Selecting a Settlement Agent often comes down to a quick decision based on a recommendation from your Realtor. A quick decision? This is an interesting topic since home buyers, in Virginia, are given the option to select a Settlement Agent when they put together their offer to purchase. The idea is that they can compare fees and services, and Continue Reading
Tearing Down and Recycling in Vienna
Before we tear down older ramblers or splits in Vienna, there is a period of time when contractors will take houses apart so anything of value can be recycled or donated to a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization. Copper pipes HVAC systems Appliances Storm Doors But many people don't think about wood boards being recycled Continue Reading
The Equifax Hack and Buying a Home
My clients will remember when I said, "Don't go out and buy his and her BMWs until after you are finished buying the house!" Those days were so simple. Innocent really, almost charming. All that has changed after the recent hack of Equifax essentially exposed everyone's personal financial information to a remote outpost on the Dark Web... Continue Reading
Deposit Amounts and Negotiations
Sitting at their kitchen table while explaining the sales contract and putting together a competitive written offer, I was asked... "What's the earnest money deposit formula in Virginia?" this Vienna home buyer studiously asked. This really isn't an uncommon question because most buyers are reading websites written by mortgage lenders, Continue Reading
Preparing for The Appraisal
Understanding the appraisal process can befuddle even the most experienced real estate agent, let along a home buyer or seller. A few weeks ago in Ashburn, Virginia where some clients had a contract to buy a home, the Appraiser showed up to physically inspect the home a few days after the 21-day appraisal contingency expired. Yes, you read that Continue Reading
Knowing the Real Estate Market
People are always surprised when they ask me about a house, and I tell them that I have already been inside. Realistically, I can't see every new listing in Fairfax County without making that my full-time job. But, I do make an effort to see as many as possible especially when a home is interesting to me or to one of my clients. That market Continue Reading
The Home Inspection after July 1, 2017
Scheduling a home inspection in Virginia may be a little more difficult after July 1, 2017 when a new licensing law for home inspectors goes into effect. The immediate impact will be a reduction in the home inspector population... yes, fewer home inspectors! Every July new laws go into effect in Virginia, and this year the real estate Continue Reading
Surfing the Escalation Clause | Real Estate Tip
Bushy, bushy blonde hairdos... surfin' U.S.A - The Beach Boys Escalation clauses can come in like waves... hot one month then totally flat the next. Understanding the Escalation Addendum in a competitive real estate market like ours in Vienna typically happens when buyers find out there is another offer already on the table. The goal is to Continue Reading
The 3D Virtual Tour Experience
Letting the world tour your McLean condo... can be pretty cool. UPDATE: Yes, this Sold June 2017. The virtual tour played a vital role since it was viewed outside the U.S. International home buyers are starting their search online, and that's why I work with my clients to maximize my digital marketing strategy. Contact me for help or to meet Continue Reading
Debt to Income Ratio | Planning Ahead
One of the first tips I give people when they tell me they plan to buy a house next year is to focus on their Debt-to-Income ratio. Most clients who buy homes get a mortgage, and find out quickly that their finances are about to get scrutinized. Even though ads for rocket-easy mortgages make it appear simple, they will still want you to provide Continue Reading
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