11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100

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  Wouldn’t it be nice to approach your home’s entrance with a grin instead of a grimace? Take our tips for beating a clear, safe, and stylish path to your front door. Read

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Copyright 2014 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

5 House Hunting Tips for Buyers

Here are five tips to think about when you are looking at someones home for possible purchase:

1. Shhhh! - When touring a home refrain from discussing your reactions until you have left the house. While far from common it is possible that the seller is recording your comments with listening devices.  This could compromise your negotiating position and you wouldn't want to insult the owners by making fun of their home.
2. Social Media No-No's - Comments made inside sellers homes are not the only ones that could get back to the owners; buyers should think similarly about anything they say on social media sites. Buyers should also refrain from posting photos of the homes they've toured online (unless the seller has granted permission).
3. Amateur Inspections - Remember, you don't have to do a thorough inspection of the home while on tour, you should hire a home inspector to do that once an offer is accepted.
4. Online Research - Once you find a home you are interested in run a Google search of the address and review any information that comes up.  Also consider a Google or Bing map search and take a look at the satellite view so see what is around the property.
5. Door to Door Research - It can also be helpful to knock on neighbors doors and say "We're thinking about buying this house. What can you tell me about the home and the neighborhood?" (Plus, you'll get to meet potential neighbors.)

As always, if you or any of your friends are thinking about buying a home I am here to help.  Rates are low and its a great time to buy.

Six Fun Things To Do For the Holidays

Here are six surefire ways to experience winter traditions and they are right in our back yard.

• Experience a true "Washington" Christmas: Christmas at Mount Vernon has a plethora of activities for the whole family ranging from fireworks at the Christmas Illumination to Aladdin, the adorable Christmas Camel!
• Go Ice Skating: Through December 24th you can skate on the new Tysons Corner Center Plaza or bust a move on the Reston Town Center Pavilion Ice Rink through the winter season. If you're busy, there's no rush, the skating here is open until March. Also, art and figure 8's match perfectly along the National Mall on the National Gallery of Art Skating Ice Rink.
• Attend a Holiday Light Show: The mesmerizing Meadowlark Walk of Lights takes you on a lighted trail through a holiday fantasy land through January 4th. Timed tickets are required so get yours today! Or, in Centreville, drive through the Bull Run Festival of Lights and then be sure to stop at the Holiday Village at the end of the route for some s'mores, children's activities and holiday merchandise.
• Say Hello to Frosty: The theme for this year's ICE! at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center features Frosty the Snowman.
• Attend Holidays at the George Mason University Center for the Arts with a variety of performances in November and December or make plans to spend holidays at the Kennedy Center at one of their enlivening performances.
• Go Shopping: One of the biggest holiday attractions in the region is our world-class shopping. The grand kickoff happens on Black Friday and Fairfax County is your one-stop shopping destination for everything on your family's list!
• And don't forget donuts with Santa at the Workhouse Arts Center, Nov 29th - Dec 20th.

From the Fairfax Convention and Visitors Bureau 

The Northern Virginia Real Estate Market

So here is an interesting chart which can help explain what is going on in the real estate market in Northern Virginia.  From top to bottom the lines indicate the Active Listings (in yellow) All Pending Sales (in purple) and Closed Sales (in blue).

In about April the Active Listings line and the All Pendings line started to diverge. The Closed sales also started to diverge from Active Listings shortly thereafter in June. The gap between Active and Pending is the inventory available for sale and as you can see, that gap has grown significantly through September (the last month for which data is currently available).  We know from the economic law of supply and demand that when supply increases or demand falls downward pressure is put on prices. We have been seeing that to some extent in our local markets.

The Pricing Trends chart to the right shows that pricing pressure. The median price of new listings (red line) are coming on the market substantially below the median price of existing listings (top line) while the median sale price (at the bottom) indicates what homes are selling for. As you can see the newer listings have pricing which more closely reflects the price that buyers are willing to pay.  Existing listing may need to adjust their prices to compete with them or be prepared to sit on the market for a longer time.

The days on market chart to the left shows that it is taking longer for homes to sell in the current market. Again this is a function of inventory and pricing. All of these factors interact to create the overall market in Northern Virginia.  As we see interest rates change the market changes.  As inventory grows, generally the prices decline but the season also affects sales. Winter is always a slower time of year and the spring is usually faster, often with greater selection but also more buyers competing for homes.  Our spring market seems to be starting earlier.  Early March has had more homes coming on the market.

Your hyper-local market may be different than this. Markets down to a particular subdivision or school boundary area can have completely different characteristics.  These statistics show the complete Northern Virginia situation. I can give you statistics for your specific neighborhood and would be happy to show you exactly how your neighborhood is performing.  Just give me a call today.

So Hows the Real Estate Market?

This is a question I get asked all the time, so here is a quick update about what is going on in Northern Virginia.  This information comes from an article in the Sept/Oct 2014 issue of RE+VIEW, the magazine of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. The full article is available here.

The red arrows indicate that things have changed from last year.  In each case this year's metrics are not as good as last year.  I have seen this in the market as homes are staying on the market longer and pricing is softer than it was.  It is taking some more aggressive marketing and price adjustments to get homes sold.

In Fairfax Station subdivision, there was only one home on the market which has since sold after a rather significant price adjustment.  Currently there are no homes on the market in our subdivision.

Overall, the market is shifting from single family detached homes to more condo and townhouse sales.  This reflects more first time buyers and fewer move up buyers that typically purchase detached homes.  This has the effect of reducing the average sale prices for the area as a whole.  In 2014 only 5000 jobs were added May to May. By comparison, the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 job growth for that time period was around 40,000.  Projections of job growth for the next 4 years are approximately 40,000-50,000 per year.  Since housing is a function of job growth, the outlook remains positive. Despite the dip from last year, the overall market is still much stronger than it was three or four years ago.

How Does Your Home Compare?

How Old are America's Homes?

America has approximately 132 million homes. The median age of a home built in the United States is 40. In 1974, when those houses were built, interest rates on 30 year fixed mortgages averaged 9.1 percent; the median existing home price was $32,000; President Gerald R. Ford had announced a $300 million mortgage credit initiative to help alleviate the housing market recession; and the energy crisis had spurred the incorporation of energy efficient feature new construction.

Source: The U.S. Census Bureau's 2011 Housing Profice, published July 2013, which examines owner-occupied housing and homes in the single-family, multifamily, and manufactured/mobile categories as presented by American Home Shield in Realtor Magazine July/August 2014.

Six Items a Home Inspector Looks For

systems of your home and render a report about things that may need to be fixed.  You can make the inspection easier and less stressful if you take a look at these items and keep them in good repair.

• Plumbing - Make sure you don't have any active leaks, especially under sinks.  Just go around you home now and check to see if there is any water or dampness.  Common culprits are loose trap fittings which you can easily tighten and also the point where the drain plunger mechanism enters the drain line.
• Electrical - The inspector will check to make sure all the lights work, so a burned out bulb will be noted on the report but not necessarily as a bad bulb but as a circuit that is not working. They will check for reversed polarity, missing cover plates, extension cords powering permanent items and things of that nature.  You can check your polarity with an inexpensive tester from the hardware store.  You can also check for working ground fault circuits.  If any fail, get the advice of an electrician to remediate.  Replace any cover plates that may be missing, even if on the basement ceiling.
• Mechanical - Your heating and air conditioning systems will be checked to make sure they provide heat and cooling and that the temperature drop/gain is adequate.  You can help by making sure you change your filters regularly.  Water heaters will be checked and any scald threat will be noted so maybe turn down your water temp if it is too hot.
• Exterior - The inspector will look at your roof from the outside as well as from the attic to see if there are any leaks. They will look for signs of mold.  They will look for any joists of rafters that may be weakened because of previous contractor work.  They will look at the windows to make sure they all open and that screens are in place.  They look for wood rot in the soffits or around the windows and for missing caulk.
• Appliances - An inspector will check to make sure all the appliances work.
• Interior - Check for any loose railings, doors that don't close properly. Fireplace flues that work correctly and that gas fireplaces work.

These are just some of the items that you might want to stay ahead of rather than trying to get repaired after your home has an offer.  Anything you can do to reduce the stress of selling is great.  Remember, I am here to help and if you have any questions just give me a call.

Homeowners Insurance Part 3

This wraps up our short series on homeowners insurance with some additional items to consider.

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Homeowners Insurance Part 2

More information about what to think about in case bad things happen to your house

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Homeowners Insurance Part 1

Your home is your biggest investment but if something disastrous happened would your insurance cover the complete cost.  Here are some things to think about...

Watch Video

Why Homes Don't Sell

Why do some homes sell in just a few days while others languish on the market?  Find out why in this insightful video from Christine.

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Home Seller Staging Mistakes - Part 2

Staging your home for sale means making some changes you may not be aware of.  Watch this video for more information.

Watch Video

Home Seller Staging Mistakes - Part 1

Staging your home for sale means making some changes you may not be aware of.  Watch this video for more information.

Watch Video

Don't Be Surprised - Septic Distribution Boxes

Concrete septic distribution boxes have a life of about 18 years.  Watch this video to learn a little more about them.

Watch Video

If you want more information please give me a call

Christine Shevock
(703) 475-3986
Christine@Shevock.com

The Hottest Outdoor Trends for 2014

Since it appears that spring is really here now, after the long winter we have had, peoples thoughts turn to getting outside.  Here is a great little article that talks about outdoor projects that people enjoy and are putting into homes all across the country.  I hope you enjoy it.

On March 3, 2014, in Curb Appeal, Home Trends, by Melissa Tracey

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Spaces by Dc Metro Home Builders National Association of Home Builders

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

A home’s inviting outdoor space may be just enough to get a home buyer to fall in love. TheAmerican Society of Landscape Architects recently surveyed nearly 180 landscape architects asking them to rate the expected popularity for 2014 of a variety of residential outdoor elements.

Across all categories, respondents rated the following as “somewhat” or “very in-demand” for 2014: lighting, seating/dining areas; fire pits/fireplaces; grills; installed seating, such as benches, seatwalls, ledges, steps, and boulders.

“Home owners know that designed landscapes add value to their lives as well as their property values,” says Nancy Somerville, ASLA executive vice president and CEO. “They’re interested in livable, open spaces that are both stylish and earth friendly.”

Here’s a breakdown of how home owners are sprucing up their outdoor spaces, and some of the top trends that landscape architects pinpointed for 2014 in each category.

Top Outdoor Design Elements

1. Gardens and landscaped spaces

2. Outdoor living spaces (kitchens, entertainment spaces)

3. Outdoor recreation amenities (pools, spas, tennis courts)

4. Sustainable design practices

Top Outdoor Living Features

1. Lighting

2. Seating/dining areas

3. Fire pits/fireplaces

4. Grills

Top Outdoor Recreation Amenities

1. Decorative water elements, such as ornamental pools, splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels, or bubblers

2. Spa features (hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpools, indoor/outdoor sauna)

3. Swimming pools

4. Sports/recreational spaces (tennis courts, bocce ball, etc.)

Top Landscape/Garden Elements

1. Low maintenance landscapes

2. Native plants

3. Fountains/ornamental water features

4. Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards/vineyards, etc.

Top Sustainable Design Elements

1. Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants

2. Drip/water-efficient irrigation

3. Permeable paving

4. Reduced lawn

Top Outdoor Structures

1. Terraces/patios/decks

2. Fencing (includes gates)

3. Pergolas

4. Decks

Hottest Outdoor Trends for 2014

From a blog post by Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

A home’s inviting outdoor space may be just enough to get a home buyer to fall in love. The American Society of Landscape Architects recently surveyed nearly 180 landscape architects asking them to rate the expected popularity for 2014 of a variety of residential outdoor elements.

Across all categories, respondents rated the following as “somewhat” or “very in-demand” for 2014: lighting, seating/dining areas; fire pits/fireplaces; grills; installed seating, such as benches, seatwalls, ledges, steps, and boulders.

“Home owners know that designed landscapes add value to their lives as well as their property values,” says Nancy Somerville, ASLA executive vice president and CEO. “They’re interested in livable, open spaces that are both stylish and earth friendly.”

Here’s a breakdown of how home owners are sprucing up their outdoor spaces, and some of the top trends that landscape architects pinpointed for 2014 in each category.

Top Outdoor Design Elements

1. Gardens and landscaped spaces

2. Outdoor living spaces (kitchens, entertainment spaces)

3. Outdoor recreation amenities (pools, spas, tennis courts)

4. Sustainable design practices

Top Outdoor Living Features

1. Lighting

2. Seating/dining areas

3. Fire pits/fireplaces

4. Grills

Top Outdoor Recreation Amenities

1. Decorative water elements, such as ornamental pools, splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels, or bubblers

2. Spa features (hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpools, indoor/outdoor sauna)

3. Swimming pools

4. Sports/recreational spaces (tennis courts, bocce ball, etc.)

Top Landscape/Garden Elements

1. Low maintenance landscapes

2. Native plants

3. Fountains/ornamental water features

4. Food/vegetable gardens (including orchards/vineyards, etc.

Top Sustainable Design Elements

1. Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants

2. Drip/water-efficient irrigation

3. Permeable paving

4. Reduced lawn

Top Outdoor Structures

1. Terraces/patios/decks

2. Fencing (includes gates)

3. Pergoals

4. Decks

Prepare Your Home for the Right Buyer

Different buyers have different needs.  Watch this video to find out what 

buyers are looking for based on their time of life.

Watch the Video

Five Issues that Turn Off Home Buyers

Make your home Fit To Sell by addressing the top five issues that tend to turn off buyers. This video will go over how to identify the issues that most detract from a quick sale at the best price.

Click Here to Watch this Video

Remember, if you have had any thoughts of selling your home or know of anyone who is,

please give me a call at (703) 475-3986

Should you Replace Flooring to Sell Your Home?

I often get questions from sellers about their flooring and should they replace it.  Here is a great video that takes you through that decision process.  Let me know what you think.

Play the Fit to Sell - FLooring video

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR MOVERS

Eventually it seems, everyone moves.  Some do it themselves and some hire it done.  For those who hire a mover, either on their own or as a corporate relocation, here are some questions to ask your mover.  It is also highly recommended that you get at least three estimates from different companies. Chances are that you will learn something different from each one that can help in your overall decision.

• What dates are you available to move us?  Remember, movers have busy and slow times so you may need a reservation if you want to move at a specific time.
• When will you pack and how many hours or days will this take?
• Is there an additional charge for packing?  How is that charged?
• Will you provide boxes to use for packing and will you deliver them?  What are the charges for the boxes?
• When will you load the van and will this be the same day that you pack?
• If we need to sleep in the house between packing and loading can you leave our
• beds and other basics out for us to use?
• What insurance do you provide and what does this cost?
• What is the cost of additional insurance if needed?
• Does your insurance cover items I pack myself (i.e., PBO “packed by owner”)
• Will my Homeowner’s Insurance cover any damages?
• Are there any items you cannot ship? (e.g., hazardous)
• Will you need a shuttle truck because of the location of my house/size of driveway, and if so what does this cost?
• Will there be any extra charges because of the length of carry from my house to the truck?
• Can you provide storage at my new location until I can move into my new
• home? Is there a charge for this?
• Will you make more than 1 drop off (e.g., my house and a storage unit)? Is there a charge for this?
• Will you ship my car(s)? Will they be towed or go on the moving van?
• What is the cost of shipping a car, boat, tractor/riding lawnmower, snowmobile or other similar items? Are any of these items you cannot ship for me?
• How long will it take for my household goods to arrive in my new location?
• How are damage claims handled?
• Do I need to pay anything upfront and if so when and how much?

Moving is a hassle even under the best of circumstances, so knowing the answer to these questions up front can make your move a little easier.

10 Tips for Moving With Pets

Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Experts at The Pet Realty Network in Naples, Fla., offer these helpful tips for easing the transition and keeping pets safe during the move.

1. Update your pet’s tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move.
2. Ask for veterinary records. If you’re moving far enough away that you’ll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations. You also can ask for your pet’s medical history to give to your new vet, although that can normally be faxed directly to the new medical-care provider upon request. Depending on your destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Have your current vet's phone number handy in case of an emergency, or in case your new vet would like more information about your pet.
3. Keep medications and food on hand. Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency. Vets can’t write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship, which can cause delays if you need medication right away. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. The same preparation should be taken with special therapeutic foods — purchase an extra supply in case you can't find the food right away in your new area.
4. Seclude your pet from chaos. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep them in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day with a “Do Not Disturb! Pets Inside!” sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates on the market if you choose to buy one. However, make sure your pet is familiar with the new crate before moving day by gradually introducing him or her to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is well-ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers; otherwise, a nervous pet could escape.
5. Prepare a first aid kit. First aid is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care, but being prepared and knowing basic first aid could save your pet's life. A few recommended supplies: Your veterinarian's phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, non-stick bandages, towels, and hydrogen peroxide (3 percent). You can use a door, board, blanket or floor mat as an emergency stretcher and a soft cloth, rope, necktie, leash, or nylon stocking for an emergency muzzle.
6. Play it safe in the car. It’s best to travel with your dog in a crate; second-best is to use a restraining harness. When it comes to cats, it’s always best for their safety and yours to use a well-ventilated carrier in the car. Secure the crate or carrier with a seat belt and provide your pet with familiar toys. Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck or the storage area of a moving van. In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to injury and theft. If you’ll be using overnight lodging, plan ahead by searching for pet-friendly hotels. Have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand, and keep your pet on its regular diet and eating schedule.
7. Get ready for takeoff. When traveling by air,check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you’ve prepared your pet for a safe trip. Some airlines will allow pets in the cabin, depending on the animal’s size, but you’ll need to purchase a special airline crate that fits under the seat in front of you. Give yourself plenty of time to work out any arrangements necessary including consulting with your veterinarian and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If traveling is stressful for your pet, consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel.
8. Find a new veterinary clinic and emergency hospital. Before you move, ask your vet to recommend a doctor in your new locale. Talk to other pet owners when visiting the new community, and call the state veterinary medical association (VMA) for veterinarians in your location. When choosing a new veterinary hospital, ask for an impromptu tour; kennels should be kept clean at all times, not just when a client’s expected. You may also want to schedule an appointment to meet the vets. Now ask yourself: Are the receptionists, doctors, technicians, and assistants friendly, professional and knowledgeable? Are the office hours and location convenient? Does the clinic offer emergency or specialty services or boarding? If the hospital doesn’t meet your criteria, keep looking until you’re assured that your pet will receive the best possible care.
9. Prep your new home for pets. Pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings. Upon your arrival at your new home, immediately set out all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc. Pack these items in a handy spot so they can be unpacked right away. Keep all external windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised, and be cautious of narrow gaps behind or between appliances where nervous pets may try to hide. If your old home is nearby, your pet may try to find a way back there. To be safe, give the new home owners or your former neighbors your phone number and a photo of your pet, and ask them to contact you if your pet is found nearby.
10. Learn more about your new area. Once you find a new veterinarian, ask if there are any local health concerns such as heartworm or Lyme disease, or any vaccinations or medications your pet may require. Also, be aware of any unique laws. For example, there are restrictive breed laws in some cities. Homeowner associations also may have restrictions — perhaps requiring that all dogs are kept on leashes. If you will be moving to a new country, carry an updated rabies vaccination and health certificate. It is very important to contact the Agriculture Department or embassy of the country or state to which you’re traveling to obtain specific information on special documents, quarantine, or costs to bring the animal into the country.

Source: The Pet Realty Network

12 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

Spring will soon be here and with it, many people embark on home fix ups or remodeling.  Here are 12 tips from Realtor magazine which are worth considering when you are thinking about hiring someone to do work on your home.

1. Get at least three written estimates.
2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.
3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.
4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.
5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.
6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.
7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it is not. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.
8. Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too.
9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.
10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.
11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.
12. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.

I keep a list of contractors that my clients have been happy with in the past and am happy to supply you with those names.  You should do your own due diligence regarding these contractors as I generally have no personal experience with them.  If I do hear of a client who has had a poor experience with someone I recommended I immediately remove them from my list of names and will not recommend them again.

Things to Watch in Housing in 2014

Every year at about this time the pundits come out and start to make their predictions.  These are not totally unfounded as they are generally based on events happening within the real estate market and industry.  This year the predictions revolve around inventory and interest rates and how they are affected by the newly announced changes.

This post from the Wall Street Journal talks about both sides of several issues to watch in 2014 that have the potential to impact the market.  So if you are thinking of selling your home or buying a home these are some of the things that may impact you this coming year.  A short but informative read.

Things to Watch in Housing in 2014

Of course, as with any crystal ball, your mileage may vary!

The Mortgage Process Explained

Here is a video that helps to explain what goes on for home buyers and home sellers during the mortgage application process from the time you first contact a mortgage representative and the time you get to closing.
Rules have changed substantially and there are many things the mortgage companies do that buyers and sellers should be familiar with.

Click here for the video.

Christine Shevock - GreatVirginiaHomes.com
Jay Richardson - JaysHomeLoans.com