Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

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

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

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

If you are in the early stages of a Fairfax County, VA, homes for sale relocation, you may be wondering where to turn to get the most up-to-date, pertinent information about your new home town.  This is the time to do your relocation research!

You might guess that the first place to start is online.  The Internet is an endless source of information – but you have to be careful.  Be sure that the information you access is current and reliable.  That’s not a difficult task when you know where to search. 

Below are a few places to begin your search:

Chamber of Commerce
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is a great place to begin your relocation research and prepare for a house hunting trip with your REALTOR®.  Request an information packet if available with a detailed map of the Alexandria, Virginia area.

Calculate the Cost of Living
Find an online calculator that will compare the cost of living in your current location with your new location.  This information is not always dead-on accurate, but will give you a general idea of what, if any, shift in cost of living you can expect.

Schools
Access the Virginia state education system website, which provides links to individual school systems in the Alexandria, VA homes for sale area.  

Local Newspaper
Consider obtaining an online subscription to the local newspaper.  This will give you access to valuable information – from cultural events to crime, and provide you with Alexandria, VA, homes for sale real estate listings from the classified section.

Neighborhood Association
Once you settle on a specific neighborhood, check to see if there is an active neighborhood association.  Many of these associations have websites where you can get an idea of crime rate, community organizations and community activities.

If you can get around easily online, you’re off to a great start on your relocation research.  You’ll be sure to get a good idea of what Alexandria, Virginia has to offer and you’ll feel more comfortable as you make your big move.

It’s important to find a knowledgeable REALTOR®, one who knows the community and the local Alexandria, VA, homes for sale real estate market well.  I’d love to show you available homes for sale that meet your criteria and families needs.  Give me a call at 703-909-3939 or send me an email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com today!

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

Moving to a Alexandria, VA homes for sale can be an exciting event.  It can also be a difficult thing, especially for children.  When a move means a new home, new friends and a new school, children are leaving their comfort zone for the unknown.  These big changes can be frightening, especially to very young children.

Parents not only need to make plans to move and pack up boxes, they need to think about how to make the transition to a new Alexandria, VA homes for sale an easy move for their children. 

Following are some suggestions to alleviate your children’s fears and ease the transition to their new home: 

• Make a scrapbook
  Let your kids take pictures of friends and places they would like to remember.  Put together a scrapbook your children can take to their new home and look at. 
• Listen to your kids
  Children will many times have fears they do not share with parents.  They may be ambivalent about moving, but afraid to say so.  Take time to discuss the move with your children.  Ask them how they feel about the move and then talk through any fears they may have.  Don’t dismiss the fear of making new friends by simply saying, “of course you’ll make new friends.”  Explain that you’ll all meet new people and make new friends.
• Visit your new home
  If possible, take your children to the home you’ll be moving into.  Let them visit their new school, walk around the neighborhood, play at the local park.  Giving them a chance to visit the place they’ll soon call home, will help alleviate some of their fears and even get them excited about the move.

Searching for a new home can seem like a daunting task.  There is a lot of work involved and hard decisions to make.  Enlist the expertise of a well established and knowledgeable Alexandria, VA REALTOR®, who can assist you in your home search and help you obtain the best price and terms.  

If you are thinking about or ready to look for Alexandria, VA, homes for sale, please visit my website to learn more about the community and view homes and condos for sale.  Contact me today to get started with your home search!  Or, call me now at 703-909-3939, you’ll be glad you did!

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

A long distance homes and condos in Arlington VA relocation can be an exciting, adventure-filled prospect for you and your family.  The promise of a better job, a new home, and new city to explore may be just the thing you need.

But even after you’ve researched the community and found the perfect homes and condos in Arlington VA REALTOR®, who has found you the perfect house, in the perfect neighborhood – don’t let the hidden relocation costs of moving  burst your bubble. 

They lurk everywhere during a homes and condos in Arlington VA relocation, especially if you are moving from out-of-state.  So, factor them into your budget ahead of time and they won’t take you by surprise.

Here are a few relocation costs that are easy to forget:

Moving supplies – This includes everything from boxes to tape to bubble wrap.  Whether you are moving yourself, or being moved professionally, these items will cost you extra.

Transportation – including gas, hotel and meals.  Factor in the potential for delay when you are adding these dollars to your budget.

Automobile license and registration –  most states require you to make the switch within 30 days of your move.  Check the local Virginia DMV for offices, hours and rates.

Stocking the Pantry  –  chances are, you didn’t bring food or cleaning supplies with you so…you’ll need to drop more than a few dollars to replenish these items.

Deposits and connection fees  –  from cable TV to electric service, this hidden cost can really add up.  Again, check your local utilities for rates.

Taxes  –  don’t forget to research the income, sales and property taxes of your new community – these can figure significantly into your cost of living.

Keep your spirit of adventure as you prepare for your long distance relocation, and don’t let the hidden relocation costs of moving sneak up on you.

If you’re considering relocating to homes and condos in Arlington VA, Alexandria VA homes for sale, or Fairfax County VA homes for sale, you’ll need an experienced REALTOR®.  Drop me a line today at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com or call me direct at 703-909-3939.  I’ll be glad to assist you with all of your relocation needs.  

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

Don’t despair if a Fairfax County VA homes for sale relocation is in your near future.  Your to-do list may seem endless at times, especially if your move is long distance.  But, if you take a step-by-step approach, it will leave you more relaxed and anticipating the move.

The first thing you need to do is take advantage of technology.  The Internet will allow you to research your new home’s communities, such as Alexandria VA homes for sale, Condos in Arlington VA, and Fairfax County VA homes for sale.  You’ll learn about the communities and their lifestyle, culture, demographics, schools and churches… and so much more. 

If you can click on a mouse and do an online search for Fairfax County VA homes for sale, you’ll discover a world of information at your fingertips. 

Once you’ve done some relocation research, it is imperative that you find an experienced REALTOR®.  One who has the benefit of knowing Alexandria, VA homes for sale, Fairfax County, VA homes for sale, and homes or condos in Arlington, VA. 

As your Fairfax County, Virginia real estate agent, I’ll listen to you and find out what type of home or property you’re looking for.  This will help you narrow down your search and make relocation much more enjoyable.  Learn more about details of your house hunting trip, and we’ll plan a schedule for looking at homes of your choice in the area. 

And remember, when you are buying a home long distance, as your REALTOR®, I’ll be there for you every step of the way. 

Planning on relocating to Fairfax County, VA homes for sale, Alexandria, VA homes for sale, or home and condos in Arlington, VA?  I would love to help you with all your relocation needs.  Just fill out the relocation form and I’ll send you a customized relocation package of the area of your choice.  If you need more information or assistance, please call me direct at 703-909-3939 today, or send me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com.     

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