Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

According to a nationwide survey from Move, Inc., real estate investors are likely to be three times more active than other types of homebuyers in their local markets within the next two years.  If you’re one of those soon-to-be real estate investors, you may want to consider buying foreclosures in Fairfax County VA.

Here are a few tips to help you get the best buy:

• Don’t judge foreclosures in Fairfax County VA by their appearance.  A million dollar mansion may have a beautiful façade but may be hiding extensive termite damage to its foundation.   On the other hand, a fixer-upper may look rundown but may have excellent structure and can be fixed up easily for a fairly small amount.  Always get a professional home inspection to determine exactly what you’re buying.

• Don’t focus on sales price alone.  You still need to take into consideration the location, school districts, crime rates, and price for repairs.

• Work with a real estate agent.  You knew this one was coming, didn’t you?  But it’s true.  Because real estate agents are knowledgeable about the market, they frequently know about local properties that are nearing foreclosure before the average buyer. They also know the foreclosures in Fairfax County VA to stay away from and those that are true diamonds in the rough.

• Don’t buy in a neighborhood with a lot of foreclosures.  You’re looking for an investment that is going to increase in price sooner rather than later, so move on to another neighborhood where the real estate market is doing better.

• Think like a real estate investor.  There’s a lot of money at stake here, and you cannot allow emotions to get in the way.  Do the math and your research to figure out if this is a good financial choice for you, not whether or not you like the house.

Whether you are a real estate investor looking for the best buys, maybe a foreclosure or a traditional property to purchase, I can help you find it and get it at the best price and terms.  Give me a call 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

You know my recommendation is that everyone should have a professional property inspection before they close on a house. Wouldn’t it also be a good idea to discover problems with a piece of property before you ever make an offer? With some attention to detail, you can find out a lot about the condition of Alexandria VA homes for sale.

Here’s a pre-offer, do-it-yourself property inspection checklist to get you started:

• Basement – A basement can give you information about the structure of a house, especially if the basement is unfinished. You’ll want to make sure there are no cracks, the electrical wiring is organized, and there is no evidence of water damage. If there isn’t a basement, examine the exposed foundation on the exterior of the house.

• Electrical panel – Upon examination, it should look orderly and neat. If it is, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear, but a disorganized panel can often be a sign of shoddy electrical work throughout the house.

• Faucets and fixtures – Is there hot water? Does the shower drip? Does the oven work? Does the toilet run? Not every problem is a major issue, but it’ll give you a good idea of how much care went into the property’s construction and maintenance.

• Attic – Not only should you be looking at available storage space, you’ll want to see how well the insulation was fitted. That can make a huge difference in your monthly electric and gas bills.

• Roof – Missing shingles or interior water damage in Alexandria VA homes for sale are bad signs.

• Windows – Make sure they all open and close properly and that you can’t find any drafts, gaps or condensation.

• Interior and exterior finishings – Check out the baseboards and siding to see what kind of shape they’re in. If the builders didn’t pay much attention to what you CAN see, imagine what the internal structure might look like.

Want to work with a professional real estate agent who can help you weed out badly-built or poorly-maintained Alexandria VA homes for sale before you make an offer? Give me a call 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

Maybe you have a home on the market that isn’t selling, or maybe you own a vacation home in Fairfax County that you don’t use often enough. Whatever the reason, you’re thinking about renting your Fairfax County Virginia real estate.

Being a landlord isn’t easy.  There are pitfalls that can prevent you from turning a profit and problems that can keep you awake at night.

Here are six tips to help reduce your stress and make a profit from your rental property:

1. Study the Fairfax County Virginia real estate market and rental situation.  Take landlords who are successful in your area to lunch and learn from them.  Find out who they use for legal work, paint jobs and pest control.
2. Research.  Find out vacancy rates and how much properties are renting for in your area.  Rental property owners associations and sites like mrlandlord.com can be great resources.
3. Do thorough expense calculations and analyze your cash flow before putting out your “for rent” sign.  Overestimate when in doubt.  Make sure you’ve added in big expenses like real estate taxes, rental insurance and property management fees, if you’re going to get help managing your Fairfax County Virginia real estate.
4. Have a well-funded savings account labeled “maintenance reserve.” Landlords often fail to budget enough for seasonal tasks like snow removal.  And, you never know when Mother Nature will throw a tornado or hail storm your way.
5. Understand local rental and eviction control laws.  Keep extremely good records and be proactive; it can save you aggravation and money.  For example, if someone isn’t paying you rent, and you let them go too long without paying, it becomes difficult to recover the money or evict them.
6. Thoroughly screen all potential tenants before renting to them.  Review the applicant’s credit history, eviction history, criminal history and rental history.  Also, personally interview the applicant or have your property management company interview the applicant and send you the information for your final approval.

There is good news!  Rents are rising.  According to the National Association of REALTORS® the average apartment rent is projected to grow 3.4 percent this year and another 4.2 percent in 2012.  Additionally, in today’s economy, more and more people are interested in Fairfax County Virginia real estate for rent.

Are you looking to rent or sell your home?  I can help. Give me a call 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

When it comes to tub drains, hair is the number one cause for clogs.  Instead of turning to strong chemical cleaners, which may damage the pipes in your Alexandria VA home, use these tips to remove the hair clog:

• Get a wire coat hanger (or a drain snake if you have one).  Straighten the body of the hanger, and bend the hook tighter so it fits down the drain.

• Put on rubber gloves.  Protecting your hands is even more important than protecting the pipes in your Alexandria VA home.

• Prep the drain.  Remove the drain strainer, if possible. Pickup and throw away hair at the top of the drain.

• Plunge it.  Run about four inches of water in the tub and allow the water to slow drain.  Put your plunger over the drain and, using a good amount of force, pump the plunger. This brings the hair closer to the top of the drain, allowing for easier removal. Let the remaining water empty down the drain. If there is any hair near the top of the drain, remove it with your fingers.

• Use the hanger (or drain snake).  Put the hook-end of the hanger into the drain. Move it around to catch any hair in the drain opening. Remove and discard the hair.  Repeat the hanger action, but this time, carefully push the hanger down the pipe as far as possible without losing your grip on it.  Turn the hanger in a circular motion to catch the hair.  Pull it out and clean off the hanger.  Repeat if needed to remove as much hair as possible.

• Clean the drain.  Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes then pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain.

If the drains in your Alexandria VA home become seriously blocked, it’s time to call in professional help. An expert plumber will have the proper tools and know-how to remove common clogs without damage to your plumbing.

Want more home maintenance tips like these?  Subscribe to my blog.  It’s free, fast and easy.

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

If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t spend much time thinking about the drains in your Alexandria VA home until they stop working.  Clogged drains are never pleasant, but ignoring the problem only makes matters worse.

Here are fixes to two of the most common drain problems owners of Alexandria VA homes encounter:

How to Fix a Clogged Toilet

Unfortunately, clogged toilets are a fact of life.  Here are some quick tips on how to get your toilet flowing freely:

• Stop flushing because it will overflow.
• Bail out.  If the toilet is almost overflowing, get a buck and bail out the water until the toilet bowl is only half full.  This will drastically reduce the mess.
• Plunge.  Line the edge of the plunger’s cup with petroleum jelly to create a tight seal.  Insert the plunger at an angle to prevent air from being trapped under the cup.  Using a good amount of force, pump the plunger several times.  Pull the plunger forcefully upwards.  If the water disappears down the toilet, the clog is gone!
• Repeat.  Keep plunging until the clog is dislodged.
• Add water and flush.  Once the clog is gone, use a bucket to pour water into the toilet and flush it.  Do this several times to be sure the toilet bowl empties each time.

If you’ve plunged several times, and the toilet is still clogged, it’s probably time to get a drain snake or call a plumber.

How to Fix a Clogged Double-Bowl Sink

Fixing a clog in a single bowl sink is as basic as filling the bowl halfway with water then plunging until the clog is loosened.

A clog in a double-bowl sink is slightly trickier to fix.

• Plug one side of the double sink.  Use a stopper or stuff a wet rag into the opening.  If it’s a bath sink, stuff a rag into the overflow hole. In both cases, the rag or plug helps deliver the pressure directly to the clog.
• Plunge the other side of the double sink.  Place a sink plunger into the other side of the sink. Make a tight seal in the drain with the plunger.  When you release the suction the drain should clear.  Repeat if the clog isn’t cleared.
• Call the plumber.  If the clog isn’t cleared, it may be time to call the plumber.

Want more home maintenance tips like these?  Subscribe to my blog.  It’s free, fast and easy.

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

Putting a fence in your yard can dramatically change the look and feel of your Fairfax County Virginia real estate.  If you’re thinking about adding a fence, whether for a functional or ornamental purpose, there are several things to take into consideration:

1.  Check local codes.  Does your homeowner’s association, county or city forbid fencing or forbid a particular size or type of fencing?  Find this out first.

2.  Prepare for placement.  A wrongly placed fence can add significantly to the cost of an already pricey project.  Call utilities to have them determine where you can safely place your fence.  If you hit an underground line, you could be injured and be charged as much as several thousand dollars by the utility for repairs.  Hire a surveyor to verify your property line, and then place the fence well within that line.  You may think all this sounds time consuming and expensive.  But, it’s much less than the high cost of litigation.

3. Pick a purpose.  Do you want the fence to keep your dog in the yard (or to keep other dogs out of your yard)?  Perhaps you want it for privacy.  Or, maybe you want it simply to add beauty to your yard.  Think through the purpose of the fence before proceeding.

4.  Consider the cost.  Get several estimates before signing a contract. Most people underestimate the cost of fencing by about one-third, determine your budget and then multiple that by three.  It’ll give you the wiggle room you need.  Be sure to consider not only the cost of buying the fence, but also the cost of installation and long-term maintenance.  If you have to replace a fence twice as soon because you chose inexpensive materials, you will greatly increase your costs.

5.  Think about the style and age of your Fairfax County Virginia real estate.  Is it old or new?  Contemporary or rustic?  Choose a fence style that complements your property.

6.  Mull over the material.  After taking into considering the purpose and cost of the fence, and the style and age of your Fairfax County Virginia real estate, you’re still left with a wide variety of fence materials from which to choose.  Here are the most popular options:

• Metal:  Aluminum and steel fencing are hot sellers because they complement historical homes as well as new construction.  Steel is a particularly popular alternative for keeping pets in the yard, while having the look of wrought-iron.  Maintenance is minimal if you choose a well-made product.  Poorer quality fences tend to have paint and rust problems.

• Chain-link:  Forget the old, ugly chain-link fencing.  Today it’s available in green, black and brown and is powder-coated for rust protection.  This is one of the least expensive fencing options.

• Wood:  Avoid cedar posts unless you want to replace them frequently; they rot quickly.  Expect a wood fence to last about 10 to 15 years and require a lot of maintenance throughout its lifetime.  Pre-fabricated wood fencing is one of the less expensive and lower maintenance options, if you really want wood.  Bamboo is a popular “green” wood fencing option that is made from some of the most environmentally sustainable wood on earth.

• Vinyl and composite:  Believe it or not this is usually more expensive than pre-fabricated wood and most ornamental-iron fences.  However, vinyl and composite are some of the lowest maintenance and longest lasting fences, which often makes it well worth the price.  Evaluate warranties carefully because some vinyl fencing can crack in freezing weather or warp in heat.

Looking for a dream home with a fenced in yard or with a great space for a fence?  I can help.  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

The process of buying a new home is daunting enough without having to track down all the various paperwork necessary at the last minute. Don’t endure extra stress! Get your paperwork together early, so that you can feel piece of mind when purchasing Fairfax County Virginia real estate.

You should have the list of documents below in hand before you make an offer on a home. This will ensure the purchase process is as quick as possible. Every mortgage lender’s requirements can be different, so double-check with yours for a comprehensive list.

• ID – This might seem like a no-brainer to most people, but just make sure you have official identification.

• Pay stubs – Your lender will want proof that you’re still earning an income, so inquire about how many months worth they’ll want you to provide.

• Gift letter – If someone else is helping you with your down payment, the mortgage lender will want to know if you’re receiving a gift or a loan. If someone else is loaning you money, your lender will want to take that debt into account before approving your mortgage.

• Tax returns – Your lender is going to want almost any financial document you can think of. Bring at least the last two years of tax records to be on the safe side.

• Bank account statements – Bring at least the statements from the most recent two months, especially if the bank where your accounts are is not your mortgage provider. Also bring any other financially-related paperwork — that includes proof of child-support or alimony payments.

• Divorce decree – Especially if it’s recent, you’ll want to be able to prove that you’re no longer responsible for your ex’s debts.

In short, if you receive anything at all in the mail regarding your personal finances, make copies and bring them with you when you’re seeking mortgage approval. You never know what the bank will ask for, so try to have everything.

If you want to learn more about preparing Fairfax County Virginia real estate purchasing paperwork, 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

The real estate market is flooded with homes for sale.   Interest rates are at an all time low on fixed rate mortgages.  And, terms for acquiring a home loan are still fairly open.  This is expected to change and possibly soon, which means now is prime time to buy Alexandria VA homes for sale.

To help you with this process, here are answers to four of the most popular questions I’ve recently received from home buyers:

Q:  Where can I find the best deal on Alexandria VA homes for sale?
A: The answer is almost anywhere.  Because homes are sitting on the market for a long time, most homeowners are more willing than ever to negotiate.

Q:  What about buying new construction?
A: The option for new construction is open to more people than ever before.  Builders are offering extended home warranties and many upgrades to help move their inventory.  Some builders now offer financial assistance to reach an even larger number of buyers.

Here’s the number one tip to get the best deal in new construction:  Before starting your search for new construction, hire a real estate agent.  Your real estate agent can negotiate the best deal for you, even in new construction.   Be sure to visit new construction with your agent so the builder knows you’re represented.  This representation costs you nothing and can save you a lot of money.

Q:  Should I look at short sales and foreclosures for my best deal?
A: Not really.  Although there are good deals to be found, the time and effort involved in purchasing short sales and foreclosures can be a huge negative.  Negotiating with a homeowner can be much easier than trying to negotiate with a lender for the short sale or foreclosure.

Q:  Should I wait for home prices to go even lower?
A: Definitely not.  Prices of Alexandria VA homes for sale have come down from a few years ago and are much more stable and accurate.  The days of inflated home prices are long gone.  This does not mean that homes will not increase in value.  It only means that they will do so at a rate that should prevent the upside-down mortgages that some people are facing today.

This is a prime time to purchase a home.  With the large number of homes on the market, you are certain to find one to call home.  Let me help you in your search.  Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email me today at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.

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

Buying a home is a business transaction, but it’s hard to keep emotions completely out of the process. Most sellers in today’s market already know that they need to avoid unnecessarily angering their buyers. And buyers shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking that just because the Fairfax County Virginia real estate market is down they can get away with annoying sellers. Keep your cool this summer and avoid upsetting sellers so that your home purchase goes smoothly and for a fair price.

• Don’t put down their home. By pointing out everything that is wrong with a house, you could force the sellers to take less money, but this strategy hardly ever works. You’re more likely to anger the seller to the point that they won’t continue negotiations. That doesn’t mean you can’t fight for the best deal possible, but be careful not to shoot yourself in the foot.

• Don’t present an absurdly low offer. In today’s market, there’s often room to negotiate on Fairfax County Virginia real estate, but offering something WAY to low will often insult the seller. You’re better off coming in with what you think is a fair or a slightly low offer — and negotiating from there.

• Don’t put off getting a pre-approved loan. There’s nothing that will frustrate a seller more than getting almost all the way through the purchasing process only to find out you can’t get financing. With your pre-approval, you’ll know exactly what you can afford so you won’t waste your or the seller’s time.

• Don’t renegotiate at the end. Never offer over what you want to pay and then attempt to ask for a massive price reduction to fix every minor repair. Of course, if a major repair needs to be completed, you can certainly expect that to be reflected in the price. Just don’t attempt to lure the seller in with a price you know you’re unwilling to pay.

If you’d like to work with a real estate agent who can help you stay cool while purchasing Fairfax County Virginia real estate this summer, 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

Have you ever considered that preparing your Alexandria VA home for an appraisal could increase its appraised value?

While many owners consider a home appraisal as simply another step in the process of selling or refinancing their homes, homeowners who prep their homes for the appraisal often fair better than those who do nothing.

Here are seven ways to prepare your Alexandria VA home for the best appraisal possible:

1. Give the appraiser a list of recent sales.  Ask your real estate agent to make a list of properties similar to yours that have recently sold in your neighborhood.  Be sure to include the sales price.  This is one less thing the appraiser has to do.
2. Supply a copy of your home’s blueprint.  This will help to verify room measurements and lot size.  Also, provide the date your home was built.
3. Provide a list of improvements. Make a list of improvements you’ve made to your property since you bought it. Include the dates the improvements were made.  Be sure to list all improvements such as adding a room, updating your kitchen or bathroom, pouring a patio or replacing a roof.
4. Make it easy for your appraiser to see the entire property.  Do you have an attic or crawl space that’s hard to access?  Do whatever is necessary to make it easy for the appraiser to get to those hard to reach spaces.
5. Spruce it up.  A clean home makes a good impression.  Trip the lawn, clean the garage, and make minor repairs both inside and out.
6. Point out amenities.  Do you have a sprinkler or security system, built-in vacuum, or other special features that aren’t obvious?  Give a list of these amenities to your appraiser.
7. Provide a copy of your most recent property tax assessment.   The assessed value of your home is what your taxing authority (your county, city or town) uses to determine how much property tax is due. The period between assessments varies by jurisdiction. Some taxing authorities might conduct full assessments every six years, for instance, but update their records annually to account for new homes or building improvements.  Contact your county, city or town to get the most recent tax assessment for your property.

Thinking of selling your Alexandria VA home?  Let me help you sell it faster with less stress and for as much as possible.  Give me a call 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