Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make when buying or selling a home is which real estate agent to use.  Knowledgeable Fairfax County Virginia real estate agents prevent you from making costly mistakes, provide honed negotiation skills to help you get the best terms and price, and deliver a multitude of other advantages.

Before choosing the agent to represent you, take the time to interview a few Fairfax County Virginia real estate agents.  Here are the top 7 questions you should ask.

1. Are you a full time or part time agent?  You want to work with full time agents.  They’ll be available to you when you need them, and because of their additional experience, they’ll be more skilled and knowledgeable.
2. How long have you been in real estate?  You want to hire an agent who has experience in real estate and preferably experience in your specific geographic area.
3. Will you give me at least 3 references I can call?  Then call the references and ask questions such as:  (1) What was the best thing about working with the agent?  (2) What was the most frustrating thing about working with the agent?  (3)  Would you work with this agent again?  If yes, why?  If no, why not?
4. What is your average list-to-sales price ratio?  This is particularly important if you’re selling your home, but it can be an indication of the experience and knowledge level of the agent which is also important for buyers.  If an agent is able to consistently get a sale price that is very close to the listing price, then that real estate agent has a good ratio. If the agent is unable to show you a favorable list-to-sales price ratio, you should keep looking.
5. If you’re a seller ask:  What is your marketing plan?  If you’re a buyer ask:  What is your strategy to help me purchase a home that fits my needs and budget?  The best real estate agents have marketing plans and buyers’ strategies that have been put to the test and are proven to work.
6. What is your commission?  If you’re a buyer, you won’t pay any commission.  That’ll be paid by the seller.  If you’re a seller, expect to pay between 6% and 7% of the sale price in commission. 
7. What is your cancellation policy?  You want to find out what action you are able to take if you are not satisfied with their service. 

Interviewing Fairfax County Virginia real estate agents takes time and effort, but you’ll be rewarded by the best service you can find.

If you’re shopping for a real estate agent, I’d be honored to be included in your interview process.  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

Looking for Fairfax County real estate can be a daunting process. That’s why most of us will hire a Fairfax County Virginia real estate agent to guide us on this journey.  Picking the right person is important when you’re looking to get a great deal on a home, so you need to know what to look for.

There is some confusion about the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® can be any real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Each member has to follow a strictly enforced code of ethics. 

The seventeen part code of ethics details the Standards of Practice that each REALTOR® must follow. These include:

• Promising to put the interests of all parties before their own, by honestly representing all material facts.
• Promising to work with other agents or brokers, if it’s in the best interests of their client.
• Promising to tell if they or any family member have a vested interest in any transaction.
• Promising to follow the Standards of Practice, including never combining their money with a client’s money.

Hiring a professional Fairfax County Virginia real estate agent can take the hassle and guesswork out of buying and selling a home, and finding one who is also a REALTOR® can be an added bonus.  They can help you find financing and handle the intricate paperwork involved in any real estate transaction.

Before hiring any real estate professional, ask for their references.  Interview several before deciding which one to chose.  An experienced real estate agent can make the difference between getting a good price and getting a great price. 

As a professional Fairfax County real estate agent and REALTOR®, I can guide you safely and profitably through your real estate journey.  Call me today 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

You’ve put a contract on one of the new Alexandria VA homes for sale and it’s almost time for the closing and you can’t wait.  You go to the property for the final walk-through inspection.  You’re so busy thinking about where the furniture is going to go, what color you’ll paint the walls, and how you’ll decorate it…that you breeze right through the house.

It’s after closing and moving day has arrived.  Your movers have already packed up your old house and are waiting for you to show up and unlock the door at your new Alexandria home.  You enter the house only to find that the repairs the sellers were supposed to make were not finished.

You may wonder if you have any recourse with the seller.  Most likely not.  Unfortunately, your last chance to object to the condition of the house passed at the final walk-through inspection. 

You need to be sure to check several things at the final walk-through, including the state of any repairs you negotiated in your contract.  Remember, even brand new homes can have some repair issues.

• Check all the lights.  Turn the lights on and off, this will also signal any underlying electrical issues. 
• Check for leaks by running water from all the faucets, and looking underneath all the sinks for any moisture or mold.  Check the seal on the toilets by flushing each one at least once.
• If there are any appliances that are part of the sale, turn them all on and off.  Test the oven by turning it on and waiting a few minutes for it to warm up.  If the refrigerator has an ice maker, then it should work at the time of closing.  The garbage disposal should be in good working order as well.
• Make sure all the doors work and they open and close smoothly.  Open and close all the windows.
• Turn on the furnace and air conditioning before you leave the home.  Wait long enough to be sure that each is working properly.
• Insure that everything that was supposed to be in the home is there.

Are you interested in buying one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale? When you hire me as your real estate agent, I’ll be by your side guiding you every step of the way, including the final walk-through inspection.  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

If you’re looking to buy one of the new construction Fairfax County VA homes for sale, there are a few things you need to know to get the best deal.  Most builders will have their own agents and lenders on-site.  You may be tempted to use their resources because of the convenience, and the builder may promise easier financing if you finance with them.  But going that route may well cost you thousands of dollars. 

Instead you can… 

1. Hire your own accredited buyer’s agent. (ABR)  Do this first, even before going to look at new construction.  The builder’s agent is going to be looking out for the builder’s best interests, not yours.  Your own agent will tell you about the positive and negative aspects of the new construction, and may know about other new construction in the area that will better suit your needs or that you can get at a better price.
2. Look around for your own lender.  If you use the on-site lender, you may not get the best deal on Fairfax County VA homes for sale financing.  You might get a better interest rate on a mortgage loan from your own bank.  Your real estate agent may be able to direct you to new home construction mortgage lenders they’ve worked with before and know can get you better terms.
3. Verify with your lender the loan amount they will approve for an additional upgrade package.  Not all lenders will approve a mortgage loan for all of the upgrades a builder offers on the new home.  Some contracts allow the builder to pick your upgrade package if you haven’t done so by a certain date; if you turn yours in late, you may find that the builder has already selected a package for you.
4. Before you sign any deal, have your purchase agreement reviewed by a knowledgeable real estate professional.  You need to make sure you’re protected in case something goes wrong.

Buying one of the new construction Fairfax County VA homes for sale can be a wonderful experience.  You’re the one to pick the cabinets and the counter-tops, the carpets, and the bath fixtures that are installed in the house.  You aren’t left to deal with someone else’s vision of the perfect kitchen.  The home is all yours from the very beginning. 

Let me help you find the new home construction you’re looking for and negotiate the best price and terms for you.  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

Alexandria VA homes for sale need some extra attention to sell during a buyer’s market.  They need to look better than the other houses on the street.  Making just a few quick changes can make all the difference when trying to “best” the competition.  Here are a few things to do to make your home stand out:

A Fresh Coat of Paint
Few things can spruce up a home like a fresh coat of paint. Be sure to pick a neutral color.  Potential buyers won’t be able to see themselves decorating and living in the home if they see too much of someone else’s personality in the wall color.  Most home improvement stores will have color cards you can look through, this will help you find the most neutral color you can live with.  While you’re at it, get rid of all the knickknacks and other items that may clutter up your home, and the prospective buyer’s mind.

Fix The Flooring
You don’t have to buy new carpet, but you need to make sure it’s clean and in good condition.  Be honest, if you wouldn’t want to inherit the flooring, no one else will either.  If after cleaning and making repairs the carpet does not look up to par, replace it.  Repair any gouges in the linoleum or hardwood floors. Don’t let bad flooring ruin your chances of a good sell.

Keep Up The Maintenance
Before selling your home, walk through each room and make a list of what needs to be done.  Take note of the little things.  Look at the window frames, the caulking in the bathroom, and check out the condition of your gutters. Do they need cleaning or is bigger repair in order?

Have someone come out and inspect your furnace and air conditioner for needed repairs.  Even the plumbing should get a once over.  The roof of your house needs to be inspected too.  Arrange to make repairs as soon as possible. 

If you’re unable to make these needed repairs, be prepared to lower the price of Alexandria VA homes for sale as much as two dollars for every dollar of repair work needed.  These simple things can make the difference in a buyer’s market.

Thinking of selling your home?  I’d be happy to send you a FREE CD or book to help you learn the selling process from start to finish.  Let me help you sell it as fast as possible for the best price.  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

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to stir up love in your home or condos in Arlington VA.  With the current economy, however, you may find yourself wondering how you can afford anything special.  In the spirit of happy, healthy relationships everywhere, here’s an inexpensive Valentine evening to keep the romance:

Romantic Dinner
Although “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” isn’t necessarily true, a romantic meal is a great way to start off the evening.  Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Chicken Parmesan ($20) – Two large chicken breasts, rolled in herbs and breadcrumbs; bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.  Melt sliced mozzarella over the top.  Your favorite pasta, cooked al dente.  Place the cooked chicken on a serving of pasta, with Marinara or spaghetti sauce spooned over the top.  Serve with toasted garlic bread (or toast, buttered and flavored with garlic) and a side salad.
2. Two Candles ($5) – Candles add just the right touch to any romantic dinner, adding a soft glow to the face of the one you love. 
3. Music (Free) – Light, romantic music dancing in the air of your Arlington home or condo can wrap you and your partner in a private circle of romance.  However, if rock and roll is more your style, by all means, play rock and roll!  Just turn the radio to your favorite station and enjoy.

After Dinner
Valentine’s Day is about spending time with the one you love.  Instead of going out to a club, rent a movie and stay in for the night.  Wine (or sparkling juice), a movie and snuggling on the couch can do wonders for your love life!

• Wine (Cost depends on the wine)
• Sparkling grape juice ($4)
• Movie ($3)

The Bedroom
Go on vacation to a fabulous hotel – in your own bedroom!  By rearranging your room and matching your sheets and pillowcases, you can get that “new room” feeling (if only for the night!).  Add scented candles, or potpourri and regular candles for that romantic touch.

• Scented candles ($3 – $5 each)
• Potpourri ($3 – $5 per package)

Are you thinking about buying one of the homes or condos in Arlington VA? Buying your first home as a couple on Valentine’s Day would be a great memory to have. 

If you’re ready to look for Arlington VA real estate, I can help.  As one of the top Arlington VA real estate agents, I can help you find and buy the right home for you.  Now is the time because interest rates are at an all time low.  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

Any real estate agent will tell you that Alexandria VA homes for sale are harder to sell in the winter.  The days are colder and shorter, leaving less time to show your home to potential buyers. 

The good news is that most of the buyers who are looking at houses in the winter aren’t just killing time.  They’re serious enough about finding their new home to go house hunting at a time that most people would rather stay inside.

There are a few things you can do to make a good impression on home buyers this winter:

• Make sure all walkways are safe.  Spread out ice melt or sand to provide traction during snowy weather.  Shoveling the snow on the driveway and sidewalks will make your Alexandria VA real estate appear more inviting and well maintained.  Be sure to place a mat for visitors to wipe their feet on.
• Warm up the house.  Buyers will remember the house that was pleasantly warm on a frigid day.  In addition, you will be able to demonstrate to the buyer that your furnace is in good working order.
• For a welcoming scent, bake cookies the day of the showing.  Some people are sensitive to the fragrances in air freshener’s and perfumes, so skip spraying those when you’re expecting someone to look at your house.
• Serve snacks in the kitchen.  Give the buyer a reason to linger in your home by leaving a light snack in the kitchen.  If the weather is cold, consider providing chili or soup in a crock pot to keep it warm with festive disposable bowls.  Or, to keep it simple, you can provide coffee or hot chocolate and cookies.  Be sure to talk with your Alexandria real estate agent before leaving these snacks so he or she knows they’re for the buyers.
• Make your house appear warm and inviting.  Turn all the lights in the house on; place warm-toned throws and decorator pillows around the living room.  Put on some soothing classical or jazz music; keep the volume low enough that buyers can talk quietly to each other.

You can make your home more inviting this winter by using these proven techniques.

Are you ready to sell your home?  I work with clients who have Alexandria VA homes for sale and can assist you in selling for top dollar, no matter what the season.  Call me now 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

The first sign of mold you notice may be a musty smell in your home or condos in Arlington VA.  After looking around, you spot what looks like mold.  Don’t panic.  You can remove unhealthy mold from your house without paying an arm and a leg.

Check to be Sure It’s Really Mold
Mold can look many different ways, depending on the type.  Some are grayish-white or black, and can look like a dirty smudge.  If you’re in doubt that a spot is mold, you can do a test with chlorine bleach.  Simply put a drop on the spot.  If the color immediately fades away, you have mold.

Mold needs moisture to grow.  If you find mold, you know that you also have a water leak that is a problem in your Arlington VA home.  So first, you’ll need to find the source of the leak and repair it.  After that, you can begin getting rid of the mold.

How To Kill Mold
A lot of people think mold clean up has to be expensive.  The truth is that most mold problems can be eliminated with chlorine bleach.  Bleach is a strong chemical, so for safety you’ll need to wear gloves, an air filter and goggles while you clean. 

Remember, when cleaning with bleach you need to work in a well-ventilated area, and never mix bleach with another cleaner, especially anything that contains ammonia.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends using bleach to kill mold on hard, non-porous surfaces.  Killing mold with bleach is a simple process:

• Thoroughly soak the area in full strength bleach
• Let it soak for fifteen minutes
• Scrub the area with a mixture of one-part chlorine bleach, three-parts water and one teaspoon of dishwashing soap

Finishing The Clean-up
Once everything has been washed, you’ll need to do another inspection of your home.  Look for moldy papers, clothes, or anything porous that could be a good home for mold.  These things will need to be bagged and thrown away. 

Allow two to three days for the surfaces to dry.  Then, continue to inspect the areas for mold re-growth, and pay attention for any moldy odors. 

Congrats, you have eliminated the mold problem in your home or condos in Arlington VA and saved a bundle of money by doing the cleanup yourself.

If you’re ready to sell your Arlington VA home or condo, I’d love to help.  I can give you tips that will help your home sell for more money. 

Thinking of buying a new home or one of the condos in Arlington VA? Now is a great time with such low interest rates on a 30 year mortgage.  Let me help you find a home you’ll love (and is free of mold).  Call me today 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