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
First Steps In the Process | Home Buyers
When we have our first meeting and discuss plans with any new real estate client, I like to review a basic home buying costs worksheet. Knowing the numbers is empowering because it allows clients to see the costs of buying a home and determine a future household budget. I use estimates based on typical costs that I see in Vienna real estate Continue Reading
Looking back at 2016 and ahead to 2017
Three clients had babies... two girls and one boy. People don't often think about the life events Realtors are a part of every year. We step into roles where lives are in the process of changing. Living is more than lifestyle Here are a few notables from 2016... 2016 kicked off helping sisters and a brother sell their childhood home 30 Continue Reading
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