Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

Potential first time homebuyers are racing the clock to find the perfect Fairfax County VA homes for sale. Who’s going to reach the finish line first?  And… why are they racing?

Many of you have probably heard of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) by now. For those looking for Fairfax County VA homes for sale that haven’t heard of the ARRA, first time homebuyers can receive up to $8,000 back in tax credits from the U.S. government. Singles and those married but filing jointly, have an $8,000 threshold, while married individuals filing separately have a $4,000 threshold.

Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? With the tax credit, your taxes are matched dollar-for dollar. This means, if you owe $9,000 in taxes for 2009 and get the full $8,000 tax credit, you’ll only owe $1,000 in taxes. That’s quite a bit of money to save, especially now. Better yet, if you don’t owe anything, that tax credit may become a tax refund – $8,000 of refund, to be exact.

With all the homes available, why are first time buyers racing? Aren’t there enough homes to go around? Of course there are – in fact, millions of homes in the U.S. are waiting for a buyer. However, first timers want to take advantage of the tax credit, and it only goes until November 30, 2009.

You may think that’s still plenty of time, but it’s not, really. To qualify for the tax credit, you have to have the keys to your new house in hand and the sale finished by the ARRA ending date.

Should you be racing, too? Well, that depends. If you want to buy one of the Fairfax County VA homes for sale, can realistically afford it and have been waiting for the best time, that time is here and almost past. However, if you want to buy a home, but can’t afford it yet, don’t let the tax credit push you into a tight monetary situation you can’t get out of. Take the time to build up equity and savings until you can buy a home you can afford! 

If you’re a first time buyer wanting to take advantage of the tax credits, I can help. 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

Many facing the possibility of being added to the number of foreclosures in Fairfax County VA are frightened, often frustrated and feel helpless. It’s understandable; nobody wants to lose their home. However, those feelings often lead to being victimized by loan modification con artists who promise freedom from foreclosure for a little bit of money and leave victims in their wake.

Here are a few tips to protect yourself from scams that could take you one step closer to becoming one of the foreclosures in Fairfax County VA:

1. Never believe a guarantee. No one, company or individual, can guarantee loan modification or that your lender won’t foreclose. If the loan modification company starts spouting guarantees, walk away.

2. Never sign over power of attorney. Sometimes, con artists will tell you that if you sign over your house to them, their good credit can help save your home. This is never a legitimate proposal and no legitimate company will ask you to do this.

3. Never spend thousands of dollars. Fees higher than $6,000 should be dismissed. Often, scam companies will charge absurdly high upfront fees to help. While some counselors will charge you a fee, those costs are added up after the loan closes, NOT before they even do anything. As well, any company charging over $4,000 needs to have a proven high quality of service and level of success.

4. Always talk to your lender first. Many loan modification scam artists will tell you to stop communicating with your lender. Communication is key, however, since your lender owns the note and will, ultimately, approve or deny the modification. Talk to your lender to find out how to refinance or restructure your payment.

5. Always check with the Better Business Bureau before hiring a “rescue” company. You can check with the Attorney General or Real Estate Commission as well.

6. Always look for free services first. Many foreclosure specialists can help, and will do so free of charge if you can’t afford them. As well, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved housing counseling that will provide foreclosure prevention services, also free of charge.

When you’re already faced with the possibility of being one of the foreclosures in Fairfax County VA, you need help – not someone who will push you further across the line. Be careful when looking for loan modification help.

If your loan modification has been denied and you need to do a short sale instead, 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

By now, everyone knows that, just like the Dot Com bubble, the real estate market grew its own bubble to a degree that it finally popped.  Foreclosure numbers went up, sales went down and everyone, from the government to lenders to John Q public, started looking around for someone they could point a finger at and blame.

The hard truth is that placing blame doesn’t do anyone any good, especially those trying to save their homes and condos in Arlington VA.  The truth is that it’s time to do what Americans have been doing since the country was founded – picking ourselves up off the ground, dusting off and working with what we still have. Thanks to new acts such as the “Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009,” it’s even more possible to do that.

If you’ve been dealing with the possibility of foreclosure, you may have missed the news, so here are three uplifting highlights that can make all the difference:

1)  If you rent one of the homes or condos in Arlington VA and its foreclosed upon, you have to receive a 90-day eviction notice. You can’t just be preemptively kicked off the property. As well, if you have a lease you have to be allowed to live on the property until the lease is up unless:

             a) the new owner wants to move in and make it his or her residence or
             b) state law says the lease can be terminated on notice.

Although three months doesn’t seem like a lot of time, that’s three months you wouldn’t have had in most states before the Act was passed.

2)  Lenders and homeowners are now receiving incentives for successful loan modifications and refinancing under the Making Homes Affordable Program. According to the White House government website, “Servicers covering more than 75 percent of loans in the country have now begun modifications and refinancing under the Administration’s MHA Program.”

3)  One of the biggest challenges to a homeowner is finding out who owns the mortgage on their home.  This can make it incredibly difficult to discuss refinancing or modification with the mortgage owner. Thanks to the Act, you have to be informed whenever your loan is sold or transferred to another party. Now, you always know who has control of your mortgage and who you need to talk to.

Dealing in the current real estate market can be hard. If you’re already struggling financially, it can be even harder. Try to keep abreast of the current laws that can help homeowners and families keep their homes and condos in Arlington VA!

If you can’t qualify for loan modification or refinancing, and are considering a short sale, 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

Living in one of the condos in Arlington VA can be a lot of fun, but it can also be an exercise in frustration when it comes to having enough room for all your items and making your home look its best.  Here are a few tips to keep you from losing your mind:

1. Use an ottoman for your coffee table.  It can double as storage.
2. Put shelves above the doorways rather than somewhere else on the wall.
3. Low bookcases along the back of your couch can double as a couch table.
4. Use glass shelves in deep-set windows as additional storage space for knickknacks.
5. Buy larger, but fewer, pieces of furniture.
6. Use a magazine rack.
7. Leave the views of windows and doors uncluttered.
8. Stay away from bright, vibrant prints for furniture fabric.
9. Use corner bookcases where possible.
10. Remember that, with condos in Arlington VA, less is more.
11. Maximize space in the kitchen with apartment-size appliances.
12. Consider under the counter appliances or a pullout pantry unit.
13. Use magnetic strips to wall-mount large knives.
14. Consider a futon or Murphy bed rather than a huge mattress.
15. If you have a big bed, use the space underneath as storage.
16. Purchase pull out drawers or storage bins as under-the-bed storage areas. 
17. Add shelving and wall cabinets to your bedroom to minimize clutter.
18. Use knobs and hooks in your bathroom for hanging towels or robes.
19. If you have the room, use a tall thin corner tower in your bathroom for towels and cleaning products.
20. Use a clothes hamper rather than a basket.

Just because you live in one of the condos in Arlington VA it doesn’t mean you have to feel crowded or settle for a less than gorgeous décor.

If you’re considering buying or selling one of the condos in Arlington VA, 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

When people think of environmental concerns, very seldom do they think of their home environment. Mold spores, carcinogens, allergens and more can fill up your Fairfax County Virginia real estate and create a bad environment. Here are a few ways to make sure your indoor air quality is as good as it can be:

• Check for mold. Mold has a distinctive odor; somehow, it manages to smell both wet and dry, as well as musty. It can grow around windows, in the bathroom and in your air ducts. For windows, bathrooms and small areas within your home, you can clean the mold yourself wearing protective gear and using the right mold cleanup methods. 
• Check the ductwork. Mold, dust, insect parts and other small to microscopic pollutants settle in ductwork and then, when the air is turned on, flow out into the various units. I recommend leaving this job to professionals with the proper equipment.  Research green janitorial services in your area that specialize in environmentally safe cleaning practices and provide good indoor air quality through the practices.
• Check your carpet. Carpets can be a big cause of bad indoor air quality. Some carpets contain a high level of  VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are emitted into the air as gases. Exposure to VOCs can cause nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and skin rashes. If you’re having any of these issues, you may want to replace your carpet with an eco-friendly carpet. 

If you’re looking for eco-friendly Fairfax County Virginia real estate, 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

2009 might not have brought on the hottest market for sellers, but it’s an excellent market for buyers.  If you’re taking advantage and buying one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale, it means you’ll be moving soon.  It also means that you’ll probably forget something you really need in the new house – after it’s too late.

Don’t Forget Your…
There are at least five items commonly forgotten when moving: 

1. Personal Phonebook – Make sure you pack up any personal numbers, phonebooks or notepads you might have written needed numbers on.  If you have time, transfer them to your computer.  Even if you call the numbers a lot, there is still a chance you’ll forget them.

2. Neat and Tidy – Too often, people will be giving their old home a final once-over and find a spot that needs to be cleaned.  Realizing they have packed the cleaning equipment, they rush out to buy new cleaners.  Instead, have your cleaning supplies set aside as one of the last things to go – just in case. 

3. Records – No, not the vinyl ones.  If the Alexandria VA home for sale is in another neighborhood, you’ll have to get your medical records, vet records for your pet and your child’s permanent school record.  Copies usually aren’t allowed, so make sure you have the real deal!

4. Your Address – As silly as it may seem, it’s easy to forget your new address.  Write it down and put it in your wallet or purse for easy reference.

5.  Hidden Valuables – Did you remember that roll of bills you hid in the attic, or the necklace in the bathroom?  Before leaving, collect all your valuables and put them in a safe deposit box. 

If you’re looking to buy one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale, I can help.  Call me at 703-909-3939 now 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

With rising Fairfax County Virginia real estate sales, many people looking to invest are starting to wonder if Real Estate Investment Trusts are once again a potential opportunity. Home sales have gone up for the past six months in a row, homebuilding price indexes are rising and investors are turning optimistic. Is it really a good time, though?

What are REITs?
REITs are Real Estate Investment Trusts. These trusts invest in property then sell shares to people or businesses. If the REITs make a profit, that profit is split between shareholders as dividends. Many investment trusts cover a full portfolio of Fairfax County Virginia real estate and other real property, rather than just one property. In the past, they’ve been incredibly popular because they trade like stock and dividend yields are normally at the top of the market.

Not All REITs Are Created Equal
It’s important to remember that real estate investment trusts come in different shapes and sizes. As well, REITs report rental income, rather than sales, as revenue. Keeping rental income in mind, it becomes obvious REITS with long-term leases and high occupancy rates are generally better than others to invest in. Also, the higher the occupancy, the easier it is to raise rental rates (although this is probably not good business at this time due to the current real estate market).

Investing in REITs Now
If you’re thinking of investing in REITs now, don’t forget that they may only benefit in a particular market. For instance, many individual investors are purchasing unfinished homes at steep discounts, investing a little more to finish the homes and then renting them out. As most real estate agents, blogs, articles and magazines will tell you, the rental market is doing quite well, so this may be a viable option for you.

No matter what type of Fairfax County Virginia real estate you’re thinking of investing in, however, remember that any type of investment is risky. Is it time to invest? Ultimately, only you can make that decision. Do your research, check your funding, then – and only then – make an informed decision.

If you’re interested in real estate investments, 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

If you have one of the Alexandria VA homes for sale, every room needs to be just right. Most people think about the kitchens and bedrooms, but these days a great looking home office can make a huge impact too. Check out a few ways you can make a big impact:

Designate the right space
Whether it’s a spare bedroom or a computer nook, you need to specify a separate place to do business. Make sure the area has enough room so that you can set up a desk, chair, computer and a printer without making it look messy.

Clean your area
To really have a good home office, the space needs to be neat. To make your home office look its best to potential buyers, get rid of clutter and only retain the essentials. 

Don’t waste money
Just because you have a home office doesn’t mean you need to go broke trying to furnish it when preparing Alexandria VA homes for sale. Think about wants versus needs first. Then once you get the necessities, use any left over money to buy office supplies such as ink cartridges, computer paper and more.

Add a decorative touch
Now that you have what you need, it’s okay to add some decorative style. Hang artwork. Add a few plants.  But, remember to keep it simple and neutral so that potential buyers can easily imagine it as their own home office.

Many people don’t think of the importance of a home office when preparing their Alexandria VA home for sale. But with so many people working from home, a dedicated space for a home office is a great selling point.

If you’re ready to sell your home, with or without a home office, I can help.  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

Some potential homeowners just don’t want a pre-lived in home or condo in Arlington VA.  They’d rather have their house built to their own specifications. They want a home that fits their needs exactly. If this is you, I understand and would like to help by giving you a glimpse into the future of home design.

The Future of Design
Thinking of the future might bring ideas of fantastic scientific miracles like smart houses that vacuum themselves. While building your home or condos in Arlington VA having it wired as a smart home may be a good idea, think, also, about sustainable design. Here are just a few reasons why sustainable design is a great idea:

1. Government mandates and incentives – Under the current administration, sustainable design is a big thing. In fact, many cities are passing mandates and offering incentives that encourage green building. In places such as Austin, Houston, Seattle and Portland, sustainable design is no longer a trend; it’s standard practice. Before having your home built, check into the homeowners’ incentives for green building. 

2. Cost of sustainable design  – While sustainable design may be a little more costly than standard home building, don’t just assume that it is. Check with green building contractors as well as standard contractors and compare pricing. Also, keep in mind that the cost of the design is well repaid down the line. As well, remember that it may be easier and cheaper to build a sustainable home, rather than remodel one to be green later. 

3. Resale value – Although you may not ever want to move from your home or condo once it’s built, you never know what will happen in the future. A sustainable design can up the resale value of the home by as much as 15%.

Between the government incentives, the cost savings and the resale value, your home or condo in Arlington VA and its sustainable design, may end up being the best investment you ever made!

If you’re looking for a green home or a contractor to build one, 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

It’s October, which means Halloween is just around the corner. Are you still struggling to come up with great decorating ideas for your home or condo in Arlington VA? Have no fear; your real estate agent is here to help. Here are a few ideas that will take away those holiday Halloween jitters:

1. Nothing says “Halloween” like twitching fingers, growling werewolves and hovering demon skeletons. Thanks to today’s technology, you can turn your decorations into a hellish wonderland with animated Halloween props. Build a graveyard and have a rocking tombstone or a creeping skeleton to snatch up visitors.

2. Everybody has the standard jack-o-lantern on the front porch. As Halloween nears, they crop up everywhere. This year, try something a little different. There are plenty of pumpkin-carving patterns  available for purchase or for free on the Internet. Grab some bloodcurdling patterns and get to work.  Click to find out how to pick the perfect pumpkin to carve!

3. Are you throwing a party this year? Add a little fog to your Halloween decorations! Fog machines aren’t near as expensive as they used to be. You can grab one big enough for fantastic, spine-tingling effects for less than $50. Sometimes the extra touches make all the difference, and fog is a great addition

4. Spruce up your doorbell with sinister sound effects and chilling Halloween music. Record-A-Chime™ by Dimango® Carlon® is perfect for just such a thing. Although it’s somewhat expensive at $59.98, you can record whatever sound effect or music you want for any holiday.
 
Each Halloween, people struggle to come up with something different for their homes and condos in Arlington VA. I hope these ideas help you find your own “something different” and get your creative juices flowing. Have fun, stay safe and happy holidays!

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