Loudoun County VA real estate

Helena Talbot’s blog – The One Thing You Must Do If You Want To Sell Your Home Quickly And For Top Dollar

2014-02-10T08:33:00.001-08:00

Are you thinking about putting your house on the market? If so, then you will probably want to do everything possible to help your home sell quickly and for top dollar. But do you know the number one most important thing you can do that will help your home sell? Paint! Yep, that's right - paint.

Painting your home will help it sell more quickly than any other upgrade. You know what they say about first impressions. Well, it's absolutely true. If a buyer drives by your house or sees your ad on the internet and the paint appears to be old, peeling and faded, it'll make your home look the same way - old. And that's not the first impression you want to make. Your home may be beautiful on the inside but if you can't get buyers through the front door in the first place then nothing else matters.

Fresh paint will do wonders for the look of your home and for your bottom line. It's best to paint the entire house inside and out if you can. If you can't then at least paint the doors and the trim. And painting the interior is crucial so try to find a way to make that happen, even if you have to do it yourself. One gallon of paint will cover a surface area of approximately 400 square feet. So use that approximation to determine how much paint you'll need if you're going to paint the home yourself.

When painting the exterior of your home, you'll want to use paint colors that conform with the other homes in your neighborhood. Take some time to drive around and find a few homes with a color scheme you like then match it. It's best to use fresh, neutral colors if you want to appeal to the largest number of people. Whites, creams, beiges or similar neutral colors are preferred by most people.

In addition to the paint, the surface area preparation is also important. Power-washing the exterior and patching any cracks or holes is important if you want your paint to look crisp and clean. If you don't do the proper surface prep, your buyers might not be able to tell that you painted at all. Therefore, you will have wasted your money.

If you truly can't afford to do all the painting you should do, at the very least, paint the doors, the trim and the railings of your home. These little accents will help draw the eye away from the parts of your home that haven't been freshly painted.

If you would like some help with the painting and repairs or in selecting the proper paint colors for your home, contact your realtor for a list of reputable paint contractors in your area. Your realtor will be able to look at your home and make recommendations based on their experience with similar homes in the area then the paint contractor or interior designer can take it from there.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.

As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele. If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.

I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors, Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979. I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren. My son in law is my business partner in real estate. I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William Counties. Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont. Cell 703.727.9885 Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – 5 Tips for Improving Financial Fitness in 2014

2014-01-29T11:33:00.001-08:00

New Year’s resolutions are nothing new, and, according to the credit reporting firm Transunion, nearly 40 percent of Americans say they will make at least one big financial change in their life next year.

More than 32 percent say they will save more money, while 28 percent vow to pay down debt, and 27 percent saying they will eliminate unnecessary expenses.

No matter where you fit in the spectrum, the money mavens at Transunion suggest five steps you can start with to set you on the right path to financial fitness:

Check your credit – Start by knowing where you stand. Check for any evidence of bad financial habits such as late, missed and minimum credit card payments. Knowing where problems lie is the first step toward fixing them.
Dispute false credit data. Wrong information on a credit report can be the start of significant credit and financial problems for years to come. Protect your credit health by disputing any items on your credit report that are incorrect or that you do not recognize and getting those items removed.
Address credit rating deficiencies – Once you know your credit score, take the necessary steps to raise your score. Pay down debt, hike those minimum card payments, and keep a lid on spending.
Don't overspend – It seems like a simple concept, but vow to stop spending too much money on services and stuff you don't really need. Create a monthly spending plan (b-u-d-g-e-t!) and set limits on how you spend your disposable income.
Watch out for identity theft. Recent news that millions of Target shoppers were victims of a security breach should resonate with every consumer. Keep ID thieves at bay by using a reputable credit monitoring service and tracking your credit card and bank statements regularly to make sure you're not exposed to a data breach.

By Barbara Pronin

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry. As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele. If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems. I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – What You Need to Know About Mortgages Right Now

2014-01-28T08:18:00.000-08:00

Weeding through all of the available information on mortgage rates can be exhausting. From trends to current percentage fluctuations, there is always a surplus of information at your fingertips. Below are three things you should know about today's mortgage arena.

They're on the way up – but still look good. Today's rates are higher than they were a year ago, but they're still relatively low. Recently, mortgage rates were weighing in around 4 percent, which isn't as low as 2012's 3 percent, but is still a great rate.

They shouldn't stop you from buying. If you're waiting to purchase a home because you think mortgage rates may drop – don't. While mortgage rates do increase and decrease slightly from month-to-month, larger changes happen extremely slowly. If a fraction of a percent increase or decrease dramatically changes how much house you can buy, then you may be shopping a bit out of your price range.

There could be upcoming changes. The Federal Reserve has been keeping interest rates low by purchasing billions of dollars' worth of mortgage-backed securities every month, called Quantitative Easing. The Fed admits that this program may not be around much longer, and that when it is eliminated, mortgage rates will spike. This is only a speculation, but it is still something to keep in mind if you're deciding on the right time to buy.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Don't Overlook That Diamond In The Rough

2014-01-25T11:23:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a new home, then you've probably been scouring the internet ads, driving through neighborhoods and looking at the lists of homes you've received from your realtor. And if you're like many people, you won't even consider something that's not move in ready.

However, there are many homes on the market that are diamonds in the rough. These are homes that are priced below market value and only need some minor cosmetic touches to make them a gem. Here are a few things to look for that may indicate you've found a diamond in the rough. Homes that could be easily turned into a gem and ones that will substantially increase the value of the home for very little money.

1. Look at the walls of the home. Will a few sheetrock repairs and a coat of paint fix all that ugliness? Could you have that old wallpaper removed? Removing old dated wallpaper can make a home feel updated almost instantly and for very little money.

2. Check the flooring. Does the home have old mauve shag carpet, etc? If so, ask for a carpet allowance and have some new flooring installed. This is another quick fix that can update a home very quickly and easily.

3. How about the windows? Are the windows dirty or do they have some old outdated window coverings on them? The windows can be cleaned and the window coverings can be replaced with new fresh crisp coverings. These quick fixes will update and enhance your new home and instantly increase its value.

4. How's the landscaping? Is it full of weeds, dead shrubs and old dried out flowers? The landscaping is something that can be updated with little money or effort. Buy some weed and feed, some new shrubs and flowers or whatever suits your taste and style and you've just updated your landscaping. Additionally, if you buy permanent, low maintenance plants and shrubs, you may never have to think about your landscaping again. Just a little monthly maintenance and that's it!

5. What about the kitchens and bathrooms? Do they look a little dated? It's very easy to change the paint color, add some new light fixtures and some new sinks that will give those rooms an easy update. Additionally, new appliances are another thing that doesn't cost that much but will give your kitchen a great upgrade and one that you'll use and enjoy every day.

Talk to your realtor about those diamond in the rough homes. Due to his knowledge of the neighborhood and experience with similar homes, he will be able to supply you with a list of homes that will fit your criteria and could be easily updated with little money and effort.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Tax Tips for Home Sellers

2014-01-24T08:37:00.002-08:00

Tax season is approaching fast, and for those who sold a home this year, it's important to start thinking about how this may impact your taxes. Below are several of the need-to-know facts about tax season for home sellers.

Under $250,000? You may be able to exclude gains. Just because you profited on your home sale does not mean you have to pay taxes on it. In fact, if you're eligible to exclude your gains, you don't even need to note that you sold your home at all when you file.

To be eligible, you need to have made a profit of less than $500,000 on a joint return or $250,000 on an individual return, and the home must have been your primary residence for at least two years prior to sale.

You may not have to report your home sale at all. If you can exclude all of the gain--meaning it was under 500,00 on a joint return or $250,000 on a single--you probably don’t need to report the sale of your home on your tax return at all. Double check this with your accountant, but this is the case in most situations.

But you can't deduct your losses. While it's great you can exclude financial gains, you can't deduct financial losses, which is unfortunate.

The more homes, the more complicated tax-time can be. Several complications can arise from owning more than one property, be it an investment or vacation home. The home you live in the majority of the time is considered your primary residence. This is important because it's necessary for you to report any gains you may have made on your second home.

If you can't exclude gains...If you can’t exclude all of the gain because it was over the allotted amount, or you choose not to exclude it, then you will need to report the sale on your tax return. Keep an eye out for Form 1099-S, Proceeds From Real Estate Transactions.

If you’re selling your first home...One more reminder about selling your home and tax season: special rules may apply when you sell a home for which you received the first-time homebuyer credit.

Keep in mind that tax time can be stressful and busy, so it's always a good idea to have a professional look over your paperwork if you had an unusual financial year.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Tips For Preparing A Successful Open House

2014-01-23T11:12:00.004-08:00

If you're trying to sell your home, having an open house is a great way to access a large number of potential buyers at one time. In addition, an open house could generate multiple offers with the buyers each trying to outbid each other. However, if you want to have a successful open house, there are several things you'll need to do to prepare before you begin.

1. Remove all the clutter and pack up anything you don't use on a daily basis. This will make your home feel bigger and your closet space feel bigger as well. Additionally, removing all the clutter, personal pictures and decor will help your buyers to more easily picture themselves living there.

2. Have your home professionally cleaned. A professional cleaning service will have the right tools, equipment and personnel to thoroughly clean your home from top to bottom in a record amount of time. If your home is not spotless, all your buyers will notice is how unkempt your home appears and that will determine their opinion about the condition of your home. You need to make sure your home is spotless before you sponsor your open house.

3. Hire a professional stager to help you decorate and arrange the things in your home in the best possible way. A professional stager has been educated on how to arrange furniture, what colors and decor to use and how to utilize your lighting, or lack of lighting, to your home's advantage.

4. Neutralize the odors in your home. All homes have a lived in smell. You'll need to have your carpets cleaned (or replaced), bathe your pets and make sure all litter boxes are clean. Additionally, on the day of your open house you should make other arrangements for your pets and remove all indications that a pet lives there. Talk to your realtor about the different ways they've successfully used to neutralize homes with a strong lived in smell.

5. Complete any and all repairs. It only takes a buyer to see one thing wrong with your home. They will then begin to look for other things that are wrong - instead of looking for the things that are right.

6. Buy some nice hand towels and linens to put in your kitchen and bathrooms. This helps give your home a new, fresh, clean vibe versus old and used.

7. Neatly organize everything in your closets, cabinets and drawers. This will give your home the appearance of being well maintained.

8. Spruce up the curb appeal to ensure that the first impression of your home is a good one.

9. Have your open house catered. Set up some nice tableware, etc. to make your home memorable and to help your guests envision what it would be like to live in your home.

10. Make sure you're not present during the open house. Most buyers are not comfortable looking through your things or talking about your home in your presence.

Talk to your realtor about more tips and tricks you can use to ensure your open house is successful. Your realtor is familiar with the neighborhood and with the other buyers agents in the area. Therefore, he will be able to help you prepare and get the word out so you'll be able to sponsor the most successful open house possible.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – The Most Common Home Seller Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

2014-01-22T10:22:00.002-08:00

If you're trying to sell your home, you probably want to do everything possible to make sure your home sells quickly and that the entire process is flawless. However, there are many homeowners with great intentions that get sidetracked by making some very common costly mistakes. Here are the most common home seller mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Don't rush to put your home on the market before it's ready. Many home owners have to move within a certain timeframe and put their homes on the market before all the pre-sale work is finished. It's extremely important to do everything that needs to be done before you put your home on the market. That includes the repairs, the painting, the new carpeting, etc. You only get one chance to make a good first impression! If you think a buyer will give your home a second look after he's already seen it in a wreck, you are sadly mistaken. So just don't do it.

2. Don't over price your home. Quite a few homeowners will price their homes above what the market is dictating. Overpricing your home will not only cause your listing to go stagnant, but it could also delay the sale and potentially lower the offers you get for your home. This is because buyers will begin to think something is wrong with your home after they've seen it sit on the market for an extended period of time. There are other homes on the market from which your buyer has to choose. So why do you think they would pay more for yours? They won't!

3. Don't over improve your home. Sometimes a homeowner will perform upgrades that don't add any money to their bottom line in an effort to sell their home more quickly and for more money. In some cases, certain upgrades will end up costing you money. Talk with your realtor before deciding on which upgrades should be completed. Your realtor knows the neighborhood, the floorplans and the other homes on the market and will be well equipped to recommend the upgrades that will bring you a higher return on your investment and which ones will not.

4. Don't get emotionally involved in the sale of your home. It's normal for you to feel an emotional attachment to your home, especially after you've lived there for a while. However, once you put your home on the market, there will be buyers who don't see your home the way you do. Some of them will want to change things and use things differently than you do. Some of them will not like certain aspects of your home, even though those may be the things you love the most about your home. But don't let those ideas and comments get in the way of a sale. Once you put your home on the market, it's no longer your home. You can keep your fond memories of the home but now it's time to move on.

5. Don't try to cover up any problems with your home. Every home sale requires you to disclose all issues and problems with the home. Talk to your realtor about the best way to handle any problems in or around your home. If you don't disclose all known problems, you could be sued and held liable for them in the future.

It's extremely important that you follow the recommendations of your realtor. Your realtor has the knowledge and the experience to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Most home seller mistakes could have been avoided had the homeowners just listened to the recommendations of their realtors.

Your realtor has your best interest in mind at all times. Remember, your realtor doesn't get paid until your home has been sold.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – How To Use Social Media To Your Advantage

2014-01-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

The days of traditional marketing are gone. Well, not gone, but they're gone in the sense that the way we used to market to home buyers has definitely changed. The days of just throwing up an advertisement hoping someone will click on it are no more. Traditional advertising still has a role, but it should be supplemented with social media advertising as well. Here are a few ways to use social media to your advantage.

1. The saying goes "a picture is worth a thousand words." And that's true, but if a picture is worth a thousand words, than a video is definitely worth infinitely more than a picture. Using video images is like giving the client an in person tour from the comfort of their own home. This is a huge time saver and the extra time will give buyers the opportunity to view more homes and the ability to quickly and easily narrow down their selection. But no one will see your video if you don't get it out there. And the best way to do that is through social media. Many people, especially Millennials, will want to get their friends opinion on their latest home selection before they're willing to make any decisions, and that's where social media shares and likes are extremely helpful.

2. There are many types of social media outlets you can use to gain exposure to your home. YouTube is of course the biggest video site and your realtor will know exactly how to market your home using YouTube. Along with posting the video of your home, you could also include video testimonials as part of your social media strategy. Social proof from video testimonials can play a huge part in converting browsers into actual buyers. People want to know what others have experienced and when they can see and hear for themselves what others think, than you have won half the battle.

3. When it comes to buying a home, many buyers will turn to social media before they even do a general internet search. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram are a few places where a buyer can see how your realtor has represented your home and how they interact with others. This will partly determine whether they want to tour your home or not.

4. When using social media to market your home, you'll also want to include in your posting, any local events and happenings, as well as, any local attractions that will make your home and your location more appealing. You want your buyers to be able to picture themselves living in your home and how they would benefit from living in your town.

5. Including interesting facts and things that could help your buyer is also a good social media practice. Give them a list of moving tips, free things they could benefit from and any current news or events in the area. You should be posting to your social media sites as part of your daily marketing routine.

Talk to your realtor about how he approaches social media. Including what sites he routinely uses and how he interacts with them. Does he have a social media schedule and how would he use that to market your home. If you would like to include social media as part of buying or selling a home, talk to your realtor about how you could use social media to your advantage and how it will help you with the entire real estate marketing process.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Keep Wintering Pests Out of Your House

2014-01-17T12:16:00.000-08:00

Freezing pipes aren't the only things could be invading your home this winter. The National Pest Management Association says many pests enjoy spending winter inside a warm house, and rodents alone will invade an estimated 21 million homes in the U.S. this winter.

More than just a nuisance, there are real threats posed by many of the pests that like to share our homes the NPMA says. Mice and rats can spread diseases like salmonella and hantavirus and can contaminate food.

Rodents can also bring other pests like fleas, ticks and lice indoors and can cause serious structural damage to a home by chewing through wood and electrical wiring.

Beyond rodents, other winter pests include ants, spiders and cockroaches, which can trigger allergies and asthma attacks, spread disease, transmit bacteria, contaminate food and in some cases, bite.

Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA says an infestation by one or more of these pests can lead to serious health and property concerns if they go undetected or are left uncontrolled.

Fortunately, the NPMA has a few tips to prevent pests from coming indoors on firewood, foliage and family pets - or gaining entry through small crevices in a home's exterior:

Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home.
Store items that are kept in garages, basements and attics in plastic, sealed containers rather than cardboard boxes to prevent rodents from nesting inside.
Keep branches and shrubbery trimmed away from the home.
Store firewood at least 20 feet from the home and five feet off the ground.
Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
Store food in airtight containers and dispose garbage regularly.
If you suspect an infestation, contact your local pest professional.

By John Voket

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Insuring an Empty Home? Four Things You Need to Know

2014-01-16T13:01:00.004-08:00

Whether it’s a seldom-used vacation home or an unoccupied rental property, if you’re responsible for a vacant property, make sure you have the right kind of insurance in place. When looking for homeowners insurance for an unoccupied residence, the process can be difficult. Many companies will not cover such a dwelling or charge high premiums because of the increased risk associated with vacant properties. The chances of burglary and vandalism are higher. The potential of unnoticed damage, which can compound problems and costs, also increases. There may also be an issue with squatters.

If a residence is vacant for more than 30 days, a standard policy may become invalid. In order to find homeowners insurance that will cover this type of property for a reasonable price, here are four steps to take to help reduce risk and lower rates.

1. Make the home look occupied. Ask a neighbor to park their car in the driveway and put lights on a timer. Experts also recommend leaving furniture in the home. Make sure to also have newspapers and other mail stopped.

2. Prepare the central heating and water. If a house will be empty during winter months, the risk of frozen pipes and water damage increases. By keeping the heat on at a low setting, this risk is reduced.

3. Arrange for regular inspections. The majority of problems that occur with vacant properties often start out as minor issues. But because they go unnoticed for long periods of time, damage and expense gets compounded. By having a trusted third party make regular visits, this can be avoided and add peace of mind.

4. Secure the property and remove valuables. All entry points should be secured with an alarm. Valuables should be removed so they do not attract attention that could lead to burglary.

By following these tips, you can reduce the risk and hopefully use it as leverage to receive lower insurance rates.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – What is A Mortgage Credit Certificate?

2014-01-14T09:50:00.001-08:00

With the market making a rebound, buyers who had been on the fence are coming to the table to take advantage of favorable mortgage rates before they continue to rise. For those who have been having difficulty qualifying for a mortgage, it may be a good idea to try for a mortgage credit certificate.

A mortgage credit certificate, or MCC, makes it easier for eligible buyers to qualify for a mortgage loan. Offered by many city and county governments, they allow first-time buyers to take advantage of a special federal income tax write-off.

Under MCC programs, the lender can reduce the housing expense ratio – the percentage of gross monthly income applied toward housing expenses – by the amount of the tax savings. Normally, lenders reject loans if the housing expense ratio is too high.

Program requirements for MCCs vary, although most adhere to the following guidelines:

The buyer must live in the home being purchased with an MCC-assisted mortgage.
Total household income cannot exceed certain limits.
The buyer cannot have owned a principal residence within the past three years. This restriction may be waived if a property is purchased within a certain targeted area.
The purchase price must fall within an established limit.

If you are interested in applying for an MMC, call your local housing or redevelopment agency for more information, or contact your real estate agent.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Small Kitchen Tricks with Big Impact

2014-01-13T14:13:00.004-08:00

Whether it's simplifying arrangements of cabinets and appliances as we age in place, or a desire for a modern or minimalist cooking zone, there is no shortage of good advice on how to get started with a kitchen remodel.

Mariette Mifflin, a housewares and appliances writer at about.com says a large number of baby boomers are eyeing moving to low maintenance apartments or condos, while others will plan to retire to their smaller cottages or vacation homes to age in place.

Mifflin says consider the many more compact appliances that offer energy saving options, like an economy dry settings on dishwashers, 1 and 2 hour auto shut-off on coffee makers, and low water features on washers.

According to Mifflin, delay start has now become a great energy saving option for those areas that pay for electricity based on when they use it, with peak and off-peak rates. You can set a dishwasher with this feature while you're loading it, but it will only start later in the evening when energy off-peak rate is lower.

Cambria Bold design and lifestyle editor for The Kitchn (thekitchn.com) says don't be afraid of using darker colors - done right a darker color scheme can actually make a smaller kitchen space appear bigger.

At cultivate.com, Susan Serra writes that visual tricks will be actively incorporated to create a more open feeling. For example, backsplashes that are more simple in design than ever before, such as single sheets of glass (a hot material), engineered stone or other seamless surfaces, such as stainless steel.

The reason this works: A seamless backsplash has a huge effect on a kitchen's "visual clutter,” is a natural complement to the modern kitchen and a practical solution for small kitchens where appliances are in close proximity to surfaces.

Serra says large interesting nooks and crannies decoratively illuminated in the kitchen can create new focal points as well as adding a spacious look. And she says appliances will largely disappear from view in 2013, allowing even high-end, chef's style appliances to be seamlessly incorporated into any kitchen space.

By John Voket

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – 5 Big Mortgage Mistakes to Avoid

2014-01-11T12:02:00.003-08:00

Applying for a mortgage can be a daunting task. It takes many hours, lots of paperwork, and possibly a headache or two. Below are several mistakes to avoid when on the hunt for a mortgage.

Not checking your credit. This should be your first step in applying for a mortgage. Check your score months before applying for a mortgage so you know where you stand, and have time to make any changes if necessary.

Not getting pre-approved. A mortgage pre-approval is one of the best things you can do to ease the home-buying process. During pre-approval, your bank checks your credit and examines your income, assets, and employment. Before shopping for a home, get pre-approved. Many sellers won't take you seriously otherwise.

Applying for new credit AND a new mortgage. Do not apply for a new line of credit before or during the mortgage application process – it hints at financial instability, and you're seen as a greater risk.

Changing jobs. If you're thinking about switching jobs, then hold off on the mortgage application, or stick out your current position for longer. While a change in the same field doesn't necessarily mean you will be rejected, a big change - like a brand new career - can be a red flag.

Not seasoning your assets. Uncle John is giving you $10,000 to put toward your mortgage? Terrific. Make sure it's in your account months before you apply for a mortgage. New funds do not equate to financial stability, and your underwriter will catch on.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Tips to Help Negotiate a Higher Selling Price for Your Home

2014-01-10T10:38:00.004-08:00

These days, with shortages in pre-owned home inventories across many communities, it's a seller's market. With that in mind, a recent post from Wisconsin's Dan Miller of madcitydreamhomes.com caught my eye.  Miller believes with the right negotiating strategy, there's no reason why a home seller and his or her Realtor® can't arrive at a final price that is markedly higher than the list price.  To that end, here is a sampling from Miller's Tips for Negotiating the Highest Possible Selling Price: 

● Be helpful and easy to work with. Buyers are generally open to negotiating with someone whom they perceive as helpful and likeable. 

● Proactively and openly communicate with all buyer agents who have showings to date. Your agent's job is to encourage as many people as possible to write an offer, and should let each showing agent know about the tremendous amount of interest in your listing. 

● Justify a selling price that is far above the list. It's not recent sales in the area that will establish the final selling price - in this fast-rising market sold comps are often old news. Miller says it's the momentum of the market that's setting the price on your home. With high demand and low inventory, several different buyers are competing for your listing. These real-time market dynamics ultimately determine the final selling price of your home, not the sold comps. 

● Provide all parties with a status update when your first offer comes in. You agent should call and email each showing agent, letting them know a window they have to submit their offer. 

● Finally, Miller suggests that you negotiate and accept a secondary offer once your primary is accepted. This is a great tactic for your agent to employ in the event a primary offer falls through. It also gives you a position of strength as you negotiate around the home inspection with primary. With a solid Plan B, the first buyer may choose not to quibble with you over minor issues that arise during the inspection.

By John Voket

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Tips to Help Negotiate a Higher Selling Price for Your Home

2014-01-08T11:31:00.002-08:00

● Be helpful and easy to work with. Buyers are generally open to negotiating with someone whom they perceive as helpful and likeable. 

● Proactively and openly communicate with all buyer agents who have showings to date. Your agent's job is to encourage as many people as possible to write an offer, and should let each showing agent know about the tremendous amount of interest in your listing. 

● Justify a selling price that is far above the list. It's not recent sales in the area that will establish the final selling price - in this fast-rising market sold comps are often old news. Miller says it's the momentum of the market that's setting the price on your home. With high demand and low inventory, several different buyers are competing for your listing. These real-time market dynamics ultimately determine the final selling price of your home, not the sold comps. 

● Provide all parties with a status update when your first offer comes in. You agent should call and email each showing agent, letting them know a window they have to submit their offer. 

● Finally, Miller suggests that you negotiate and accept a secondary offer once your primary is accepted. This is a great tactic for your agent to employ in the event a primary offer falls through. It also gives you a position of strength as you negotiate around the home inspection with primary. With a solid Plan B, the first buyer may choose not to quibble with you over minor issues that arise during the inspection.

By John Voket

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Heading out of Town? Make Sure Your Home is Protected

2014-01-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

Whether you’re heading out of town for the weekend or packing up the entire family for an extended vacation, taking the time to make sure your home is protected before hitting the road is crucial. By taking the following tips into consideration, you can go on vacation knowing that your home will be safe and sound while you’re away.

1. Make it look like someone is home. Install timers on interior lights so they turn on and off periodically. There are also products available that are capable of varying the time that your lights turn on. You may even want to consider leaving a radio on and tuned to an all-news or talk show station.

2. Disconnect and remove all exterior electrical decorations to reduce the chance of fire and theft. If you don’t already have them, install exterior lights controlled by motion sensors to make your home a more difficult target for prowlers.

3. Make a plan for the newspaper and other deliveries. If you provide enough notice, you can put your newspaper delivery on hold. Otherwise, ask a neighbor to grab your paper and any other circulars or brochures that may be left on your front stoop. Likewise for any unexpected UPS deliveries.

4. Have the post office hold your mail. If you can’t arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, notify the post office up to 30 days in advance of your vacation; at minimum, two days will be needed to process your request.

5. If you have an alarm that is monitored, tell the alarm company you’ll be away. If possible, provide a phone number where you can be reached.

6. Nothing beats a good neighbor. Ask your neighbor to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and possibly even park their car in your driveway, if yours is on the road with you or at the airport. If police regularly patrol your neighborhood, give law enforcement authorities your schedule so they can watch for suspicious activity. If there's a crime-watch program, notify the person in charge.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.

For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Lower Anxieties/Improve Marketability

2014-01-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

One of the anxiety highpoints during the sale of a home is waiting for the buyer’s home inspection report. Most sellers willingly disclose what they know about their home to any potential buyers. The concern stems from the inspector finding something that they’re totally unaware of and that it will either cost them a lot of money to correct or the buyer will simply use it to void the contract

If the inspection does reveal some unknown problem with the home, it’s probably as big a surprise to the buyer who is not as emotionally or financially invested as the seller. It is human nature to fear what you don’t understand and when a report identifies defects, they may simply opt-out of the home.

The solution to the situation may be for the seller to have the home inspected prior to putting it on the market. There is still a risk of becoming surprised by an unknown defect which at that point, would have to be disclosed to potential buyers or repaired by the seller. The advantage is that it creates a baseline to compare discrepancies that may arise when a future buyer has the home inspected.

If the seller’s inspection report is made available during the marketing process, it could give buyers a sense of confidence about the home even though they may still choose to have the home checked by their own inspector.

The cost of the inspection, possibly $500, keeps some sellers from taking this initiative when selling their home. In an effort to minimize their expenses, they forego getting valuable, disinterested 3rd party advice that could help sell their home. On a $175,000 home, the fee for the inspection will probably be less than 3/10 of one percent of the sales price.

Another option to the seller to increase marketability of the property and bolster buyer confidence in the home would be to offer a home protection plan. Generally, the seller doesn’t incur cost for this coverage until the home is sold and there may even be some coverage for the seller during the listing period. The benefit to the buyer is avoiding unanticipated expenses for specific items that are covered during their first year of ownership.

Contact me for recommendations of home inspectors or home protection plans.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Ten Things You Will Need To Do Immediately After Closing On Your Home

2014-01-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

The closing on your home can be an exciting but busy time. There are so many things you have to remember and it's easy to forget some of the most basic but necessary tasks. Here are a few things you'll need to do or have done immediately after you close on your new home.

1. Call a locksmith to have the locks changed on your new home. Don't forget to have him change the locks on all the exterior doors as well. If you're going to change the locks yourself, you'll need to count all the doors so you know how many you'll need. This is something that can be done ahead of time so you'll be ready to change those locks just as soon as you arrive at your new home.

2. Does your new home have any storage buildings or any other type of exterior building that'll need a lock? If so, you'll need to buy new locks for those as well. Additionally, if they're already locked and you weren't given a key at closing, you'll need to have some bolt cutters on hand so you can get them open.

3. Make sure you're given the garage door openers at closing. It's a good idea to change the code as soon as you arrive at your new home. You may need to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to change the code if you don't know how. If they were not provided, you may have to talk with your local home improvement store or the manufacturer to obtain new ones.

4. If your new home has an alarm, you'll need to change the alarm code. Contact the alarm company for assistance.

5. Change the batteries in all the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors then test them.

6. Buy new fire extinguishers to place around the house and in the garage.

7. Prepare a box of move-in supplies to take with you such as toilet paper, paper towels, soap, wipes, trash bags, drinks, snacks, etc. so you won't need to dig through boxes or have to do without.

8. You're going to get hungry very quickly and you probably won't be equipped to cook anything. Therefore, you should ask your realtor for some menus and a list of restaurants in the area that deliver.

9. Don't forget to have the chargers for your mobile devices handy.

10. Put together a move-in toolkit and include items such as nails, a flashlight, a drill, etc.

Talk to your realtor about any additional things you may need immediately after closing. Your realtor helps people with their moving needs everyday and he would be more than happy to assist you.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Buying a Home? First, Check for These Costly Problems

2013-12-29T09:27:00.000-08:00

Buying a home is a hefty task, and with so many things to consider (do I need that extra bedroom? How important is a big yard?), it is easy to get a little lost in the process. There is nothing worse than purchasing a home only to find out you need to sink thousands of unexpected dollars into your new place, all because you weren't sure what to look for.

Below are a few tips to make sure you're focusing on the right home features, so you can enjoy your new home AND still be able to afford that new dining room set.

Hire a home inspector. Getting a home inspected is the No. 1 way you can avoid surprises after closing. However, it's still important to know what to look for on your own, as it can save you precious time and energy expenditure. For instance, if you know you can't afford a new foundation, then you can skip over making offers on homes that are clearly in need.

Check the basement. After you ooh and ah over the walk-in closets, head on down to the basement. Check out the plumbing, examine building materials, and check out insulation. Can you see daylight peeking through cracks in the walls? That spells high heating bills, as the home may have some insulation issues.

Scope out the foundation. Big cracks or corrosion can spell big trouble down the line. Foundation is an expensive repair, so make sure the home is sound.

Look for water damage. Check for discoloration and rings around pipes, windows and doors, as well as kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

Eye the roof. You probably shouldn't climb up to the roof while visiting a potential home, but you can scope it from the outside. Can you see any visible missing tiles or discoloration? And feel free to ask the agent when the roof was last replaced.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Advice For The First Time Buyer

2013-12-28T18:21:00.000-08:00

First time home buyers, the majority of which are young people, don't always properly prepare for their first home purchase. Perhaps because they are so busy with other things such as school or some other type of activity. Or perhaps it is because they just don't know exactly what they should be doing to make sure they are prepared for their first major purchase.

Let's go over a few of the things a first time home buyer must do to prepare for their first home purchase.

1. Develop good buying habits to obtain and keep a satisfactory credit history. Use your credit cards responsibly. Buy a vehicle and make your payments on time. If you are renting an apartment, make sure your name is on the lease and make sure that the utility bills include your name on them as well. You must pay all of your bills on time! You must live within your means!

2. Start saving now for the down payment on your house. Open an investment account and make deposits to that account on a regular basis.

3. Educate yourself about financial management and develop a long term financial plan for yourself. Educate yourself about everything that is involved in buying a home. Talk to a realtor about your future plans and ask them for their advice about buying your first home. Develop a budget and stick to it.

4. Start thinking about where you want to live. You are not limited to your home town. The possibilities are endless. So do some research and find the place that is right for you. Try searching the internet and the library is another wonderful resource to learn about housing opportunities around the country.

5. Talk to a real estate agent. Discuss with them where you would like to live and ask them if they have any information for that area so you can familiarize yourself beforehand. This will help you know the cost of living and any other expenses involved with home ownership for any given area. You will first need to know how much you can afford. You will then be able to determine how much money you will need to save to buy your first home.

Remember, if you have a question, just ask. Your real estate agent is there to help you and will do everything in their power to make sure that you have everything you need to make a solid educated decision about your first home purchase.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – A Renovation Reality Check

2013-12-26T08:55:00.002-08:00

With all of the DIY and big-dream renovation reality shows currently airing on TV, it's easy to set your hopes high when it comes to your own renovation project. They make it look so easy on TV, it's all you can do to keep from imagining that update that's both wallet friendly and quick. In reality—the actual reality—home renovations take a lot of work, from project planning to building. And although it's good to be budget-friendly, sometimes it's more important to splurge on lasting material than go with a cheaper version.

Here are a few tips that can help you get your head in the right place before you plan out that brand new master bedroom.

How important is this? If the home may not be where you spend all of your time—say, it's an investment property or you plan to sell in the next five years—then don't go overboard on expensive renovations. This is especially true if your renovation is tailored to your specific taste. While a home theater is important to you, your buyer in five years may not place the same value on this type of space.

Don't overspend on appliances. While top-of-the-line appliances might feel nice, they're a quick way to blow your budget, and those brand names don't always work better than their less expensive counterparts. Be sure to avoid trendy pieces, and over-the-top add-ons like fancy counters and cabinetry. Choose something that is simple and timeless so you still enjoy it 10 years down the line.

Research, research, research. Did a neighbor or coworker recently renovate their home? Ask for their advice, take note of anything they're remorseful of, and learn from their mistakes before you make your own. Also, do your due diligence when it comes to finding your contractor. Make sure to research, get multiple price quotes, and ask for—and check up on—referrals.

Give yourself enough time. Just because projects on TV get done in one episode doesn't mean your project will be fast and smooth. Set aside a realistic time frame, with extra time sandwiched on either end for delays, and try not to push up against tight deadlines—say, relatives arriving in three weeks or a big holiday party you're hosting.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – How To Put Together A Homeowners Toolkit

2013-12-20T07:17:00.003-08:00

If you're a homeowner, you may have realized that you need a toolkit to help you with the maintenance and repairs on your home. Having a homeowners toolkit will make all those routine maintenance tasks much easier. Below are three toolkits you could put together. The one you choose will depend on your particular skill level.

Basic Skill Level Homeowners Toolkit
• Hammer
• Screwdrivers - a Philips, a flathead and a multi-bit
• Flashlight
• Measuring tape
• Crescent wrench
• Needle-nose pliers
• Level
• Utility knife
• Wire cutters
• Extension cords
• Safety goggles
• Gloves

Intermediate Skill Level Homeowners Toolkit
• All of the above plus the following:
• Caulk gun
• Square-head screwdriver
• Vice grips
• Electrical wire stripping pliers
• Hack saw
• Allen wrench
• Crowbar
• Putty knife

Advanced Skill Level Homeowners Toolkit
• Everything from the basic and intermediate toolkits plus the following:
• Trowel for drywalling
• Trowel for grouting
• Trowel for cement applications
• Tile cutter
• Sledge hammer
• Metal snips
• Air compressor
• Circular saw
• Drill - either corded, cordless or both
• Table saw
• Chop saw
• Jigsaw

As you're putting together your homeowners toolkit, you'll probably find it necessary to add various tools from time to time. Adding new tools will help you accomplish the tasks for your particular home or hobbies or as your skill level advances. Additionally, it's always important to practice basic safety habits when working around your home.

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, please contact your realtor for a list of available homes in your area and for a complimentary comparative market analysis of your neighborhood. Your realtor would be happy to help you with all your real estate needs.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – How To Keep Your Guests Safe At Your Next Holiday Party

2013-12-18T10:55:00.001-08:00

While planning your holiday festivities, you're probably not thinking about things like the obstacles in your home that could possibly create a dangerous situation for your guests. However, your next holiday gathering could quickly turn into a disaster if you have not done a little preparation in advance. The first thing you need to do is to take a look around your home and anticipate anything and everything that could present a problem. Here are a few tips to help get you started.

1. Do you have any glass tables? If so, you'll need to move them into a safe place where a guest that gets knocked over or has had a little too much to drink won't fall on the glass and hurt himself.

2. Do you have any decor that has sharp edges or could fall over and hit someone? If so, these pieces need to be moved out of the party area until your event is over.

3. Do you have any pets? For the safety of your guests and your pets, they should be boarded or kept locked up in another room until after your party. Pets that are not usually aggressive could easily get spooked and you don't want a possible dog bit lawsuit. In addition, you don't want any of your guests innocently feeding your pets something that could harm them. So for everyone's sake please make other arrangements for your pets on party day.

4. Are any children going to be attending your party? If so, and you're serving alcohol, you'll need to have someone monitor the alcoholic beverages so no minors gain access to them. Minors can be very sneaky so make sure you don't skip this step. Otherwise, you'll have a lot of explaining to do if a child becomes intoxicated, or worse, injured.

5. That leads to the last but yet the most important of all your holiday preparation tasks. If you'll be serving alcohol at your party, it's your responsibility to make sure that someone who's had too much to drink, doesn't drive. You should have the phone number for a taxi service next to your phone. Or perhaps, you could have a designated driver available to assist your intoxicated guests. It may be necessary for you to collect everyone's keys as they arrive in order to avoid anyone who's drunk from slipping out unnoticed.

The holidays are supposed to be filled with fun, friends, family and lots of holiday festivities. So do your best to keep it that way. If you've prepared your home ahead of time to eliminate any possible disasters and you have a pre-determined plan for any intoxicated guests, than your holiday event will be a great memory that everyone will remember for years to come.

Winter can be a great time to buy a home. If you would like a list of available homes in your area, please contact your realtor. He would be happy to help you with all your real estate needs.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Foolproof Ways To Sell Your Home Quickly

2013-12-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

After you've decided to sell your home, you want to get it sold and sold quickly. But exactly how do you go about selling your home quickly and for top dollar? Well, there are several things you must do if you want your home to sell quickly.

1. Find a sellers agent you're comfortable with and trust. Then you must do exactly what your agent tells you to do. A seller's stubbornness on certain key issues can delay the sales process and could cost you thousands of dollars in profit. You have to trust that your agent's experience and know how will get the job done and that he's doing everything in your best interest. Remember, your agent doesn't get paid until your home sells; therefore, he's as motivated as you are to get your home sold.

2. You must keep the price of your home in line with the current market. Otherwise, your listing will become stale and buyers will begin to think there's something wrong with your home and this may keep you from getting top dollar. Another great strategic marketing method is to price your home below market value to attract multiple offers and in essence create a bidding war. Many times you'll get an above market offer because each buyer will try to outbid the other.

3. Don't skimp on your online marketing. Most buyers will begin their home search online before they even contact a realtor for the first time. That means you'll need lots of top quality photos, an attention grabbing headline and a description that stands out from the same old type of descriptions everyone else is using to describe their homes. If you don't have all of the above, the buyer will skip your ad and move on to one that's more appealing.

4. Remodeling and upgrading doesn't always help you sell your home. If your upgrades are going to drive up the price you must get for your home in order to break even, then you may have just priced yourself out of the market. Remember, buyers generally aren't going to pay more than the current value of the other homes in the neighborhood. Therefore, you have just wasted your time and money on an investment that will not give you a good return value. That doesn't mean that some upgrades won't help sell your home, because if you choose the right upgrades they will. Talk to your realtor about which upgrades would benefit your home and which ones won't.

There are many different tips and tricks you could use to help sell your home quickly. Contact your realtor for a complimentary assessment of your home and a list of market comparables in your area.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Marketing To The Millennial Generation

2013-12-16T15:27:00.001-08:00

As times change, we as a society are forced to change with them and selling real estate is no different. The same old tired marketing techniques that were used years ago just don't work when selling to the Millennial generation. The Millennials have different wants and needs than their parents; therefore, the way you present your homes and listings must reflect the needs of the current generation of buyers. Millennials make up about 90 million people with the oldest of them being about 31 years old and they're leading the pack when it comes to first-time home buyer demand.

In previous years, buyers were content just looking at available homes online. However, the Millennials are driven by social media and thrive on gathering the opinions from hundreds of their friends on Facebook and Twitter, etc. to help them make their decisions.

Unfortunately, due to the economy, the Millennials have previously had to put off buying their first home and now that they're ready to buy, they have very specific opinions on what they want. They know they need to buy within their means and they want less, yet they want more. Meaning, they want to get the most for their money. The Millennials seem to understand that more square footage will lead to higher maintenance costs and higher utilities and therefore will choose a smaller space as long as it has the amenities they desire.

Millennials have to be very cost-conscious because many of them have student loan payments, along with their other bills. Top that off with a sluggish job market and it just makes sense that they don't want to make the same mistakes that previous homeowners have made which created the real estate bubble in the first place. Therefore, a Millinnial will give up square footage in exchange for a quality built home that offers sustainable materials which will help them save on their energy bills.

Many Millennials have put off having children and therefore are not as likely to buy a traditional home. This means they're generally more receptive to buying condos or townhomes. The Millennials prefer homes that are move-in ready but, if the price is right, will also consider a home that may need some work. Because they know they can go to YouTube or another online source to educate themselves on how to do the small repairs themselves.

Most Millennials are very technology driven and look for homes that are wired to accommodate their lifestyles. They're more likely to use a formal dining room as a workspace or turn it into a home theater, etc. They also look for usable outdoor spaces that will extend their living space and add to their quality of life and their entertainment options. Additionally, they're choosing homes in walkable neighborhoods. Neighborhoods that offer walking trails and amenities. And neighborhoods that are within walking distance to parks, shopping, restaurants, social activities and most importantly, are close to their jobs.

As a seller, it's important to market your home to attract the Millennial generation of home buyers. Therefore, you should design your listings using the verbiage that will most likely attract a millennial buyer. Talk to your realtor about more great ways to make your home more appealing to the millennial generation of home buyers.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

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