Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

Today’s slow Fairfax County Virginia real estate market is a hard place to sell homes. However, the fact remains that homes are still being bought and sold.  Buyers are out there; you just have to attract them to your home.

Here are a few tips for getting homes sold in a slow Fairfax County Virginia real estate market:

Prepare for the Sale
Your home needs to stand out from the rest. Give it a lot of sparkle and shine:

• Make minor repairs:  Patch holes, fix faucets and replace cracked tiles. 
• Clean inside and out:  No cobwebs, dirty carpets, worn rugs or smelly odors.
• Check your curb appeal:  Mow the lawn, plant flowers, trim bushes, etc.
• Remove clutter and de-personalize:  If it isn’t essential, pack it up or get rid of it.
• Straighten your cabinets and closets:  Buyers will open them; make sure they’re nice and neat.

Stage Your Home
Hire a professional home stager or read informational home staging articles on doing it yourself. Here are a few quick tips:

• Carefully choose your window coverings.
• Tie new bathroom towels with ribbons for a “finished” bathroom look.
• Use color psychology.
• Bring in plants.

Use Good Marketing Techniques
A strong marketing campaign is a must.  A few techniques you want to be sure you or your agent includes in your marketing campaign are:

• Take photographs with good lighting that show off the positive aspects of your home.
• Create a virtual tour that showcases both the inside and outside of your home.
• Display the photos and virtual tour on as many real estate websites as possible.

Thinking of selling your Fairfax County Virginia real estate? Selling homes isn’t a quick or easy endeavor. Especially now, aggressive marketers are the winners. Taking the time to clean and stage your home, as well as create a wide-reaching marketing campaign, can get that for sale sign taken down for good.

If you’d like to sell your home, let me create a strong, wide-reaching marketing campaign to get your home sold.   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

You can do many simple repairs around your home to save money. Whether you are making repairs around your Fairfax County Virginia real estate to prepare it for sale or repairing items after buying a home, having the right tools for the job makes everything much easier.

Here are my top 10 must have tools to complete most Fairfax County Virginia real estate repairs:

1. Cordless drill. A cordless drill gives you a quick way to put screws in walls, put together furniture or to remove screws effortlessly.

2. Hammer. You should have a medium weight hammer on hand for tapping pieces into place, installing nails or even removing wall sections or nails you no longer need.

3. Level. If you want to hang anything evenly, you need a level. Use a level to measure holes for hanging cabinets, towel bars and pictures.

4. Pencils. You will use pencils to mark studs or drill holes or to make notes while you’re working.

5. Pliers. Pliers are essential for removing staples and nails. You can also use them to remove screws. Keep an assortment of different sized pliers on hand.

6. Putty knife. If you are covering nail holes or wall cracks, you need a putty knife to spread the spackling. You can also use a putty knife to remove wall paper, adhesives or spilled paint or caulk.

7. Screwdrivers. At the very least, you need a regular screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver with a medium tip. You should also have a set of small screwdrivers on hand.

8. Tape measure. A good tape measure will come in handy any time you need to measure.

9. Utility knife. This knife is basically a razor blade with a handle. You can use it to remove wallpaper, scrape paint or remove tape after painting.

10. Vice grip. Vice grips help you hold items, and they are especially useful if you are removing screws, untwisting something with sticky adhesive or just need to hold something while you work.

Let me help you prepare your Fairfax County Virginia real estate for a fast sale. 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

Going it alone and listing your home as for sale by owner can be exciting at first, but there is a turning point where the prospect of losing money makes it necessary to bring in help. Here are four reasons to change your plan and list your home with a Fairfax County Virginia real estate agent in order to facilitate a sale.

1. Speed:  If your property has been languishing on the market for more than three months, it is no longer fresh. People will avoid it simply because it hasn’t sold. A Fairfax County Virginia real estate agent can give your home wider exposure and get traffic moving through it again.

2. Knowledge:  Fresh eyes on a project are helpful in any business endeavor. You can be too close to your home. You love it and see it in a positive light that can often overlook minor items that will kill a sale. Your Fairfax County Virginia real estate agent can help you see the problems you didn’t even know existed.

3. National Exposure:  As a FSBO (for sale by owner) seller, you are not able to list your home on the official MLS (multiple listing service). That exposure alone can get much faster responses and sales. Additionally, a professional real estate agent markets your home on multiple websites which gives your home a virtual Open House 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4. An Earthly Advantage:  Many FSBOs price their homes way over market for two reasons.  First, they love their home and see certain aspects of their home as more valuable than they really are.  Second, they don’t have extensive knowledge of the real estate market nor do they have the ability to do accurate home price comparisons. You ‘might’ know what your neighbor’s house sold for 5 years ago, but do you know what it is worth now?  And even more importantly, do you know exactly how comparable your house is to that one? A professional real estate agent has access to all that information.

If you would like to know more about how a professional real estate agent can help you sell your home, I can help.  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

Before Fairfax County Virginia real estate – or real estate anywhere, for that matter – was bought and sold, it was just… owned. “Possession is nine-tenths of the law.” If you wanted some land, you found it, fought for it and kept it. Legal rights weren’t even a thought.

A long, long time ago…
William, Duke of Normandy, felt he had a claim to the throne of England. King Harold Godwinson, crowned king in January 1066, didn’t much agree. While it took until October, William and Harold met on the battlefield at Hastings; Harold was killed, William moved on to storm London.

Upon his coronation, William became King William I of England. He then made a proclamation that went something like, “I came. I conquered. Give it.” William I claimed the complete ownership of all land in England based on right of conquest. He won the battle, so it only made good sense to claim the spoils, and possession equaled ownership.

English aristocracy and the feudal system began. Lords could bargain with the King, who then might make them tenants-in-chief through tenure, or estate. The most extensive and complete estate was called the Fee Simple Estate (also known as an estate of inheritance, fee simple absolute or fee ownership), the basis of our real estate laws now, in America.

When our British ancestors spread across the pond to American soil, they brought Fee Simple Estate with them. And, they claimed America by King William’s idea of “right of conquest.” However, they also developed the concept of an informal association of agents in the 1880s.

Inception of National Association of Realtors®
In 1908, they formed the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). At that time, the NAR had a whole 19 Real Estate Boards and one state association!

While the history of real estate associations probably isn’t that exciting, unless you’re trying to pass a test, modern real estate laws are based off that history.

Although things have changed in terms of law, they really haven’t changed that much in terms of conquest. Okay, so maybe now the army is real estate agents and the weapons are contracts, but you still have to fight for the land you want.

If you’re looking for Fairfax County Virginia real estate to buy and you’re feeling tentative, it’s time to buck up a little. Buying and selling is still a matter of conquest, and it can still get rough. Negotiations, for instance, aren’t usually quiet discussions over Earl Grey tea. Before you go house hunting, do yourself a favor and make sure you’re armed… with a good real estate agent.

If you’re looking for a great piece of land to call your own, 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

A little-known tool that I use to keep updated on national and Fairfax County Virginia real estate news is Google Alerts. It’s a handy tool. A few days ago, Google Alerts sent me a list of online links, along with one talking about an individual being indicted for real estate fraud. Today, I received another Alert with a link to real estate fraud. Unfortunately, it turned out to be another case, rather than the same one.

I love Fairfax County Virginia real estate. I enjoy being able to help home sellers find buyers, and buyers find their dream homes. With all those trying to sell homes, buy homes or keep the homes they have, I get angry when I see reports of fraud like these:

• On June 18, 2010, Sacramento Today reported that two individuals were arrested for six counts of real estate fraud, pretending to be licensed with the Department of Real Estate.
• On July 8, 2010, Fraud News reported that three individuals in New York were found guilty of real estate fraud to the tune of $23 million.

It’s become enough of a major issue, in fact, that the IRS has created a page on their website specifically for information on real estate and mortgage fraud. 

Your home is too precious to risk with these con-artists. Don’t take a chance on giving away your savings or your house. The following tips, while few in number, can help ensure that the home you buy is a home you get to keep:

Tip #1: Research potential real estate agents or agency.
Don’t just ask about their credentials, because credentials can be faked. Ask for their client lists. Contact those clients personally to discuss their experiences with the real estate agents. When you do look at their credentials, take it one step further and check with their real estate boards. Are they actually members? Interview them and gather as much information as you can before hiring anyone to sell or find you a home.

Tip #2: Verify details with your lender.
Many agents do the paperwork for you. In fact, it’s one of the big selling points of having an agent. However, an unscrupulous person may provide your lender with a fraudulent amount for the selling price. Before signing any deal, check with your lender and verify the details. Talk with them face to face, if possible, rather than on the phone.  Read everything before signing.

Tip #3: Never use an agent who will “fudge the facts.”
Some agents may be willing to adjust your qualifications to help you get a loan. While this might sound like a great deal if you have a bad credit history, consider this: if an agent is willing to adjust this part, what else are they willing to adjust that they may not tell you about?

While owning Fairfax County Virginia real estate can be a dream come true, not doing your homework can turn it into a nightmare. Be careful and, if you suspect fraud, report it!

If you’re trying to sell or buy a home and want a reputable agent, I’d like to apply for the job. Call me at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com to schedule an interview.

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

It’s true.  There are a lot of parallels between buying a piece of Fairfax County Virginia real estate and running a marathon.

The Starting Line

At first, there is excitement. The idea of buying a new home pulses in your veins and you can’t wait to get started.  You’re like a runner in the blocks just itching to begin. Your muscles twitch in anticipation with every piece of Fairfax County Virginia real estate you see. That’s when the real adrenaline rush kicks in.

Start Out Slowly

Keep to a steady, consistent pace and you’ll make it to the finish line.  There’s so much to do before you can get your Fairfax County Virginia real estate. Home appraisals, inspections and financing to apply for… You start to think about all the ‘what ifs,’ like what if you don’t get the financing, what if something goes wrong, what if… goes on forever.
Stay Mentally Tough

Don’t give into periods of self-doubt. Remember all that you’ve done and have faith in yourself and your real estate agent. Think about how hard you’ve worked and how rewarding it will be when you’re in your new home.

Hit the Wall

You feel like you simply can’t go on any more and the ordeal is never going to end. Your mind hurts from the strain, but you keep pushing onward because it’s the only direction you can go after coming so far.  Remind yourself that you’ll get past this feeling.  Keep day dreaming about that finish line.

Breakthrough Bliss

Suddenly things begin to happen.  Home inspection reports come back.  Financing is approved.  You begin to breathe easier, the pain goes away, and you are sailing free and clear toward the finish line.

The Finish Line

You sign all the papers at closing and the keys are placed in your hand.  Congratulations!  You’re a winner.

When you’re ready to buy a home, I can help you from start to finish.  Contact 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

If you’re in the middle of buying Fairfax County Virginia real estate, for which you’re hoping to get a Homebuyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000, you have more time to finalize it. 

After a close brush with the deadline, Congress passed a 90-day extension of the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline.   The extension applies only to buyers who have written, binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010. The new closing deadline is now September 30, 2010. 

Extending the tax credit closing deadline will provide additional stability to Fairfax County Virginia real estate and real estate markets nationwide.  Additionally, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) estimates that this new extension will help about 180,000 to 200,000 homebuyers who already signed purchase agreements and were likely to miss the June 30 deadline.

Those are two of the reasons the NAR worked closely with Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle to get this extension approved.  Voter pressure on House members also helped to push this bill through.

Have questions about the Homebuyer Tax Credit or any other questions about Fairfax County Virginia real estate?  Give me a call 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

At the end of 2009, there were about 18.8 million empty homes in the U.S., according to Census Bureau estimates.  This number includes foreclosures, residences for sale and vacation homes.  Do you know what this means for your Fairfax County Virginia real estate?

Unfortunately, the rise of empty housing has caused a rise in vandalism, and your empty Fairfax County Virginia real estate may very well become a victim. Since no one is around to report the intrusion, the damage caused by vandals is often worse than it might otherwise be.

You may think that you don’t need to secure your vacant home because there’s nothing of value to steal.  Think again.  Light fixtures, appliances, copper plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems and even solid wood doors and mantles have a high street value to thieves.

Protect Your Home

Your homeowner’s insurance policy most likely does not cover your home after it is vacant.  Although homeowner’s insurance for vacant properties can be costly, it might save you a lot of heartache in the long run.

In addition to purchasing vacant property insurance, here are a few things you can do to protect your property until it’s sold:

• Rent your property or hire a house sitter.
• Install a home security system. Not only can this keep your property safer, it may also help lower your current insurance.
• Make the property look used.  Have someone grab your mail (or have the post office hold it), park a car in your driveway, have timers that turn lights on and off at different times.
• Keep the lawn mowed or snow shoveled.

In the meantime, make sure you have a good real estate agent with a track record for selling in a slow market. Your Fairfax County Virginia real estate is a huge investment. Protect it!

If you’re ready to get your home sold, 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

A past filing of bankruptcy does not mean you can’t buy Fairfax County Virginia real estate.  Your real estate agent may be able to help you get a mortgage or find other ways to buy a home, if you do get turned down for a traditional mortgage. 

Before you meet with your Fairfax County Virginia real estate agent, here are a few ways to prepare:

• Have a copy of your current bank statement
• Have written proof of your monthly income
• Make a list of all your current monthly bills
• Collect all your recent credit card statements
• Have a copy of your bankruptcy agreement

Put all this info in a file folder and take it to your meeting.  Your Fairfax County Virginia real estate agent will appreciate you doing your homework!

If you have straightened out your credit since the bankruptcy, you are in a much better position to get a mortgage. Hopefully, you are currently paying all your monthly bills on time and rebuilding your credit rating. 

The bigger your down payment, the easier it will be to get a mortgage.  So, where can you get money for a down payment?

• Have you been having money taken out of your checks and put into a savings?
• Do you have any money market accounts?
• Do you have money invested in mutual funds?
• Do you have certificates of deposit about to come due?
• Will you be receiving a bonus from your employer?
• How about a friend or relative who would loan you the down payment?

Hopefully, you are now ready to go shopping for your new home. To get started, 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

In my years as a real estate agent, I’ve learned a lot from people and Fairfax County Virginia real estate. Oddly enough, the main thing I’ve learned is that homes are a lot like people…

#1. Homes get wrinkles, too. Yes, believe it or not, I’ve seen Fairfax County Virginia real estate with sagging plaster, drooping windows and hanging doors. Brand new For Sale signs sit out front, their clean, white sparkle contrasting with the wrinkles. It’s not attractive; the homes may be only ten years old (30 in house years), but they look much older. Be kind to your home – use cosmetic surgery.

#2. There’s cosmetic surgery for homes. Only, in home-speak, it’s called “replacements.” If you notice your home has wrinkles and you want to sell it, see what replacements you can afford. Windows? Check. They’re reasonably affordable on most budgets and can make a huge difference in how the house looks. Hanging doors? Check. Not as affordable as windows, but still doable. With $10,000 or less, YOU can give your home a major facelift. 

#3. Homes get tired. Have you looked around your house lately? This is one of the first things you want to do before putting it on the Fairfax County Virginia real estate market. Is your home tired and worn out? Even relatively young homes can show signs of energy-deficiency. Cabinets start sagging.  Doors groan and sigh when you open them. Windows refuse to stay open all the way and slowly slide back down in the tracks. Give your home an energy boost.  Even a little WD40 can make a difference, especially on groaning doors.

#4. Homes can go bald and get age spots. It’s true, they can. What used to be a bright red roof has faded and peeled in places, giving the home an “aged” look. The real kicker is, to keep it bright and pretty, you have to maintain it, dye it or replace it. Take care of your home’s head!

#5. Homes need TLC. To stay happy and healthy, homes need tender loving care. With a steady diet of maintenance, touchups and cosmetic surgery, your house will find a happy home with a good buyer.

Now, maybe it seems a little silly, and maybe it is, but all the above is true. If you’re selling your home, make sure it stands proud above the rest!

Are you looking for a buyer who will care for your home? I can help. Call me now 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