Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

As a Fairfax County Virginia real estate agent, I get to meet people from all ends of the spectrum: buyers, sellers, renters, etc.  I also come across other agents, and it constantly amazes me at the different outlooks surrounding the real estate profession.  Many buyers think sellers and real estate agents are out to stiff them.  On the opposite side, many sellers think buyers and agents are out to stiff them.  Unfortunately, even some agents think both are out to stiff them.

I know they say “it’s a dog eat dog world”, but if everybody was truly out to stiff everybody else (rather than just get a fair deal), nothing would ever get done.  There’s a big difference between a good agent and a crummy agent. So, maybe we all need to be reminded of what a good Fairfax County Virginia real estate agent really is:

Your agent is your business associate.  They are in the business of finding what you need, whether it’s a house to buy or a buyer for your house.  As a business associate, they look for the best deal for you, because the best deal for you is the best for them. 

Your agent is your negotiator.  This goes along with the first, but is more in depth.  For instance, if you’re looking at new construction and the builder has a “buyer’s agent”, do you really think that agent is there to help you get the best deal?  No, they’re there to help the builder get the best deal.  That’s why you have your own agent there – you know they’re on your side.

Your agent is your friend.  Especially when you’re having problems selling your house, you’ll have a lot of worries.  A good Fairfax County Virginia real estate agent will be there to listen to them and either a) relieve your worries or b) be understanding of them.

As real estate agents, we understand that selling a house isn’t easy.  We understand that buying a house can be stressful.  We even understand that you may be stuck in a situation you’d rather not be in, such as during a foreclosure.  Good agents aren’t just agents; we’re good friends.

If you need to sell your home or are looking to buy one, I’d love to 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

What is home staging and how will it help you sell your home?  Staging Alexandria VA homes for sale is, quite literally, setting the stage for buyers.  You want the home to look good, you want it to have the right atmosphere to attract buyers, and you want the first impression to blow them away.

Staging a home can mean sprucing up the paint job, eliminating clutter, moving furniture around – practically anything that makes your home look better to the buyer is staging.  Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a home staging professional, it can, and will, help you sell your home. 

Here are a few pointers on how to stage your home and how each suggestion can help sell your home faster or for more money:

1. Style – Although the decorating styles of Alexandria VA homes for sale range widely, you want to make sure your home doesn’t have too much of a good thing.  Too much decorating style overwhelms the potential buyers’ senses and doesn’t allow them to imagine adding their own personality to the home.  Try to look at your home from a buyer’s point of view and design it to sell. 

How it helps: Furnished homes with just a hint of style help buyers see possibilities they can bring to the home such as a different wall color, new curtains or hardwood floors versus carpeting.  The easier you make it for the buyers to see themselves living in the home, the better chance it has of selling.

2. Clutter – In real estate terms, “clutter” is any personal touch that makes it obviously yours.  Remember, you’re trying to sell your home, not show people what a great decorator you are.  Before you start with open houses, pack up all your personal pictures, knick-knacks and bric-a-brac.

How it helps:  Removing your personal clutter lets potential buyers see it as their own.  No matter how much you love the items, leaving personal touches is, invariably, a turnoff to the buyer.  It makes it darn near impossible to see the house as anything but yours. 

3. Cook – Before an open house, start baking chocolate chip cookies or an apple pie – something that smells good to most people.

How it helps:  Alexandria VA homes for sale should feel, well, homey.  Anything they can see, smell, touch or feel should be set up for maximum selling affect.  Baking smells are an excellent touch. 

Home staging will help get your home ready to sell, and set you well on your way.  If you need help staging and selling your home, I’d love to lend a hand.  Contact me today at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com or call me at 703-909-3939 for more information.

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

As most Fairfax County Virginia real estate agents will tell you, remodeling, decorating or repairing your home can go a long way towards getting it sold.  For that matter, it can add value to your property in case you want to sell later – that is, if you don’t choose the wrong places to buy cheap:

• Windows – Never buy a window based on which one is cheapest.  You want windows that look good, and, as most Arlington VA real estate agents will recommend, you want energy-efficient windows.  During 2009 and 2010, you may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency of up to $1500 when you purchase Energy Star windows.
• Paint – Paint is one of the biggest places people skimp when it comes to cost, and a big no-no.  Cheap paint may take several coats to look right; those several coats can end up leaving blotches and runs.  In addition, cheap paint has a tendency to peel or wash off under light cleaning.  If you’re going to add painting to your remodeling or repair work, quality is always better.
• Doors – Whether it’s for a shower or a screened-in porch, the door you choose can make all the difference.  A rickety shower door falling off the railing is a big “don’t buy” sign.  While you don’t want to blow your whole budget, the doors throughout your house should be of quality material.  Likewise, a solid front door adds to the curb appeal and security of your home.  Some exterior doors also qualify for the Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency.  Find out if your exterior door qualifies for an Energy Star Rebate or Tax Credit. 
• Flooring – Unless it’s expensive carpet on sale, cheap flooring never looks like anything but cheap flooring.  Low cost carpet and wood flooring seldom has high durability and is likely to wear out before you’re ready to replace it again.  Take the time to find quality flooring at a price you can afford – don’t go cheap!

Many Arlington VA real estate agents will push quality, but the biggest point they’ll push these days is – go green!  It may not be the cheapest option, but the benefits in efficiency and property value more than make up for the cost.

Want more tips on remodeling or repairing your home?  Subscribe to this blog.  Two or three times a week, you’ll get information like this automatically sent to your email for free.

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

If you’re worried about the condition of the roof on one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale that you want to buy, you may need a roof inspection.  Although some states don’t require that a roof inspection be included in the real estate contract, it’s often better to be on the safe side and get the roof inspected.

Just what is included in a roof inspection?  Here’s a short list:

What Is The Roof on the Alexandria Home for Sale Made Of?Roofs are commonly made of composition shingles, wood shake, or clay tiles.  The material the roof is made of can determine the life of the roof.  Tile roofs can last as long as fifty years, while wood shake has an expected “useful” life span of forty years.  Roofs made of composition shingles can last twenty to forty years, and are often under warranty for that amount of time.
 
How Many Repairs Have Been Made?

The roof inspector may also get a count of how many layers are on a roof.  Some states require that the roof be completely removed and replaced at certain levels.  The inspector will verify that previous roof repairs were done correctly and with the right materials.

Is There Any Roof Damage?

When inspecting the roof, the inspector will look for any slight movements that would indicate loose shingles or tiles.  He’ll look at the ridges of the roof and around the edges to gauge any damage.
 
The added expense of a roof inspection may seem steep, but it’s worth the cost to ensure that your roof is in good condition.

Thinking of buying?  Let me help you find one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale (and roof) that’s in excellent condition.  Give me a call 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

If you’re one of the many people dealing with a home or condos in Arlington VA in foreclosure, you will probably be moving to a smaller, more affordable place.  When it’s time to move you don’t want to leave the important things behind, but you may not have room for everything, either.  Here’s a checklist to help you get the important stuff taken care of within the last month:

1. Change of address – When homes and condos in Arlington VA foreclosures happen, you want to make sure your change of address is one of the first things you do.
2. Find a moving and packing company.  
3. Clean out your safe deposit box and transfer it to the new area.
4. Get your family’s medical records, school records and other important papers.
5. Change your insurance policies for your home.
6. Get a fire resistant safe and put all records, cards, birth certificates, etc.  Make sure you have it with you during the actual move.
7. Pack less used items.
8. Arrange to have the utilities disconnected/changed over.
9. Plan your remaining meals so you can pack the nonperishable items you don’t need.
10. Make a list of everything you’re personally taking with you.
11. Walk through and decide what you really need to take.  Hold a garage sale or call a charity to get rid of the rest.
12. Let your friends and family members know where you’re going and how they can reach you.
13. Confirm arrangements with the moving and storage companies.
14. Check the yard and sheds for left over items.
15. Take apart any furniture or other items for packing.
16. Start a “survival box”, which includes anything you might need for overnight or for a few days.
17. Defrost the refrigerator and freezer.
18. Close bank accounts if needed.
19. Do a last walk through before leaving to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.  Be sure to look through the attic, basement, closets, etc. 
20. Drop off your keys with the bank or new owner.

Having one of the homes or condos in Arlington VA in foreclosure isn’t fun; it’s stressful and you’re more likely to forget things in this type of situation.  Make lists to keep track of what you’re doing and then use them!

When you’re ready to buy your next home, let me help you find one that fits your lifestyle, budget and needs.  Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email me now at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com for more information.

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

If you have a piece of Fairfax County Virginia real estate and you’re trying to figure out whether to sell it or rent it, here are a few things to think about before doing either:

1.  How much rent can you charge?  Your rent will need to cover the costs, including mortgage, taxes and insurance.  In addition, you’ll need liability insurance, as well as an additional 5 to 10 percent for unexpected maintenance.  If your area’s typical rent amounts won’t cover your costs, you probably don’t want to rent.

2.  Do you have other ways to cover a down payment?  If you’re moving to another piece of property, but relying on the equity in your current Fairfax County Virginia real estate for the down payment, you don’t want to rent.

3.  Do you have the time?  Being a landlord means extra responsibility.  Although it may not take a lot of time, that time can be inconvenient, especially if you have a full time job.  If you can’t picture yourself getting up at odd hours of the night to meet a plumber, you probably don’t want to rent.

4.  Can you afford to give up a tax break?  The capital-gains tax exemption is one of the benefits of owning a home.  If you keep the property for five years and live in it for two, you won’t have to pay taxes on the first $250,000.  However, if you rent for more than three years before selling, you’ll owe capital-gains taxes on all of the profit.  If you can’t afford to give up the tax break, you probably don’t want to rent.

5.  Can you handle wear and tear?  Not every renter will be careful with your beautiful French windows and teardrop chandeliers.  In addition, if your property has a lot of rooms it will probably attract families with kids.  If you can’t handle the wear and tear from different renters, you probably don’t want to rent.

Renting out Fairfax County Virginia real estate isn’t for everyone.  However, if you’re trying to sell your property and having problems finding a buyer, it is something to consider. 

If you’re trying to decide if you want to sell your home or rent it, I can help.  Call me today at 703-909-3939 or contact 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

Real estate investments are still going strong and will probably continue to be a popular method of financial gain into the future. Real estate is solid. It is a tangible product that is attractive to both beginning investors and experienced pros. The most important part of getting started in Fairfax County Virginia real estate investing is knowing what you’re getting into and what to watch out for. Here are 4 top tips from real estate investment professionals:

Understand the Realities

Real estate investment, like any form of investment, is risky. Do not use money you cannot afford to lose. Careful study, understanding the market, and practice help alleviate a lot of the risks but things happen in the best of situations so don’t play with what you can’t afford to lose.

Research is a Constant

Research in real estate investment isn’t something you do once. Research is constant. It is a daily part of your efforts and should always be at the forefront of your mind. From changing banking methods to market changes, researching and learning must be ongoing to be a successful Fairfax County Virginia real estate investor.

Know the Property

Research isn’t limited to financing and the real estate market. You need to thoroughly investigate each property before you buy. Fill out an investment worksheet to see if all the costs associated with the purchase will allow a satisfying profit.

Learn About Personal Protection

Taking risks with the money you have set aside for investment is one thing.  Taking risks with your family’s savings, property, and other assets is another. Consider starting an LLC. You can choose from a single LLC to cover all of your real estate holdings, or having a separate LLC for each property purchased.

Learning the tricks of the top real estate investors allows you to profit from the experience of those who have gone before you.  If you would like more expert advice on Fairfax County Virginia real estate investments, give me a call 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

Foreclosure is a dreaded word at any time, but the present economy makes it a common dread, one that many homeowners share that normally would never enter their minds. There are new government aid programs as well as tried and true methods for combating foreclosures in Fairfax County VA.  Every homeowner should know them.

Nip It in the Bud

Procrastination is never a good thing but when it comes to foreclosures it is a death sentence. Most homeowners know when they are on shaky ground and starting to have problems paying their mortgage.

Because it is usually the biggest monthly expense, mortgages are often the first thing to suffer when things get tight. Waiting to talk to your mortgage company about problems until you actually begin missing payments doesn’t leave much time to correct the situation, and believe it or not, most mortgage companies would prefer to work things out than have a “dead” non-performing asset on their books.

Call your mortgage company and talk to them about solutions to your problems. When you call, be prepared to explain the situation that is causing your difficulties to prove that there really is a hardship. Most lenders will send you a pre-foreclosure package that guides you and shows you what you need to do to prove you are under financial strain.

HOPE for Homeowners 

HOPE is the HUD program that helps homeowners avoid imminent foreclosures in Fairfax County VA.  The government program refinances at a lower rate to help people stay in their homes when all other avenues of solution have failed.

Don’t Give Up Without Exhausting All Means

Your home is important and worth the effort it takes to keep it. With the help of the stimulus plan, banks are able to do more than they used to be able (or willing) to do to provide solutions to homeowners to avoid foreclosures in Fairfax County VA.

If you would like more information on what to do in the event of possible foreclosure, please give me a call at 703-909-3939 or email me now at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.

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

If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person who really likes getting your hands dirty, now is a great opportunity to find a piece of Fairfax County Virginia real estate you can enjoy.  As an occasional DIYer myself, I know how hard it can be to find that perfect piece of fixer-upper real estate, but here are a few tips on what to look for:

1.  More ground than house – Almost every do-it-yourselfer I’ve ever met enjoyed puttering in a garden and beautifying a yard.  Not only can it be relaxing, but done right it can also up the value of the place if you decide to sell later.  Having a beautified yard increase the value of the property is much easier to do if you have a large amount of ground to work with.

2.  Expansion possibilities – If it’s a small house (or even a large one), estimate how much room there might be for building an extension.  Sunrooms, an extra bedroom, widening small rooms – everything is a possibility if you have the land and skills necessary.

3.  Wear and tear – While you probably don’t want a piece of Fairfax County Virginia real estate that’s falling down around you, a little bit of wear and tear isn’t bad.  Walls that need to be painted, ceilings that need spackling and little things like this give you plenty of room to get dirty without wiping out your budget.  A warning, however.  Make sure you get a place with a little wear and tear, not a money pit.

4.  Lots of small rooms – Nobody likes a small room.  However, if there are a lot of them, you have the option of being able to knock down non-load-bearing walls to expand.  The nice thing about this is that you can rearrange the inside of the house to fit you.

5.  Sloped ground – While you’ll want flat ground around the Fairfax County Virginia real estate itself, sloped ground farther out is ideal for building rock walls or terraces without having to buy a lot of backfill.  Done correctly, terraces can make a beautiful, somewhat inexpensive project.  The trick here is to find large rocks from construction sites.

DIY can be a blast and having a house you can turn into a dream house makes the finished product all that more satisfying! 

If you’re looking for that perfect piece of fixer-up property, 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

Are you looking for something to do around your home or condos in Arlington VA this weekend that will also help the environment? Why not do a quick green renovation at home. Incorporating green products and practices in your home save our natural resources and are better for your health. Here are a few simple projects you can work on this weekend.

1. Floors. You can easily replace the floor in a room during a weekend. Bamboo and cork floors are excellent environmentally-friendly choices because they are renewable sources. They come in a variety of colors and styles so you can find something that will match your current décor.

2. Paint. Painting a room is a quick and easy way to change its look. However, traditional paint is loaded with toxic fumes that can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma. When you paint your next room, choose a paint that contains less or no amounts of dangerous chemicals. Your room will look just as good, and your lungs will be happier.

3. Windows. If you still have old, single pane windows in your home or condos in Arlington VA, it’s time to replace them with double pane energy efficient windows. These newer windows will lower your energy consumption by keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.  Additionally, you may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency of up to $1500 if you purchase Energy Star windows in 2009 or 2010.  

4. Insulation. A well insulated home saves you money and cuts back on the amount of energy you use. Make sure you have adequate insulation in your attic. Check your doors and windows for cracks and leaks that allow air to escape. Seal them with caulk or weather stripping.  The Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency applies to Energy Star insulation as well.

Are you looking for green homes and condos in Arlington VA? I specialize in green homes and would be happy to help you find the one that fits your budget and needs. 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