1. Death or divorce. Death and divorce can cause major changes to a family’s financial situation. Home owners 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 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. Jobs. 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 will 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 a homeowner has no recourse but to sell their home. Home owners may sell their home 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 of the home, some owners may find they need less space. They may not want to be responsible for cleaning and maintaining a large home. Instead they may opt to purchase a condominium with less upkeep.
8. Neighborhood. Local 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 homes.
9. Climate. Residents of the north sometimes want to move south to a warmer 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.

Thinking of selling your Alexandria VA home?  I’d love to talk with you about my Marketing Plan that gets results.  Contact me today!

Ready to purchase property in Alexandria?  Let me help you search through the Alexandria VA homes for sale to find your dream home. Call me today at 703-909-3939 or email me at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com for more information about Alexandria VA homes for sale.

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

So how can you determine if the buyer’s agent you are considering hiring is going to be communicative or be a “silent” partner?  Here are some initial questions to ask when meeting with an agent to find out if the person is right for you:

• Will the agent take the time to find out what type of home you’re looking for; what community you want to live in; the price range that fits your budget; and what amenities you would like to have?
• What is the time frame the agent will inform you of new listings which meet your criteria?
• Will the agent suggest you get pre-approved for a mortgage loan?
• Does the agent have an assistant or another REALTOR® who can help you if your agent is unavailable?
• How quickly will the agent or assistant return emails and/or phone calls?
• Does the agent coordinate well with all parties including other agents?
• Will the REALTOR® provide you with some helpful advice about financing and selecting a mortgage lender? 
• How often will the REALTOR® give you a status report on the progress of your purchase?

All of these items are crucial to the successful communication between a buyer and their agent.  Good REALTORS® should be able to answer all of the above questions to your satisfaction.  And they should listen to you when discussing what you’re looking for in a real estate transaction.

Finding an experienced and knowledgeable Alexandria VA homes for sale REALTOR® can take time, but it’s worth the effort!  An agent must not only communicate well with you, but also with other agents.  One who listens and acts as your ally, is a true asset!

If you’re considering making an Alexandria VA homes for sale purchase and would like to talk with a buyer’s agent who is a great communicator and is driven to get you results, I’d love to speak with you.  I won’t stop until we find the perfect property for you!  Contact me now!  Or call me at 703-909-3939.  I look forward to hearing from you.

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

When putting a home up for sale, it’s important to create an interior space which will appeal to the largest audience as possible.  To do so means taking out the “me” and putting in the “you” in a house.  What does that mean?  Let’s take a look.

• Wallpaper
  Remember when you spent hours upon hours putting up that wallpaper with the big purple violets?  The thought of taking that wallpaper down might seem like a death wish, but chances are most prospective buyers are not going to love the purple violets in the same way you do.  The solution is to take down the wallpaper.  Learn some valuable wallpaper removal tips.  
•  Paint
  Just like wallpaper, buyers do not generally take to very specific paint colors such as reds, pinks, and blues.  Buyers want to put their own touch on a home which may mean painting walls one of these bright colors.  However, it’s best to show a home with neutral shades such as beiges and off whites so that a buyer has the option of decorating as they please if they purchase the house.
• Flooring
  Just like walls, flooring needs to be as neutral as possible.  If you’re going to be selling your home in the near future and you’re putting in hard wood or laminate flooring, stay away from the deep cherry woods.  As beautiful as they can be, lighter woods will appeal to a larger audience as will neutral carpets. 

It can be difficult to paint over your children’s bedroom mural or a fabulous orange paint splashing the walls of your dining room but in order to get the attention of buyers, neutral is key.  Give them a clean palette to work with and you’ll have an offer in no time!

It’s important to have your Fairfax County VA homes for sale in peak condition that will appeal to the most prospective buyers.  If you’re thinking about adding your home to the list of Fairfax County VA homes for sale, I’ll be happy to give you a FREE book or CD designed to learn the home selling process. 

Need some tips on preparing your home for sale?  Give me a call 703-909-3939 or drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now!  I’ve got plenty of ideas I would love to share with you. 

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

Curb Appeal: It’s Elementary, My Dear Watson

Sometimes the simplest (and cheapest) solutions are right under our nose.  Sure, renovations, additions, upgrades and updates are great—and should not be overlooked.  But common sense says a Fairfax County home needs maintenance if it is to be sellable.

You need to start thinking about basic things you should be doing to maintain the home, particularly the exterior.

Increasingly Discerning Buyers in Today’s Real Estate Market

The Fairfax County, Virginia real estate market right now is a challenging one for sellers—hence, all the more reason why every little detail matters!  Buyers know they are in a strong marketing position and literally won’t put up with any rubbish when window shopping for homes.

Remember that before a potential buyer even considers an in-home showing, they want curb appeal—and not just any curb appeal, mind you. The discerning home buyer of today wants everything “just so.” 

Here’s what Buyers look for in a Home’s Exterior:

• Precision lawn care is Key—that means weekly mowing and edging in the warm months and snow or ice removal in the cold months.  The perfect model home features mowing done in precise straight lines resulting in a very symmetrical, uniform look.  Don’t forget to trim around the driveway, stones, garden, trees, and especially at the sidewalk.
• No junk lying Around: Pack rats, you know who you are!  Put things in storage!  Don’t have old cars up on jacks or bikes and toys strewn everywhere!
• Beautify: Pick up leaves, weeds, branches and other debris; plant beautiful flowers (you can even buy pre-bloomed flowers and replant)
• Splash o’ Color: Paint the house, garage, and shutters in neutral, updated colors 
• Fix and Re-Finish: wooden decks or porch railings should be in tip-top shape 

 Shoot for Showroom Shine

Just imagine that you are trying to win a contest for “best looking home” in the Fairfax County area. Think model-home quality.  Keeping your home clean is very important.  If your time is limited you may wish to hire a local cleaning company to do the work for you.

You’ve got a Friend!

Thinking of putting your Fairfax County, Virginia home or condo on the real estate market?  To help you get the most out of your valuable Fairfax County VA homes for sale, request my FREE Seller’s Book or CD today! 

You can reach me by phone at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now!  I can help you with more tips and advice on selling your home or condo.  

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
709-909-3939

Some important considerations before you move:

• How soon will you be moving to Fairfax County?
• Will you be taking your furniture or disposing of it before the move?
• How will you transport furniture and belongings?
• Will you hire a moving company? 
• Or will you rent a moving van such as UHaul, and drive it to Fairfax County yourself?

Obviously, there is packing to do.  Whether you are renting or purchasing your current home, effort must be made to leave it clean and in good condition.

Don’t get overwhelmed and procrastinate until the last minute. On the other extreme, don’t try to get it all done in one weekend and exhaust yourself either.

Moving Prep Tips

• Schedule: Be sure and schedule your mover and if you’re moving yourself, schedule a moving van well in advance.
• What’s moving: You’ll need to decide what you’re going to take with you and what you’ll sell or donate to charity.
• Make a List: Before you get started, devise an organized plan of action.  Make sure you get it down on paper so it is removed from your weary mind!
• Enlist Help: Delegate as many tasks as possible.  Involve the whole family. Have each one write down the jobs they will be required to do.
• Time-management: Decide how much time should be spent daily to get ready for this move.
• Make it fun: Set up rewards for jobs well done. Preparing to relocate can become an exciting adventure rather than a nerve-racking job!
• Utilize Your Support System: Call a friend or family member outside your household for encouragement when things get crazy.
• Relax, relax, relax! 

Moving to a new home is a big job, but a rewarding one.  Once you’ve moved to your new residence you can start your new life, begin your new job and make new friends and acquaintances. 

Not ready to move quite yet?  If you’re in the market for Fairfax County VA homes for sale, and you need a highly motivated Fairfax County Virginia REALTOR®, I’d love to speak with you! 

I love nothing better than the trill of working with clients to help them find the perfect home with the amenities they long for.  I’ll help weed out what you won’t be interested in, so we can concentrate on the urban communities and Fairfax County VA homes for sale that will be right for you.

So, give me a call today at 703-909-3939 and we’ll get started searching for your next home.  Or drop me a quick email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com now!

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

Generally, the cost of a point is equal to 1% of your loan.  For example, buying a point for a $200,000 loan would cost $2,000.

The purchase of a point typically buys down the interest rate by 0.125%.  In other words, if your interest rate is 6.5%, this rate would be lowered to 6.375% after the purchase of one point.

The most important factor to consider is how long you plan on staying in the house.  If you plan on living in the house for five years, buying points probably does not make sense.

If you plan on staying in the house for the life of the loan, buying a point for a lower interest rate may save you money in the long run.

In order to calculate the potential savings of buying points, find a good online mortgage calculator and do the math for both the actual interest rate and the rate after buying points.  Don’t forget to factor in the money that you spend on the points.  You might be surprised at the difference, often it may not be enough to warrant the expense of buying the points.

One other factor to consider is that if you do buy down your interest rate, the money that you spend is tax deductible in the year that you purchase the property.

It’s important whnowen deciding whether or not to buy points to check the math from every angle.  This may be a great way to save some money – or you may find that it’s not worth the trouble or money after all.

Ready to purchase one of the Fairfax County VA homes for sale?  If so, please request my FREE Seller Book or CD at no obligation to you, now! You can learn the selling process from beginning to a successful end. 

Just contact me now!  Or call me direct at 703-909-3939 or drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com for more information about selling your home at the best price. 

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

So, before you decide to relocate to the Alexandria, Virginia area, ask yourself these questions:

• Are you planning to rent or purchase?
• Are you open to a single-family residence or condo living?
• Will you require an Alexandria Virginia real estate agent? 
• Do you know the local neighborhood communities in Alexandria?
• Are you aware of the distinct differences between communities?
• Do you have information about the Alexandria school system?

The Alexandria VA homes for sale choices can seem overwhelming at best.  There are many different types of homes and condos available in Alexandria.  Additionally, you’ll find various price ranges and urban communities to live in.  And each urban community has something unique to its own neighborhood.  Learn more about Alexandria, Virginia!

Here I Come To Save the Day!

There is much to consider before you are able to relocate to Alexandria, Virginia.  You’ll need to find an expert Alexandria, Virginia real estate agent that knows the area well.  Help is available to manage this life transition and make the way smoother for you.  That’s why I’m here! 

Once we’ve discussed your home or condo needs, you will feel a great sense of relief.  I’ll help you find the best neighborhood and property that fits your requirements and financial budget.  And I’ll help you negotiate the best deal!  Give me a call at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com and let me do the stressing for you.

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

Most experts agree that homeowners do not get their money back when selling a home with a pool. Although an in-ground pool may increase the market value of a home by 15-25%, this is nothing compared to, say, a new garage, which increases the market value by 75-100%.

So when do you take the plunge and invest in a pool?

Ask yourself these important questions:

1. How long am I staying in the home? If you expect to live in the home for quite some time, your return on investment may be 100% — if you consider your own personal enjoyment a satisfactory return.
2. How much maintenance can I handle? Pool technology has come along way. Depending on the price you are willing to pay, automated water analysis and chemical dispensers make maintaining your pool a lot easier. However, there are skimmer baskets to clean, tiles to scrub, and the deck to hose down….
3. How much can I spend? In-ground pool prices range from $10,000-$40,000 dollars, but you also need to consider the cost of extra utilities such as electricity and water.
4.  What are Fairfax County code requirements for a pool? Insure you can meet these requirements before adding a pool.
5. Finding an Installer. How can I find a reputable custom pool, spa or hot tub installer in the Fairfax County area?
6.  Types of pools. What different types of pools are available to choose from?

If you decide to dive in – congratulations  – now get to work hunting for the ideal builder and let the digging begin!

Are you ready to add your home to the list of Fairfax County VA homes for sale? Need some advice on what to do to put your home or condo in tip-top shape to sell? Give me a call at 703-909-3939 or drop me an email at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com today!

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

Business is booming in Arlington where so many large corporations have their headquarters.  If you’re a government contractor or wish to work for a private sector contracting firm, there are myriads of businesses to choose from.  The U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Pentagon are also located here. 

Urban Villages in Arlington County
If you’re thinking about relocating to Arlington County, there are many charming urban villages that provide owners of homes and condos in Arlington VA a peaceful, relaxing lifestyle away from the busy bustle of Washington D.C., yet close enough to enjoy all that the area has to offer.  Search for homes or condos in Arlington VA now!

You can find homes and condos in Arlington VA in these urban http://blog.homesearchwebsite.com/2008/04/07/mortgage-minder-purchasing-fairfax-county-va-homes-for-sale/ 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.