Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

A home doesn’t have to be a house. It can also be a condominium. Condos can be townhouses, apartments, or even separate structures as long as you only own the space between the walls. For some people, single family homes may be too large or cost too much money. They can still enjoy the benefits of home ownership through a condo. How do you know if one of the condos in Arlington VA is right for you?

Pros of Owning a Condo in Arlington VA
• Maintenance. With a condominium, you are only responsible for the interior of your unit. You don’t have to mow the yard or paint the exterior. If you have a busy lifestyle or don’t have the ability or desire to maintain the outside of your property, a condo may be a good choice for you.

• Location. Many condos are built in popular areas surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Homes in these areas may be out of your price range, but you can still live there in a condo and have the same neighborhood amenities.

Cons of Owning a Condo in Arlington VA
• Condo Fees. Most condominiums have monthly fees that go toward the maintenance of the property. These fees are in addition to your mortgage payment and can raise your monthly payment considerably.

• Condo Associations. Condominium owners serve on boards that decide how condo fees are spent. They may even decide to use fees for something you will never use.

Need more help deciding if a condo is right for you?  Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com. I’m happy to help!

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

Ask anyone about their experiences with Fairfax County Virginia real estate agents, and you will no doubt hear a variety of responses. This is why there are so many myths about agents circulating. A good real estate agent is worth every penny you spend for their expertise. Let’s examine some popular myths about Fairfax County Virginia real estate agents.

1. They make too much money. The truth is that the median salary for real estate agents in 2009 was approximately $54,000. Agents have to pay business expenses such as broker’s fees, professional organization memberships and MLS listing fees.  One of their biggest expenses is marketing homes for sale for buyers and sellers like you. These expenses quickly add up and take away a large percentage of their commission.

2. They won’t get you a good deal because they make a commission on the sale price. Yes, real estate commissions are based on a percentage of the sale price. However, the commission on a $185,000 home is $5,550, while the commission on a $200,000 home is $6,000. That’s a difference of $450, which is hardly worth creating a negative impression by getting you a bad deal.

3. They say anything to make a sale. Professional Fairfax County Virginia real estate agents work for you, and they want you to have a positive experience with them. After all, most of their business comes from referrals. They want you to be happy so you will tell your friends and family about their excellent service.

4. They don’t do anything you can’t do on your own. The truth is that buying and selling real estate can be a complicated and time consuming process. Sure, you can order home inspections and surveys on your own. You can even negotiate for your terms. However, professional Fairfax County Virginia real estate agents are trained to do this and have experience at it. As a result, they’ll save you money, time and make your life less complicated throughout process.

Don’t underestimate the value of a professional real estate agent.

Let me help you save time and money when buying or selling your home. 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

Thanksgiving is coming soon to Arlington VA homes near you. It may even be coming to your home, bringing friends, family, good food and happy memories. In the midst of all the activity, take time to think about what you’re thankful for this year.

The last year has been hard for hundreds of thousands of individuals and families. Some who, at the beginning of the year, had a good job, nice house they could afford, 2.5 kids – you know, living the American dream – are now trying to figure out where their next meal is coming from. Some are trying to figure out where to sleep tonight.

Many homeowners – those with Arlington VA homes, and homes elsewhere across the nation – seem to think these people must have “done something” to be in their current situation. They believe that as long as they don’t “do something,” they won’t experience similar problems.

This belief is far from the truth. Not all, but most, Americans struggling today paid their bills on time, went to work every day and were just regular, responsible people. Their place of employment closed or their jobs were cut and, with hiring freezes, they couldn’t find new jobs. They could no longer afford their mortgages. The banks foreclosed. This is the true story of all too many people across the U.S.

Did they really do anything? Could they have stopped the companies from letting them go or closing? Could they have forced someone else to hire them?

As Thanksgiving draws near, I urge you to take a look at your own situation. Whether you hate or love your job, be thankful you still have one, when thousands don’t. Look around your warm, safe home and be thankful you can still afford it – even if it’s underwater and/or losing equity. You know where your next meal is coming from – even if you can’t decide whether it’s chicken or burgers tonight.

Be thankful for your Arlington VA homes, your jobs, your families and your good, full life. I know I am. This Thanksgiving, take time to let go of the cares of the world; just enjoy what you have and with whom you have to share it.

Finally, I’d love to hear what you’re especially thankful for this year, so please feel free to add your comments below. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving for many years to come!

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

You’re going down the checklist just before your agent puts your Fairfax County Virginia real estate on the market:

Curb appeal: check
Tasteful fall decorations: check 
No major repairs needed: check
Minor repairs fixed: check
Clutter gone: check

You’re pretty sure you haven’t forgotten anything. However, one of the many selling mistakes both big and small that people make is forgetting to check all the nooks and crannies of the property.

How old is your Fairfax County Virginia real estate?
The older a home is the more chance there is of having an easily forgotten, seldom seen crawlspace. The problem with crawlspaces is you never know what they might be crawling with – and neither does the potential buyer until they ask to see it.

What are the challenges with crawlspaces?
Because the crawlspace is an area, normally shallow, between the dirt and the first floor, it’s an unprotected, usually dirty, area of your home. Termites, spiders, rodents (as in, rats, mice and other biting things with teeth), mold and other types of fungus could all be making their homes below yours. As well, it can be a place heat and air conditioning escapes, raising your heating bills.

A good school of thought to remember is if it’s in your crawlspace it’s in your house. While this might not (necessarily) mean the rodents and bugs are in your home, it does mean the air from the crawlspace is part of the air you breathe. Water can collect and cause mold in the air that rises through the floorboards. Humid summer air can make it more expensive to cool the house.

What can you do?
A crawlspace liner helps protect the home from moisture, little biting animals and destructive insects. It helps keep your home more energy efficient, providing up to 18% less energy loss. It cuts down on mold. Lastly, it ensures even the nooks and crannies of your Fairfax County Virginia real estate are ready for the buyer – no matter where they want to look.

If you’d like to sell your home, 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

Selling a home is never an easy decision.  If you’ve ever wondered how most people make this decision, you’ll enjoy this top 10 list.  Here are the top 10 reasons people sell their Arlington VA homes.

1. Death or divorce. Death and divorce can cause major changes to a family’s financial situation. Homeowners are often unable to cover the maintenance and cost of the home on a single income and are forced to sell their home.

2. School district. People move to certain neighborhoods to be in the school district. They also leave neighborhoods because the schools have changed or to be in a district that better meets their child’s needs.

3. Job. A very common reason for selling a home is a job change. The family may need to move to a new area because of a new job. A job loss can mean the owners can no longer afford their home.

4. Marriage. When a couple with separate homes marries, they often choose to live in one home and sell the other. Marriage can also mean a change in finances.

5. Too much debt. Sometimes medical bills or consumer debt can become so overwhelming that homeowners have no recourse but to sell their Arlington VA homes. Homeowners may sell their homes to avoid foreclosure or bankruptcy.

6. Need more space. Growing families need more space. A couple may discover that their cozy bungalow does not meet the needs of their small children. They may sell their home so they can upgrade.

7. Need less space. As children move out, some owners may find they need less space. They may no longer want to be responsible for cleaning and maintaining a large home.

8. Neighborhood. Neighborhoods change as people move in and out. What seemed like the perfect area when the owners bought their home may no longer fit their lifestyle. For this reason, people sell their Arlington VA homes.

9. Climate. People living in the north may decide they want a break from the snow. Residents of the south sometimes want to be in a cooler climate.

10. Home defects. Homeowners may find themselves faced with major repairs that they don’t have the time or money to fix. Selling their home and moving is sometimes a better option.

Trying to decide if you’re ready to sell?  I can help. Call me today 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

The closing table can be a confusing place. You have what seems like mountains of paperwork pushed in front of you. You sign countless pages, often not completely understanding what is written. People often leave the closing on their Fairfax County Virginia real estate wondering if anyone took advantage of them.

When you understand the meanings of the words that are included in the closing paperwork, you’ll feel more secure about what you’re signing.  To help you gain that knowledge, here are definitions for some of the most common lender fees included as part of closing costs when buying Fairfax County Virginia real estate.

• Appraisal Fee: This covers the cost of the appraiser who assesses the property’s value.

• Credit Report: Lenders check your credit history before approving you for a mortgage. This covers the cost of your credit report. 

• Discount Points: This fee lowers the interest rate on your loan. Each discount point costs 1% of your loan amount and reduces your interest rate for the life of your loan (usually by fractions of percentages).

• Flood Certification:  This is the cost of the automated service that tells the lender whether or not the property is located in a flood plain.  If it is, it may require flood insurance.

• Lender’s Inspection Fee: This fee usually applies to new construction. It covers the cost of inspections performed by the lender, but does not include pest inspections.

• Mortgage Broker Fee: This fee covers any fees or commissions paid to the mortgage broker.

• Mortgage Insurance Application Fee: Mortgage insurance protects the lender and pays a portion of your mortgage in case you die or default on your loan. This fee pays for mortgage insurance processing.

• Processing Fee: The lender charges these fees to process and approve a mortgage.

• Tax service fee: This fee covers the cost of the lender setting up your tax escrow and monitoring the payment of your property taxes.

Let me help you take the confusion out of closing costs. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com for more information about lender fees for your Fairfax County Virginia real estate.

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

A survey conducted by “Money” magazine and Lowe’s found that out of 21 common projects, energy updates gave DIYers the most satisfaction, given the time and money.  Get some satisfaction this week by implementing one or two of these easy energy savers at your Arlington VA home:

1. Add dimmers: If every home in the U.S replaced two standard light switches with a dimmer, we could save $1.5 billion in electricity.

2. Recycle rechargeable batteries, plastic bags and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs):  It’s as easy as taking them to your local Lowe’s Recycling Center.  Simply drop the items in the bins near the store’s entrance.

3. Stop energy leaks:  Seal all holes and cracks in your Arlington VA home.  Add weather stripping or caulk to leaky doors and windows.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  estimates these changes can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.

4. Wrap up your water heater:  Cover your water heater with an insulating jacket.

5. Install a programmable thermostat:  By lowering the temperature in your Arlington VA home slightly while you’re at work or on vacation, the thermostat saves you up to $180 a year.

6. Repair Leaky Toilets:  According to the EPA, a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water a day. Depending how much you’re charged for water, a leaky toilet could add as much as $400 a year to your water bill. Check for leaks by putting food coloring in the tank. If you have a leak, color will appear in the bowl within 15 minutes. Flush as soon as you’re done with this test to avoid staining the bowl.

7. Use a power strip:  Save electricity and more than $500 over five years by plugging devices with standby power, such as TVs and stereos, into a power strip. When not in use, you can turn them all off at once by turning off the power strip.

Saving energy not only helps the environment, it also lowers your expenses considerably.

Want to buy an energy-efficient Arlington VA home?  I can help.  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

I’ve said before and I’ll say it again, the fall is a great time to sell Alexandria VA homes for sale. Nostalgia runs rampant in potential buyers. That “nesting” feeling pushes them to look harder for the perfect home. After all, who wouldn’t want Thanksgiving or Christmas to be the day their friends and family see the gorgeous new home?

With this in mind, many sellers hold open houses in the fall. It gives potential buyers the opportunity to walk through Alexandria VA homes for sale looking for that dream home they can call their own. Agents, homeowners or both smile, nod, and graciously offer drinks and snacks. It’s a beautiful thing.

It’s amazing what a little extra touch can do to spice up an open house. A cider wassail bowl may be just the extra touch that could help sell your home this fall.

This wassail bowl is a hot and spicy cider punch. Traditionally, it’s made with ale or wine, but you never want to overdo it with the alcohol at an open house. You can make it hours before, and put it in a slow cooker on very low to keep it warm. This recipe makes 12 servings.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
3 tablespoons sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
5 small red cooking apples  
2 quarts apple cider
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 stick cinnamon
4 whole cloves

Directions
Heat corn syrup in a small pan; combine sugar and ¼ tsp. cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll each apple in hot syrup, then in the sugar. Arrange on a baking pan and bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes (apples shouldn’t lose their shape).

In a large pan, slowly heat the apple cider, lemon, stick of cinnamon and cloves over a very low heat. Don’t let it boil; boiled apple cider gets a bitter taste. Before serving, strain out the spices and add the roasted apples. Serve piping hot.

This is my favorite cider recipe to use, but this wassail bowl recipe is equally tasty.

When you have multiple Alexandria VA homes for sale, like I do, you quickly learn the things that work and the things that don’t. Whether you serve apple cider, cider wassail or just a plain fruit punch, the little things can make all the difference.

If you’d like to get your home sold over the holiday season, 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

Those who have never had Fairfax County VA homes for sale before often think selling is as simple as hiring an agent and putting a sign in the yard. It’s not, however, as you’ll soon discover.

The Inside of Your Home
The exterior of Fairfax County VA homes for sale is the first up-close impression buyers get.  So, when buyers make it inside, they’re one step closer to actually buying.  However, if the interior is a mess, it could blow the whole deal.

Here’s a checklist to make your home’s interior buyer ready:

1. Make sure the front door doesn’t stick
2. Test windows to ensure they open and close easily
3. Wash windows inside and out
4. Move pets and pet supplies to a temporary home
5. Fix leaky faucets 
6. Update fixtures on your cabinet hardware and door knobs
7. De-clutter closets and cabinets (yes, people open them!)
8. Replace or repair cabinet doors
9. Clean grout 
10. Wash the walls if not repainting
11. Repair cracks or holes in the wall
12. Paint walls a neutral color
13. Remove personal items, such as knick-knacks and personal mementos
14. Clean the fireplace
15. Have the chimney professionally cleaned
16. Remove clutter from countertops, tables and shelves
17. Steam clean the carpets
18. Scrub all appliances
19. Clean cobwebs and dead bugs from light fixtures and ceiling fans
20. Make sure every light has a working bulb
21. Degrease the stove and oven
22. De-clutter and clean the attic, basement and garage
23. Make sure crawl spaces have crawl space waterproofing  
24. Remove excess furniture
25. Rearrange remaining furniture in good proportion (Or hire a home stager)
26. Clean the drapes
27. Replace broken panels for electrical switches and outlets
28. Wipe down baseboards
29. Clean and wax linoleum floors

While each of the Fairfax County VA homes for sale is unique, with different selling points and selling problems, this list is a good start for any home.

If you’re ready to sell your home, 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 you have one of the homes for sale in Arlington or elsewhere in the nation, you have to know the competition is fierce. Many home sellers think they have all their ducks in a row when a potential buyer comes to view the house, only to have a minor, forgotten issue blow the deal.

The Outside of Your Home
Your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see up close. Online, you may have images of the front yard, back yard, kitchen and other rooms, but pictures can’t do justice to your home for sale in Arlington. 

To prepare you home for that first up-close viewing, here are 17 outside tasks:

1. Power wash your siding and windows
2. Fix broken siding
3. Give the exterior a fresh coat of paint if it needs it
4. Paint the door and trim
5. Mow the lawn
6. Trim bushes
7. Remove oil spots from the driveway
8. Pick up all tools, toys or trash in the yard
9. Remove lawn ornaments
10. Clear weeds from the walkway and driveway
11. Plant seasonal flowers
12. Rake leaves
13. Clean roof and gutters
14. Sweep the porch, walkway and driveway
15. Clean fences
16. Take photos of a garden if it comes up each spring, as well as the yard when it’s fresh and green
17. Add tasteful landscape lighting if possible

Of course, not knowing what your specific home looks like, I can’t give a complete list, but these 17 items should get you off to a good start. Don’t forget that a few fall decorations can be the added touch that gets your home for sale in Arlington sold to a new owner!

If you’re trying to sell your home and need more pointers, 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