Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

A koi pond is a popular way to add beauty and serenity to your yard. Listening to the soothing sounds of running water and watching fish glide beneath the water surface is a great way to unwind after a long day at work. Building a koi pond at homes or condos in Arlington VA is a simple process that can be completed in a weekend. Here’s how.

1. Choose a location. The best spot for a koi pond is one that you can easily access from your Arlington home or condo and gives your fish adequate security. You need to be able to reach the pond to take care of it. You also want your fish to be safe from wild animals and extreme temperature changes.
2. Dig a hole. Measure your pond frame. Dig a hole 2-3 inches larger than the pond frame. Make sure you dig deep enough. The frame needs to fit inside the hole. You always add sand to level the pond and fill gaps.
3. Fill the hole. Place a pond frame or pond liner in the hole. Level the pond by adding sand. Make sure the pond is firmly inside the hole and does not rock when you add pressure. Fill the pond with clean water and add chemicals to remove chlorine.
4. Decorate. Line the edges of the pond with decorative rocks and tropical plants. Add lily pads and other aquatic plants to the pond. Install a pond fountain to aerate the water and fill your backyard with the sound of running water.
5. Add fish. Give the water in your pond a few days to rest before adding the fish. When the water is ready, choose the fish based on your pond’s size. Your local koi dealer can help you determine how many fish you can safely add.

Give yourself another reason to enjoy your home or condos in Arlington VA by adding a koi pond. Are you looking for a home to call your own? Call me today 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

Distressed real estate is real estate in need of serious repairs. These properties are often called “handyman specials.” If you have the skill or the money to complete the repairs, you can often find great deals. Here are some dos and don’ts of buying distressed Fairfax County VA homes for sale. 

• DO get a home inspection. Distressed homes need repairs. Some of these repairs, like broken floor tile, are easy to see. Others, like water damage in the attic, can be easily hidden. The only way to know for sure what you’re buying is to have [city] real estate inspected by a professional home inspector.
• DO pay attention to the home’s market value. You don’t want to buy a home and spend your hard-earned money for repairs only to find out the home is worth less than you paid for it. Have your agent complete a comparative market analysis so you know what the home is worth.
• DO have an estimate for repairs. There’s no point buying a distressed home if you can’t afford the cost of the home and the repairs. Get an estimate from at least three contractors  before you buy. Knowing beforehand the cost of repairs will help you make the best decision.
• DON’T think about potential profit. You’ve probably heard countless stories about people who bought distressed properties and sold them for outrageous profits. However, the reality is that most distressed homes are sold for a small profit or no profit.
• DON’T buy a home just because the price is low. When you buy distressed homes, you have to consider more than just the asking price. Add together the cost of repairs, insurance,  and what you can realistically expect to make from the sale. This will tell you if the home really is a good investment for you.
• DON’T buy if you don’t have the money. No matter how good a deal you find on distressed homes, they aren’t worth it if they will stretch your budget too far. The last thing you want to deal with is damage to your credit score and the risk of foreclosure in the event you can’t pay for the home.

Looking for a great deal on Fairfax County VA homes for sale?  Let me help you find it. 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

Buying your first home can be an exciting and overwhelming process. It’s fun to look at possible new homes and imagine where you will place your furniture. It’s also a lot of work to find a home, qualify for a mortgage, and move in. Before you make an offer on your first home, consider the dos and don’ts of buying Alexandria VA homes for sale.

• DO know your credit standing. If you cannot qualify for a loan you can afford, you cannot buy an Alexandria VA home. Before you start looking at homes, find out your credit score. If your score is low, speak with a financial advisor for ways to improve your credit.
• DO work with a team of professionals you trust. Your home is a significant investment, so you need all the help you can get to make the right decisions. Find an experienced REALTOR® and mortgage broker to help you through each step of the process.
• DO get pre-approved for a mortgage. When you are pre-approved for a mortgage, you can shop in the appropriate price range with confidence.  A pre-approval also helps you buy a home within your budget and gives you some leverage when negotiating with sellers.
• DON’T fall for the first home you see. No matter how perfect it seems, don’t stop looking after the first home you see. Take your time looking at everything available and compare every available home to your financial situation and lifestyle.
• DON’T buy a home just because you think you can make a quick profit. Your goal right now is to find a home where you can live. The housing market moves in cycles, so home values go up and they go down. You cannot predict these cycles.
• DON’T buy a home you can’t afford. Just because your lender approves you for a certain mortgage amount doesn’t mean you have to use it. It makes more sense to live in a smaller home you can afford.

Your home is probably going to be your most valuable investment. Let me show you Alexandria VA Homes for sale.  I’ll help make your first home buying experience a great one!  Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now!  You’ll be glad you did. 

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

Fairfax County VA homes for sale home owners all want to get top dollar for their property.  You’ll want your home to look as good as possible to prospective buyers, so there are a few things you need to know before listing your home for sale. To do this, your real estate agent will help you stage your home or, if needed, help you find a professional home stager. This means de-cluttering your home, re-arranging furniture, and de-personalizing each room.

A staged home is more appealing to buyers and helps to highlight your home’s positive features. Staging is not meant to cover major flaws in your home.  Remember that some things just have to be repaired.

1. Roof problems. It doesn’t matter how nice Fairfax County VA homes for sale look, potential buyers are going to expect you to fix roof problems or adjust your price to cover them. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home.
2. Cracked tile. Of course, you can use throw rugs to cover cracks in your tile, but chances are your buyers are going to look under them. Then they may think you are trying to hide a serious problem like a shifting foundation. Save yourself the headache and have your floors fixed.
3. Broken windows. You have to expect your buyers to walk around your home checking out the views from the windows. They’re going to notice any cracks. If you have the budget, consider upgrading your windows and making your home more marketable. At the very least, you should have the glass replaced.
4. Torn screens. If you have torn screens, your buyers may think you don’t take care of your property. Yet, screens are fairly easy to fix on your own. With the right supplies from your local hardware store, you can have new, sleek screens in less than a day.

Are you ready to sell your Fairfax County home?  As an experienced real estate agent, I know how to get Fairfax County VA homes for sale ready to sell fast and for Top Dollar! Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now to get started.

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

Making your home or condo look its best is an important step toward selling it in any kind of market. If you’re thinking about selling your home or condos in Arlington VA, staging is an excellent way to make it look the best it can. 

A staged home or condo is neat, clean, and devoid of personal items like photographs. This makes them more appealing to buyers. It’s possible, however, to get carried away while preparing your property for sale.

Here are 5 staging mistakes to avoid when selling your home or condo:

1. Installing new, expensive carpet. If your carpet is shabby and stained, you should replace it. However, you don’t need to purchase top of the line expensive carpet if you plan to sell your home or condos in Arlington VA. Instead, look for a moderately priced carpet that looks better than what you have.
2. Painting the walls to match your décor. New paint is a quick and inexpensive way to update your rooms. However, neutral colors are better if you’re thinking of selling.  Buyers want to picture their belongings in the home and neutral colors will allow that to happen.
3. Cutting down mature trees so your home is more visible. Dead, overgrown plants and trees do detract from your home’s curb appeal. However, completely removing trees or over-trimming them is a bad idea. Mature trees are valuable.
4. Filling empty walls with family portraits. Don’t let empty walls in your home scare you. Buyers want to picture themselves in your home. For this reason, you need to get rid of personal items like family portraits and customized artwork.
5. Installing custom organizers. We all dream of organized garages and closets. While an organized home is much more appealing to buyers, there’s no good reason to spend the money on professionally designed organizing systems. Just get rid of the clutter and make it look as neat as possible.

 Taking the time to stage your home or condos in Arlington VA before you decide to sell it is a smart move. I would love the opportunity to assist you in preparing your home or condo for sale so it sells faster and for top dollar. 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

Owning your own home is the great American dream. It is a refuge for your family and a major financial investment. However, homeownership is a great responsibility, so you should make sure you’re prepared for it before you jump in.

Here are six signs that you shouldn’t buy Alexandria VA homes for sale:

1. You have bad credit. When you have good credit, you can get better loan terms than if you have bad credit. This translates into a lower mortgage payment. Take the time to repair your credit before you buy a home.
2. You cannot qualify for a traditional mortgage. Lenders have created special loans for people who cannot qualify for traditional mortgages. These loans often involve a merger of two or more loans or adjustable interest rates. This means you stand a greater chance of losing your home, so they aren’t a good idea.
3. You are unsure about your job. Buying a home is a major investment, and you need to feel comfortable paying for it. If your job is in jeopardy, it may not be the right time to buy a home. Wait until you feel more comfortable about having a steady income.
4. You won’t have any money left after closing. As a homeowner, you are responsible for regular home maintenance and upkeep. 
5. You cannot predict unknown repairs.  You need to be prepared when something like a broken water pipe or roof leak happens with money set aside in reserve.
6. You have a considerable amount of debt. Adding to a high debt load isn’t a good idea. If you already owe a considerable amount of money on credit cards or other loans, pay down your debt before you buy a home.

If you think you’re ready to purchase one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale, now’s the time to get some great bargains. I can help you find the right home at the best price and terms for you. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com today.

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

Once upon a time, people refinanced their homes only because interest rates dropped and they could lower their monthly payments. Today, more and more people are managing their homes’ equity and using it to finance projects and consolidate debt. Here are 5 popular reasons to refinance your Fairfax County Virginia real estate.

1. Lower monthly payments or the length of your loan. A lower interest rate means a lower monthly payment. If interest rates drop below your current interest rate, you may want to consider refinancing for the better rate. If you are comfortable with your current monthly payment, you may also want to consider refinancing for a shorter term. Your payment can stay close to what it is now and you will have your Fairfax County Virginia real estate paid off sooner.
2. Consolidate debt. If you plan to stay in your home for a long time or if your home has built enough equity, you can refinance for an amount larger than you currently owe. With the extra cash you can pay off other debt like consumer credit cards and vehicle loans.
3. Home renovations. If you’ve outgrown your current home but hate to leave your neighborhood, consider adding on to your home instead of buying a new one. You may want to refinance your home and take out cash to complete your renovations.
4. Stop paying private mortgage insurance. Your bank may have required you to get private mortgage insurance (PMI). This insurance protects the lender if you default on your loan, and it is rather expensive. If you have enough equity in your home and no longer have to pay PMI, it may be a good time to refinance. This will lower your monthly payment.
5. Switch to a different type of loan. If you currently have an adjustable rate mortgage and the interest rates are going up, consider refinancing to a fixed rate loan. This loan is more secure and you know what your payments will be for the life of the loan. You can also refinance from a fixed rate mortgage to an interest only or adjustable rate mortgage, if you need lower monthly payments.

Your home is your most valuable asset. If you’re thinking of selling your home, I can help you get the most money in the least amount of time.  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

Falling behind on your mortgage payments puts you in a frustrating situation. No one wants to face the possibility of losing their home or condo to foreclosure and damaging their credit. Yet, you may think you have no other alternatives. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to save your home or condos in Arlington VA from foreclosure.

• Buy a home or condo you know you can afford. If you struggle each month to make your mortgage payment, you are more likely to find yourself facing a foreclosure. Do yourself a favor and determine how much money you can afford to spend on your home or condos in Arlington VA before you start looking for one.
• Whenever possible, plan ahead. A solid financial plan can be a lifesaver during difficult financial times. If you know you’re going to lose your job, set aside money to cover your mortgage payment while you’re looking for new work.
• Talk to your bank. Your bank doesn’t want to deal with a foreclosure any more than you do. Explain your financial situation and ask them for an extended grace period or temporary delay in payments. This can give you a chance to get your finances back in order.
• Pay your mortgage first. If you don’t pay your credit card, you will be slapped with late fees and possible account closure. Skipping several mortgage payments can cause you to lose your home. When you pay your mortgage on time each month, you also have more leverage to negotiate with your bank.
• Refinance your home. Refinancing your home at a lower interest rate can significantly lower your monthly payment. If you’re struggling to pay your payment because your adjustable rate mortgage went up, try switching to a safer fixed rate mortgage.
• Sell your home. It is difficult to sell your home and move, but it is certainly a better alternative than foreclosure. Once your home is in foreclosure you have to move anyway. Selling your home helps you avoid damaging your credit in the process.  Be sure and don’t strip things from the home that should not be removed.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to stop a foreclosure on your home or condos in Arlington VA. If you’ll let me, I can help you sell your home or condo for Top Dollar. Call me today 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

If you’re trying to decide on the perfect yet practical housewarming gift for friend who just purchased one of the condos in Arlington VA, you should consider creating your own gift basket. All you need is a theme and a few supplies to make a gift basket your friends will adore.

Here are 4 easy to make housewarming gift baskets:

1. Tool Basket. Searching for a screwdriver in stacks of packed boxes just isn’t fun. This makes a tool basket a great housewarming gift. Put together basic home tools like an assortment of screwdrivers, tape measure, pliers, hammer, scissors, and an adjustable wrench. Present them in an attractive tool box or tool belt for simple, practical storage.
2. Wall Art Basket. Your friends will no doubt want to hang art on the walls of their new condo to personalize and decorate it. Instead of just giving a collection of frames for their art, go the extra mile and create a wall art basket. Include picture hooks, hanging wires, a hammer, a small level and instructions for how to hang a picture. 
3. Indoor Garden Basket. Whether your friends are beginning or expert gardeners, a garden basket for potted plants is a welcome housewarming gift. Gather home gardening tips and tools, fertilizer, potting soil, a gardening magazine, and seeds or small plants. Store these items in a sturdy plant pot for the start of an indoor garden your friends will enjoy for years to come.
4. Painting Basket. Personalizing a new condo with fresh paint is more fun when you have new supplies for the job. All you need for a painting basket is a roll of painter’s tape, a drop cloth, spackle, spackle blade, roller sponge and handle, screwdriver, and a well-made paint brush. You can also include a decorating magazine and specialty painting tools like corner brushes.

A well-thought-out housewarming gift can make your friends’ move easier as well as fun.

Are you thinking of buying or selling your home or condos in Arlington VA?  I’m an expert in the Arlington area and would love to help.  Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.  I’d love to speak with you!

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