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What Can I Do To Avoid a Buyer Who Changes Their Mind? - 02/27/12 04:54 AM
Yesterday, I wrote a post called How Easy Is it To Get Out of a Contract? It was very well received, since this is a topic most buyers and sellers wonder about and most Realtors have to deal with, at some point. Turning the subject around, how do we protect Sellers from a buyer who changes their mind?  That is a little tougher. Keep in mind that each state has a different sales contract, and my comments deal specifically with Virginia. When a contract is ratified in Virginia, more often than not, it has contingencies. There is a mandatory contingency for any … (3 comments)

How Easy Is It To Get Out of a Contract? - 02/26/12 06:28 AM
You have been saving your money, watching your credit score, getting advice from friends and family and you think it might be time to buy your first home. Understandably, you are nervous. So much can go wrong; You might change your mind, you might select one house only to find one you like better, you might lose your job. Any one of these things make you wonder if you should actually buy a new house.  Are you wondering how easy is it to get out of a contract? Last year, I wrote a post about this; What if I Change My Mind Can I Get Out of … (51 comments)

How dare you sell my neighbors house that fast. Who do you think you are? - 02/25/12 09:18 AM
If you are considering listing your home, this post by Scott Godzyk, should be mandatory reading.
When selecting your listing agent, keep these tips in mind and you will be pleased with your results!
Via Scott Godzyk, One of Manchester NH's Leading Brokers (Godzyk Real Estate Services):
An interesting thing happened, I listed a home less than 2 weeks ago, there was 2 other homes for sale on the street. Within 7 days we had multiple offers and under contract in 7 days. The neighbor came running over as i was changing the sign to "Sale pending" In a huff she asked "How could … (2 comments)

I Really Don't Want To Waste Your Time... - 02/23/12 07:44 AM
It is time to start looking for that new house. You have a Realtor picked out, but they are really good at what they do and you don't want to waste their time while you try to figure out what you want. You think you will use someone less experienced to help you look around. Chris Ann Cleland wrote a blog about this last week, You Aren't Saving Your Buyer's Agent Anything By Calling the Listing Agent Directly . I re-blogged it because I think there is a big misconception about how our industry works, but a conversation I had with another Realtor … (9 comments)

Naming the Silver Line Metro Stations in Northern Virginia - 02/21/12 10:53 AM
It has taken years, but the Washington D.C. Metro is finally being extended West from Rt. 66 through Tysons Corner, Reston and Herndon.  The battles have been many, over funding, raised or buried tracks, station locations and more.
The latest discussion is over naming the stations.  If you have any interest in weighing in on the station names, this is your chance! The Metro Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are at odds over the names of the new stations. Frankly, I would love to see the public weigh in and let these folks know what we would like … (0 comments)

You Aren't Saving Your Buyer's Agent Anything By Calling the Listing Agent Directly - 02/19/12 07:33 AM
Buyers...read this and understand that we want you to bug us!  Don't feel like you need to wait until a Sunday open to see a house that you really think you might want.  The more time we spend with you, the more we understand EXACTLY what you are trying to find in a home. Let us do our jobs...we want to do them.
Thanks, Chris Ann for getting this exactly right!
Via Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Northern VA (Long & Foster REALTORS®, Gainesville, VA):
You Aren't Saving Your Buyer's Agent Anything By Calling the Listing Agent Directly
I've worked with many … (6 comments)

Why does a short sale take so long? - 02/18/12 08:21 AM
Why does a short sale take so long? Dear Holly, I am under contract to buy a short sale. My agent said that now we start waiting. Is that true? Is there nothing else we can do? What are we waiting for? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Confused by the Short Sale Dear Confused by the Short Sale, Buying a Short Sale property can be a frustrating proposition. At the end of the process, hopefully you will end up purchasing a property for a very good value. Be warned, however, that your agent was right. Now is the time … (3 comments)

Farewell, Whitney Houston...I will always love you! - 02/14/12 04:53 PM
Since I heard of the untimely death of Whitney Houston on Saturday night, I have been walking around with a single soundtrack running through my head. I hear it when I lay down at night, at the gym, at the computer. You get the idea.
I have to say that I love this song. I hope that by watching the video and really enjoying it, I can put the song back to bed in the recesses of my mind.
Funny, last night, my husband told me this song had been a contstant running through his mind, too. When it came on … (1 comments)

Are You Ready for Commitment? - 02/14/12 07:01 AM
I hope that you are, I am just not entirely sure. It just seems  that you still have some things to work through.  I know you like to travel and that you love trips that are both long and expensive. That kind of travel might not be as easy for you to do. In fact, it might become very difficult.  I know that you like to go out regularly with your friends. That is also an expensive and time consuming habit and I worry that you won't  always have time for me.  Are you willing to sometimes put my needs above yours? Are you willing to deal … (7 comments)

Understanding Northern Virginia Buyers - 02/10/12 07:47 AM
My real estate practice includes working both with Buyers and with Sellers. I try to work equally with each type of client. I believe that understanding how each group is thinking helps me to better represent the other group. I have been talking to listing clients lately and found myself repeating what I am seeing my buyers looking for in a new home.  Just as all all real estate is local (which usually relates to price), so are the preferences shown by buyers. Northern Virginia buyers are, as a whole, extremely well educated and informed about local real estate.  Both their expectations and their standards are high--at … (3 comments)

When It Comes To Buying a House, Unique is Not Always Better - 02/06/12 08:43 AM
As I show buyers homes, I am constantly pointing out features that will, and will not, make it easier to sell in the future. I think it is critically important to consider resale, even as you are selecting the home you want to buy.   If you are considering a condominium, for example, it is best to buy the model that has the features most in common with the other units in the development. You might be attracted to a 3 bedroom, 1 bath model, but remember, when you go to sell, that might not be the most popular model available if most … (6 comments)

Freezin' for a Reason, this Weekend at Lake Anne, Reston, VA - 02/03/12 02:59 PM
If you haven't gotten out to enjoy the beautiful weather in Northern Virginia this week, you might want to head over to the  Lake Anne Plaza waterfront  tomorrow, 2/4/2012, from 1-3 p.m. and join in the 5th Annual Freezin' for A Reason. This event benefits Camp Sunshine. The Polar Dip will take place at 2:00 p.m. I just looked at the weather and it looks like it will be overcast, but close to 50 degrees! Participants are asked to register and the registration costs $100, again to benefit Camp Sunshine. Spectators can, of course, watch the fun for free. There will be activities and a post-dip … (7 comments)

Clean Out That Closet and Make a Dream Come True - 02/03/12 08:25 AM
It is time for the annual Diva Central Dress Drive sponsored by the Reston Community Center, Reston, Virginia. The drive, which runs from January 9 through February 25, 2012 collects dresses, shoes, jewelry, hand bags, shawls and accessories. Donations should be in good condition and no more than 5 years old (2007 or more recent). It is requested that they be dry cleaned prior to donating, but if that is not possible, the donation will still be accepted, just notify RCC at drop-off. Donations can be made at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston VA 20191. The big event, Diva Central,  will be held … (3 comments)

 


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