Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

Finding the right mortgage to buy Fairfax County VA homes for sale can be confusing and stressful.  When preparing for what is most likely the biggest financial transaction of your life, you want to make sure you do it right.

One type of mortgage you may be considering is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM).  With an ARM, your interest rate generally starts out lower for a set period of time and then is periodically adjusted.  It could be adjusted monthly, semi-annually, annually or adjusted in 3 or 5 years.  This rate adjustment leads to the possibility of your monthly mortgage payment going down (very good) or up (not good at all). 

Interest rates are made up of two important factors: 

1. Index (gauge of inflation) that the lender uses.  This index can go up or down with the general movement of interest rates. 
2. Margin (lender’s cost plus profit) this is added to the index to get a mortgage interest rate.

As the index goes up (inflation) your mortgage rate will go up accordingly.  However, today’s ARMs have pre-set maximum caps in place to protect borrowers.  These caps set the limit on not only upward movement, but also downward movement.   

An ARM may seem like a risky venture given the fluctuation of interest rates over the years, but if you are well informed, an ARM may be the right choice for Fairfax County VA homes for sale buyers.

When should you seriously consider an adjustable rate mortgage?

You aren’t planning on staying in your home for very long.  Interest rate adjustments for an ARM occur periodically based on the type of ARM you have.  For example, if you receive a 5 year ARM, the rate can be adjusted every five years.  If you plan on moving before the end of the adjustment period, this may be the loan for you.

You want a lower interest rate.  Most lenders offer lower interest rates initially for ARMs, which may make you eligible for a larger loan.
 
You are willing to take a risk.  Sometimes ARMs result in lower average interest rates over the life of the loan.  However, you need to be aware if interest rates go up, it could increase your overall mortgage payment.  Be sure to ask your lender what Index they use, how it’s behaved in the past and where you can find it published.

Although an adjustable rate mortgage may seem a bit like rolling the dice, a well-researched ARM with a reputable lender can sometimes save you money in the long run.

Today 15 and 30 year fixed mortgage interest rates are low.  Be sure and check on a fixed rate mortgage before you look at ARMs, since a fixed rate may be lower over the life of your loan.

Now that you have more information about available mortgage options, if you’re considering purchasing Fairfax County VA homes for sale, give me a call at 703-909-3939.  I’ll help you find your perfect home and help you obtain it for the best price and terms.  Drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now!
  
Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939

If you’ve just purchased a new construction condo or home and want to add some eye-popping details, wainscoting might be the answer.  Wainscoting can add value and warmth to your home or condos in Arlington VA.

Few homes today are built with the same attention to detail as in the past.  Towering white walls and a lack of architectural details are the norm in most new construction – but this is a problem easily solved.

One simple way to evoke a classic look that adds richness and warmth is through the use of wainscoting.  This traditional (used regularly in the 18th and 19th centuries) paneled decorating element is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and can turn a boring wall into something extraordinary. 

When painted a contrasting color to the wall above, wainscoting can make a dramatic statement.  If painted a similar color as the wall it frames, the details of decorative molding and trim can make the space filled with subtle charm.

Wainscot works in many different decorating schemes.  For example, simple yet stylish paneled wainscoting in a dining room, installed at chair height, lends an Old World, sophisticated feel to the space, while beadboard wainscot paneling in a baby nursery, however, lends a cozy, cottage look to the room.

Better yet, the addition of wainscoting is something that can easily be tackled by an aspiring do-it-yourselfer. 

No matter what the age of your home or condos in Arlington VA, there is simply no reason to live without rich architectural details.  Obtainable on almost any budget, these simple additions to your home or condos in Arlington VA will add instant value and give you the best of both worlds – new construction that is chock full of traditional charm.

Need some advice on updating your home or condos in Arlington VA?  Ready to buy or sell condos in Arlington VA?  Give me a call at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com today!

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

Are you considering purchasing the home of your dreams in Fairfax County, VA?  A new construction home may be just what you’re looking for, although it might be somewhat frustrating to go through the motions of having to choose from the many Fairfax County VA homes for sale. 

Even with an excellent and qualified Fairfax County VA real estate agent, going to showing after showing can be downright exhausting for you and your family—not to mention time-consuming.

What if there was a way to get exactly what you wanted even from the existing Fairfax County VA homes for sale currently on the market?  Good news: there is!

The road to the perfect Fairfax County VA home for you and your family lies in a little nugget we like to call new construction!

Benefits of a Newly Constructed Fairfax County VA Home

• No hidden problems: New builds lack flaws, blemishes, patchy fix-up jobs and other ticking time bombs found in older homes (due to wear and tear over time)
• Updated construction: They contain the latest materials and utilize modern building techniques
• Kitchen and bath: These crucial rooms always feature today’s cutting edge designs and fixtures
• Modern Look and Feel: Overall layout and design are updated throughout, without the extra cost associated with sellers who have invested time and money in renovations
• Customizability: Many builders are flexible enough to add a room or move a wall
• Newer neighborhood:  New construction homes are usually built in brand new subdivisions
• Designed for interaction:  New construction homes are more open and accessible to family members for healty interaction
• Home warranty:  Most builders provide at least a 1 year home warranty 

The Sky Is the Limit

Another effect of a truly new home is the impact on your well-being each day.  Whether it’s the smell of fresh wood or the thrill of having your home designed just the way you want it, a new home can be just the ticket! 

Think about how nice it feels to test drive a new vehicle you’ve been considering.  Imagine, all these years you may have limited yourself to pre-owned homes.  What if you did that with your vehicle purchases?  How restricting would that feel?  Very!

New builds open up a whole world of choices, not only in finding a perfectly up-to-date home, but also in having your dream home made to order—every detail contoured specially to the whims and desires of you and your family.

Finding Your Dream Home

Now that you’re ready to find out what your choices are in terms of Fairfax County VA homes for sale including new builds, call me today at 703-909-3939 or write me a quick note at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.  It will be my pleasure to walk you through the plethora of options, and develop the perfect short list of Fairfax County VA homes for you and your family to choose from.

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

You might think that a Fairfax County VA Homes for Sale garage door is a garage door is a garage door, but you’d be wrong. 

There are so many different types and styles of garage doors available on the market today, the choices are almost overwhelming.  It’s important to note, however, that even a lower end new garage door can add as much as 4% to the overall value of your home.  And the added curb appeal that this simple update can offer is huge.

So, what kind of garage doors are available?  You name it.  If your home, for example, is built to resemble a Tuscan villa, there are beautiful custom made wooden garage doors to choose.  The right manufacturer can help you design garage doors that have a rustic appeal and look like they just came out of an Italian carpenter’s shop.

If it is classic cottage charm you’re after, consider white vintage-looking doors with a row of grilled windows that look like they’ve been taken off an old-fashioned carriage house.  These types of doors look great on a variety of home styles from bungalows to mansions and are more popular in today’s homes.

Of course, if you choose to mount custom-made wood doors, keep in mind the maintenance involved.  Wood requires restaining and repainting, while a stainless steel or aluminum door requires much less maintenance, and can often be easier on your wallet.

Whether you are building a home or just want to spruce up your old one, your options in garage doors and garage door hardware are practically limitless.  For every home and every budget, an updated or custom made garage door can add instant curb appeal and value to your home.

Are you considering updating your current home in preparation for selling it?  In today’s real estate market it’s more important than ever to have your home in tip-top-shape.  Adding new garage doors is a minor investment, but one that can pay off handsomely for you.  If you have questions or would like some free advice on preparing your Fairfax County VA homes for sale, I’d love to talk with you.  Call me 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

Fairfax County, Virginia, is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.  Being within the greater Washington area, there are a multitude of opportunities for new businesses.  Fairfax County has thousands of energized companies that include numerous technology companies and federal government contracting companies.  If you’re considering relocating to the area and you are looking for Fairfax County VA Homes for Sale, consider Fairfax County.

Here are just a few of the benefits of living in Fairfax County:

• Wonderful selection of Fairfax County VA Homes for Sale 
• Outstanding Fairfax County Public Schools
• Robust economy
• Prosperous community with a average 2007 household income of $100,318
• Well educated neighbors
• Miles of walking and biking trails
• Myriad of cultural activities and fine arts to visit
• Close to National Monuments
• Shopping galore
• Easy access to major highways

In 2007 Fairfax County, Virginia, reclaimed its former position as the richest county in America.  And Fairfax Station, which is one of the communities in Fairfax County, was ranked by CNNMoney.com as one of the “Best Places to Retire.”   

Yes, life in Fairfax County, Virginia, is good! 

Whether you’re looking for that special restaurant for a romantic dinner for two, tickets to the theatre, superb shopping, affordable or upscale Fairfax County VA homes for sale, you’ll find it all in Fairfax County.

Home Buyers
If you’re thinking about purchasing Fairfax County VA homes for sale, I’d love to talk with you.  I can show you great values for your real estate dollars and get you in the best neighborhood for your family.  Give me a call at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com today!

Home Sellers
If you have Fairfax County real estate you would like to sell, I’ll provide you with a FREE Market Evaluation of your home’s worth.  Just call me at 703-909-3939 now!

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

Letting an army of people swarm your house on an otherwise relaxing Sunday afternoon may sound like a nightmare, but don’t worry – it’s just an open house.  Often a well-planned, well-timed Fairfax County VA homes for sale open house is just what you need to get a contract into your hands, so take a deep breath and get ready!

Here are a few Dos and Don’ts as you prepare for your open house:

• DO remove your pets.  Leave animals with a friend or in a kennel until the open house is over – and don’t forget to address lingering pet odors.
• DON’T stick around.  Do not plan on being present during your open house.  Let your experienced, professional REALTOR® do the talking for you.
• DO let the sun shine in!  Open windows and drapes before the open house – this will give your home an airy feeling and often make rooms feel larger to prospective buyers.
• DO turn on interior lights.  Go through every room in your home and make sure there are plenty of lights on – this makes the home show better and look more appealing to buyers.
• DON’T air your dirty laundry.  Hang fresh towels in the bathroom, toss the damp kitchen sponge, and stow any dirty laundry in the washing machine. Seeing dirty laundry in a home has a psychological effect on buyers – plus, it’s gross!
• DO follow the advice of real estate experts who suggest a vase of fresh flowers and/or a bowl of fresh fruit left out as you prepare for open house.  The presence of these items also has a psychological effect on buyers – only this time it’s a good one.
• Do bake some cookies if you have time before the showing, and leave them out on a counter.  This will make your house smell like home to potential buyers!

Good luck as you prepare for your open house.  Remember, the invasion will be quick and painless and hopefully will result in a fantastic offer.

If you would like to have an experienced Fairfax County VA REALTOR® sell your home, please give me a call now at 703-909-3939.  Been looking at Fairfax County VA homes for sale online?  If you’re ready to look at some homes or condos now, or you haven’t found the RIGHT home yet, please email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com or call me at 703-909-3939 today so we can get started in finding the home of your dreams!

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

Although there is an expense to hiring one of the Alexandria VA REALTORS® to sell Alexandria VA homes for sale, you may find that it is well worth the cost.  Perhaps you have friends or relatives who have been trying to influence you to sell your Alexandria VA home on your own.

Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of selling your Alexandria, VA, home with the help of an Alexandria VA REALTOR® versus doing it by yourself.

Financial Investment

Usually your Alexandria VA REALTOR® will charge a certain percentage of the sale price of your Alexandria VA home. In order to feel that you haven’t lost money on the sale, you might have to increase the sale price of your home.

Which method seems most advantageous when you consider finances?

An inflated price might discourage prospective buyers and prolong the sale of your home.  Financially, it seems a definite advantage to sell your home yourself. However, you have to consider the cost of advertising the sale of Alexandria VA homes for sale. 

How valuable is Your Time?

Consider how much time and effort must be invested in putting on Open Houses to sell your Alexandria VA home.   The time involved with advertising Open Houses alone will cost you many hours away from your career and family.  Contacting potential buyers to invite them to these Open Houses eats up more valuable hours.  And answering all of their questions when they do call you back! 

When you hire a qualified Alexandria VA REALTOR®, you do not have to sacrifice all those hours.  Instead, you can spend that time with family, working in your chosen career, or staging your current Alexandria VA home in anticipation of its sale.  Your Alexandria VA REALTOR® will take care of all the time-consuming details.

Definite advantage of hiring a Alexandria VA REALTOR®

Once someone makes an offer on your home, you meet with your Alexandria VA REALTOR® to discuss the offer and decide whether or not you will accept it.  Assuming you accept, your job is simply to sign papers and receive the proceeds from the sale of your home.  Without an agent, you are really on your own, totally confused and exhausted!

I would love to handle the sale of your Alexandria VA home.  I’ll take care of those time-consuming details and the advertising of your Alexandria VA homes for sale.  Contact me today at 703-909-3939 or Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com and let’s get that Alexandria, VA, house sold!

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

Several years ago, there was a couple I knew who were in the market to buy Fairfax County, VA, homes for sale.  They looked unsuccessfully until one day their REALTOR® took them to see a home they instantly fell in love with.  So much so, they refused to take note of the numerous needed repairs which popped up on their inspection report.  One year and many thousands of dollars later, the couple’s dream house had turned into a nightmare, causing them to put the house back on the market, take a serious loss, and almost file bankruptcy.

We’ve all heard stories like the one above.  People fall in love with houses all the time and decide to look beyond the obvious problems and take a chance.  Unfortunately, those chances usually don’t turn out in the buyer’s favor, many times leaving homeowners wishing they had just said no.

So when do you turn down an otherwise spectacular home? 

• Structural Damage
  No house is going to have a perfectly clean inspection report.  That’s to be expected.  However, there are things which can come up on an inspection report that spell trouble.  Big trouble!  Structural problems such as a cracked foundation are expensive to repair and can lead to sinking walls and buckling floors.  They can also greatly reduce what you’re able to resell a house for.  Think long and hard about making a purchase which involves a lot of costly repairs.
• Wood Destroying Insects
  Depending on where you live, wood destroying insects such as termites might be par for the course.  What isn’t par for the course (along with being quite costly) is repairing extensive damage done to homes by wood destroying insects.  If an insect problem has gone on for a long period of time without anything being done, Fairfax County, VA, homes for sale can have numerous problems such as structural damage.  Think twice before purchasing a home with extensive insect damage.
• Poor Grading
  Yards generally slop in a fashion which carries water away from a house.  If, however, your inspection report shows your yard’s grading to be prone to carry water toward your home and you live in an area with heavy rainfall, you should find out the cost of having your yard regarded by a professional.  If the cost is high, you might consider passing on the house.

 When looking for a home, try to use your head more than your heart.  The home you love may seem perfect but a home inspection might uncover some serious flaws.  Talk to your REALTOR® about your home inspection report and find out what items are low cost repairs and what items are deal breakers. Even if a seller is willing to “fix” a major problem, if the long term chance is that the problem will reoccur or negative residual effects are possible, it might be best to say “next”.

It’s important to have a real estate agent you can trust!  If you are thinking of purchasing Fairfax County, VA, homes for sale and would like to talk with an expert, give me a call today at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now.  As your REALTOR®, you can count on me to point out any potential problems with a property we’re looking at as well as the good points.

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

Been trying to find your family’s dream home with no success?  Here are some helpful hints when searching through all the Fairfax County, VA, homes for sale or Condos in Arlington, VA. 

Before responding to ads in your Fairfax County, VA, homes for sale section of the newspaper, put together a clear picture of that ideal home your family has been dreaming about.

Here are some questions you need to ask yourself to clarify your family’s needs:

1. Bedrooms:  How many does your family need to be comfortable?
2. Bathrooms:  Who wants to wait in line in the morning?
3. Garage Size:  What will it take to accommodate your family’s cars?
4. Yard:  How big a yard do you want?  Do you prefer trees? What about privacy?
5. Fences:  Does the yard have to be fenced-in for children or pets?
6. Special Accommodations:  Does anyone in your family have special needs?

 Once you have discussed these questions with your family and listed the answers to these questions, you will find that you are more informed about what type of home or condos in Arlington, VA, your family really requires.

Ultimate Design

Have you considered what type of house or condo you would prefer?  If you have a small family, perhaps you would enjoy owning one of the many condos in Arlington, VA, for sale.  There are even some condos that have attached garages.  Have you considered a duplex?  You could live in one side and rent the other out. 

Do you think that your family would be more comfortable in a ranch style home or a colonial style home?  After you have decided on your perfect style, you will be more prepared to begin your search for that dream home.

Luxuries and Extras

There are other things that your family may feel are important to have in your new home or condo. If you or your spouse is an amateur chef, having a really great kitchen will have to be at the top of the list of requirements.  What about a pool, deck, tennis court or other special amenities?

Perhaps you feel you must have a fireplace for you to feel that your dream has come true. Don’t be concerned about being too specific.  It’s better to include everything than to be disappointed when you look at numerous Fairfax County, VA, homes for sale or condos in Arlington, VA, because something is missing.

Start Now!
Are you ready to look at Fairfax County, VA, homes for sale or condos in Arlington, VA?  If you want to turn your dreams into reality, call me now at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.  Let’s find that dream home or condo today!

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

Condos in Arlington, VA, or Arlington, VA, homes: that is the question! 

For a couple or small family, you may be thinking of getting a home but wondering how much space you really need. If you opt to look at Arlington, VA, homes, your choices are vast.  Homes both large and small are available. Your selection should be based on current and near-future needs.

The same is true with your options among condos in Arlington, VA.  Even though condos are typically smaller than houses, there are large condos available (even ones larger than some small homes).

Let’s demystify the differences and clarify your selection, shall we? 

• Space:  Space is a negotiable aspect of both homes and condos in Arlington, VA.   Is your family growing?  Planning to add a few members?  A house may be the way to go.
• Price:  Condos can be more affordable, especially the smaller ones.
• Location:  If you want a condo with a great view, close to work, for example, prepare for a premium.  Conversely, many homes with great yards and locations are quite affordable.  Not choosy?  Competitive pricing awaits you with either choice!
• Luxury:  Lavish condos in Arlington, VA, much like ideally-located ones, are often higher priced.  Luxury in homes will be a bundle, too, but modern amenities are a bit more commonplace and expected in today’s homes.
• Availability:  There are simply more houses on the market than condos, so your selection is greater with homes.
• Privacy:  Homes offer more in the way of privacy.
• Acreage:  If a smaller yard doesn’t bother you, a condo can offer excellent square footage and lower payments.  Looking for land?  A home is your best way to go.

Still Unsure?
I’d love to assist in your juggling act.  Call me now at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.  Together we’ll narrow down parameters affecting whether to look more closely at Arlington, VA, homes or condos in Arlington, VA.

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