Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

The stimulus, the stimulus—it is hard to go to a news site or blog now without seeing something about the stimulus plan, good or bad. The one thing that seems to be a common thought is everybody hopes it works whether they like the plan or not. There are many ways the stimulus plan might affect buyers and sellers of condos in Arlington VA.

Buyer Incentive

The biggest boon to both buyers and sellers is the proposed tax break for any first-time buyer purchasing a home (including condos) in 2009. That last part is the one down point in the plan. Homes must be purchased in the current year, retroactive to the beginning of 2009, and ending December 31st. That should, however provide a decent impetus to get things moving again. While it is short lived, it could boost the market long enough so that the forward motion continues past this year.

Mortgage Incentive

Not for the buyers and sellers in particular, the banking and finance industry is set to receive the biggest portion of the stimulus plan. That can only help both buyers and sellers of condos in Arlington VA, though, as it will mean buyers will once again have the ability to get mortgage loans.

More expensive luxury homes and condos will also be given lower interest rates and affordable mortgage loans. There does seem to be some argument over whether the stimulus plan will raise or lower mortgage rates so that remains to be seen.

If you want to take advantage of the stimulus plan, I can help you find one of the homes or condos in Arlington VA. Call me at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com right now for more information.

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

There are great incentives for first-time Fairfax County Virginia real estate buyers. Big tax incentives and money put into the banking and financing industries to give buyers more availability to loans makes now the best time to move when looking for a home. This environment won’t last—exactly. Some of the elements put in place are geared toward a strong future for the housing market, but many of the advantages are only good for now.

Tax Relief

First-time Fairfax County Virginia real estate buyers, meaning those who have not owned a home in the past three years, are eligible for a big tax break on income taxes. Next year at tax time all buyers have to do is report the new home purchase to get $8,000 dollars back. That’s a big incentive. The drawback is it’s only good for this year. It is retroactive to the beginning of 2009 so even if you have already bought that home you can still claim it, but if you drag your feet hoping for better mortgage financing, or just a better time for your family to get a new home, you will miss out after December 31, 2009.

Affordable Housing

Right now is the time to buy because of prices, too. Thanks to the failings of the housing market, there are tons of homes for sale at prices they would not normally be listed at. If the stimulus plan improves the economy the way it is hoped it will, that won’t last. That’s great news for homeowners, but not great for those who wait to take advantage of the greatly reduced home prices.

Fairfax County Virginia real estate buyers need to take advantage of all that 2009 and the current real estate market have to offer. There are great deals that will never happen again—hopefully.

If you’re interested in purchasing a home or condo in Fairfax County and want to take advantage of the 2009 stimulus plan, I can help.  Call me at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com for more information.

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

Okay, maybe you are stuck here for awhile. The housing market is stagnant and you just don’t have the desire to fight with trying to sell your home or condos in Arlington VA.  As long as you are going to be staying, you may as well make the best of it.

Taking this time to make improvements will not only make living there nicer, it will make selling it later when the market improves easier.  If it seems like an expensive endeavor, take heart.  There are tons of do-it-yourself home improvement projects that won’t break your bank but will make your home nicer to be in—and worth more.

• Tiling bathroom and kitchen floors
• Changing water fixtures
• Adding a deck
• Creating a home theater
• Refinishing cabinets

Tips and Tricks

There are many websites that offer valuable home improvement tips and tricks that will make any home or condos in Arlington VA home improvement project go smoother. Remember to always:

• Plan each project carefully
• Check your zoning regulations to be sure you are in compliance
• Find out if improvements will have an impact on your insurance costs
• Stay in control.  Don’t let projects overwhelm you to the point where you no longer have time to spend with your family.

Make sure you completely understand the project before starting, and know when you are in over your head. Allowing yourself to doubt your abilities to the point where you are afraid to try anything at all won’t get you anywhere.  At the same time, getting carried away and attempting repairs or remodeling that are way beyond your current skill level will end in disaster. Start small and gradually work your way up to bigger and better home improvements. You will learn as you go and have fun doing it.

Home improvement projects in homes or condos in Arlington VA can be family fun too. Keep everyone young and old involved, and they will learn how to be creative and take pride in their home right alongside you.

If you like this tip, sign up to have more like it sent to your email inbox.  All you have to do is subscribe to this blog.  It’s easy and free. 

If you’re ready to buy or sell Arlington Virginia real estate, give me a call 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

Absolutely—if you know what you are doing. That doesn’t mean being a financial wizard.   Let’s face it, most home flippers are just average people like you and me. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist, but you do need to be a whole lot smarter than you used to be to make money by flipping Fairfax County Virginia real estate in 2009.

Be Conservative

That’s not a political statement when it comes to flipping houses, but it should be your new motto. In the current market there is no room for error. Buying as low as possible, keeping all prices for home repairs and improvements low, and selling at a reasonable price with an eye to moving the property fast is essential.

Have Reasonable Expectations

Know that in today’s market it is not likely you will be able to move Fairfax County Virginia real estate in a week or two after finishing the project like before. That means you need to get your financing at a manageable rate so that you can float until you make your sale.

Mirroring the Past

In many ways, things are not much different in the home flipping market than they were four, five, or even ten years ago. It has always been a game of risk and reward and it will continue to be as long as those that play the game understand its limits and rules.

Don’t Be Greedy

It’s tempting to price a finished house flip at the maximum the community seems to afford but in a slow market that is a recipe for failure, and a surefire way to end up holding onto the property. The key is in and out as fast as possible, and while that isn’t as fast as in the past, it still needs to be as quick as possible. You want to make a profit over what you paid and put into the Fairfax County Virginia real estate home, but make it a reasonable profit so you can experience the benefits.

If you want to flip homes and make a profit doing it, you need the best agent on your side. I specialize in helping home flippers find (and negotiate) great deals.  Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com to find out how I can help.

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

Just because you live in the city doesn’t mean you can’t have a great garden that not only provides hours of pleasure, but good food for you and your family. With the current desire to get healthy, growing your own fresh vegetables and fruits only makes good sense. You can grow a nice vegetable garden in a very small space right in your home backyard, front yard, or the patio of condos in Arlington VA.  You just need to know how to manage your space well.

Plan Your Space

If you have a huge yard and lots of space, you can experiment with various plants, varieties and tastes. However, if you are limited to a small home yard or condos in Arlington VA patio or terrace, it is vital to choose wisely. Select plants that do not take a lot of space, and those that produce vegetables you know you and your family will enjoy.

If no one in your family likes tomatoes, even though they are easy to grow and can take up a relatively small space in many cases, it doesn’t make much sense to grow them. However, even if your family loves zucchini and even though they are easy to grow, if you don’t have a decent sized plot they don’t make much sense unless that’s all you want to grow.

Map out your area, and study how much room each plant you choose will take and mark where it will go. Remember to use its mature size as a guide, not those cute little leafy plantlings you see in the garden store. Those little one inch watermelon plants will branch out up to six feet in any directions and devour all of your space.

Plant a Victory Garden

The best choices for a small home backyard or patio container garden are typical ‘victory garden’ choices. Victory gardens were common during World War I when supplies were hard to come by and people began growing salad mixings in their backyards. These gardens typically contained tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, onions, and potatoes. 

If you’re looking for a home or condos in Arlington VA with that perfect garden space, let me help. Email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com to let me know what you’re looking for.  Within a few hours, or less, I’ll email you some properties you can view online.

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

Foreclosures in Fairfax County VA are sometimes found stripped of all appliances and fixtures after the trustee’s sale.  Some property owners believe they have the right to remove everything but the walls of the house when they leave.  The law states that anything that is not personal property, that is in fact an asset of the property, may not be removed. 

Homeowners in foreclosure may be prosecuted for removing the following items:

• Most appliances that are on the property.  This includes the stove, dishwasher and garbage disposal.
• The air conditioning unit and the furnace must stay on the property.
• Ceiling fans, light fixtures, and any electrical wiring.
• The plumbing and all the fixtures must stay in place.  The sink, shower, toilets, and the cabinets may not be removed from the premises.
• Landscaping and fencing may not be removed before foreclosure.  Built in pools and hot tubs must also stay on the property. 

Homeowners are allowed to remove any personal property from foreclosures in Fairfax County VA.  In fact, in most cases they are required to remove any objects they brought into the house when they moved in.  This includes the furniture and clothing they own.  They are allowed to take dishes, pans and silverware as well as electronics like computers or stereo equipment.  The new electronic thermostat they installed has to stay because it is now a fixture of the house.

The refrigerator is the appliance that is the exception to the “everything must stay” rule.  Homeowners are allowed to take any portable fans and heaters that are in the house.  A good rule of thumb is if homeowners have to use dollies or screwdrivers to take things with them, they may need to double check their right to the objects.

If you’re looking to buy one of the foreclosures in Fairfax County VA, I can help you find property that’s in good condition.  Call me today at 703-909-3939 or drop me a quick email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.

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

Waiting to hear back from a seller on an offer you made on one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale can be nerve wracking.  Since sellers aren’t obligated to respond immediately, you may spend time waiting anxiously by the phone.  When your agent finally calls you, it’s with the news that the seller has a “counter” out on the property already.  What does that mean?  Is your offer out the window?

Not exactly.  In some states, a seller is allowed to counter or respond to as many offers to buy their home as they want.  If the seller has responded to a buyer’s offer with a counter-offer and then receives an offer from a second buyer that is better, the seller does not have to accept the first buyer’s offer.  The seller simply takes back the counter-offer and accepts the second buyer’s bid.

Make Your Best Offer

So, how do you make the best offer on one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale that has a counter-offer out on it?  First of all, if there is another offer on the property, submit an offer for the most money that you would pay for the house.  You may not get another chance to negotiate for this dream home, and you don’t want to miss your opportunity.

Get a Pre-approval Letter

A seller will take your offer more seriously if you attach a pre-approval letter from your lender to it.  If your offer is similar to the other person’s, you may win out because you have financing already secured.  Many sellers are waiting for their old homes to sell before they buy a new one.  If your offer will get them into their new home faster, it might be the edge you need to get the home that you want.

Increase Your Earnest Money Deposit

Make a large earnest money deposit on the Alexandria VA home for sale.  If you’re unable to pay more for the home, you can increase the size of your earnest money check.  You don’t lose any of the money because it will go towards your down payment or closing costs. 

If you’re thinking of purchasing one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale, I’d love to help you find your perfect home.  Call me today at 703-909-3939, or if you prefer to remain anonymous, feel free to email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.  Either way, I promise to respect your privacy.

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

The new stimulus bill gives first-time home buyers a tax credit of $8,000! Whether one of the Fairfax County VA homes for sale you purchase is new or a re-sale, there are always things you can do to make improvements. Here are a few ideas on how you can use the tax break for your new home.

• Put in all new appliances. $8,000 will buy a nice set of kitchen and laundry appliances, and enough groceries to fill up that new refrigerator for several months on top of it.
• Furnish a room. Many times a new home means old furniture just won’t fit in or fill it up. $8,000 goes a long way to decorating a new room or two.
• Put on a porch. The stimulus money can be used to add value to your Fairfax County VA real estate by making additions like a patio or porch. It will make your new home even more enjoyable too. Construction jobs not only help the economy, it creates jobs in the community—a double bonus that you are making happen!
• Buy a car. Okay, maybe your new home is perfect as it is. That’s lovely. Use your stimulus tax incentive to put a big down payment on a new car. The huge down payment will keep your monthly payments low and affordable while helping out the other big industry failing in the current economy.

The key to the President’s stimulus plan is to spur the economy and give people money to spend—so go ahead and spend it. When you purchase one of the Fairfax County VA homes for sale you can buy those items you’d have trouble getting without the extra help.  And, feel good about it. 

Have questions about how the stimulus helps first-time buyers?  Give me a call today at 703-909-3939 or drop me a quick email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com right now.  I’m happy to answer all your questions with no obligation whatsoever.

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

There are several indications that the new stimulus bill passed by Congress will have a positive influence on the struggling housing market. If you are considering buying your first home and would like to have one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale, the stimulus plan may help make that happen.

How the Stimulus Bill Stimulates the Bottom Line

The biggest effect the stimulus plan will have on new home buyers is a tax incentive. We all want to get more money back on our tax returns and the stimulus bill has an $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers purchasing one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale.

How You Qualify

In order to qualify for the stimulus tax incentive you must:

• Not have owned a home in the past three years.
• Use the new home as your primary residence. 
• Have an income of less than $75,000 per person or $150,000 per couple.

No action is necessary other than reporting the purchase on your income tax filings.  You must keep your home for at least 36 months in order to not have to pay back the incentive in the following tax year. If, however, you keep your new home for 36 months or longer you never have to repay the incentive.

There is no cap on return for this incentive either. Even if you would not normally be entitled to the full amount according to your taxable income level you will still receive the entire $8,000 amount in return.

Stimulating Interest When Purchasing Alexandria VA Homes for Sale

The stimulus bill also gives first-time home buyers a chance to get into those big ticket houses. Houses with market values over $417,000 will be eligible for lower interest rates to make them more affordable. The luxury home industry has stagnated in the failing real estate market and this should give it a vital boost.

President Obama’s stimulus plan is serious about improving the housing market. The bill gives people looking to buy a Alexandria home reason to hope. 

Interested in more information on how the stimulus plan can help you buy a home?  Call me at 703-909-3939 or if you prefer to remain anonymous, email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.  I’ll never share your contact information with anyone for any reason.

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