Nesbitt Realty is a family-run brokerage serving Northern Virginia

Bold Design at the Heart of a London Kitchen

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 13:19:55 -0700

Planning on Selling?If you’re planning to sell your home, Nesbitt Realty can help. Our Realtors are familiar with the real estate market in Northern Virginia. A Realtor can determine the best listing price for your property. We know how to market your home to get the best price as quickly as possibly. Nesbitt Realty knows how the home selling process works, so we are ready to assist you every step of the way. Nesbitt Realty has access to the MRIS (our local multiple listing service). MRIS is the MLS database that agents use to find homes for sale in the area. Our agent will add your property to it. Working with a Realtor will make the home selling process run smoothly and much simpler than if you attempt to do it on your own.Learn more about selling your home Photos by Alexis Hamilton Kitchen at a GlanceWho lives here: A family of fiveLocation: LondonSize: 350 square feet (32.5 square meters)Designer: Anneka Schranz of Plain English The owner of this kitchen had a few firm ideas when she met with designer Anneka Schranz for discussion. Seeking a complete overhaul of a gloomy space that just wasn’t working, she already knew she wanted steel windows and doors, direct access to the yard and the sturdy cabinets that are Plain English’s trademark to improve the style. She’d also researched some pretty special flooring. But when it came to arranging the space, it was time for a rethink. Schranz introduced the idea of a huge island to cope with the demands of this busy room. “The owner spends a lot of time in the kitchen, preparing three meals a day from scratch, and this island makes that possible,” Schranz says. Although it took some time to finalize all the details of the project, designer and client immediately saw eye to eye on the overall look. “The concept hadn’t really changed from that first meeting, which is nice — we agreed on the bold lines, bulkier cabinetry and [countertop] straight away,” Schranz says. Contrast is key to the success of the space. Dark brown cabinets and stairs are offset by pale walls. The ornate flooring adds a decorative detail to industrial elements such as the lighting and window frames. Doors and windows: The Steel Window Company; kitchen cabinets: Plain EnglishIt takes confidence to use a dark, rich color on such a wide expanse of cabinets, but Schranz’s experience meant she had no concerns. “I don’t think dark cabinetry necessarily makes a room dark,” she says. “We are used to working with a lot of strong colors, and usually if people want to go bold I encourage them to go really bold. Sometimes people come in and love the blue or green palette but don’t dare to go the whole way. But it can look too pasty if you tone it down.” In this kitchen, a light-colored oak floor lifts the space, as does the dusty pink paint color used on the walls and on this recessed open shelving. Long House cabinets: Plain English; cabinet paint: Mahogany and Setting Plaster, Farrow & Ball; Gas on Glass cooktop:KitchenAidThe space includes a dining area at one end and a sitting area at the other, opening out onto the backyard. The free-standing look of the island (and a discreet ventilation fan above it) gives the impression that the island is a piece of furniture. “The fact that the island is lifted off the floor gives the space a really great feeling,” Schranz says. “It meant we had to compromise on not being able to put the dishwasher in the island — it’s behind the sink instead — but the client said it was not a problem.” Dining table, benches and Tulip chairs: The Conran Shop; chesterfield sofa in Ralph Lauren velvet: George Smith; extra-large Quad pendant: Davey Lighting; Elica built-in ceiling-integrated Sky Hidden ventilation system: RDOThe owner found the idea for the jigsaw-effect floor in a design book. It combines antique parquet and hexagonal encaustic tiles and adds color and texture while blurring the lines between the dining, cooking and living areas. The exposed pendant bulbs provide task lighting and add an industrial accent in keeping with the steel windows. Heavy Metal pendant lights in Smoked Bronze: Buster + Punch; hexagonal cement tiles: Mosaic del Sur; oak herringbone block flooring: Dyfed Richards; Osea island unit: Plain EnglishA section of open shelving has space for pretty storage jars and a handsome coffee machine. Schranz and her client considered adding bifold doors but decided they would cause an obstruction. “She was really good at making decisions,” Schranz says, “but when it came to choosing the appliances she left it to me. She said, ‘You’ve got all the experience. I just need something that works.’ ” They went with side-by-side standard and steam ovens. “She knew about the health benefits of steam cooking and was very keen to try it out.” Single and steam combination ovens: Miele; espresso machine and grinder: Sage The owner wanted to have the cooktop and sink in the island to make it easier to chat with friends and family while she cooked. There’s plenty of storage in the form of cupboards and drawers, all with flexible dividers that can be moved as needs change.This is a kitchen that suits both day-to-day living and grown-up entertaining, often at the same time. “I wanted the central island to function as a working space but also somewhere to lay out food for parties,” Schranz says. “It’s [4 feet] wide so the client’s kids can take stools to the other side or far end and roll out pastry or do some painting or whatever.” The client had originally hoped for a natural stone surface, but after learning that her chosen material stained easily, she opted for an engineered alternative. See more Recently Listed For Sale In Arlington

About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria / Nesbitt Realty. Will is a realtor who specializes in condos, townhouses and single family real estate in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Check with him for condos on the metro or for Northern VA relocation resources. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

What It’s Like to Live in a Frank Lloyd Wright House

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 13:16:23 -0700

As a seller, your real estate agent can Help you in analyzing its fair market value Help prepare the condo for selling quality List your condo to get it out in the market efficiently Negotiate in pricing with potential buyers Complete your sales agreement and finally close the sale smoothly Houzz at a GlanceWho lived here: Sherman and Elizabeth Booth were the original owners. Sonia and Ted Bloch restored and maintained the house from 1967 until recently. Ted passed away, and the house is on the market for $1.7 million.Location: Glencoe, IllinoisArchitect: Frank Lloyd WrightYear completed: Stable and caretakers cottage, 1912; house as it stands today, 1916That’s interesting: Eventually, Wright designed an entire neighborhood on the property, including his first completed bridge. The only other Wright-designed bridge ever built is part of the driveway at Fallingwater. The height and massing of the home and its roof deck are uncommon for a Wright Prairie-style home, which usually emphasizes the horizontal over the vertical. Early in his career, Wright designed a number of Prairie-style houses in Glencoe, which has the third-largest collection of Wright-designed structures in the world. Much of the credit for this is due to his lawyer, Sherman Booth, and his wife, Elizabeth. In 1911, Sherman, who was also a conservationist and founding commissioner of the Glencoe Park District, and Elizabeth, a prominent suffragette instrumental in Illinois granting women the right to vote for president of the United States, tasked the architect with designing the estate. The idea was that the 15 acres surrounding the structures could serve as a nature preserve. Wright created plans for a large estate house and other structures in 1911, while his friend, iconic landscape architect Jens Jensen, worked on the landscape plans. The stable-garage and a caretakers cottage were completed in 1912. A summer cottage that would serve as housing for the family during construction of the large house was completed in 1913. It has since been moved to another site in town. A Change in Plans That large house is another story in itself. Alas, it was never built. In Wright’s office’s renderings, you can see that the site planning is almost as dramatic as Fallingwater’s and that there are architectural moves echoing Taliesin. Financial setbacks for the Booths caused them to scale back on their dreams for the property. In 1915, they had the land subdivided into a neighborhood, Ravine Bluffs. Wright designed additional houses for the neighborhood that were much more modest than the Booths’ home, as well as sculptural street markers, a train station and a bridge that crosses the neighborhood’s namesake ravine. Five of these homes were built. Meanwhile, Jensen designed the landscape for the subdivision. The Booths’ belt-tightening resulted in new plans for the house as well. They scrapped the design for the large home that emphasized long horizontal lines perched right up next to and over the ravine. Instead, Wright created a home that related to the ravine via the vertical. He connected the existing caretakers cottage and the stable-garage with a tall central core in the middle to serve as their home. The main core is three stories, and the porch that leads out to the roof deck is the fourth story. The roof deck’s purpose: to look out over the trees to the ravine.Ready for Its Next Custodians Since its completion more than a century ago, the home has had only three owners: the Booth family, Northwestern University, and Sonia and Ted Bloch, who bought it in 1967. According to Sonia, the house had been intended for use as a conference center for Northwestern, but the university wound up putting it on the market. “It was completely vacant when we saw it. It had ragged carpets, and none of the light fixtures worked,” she says. “To some people, it was ugly, but to me, it was gorgeous.” The Blochs got to work restoring the house to its original glory.The house has a theme of rectangular forms, which are repeated on the windows, in the millwork and on the light fixtures Wright designed especially for the home.A Restoration Odyssey “We were very fortunate that my husband was in the lumber business at the time,” Sonia says. “He was able to track down hard-to-find wood species to match the rest of the house where we needed it.” One example is this front hallway flooring; Ted searched until he found the same species of oak in narrow pieces at an obscure lumber supplier in Michigan. “We were fortunate to have contacts to really do it right,” she says. Making the home livable again was a labor of love. During the restoration, the Blochs honored Wright’s original design down to every last detail, including the lantern-like light fixtures throughout the house. Even though the restored fixtures don’t leave much room for artwork on the walls and were difficult to bring back to life, they are among Sonia’s favorite things about the house. “These lanterns are very elegant and give off the most beautiful light,” she says.The Blochs worked with interior designer Laurel Feldman to choose pieces that complemented the home and its unique, custom-designed details, such as the millwork, radiator covers, furniture, light fixtures and windows. An earthy neutral color palette and organic pieces like the couple’s pottery collection complement the views of the property. This library area is a wonderful space that gives us a closer look at the intricate millwork.Here is a first-floor plan so that you can keep track of how the rooms flow together as we go through the house. (Click or tap the image for a larger view.)There is a natural flow through the spaces; the library area is open to this great room (marked “living room” on the plan), which also looks out toward the porch and the property beyond. Though the Booths wound up subdividing the bulk of their 15 acres, their home’s site remained private, surrounded by trees. Wright designed floor-to-ceiling windows to provide views out to the garden and woods.The porch is 15 by 20 feet and almost all windows. “The floor-to-ceiling windows on the porch were not something you’d see often in 1915, and they are amazing,” Sonia says. Eaves around the exterior control the natural light. “The eaves keep out the bright winter light. The house always has lovely soft light, and we never needed drapes except in the bedrooms,” she says. “We were completely surrounded by greenery, and the light was the most beautiful at the end of the day.”Here is a closer look at the eaves and the lines of windows from the outside. Sonia has lovingly tended the gardens for 50 years. In fact, even though she’s out of the house and it’s on the market, she still meets the gardener on Thursdays to get her hands in the dirt and work on the yard.Digging Into the Past Sonia also learned more about the design from one of Sherman and Elizabeth Booth’s sons. At one point, she found out that Sherman Booth Jr. was living close to where she was staying in Florida, so she looked him up and paid him a visit. “Sherman Jr. told me that his mother didn’t want people to see her kitchen when it wasn’t looking absolutely perfect,” she says. “He told me that is why she had Wright place the windows so high, to block the view to inside.” Feldman was able to rework the kitchen in a way that suited the Blochs while keeping the spirit of the original room alive. This rear patio is walled in on two sides by the home, and on the other side by the soft needles and leaves of the trees. This office space gives us a good look at the details on the windows, which are framed in red gum, a wood that was readily available in the region when the house was built. Don’t miss the doorknob on the left side of the photo; every element of the house was carefully considered.“Style-wise scholars talk about the height of the house and this roof deck with the fireplace because it was so unusual for Wright,” Sonia says. “Wright’s intention was for the roof deck to be a sculpture garden where you could look out over the ravine, but we just used it as a deck.” Sonia says Sherman Jr. told her that when his father thought his sons needed to be toughened up, he had them sleep on cots on the roof deck porch when it was cold outside. It sounds as though the senior Booth was a proponent of the fresh-air movement that was going strong back then. This spring, about 90 people toured the home, courtesy of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. Here they are listening to Sonia give a talk. “People from all over the country flew in to see the house, and several people in attendance also lived in Wright homes,” says Pamela Linn, the daughter of architect and Wright aficionado John Tilton, who raised her in the Wright-designed J. Kibben Ingalls House. “It was a special day for all to get in to see this beautiful home.” The master bedroom shows us two more Wright-designed lantern fixtures and windows that wrap a corner of the house. The careful attention Wright paid to corners is something Sonia learned from this house that has always stuck with her. “When I go out into the world and see all of the unattractive corners and spaces, it makes me think about how perfect everything here is,” she says. Because of its verticality, the Booth home is not as suited to aging in place as one-story Prairie-style homes are, so Sonia has put it on the market, giving the next owners a chance to live in a Wright work of art. Let’s hope they will appreciate, love and maintain the home as beautifully as she and Ted did for all those years. Visitor info. The Glencoe Historical Society has great photos of the area’s Wright houses, street markers and bridge, as well as a map of a good house walk. More: Learn about other Frank Lloyd Wright homes See more in Crystal City

Frequently Asked Question #1

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 13:08:25 -0700

Frequently asked question number one is a pertinent Active Rain entry that is relevant to the Real Estate industry. Scroll down to see the entire blog. Everybody wants to know why there is so much formality in buying a home. Why can't I make a verbal offer? Why do I need to be pre-approved? Why can't I make an offer and continue to look at homes until my deal is firm? These are but a few questions every agent hears with regularity. I guess there is push back because consumers don't understand the process until they are educated. Every agent is first and foremost a source of information for their clients and needs to explain the process right up front so that their clients know they have a partner to help them through out the transaction. The Internet has certainly changed the way business is done because everyone thinks they know the answers or can get them online. Unfortunately there is so much garbage to sift through and much of it is outdated or self serving. Clients are best served by finding a skilled, patient and knowledgeable agent right up front so that they have a built in source to ask questions of. All real estate is local so believing random stuff online is dangerous and frankly not self serving. Even the best of sources is often filled with inaccuracies or incomplete information. Even years ago I can recall clients who thought they knew all the answers. I always believed that if I didn't know more than my customer or client I wasn't the person to work with them. So the bottom line isalways the same: seek competent advice and once you find it stick with it until you are done. No one can know everything about anything so the trick is to be careful and diligent in the beginning and find someone you feel good about and be fothcoming with them. Ready, set and get going. PS I actually wrote this twice because after saving it the first time only the first paragraph was saved. Yep I'm bummed but I'll live.When you think about real estate, it is time to focus. I have helped people for close to thirty years in all areas, and made the process not only simple but enjoyable. Why should you go it alone or settle for less? Call me and find a partner to help, direct and get you where you want to be. Sheila Anderson The Real Estate Whisperer...... Consultant, Trainer, Facilitator 732-715-1133

How to Retire Rich with Real Estate Profits by Investing in Rental Property

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 13:07:35 -0700

How to retire rich with Real Estate profits by investing in rental property is a pertinent Real Estate blog that is relevant to the Real Estate industry. Scroll down for the entire article. Investing in rental property is one of the best ways to retire rich with your real estate profits. It’s also a great way to ensure you’re earning passive income well into the future. So, even if you have no plans to end your real estate career anytime soon, it’s a good idea to be prepared for the day when you leave real estate sales behind you. If you invest in residential rental property the right way, you’ll be able to retire when you’re ready, and you’ll likely be able to retire rich as well. Before you start investing in rental property, it’s imperative you learn more about the process. The best way to learn about buying rental property is to listen to the experts who have done it successfully. One of these experts, recent podcast guest Kathy Fettke, is an excellent source of information on investing in real estate. Not only is she an active realtor and an avid real estate investor, she wrote Retire Rich with Rentals, the authority on buying rental property. In this post, we’ll explore a few of her tips on investing in rental property. Listen to the podcast interview below for additional tips that will help you avoid costly real estate investing mistakes. Research Potential Earnings Before Investing in Rental Property Most real estate investing mistakes occur due to poor planning and sloppy research. Before you decide to dip into your real estate profits to invest in residential rental property, you want to be fairly confident that this investment is going to pay off. You need to know roughly how much you can expect in rental earnings from this property monthly. To come up with a figure, use comparable rentals nearby. After that, consider the price and ask yourself: does the property seem worth it? Find Opportunity by Investing in Rental Property in Areas of Growth Investing in expensive property markets can pay off, but it’s a gamble. The safer, better approach is to look for markets that are growing or expected to grow in the future. Not only will this help you save some of your hard-earned real estate profits by avoiding inflated prices, it gives you more potential to capitalize on market growth in the future if you elect to sell down the road. Long before that day comes, however, you’ll be enjoying reliable rental earnings from a property that didn’t cost you nearly all of your real estate profits. Hire Property Managers After Buying Rental Property Electing to manage your own rental property might be one of the biggest real estate investing mistakes you can make. Unless you’re intimately familiar with rental law for the state you own rental property in, you’re taking a huge risk. Besides, most property managers charge very reasonable rates and are well worth the peace of mind. If you’re willing to part with real estate profits by investing in rental property, you really should be willing to invest in professional property management as well.If you want to learn more about the strategies you can use to retire rich by investing in rental property, be sure to listen to the complete podcast interview with Kathy Fettke. Pat Hiban is the author of NYT best selling book “6 steps to 7 figures – A Real Estate Professional’s Guide to Building Wealth and Creating Your Destiny”, founder of Rebus University and the host of Pat Hiban Interviews Real Estate Rockstars an Agent to Agent Real Estate Radio Podcast with Hiban Digital in Baltimore, Maryland. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter.

Other House In McLean Virginia Selling For $1,725,000

Thu, 18 May 2017 11:36:04 -0700

Here’s a number of properties curated by Nesbitt Realty specifically for home purchasers looking for a 6 bedroom house in 22101.If you’re thinking about spending $1,725,000 in McLean, you’ll want to know about 938 Dead Run Dr. This property is a 6 bedroom home with 4,126 sqft of living space. The median age of homes in Broyhill Langley Estates is 3 years of age. 938 Dead Run Dr is listed for $1,725,000. The community is composed of Brick Others with an average of 5,462 sqft of living space. The subject property has been on the market 42 days, but the average days on market in the community is 34 The community is served by Churchill Road Elementary School, Cooper Middle School and Langley High School. 938 Dead Run Dr is located at Broyhill Langley Estates in the 22101 ZIP code. Our buyer rebate is paid to the buyer at closing. If your lender allows it, that money can be used toward your down-payment or can reduce the price of the property. Of course, certain limitations and exclusions apply and these will be disclosed in your representation agreement or when you contact us. [Learn More About Our Rebates To Buyers]Here’s what the agent is saying: New 6BR/5.5BA Elise plan being built by Focal Point Homes on a 0.46 acre lot that backs up to county owned open space and athletic fields. To be completed Sept/Oct 2017. Side entry garage. Price includes high level of standard features plus an … [Read more] See more in 22101 $1,638,750 to $1,811,250

Houzz Tour: An Illustrator’s Singularly Creative Home and Studio

Thu, 18 May 2017 11:30:54 -0700

Nesbitt Realty appreciates every client and we’d love to help you achieve your real estate goals. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you or to get a free assessment of your property’s value. Nesbitt Realty has received numerous awards and recognitions for client satisfaction because we get results that make our clients happy.We’d love the opportunity to show you about why our clients rave about our service.Properties in KingstowneLovely 3BR/3.5BA end-unit in Kingstowne. Features HW floors+crown molding+gas fireplace, eat-in kitchen w/granite counters+gas range+plenty of cabinets. Master BR incl vaulted ceilings, deep closets & private BA w/soaking tub. 2 add'l sunny BRs & full BA upstairs plus finished walk-out basement w/full BA & loads of storage. Back deck & fenced-in yard, perfect for outdoor entertaining! Open Sun 1-4 [Kingstowne - $465,000]Beautiful, professional kitchen with glass tile backsplash, new stainless steel appliances, granite, undermount sink. Master bedroom suite with two walk in closets, gorgeously remodeled bathrooms, overlooking lake, turn key home. Pools, large gym. Perfection! [Chancery of Kingstowne - $339,000] Immaculate 2-car garage home in Kingstowne backing to trees features an exceptional eat-in KIT w/granite, a center island, 42 in. cabinets & a brkfst area, formal living & dining rms connected by a reading nook w/built-ins, a sun-filled FR w/a gas fplc & a door to the deck and slate patio, an awe-inspiring MBR w/hardwoods, 2 walk-ins & a luxury MBA, plus a walk-up LL rec rm w/3 sep. sitting areas! [Kingstowne - $735,000]See more in Kingstowne Contact Nesbitt Realty to get results fast. We can provide an accurate assessment of the market value of your condo and to help you make your best decision now. We have experience helping buyers, sellers, renters and landlords in your neighborhood and we’d love to help you.

5 reasons you'll regret painting your brick house!

Thu, 18 May 2017 09:18:36 -0700

Five reasons you'll regret painting your brick house is a pertinent Active Rain article that is relevant to Real Estate. Scroll down to see the reblogged content. By: Stacey Freed The best paint for brick? No paint at all (in most cases). Here’s why. Brick, brick, brick. All the homes in your neighborhood are brick. You’re itching to paint over that red-orange-brown color palette so your home’s personality can shine through. Although painting brick is doable — and sometimes even necessary (more on that later) — it’s not an easy DIY paint project, and it can be a huge risk to your biggest financial asset. In other words: Tread carefully, homeowner. Although painted brick might be aesthetically pleasing today, it could be a big, fat regret in just a few years. Here are five reasons you shouldn’t paint brick (plus a few exceptions when it’s OK): #1 You'll Probably Destroy the Brick: Brick “breathes.” Unless it can’t. Trapped moisture is the main issue in the relationship between brick and paint. “Once you put a membrane [like paint] over the brick, it can no longer breathe,” says Mike Palmer, a masonry contractor and president of the upstate New York chapter of Mason Contractors Association of America. Brick is the ultimate “coat” for your home, protecting it from all the elements while letting it breathe, too. Much like your beloved four-legged family member, your home’s “brick coat” adjusts as needed to protect your home from rain, sleet, snow, heat, etc. (but without all the shedding, ha!). Putting paint on it is like encasing it in plastic. It’ll breathe no more. #2 It Can Cause Serious Structural Damage: If you paint the exterior brick and there’s moisture trapped in it, “once you go through a freeze-and-thaw cycle, [the brick can] degrade as moisture freezes inside it,” Palmer says. When exterior brick erodes — and if the mortar between the brick erodes — your home’s structural integrity is at risk. #3 It Can Look Really Bad, Really Fast: As the bricks begin to degrade, the paint starts to peel and flake away — making your house look neglected and nasty. That’s bad news. Really bad news. That means the damage mentioned above is well under way — and it’s showing up on your home’s face. #4 You Might Be Destroying a Bit of History: How old is your home’s brick? If your brick is considered historic, painting it could be considered a sin against history. If you have an older home with decorative features, such as dog-toothing, you might have brick that should be preserved in its natural state. “Old brick was handmade in a kiln, and some … has a harder surface. It weathers better, and was used on the face of buildings because it’s more impervious,” says architect Ashley Wilson with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Since today’s bricks are machine-made, these handmade varieties are worth preserving. Paint will only destroy their historic value, and if done incorrectly could result in structural damage to your home. #5 You Can't Easily Go Back to Unpainted: The time and money it takes (plus the risk to the brick’s integrity) to remove existing paint makes it a very challenging task. Power-washing or sandblasting can damage the brick, so it all has to be painstakingly stripped away using chemicals. Technically, this is a chore you could do yourself, but do you really want to get to know every square inch of your entirehouse’s exterior? Even if it’s a little one? As comedian Steven Wright used to joke, “It’s a small world, but I wouldn’t want to paint it.” 4 Exceptions That Make It OK to Paint Brick: #1 If It’s Already Been Painted Most painted brick needs regular repainting, and compared to removing the old paint, it’s typically the lesser evil. Just be sure to use the right paint. The right paint to use for exterior brick: Use a mineral-based paint or a silicate paint that’s designed to be breathable, and is recommended for brick, such as the brand KEIM. Should you DIY it?The long and short of it is this: There is so much critical, tedious prep work required, like cleaning and repairing damage, you’re better off having it done by a professional. According to Homewyse, the average cost for a professional to paint your brick home is $1.70 to $3.27 per square foot. That adds up fast. #2 If the Brick is Severely Damaged Let’s say you’ve got an older home and the “the grout between the brick is old, and may have turned to sand,” says Chris Landis, partner/owner of Landis Architects/Builders, who sits on the board of Washington, D.C.’s, Historic Preservation Review Board. Painting could be the solution. Sure, you could have the brick repointed (replacing/adding new mortar), but that can be costly — as much as $25 a square foot — depending on where you live and the degree of damage. (Cha-ching!) If you try fixing it yourself, “You’ll likely get cement all over the brick, which is really messy. The best thing to do in that case is to actually paint it,” Landis says. Dried cement all over your brick isn’t a good look. #3 If the Brick Was Meant to Be Painted There’s a slim chance your home might have an old type of brick that actually needs to be painted to protect it. A few rules of thumb to help determine if that’s the case with your home’s brick:It was built before 1870. The brick was handmade, not machine-made. It has traces of paint that looks faded or whitewashed. The home lacks ornamental brick decoration.The paint, however, for these bricks isn’t your typical latex paint. The paint must be all-natural, such as milk paint or lime-based whitewash. Modern paints will only damage the brick, potentially causing structural damage. Because these bricks are more delicate, homes using them are less likely to have ornate brick architectural features such as dog-toothing. If you see features like those, then you have the more durable handmade bricks, which should never be painted. #4 If the Brick is Inside Indoor brick isn’t subject to harsh outdoor elements. If you were to paint your fireplace surround, for example, Palmer says you won’t have the issues of moisture and humidity. So have fun with it!Amy Mullen, Realtor CPA CDPE LMC CHS MBARE/MAX Professional Associates617-899-2146amymullen@remax.netwww.amymullenrealestate.com "A real person helping real people with real estate"

4 Bedroom In Fairfax County Asking $534,900

Wed, 17 May 2017 13:06:17 -0700

This 4 bedroom property in Fairfax is listed for $534,900. 4300 Andes Dr has 2 full bathrooms and 0 half bathrooms. Split Level houses are not unusual in 22030.The agent is saying ”Ashwood model with HUGE family room addition and rare 2-car garage in Fairfax Villa. Enjoy an open kitchen with granite and newer SS appliances, updated bathrooms with Jacuzzis, and private deck. Hardwoods and ceramic tile, 4 bedrooms including … [Read more]” 4 beds, 2 full baths Home size: 1,440 sq.ft. Lot Size: 12,790 sq.ft. Added: 05/17/17, Last Updated: 05/17/2017 Property Type: Residential Detached for Sale MLS Number: FX9935834 Subdivision: Fairfax Villa Listed at $534,900Compare this property to:Park-Like Setting*GAS HEAT & COOKING*Too Many Updates to List Here: Kitchen w/Cathedral Ceiling,SS Appliances,Quartz Counters & Soft Close Cabinetry*Custom Windows*Custom Mahogany Front Door*Sun-room w/Sky-Lights*Oak Floors Both Levels*Large Master Bedroom*Luxury Master Bath w/Double Sinks & WIC,Soaking Tub,Frameless Shower*Trex Deck w/Roof*Sewer Line Replaced*Floor-plan On Tour* [Country Club Hills –$579,000] LIVE LIKE YOU ARE ON VACATION IN THIS GORGEOUS, END UNIT TOWN HOME CONDO WITH TREE VIEWS 3 BEDROOMS 2 FULL & 2 HALF BATHROOMS, ENTIRE MAIN LEVEL WITH NEWER HARDWOOD FLOOR., NEW A/C (2016), MINUTES TO WEGMAN, GOVERMENT CENTER AND MAJOR ROAD. PLEASE GIVE US AT LEASET 2 HOUR NOTICE* PLEASE REMOVE YOUR SHOES* THANKS FOR SHOWING! [Carriage Park – $399,000] Updated from top to bottom on cul-de-sac! Huge MaBrm w/vaulted ceilings, full bath & walk-in closet. Sunroom. Brand new kitchen w/granite ctops, SS applcs, new baths w granite ctop vanities. Refin hwd floors, some new hwd, new carpet down, fresh paint. New 30-year architectural shingle roof, new HVAC, new washer & dryer, recessed lights, 6-panel doors. Fenced in level backyard. Easy access to I66 [Jermantown Village – $539,888] See more in 22030

What Homes Are Available For Sale In 22314?

Wed, 17 May 2017 12:58:55 -0700

If you’re looking to purchase in 22314, you may find these facts and features helpful. StuartNesbitt loves working in 22314 because there are so many great choices here. Our typical rebate on a property that costs $1,099,000 is $6,792. Talk to Stuart Nesbitt to learn more about how we can save you money. Our featured home in 22314 is at 615 Royal St S in Old Town. They’re asking $1,099,000. [Find a home in 22314] 4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths Home size: 3,006 sq.ft. Lot Size: 3,000 sq.ft. Added: 05/17/17, Last Updated: 05/17/2017 Property Type: Residential Townhouse for Sale MLS Number: AX9949411 Subdivision: Old Town Priced to sell with many recent updates! Over 3000 sq. ft. of living space on a lg lot w/ 2 off st parking spaces in the desirable SE quadrant. Spacious eat-in kitchen, living room w/ wood burning fpl & built-ins. Upper lvl den w/elec fpl. 2 … [Read more] Priced to sell with many recent updates! Over 3000 sq. ft. of living space on a lg lot w/ 2 off st parking spaces in the desirable SE quadrant. Spacious eat-in kitchen, living room w/ wood burning fpl & built-ins. Upper lvl den w/elec fpl. 2 Mbrms with en suite baths baths. 2 large bedrooms w/vaulted ceilings & skylights on the 3rd lvl. Amazing rear yard w 2 flagstone patios & gardens. Sold as-is. [615 Royal St S, Alexandria, VA] Luxury end unit flooded w natural light in North Old Town. River & DC monument views from rooftop terrace. 3 BR+LL family rm+sunny loft. Incredible gourmet kitchen w custom cabinets, Carrara marble countertops & subway tile backsplash, Wolf gas range. Open-concept main lvl, remodeled LL w bar & shelving, speaker system, built-out master closet & pantry. 2 parking spots. 2 outdoor spaces. [1115 Royal St N, Alexandria, VA] End-unit TH w/ crown molding, chair rail & wainscoting. Hardwoods throughout. Indoor/Outdoor entertaining, family room w/ gas fireplace & custom built-ins opens to fenced yard w/ patio, prof landscaping, gas fireplace & designer lighting. Kitchen w/ granite, stainless & Carrera marble. Master w/ spa bath ensuite, radiant heated floors. Loft & Roof top terrace. 2 deeded parking. 5 blks to metro. [828 Columbus St N, Alexandria, VA] Bright & beautiful 3200 sq ft Townhome w/ exquisite garden.Walk to restaurants, shopping and metro, 3 BR, office 3.5 baths,2 Family rooms. Main level foyer opens to large family room w high ceilings, fireplace, wet bar, powder room. Walk out to private garden with new cedar fence. All upper level bedrooms have private baths. New windows, renovated kitchen & baths with toto toilets. Deeded parking [430 Saint Asaph St N, Alexandria, VA] Price Reduction and Move in Ready! Won't Last Long! Move in Ready!!! Majesty West, an enclave of 3 bedroom, 4 lvl contemp., 2 car gar. TH's in Old Town Alex. Hdwd flrs t-out, white carrera marble tops with waterfall island, GE Monogram prof apps, 12x24 c-tile baths and designer lighting. Spectacular 4th level "loft" with wet bar and 2 outdr terraces. Walk to M & Whole Foods. [1315 Wilkes Street S, Alexandria, VA] See more in 22314 $1,044,050 to $1,153,950To view any of these homes or learn more about the 22314 real estate market, call us today.

The real estate business is no longer about selling real estate.

Wed, 17 May 2017 12:54:55 -0700

The Real Estate business is no longer about selling Real Estate is a pertinent article relevant to the Real Estate industry. Scroll down to see the entire reblog. Over the last decade or so I have observed a paradigm shift in the real estate business/ The real estate business is no longer primarily focused on the purchase and sale of real estate. Instead, it is focused on the sale and repackaging of real estate data and its resale back to the brokers that generated the information in the first place. Many of these resellers purport to have the consumer’s interest at their core. But the fact of the matter is that the real estate buying consumer is NOT a revenue source for these remarketers. A consumer’s contact information is nothing more than a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder. Ask any real estate agent, and they will tell you about the dozen or so calls they get a week from some salesperson from the latest and greatest supersite ready and willing to sell any zip code for a price. And apparently, a lot of them are willing to pay it! All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real EstateNewnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2016. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required. Visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. North Georgia Photos. Photos of Coweta County GA and photos of Fayette County GA.

The Four Stages Of Negotiations When Buying Or Selling A Home

Wed, 17 May 2017 12:49:48 -0700

The four stages of negotiations when buying or selling a home is a pertinent Real Estate blog that is relevant to the Real Estate industry. Scroll down to see the entire blog. Whether you're buying or selling a home, you're going to have to go through the negotiation process. Today I will be outlining the four major stages of negotiations. Ideally this will prepare you for anything that may come your way. 1. Getting the offer accepted: You have agreed on price, terms, and conditions. You have signed the contract and put it into escrow. 2. Appraisals: The bank needs to verify that the money they're lending you is the right amount. This is why they come out and determine a value for the home. If they don't think the home is worth what you are paying for it, your loan could fall through. Appraisals can be made tougher in an appreciating market. (Click here for my blog on appraisals.) 3. Home inspection: This is where big hurdles can come out in the purchasing process. The buyer pays for an inspection to ensure the home is in good condition. This process requires the most negotiations because buyers want everything repaired and sellers want a lot of things left alone. Usually, a seller will fix things that have to do with the safety of the buyer, but it can be difficult to get things moving along towards an agreement. 4. Closing: This is the final part of the process, and you have to be extremely careful with your finances at this point in time. If you go out and buy new furnishings for your home, you could upset your debt to income ratio and your loan could fall through at the last second. Just wait until you have the keys in your hands to transfer money or purchase expensive items. Hopefully this can help guide you through your real estate negotiations without too much trouble. It can be a difficult process to navigate without a real estate agent, so please don't hesitate to contact me if you need assistance with this. I have plenty of real estate agents I can refer you to! skatz@vandykmortgage.com or 770-824-9777 I look forward to speaking with you!

How Much Do Homes Cost At Cameron Station?

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 08:40:52 -0700

FeaturedCheck out this fully-decked out walk-in closet!Beautiful 2bd/2bath Condo w/Loft. Features many upgrades including granite kitchen countertops, marble tiled fireplace, Kenmore Elite S/S appliances, full size W&D, hardwood floors T/O, custom shelving in closets, indoor/outdoor parking, extra … [Read more]Featured Summary 2 beds, 2 full baths Home size: 1,335 sq.ft. Added: 02/03/17, Last Updated: 02/03/2017 Property Type: Residential Garden 1-4 Floors for Sale MLS Number: AX9853193 Subdivision: Cameron Station Subdivision Details Included in the association fees, residents at Cameron Station enjoy comm center, management, master insurance policy, pool(s), snow removal, trash removal, water, and exercise room. See more in Cameron Station

Five Details From Greenway Heights

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 08:37:06 -0700

Many people love Greenway Heights, but we’ve compiled a few facts you might want to consider.Many were built in 1971.Langley High School serves Greenway Heights. Properties in Greenway Heights typically do have basements. The most popular style of property on the market today is Colonial. These are large impressive homes in a great neighborhood. For more information contact Nesbitt Realty (703)765-0300 Our real estate agents are dedicated to excellence and are required to continue their education after licensing. For buying or selling at Greenway Heights contact us. See more For Sale at Greenway Heights

Four Considerations About Riverview Estates

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 07:55:14 -0800

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home in Riverview Estates you might want to take this into account. Middle school children at Riverview Estates attend Benton, and Parkside Middle Schools. Riverview Estates homes typically do have garages. Properties in Riverview Estates typically do have basements. Easy access to Davis Ford Road and Yates Ford Road. (Take the backroad into Fairfax County!) For more information contact Nesbitt Realty (703)765-0300Contact us at (703)765-0300 to speak to a real estate agent that cares about your needs.For buying or selling at Riverview Estates contact us.See more Riverview Estates

Coinciding Settlements Clauses – Funding Issues

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 07:52:46 -0800

People who are selling their home in order to buy another frequently put a “coinciding settlements” clause into their contract offer on the new home. The purpose of this is usually twofold. In this article, we discuss the first purpose which is to use funds from the old home to pay for the new one.How Coinciding Settlements WorkA coinciding settlement clause usually says something along the lines of “settlement under this contract is contingent upon the settlement of the contract for the sale of the Purchaser’s property located at 1234 Spring Valley Drive…” It typically goes on to state the maximum number of days this settlement can be delayed by delays on the other settlement. It also usually says what will happen if the other contract becomes void. (Usually “this” contracts becomes void, too, but that doesn’t have to be the case if there’s another source of funds.)The settlements don’t literally happen at the same time as the name implies. They can be back-to-back in the same office. They can be a day (or even days) apart in offices in different states. Very often it’s necessary for the settlement agent for the first settlement to wire transfer funds directly to the banking account of the settlement agent for the second settlement. This is usually a smooth, seamless procedure.A Word to the Wise SellerCoinciding settlements usually work well for the purpose of providing funds as outlined above. The one problem that crops up from time to time occurs when the first sale falls apart for some reason. The most frequent reason the first sale falls apart (when it does) is that the buyer is unable to get his loan. Because of this, some sellers insist that coinciding settlement clauses include language giving them permission to check with the lender for the first buyer. Making sure the first buyer is qualified for the necessary loan is good business. Don’t feel awkward about it.Coinciding settlement is a common fact in the current real estate market. Use the above technique to avoid problems with your real estate transactions.See more in Arlington

7 expensive tax mistakes REALTORS® make

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 07:49:48 -0800

This published Active Rain post seven expensive tax mistakes Realtors make is pertinent to Real Estate. Scroll down to read the entire article. Have you filed your taxes yet? I met with Jim Flauus owner of Anchor Accounting in Virginia Beach as a guest on Conversations With Creamer - my new podcast about Hampton Roads businesses and real estate. He shared with me the 7 most expensive tax mistakes that real estate agents or at home income business professionals make. What do you think they are? Alison Creamer, Realtor, ABR, CDPEDirect 757.652.8880Licensed to sell Real Estate in VirginiaKeller Williams RealtyFollow Me On Twitter Sell Hampton Roads Homes

Closing Costs When Buying A Home

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 07:07:31 -0800

Closing costs are often the last thing a person thinks of when buying a home. While closing is the joyous moment the home becomes yours, the costs can be surprisingly aggravating.When you purchase a home, condo or other property, you will go through a period known as escrow. During escrow, various issues related to the property transfer are worked out. The last day of escrow is known as the closing day and you are going to be paying closing costs.Closing costs come in many forms. Some involve significant dollars while others are relatively painless. Here’s a list of typical costs:Escrow FeesAn escrow agent is essentially a third party that works with the seller and buyer to finalize the transaction. For this assistance, the escrow agent will charge a fee. Depending on your area and the agent, you can expect fees from a few hundred dollars to around a thousand or so. Make sure you find out the fees before picking an escrow agent.Home LoanObtaining a home loan in the current market is a highly subjective event. “Points” can be a major cost associated with home loans. Points are essentially a fee you pay or have build into the loan for the privilege of being allowed to borrow money. A point usually equates to 1% of the loan. On a loan of $300,000, one point would equal $3,000. If you have excellent credit, you can shop for a loan that doesn’t require you to pay points.Home and Title InsuranceInsurance for your home and title are a must. If you are borrowing money to purchase the home, each is mandatory. If you are using your own funds, you should still get both forms of insurance. As each name implies, they provide insurance against issues involving your home and problems with the title transferred to you. You want to have clear title.PMIPrivate Mortgage Insurance, “PMI”, is mandatory if your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price. You can expect to pay a few hundred dollars a year in PMI. Inspections, Appraisals and Miscellaneous FeesIn the home purchase process, you are going to use a variety of services to validate the property is your dream home. These services come with fees and you can expect to pay for home inspectors, appraisers and the like. Depending upon the state you live in, many of these fees may be built into your mortgage. Nonetheless, you need to know exactly what you must pay for on closing day so you can budget accordingly.Closing escrow should be one of the happier days in your life, particularly if it is for your first home. Make sure you know the costs associated with it so you don’t have to spend the day running around borrowing money.See more in 22307

Maintenance on a Rental Property

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 07:04:24 -0800

Maintenance on a rental property can be a confusing issue. Renters may mistakenly assume all maintenance is the responsibility of the leasing agent and maintenance staff but this is usually not true. In many cases the leasing agent and maintenance staff are responsible for maintaining the common areas and performing major repairs on the apartments but the renters do typically have some responsibilities. These responsibilities are often defined in the rental agreement and the renter should familiarize himself with this document to verify his rights if a dispute arises.Renter ResponsibilitiesTypically renters have the responsibility of maintaining their apartment and the surrounding area. This may include the interior of the apartment as well as deck or patio space. However, maintenance of these areas applies to generally cleanliness only and not issues such as painting or repairs to the exterior or the interior of the apartment structure or the appliances within the apartment.Additionally, renters are responsible for small repairs in their home. This may include plunging a clogged toilet or changing a light bulb. However, if there are any duties a renter feels uncomfortable performing such as changing a light bulb in a high location, the renter should contact the maintenance staff for assistance.Renters also have a responsibility to show common courtesy to other renters by not intentionally damaging or otherwise marring public areas. This includes vandalism, littering and even failure to pick up after dogs. Renters who fail to follow these rules of common courtesy may be subject to fines or other penalties according to the rental agreement.Leasing Agent ResponsibilitiesThe leasing agent and maintenance staff are generally held responsible for major items such as repairs to the exterior of the building, fixing appliances which are malfunctioning and dealing with plumbing issues such as leaky pipes. Additionally, the maintenance staff is responsible for intervening if the renter is having trouble with public utilities. Problem such as no hot water or heat to the apartment should be addressed by the maintenance staff in conjunction with the public utilities entity.The leasing agent and maintenance staff is also responsible for maintaining the common areas. This may include keeping grassy areas manicured and other common areas looking clean and attractive.When the Leasing Agent is Not Taking ResponsibilityAs previously discussed, the leasing agent has certain responsibilities to perform tasks and address concerns and complaints by the renters. However, when the leasing agent is not fulfilling these responsibilities it could create a harmful living environment for the renter. For example hot water is required to adequately clean dishes. This is why there should always be hot water to the apartment. Additionally, in severely cold weather the inability to heat the apartment due to faulty utilities or windows which are not properly sealed can create a hazardous condition for the renter.Both of the examples mentioned above are situations in which the renter may put in a hazardous condition by the leasing agent’s negligence. In these situations the renter should contact the Department of Housing to determine the proper cause of action to take in this situation.In some cases the renter may be informed the alleged transgression by the leasing agent is not actually his responsibility. However, in other situations the renter may be informed that the actions of the leasing agent are a serious violation of the rental agreement. In either case, the representative can provide information on how to proceed to achieve the desired results.See more in 22307

4 Great Challenges of Home Selling

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 06:59:48 -0800

An Active Rain published blog 4 great challenges of home selling is relevant to Real Estate. To see the entire blog, scroll down.Like home buyers who have great challenges to hurdle to finally purchase their dream homes, the home sellers have also their own challenges when time comes for them to part with their home sweet homes. The Let It Go moment Properties like homes are fruits of hard labor. The money invested towards the purchase is product of years of dedicated work. Thus, when an owner decides to sell a house, letting it go is a hard truth. But like Frozen's Queen Elsa who braved the challenges in her life and let go of her inner self, a home owner must do the same and emotionally let go of the property to facilitate its smooth sell off. It will be difficult to negotiate with home buyers when you are so tied to the house. Thus when you are emotionally ready to separate with your property shall be the only time to put it for sale. The Price Tag decision Assuming you finally moved on and composed yourself, the next challenge would be to put the right price tag to the house you are selling. The complications would be whether you are going to sell it with profitable margins or towards the losing edge. Of course, the price will also be dependent on your personal circumstances. But the majority of home selling cases are directed towards raising additional funds for the seller. Yet, whatever your reason is for selling your house, it will be better to tap the services of a property appraiser. He knows the ups and downs of pricing properties. And unlike Jessie J, you just can't forget the price tag. The ad and the signage As what has been repeatedly told, it is important to have a signage on the property itself. Let people know that it is for sale. Then, you have to let more people know of it through ads. This is where the difficulty may come in. There are free and paid choices. But it depends on whether you have the skills for the free ads. You have to do it. When it comes to the paid choices, you must have the money to fund them. It can also be complicated by the choice of who you'll commission to the ads for you - say for instance, print ads on a local newspaper. Who's who? When ads are up, prospective buyers may soon contact you through the points of contact you have placed. The challenging part here is to correctly choose who among the buyers you'll establish negotiations with. Remember that buyers can present different attitudes during the negotiation process. Some can be really annoying while some are very light to deal with. In any case, you should be prepared with your conversation skills, temper, and emotions.

Desare Kohn-Laski

Realtor/Broker/Owner

RealtorSouthFlorida@Outlook.com

www.SkyeLouisRealty.com

m: 954.529.9203 - f: 954.342.5800

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Read your contract carefully

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 10:23:37 -0800

Read Your Contract CarefullyMany renters barely even skim their rental agreement before signing their name at the bottom. Most renters are primarily concerned with the monthly charges, one time only fees, required deposits and other financial matters. Once they verify this information is accurate according to their conversations with the leasing agent, they often sign the agreement with no questions asked. This is a mistake because a rental agreement is a legal contract which may have a host of important information which the renter should be aware of before signing the document.Considering a Roommate?Those who are considering the possibility of a roommate may mistakenly believe this is possible because they are living alone and have two bedrooms and two bedrooms. These uninformed renters may see an opportunity to share their rent with another. However, some rental agreements strictly prohibit renters from soliciting their own roommates and allowing an additional person to move into the apartment after the lease is already signed. Renters who violate this agreement may face harsh penalties. These penalties may even include eviction.Renters who want to have the option of a roommate should ideally make this decision before the contract is signed. This will enable the homeowner to put provisions into the contract to allow for the renter to add an additional resident at any time. The leasing agent may still require final approval of your roommate but this approval process will likely be dependent on the results of a background check as well as a check of the potential roommate’s finances.Want to Adopt a Pet?Renters who wish to adopt a pet in the near future should also familiarize themselves with the rental agreement. This is important because restrictions on the types, size and specific breed of pets apply not only when the renter moves in but throughout the terms of his rental agreement. This means a renter who has signed contractual documents stating they do not own any of the prohibited pets such as dogs or cats are not free to purchase or adopt additional pets during the course of the rental agreement. Therefore, renters who do not have pets but plan to adopt or purchase pets in the near future should read the contract documents as if they are already a pet owner and decide whether or not to sign based on the statements within the policy.Plan on Having Visitors Regularly?Even renters who have regular overnight guests should familiarize themselves with their rental agreement before signing the document. This is important because frequent guests may actually be considered residents in some situations. This will likely depend on the specific rental agreement but it is not entirely uncommon for leasing agents to specify that visitors who spend a specific number of nights on the property per month are considered to be residents of the apartment. This is important because the rental agreement may clearly identify how many people may reside in the apartment at any one time.Visitors who are staying at the apartment too often may put the resident at risk of being accused of having additional persons living in the apartment. In some situations this might be considered cause for eviction. For this reason, the renter should be sure he is familiar with the terms of the agreement before allowing others to spend the night in the apartment on a regular basis.See more in 22307

Considerations For A Landlord Before Proceeding To Evict A Tenant

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 09:06:20 -0800

There comes a time when every landlord finds himself / herself in a difficult position of having his rental property occupied by a tenant who is not paying rent, or is making a nuisance of himself and causing problems for other tenants, or is causing immense damage to the rental unit, or his / her conduct makes it impossible to continue with a landlord / tenant relationship. Though, state laws governing eviction vary significantly, the following are a few tips to help landlords finding themselves in the unpleasantly messy situation of evicting a tenant.As the owner of a significant number of residential units, it will be to your benefit to engage a lawyer to advice you on eviction issues, as well as, for handling legal actions. An established relationship with a lawyer is useful as he will carry out various legal tasks charging a flat fee only, whereas, hiring a lawyer on a case to case basis can result in much higher legal fees.Evicting a Tenant for Non-payment of RentThe eviction process involves serving a formal notice, informing the tenant the rent is overdue, and he / she faces possible eviction, if they do not pay on time. If a landlord is not knowledgeable about the legal terms of a notice, there are pre-printed forms which fulfill all legal requirements for a proper notice. In case, the rent arrearage has not been paid after the legally defined period i.e. usually, about a week, a landlord can begin eviction proceedings on the basis of non-payment of rent.Bear in mind, if the tenant makes a partial payment during the eviction process, in most jurisdictions the acceptance of any payment of rent, even a small amount, can result in dismissal of the eviction lawsuit for non-payment.Lease ViolationWhen a tenant does not comply with the terms of the lease he / she signed, a landlord must provide a written warning, referring to the lease clause being violated, and allow him / her time to remedy the problem. This is so the tenant cannot later claim ignorance that he / she did not know, they were in violation of the lease, or they received no notice of the violation. The judge will be in favour of the landlord if it is established the tenant ignored a prior notice and the deadline.Health and Safety IssuesCertain tenants may pose a health or safety problem for other tenants or for the property, in general. In many jurisdictions, it is permissible for the landlord to evict tenants whose conduct is hazardous to the health of other tenants or can damage the property. First of all, a landlord should serve the tenant with a fixed period of time notice (a week) to remedy or repair the problem, or else move out. If no corrective action is taken, a landlord can proceed with the eviction proceedings.Even if a tenant resolves the issue, but you still want him / her out, serve them a notice on eviction on health or safety grounds, as well as, a notice stating their tenancy is being terminated.BankruptcyIn the event a tenant files for bankruptcy, an automatic stay prevents a landlord from continuing with the eviction proceedings until the bankruptcy is resolved, or the bankruptcy court permits eviction proceedings to continue by lifting the stay. This may require a motion to be brought before the bankruptcy court, asking for the stay to be lifted.Tenant Counter-ClaimsWhen a landlord begins eviction proceedings, some tenant may bring counter-claims against the landlord, such as, inadequate maintenance of property or violation of the lease, and may ask the court to stop eviction proceedings or else for a substantial rent decrease in arrearage owed.This is why it is good practice to keep written records of any complaints received from tenants about the rental unit or common areas, and steps taken by the landlord to resolve them, as also with warnings of tenant misconduct. Remember a landlord’s can preclude a tenant’s claim that despite repeatedly complaining about a problem with their unit, the landlord failed to respond with positive action, as long as the landlord has kept records of all interaction with the tenant and of action taken.TrialsBefore going to court, a landlord must ensure all his documentation in relation to the case is in order and there is nothing missing. Unless a landlord is conversant with the rental laws of his state and has had enough experience in eviction cases, it is also advisable to engage a lawyer, well versed in property law of the state a landlord’s rental property resides in.The above should provide you with enough knowledge of what is required for a successful eviction.See more in 22307

Springtime home maintenance tips

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 09:03:54 -0800

Springtime home maintenance tips is a published blog in Active Rain that is pertinent to Real Estate. To see the entire blog, scroll down.

Winter weather can be tough on a home. Now that the weather is starting to warm up, it's important to perform some routine checks and/or maintenance on your home:

•	Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Be sure to replace batteries as well.
•	Service your cooling/heating system. A certified technician can tune up your air conditioning unit to manufacturer-rated efficiency. Inspect filters monthly and replace the filter at least every three months.
•	Carefully clean gutters and check the roof. Clean any leaves or debris out of gutters. Inspect gutters and down-spouts for any breaks, leaks or disconnects. Survey the roof for any damaged, cracked, curled or missing shingles.
•	Make sure windows are properly sealed. Inspect putty and caulk lines around window frames. Re-caulk any cracks or gaps to create a good seal.

Tim L. Ramey LaBelle Real Estate Group Tim@TimLRamey.com 612 701 5335 www.TimLRamey.com

Consider the Amenities

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 11:10:13 -0800

The amenities on a rental property can often be the deciding factor for many renters. The available amenities may make a less affordable property seem more appealing. Conversely a property which is more expensive may be considered worthwhile if the amenities offered are considered valuable enough to compensate for the higher price. When making this decision, homeowners should consider their own personal preferences as well as their budgetary constraints to make an informed decision. Before making a decision to rent a property, the renter should carefully consider which amenities are necessary, which amenities are optional but highly desired and how much the renter is willing to pay for these amenities.What Amenities Do You Really Need?Although many of the amenities offered by rental properties are not exactly necessary to live, there are some amenities which some renters would not consider renting a property without. An exercise room is one such example. While this is certainly not necessary, many renters prefer having this option. Without an onsite exercise facility, many renters would have to consider joining a gym for their exercise needs. This will likely increase the monthly expenses significantly and, depending on the location, may also make it inconvenient for the renter to visit the gym. An onsite exercise is significantly more convenient than traveling to a gym in another location. For this reason many renters consider the added expense associated with an onsite exercise facility to be worthwhile.Some renters may even consider only renting an apartment in a facility that has a pool. Although this is not a necessity some renters, especially in warm climates, might only consider living in a rental property where there is access to a pool especially if the majority of rental properties include this amenity.What Amenities Do You Really Want?In addition to the amenities a renter feels he needs, there are some amenities which may be desired as opposed to necessary. A movie theater may be an example of this type of amenity. Renters may not decide against a rental property which does not have this feature but may be more inclined to select a property that has this feature as opposed to one that does not as long as the price is comparable.A meeting space may be another example of an amenity which may not be required but that many renters are willing to pay extra to have. Renters who entertain frequently may enjoy this type of amenity because it affords them extra space for entertaining. They may be able to easily invite eight or more people over for a dinner party if there is meeting space available but this might not be possible if the renter were confined to their apartment.Are You Paying Too Much for Amenities?While some amenities may be viewed as necessary and others may merely be viewed as worthwhile and still others may be viewed as superfluous, the most important decision renters will have to make is how much they are willing to pay for these amenities. Comparison shopping may be the best way to determine whether or not certain amenities are financially worthwhile.Renters who are considering apartments of similar size in the same geographic region should consider the amenities offered as well as the price of the apartment. Apartments of similar size in the same area should be fairly close in price. However, an apartment which offers more advanced amenities might be significantly higher in price. Renters should list the available amenities and use this information in making cost comparisons. This information can be used to determine whether or not the renter is willing to pay a higher price for such amenities. Renters who conclude the additional cost is not warranted have determined that the prices of the amenities are not worthwhile to them and they are likely to choose the more affordable apartment which features fewer amenities.See more in Arlington

Buying Unfinished Homes

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 11:06:54 -0800

Unfinished homes present a great way to save a lot of money and get yourself a new home in the process. If you buy an unfinished home, you can keep your monthly mortgage payment low and also lower your initial investment. You may also be able to buy a larger foundation size as well, which you can easilyadd on to and save money in the process. Normally, unfinished starter homes leave the upstairs area unfinished. The question here, is just how much equity you want to put into an unfinished area. Sometimes though, an unfinished home may leave the roofing, framing, plumbing, or electrical aspects unfinished. Before you make a purchase, you should always decide how much money you have to finish what needs to be finished.If the home you are looking at has plans for a garage, you can save thousands if you decide not to go with the garage. On the other hand, if there is another attached room that is planned to go onto the house, you can save just as much if you decide to forgo it. There are always ways that you can save money just by looking at the plans. Unfinished homes may have other planned on additions as well, in which you can save a lot of money just by leaving them out.The is something that you should always keep in mind. When builders acquire a piece of property that they plan to build a home on, they will do everything they can do make as much money as possible on their homes. You might be able to get them to agree to some of these ideas, although they probably won’t agree to all of them. Building homes can be a very profitable business – which is why most companies like to build their homes exactly as the plans call for.When looking at unfinished homes, you also need to look at what banks are willing to accept. If you are planning to get a mortgage, most banks will need to ensure that the home is up to local codes and in living condition. What this means, is that there will need to be a living room, bedroom, and other rooms finished. If the home is lacking quite a bit in terms of being unfinished, most banks won’t give you a mortgage.Most banks are also known to turn down unfinished home mortgages that they feel will have trouble selling in the event that you default. Normally, the entire downstairs area will need to be finished, along with most of the landscaping. You might be able to do some of it yourself and save money, although in most cases the home builder will need to do a majority of the topsoil and grass just to satisfy the bank. Banks have strict requirements when it comes to unfinished homes, which is why you should always check with your bank before you invest in an unfinished home.As most of us already know, buying an unfinished home provides an excellent way to get into the housing market and get your very own home. Unfinished homes also allow potential buyers the chance to grow into their home along with their family. If you are interested in saving money, you should be sure to talk to the builder. This way, you can go over the plans and decide what doesn’t need to be there. In most cases you can save a lot of money and still get a home that will provide years and years of memories for yourself and your entire family.See more in 22307

The Connection Between Home Prices & Family Wealth

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 11:03:54 -0800

The connection between home prices & family wealth is a published blog in Active Rain that is relevant to Real Estate. To see the entire blog post, scroll down. Over the next five years, home prices are expected to appreciate 3.22% per year on average and to grow by 17.3% cumulatively, according to Pulsenomics’ most recent Home Price Expectation Survey. So, what does this mean for homeowners and their equity position? As an example, let’s assume a young couple purchased and closed on a $250,000 home in January. If we look at only the projected increase in the price of that home, how much equity will they earn over the next 5 years? Since the experts predict that home prices will increase by 4.4% this year alone, the young homeowners will have gained $11,000 in equity in just one year. Over a five-year period, their equity will increase by nearly $43,000! This figure does not even take into account their monthly principal mortgage payments. In many cases, home equity is one of the largest portions of a family’s overall net worth. Bottom Line Not only is homeownership something to be proud of, but it also offers you and your family the ability to build equity you can borrow against in the future. If you are ready and willing to buy, find out if you are able to today!