Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

Condo living is a great option for those who want to own their own home, but live a busy lifestyle. The amenities, social network, and ease of ownership are all great reasons to consider buying condos in Arlington VA. With a condo, you get the benefits of home ownership without all the responsibility.

1. Benefits of home ownership. When you own a condo, you’re still considered a home owner. This means your mortgage interest is tax deductible. Your condo is also an investment that should go up in value while you own it. Ideally, you can sell it for a profit when you’re ready to move.
2. Less home maintenance. If you’re like most people, your life is already busy. You may not have time to mow the grass or shovel snow. With a condo, you are only responsible for maintaining what’s inside your unit. Most condo associations take care of the building’s exterior which will free up your valuable time for your other interests.
3. Added security.  When you buy an Arlington VA condo, you become part of a community that is different from most single family home subdivisions. You and your neighbors share common areas like the swimming pool and recreation facilities. This familiarity gives you an added security because you and your neighbors get to know each other. For this reason, you are all more likely to notice anything suspicious in your community.

If the condo lifestyle seems right for you, now is a great time to buy. If you’ll let me, I’ll help you find condos in Arlington VA that will fit your unique needs.  Are you considering purchasing a condo in Arlington as a second home?  Call me today at 703-909-3939. 

Are you thinking of selling your condos in Arlington VA?  I’d love the opportunity to tell you about my Marketing Plan and help you get Top Dollar for your condo.  Contact 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

No one wants to pay more than they have to for Alexandria VA homes for sale. After all, investment potential is one of the greatest benefits of home ownership. You want your home to go up in value while you own it. The less you pay for your home, the more you stand to earn from it. Here are a few tips for getting the best possible deal on your home.

1. Buy at the right time. You find better Alexandria VA real estate prices during certain times of the year and market conditions. For example, in a slow real estate market, sellers are usually more willing to negotiate to sell their home. Likewise, pay attention to the climate of a region. If you want to buy a home in the south, look during the middle of the summer when the hot, humid weather keeps buyers away. The same is true of New England winters.
2. Hire a Alexandria VA real estate agent. A real estate agent is usually the simplest way to find a great deal. Agents have access to thousands of homes for sale. They know the home values of the area where they work.  Real estate agents are also trained to negotiate with sellers. All this goes a long way toward finding you the best possible real estate deal.
3. Have your credit in order for best loan rates. The better your credit score, the better your loan terms will be. This translates into lower, more affordable payments. If your bank pre-approves your loan, you have even more bargaining power with the seller and may get a better price or sale terms.
4. Look at more than just the price. Just because a home has an attractive sale price doesn’t automatically make it a good deal. Major repairs can easily add up and cost you more in the long run. A slightly higher priced home in pristine condition is often a better value than one in need of some work.

Now is a good time to get Alexandria VA homes for sale at a great price. Let me help you find your next home. Call me at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com right now!

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

If you’ve been thinking of remodeling all or part of your home or condos in Arlington VA, you might want to consider a green remodel. Green building means that you use certain materials and practices that are better for the environment and for your health. By following a few guidelines, you can easily complete an eco-friendly remodeling project.

1. Recycle. Whenever possible, choose materials for your homes or condos in Arlington VA made from recycled products. This cuts down on the amount of waste piling up in our landfills.
2. Use local materials. Local materials don’t have as far to travel, so transporting them costs less and uses less fuel. They are also more durable since they are already adapted to your climate.
3. Think sustainable. Products made from bamboo and cork are better for the environment because they can be easily replaced. Bamboo can grow as much as 1 meter each day.
4. Save as much energy as possible. Install energy efficient windows and add insulation throughout your home. Seal cracks around doors and windows. Purchase new, energy efficient appliances. Not only will you help the environment, you’ll also save money on your electric bill.
5. Always consider indoor air quality. Choose products with little or no volatile organic compounds. Use green cleaning products inside your home to reduce indoor air pollution.
6. Find ways to cut back on water use. Devices like high efficiency washing machines and dual-flush or low-flow toilets use less water than their traditional counterparts. Use xeriscaping for your yard. If you have the budget, consider installing a rainwater harvesting system.
7. Think before you throw away. Before you throw away anything, from appliances to building materials, make sure no one else can use it. Place an ad on Freecycle or Craigslist. You may be surprised by what other people need.

I can help you find green homes or condos in Arlington VA to meet your needs. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com. Let’s talk “Green Building.”

Thinking of selling your real estate in Arlington?  Give me a call at 703-909-3939 today!

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

When you are looking at Fairfax County VA homes for sale, you want one that will meet your lifestyle needs. You may have a business that requires a lot of space or large pets that need room to run. If this is the case, a home located in a close-knit planned community may not be right for you. Sometimes buying and building on Fairfax County VA vacant land makes more sense than purchasing an existing home.

1. You have a certain home you want to build. Perhaps the greatest benefit of Fairfax County VA vacant land is the freedom you have to build whatever home you want. You won’t have to work within the guidelines of a homeowners’ association or use a particular builder. Vacant land gives you an ideal place to build the home of your dreams.
2. You want more space. Building a home in a planned community comes with certain restrictions. One of those is a smaller lot size. Many homes are now being built on 1/3 acre lots and smaller. Not everyone is comfortable living in a home where the bathroom window looks directly into the neighbor’s bedroom. Purchasing and building on vacant land puts as much space between you and your neighbors as you want.
3. You want to lock in current rates. Even if you aren’t ready to build right now, it still makes sense to purchase vacant land. Land typically goes up in value over time. You can buy your land at today’s rate and then build your home whenever you are ready. The land will be waiting for you. This can save you thousands of dollars on your dream home.

If you think purchasing an existing Fairfax County VA homes for sale isn’t right for you, then consider looking at Fairfax County VA vacant land. I’m aware of available land for sale and would love to help you find the right property that will meet your individual needs. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.  Let’s get started looking for your dream property to build your home on!

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

Purchasing Alexandria Bay real estate vacant land is very different from buying a home within a development. In fact, vacant land can be downright scary to someone who’s never dealt with it. Don’t let this keep you away from buying vacant land. Do your research and separate the truths from the myths about vacant land.

1. It takes too long to build on. The truth is that you can build on your Alexandria Bay real estate vacant land as soon as you’re ready. What can take time is getting the right building permits and fitting into your builder’s schedule. However, none of this has anything to do with the land itself. You can run into these delays if you build in a planned community.
2. It has no value. You’re most likely not going to be able to flip a piece of vacant land like you could a home. Yet, like any other type of real estate, land generally goes up in value over time. If you add improvements to land, like septic and water systems or even a home, its value will go up even more.
3. I will have to pay cash for it. Although it may not be as easy for just anyone to get a bank loan for vacant land, it is possible. Even if you can’t get a bank loan for land, many land owners are more willing to offer owner financing or a lease to own arrangement so you can purchase it.
4. It’s just too risky. Of course there’s a risk involved in buying vacant land, but it’s no different than any other real estate investment. There’s always a chance the market will shift and make it more difficult to sell. However, as long as you do your homework and buy land in a desirable area, it’s still a rather safe investment.

If you think Alexandria Bay real estate vacant land is right for you, let me help you find the right property. Call me at 703-909-3939 or email me Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now!

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

When the real estate market starts to decline, everyone starts talking about short sales. A short sale happens when the bank is willing to accept less than what the sellers owe on their home or condos in Arlington VA real estate. This means you may find a great deal on your next home. However, short sales aren’t right for everyone. Before you decide to buy a short sale, you need to ask yourself some important questions.

1. Can you afford to buy the property as-is? You can and should have an inspection done before you buy Arlington real estate. However, with a short sale, the seller is most likely not going to be able to make any repairs before they sell the property. After all, they’re selling it because they don’t have the money to make the payments. Make sure you’re able to afford any repairs the property will need.
2. Is it really a good deal? You need to pay attention to the home’s value. How does the price compare with what other homes are selling for? Paying $175,000 for a home when other homes are selling for $130,000 means you’re really not getting a good deal. Just because the home is a short sale doesn’t mean it’s worth your time and money.
3. Are you prepared to deal with the bank? The bank’s only concern is getting their money from the home sale. To ensure this happens, the bank will require extra paperwork. They will even take their time negotiating if the seller has more than one mortgage. It doesn’t matter to them how long you have to wait. If you don’t have time to wait for the bank to approve the short sale, you probably should look for a different home.

Right now is a great time to buy a home, whether it’s a short sale or not. Let me help you find the right home or condo in Arlington VA that best fits your budget and needs. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or contact me now!

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

When someone doesn’t make the payments on their Fairfax County home, the bank can take the home away from them. This is called a foreclosure. You probably know that a foreclosure is usually a good deal for buyers. However, home foreclosures happen in stages, and these stages can affect when it’s the right time for you to buy Fairfax County VA homes for sale. Here’s what happens when the bank forecloses on a home.

1. Default Seller. When a seller has missed payments, they are in default on their loan. At this point the seller is usually willing to negotiate, and you stand to buy the Fairfax County home at less than market value. However, the seller won’t be able to sell the property for less than they owe. If they have a second mortgage or home equity line, this may not be a good buy.
2. Pre-Foreclosure. A bank issues a notice of default after a certain number of missed payments. At this point the home is considered pre-foreclosure and is still owned by the seller. The seller is still motivated and often willing to negotiate terms and consider a short sale. If the bank is willing to accept less than the amount owed on the home, you can still get a good deal. However, you may have to wait 45-60 days to close on the home.
3. Foreclosure Auction. Once the bank takes ownership of the property, they will usually try to sell it through an auction. Since they will sell it for whatever is owed, you stand to get a great deal on the property. On the flip side, you will have to pay cash for the property and will purchase it “as-is.” This can be a problem if the sellers damaged the home before leaving.
4. Real Estate Owned by Lender. Sometimes a bank sells property through a local real estate agent. The bank is usually motivated to sell the home and will negotiate terms like down payment and closing costs.  The bank will pay the real estate agent’s commission, and you will get a clear title. You are also buying the property “as-is,” and the bank will not make any repairs.

Are you looking for a good deal on a Fairfax County home? I can help you find Fairfax County VA homes for sale.  Call me today at 703-909-3939 or drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com today to get started!

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

If you’re like many buyers, you probably think that a home foreclosure is the best real estate value you’ll find. While it’s true that Fairfax County VA homes for sale in foreclosure are often priced lower than similar properties for sale, foreclosures aren’t right for everyone. Before you decide to buy a foreclosed property, do some research and make sure it really is your best deal.

• Price. Fairfax County VA real estate in foreclosure is often priced lower than other properties on the market. This is because the bank is only interested in getting back the money they loaned the seller. However, if the seller has more than one mortgage because they took out a home equity loan, the home can be priced even higher than the current market value. Don’t assume that a foreclosure is automatically a better deal.
• Inspections.  Foreclosures are sold as-is. The bank will not make any repairs to the property. If it has been well maintained by the seller, this makes the home an excellent value. Unfortunately, sometimes sellers damage homes before they move out or don’t take care of their homes while they live there. In that case, you may have to spend considerable time and money making needed repairs.
• Negotiations. When the bank is eager to sell the property, they are sometimes willing to negotiate terms like down payment and closing costs.  However, since the banks only goal is to recoup their costs, you won’t have the same bargaining power with them that you would with a traditional seller.
• Closing Time.  Perhaps the greatest disadvantage of a foreclosure is the length of time it takes to close. The bank will usually require additional paperwork and qualifications that can delay closing. If the seller had more than one mortgage, you will have to wait until the bank decides how much each lender receives from the sale.

Right now is a great time to find a good deal on Fairfax County VA homes for sale.  Let me help you find the right one for you.  Call me today 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

Energy efficient homes and condos in Arlington VA will do more than help protect the environment. It can also save you money on your utility bill. With a few minor changes, you can make your home or condo more energy efficient:

1. In the living room. You may be surprised to find out how much air escapes from your home or condos in Arlington VA through your windows and doors. Install new, double pane windows designed to keep your precious heated and cooled air inside your home. Seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping.
2. In the bathroom. Solar water heaters work just as well as their traditional counterparts, but they use a completely renewable energy source that won’t affect your utility bill. Dual-flush toilets use half the amount of water as standard toilets and help protect our water resources.
3. In the kitchen. Unplug appliances when you’re not using them and remind everyone to close the refrigerator door. In the summer, use your microwave and outdoor grill for cooking so you don’t heat the entire house just to cook dinner. Likewise, cook and bake indoors as much as possible during the winter.
4. In your laundry/utility room. Hang your clothes out to dry. Why spend money to dry your clothes inside when you can do it for free outside? Install a clothesline outside or set up a drying rack on your patio. Your clothes will smell fresher, your home will be cooler, and you will save money on your utility bill.
5. In the air. Keep your thermostat set between 75 and 80 in the summer and below 68 in the winter. This can reduce your energy consumption by 15% and results in big savings. Dress appropriately for the weather and use your ceiling fans.
6. In the yard. Set up containers around your yard to collect rainwater, and use it to water plants around your yard. Landscape with plants native to your area so you won’t have to water them as frequently.

Green homes and condos in Arlington VA are better for your health and for the environment. Looking for a home or condos in Arlington VA?  Let me help you find your next home. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or drop me an email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com and let me know what you think about making your home or condo a “green” one. 

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