Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken's! Real Estate Blog for Arlington, VA, Northern VA, DC, MD, VA

When is the best time to trade up to a larger home? Now.

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:34:11 -0700

When is the best time to trade up to a larger home? We get this question now and then!

1. NOW, when interest rates are at historical lows - and are even favorable on a higher loan amount, on a trade up home of higher value / cost.

2. NOW, Spring, when there is more inventory, generally, than the rest of the year. And, generally, more buyers are looking. So, you have more potential buyers for your home, and you have more homes to choose from to trade up to. ONE BIG PLUS: If you need to sell your current home in order to buy another...This makes for easier timing of one sale with another - because you should more readily get a buyer for your current home in the Spring, you can then more speedily find another home in the same market - and make the settlements coiinciding.

When is the best time to trade up to a larger home? Now.

We hope this helps!

Getting it SOLD - for YOU!

Ken Courtade & Co

The Yes I Ken! Team

703.981.4646

KenSellsARLINGTON.COM

KENCOURTADE.COM

ARLINGTONROCKS.COM

3 Traps to Avoid When Buying a Home in Arlington, VA

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:42:14 -0700

We all want our real estate transactions to go smoothly, right? Take the stress out of the game by stepping clear of some traps! What are 3 traps to avoid when buying a home in Arlington, VA?

1) Title Problems

The first of the 3 traps to avoid when buying a home in Arlington, VA, is title problems. Have the title search done as early as possible! There may be encumberances on the title such as easements, tax liens or an undisclosed owner, for instance. You want the title company either to clear them or let you know early if they cannot be cleared at this point, so you can make an informed decision about your next step.

When you do buy, owner's title insurance can be purchased. It will protect your investment in case a problem comes up later! No title search is completely guaranteed in its findings. There may be problems in the future. Avoid this trap!

2) Seller Errors

The second of the 3 traps to avoid when buying a home in Arlington, VA, is seller errors. These could be as simple as the seller forgetting that a certain item such as draperies was suppose to convey, and they take them with them. Or it might be more complex like not doing agreed-upon repairs. Do a final walk-thru a day or two before settlement and use a checklist to be sure all is conveying as it was agreed upon in the contract.

3) Rushing a Closing

The third of the 3 traps to avoid when buying a home in Arlington, VA, is rushing a closing. Ask for the HUD-1, the settlement document, to be given to you at least 24 - 48 hours in advnace of closing. That way, you can review it for financial accuracy. If you miss a setltlement date, you could be in jeopardy of defaulting on the contract's agreed upon settllement date. Additionally, you might miss an important date such as a loan rate lock date.

I hope this was helpful!

Getting it SOLD - for YOU!

Ken Courtade & Co

The Yes I Ken! Team

Keller Williams Realty

KenCourtade@gmail.com

703-981-4646

KenCourtade.com

ArlingtonRocks.com

KenSellsArlington.com

Why hire local expert to sell your home in Arlington?

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:18:50 -0700

Why hire a local expert to sell your home in Arlington?

In this three-part series, we will look at why it pays to hire a Realtor, who's a local expert in Arlington, to market and sell your home.

What's a local expert and why are they indispensible?

1) First and foremost, the agent lives in Arlington and has for many years. And they market themselves as a local expert because they undertand - and put into action in their marketing strategy - their status as an agent who knows the area best.

Why is knowing the area by living in it over time so important? When you hire a local expert to sell your home in Arlington, you get someone who truly knows the feel of an area and is able to relay it to prospective buyers in one's maketing and when in front of them. Especially when at open houses, an agent needs to project their feelings and ideas about an area and neighborhood. To do this fully, it takes living in Arlington over time to truly imbue the conversation with maximum sales potential. And for people to know that you have experience living in Alrington. There is no true substitutuion for experience based on time.

Imagine yourself if you were to have to explain, and be convincing about, an area, or a restaurant or a store, for instance, for whatever reason, and you had not experienced it. Kinda hard, or impossible, right? Or ever had a waiter tell you about a dish on a menu and they had not tasted it - kinda hard to really sell it with any depth of knowledge of it and any feeling behind it, right?

The same is true with an agent - being an expert in an area gives them the ability to truly SELL the area and within that, the house. Remember, areas and neighborhoods sell homes - people shop by them. More on that in a later blog.

See you next time for part two of why to hire a local expert to sell your home in Arlington. We hope this was helpful!

Getting it SOLD - for YOU!

Ken Courtade & Co

The Yes I Ken! Team

703-918-4646

ArlingtonRocks.com

KensellsArlington.com

Buying a Home and Saving Money on Interest and Taxes

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:48:54 -0700

When you buy a home, you can save money on interest and taxes, which makes the overall cost of owning your home really less.

First, probably the largest tax deduction you will have is the interest on your home's mortgage. You can save money on your taxes by deducting your interest. Get a great accountant or be skilled at doing the simple deduction yourself.

Secondly, to save money by not paying as much interest on your mortgage, you can choose among mortgage plans, and select one that will cost you less in interest. Consider a 10, 15 or 20 year plan instead of a 30 year. You will be paying more of the principal off each month than you would on a 30 year plan. You incur less interest on a shorter plan because you are paying down the principal faster, and the interest is based on the principal amount. You will have less interest to deduct on your taxes, of course, and will be saving on the front end by not paying as much interest to begin with.

Third, make a 13th payment, paying down only the principal, at the end of the year (before the next tax year begins) or whenever you wish - or pay a little bit each month or certain months towards the principal. Gain equity in your home faster. Save money in the long-run on interest because you are paying down the principal faster.

We hope this was helpful!

Getting it SOLD - for YOU!

Ken Courtade & Co

The Yes I Ken! Team

INEXPENSIVE Makeover "Secrets" that MAKE YOU MONEY!

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:46:44 -0800

So, you wanna do something to your home that is not costly and will bring the cash to the door at sale time?

Here are 5 TOP FIX-UPS!

1. Replace bathroom lighting - then clean the tile. Make your bath shine!

2. Reorganize your closets so they are tidy and efficient - and give the impression there is STILL MORE STORAGE there.

3. Power wash your siding, fence and/or deck if you have any of these. Get the moss, mold and dinginess off.

4. Do a lite touch-up on the front yard landscaping. It may take adding or sprucing up just one flower bed. Step back to the street and look at your house - pay close attention to curb appeal. Rate yours against what it could best look like at what price, or against a home in the neighborhood whose curb appeal you admire. And on that note, last tho not least...

5. After the general impression of curb appeal (sometimes, even before), the front door is the first thing that the buyer really comes in close contact with and admires (or not) while their agent is getting the key and opening it. So, paint the front door. A fresh coat does wonders! The most popular color to use is a beautiful, bright red. If that works with your house's overall look, it's the ticket. And seek out the input of your lisitng agent and/or stager to get the color of red right or to choose another color that works with your home's overall look. They should know best. It is what they do every day as professionals.

I hope this was helpful. I am asked this question often as a top listing agent, so wanted to share my hand-picked and very much road-tested answers. They help me sell houses eveyday - let them help you!

GETTING IT SOLD - for YOU!

Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken!

KenCourtade.com

KenSellsArlington.com

ArlingtonRocks.com

KenCourtade@gmail.com

703.981.4646

10 Things to LOVE about Arlington, VA!

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:38:11 -0800

What's cool? There is SO much to LOVE about Arlington. You know I'm crazy about it. Are you? Add to my list!

1. It just is - in total.

2. Parks - We have a wealth of green space to enjoy.

3. Trails - Our biking, hiking, walking trails are extensive. One can, for instance, bike further than most folks would wanna bike.

4. Homes - Of course, we have incredible, older, newer and in-between houses. And many options from single family homes to condos.

5. People - Some of the most wonderful, interesting people I have ever met.

6. Companies based here - From big to small corporations to your's truly's real estate business, we have incredible people and service-focused businesses that have chosen to be based in Arlington.

7. Farmer's Markets - Fresh is always better, right? We have the markets to give you access to the fresh goods.

8. Location / Access - Getting to DC and MD is convenient, as is traveling to the mountains, the country or the shore.

9. Metro and other public transportation - A top-notch Metro system and ART are just two of the means of getting around town!

10. Stores - Shopping is ample, varied and convenient.

You have others to add? I bet so!

Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken!, Keller Williams Realty

KenCourtade.com

KenSellsArlington.com

4 Important December Home Care Items

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:00:19 -0800

Yes I Ken's! Monthly Home Care Reminders

It's December now - so time for this month's home care items. Here goes:

1 - 3. Inspect CO Detectors, Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers to be sure they are functional. More than normal electricity use during the holidays and maybe a fire burning in the fireplace or a live Christmas tree mean more need for these life-savers to be working in case of an emergency.

4. Replace the Furnace Filter. Typically, people are at home more during the holidays and in colder climates / weather, less outside fresh air is let in the house. Why not plan for the freshest air possible by replacing your filter?

All of these are super easy to do! Happy December - and Happy Holidays!

Ken, Yes I Ken!, Keller Williams Realty

KenCourtade.com

KenSellsArlington.com

ArlingtonRocks.com

703-981-4646

Where to Eat / Dine in DC for Thanksgiving 2011?

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:06:41 -0800

If you are visiting Arlington, VA, or the DC area for Thanksgiving - or simply live here and want to have someone else do the cooking this year - where can you go for Thanksgiving dinner?

No problem finding somewhere! With a wealth of incredible restaurants - and many, many more than 20 years ago when I moved here (even more than 5 years ago) - there is no need to wonder too long. To help out, here is a list!

Arlington

- La Cote d'Or. I have not been in awhile to this sweet little gem of a restaurant. Serving a 4 course traditional turkey menu. lacotedorcafe.com

- Liberty Tavern. In Clarendon on the Orange Line. Eat where President Obama dined recently (He had the Mahi Mahi.). thelibertytavern.com

Alexandria

- Bastille Restaurant. Tucked away in a little section of Old Town. Always good food when I go. Serving Dinner. bastillerestaurant.com

Besthesda / Chevy Chase

- Legal Sea Foods. Top-notch sea food. legalseafoods.com

1. Adour at St. Regis Hotel. Incredible food prepared by such talented chef's as my friend's son. Four Course Dinner. Adour-washingtondc.com

2.Cafe Berlin. Authentic German Cuisine. Open since 1985. On Capitol Hill. cafeberlindc.com

2. Mansion on O Street. One of my favorite dining experiences for its atmosphere. The owners are wonderful and the quirky, fun, intriguing stretch of (joined) townhomes with some secret passages and overnight accommodations, is a riot. Over 100 rooms and 32 secret doors, I have been told. Lunch and Dinner buffets. Online reservations are required. OMansion.com

Dining, Drinking, Entertainment in Arlington, VA - Some Recommendations

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:42:29 -0800

Fortunately, we have a wealth of options for entertainment in Arlington on Friday night – or any night!

Check out restaurants and bars along the Orange Line and off a ways too. Need some recommendations? I’ve lived here over 20 years, so I can help out.

Along Metro

Iota in Clarendon for live music. Some great groups play there. If ya wanna grab some chow beforehand, Whitlow’s on Wilson, Boulevard Woodgrill and BGR are just a few of the options within blocks. Whitlow’s has good, basic American food, Boulevard gets more creative (I recommend the salads.) and BGR is always consistent with their delicious burgers.

In the Rosslyn to Courthouse Corridor, my favorite, hands down, is Village Bistro. It is still a well-kept secret – even from some long-time locals.

Off a ways from Metro

Layalina on Wilson near George Mason Drive. My favorite Lebanese restaurant in the area. Try one of the desserts – the one or more with rose water are delectable. I apologize to need to say, Lebanese Taverna, Layalina is my top pick. You’re second – that is great also!

Check out Thai Noy in Westover: Washington Blvd. at Nicholas. Fabulous dishes. Great selection - and added in the last couple years, a nice wine list. Pair the food with wine and you have a nice evening. The owner, Kot, is there almost always – and always with a welcoming smile. Nice, friendly, neighborhood restaurant with a small bar to sit at, if you like. And very popular is the outdoor sitting area, wonderfully appointed / landscaped – a specialty of Kot’s, gardening. Open seasonally, of course.

Go across the street after for a beer or two at the Westover Beergarden. Yes, in the super market. Devon, having chosen the 10 plus taps thoughtfully, is often there managing the establishment. Indoors and weather-permitting, even in cold weather (Cause the outdoor firepits are very warming.), the beer is sure to delight. Right now, they even have a cider on tap!

I hope theses were nice options! Where do you like to eat / drink / play in Arlington?

Roving Arlington, enjoying old stand-by’s and findin’ new delights,

Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken!, Keller Williams Realty

3 Home Improvements that Pay

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:01:00 -0800

Planning for your possible future sale makes economic sense.

When deciding what to spend your hard-earned money on in renovations, I often get the question from my clients of WHAT to spend it on that will bring them back the most equity when they go to sell.

Often, if one is considering a large project, they weigh doing the costly and intrusive work vs. selling and buying a house that already has what they want. After all, not many projects will bring back at resale even 80% of the value put into them, and even at that, when one goes to sell, there is a 20% loss on that investment. So, doing the work vs. selling and buying another house is a considered option also.

Decide wisely and I always advise, if it makes sense, choose a project that is useful and enjoyable for you and your family now AND that will bring the most pay back at race time!

Here are 3 improvements that pay back:

1. Bathroom addition. If possible have at least one bathroom on each floor of your home. On some floors such as the main living area and a lower level- absent a bedroom - a half bath is just fine. A bathroom is a big payoff. Renovating a current bath, if it is dated - especially the tile and fixtures - pays off as well. Ask your Realtor what is in style /desirous to buyers in the current market - that will help sell your house.

2. Kitchen redo. Most buyers look for updated kitchens. Even those who do not cook. Use light, neutral colors and create as much cabinet and counter space as is possible. This will help your home not look dated and be desirable to more prospective buyers.

3. Focus on energy efficiency. Look at the age and efficiency of your HVAC or other type of heating and cooling units. If they are nearing their lifetime expectancy - which is usually around 15 years, think seriously about replacing them. You are likely to get questions coupled with concerns about their age and hence their replacement cost otherwise from prospective buyers. Do this well in advance of selling, and you can enjoy - and put on paper to show to buyers - the cost savings, while feeling great about minimizing your impact on the environment.

I hope this gets you thinking about what to do to enjoy your space now and recoup some of the expense when you are ready to sell your home. And if you are considering purchasing a home, I hope this helps you to think about what changes you might make to have it be an even better home for you and the most saleable if, and when, you go to sell in the future!

Getting it SOLD - for YOU!

Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken!, Keller Williams Realty

Five Ways to Rate a Lender

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:39:12 -0800

Of course, rates will be... No 1:

1. Rates: Ask both what the interest rate is and also what the annual percentage rate (APR) of the loan is. Remember that the lowest interest rate is not necessarily the very best loan - there can be hidden costs and fees that can really make your the true cost of your loan higher.

2. Points, Fees, oh my. A point is 1% of the loan. That can be a lot of money!Remember that discount points are tax deductible by the purchaser - even if the seller paid the points.

3. Timing. Pay attention to how long the processing time will be. Quicker is usually preferable and works out better. Less stress!

4. Personality. Will your loan agent be aggressive in making the deal work well for you - making it a WIN-WIN for everyone - and keep it moving along to close in good time?

5. Prepayment. Is there a penalty for prepayment? Ask your lender. Often not - and this is usually preferable. It makes your loan conceptually more valuable to you.

I hope this was helpful! Send a note if you have questions. I have affiliated relationships with several incredible loan officers. I will put you in touch with one of them so you can have their expertise work for you! As I think is always best - I stick to my area of expertise - your home and your neighborhood - and refer you to experts in any other area you have in-depth questions on.

Getting it SOLD - for YOU!

Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken!, Keller Williams Realty

How Do I Price My Home So It Sells?

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:02:52 -0800

You get the timing right, you get the showing it right right and then comes getting the pricing right to have your home sell....

Pricing

Underpriced homes may get a lot of interest with the risk of getting less for your home than you wanted because "a lot of interest" doesn't always mean more than one party being interested in making an offer, especially making one possibly against other buyers making offers. It is very typical for a percentage of buyers to not want to engage in multiple contract situations.

Overpriced homes often sit on the market and end up either needing to have a "price adjustment," aka - a price reduction - and then they sometimes sell, or they do not sell at all. Homes seem stale when on the market a long time. Buyers often feel something must be wrong with the home since it is "sitting on the market" so long while other homes are selling.

Price it Right: The crucial sales period to get your buyer is the first 10 days to possibly upwards of 4 weeks - that's it! So you need to not just price the house - you need a pricing strategy! A plan to price it within what you see - aided by your market-knowledgeable Realtor - is needed to get it to sell. It involves experienced judgment and up-to-the-minute research your Agent should be able to provide. Ask your agent questions relating to these abilities before you hire them. Get one who fits this bill.

What is needed:

Look at other "like" homes in your - and similar - neighborhoods. See what has sold, what is on the market, and what was on the market that failed to sell (a strong hint to what the market does not want - and often the answer is that the market did not want to pay for the over-priced home).
Buyers comparison shop. So, see what makes your home stand out above the rest - it might be a beautiful porch on the front, stunning landscaping, or a REAL chef's kitchen - not one an owner markets as being a chef's kitchen, and Bobby Flay would never, never be caught anywhere near it. Highlight this or these elements and determine a dollar value that it might have in the buyer's mind - not yours. Dollar value is in the eye of the buyer, since they are the ones forking over the dough, right - you aren't the buyer, you are the seller, so put on buyer's glasses to get your to your goal of pricing it right TO SELL.

PRICE SELLS: The right price lies usually within 5% of market value. Of course, this value is constantly shifting as the market never stops moving. Again, a prime reason to select the right agent to assist, oversee and direct the sale of your home.

Get it right the first time around as you may not have a second chance at a good price to sell it. Or if you do, it might be a long and arduous process.

A quick story: A seller who had withdrawn her OVERPRICED house from the market after about half a year with no price adjustments during that period (not my client), said to me: " I do not understand why noone would just not make an offer?"

The US is a retail market (Rare for a Realtor, I have a four year degree in Retail Management/Sales, so I see the market from various sales angles.) - meaning it is almost not at all a market one is used to bartering in. When was the last time you heard someone come into McDonalds and ask if they could pay just $1.71 for a Big Mac, fries and a soda? Answer: Never, likely. It just doesn't happen. So, I had to explain this to the seller to help her. By the way, for clarification, again, I was not her agent. She hadn't one at the time. She asked for help and I gave some pointers to help her. I believe it is our job as Realtors to help get everyone's homes sold, so I helped!

So, set the right price using a strategy, a plan - have your price be within 5% of what you think the market will deliver, along with the right staging and timing to deliver within that range. And get it sold the first time. Time is money. And overpricing a home usually brings you less money than you would have gotten had you priced it right out of the starting gate.

I hope this helps. Please ask any questions!

Getting it SOLD - for YOU!

Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken!

Got Children? Strategies to Ease Their - and Your - Move

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:55:36 -0800

It's important to focus on your children when you undertake the move to a new home. Kids require emotional support during this time of transition. I offer these strategies:

1. Be very upbeat about the process - and get them excited in some way. Maybe it's the new swing set that you have promised them for the new - and larger - yard. Listen to and address any concerns they have about moving.

2. Explain the process- the ABC's. In a simple way, explain to them what the move entails. Show them the new home and the area it is in at length to get them comfortable with - and excited - about the move. Maybe it is nearer their school or a yummy ice cream store - point that out!

3. Involve them in the process of planning and packing. Have them help to make decisions. Like grown ups - especially during a time of such upheaval in their lives - often, children like to exert an effort to control their environment. Coming from a very schooled background (Note: It's VERY unusual for a Realtor to have a degree in Human Environment and Design, as I do, so you might find it interesting for me to comment on this.), I believe that one thing that is underrated concerning living in homes (period) and underrated to focus on during the transition, is: HOW IMPORTANT environment is to one's peace of mind and overall happiness in their daily lives. Let your children be part of the decision-making process and you will witness, quite possibly, a more relaxed state of mind for them.

4. Hello and Goodbye. Have your kids say goodbye in some form to their old home, and neighborhood - if it is a change in neighborhoods also. Maybe take photos and/or write memories in a notebook. Have them say hello to the new home by throwing a welcome party for them, inviting the new neighborhood kids over.

I hope this helps ease the transition. The DC area has so many great neighborhoods and home choices, one of which - at the TOP OF THE LIST (I attest, with over 20 years here.) - is Arlington and our wonderful array of home choices. Please let me know if you have any further questions. As your Arlington Neighborhood and Home Expert, I look forward to easing the transition for you - and for your kids!!

Getting it SOLD - for YOU!

Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken!

Keller Williams Realty Got the Stevie! Ken Courtade, Keller Williams Realty, Arlington, VA

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:47:08 -0800

Hello again! KW continues to soar with its incredible sales organization. Excellence in organizational operations is a key goal for the company, so this is great and big news. While it continues to be the fastest-growing franchise in the US, it is also, once again, recognized as one of the best run. Big benefit for KW clients. Read on why....

Often not distinctly recognized as a benefit by buyers and sellers is the superior team and organizational force which stand behind their agents. This is of extreme importance every step of the sales process. When there are resources one's agent needs, they are readily available for the asking. This enables an extremely professional and smooth transaction as the client engages in one of the most important and financially largest sales they will make in life. Details on the award...

Keller Williams Realty wins Stevie® Award for Real Estate Sales Organization of the Year

Keller Williams Realty was recently honored with a Stevie Award in the Best Run Sales Organization category as the Real Estate Sales Organization of the Year at the second annual Selling Power Sales Excellence Awards in Las Vegas, Nev.

The awards were jointly presented by Selling Powermagazine, the leading sales management publication with 145,000 subscribers in 67 countries, and The Stevie® Awards, which have been hailed as “the business world’s own Oscars” (the New York Post, April 27, 2005).

More than 400 entries from companies of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories this year.

Courtesy, KW, December 16, 2007

So, congratulations, KW! And congratulations to KW's clients! You win!

Ken

Ken Courtade

703.981.4646

KenCourtade@gmail.com

www.KenCourtade.com

Beet Juice on the Winter Weather! Ken Courtade, Keller Williams Realty, Arlington, Va

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 22:36:59 -0800

Going Green (or is it red) on the frozen streets? You bet!

I am fortunate to be doing my civil duty as a court juror. As I was leaving the courthouse today, a county employe and I commented on the fact there must be something other than salt to help with icy sidewalks. Voilla! Tonight, one of our local news stations reported that the DC government will be using beet juice to help with winter street conditions. Excellent!

I believe this is one more confirmation that there is/might always be a means of problem-solving using non-environment-harming products. We can make our lives better without harming our environment - not to mention harming our good shoes! Cudos to the person or persons who thought deeply enough and/or cared enough to come up with this wonderful option! And if we are lucky, perhaps it will be available some day soon for us to use on our homes' driveways and walks! Thoughts?

Enjoy the snow!

Ken

Ken Courtade, Keller Williams Realty, Arlington, VA

www.KenCourtade.com

KenCourtade@gmail.com

703.981.4646

Wonderful Westover, in Arlington! Ken Courtade, Keller Williams, Arlington

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:15:24 -0800

What can one say, Westover is simply wonderful! If you are not familiar, the hub is at McKinley Rd. and Washington Blvd.

Yes, I do live and work in Westover, so I certainly have and in-depth understanding and overwhelming affection for our area. At the same time, when comparing areas along the Orange Line in Northern Virginia, I believe nothing comes close to the coziness and value! Note the following points:

-Ease of every-day living with conveniences at our door step: Post office, grocer, hardware store, several great restaurants - even a consignment store

-Convenience to commuting - a short walk to Metro or catch the bus right in Westover and you are at the Metro in a few minutes, 66, Rt. 50 and the parkway, among others, right nearby for vehicular travel

-Small town atmosphere: You've got it - holiday parades, costume contests, seasonal websites, neighbors who look out for each other's homes and pets when their neighbors are on travel, progressive dinner parties and caring for our older, historic homes

-Lack of congestion -- as Metro is not right in "downtown" Westover!

-Low turnover of homes when compared to other Arlington neighborhoods - so people tend to live and enjoy our area for a long time!

So, come check out our neighborhhood! If you need assistance in checking out the special aspects - do give me a call!

Ken Courtade

Yes I Ken!

Keller Williams, Arlington

KenCourtade@gmail.com

www.KenCourtade.com

703.981.4646

P.S. See this link for more on Westover: http://www.commuterpage.com/art/villages/westover2.htm

Flee Fleas - PLEASE! Green Tip of the Day! Ken Courtade, Keller Williams, Arlington

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:56:59 -0800

Flee Fleas!

If your furry friend has a case of the fleas, try a less-toxic method of flea control such as ANTidote or Bio Flea Halt. If fleas have already invaded your home, applying Borax to the carpet is a fairly low-risk way to kill them off. (But be careful, Borax can be an eye irritant and should not be ingested in large amounts by your pet.) Or replace the chemical flea dip with this natural recipe from Care2: Cut up four lemons and simmer for about an hour in one quart of water, adding more water if necessary. Cool and strain the mixture before rubbing it into your dog's coat. Be sure to avoid your pet's eyes and exercise appropriate caution -- citrus-peel extract products like this one can be very strong. Ventilate the room properly and do not use this solution if you're asthmatic. And do not use this flea bath on cats!

COURTESY OF: SIERRA CLUB, NOVEMBER 7, 2007

Our homes are our places of solitude from the outside world. Keep the critters off your critters to have a pest-free and cozy abode. Especially as colder weather and the holidays approach, when we are indoors more, keeping our spaces free from unwanted "villains" becomes ever the more important!

Have a flea-free and great day!

Ken

Ken Courtade

Yes I Ken!

Keller Williams Realty, Arlington

703.981.4646

www.KenCourtade.com

KenCourtade@gmail.com

What - Green Hair - for Christmas?! Green Tip of the Day! Ken Courtade, Keller Williams, Arlington

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:07:28 -0700

Yes, it's just two months from today!

"Protect yourself and the environment from harmful toxins by switching to organic hair-care products. Some studies suggestthat Methylisothiazoline (Mit), a chemical found in many name-brand shampoos, may be linked to neurological damage. And this kind of stuff is certainly not great for our groundwater or soil either. Learn more about what's in your shampoo and which brands are safe athttp://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/."

Source: Sierra Club, October 25, 2007

Green hair is in! Look closely at what you use. Also, think about our fellow creatures and buy products which specify that animals/lab animals were not used in the testing of a product. What more could we want than products that safeguard our bodies, animals, our environment and our homes?! Why not buy some for your Christmas gift recipients - the holiday is just two months away!

Ken Courtade

Keller Williams, Arlington

www.KenCourtade.com

KenCourtade@gmail.com

703.981.4646

Green Tip of the Day! Utilizing Your Utilities! Ken Courtade, Keller Williams, Arlington

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 09:48:31 -0700

Talk to your Utility Companies

Everyday, more local utility companies are providing customers with options for alternative sources of energy. If your power company isn't doing this, let them know that you would like the choice. Click here to find out if greenpower is available in your area.

Source: Sierra Club, October 11, 2007

As a homeowner, you want the best bang for your buck. And as a concerned conservationist, choosing the best energy source is a means to helping our world. Speak up - and choose!

Ken

Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken!, Keller Williams, Arlington

703.981.4646

KenCourtade@gmail.com

www.KenCourtade.com

How to Sell a Home in a Declining Market! Ken Courtade, Keller Williams, Arlington

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 09:31:11 -0700

Dealing with an Adjusting/Declining Market

If your geographical area is now considered or perceived as a declining market, you must consider this in your home sale pricing strategy. You must have a STRATEGY (this is where your expert Realtor comes in) to effectively and efficiently win - or to win at all usually! If your market is adjusting, or some might call it declining, here are a few important steps that you can take to not become a "victim" of downward price pull.

1. Don't "Test the Market"

This is a mondo (big) misstep. Many sellers wrongly think that the initial activity on their property will continue throughout the entire listing period. Note true. When you first list your property, there is pent-up demand among current buyers in the marketplace who haven't found the home that fits their requirements. Once this initial surge of possible interest dwindles, showings will decrease to only NEW buyers coming into the marketplace. And this might be a small number, especially considering your seasonal timing. Missing this initial out the door period which generally is a maximum - and often less - of the first 21 days your property is listed, OFTEN results in longer market time (DOM - Days on Market) and a SUBSTANTIALLY lower price. Do not make this COSTLY mistake.

2. Price your home BELOW the comparable sales for a given period

List your home property slightly below comparable sales (Also not at what the current listing prices of active listings are - these are not comparable "SALES" because they have not sold yet.). Today's comparable sales represent what the prices were for whatever period you have considered them within - IN THE PAST. Because you can only pull sales for actual sales - which are always in the past. Keep in mind also that a sale price is set at the contract ratification date - NOT the date it settles/sells. Some adjustments may have occurred, but many homes sell for the original contracted price. The settlement date can be a month to many months later than the date that the buyer and seller agreed on a price! In a market that is adjusting downward and is not static, the homes sold could already be valued at a lower price based on market value when the next comparable homes sell - hopefully yours.

So, simply stated, if the market is adjusting/declining, then your property is actually worth less than what comparable home sales have acquired. So, have your Realtor determine your market's average percentage adjustment and build it into your list price.

3. When you consider a needed price reduction, reduce to win the game - remember the competition next door

When property values are declining and you are mistakenly above the current market value, reducing your home sales price to current market value is not going to "cut" it (HA). You need to be slightly below market value to actually engage a buyer to purchase your home NOW. Beat out the competition before it beats you out and leaves you with no buyers. Only so many buyers are in the game for a LIKE property at any given time. You want to win those buyers over - over the neighbor's home offerring!

So, price and play to win - - and you will - - - in this OR ANY market! Best to you in your home sale! Comment here if you are a home seller or Realtor - let's hear additional input and recommendations!! Thanks!!

Ken Courtade, Keller Williams, Arlington

703.981.4646

KenCourtade@gmail.com

www.KenCourtade.com

How Does Your Neighborhood Score On Walking? Green Tip of the Day! Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken!, Keller Williams, Arlington

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 17:52:00 -0700

It is not everyday that such a wonderful website and service comes our way. NOW, an incredible website exists for rating your - or any - neighborhood for its walkability!! Here it is:

www.walkscore.com

Take the wesbite for a walk (HA!) now! What did you learn about your neighborhood? How can this be useful in your every day life and for real estate?? Let's hear your creative applications and thoughts!

Ken

Ken Courtade, Keller Williams, Arlington

Green Tip of the Day: Hand Dryers are Better! Ken Courtade, Keller Williams, Arlington

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:12:27 -0700

Think before you act to help save our environment! Think before you dry!

Electric hand dryers in restrooms are twice as energy-efficient as paper towels, even towels made from recycled paper. The production of the electricity that powers electric dryers generates greenhouse gases, but the production of paper towels is twice as energy-intensive and creates more greenhouse gases overall. Additionally, the manufacture of paper towels emits pollutants, and many paper towels are produced from virgin wood - not recycled material.

Source: Sierra Club, October, 1 2007

Start with small things to make a big difference for our world. Start by thinking first - then acting!

Do you have more tips?

Ken Courtade, Keller Williams Realty, Arlington, VA

The True Market is Your Market! Ken Courtade, Keller Williams, Arlington

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:38:30 -0700

Please, CNBC - leave the announcement to Realtors - to those out in our markets every day. Let's bring people to the table, not encourage (discourage) them away.

On the Today Show, recently, during a segment covering the national real estate market, CNBC's Jim Kramer stated with strength, "Now is the absolute worst time to buy!"

Homeowners, buyers, Real Estate Professionals - everyone - should be concerned that remarks like these from "experts" might be pushing potential buyers and sellers to the sidelines. In effect, it might have a self-fulfilling prophesy and help stall the market - which drives SO MANY related markets. Just the oppposite of "Build it, and they will come:" "Tear it down and they will leave."

Gary Keller, co-founder and chairman of Keller Williams Realty had this to say about waiting out the current market:

"First, residential real estate is not a national market product - it is a local one. To say from a national position that this is either a good time or a bad time to buy real estate is like saying the national forecast for the U.S. today is 92 degrees - it is a useless and irrelevant perspective. What is happening in your local market is all that matters.

Second, trying to predict when it is a good time to buy, or not, means you're trying to time the market. Staying on the sidelines is the surest way for most people to never time anything correctly.

Last, and maybe most important - there are always two markets in every market. There is the market of properties that are good buys and there is the market of properties that are not good buys. Interestingly enough, this is true in either buyer or seller markets. To categorically say that this is the time to buy or not is absolutely ignoring the fact that every market really has two markets inside it."

Let's keep a broad perspective while maintianing a close look at our individual markets. If you are a consumer, have your Realtor run numbers for your area. A great realtor will be adept at laying out the look of the market for you. Realtors, let's be prepared to give honest and thorough assessments of especially our individual markets. Realtors, what do you do that is especially helpful for your clients?

Ken

Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken!, Keller Williams Realty, Arlington

Green Tip of the Day! Keller Williams, Arlington, Ken Courtade

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:24:55 -0700

When you peel citrus fruits, don't throw away the peels or compost immediately. Instead, place in a decorative dish in your kitchen or bathroom to use as natural, fresh potpourri/air freshener. And compost whenever you can. Handy, handsome kitchen counter "pails" with carbon scent filters in the covers make a great holder for compostable scraps prior to taking to the compost area.

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/pail.html

Enjoy - and have a GREEN day!

Ken

Yes I Ken!

Keller Williams, Arlington

www.KenCourtade.com

KenCourtade@gmail.com

703.981.4646

Commutization, Supersized! Keller Williams, Arlington, Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken!

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 15:01:32 -0700

Supersize my garage!

"Since the last survey in 2004, oversize garages saw the biggest growth in terms of what recent buyers considered very important in a home, gaining 16 percentage points to 57 percent. Among buyers who purchased homes without this feature, 56 percent of them said they would have paid more for an oversize garage, compared to only 6 percent in the 2004 survey." Source: Realtor.org, August 7, 2007

Especially considering high gas prices, that is a huge jump - why? Perhaps:

1. People are continuing to purchase large vehicles which require more space to park

2. Storage for household and yard items/People have more and more "stuff" to store

3. Less costly to get a larger garage as compared to paying for living space instead - if one is deciding between the two/comparing them

4. The world is going retro - back to when garages where first added to homes, when the suburbanization/"commutization" (my coined term) of America was occuring - more people began commuting to work and thus the deisre to park one's car in a garage. We still love garages today! (This is my top pick.)

Add to this question why there exists people who have garages but do not park vehicles in them - that's an urban wonderment! I know people with two car garages who have two vehicles and do not park their cars in them. But, hey, at least they have them for whatever the use - or non-use? Garages are great - no doubt! I will take one - supersized or not!

Ken

www.KenCourtade.com

KenCourtade@gmail.com

703.981.4646

Ken Courtade, Yes I Ken!, ABR, GRI, CRS, Arlington, VA, Northern VA, DC, MD, VA