So where do you draw the line?  What do you look past?  And what would you see that should cause you to keep on looking?

The easiest (and sometimes hardest) thing to look past is DIRT – yes I said DIRT.  Sometimes a house just needs to be cleaned – REALLY cleaned – windows, carpets, baseboards, exterior trim, etc…  it may be gross, but really try to imagine it sparkling.

Next – PAINT – Paint is probably the least expensive way to make a big change – can’t stand those pea green walls?  What about mocha?  or cranberry?  EASY – so imagine it in the color scheme you like.  Then head out to the paint store to explore the options!

What about an outdated kitchen?  Well, first you need to really evaluate what’s outdated…  is it everything from the aqua blue stove to the metal cabinets?  Then you might be looking at a complete re-do - but have you ever strolled the aisles of Ikea?  They have some really nice looking options, especially for small spaces, that are actually affordable.  In order of expense (for most) are:  Cabinets, Appliances, Countertops, Flooring, miscellaneous (hardware, light fixtures, faucet)…  If you can live with the cabinets, perhaps consider buying a new appliance, new flooring and lighting – then see what’s left.

OK, So you understand where I’m headed with this - there are a lot of things you can do to change the home – even removing trees, old overgrown bushes, power washing a deck or even the house, etc… but what are some things that should cause you pause…

First let me say that there are very few problems that cannot be fixed – however it has to be decided how much you want to bite off.  If there are issues with the structural integrity of the property – you must decide the severity and often it’s a matter of taking on the unknown – I’d consider passing.

Here’s a biggy – busy road – does it back or front somehow to a busy road?  And how busy is it?  Is it a cut through?  Or a main thoroughfare?  Or even a freeway?  Do you enjoy having your windows open?  Do you have small children or pets that you would worry about?  The reality is that a busy road is generally not someone’s first choice for location - however, every house will sell, every house will have a buyer - just a matter of a price hit.

Then there’s the site – how is the property situated on the lot?  There are some things you can do with retaining walls, decking, etc… but if you want a flat level lot and the home you love is on a steep incline?  Can’t really be changed.  Things to think about.

I think the bottom line is that you need to give a house a chance – homes aren’t perfect, but as a buyer, you need to evaluate the deficiencies and determine what can be done – then, if you are able to get comfortable with them – carry on!

Happy Thursday!

Jennifer

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OK, but I digress - yesterday I went in the home of a listing agent who had many many letters after her name to represent all of the designations she’s earned.  One happened to be the Accredited Staging Professional (OR ASP) designation.  Now, I think staging a home is really important IF THE HOME CAN BENEFIT FROM IT. 

Have you ever had a friend (or maybe your home is like this) that every time you walk into their home it looks perfect?  Just the right accessory, just the right colors, just the right candle?  Not too much?  Not too little?  But JUST RIGHT?  That’s what staging is supposed to accomplish.  A “put-together” just right look!

So, back to my story, yesterday I walked into this house and this particular staging professional went WAYYYYYY overboard.  There were throw blankets EVERYWHERE – and I mean EVERYWHERE - sometimes 2 and 3 in the same room, artfully “tossed” over the arm of a chaise or a sofa…  There were books and towels tied up with rafia and silk flowers arranged throughout the house as well - there was even a silk flower arrangement in the “his” side of the closet – and it wasn’t even attractive – c’mon!  That’s not believable!!!  The kicker was the cup of tea that sat on the end table by the chaise with the artfully thrown blanket with plenty of fringed pillows as well, I might add - the cup was full of that brown plastic stuff that looks like liquid, but it’s not – the wrapper from the tea bag was torn off and set aside and it was on top of a book…  I had to feel the “water” in the teacup to see if it was real or not – UGH - I left there thinking “staging gone bad”

So, what’s my advice?  Look around!  Get the honest opinion of your agent and your friends – there are many levels to “staging” – sometimes stagers can come in and work with what you have - re-arrange a few things, pull out some great nuggets that you have tucked away and put away some things that might not be working to their full potential.  Staging is great – when used for the right project in the right way.  But when it’s not right on – it just looks silly – TRUST ME!

Feel free to call today to discuss listing your home and I’d be happy to tell you whether or not your home could benefit from staging.

Happy Wednesday

Jennifer

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So I thought it might be helpful to spell out some of these terms and what happens during the process of contract acceptance to close date. 

When a contract is accepted, either there are contingencies or not – if there are NO contingencies (finance, appraisal, home or radon inspection, etc…) then it gets entered into the computer as “CONTRACT.”  These days that doesn’t happen very often but keep the definition in mind because it means that it is on it’s way to settlement with the only way out being default.

Normally there are purchaser’s contingencies like an appraisal contingency or a home inspection - in which case the status becomes “CNTG/NO KO” and what this means is that it is contingent but the purchasers may not be “kicked out” or displaced - the only way to cancel the contract lies with the purchaser for the reasons outlined in their particular contract, but NOT the seller.

On rare occasions, a seller will accept a purchaser’s contract contingent upon the sale of their existing home – in this scenario, a purchaser MAY BE KICKED OUT, or DISPLACED from their first position with proper notice, etc…  this is depicted by CNTG/KO – when you see this, you should treat the property as available with acceptable terms/negotiation.

The only other thing we sometimes see is “PENDING” – our MLS system (MRIS) doesn’t use this term but sometimes another website might pick up a variety of “contract” status’ and call it “pending” meaning, generally, unavailable.

Hope that clears up some questions – if you have others, like how to buy in this market, how to get your $8,000 tax credit, how to take advantage of great interest rates or how to best get your home sold, feel free to call me today! (or tomorrow - I’ll be around!)

Happy Tuesday

Jennifer 

Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!

Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session!  And remember, spring is HERE!

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These numbers are amazing.  In fact, for 2008 only 4 separate weeks reported contract writing in the 60’s - 2 weeks in April, 1 in May and 1 in June.  So I’d say between the historically low interest rates, the home buyer tax credit and good inventory, we’re poised to keep this trend going!

If you’re considering buying and are still not sure if this is the right time or not – I would encourage you to seriously evaluate the cost of waiting – higher interest rates, less flexible sellers and less inventory could drive your monthly payment up by hundreds of dollars!

Feel free to call me anytime to discuss – meanwhile – HAPPY SPRING!

Jennifer

PS - the photo is one I took recently while on vacation in Phoenix at the Desert Botanical Gardens – there’s an amazing Dale Chihuly exhibit - it’s worth the time stopping in if you find yourself in Phoenix!  His glasswork is extraordinary!

Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!

Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session!  And remember, spring is HERE – NOW!

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Contracts Written Over $1M
March, 2009 – 14 contracts
February, 2009 – 6 contracts
January, 2009 – 7 contracts
December, 2008 – 7 contracts
November, 2008 – 10 contracts
October, 2008 – 8 contracts
September, 2008 – 19 contracts

So I had to go back 6 months to find a month where there was more activity in the $1M+ market.  Part of this is a result of the tightened lending restrictions (read: lack of jumbo money over $729K); part of it is the excellent interest rates we have now and lastly, I believe it’s the rebound in the stock market that is allowing those buyers who had tabled decisions to move and they are now seeing increases once again in their investment accounts.

It’s not for everyone - but if you’re considering buying in the high end, I have lender contacts who can get the job done.  Likewise, if you’re considering selling and thought it was impossible… think again!

Happy Friday

Jennifer

Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!

Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session!  And remember, spring is RIGHT around the corner!

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Both this past week (3/21–3/27) and the week before (3/14–3/20) there have been 51 contracts ratified.  Last year at the same time we were in the high 40’s – so while it’s just a few - for those who feel the market is still slowing, I’m not too sure.  It will be very interesting tracking these numbers as we hit April and May – the “spring season.”  With interest rates down below 5% it makes me wonder why anyone on the fence is still sitting on the fence.  Listen up people – now’s the time.  IF you’re in the market and prepared for a purchase to begin with – don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s right for everyone - but if you’ve been on the fence, get off - look around, smell the roses, check out your options.  I’m waiting to hear from you!

Happy Thursday!

Jennifer

Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!

Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session!  And remember, spring is RIGHT around the corner!

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Our county has listened and as of today, our recycling options have widened tremendously.  Soon they will deliver to all single family homes a new wheeled 65–gallon cart and to townhomes, a 35–gallon cart specifically to be used for recycling materials.

You can now recycle aluminum foil & trays, milk and juice cartons, plastic bags, aerosol cans, rigid plastics, books and any plastic #1–7.  No sorting is necessary - just toss it all in.  Additionally, cardboard boxes no longer have a size restriction and they don’t even need to be broken down any longer.  Just place them in or near the cart and voila!  You can also ask for a special pickup for electronic items.

This is just one more thing that makes Arlington County Virginia a great place to live!  Call me to find out about great Arlington neighborhoods that you could call “home.”

Happy Wednesday –

Jennifer

Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!

Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session!  And remember, spring is RIGHT around the corner!

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So I thought to myself – wow – interesting tag line indicating the developers are solid, building solid structures, and confident in their abilities. 

Anyway, it was a sunny and windy day and I was wandering while I was waiting and I found myself on the other side of the truck and here’s what I saw:

Now I don’t know about you - but I had to read it twice.  About this time my colleague joined me and we both said “does that say what I think it says?”  Very interesting strategy and I’m still confused by it.  And of course, the icing on the cake was the back:

Ok – so my pledge to you is:

99% of the time I’m early – to me on time is the new late
I’m a safe driver
I do at least what I promise and usually more
I don’t leave until the job is done

Call me today to discuss my business practices – I still can’t fathom what this guy was thinking, but it doesn’t set well with me.

Happy Tuesday!

Jennifer

Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!

Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session!  And remember, spring is RIGHT around the corner!

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I’m not sure the story it tells, but one thing’s for sure - there are small indicators all around us that we might be heading for better times…  Contract writing is stabilizing - of course, 4.5% interest rates don’t hurt a bit!  The stock market is showing some glimmers of some gains (according to CNN, last week saw the 2nd consecutive week ending with a gain since May of 2008) and this week seems to be (so far) heading in the same direction!  I’m not getting ahead of myself, a few good markers do not a turn-around make, but I’m optimistic.

I’m working with many buyers right now – after all, if you’re considering buying, why wouldn’t you drop what you’re doing and jump in NOW?  Did you read what I said in the last paragraph?  4.5% interest rates?  Of course you must have good credit, a job and some assets, but that’s not news.  If you’d like to consider getting into the game and would like a friendly competent realtor to show you the way, drop me a line!  I always have time for new clients and referrals!

Meanwhile, celebrate spring!  The sky is blue the air is clean and crisp – flowers and trees are blooming (ahhh-chooo) and it’s a great time to be alive!

Happy Tuesday

Jennifer

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So I’m sure you’re wondering why, after all this, you have to sell your home 3 times… 

First you have to SELL YOUR HOME TO REALTORS – this is why we host broker’s open houses on Tuesdays - to give Realtors a chance to walk through your home and get a good look – they may not have a client for it, but they may talk it up at their office, or even write a blog post about it!

Second you have to actually SELL YOUR HOME TO POTENTIAL BUYERS - now this is the most obvious!  You want them to walk in and imagine their lives in your home.  Remember, it won’t be your home for much longer, but you want them to imagine their lives there and see the value.

Last you have to SELL IT TO THE APPRAISER – yes, the APPRAISER!  This is primarily my job as the agent, but assuming we did the steps discussed in the first paragraph and actually priced off of valid comparables, we should be able to sail through appraisal process – but it is an often overlooked step that is as important as any of the others.

So, take the time to price and prepare your home up front for the best possible outcome and I’d be willing to bet the rest will fall into place!

Call me to discuss further – I’m EXCELLENT with the 3–sale approach with every base covered!

Happy Thursday

Jennifer

Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!

Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session!  And remember, spring is RIGHT around the corner!

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