Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

With the real estate market in a slump in some areas of the country and prices coming down, now is the time to buy foreclosures in Fairfax County VA.  Buying a foreclosed property takes some knack and a little research, so you need to start preparing in advance for your purchase.  You can’t just go out and buy the first Fairfax County foreclosure you see and expect to make a lot of money.

Several fly by night companies say you can pick up foreclosed properties for pennies on the dollar, but this isn’t necessarily true.  While it’s possible to save from 30% to 40% on foreclosures, most buyers are not that lucky; they usually get about a 5% discount, which can still be a good deal.

The overall savings may not be very high, but there are other savings that can come from purchasing a foreclosed property.  The lender who holds the note on the property may be willing to forego some of the additional costs such as:

• Closing costs
• Lower interest rates
• Lower down payment

Searching through foreclosures in Fairfax County VA can be a daunting task.  Foreclosures happen because the owners are in financial difficulty and fall behind on their mortgage payments.  They’ve often fallen behind on regular maintenance of the home, too, so watch out for home maintenance issues that you’ll need to address.

These issues might be slight, as in a missing tile here and there or dirty carpets.  Those are easy and inexpensive to fix.  Others may be more exensive repairs, which you may not be willing or able to take on.

Before determining if a repair is too large for you to take on, consider both the time and money involved.  If you’re not already an expert at home repairs, you may want to read some home repair tips.

If  you’re looking one of the foreclosures in Fairfax County VA or other Fairfax County VA homes for sale, I can help.  No matter if you’re an investor or looking for a single-family home or condo, I know the area well and will assist you in finding the right property for your needs and budget.  Call me now at 703-909-3939 or drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.  You’ll be glad you did! 

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

Whether you’re looking for an investment property or a new home for your family, foreclosures in Fairfax county VA are a popular way to find property at a good price. Finding and purchasing foreclosures can be a complicated process. You don’t want to go through this alone. A Fairfax County Virginia real estate agent who is well versed in Fairfax County VA Homes for Sale can be a great asset to you during this time. Just keep in mind these tips for working with a real estate agent to find foreclosures.

• Be honest. Your real estate agent is a professional, and they should be treated as such. Explain to them during your first meeting that you are looking for foreclosures. Don’t lie about your financial situation. They need to know exactly what you’re looking for and exactly what you can afford. Otherwise, you’re wasting your time and theirs.
• Know what you want. Telling your Fairfax County Virginia real estate agent that you want to buy a foreclosure doesn’t give them enough information to help you. You need to give them specific information about the type of property you want to buy and what features you want inside. Prepare this list before you meet with your agent and listen to any suggestions they have.
• Be flexible and responsible. Your real estate agent is there to help you, but they also have other clients and responsibilities. Rest assured that they want you to be happy, but they will not be able to devote all their time to you alone. Be flexible when you make appointments, be on time to all meetings, and expect the same treatment from your agent.

Need help finding a good deal on foreclosures in Fairfax County VA?  As an experienced Fairfax County Virginia real estate agent, I’ll help you find the right property at the best price and terms.  Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.  I’d love to talk with you!

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

Thinking of selling your home?  A cooling real estate market is a great time to complete renovations in your home that will boost its value. You may be able to get the work done at a discounted price because contractors don’t have as much work to do when homes aren’t selling as fast. However, not all home improvement projects are equal. Before you add your home to the list of Alexandria VA homes for sale, there are four things to consider:

1. Renovations in the kitchen or bathroom always increase the value of your home. Nothing dates your home quicker than harvest gold appliances or old countertops. This makes these renovations your best investment if you hope to boost your home’s value. Other important areas are the master bedroom and media rooms.
2. Maintenance improvements do not increase your home’s value. Some tasks, like painting your home’s exterior or replacing an old roof are part of being a homeowner. These are called maintenance improvements, and they do not add value to your home. At the same time, skipping maintenance jobs may actually decrease your home’s value and lead to more significant repair costs later.
3. Cosmetic improvements like stripping wall paper or painting inside won’t give you a good return on your investment compared to the cost of hiring someone do it. For this reason, it makes more sense to complete cosmetic work on your own instead of paying someone else to do it for you.
4. Alexandria VA homes for sale can be over-improved.  If you live in an established neighborhood lined with ranch homes, it may not make sense to build a three-car garage or install bay windows in the living room.  You run the risk of making your home an oddity in your neighborhood which can lower its market value. Check with other homes in your area to see how any renovation affected their sales.

Are you looking for newly renovated Alexandria VA homes for sale?  With my expertise and experience, I can help you find the right one. Contact me today to get started!

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

Back in the 50’s and 60’s, you could just leave your house open and your Fairfax County VA real estate agent could come in and show the home at any time.  When put your home on the market and added it to the list of Fairfax County VA homes for sale you handed over the keys and they placed them on a hook in the brokerage office.  Anyone could grab them and take them! There were almost no security issues.  Now, because of security issues, we have the handy, dandy lock box.

Lock Box History
Attached to a door handle, gate, water or gas meter, lock boxes hold keys to the house for sale.  They were invented back in the 70’s, and at that time the lock box was opened by a key that the Fairfax County VA real estate agent had. In the 90’s, the electronic lock box replaced the old one; the electronic type is what most real estate agents use today to make sure your home remains safe while it’s for sale. 

In 2008, the electronic lock box took another big step forward in technology.  This high-tech electronic lock box can:

• Alert as many as 5 emergency contacts when its “panic button” is activated 
• Tell the seller’s agent when a house has been shown
• Provide the buyer’s agent with extra information about the home, including instructions from the home owner such as “Don’t Feed the Dog.” 

Why Should You Use a Lock Box
Homeowners of Fairfax County VA homes for sale who allow their real estate agents to use a lock box, are shown more often.  It’s easier for agents to have access to the home when the owners are at work.  There are different fees charged for the use of a lock box, but the price usually sits around $100 plus tax.  When you hire a professional real estate agent, you’ll get the use of the lock box for free as part of the agent’s service.

When to Use a Lock Box
You may want to have your agent put your lock box on a schedule instead of making the house available around the clock.  You shouldn’t allow it to be opened after a certain time at night or before a certain hour in the morning.  This will allow you to control the use of the house, and ensure that no one uses it during off hours.

All in all, the use of a lock box by your Fairfax County VA real estate agent is a great idea.  It’s safe and convenient, not only for you but also for agents and potential buyers.

If you’re ready to sell your home with an agent who puts your safety and convenience first, give me a call at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.  I look forward to hearing from you!

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

Do you drive by the older, more historic part of Fairfax County VA and dream of owning a beautiful historical home?  Historical Fairfax County VA homes for sale can be great, but they need to be right for you.  There are many historical homes on the market today, but a lot of them are fixer uppers.  This means either you need to be handy, or you need to have the money to get it restored.   Another option is to buy an already restored home.

Affordability

Many historical Fairfax County VA homes for sale offer the buyer affordability, and you can usually find one to fit your budget.  However, you need to be aware that you’ll probably have to do some renovating and repair work to a less expensive historical home.  Some renovations or repairs are minor – cleaning and putting fresh varnish on wooden cabinets, for instance.  Other repairs or renovations can include anything from putting down new floors to tearing out walls.

Advantages

If you have a large family, historical homes are great.  In general, older homes have more bedrooms, which are usually larger than those in newer homes.  Also, the rooms may be much larger than homes today with higher ceilings.  This type of home usually has a larger yard too, which is great for kids and pets.

Disadvantages of Older Homes

The interior of older homes are quite different from newer homes.  Homes made in the early 1900’s have smaller kitchens, a definite draw back in older homes.  You may also find that older homes have fewer bathrooms and closets than newer homes.  

Location

You need to pay attention to the location of older homes.  Some historic homes are in older, run down neighborhoods.  Others are on quiet streets and in centrally located neighborhoods.

Searching for historical Fairfax County VA homes for sale can be challenging. You want to find a home that is close to work, beautiful, with the amenities you need. You want to locate a home that doesn’t need a lot of repair. Once you’ve found the perfect historical home and gotten it into shape, you will have a truly distinctive home.

If you’re interested in buying a historic home, or any other type of Fairfax County VA home, I can help make the process easy and profitable.  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

Distressed Alexandria VA homes for sale means the owner urgently needs to sell.  Distressed property isn’t necessarily a fixer upper, but the owner probably hasn’t kept on top of maintenance issues.  This can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on how much maintenance is required and how well you (or your real estate agent) negotiate.

There are several tips that can help you buy the right distressed Alexandria VA homes for sale at a great discount:

1. Be patient – This is not a process where you can just go out and buy the first distressed home you see.
2. Be financially ready for the purchase – Look into lenders and mortgages before you find the right home.
3. Get your credit score in order – Review your credit report and fix any problems that you might have.
4. Write down your goals – Are you looking for a home to live in, a long-term Alexandria VA real estate investment, or something to fix up and sell?
5. Look in the right locations -   Your goals influence the needed location.  If you plan on living in the home, ensure it has the features you want: security, near your job, schools, etc.  If you’re looking for it as an investment, be sure it is in an area that will give you high rates of return.
6. Ask your real estate agent for advice – A professional real estate agent knows what distressed properties are available in the area and which will meet your goals.
7. Follow HUD sales in your area – Look in the paper under the real estate section for sale prices and conditions of homes.
8. If you look at homes that are for sale by owner, work with a real estate agent who can help you negotiate the transaction.  Real estate agents can help you negotiate the best price and terms for a home even when that home is for sale by owner.
9. Though you may not be looking for a fixer upper, learn about the cost of repairs in case you have to get into that.

Finding distressed Alexandria VA homes for sale is not that difficult, especially in today’s market, but you need to know what you’re doing.  Research the purchase and do your homework to get that great buy.

Let me help you find that distressed property you are looking for. 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

Buying Fairfax County VA homes for sale involves a variety of expenses. You have to come up with a down payment, find a mortgage lender, and put together enough money for closing costs.  Many people have heard about closing costs, they know they have to pay them to buy Fairfax County VA homes for sale, but don’t really understand what they’re paying.

Closing costs are the fees charged by agencies involved in the selling of a home.  You’re paying the title company for the paperwork, the lender for processing the loan and various government offices for recording the paperwork.  The fees charged by the agencies differ in each Fairfax County VA real estate purchase.

It’s difficult for anyone to tell you precisely what you’ll be paying because of those fluctuating fees.  The amount might vary from 1% to as much as 8% of the total price of the home, although it usually remains between 3% and 5%.  Lenders will give you a more accurate estimate called a Good Faith Estimate. 

When you get your Good Faith Estimate, read everything carefully. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand.  And remember this is an estimate, not the exact amounts you’ll be paying.  At least one day before closing, get your final tally of the closing costs from your lender.  Compare this to your Good Faith Estimate to make sure no additional fees were added.  If you see inconsistencies, talk with your lender and REALTOR® immediately to resolve these issues. 

If you don’t have enough cash to cover the closing costs for the Fairfax County VA homes for sale you’re buying, you might try to get these costs rolled into the mortgage.

For instance, if you qualify for a $200,000 loan, the closing costs may be about $6,000. You can ask the lender to add this expense to the loan, meaning you borrow $206,000. For you to be able to include the closing costs in the mortgage, however, you have to be able to qualify for the larger loan and be able to afford the higher payments.

Closing costs can be covered in a variety of different ways, including asking the seller to pay a portion of them.  You may even be able to cut your closing costs by shopping around for lenders with lower closing costs or asking your preferred lender if they’re willing to decrease any of their fees.

I would love to assist you in looking at Fairfax County homes for sale.  Together we’ll find one that you love and will fit your budget.  Call 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

If you’ve purchased condos in Arlington VA as investment properties you know how important it is to have those properties rented out.  You also know that the rental market has been fluctuating a lot recently.  There are many options out there for renters, some more attractive than others, which is why you need to upgrade your condos in Arlington VA investment properties to increase your rental property appeal.

There are some steps you can take to increase those rental rates.  Many of these improvements don’t cost much, and the financial benefits typically far outweigh the costs.

The following steps can increase your rental property appeal:

1. Curb appeal – Everyone wants to come home to a nice place, so make sure the outside is in good shape.  Clean or paint the front door and add some flowers and greenery to make it really stand out.
2. Door locks – A potential renter has safety on their mind. When they see quality locks on the door, they feel their security is considered important.
3. Quality cabinet hardware – Get the cabinet hardware updated. If the cabinets are really outdated or worn, you might want to paint them, or refinish them if they’re wood.  If you also add new hardware, they’ll look new.
4. Replace faulty or worn plumbing – Rusty plumbing, worn gaskets or cracked pipes can lend the nasty smell of mildew to any place, as well as causing water stains and the chance of water roaches.  Replacing faulty or worn plumbing lessens the chance of loosing renters.
5. Install quality flooring – No one likes cheap vinyl flooring or faded, cracked linoleum. When you install better quality flooring, your condos in Arlington VA rental property will stand out among others.
6. Laundry facilities – Be sure you offer your tenants laundry hook ups in their units; if you can’t do that, offer laundry facilities in the complex.

When outfitting your condos in Arlington VA investment property, keep your renters’ safety, comfort and convenience in mind. If you make minor home improvements that address these issues, you’re more likely to keep your investment property rented for as long as you own it.

No matter if you’re looking for a 1031 tax exchange or looking for the right condos in Arlington VA  as investment properties, I can help 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

Choosing an Arlington VA condo isn’t much different from choosing a single family home. You want something that has benefits that fit in both your lifestyle and your budget. Finding the right condo takes some time and careful consideration. Here are a few questions to ask before you consider purchasing condos in Arlington VA.

1. Is it in a good location? You want an Arlington VA condo that fits with your lifestyle. Find out how far it is from work, your children’s school, hospitals, shopping, entertainment and cultural facilities. It just doesn’t make sense to buy something far away from where you work and play.
2. Do I like the floor and the view? Think about how the floor you choose will fit into your life. You may love the view from a second floor unit, but do you really want to carry groceries up the stairs each week? A first floor Arlington VA condo may be convenient, but are you willing to deal with the street noise? Likewise, find out what is planned for nearby lots. Your view of the woods can easily turn into a view of a shopping mall parking lot.
3. What kind of amenities will I receive? Find out exactly what you get with your unit, like the number of parking spaces. You also want to know the location and conditions of common areas. If the swimming pool and hot tub are only open during hours when you’re at work, you probably want to find something more convenient.
4. Will I get along with the neighbors? Find out if the units above, below, and next to yours are occupied by the owners or rented out. This makes a big difference in what you can expect when you live there. For example, if the unit above you is rented out to weekly vacationers, you may have to deal with noise in the middle of the night.

If you think the condo lifestyle is for you, I can help. I’ll help you put together a list of condos in Arlington VA that not only fit your budget, but they’ll have the size and amenities you’re looking for.  Drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com or call me now at 703-909-3939.

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