiful yard is an excellent selling point for Alexandria VA homes for sale because it increases curb appeal. However, traditional landscaping can be expensive and time consuming. Xeriscaping is a great way to plan your landscaping so that it’s easier to take care of and uses less water. With a little planning, you can have a beautiful yard that fits your lifestyle. Here’s how you can get started.

1. The first thing you have to do is draw a map of your property. Make sure it is to scale so you have an accurate idea of what kind of space you have in your yard. Include the location of your Alexandria VA real estate, the orientation of the sun, outdoor structures and outcroppings, and existing vegetation. This will help you decide the best place for each plant.
2. Once your base map is complete, look around your yard and decide which places you want to emphasize or hide. For example, you may want to cover an old water pump. Mark drainage problems, like areas where water stands after a rain. Note how much sun and shade each area of the yard receives during the day.
3. Divide your yard into sections: public, private, or service. Public sections are those that can be seen from the street. Private sections are those used by you and your family. Service areas are the places you walk through to reach the private sections or to access the electric and water hook-ups. Plan your plants for each section. You want public areas to be the most attractive, practical private sections, and easily accessible service regions.
4. Choose the right native plants for each area of your yard. Native plants require less water, attract fewer pests, and use less fertilizer than plants from other regions. They are also already adapted to your climate and will last longer than other plants. Native plants are simply easier to take care of and are better for the environment.

Renovating your yard is just one way to help sell your Alexandria VA Homes for sale quicker.  Let me help you sell your home fast and for Top dollar!  Call me today at 703-909-3939 or drop me a quick email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.  

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

Nothing zaps your energy or your utility bill like summer heat. In fact, you can easily watch your bill double during the summer months. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to cool your home or condos in Arlington VA for less this summer. Here’s how.

1. Raise your thermostat. When you’re not home, raise the thermostat to 80 degrees. Lower it two or three degrees when you are home and use ceiling fans to keep rooms cool. Moving your thermostat from 75 to 80 will lower your consumption by 15%. Your condos in Arlington VA will still feel comfortable, and you will notice significant savings on your next utility bill.
2. Take a look at your windows. You’d be surprised to find out how much heat enters your home from old, single pane windows. Newer energy efficient windows with double panes block more heat and keep more cool air inside. If you can’t afford new windows now, at least cover the ones you have with heavy curtains or shades to keep out heat.  Another alternative is having solar film added to the inside of your existing windows.
3. Check for leaks. Leaky duct work and poorly sealed doors can let as much cool air out of your home as an open window. Walk around your home checking under your doors and around your windows to feel for escaping air. Hire a professional to check your air conditioning systems for you. Take the time to have duct leaks repaired and seal all your doors. 
4. Dress appropriately. There’s no reason to keep your home so cold that you have to wear extra layers of clothing when you’re inside. Wear light, loose fitting clothing. You’ll be more comfortable in slightly warmer temperatures. Keep light throw blankets handy for anyone who easily gets cold under a ceiling fan.

The right temperature of your home or condos in Arlington VA can save you money. The right real estate agent can save you money when you buy or sell a home. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com to learn how I can help you save money.

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

If you’re thinking of building a new Fairfax County Virginia home, you should consider incorporating some green building practices or materials into your plans. Green building designs can include anything from using recycled materials to installing a rainwater collection system outside your home. A green home is better for your health, your bank account, and the environment.  Click here to find existing Fairfax County VA Homes for Sale. 

• Better health. Indoor air pollution from toxic materials and cleaning products is usually far worse than outdoor air pollution. This aggravates conditions like asthma and allergies. Green homes tend to have better ventilation and fewer problems with mold and mildew. A simple switch to toxin-free building materials and cleaning products makes everyone breathe easier inside your Fairfax County home.
• Cost-efficiency. It’s true that building a green home will cost more upfront. However, the difference is probably not as great as you think. Green building materials are more available and less expensive than they used to be because more people are using them. You have to look at more than just the cost of the home, though. A green home will consume up to 40% less energy and up to 50% less water than a standard home. This means you will save money on your utility bill each month.
• Environmentally-friendly. Green homes use less energy which helps us reduce our dependency on non-renewable energy sources.  Plumbing, bathroom fixtures, and water-conserving irrigation systems lower water consumption and help protect our water resources. Most green building materials are made with recycled products and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills.

You can build a green Fairfax County VA home that’s ideal for your family. If you’re looking for Fairfax County VA homes for sale, I’ll assist you in obtaining the best price and terms for your new home.  Call me before you visit the new home building sites.   Even better, call me today to find out how I can help you save money when building a new home.  You can reach me 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

To get the best deal on a mortgage for Alexandria VA homes for sale, you want the highest possible credit score.  If you don’t know your credit score, you may want to request a credit report or talk with a financial advisor or mortgage lender.

If your credit score needs improvement before you buy Alexandria VA real estate, here are some tips to help:

• Payment History. This is the greatest factor in determining your credit score. The longer you have a history of making your payments on time and not missing payments, the higher your credit score. Paying your bills shows that you are responsible with your debt.
• Amount Owed. One-third of your credit score is based on the amount of debt you owe in relation to the amount of credit available to you. Paying down the amount you owe on your credit cards lowers your credit risk and raises your score.
• Length of Credit History. The longer you’ve had your credit accounts open, the better your score. A lengthy history of credit shows whether or not you’ve been able to manage your credit.
• New Credit. Although this accounts for just 10 percent of your credit score, opening several new accounts within a short time can lower your credit score. If you’ve had credit problems in the past, new credit accounts can help raise your score.
• Credit in Use. Banks do look at the mix of credit in your report. Generally, a mixture of accounts like installment (car payments), revolving (credit cards), and mortgages looks better than having only one type of credit.

If you’re thinking of buying one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale, I would love to assist you. Give me a call and I’ll help you find a qualified lender who will help you get pre-approved for your mortgage loan.  Call me at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now.  
 
Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939