There’s a great Holiday song, originally made famous by Eartha Kitt, called Santa Baby. Some of the lyrics go like this: “Santa honey, one little thing that I really do need... The deed... “ Wouldn't that be great if you could ask Santa for a new house and get it? For most of us, it isn't that easy. Buying Your Home in 2017 If you’re Continue Reading
Want Tips on Making Lowball Offers?
If you are lucky enough to be able to buy a home, I'm sure you are looking for an incredible deal. There hasn't been a week recently when someone hasn't mentioned making a lowball offer and how I can help them get a steal deal. Typical tips are to look for homes that have been on the market for a few months, don't get emotional, to be ready to Continue Reading
Bad News for Vienna Real Estate
(written in 2011) When a Facebook friend posted a link to an MSN article that ranked Vienna Virginia the 2011 #5 Best Housing Market in America, I just had to cringe since those statements never hold true for long. Most articles on MSN come from somewhere else and I quickly discovered that the article originated from Bloomberg BusinessWeek -- Continue Reading
Vienna helps pick up hurricane debris
One of the benefits of living in the Town of Vienna Virginia happens after big storms like Hurricane Irene pass through the area. That's when the Town sets up a special day to pick up all those broken branches that fell into our yards... and all you need to do is set them out at the curb. Vienna's storm debris pick up day is September 6, Continue Reading
Loan Limits for Northern Virginia
Loan limits for Northern Virginia in 2018 ~ Update: I am now seeing low down payment programs from established lenders such as the 80/10/10 program. This will eliminate PMI and allows you to have a 10% down payment. Original Article: Relocation home buyers are typically surprised to learn that Northern Virginia has maximum conforming mortgage Continue Reading
Things You Should Know Before Moving to Northern Virginia
When I started Things You Should Know Before Moving to Northern Virginia (updated in 2017), I had to force myself to stop at thirteen fourteen "things". Over the years I have heard myself giving these tips over and over to clients who are relocating here, so, I thought that I should put down my observations for the world to read. The list is Continue Reading
My Buyer’s Agent Tip of the Week | Luxury Homes
Negotiation strategies vary depending on the price range and condition of the house, but the final months of 2010 may be the best time to negotiate on a luxury home thanks, in part, to the capital gains rate going back up on January 1, 2011. Yes, I am going to encourage you to set in motion an action plan that really is a "win-win" negotiating Continue Reading
10 Home Buyer Mistakes
Even if you are an experienced, relocation home buyer moving to Vienna, VA with your company from California, it makes sense to go through this checklist. You will buy a better home and have a better experience. The biggest home buyer mistakes: Choosing a real estate agent who isn't committed to forming a strong business relationship with you. Continue Reading
