When Does the “Spring Housing Market” Start?
Many sellers and buyers are waiting until Spring for the "Spring housing market" to sell their home or buy one. But when does the "Spring housing market" really start? The most common answer is, "Spring!" Is that correct? Nope. The "Spring housing market" has already started. In fact, it starts in January. In the 6 years of being a Realtor, January has been the busiest month of the year for me (and in general) when it comes to buyers house hunting and writing a contract on a new home. The third busiest month? February. (The second busiest month is October) "Really?" Yup. And here are ...
The Home Buying Timeline
So you're thinking about buying a home, but you're not quite sure what all it involves. Well, here's a "Home Buying Timeline" that outlines the various steps to buying a home... 1) Get Pre-Approved – This step involves contacting a lender to find out what types of financing options are available to you and what amount you qualify for in order to purchase a home. The lender should discuss with you different loan programs and how these loan programs fit your needs. Be sure to tell the lender and your Realtor if you qualify for a VA or FHA loan. You will then receive ...
Home Seller Tips, Part Three - Pricing (and Reality)
This is part three of my three part mini-series on how to sell your home for the most amount of money in today's market. (If you missed them, click here for part one and click here for part two). This part deals with the number one most important issue when it comes to selling your house - pricing - as well as the issue of reality. Pricing In most cases, the reason why a home does not sell is pricing. If it's not priced correctly, it will simply sit on the market collecting dust while other properties that are priced correctly sell ...
Buyer Resources
Thinking about buying a home? Check out the Buyer Resources section of Loudoun Scene. You'll find several years worth of posts filled with information, resources and tips to help home buyers like you navigate througout the entire real estate search and purchase process. Check them out and let me know if you have any questions.
Seller Resources
Thinking about selling your house? Check out the Seller Resources section of Loudoun Scene. You'll find information, resources and tips on everything from market conditions affecting your property's value and Days On Market to marketing tips to pit-falls you need to avoid at all costs. Feel free to contact me for more in-depth information and analysis regarding your specific property and situation.
Another Happy Seller!
I haven't written about clients I've worked with to sell or buy a home before, but someone suggested I do (maybe because some of you may think that all I do is blog rather than "work"). That's why I'm here to share with you one of the latest stories of me helping a client sell their home. This particular property is located in Mclean, VA. It's a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo in the gated Colonies community located just down the street from Tyson's Corner. We went with an aggressive list price because of the lack of inventory in the community ...
Most Recent Posts
Did You Know?As the world matures, the less significant we become in terms of a number yet, the more connected and necessary we are to one another (if you can’t see the video below, click here)… P.S. If you can name the song and artist, your next drink is on me. Read More →
An RE.net Legend, Awesome Guy and Friend Needs Our HelpThough it’s sunny outside right now, a black cloud looms overhead… Joe Ferrara, a pioneer of the RE.net and social media, co-founder of the Sellsius Real Estate blog (one of the best blogs ever) and one of the first people to come to my aid during the Loudoun... [Read more]
Update on Camberley Homes, Boulevard at BrambletonHere’s the latest on Camberley Home’s, Boulevard at Brambleton community in Brambleton, VA… They should start selling town homes this summer, probably in the beginning of July Base prices should start somewhere in the mid $300’s (prices and options... [Read more]
Loudoun County Housing Inventory Cause for CautionAfter a year of steadily diminishing housing inventory throughout Loudoun County, inventory has spiked over the last 2 months. After dropping almost 30 percent from the beginning of May 2009 to the middle of April 2010, inventory has spiked up almost 10 percent in a matter... [Read more]
Is Selling Your Home in the Spring a Good or Bad Thing?
Many sellers wait until the Spring to sell their home. Why? Because they think the “Spring housing market” is the best time to sell their home. But is selling your home in the Spring a good thing or is it really a bad thing? Selling your home in the Spring could... [Read more]
Loudoun Real Estate Assessments, Assessed Values and Appeal Process FAQs
I spent part of yesterday at the Dulles Area Association of REALTORS(R) for a presentation given by Todd Kaufman, Loudoun County Assessor (pictured above), regarding Loudoun County real estate assessments and the appeal process. Speaking alongside Todd Kaufman were Jennifer... [Read more]
When Does the “Spring Housing Market” Start?
Many sellers and buyers are waiting until Spring for the “Spring housing market” to sell their home or buy one. But when does the “Spring housing market” really start? The most common answer is, “Spring!” Is that correct? Nope. The “Spring... [Read more]
Claim the Home Buyer Federal Tax Credit with IRS Form 5405Earlier this month, the IRS released form 5405, which allows homebuyers to claim up to an $8000 tax credit for the purchase of a home. You can get a copy of IRS form 5405 by clicking here or check out the copy embedded below. You can find full details on claiming the tax... [Read more]
Credit Scores Explained in One Easy-To-Read ChartEver wonder why your credit (aka FICO) score is what it is? Do you think it’s lower than it should be especially since you’ve never had anything repossessed nor ever been foreclosed on? Well, here’s an easy-to-read chart explaining how not paying your credit... [Read more]
Upcoming Changes to FHA Home Loan Guidelines = Higher Costs to Home Buyers
Upcoming changes to FHA home loan guidelines will increase the cost of buying a home for buyers - especially first-time home buyers. It may sound crazy considering the state of the national housing market, but it’s true. Here’s the official HUD press release... [Read more]
Buyer Resources
Buyer ResourcesThinking about buying a home? Check out the Buyer Resources section of Loudoun Scene. You’ll find several years worth of posts filled with information, resources and tips to...
When Does the “Spring Housing Market” Start?
Many sellers and buyers are waiting until Spring for the “Spring housing market” to sell their home or buy one. But when does the “Spring housing market” really...
Claim the Home Buyer Federal Tax Credit with IRS Form 5405Earlier this month, the IRS released form 5405, which allows homebuyers to claim up to an $8000 tax credit for the purchase of a home. You can get a copy of IRS form 5405 by clicking...
Upcoming Changes to FHA Home Loan Guidelines = Higher Costs to Home Buyers
Upcoming changes to FHA home loan guidelines will increase the cost of buying a home for buyers - especially first-time home buyers. It may sound crazy considering the state of the...
What the Heck is the Difference Between “Contingent” and “Contract”?!Here’s a two-part question one of my clients recently asked me… “Can you explain to me the difference between ‘CNTG/NO KO’, ‘CONT/KO’ and ‘CONTRACT’?...
Buying New Construction, Financing and Future Interest RatesHere’s a three-part question recently asked by a new construction home buyer I’m working with… “If my new home won’t be ready until June, how will that...
More buyer resourcesSeller Resources
Seller ResourcesThinking about selling your house? Check out the Seller Resources section of Loudoun Scene. You’ll find information, resources and tips on everything from market conditions...
Is Selling Your Home in the Spring a Good or Bad Thing?
Many sellers wait until the Spring to sell their home. Why? Because they think the “Spring housing market” is the best time to sell their home. But is selling your home...
When Does the “Spring Housing Market” Start?
Many sellers and buyers are waiting until Spring for the “Spring housing market” to sell their home or buy one. But when does the “Spring housing market” really...
Dulles Airport Impact Overlay District Disclosure RequirementsSeveral of you have asked me about the Dulles Airport Impact Overlay District and any required disclosures. To best answer your question, my broker and I spoke with the Dulles Area...
Compare Cost of Living in Northern Virginia/Loudoun County to Other Areas of USMany of you who are thinking about moving here from other parts of the U.S. ask me the question, “What’s the cost of living difference between (enter your town here) and...
Another Happy Seller!
I haven’t written about clients I’ve worked with to sell or buy a home before, but someone suggested I do (maybe because some of you may think that all I do is blog rather...
More seller resources






