Real Estate 101

Think About Energy Consumption When Listing Your House For Sale

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Thu, 31 May 2012 11:00:12 -0700

Buyers often ask questions! How old is this house? Do you know why the owners are selling? How soon are the sellers willing to close? Their questions sometimes seem unending. Of course, this is good because as a Realtor, I want buyers to ask questions.

One question I am often asked by buyers when showing homes is in reference to Utilities. Specifically, how much do utilities cost on this home and will you ask the sellers for the utility numbers for the previous twelve months?

Why do they ask this? Most prospective buyers want to know up front if their average utility cost on the house they are thinking of buying, will be below average, average or if the utility bills might simply make the house cost prohibitive. In other words, they may not be able to afford the upkeep on the home...

As a Realtor, I've discovered that sellers often want to fix up their house a bit before listing it for sale. Since you the reader might be thinking of selling, I have a suggestion that might just speed up the selling process. Regardless of which side of the Global Warming issue you are on, think green when fixing up your home and perhaps even focus on making your house more energy efficient!

Some suggestions:
1. Seal your home with Insulation that doesn't let the cool air in or the heat out.
2. Make sure you choose Energy Star appliances. I've linked this point to an explanation of these kinds of appliances.
3. If you are replacing your windows, use Double-Paned.
4. Low Flush Toilets and Water Saving Shower Heads will make a difference on water and sewer bills.
5. Don't forget to Change your Main Lighting; ceiling lights, dining, etc.... to energy saving bulbs.

For certain, any or all of the improvements mentioned above could make a difference on the time it takes to sell your home. It could also make it more marketable!

I urge my readers today, especially home owners and sellers to Think About Energy Consumption When Listing Your House For Sale.

David Burrows

David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Classic Realty 4200 Evergreen Lane, Suite 331
Annandale, VA 22003
Serving: Gainesville VA, Haymarket and ALL of Northern Virginia
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It is always an honor to assist Home Buyers and Sellers with their Northern Virginia Real Estate needs. If you want to search the MLS for Real Estate Listings, or even become more specific with your search, such as the Fairfax MLS, utilize the valuable tools on my website. If you are looking for a Home in Gainesville Virginia; the Haymarket Homes For Sale area; Condos For Sale In Fairfax Virginia; Fairfax Homes For Sale; or a home anywhere within the Northern Virginia Real Estate area, simply click on the appropriate link. I serve ALL of the above areas throughout Northern Virginia.

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FL Home Staging FAQ's- Why Do I Need to Remove My Personal Photos?

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Thu, 31 May 2012 09:29:16 -0700

Kathy Streib has penned a very worthwhile post on the subject of, "Why Do I Need to Remove My Personal Photos?" She is certainly qualified to speak on this subject as a Home Stager. I hope that sellers who visit my blog on a regular basis will take a moment to read this most important writing. It should only take you a couple of minutes.

Via Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 (Room Service Home Staging):

FL Home Staging FAQ’s- Why Do I Need to Remove My Personal Photos?

One of the most used and abused dictums in Home Staging is to remove all personal items with the focus being on personal photos.   It’s one of the first things I hear when people talk about Home Staging..... “I know, Kathy, I have to remove all my family pictures.”

Here’s why :

~ Like anything else when preparing your home to sell, we want to remove items that might distract the Buyer from seeing your home and its space. A wall covered with family photos.... a table covered in picture frames fall into the category of too much “clutter”.

~ Buyers are human and like all of us, they will stop to look at the photos. What this is doing is taking the focus away from their seeing your home and places it on “Gee, I wonder who this is?”
The same is true for diplomas, certificates, and trophies. When I was buying a home several years ago, the home I was viewing happened to be owned by a sports celebrity. Know how I knew?   Yep.... there were certificates, diplomas and personal photos in the rooms. I have no idea what the house was like but I do remember who the owner was.

~Security- this is the paramount reason Home Stagers ask you to remove your personal items and photos, especially those of children in the home. This includes the plaques with their names on them. We can’t know who will be walking through your home.

However.........

While I usually ask the Sellers to pack their personal photos, I do not insist on all photos being removed except those of young children and ones that are “cluttering” the space. I try to gauge the mindset of the Seller as well as the targeted buyers for the area.

I had one client who had just lost her husband. Having a few well placed

photos of him around the house was helping her

get through the selling process.

There are some who feel that some kind of family photos add warmth to the home. Many new home builders will place “family” photos in strategic

areas such as the bedrooms or family game room.

Ask your Home Stager for a Staging Consultation to decide what will work best for your property and how you can prepare your home to put its best foot forward!

Check out my about.me profile!

Room Service! Home Staging
Palm Beach County Home Stager

561-914-6224   Kathy@MrsHomeStaging.com
www.MrsHomeStaging.com

David Burrows

Jazz Festival Coming to DC

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:15:51 -0700

Some people do and some people don't - that is - LIKE JAZZ!!! For those of my readers who do like Jazz then read on... The DC Jazz Festival begins June 1st and runs through June 10th of 2012. There will be featured events throughout the festival and of course with some wonderful Musicians.

A couple of the featured events will be:
Jazz Meets The Classics
Jazz And Family Fun Days

If you would like to learn more follow my link: DC Jazz Festival

If you like Jazz, then you will want to attend the Jazz Festival Coming to DC

David Burrows

Imagine A Parade Of Electric Cars In Washington D.C.

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:47:27 -0700

This weekend, June 2nd, from 10 am - 4 pm, there will be an Electric Car Rally in Washington D.C.... The event begins with a parade of Electric Cars down Massachusetts Avenue, to Dupont Circle and a display of Historic and Modern Electric Cars.

Sound Interesting? You can learn more about the event by following the link below:

Wilson House To Host Electric Car Rally

You can either Imagine a Parade Of Electric Cars In Washington D. C., or you go and browse the show!!! Sounds like fun to me.

David Burrows

A Memorial Day Observance - Manassas Virginia

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Mon, 28 May 2012 07:47:44 -0700

I want to share a special "Thank you" to all who have served our Country today. I am pleased that our Country has set aside this day to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in these United States of America. Freedom is TRULY NOT Free!!!

I did note this Memorial Day event in the Manassas area today. It begins at Noon....
"Memorial Day Observance at Groveton Confederate Cemetery and New York Avenue. Musketry and Artillery salutes in memory of war dead, decoration of monuments with state flowers and flags. 14th Brooklyn and 42nd Virginia infantry demonstrators."

Here is a link to learn more: Memorial Day Observance - Manassas
I also am supplying a link to the Battlefield National Park: Manassas National Battlefield Park

A Memorial Day Observance - Manassas Virginia

David Burrows

Memorial Day and my American duty of honoring it

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Sun, 27 May 2012 05:05:43 -0700

As a Veteran, I can share with you that it was an honor to serve our country. Although my service was many years ago, it seems as if it was yesterday. I served during the Viet Nam era (but NOT in Viet Nam) and of course lost friends and family as a result of the conflict. I appreciate Tammy and what she has penned in her post today.

This is only my second Re-Blog after being connected with Active Rain for several years now. I seldom do it! It is an honor to Re-Blog "Memorial Day and my American duty of honoring it".

Via Tammy Lankford/Broker Lane Realty Lake Sinclair-Central GA:

I just read a blog post that really shouldn't have made me angry, but somehow it always gets under my skin that Memorial Day has become a three day weekend about grilling and car sales. Did you know that in 1968 Congress passed the "Uniform Monday Holiday Act" moving 4 holidays to Monday to give people three day weekends. I truly believe it was the downfall of how Americans behave on Memorial Day.

Decoration Day! That's what it's supposed to be about.

I won't be visiting the grave of my uncle Johnny Wall (who was killed in Vietnam), BUT I will be visiting the local veterans cemetery. I don't know who I'll choose this year, but I will be placing flowers on a grave. I will honoring the service of someone who served our great nation and afforded me the freedom to grill a hamburger on Monday. I may or may not recognize the name of the person I choose. I come from a small community. But I will hold my moment of silence at the Veteran's Cemetery on May 30th.

I also come from a family with a history of service. My husband does as well. My mother's father served in the Army during WWII. My father served and his service was involuntarily extended during the Vietnam conflict although he was fortunate enough not to actually serve in a war zone. He served in the Navy. My uncle Johnny, no so lucky was shot and killed by a sniper in Vietnam. His body was escorted back to the United States by my Uncle Nelson who was doing his 3rd tour in the region.

My Donald was a "Navy Brat" moving form port city to port city during his entire childhood and teenage years. Then in his early 20's he joined the army and served during and in Desert Storm in the gulf region. My brother-in-law Kevin also served his country. My brother-in-law Andrew has spent his adult life building ships for the Navy and Air Force (although a civilian, I see this as service to his country).

So this weekend when you're at a party, having a beer, grilling steak or burgers, visiting with family and friends and enjoying a holiday weekend here in the good old US of A please take a moment to remember. Nearly every small town in America has lost a young man or woman in battle and wouldn't it be nice if you'd call them, send them flowers to their home.... let them know in some way that you realize that this weekend isn't about the "Memorial Day Sales" down at the mall or the backyard gatherings. Let them know that you appreciate the freedoms afforded to citizens of our great nation by those who fought and although lost their own lives won the battles that make our nation so great and free.

Go on Google and search "fallen soldiers in anytown, your state" and find a name and do something nice for their family. Yes, it might take a little research to find the address of the parents, the sons and daughters, the spouse left alone to carry on without their loved one. But you are getting a day off... make it count, do something of value with it. Close your eyes for just one moment and imagine it was your loved one who didn't make it home... What would it mean to you to receive a call, flowers, a note, a visit from a stranger who cared enough to let you know how much that life meant. It will only take a few minutes out of your weekend and it will mean the world to those lives you touch. In my community Staff Sgt. Alex French IV paid the ultimate sacrifice in 2009. I will honor him this Memorial Day and thank his family. Our community named a street after him this past year.

But I can only imagine the loss his family feels every single day. I want them to know that I, a citizen, a patriot, an American am thankful for his service and I remember him. I never met him, but I will never forget him.

I also write to my congressmen annually and ask them to move Memorial Day back to May 30th. I believe if it were honored on it's rightful day it would be less about the three day weekend it has become. Veterans Day, thankfully was later restored to November 11th.

706-485-9668

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Tammy Lankford, Broker/Owner

Broker License # 169695 Lane Realty License # H-11420

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David Burrows

Our Favorite Farmers Market

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Sat, 26 May 2012 11:30:48 -0700

The Plains, Virginia have (in my opinion) one of the nicest Farmers Markets I've ever strolled through. It is called, The Archwood Green Barns Farmers and Gardeners Market and it's right off of I-66. We often stop there on our way home from Church on Sunday Morning.

Whether you are looking for some of the absolute BEST Cheese Cake in the area, fresh Vegetables, Fruits, Plants, a great assortment of Canned Items and/or Fresh Eggs, or just an enjoyable place to browse on the weekend, you will find it in The Barns.

Rather than me going on and on, you might want to check out the website: Archwood Green Barns Farmers and Gardeners Market

Oh, did I tell you that the setting is in a Real Barn, with additional Outside Vendors? Attend and see for yourself....

It is, Our Favorite Farmers Market

David Burrows

Enjoying Northern Virginia

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:24:10 -0700

While the title of this writing suggests we are going to discuss ALL of Northern Virginia, I would like to take a moment to just focus on Vienna! Vienna is one of my favorite communities and it has all kinds of fun filled opportunities.

The following link provides information about Wolf Trap, Wolf Trap Children's Theatre in the Woods, Restaurants, Places to stay and so much more in Vienna. In fact, yesterday I posted about Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, another place in Vienna to explore. I've included another link for some additional information below.

Things To Do In Vienna Virginia

The above link will help you with Enjoying Northern Virginia.

David Burrows

A Musical Made For The Children

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:19:53 -0700

If you live in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and you are looking for something for the children to do on Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend, then you will want to consider viewing the link at the conclusion of this post.

So what is the link about? Seussical The Musical! Of course the Show has a lot of familiar characters and stories and most of all, challenges the imagination. By the way, this is the last show of this particular engagement. I hope you will take a moment this weekend and check out the website:

Seussical Jr. - The Musical

This is truly A Musical Made For The Children - At The Riverside Center in Fredericksburg.

David Burrows

A Place To Enjoy Memorial Day Weekend In Vienna Virginia

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:23:51 -0700

If you are like me, I thoroughly enjoy doing relaxing kinds of things on holiday weekends. I like fishing, boating, walking and of course even a breakfast out with my wife.

If you would like to enjoy a nice walk in the park, or perhaps some beautiful flowers and/or wildlife, you really don't have to look any farther away than Vienna, Virginia. The place: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens . . .

Here is the place to go to learn more about these beautiful gardens: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

This is certainly the place to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend in Vienna Virginia.

David Burrows

Visiting Mount Vernon

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:23:51 -0700

Mount Vernon in Northern Virginia is one of my favorite places to visit. You can shop, tour the estate and of course meet George Washington.

Many visitors have expressed in the past how difficult it can be to tour during the daytime, especially during the summer months. It is my opinion that one of the best times of the day to visit is during the Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon.

In fact, follow the above link to learn more about visiting during the Sunset Celebration Hours.

David Burrows

An Amazing Quotation

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Mon, 21 May 2012 12:08:25 -0700

I enjoy quotations. In fact, there is seldom a day that goes by that I fail to take a few moments to read various quotes online.

Here is one of my favorites:

Always remember that others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself. - Richard Nixon

By the way, this quotation was spoken to him by his mother and he shared it with his staff after resigning as the President of the United States.

David Burrows

Rolling Thunder Beginning To Arrive In Washington DC

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:56:20 -0700

Every year for Memorial Day Weekend, I enjoy writing about Rolling Thunder. Rolling Thunder is a Motor Cycle Rally held in Washington DC every Memorial Day Weekend.

Some might ask "Why?" Why would thousands and thousands and thousands of Motor Cycle Viet Nam Vets and various War Heroes roll into DC every year? The answer is simple: To bring attention to the POWs and MIAs.

To learn more, go here to read their story: Rolling Thunder 2012

Rolling Thunder Beginning To Arrive In Washington DC

David Burrows

Garrison Keillor Appearing At Wolftrap - Vienna, Virginia

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:02:15 -0700

For the readers of my Blog who appreciate Garrision Keillor and his News from Lake Wobegon, you will be glad to know he will be appearing at Wolftrap in Vienna, Virginia. The dates are on Memorial Day weekend, May 25-26.

If you would like to learn more, such as Ticket Prices and what to expect at his show, follow the link below. Another window will open.

A Prairie Home Companion

Garrison Keillor Appearing At Wolftrap Vienna Virginia

David Burrows

An Opportunity To Tour Homes In Clifton Virginia

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:35:08 -0700

The 40th Annual Clifton Charity Homes Tour will be taking place on May 17th, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm in Historic Clifton. The event is sponsored by Clifton Community Women's Club and proceeds go to the Charitable Trust. The trust gave out $120,000 last year to various charities in the area.

If you are looking for something to do and would like to tour some beautiful homes, mark the date above. To learn more go here:

Home Tour Information

An Opportunity To Tour Homes In Clifton Virginia

David Burrows

A Note About Mother's Day

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Sun, 13 May 2012 10:35:14 -0700

I was thinking this morning of how blessed I am. In fact the blessings I've thought about today are two in number:

1. I have a beautiful wife of 44 years! She was/is a fantastic mother of three children and is also a terrific grandmother. She is steady, consistent and always can be counted on. You see, I am a blessed man because of being married to this wonderful lady. Lest you are thinking I'm full of hyperbole this afternoon, I'm not. I can tell you she is great and wonderful because she has put up with me for all of these years! (smile) That in itself speaks volumes when it comes to the greatness of my wife, the mother of our children. I am so thankful for her. Happy Mother's Day Sharon....

2. The second blessing I want to share is simple to understand. I am 64 and my mother is still living and doing very well. She has Alzheimer's but the illness has been progressing at a very slow rate of speed. In fact, although she was diagnosed over two years ago, I think sometimes her memory is better than mine. Needless to say, as a family (speaking for my sisters, too) we are grateful! I have always and always will love and appreciate/value my mother. Happy Mother's Day Mom....

To ALL of my Readers who are Mothers - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

David Burrows

Spotlight on a New Gainesville Virginia Business

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Sat, 12 May 2012 07:07:40 -0700

I always enjoy talking about New Businesses in Gainesville, Virginia. This is especially true when I've had an opportunity to visit, explore and have personally experienced their customer service. This months spotlight is on ZPizza and is located at 7929 Heritage Village Plaza, right off of Heathcoat, across from Heritage Hunt.

ZPizza uses Organic Sauce and only the finest of ingriedients with their food and we have been impressed. In fact, my wife and I have ordered from there twice now for delivery. The delivery was fast, the food was hot and tasted great! I know that what we might like and what you might prefer can be totally different so why not explore their website and see for yourself.

ZPizza - Healthy Pizza Gainesville Virginia

Thanks for taking a moment to read about this months Spotlight on a New Gainesville Virginia Business.

David Burrows

The Importance Of Buying The Right Work Out Shoes

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:52:31 -0700

Alright, this isn't about Real Estate Today, but it is an important topic so give me a moment to drift away from my usual subject matter.

Some would call this strange, but I enjoy exercise. In fact, six mornings a week at 6 am, I do a 30 minute workout. One thing I learned about a long time ago, is the importance of choosing the right work-out shoe! In fact, if you or I are going to exercise, the investment in a proper pair of shoes is essential.

I noted an interesting blog the other day with a great post:

Exericise Shoes More Than An Accessory

I would urge all of my readers to first consider doing exercise and when you do, please understand the importance of buying the right work out shoes.

David Burrows

Help For Getting Your Grill Ready For Cooking

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:54:34 -0700

Summer is approaching fast. In fact, Mother's Day and then Memorial Day is right around the corner.

One thing that happens at our house and probably your house, too, is we love pulling out the Grill about this time of year and getting ready for all of the Seasons Grilling moments. I came across an email today from Laura's Beef that is very informative when it comes to preparing your grill for cooking. Here is the information and it will only take a moment to read.

Getting Ready To Grill

The above link is certain to help for getting your grill ready for cooking....

David Burrows

Family Fun At The Flying Circus Airshows 2012

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:45:46 -0700

Last summer, I wrote about the Flying Circus Airshows in Bealeton, Virginia. In fact, the 2012 season officially kicked off last Sunday with additional events planned every Sunday throughout the summer.

This Sunday, there will be a Special Mother's Day Airshow. So if you are looking for something to do this Sunday and throughout the summer, why not give The Flying Circus a try.

Here is the official webpage so that you can learn more: The Flying Circus Airshow 2012

Remember: This event is rated FF for Family Fun at the Flying Circus Airshows 2012! BTW, in August they will be having the Hot Air Balloon Festival. I will be writing more on the festival later.

David Burrows

A Camera Is A Must While Touring These Beautiful Gardens

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:31:17 -0700

The State Aboretum of Virginia will host it's annual Garden Fair Mother's Day Event on May 12-13, 2012. If you haven't been to the State Aboretum before, it is in Boyce, Virginia. Garden Fair is a HUGE plant and garden supply sale and other activities for the weekend. Activities like, guided tours, food and of course plenty to keep the children busy.

I would urge you to travel to the University of Virginia, Blandy Experimental Farm Website to learn more.

Garden Fair Mother's Day Weekend

By the way, a Camera is a MUST while touring these beautiful gardens.

David Burrows

Looking Ahead To Memorial Day Weekend

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:25:31 -0700

I will be doing several posts on Memorial Day Weekend over the next few days. I'm doing this so that you and your family will have time to research what you might like to do for the holiday.

Today, I want to highlight the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C..... It's on Monday, May 28th at 2 pm in the afternoon and is an event that is certainly worth attending.

You can go here for more information: National Memorial Day Parade Information

It is about that time of year that we should be looking ahead to Memorial Day Weekend.

David Burrows

It Is Festival Time In Northern Virginia

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Sun, 06 May 2012 14:36:10 -0700

Every year about this time, people in Northern Virginia begin to look forward to the Herndon Virginia Festival. This years dates are May 31 - June 3rd, 2012.

This year marks the 32nd year of the Festival and it will be loaded with all kinds of fun things to do. There are plenty of activities to keep everybody busy. For example: There will be Live Entertainment on 3 Stages, International Foods, Carnival Rides, Games, Children's Entertainment, Races, Fitness, Model Railroad and more.

Check out their site: Herndon Festival 2012

It is Festival Time In Northern Virginia. . .

David Burrows

Strawberry Festival In Northern Virginia

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Sat, 05 May 2012 11:56:30 -0700

I was just noting that the Delaplane Strawberry Festival will be taking place on Memorial Day weekend, May 26, 27, 2012. When you attend you will have opportunity to purchase Strawberries, go on a Hayride, visit a 4-h Petting Zoo, enjoy Great Entertainment and visit the booths of many Crafters.

To learn more go here: Delaplane Strawberry Festival

This is a great opportunity to visit a Strawberry Festival In Northern Virginia!

By the way, this is Rated: F/F for good Family Fun!

David Burrows

I Am One Real Estate Agent That Believes In Staging

David Burrows (Classic Realty) — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:38:58 -0700

I like REAL STORIES and this is a good one....

Some time back I was in a house that was really quite impressive.

The rooms were cleverly decorated with nice color, pictures and most important - tastefully done. The furniture was well arranged and fit nicely. Outside the dining area, through the Sliding Glass Doors was a Beautiful Flower Garden with a meandering pathway and nothing but beautiful trees behind the property line. The curb appeal from the front was most inviting!

In fact my clients were so impressed they wanted to buy it! But there was a problem:
The Days on the Market for this property had been almost a year and in our area this house should have sold in days - no more than a month. My buyers were concerned something was wrong with this house and so the hesitated to write an offer. I told them I would phone the listing agent.

The listing agent stated: "I pleaded with the sellers for almost a year to change out the furniture and most important employ the services of a stager. They refused until a few days ago. Yesterday the work was completed and you are the first people to walk through since the MASSIVE FURNITURE was removed and replaced with what you saw today. Other than that, I don't know of anything that is wrong with the house."

I quickly phoned my clients, shared with them what the Listing Agent had stated and they bought the house that seemingly would never sell.

Amazing how something like staging a few items, updating furniture and making rooms look larger with proper color and placement of furniture can make such a difference. I am one Real Estate Agent that believes in Staging.

David Burrows