arlington: What 2013 May Hold for Northern Virginia - 12/31/12 12:14 AM
 
Fred Northaft, chief economist at Freddie Mac, has offered his predictions for the 2013 housing market trends, and all of us here in Northern Virginia can look forward to a market whose future appears to be even brighter than what we had in 2012. According to Realty Times, Northaft recently stated that “the housing market is healing, is contributing positively to the GDP and is returning to its traditional role of supporting the economic recovery.”
More specifically, in 2013 we can look forward to continued low mortgage interest rates. In 2012, rates fell to a 65-year low, and the Federal … (0 comments)

arlington: More Record Lows for Northern Virginia - 11/21/12 03:51 AM
 
It may seem like a broken record, but according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, mortgage rates have once again fallen to new all-time record lows. This is great news for Northern Virginia homeowners as well as for those seeking to enter the market.
The previous low records were set in October of this year when 30-year fixed mortgages averaged 3.36%, and the 15-year fixed averaged 2.66%. As of last week, 30-year fixed mortgages averaged 3.34%, down from 4.00% a year ago. 15-year fixed mortgages sunk to 2.65%, down from 3.31% this time last year. According to CNN, … (0 comments)

arlington: Fairfax County's Real Estate Market is Hot! - 09/12/12 07:00 AM
 
The summer real estate statistics are just in, and it’s all good news for Fairfax County. The housing market in the area was as hot as the weather this past summer, and that’s great news for both buyers and sellers. Home sales in the region were up over 6% from the same time last year, and the average sale price increased by 4.5%.
There’s still a good deal of traffic in the market as demand continues to stay strong. The number of homes for sale has actually decreased, and multiple offers are becoming more the norm. The entry-level housing traffic … (0 comments)

arlington: Buying Your First Home in Fairfax County - 09/04/12 10:54 PM
 
The housing market is turning the corner, yet mortgage rates remain at all-time lows. That means now is the perfect time to get into the Northern Virginia property market. Making the jump from renting to owning can be daunting, but these four tips will help you determine just how much home you can reasonably afford to own.
1. A good rule of thumb is that you can afford a mortgage that is two to three times your gross annual income. Don’t forget to add in all household income when estimating this figure. For example, if your gross annual income … (0 comments)

arlington: Navigating Real Estate Lingo in Northern Virginia - 08/28/12 11:24 PM
 
Every profession has its own jargon – those terms and abbreviations that are familiar to insiders, but may represent a whole new and somewhat mysterious language for newcomers. As a first-time homebuyer, rest assured that you’ll soon become fluent in the language of real estate. If it has been some time since you were last involved in a real estate transaction, you may also find yourself at a loss. To help you over the learning curve, here are few definitions to get you started.
Closing Costs – the various expenses paid by either the buyer or the seller when the … (2 comments)

arlington: Back to School in Fairfax County - 08/22/12 04:59 AM
 

Labor Day is just around the corner, and that means the first day of school is fast upon us. Whether you have children at home or not, everyone’s schedule changes when school is back in session – there are more people on the roads, and the morning commute takes on a different tone. Here in Northern Virginia, where successful commuting is an art form, be especially vigilant around school buses and crosswalks as young commuters may dart out unexpectedly and specialized traffic laws apply.
If you do have children at home, preparing in advance for the first day of … (0 comments)

arlington: What's the True Value of Your Fairfax County Home? - 08/14/12 02:19 AM
 
At first glance, it’s a very simple question: what is my Northern Virginia home worth? The answer, however, may not be so straightforward. It all depends upon the context – the person who is asking, and for what reason.
Fundamentally, your home has three separate price tags. One is based upon its market value, the price you could expect to get if it was sold. The second refers to its replacement value, the price on which your homeowner’s insurance policy is based. The third one speaks to your property tax values or the price the government uses to assess your … (0 comments)

arlington: Good Neighbors in Northern Virginia - 08/08/12 08:11 AM
 
Fairfax County is known for its outstanding neighborhoods and wonderful neighbors. However, great neighborhoods don’t just happen – they’re built over time upon a foundation of mutual respect. Anyone can begin the process. You just have to take the first step.
Neighbors may each live in their own homes, but they all share the same street. Take a few minutes to have a good look at your part of it. Does your property complement or detract from the street? You needn’t invest in big-money projects to make your yard look tidy. It may simply mean picking up the clutter and … (0 comments)

arlington: More Bang for Your Buck in Northern Virginia - 08/01/12 06:53 AM
After wading through years of overstocked housing inventories, the real estate market here in Northern Virginia is showing signs of becoming a seller’s market. While this is obviously a point in the favor of those homeowners who want to list their properties, understanding what this means can also help potential buyers get the most bang for their buck.
Gone are the days when buyers could make ultra-low offers, and even negotiability itself is on a steady decline. Buyers need to be aware that sellers are receiving more offers than they have in recent memory, and many of these will be close … (0 comments)

arlington: Summer’s Last But Not Least in Fairfax County - 07/25/12 03:09 PM
It’s hard to believe, but Summer 2012 is already moving into its final weeks. Here in Northern Virginia, though, there are still a lot of great events happening that will help you make the most out of the remaining lazy days.
 
American history is always on parade here in Fairfax County, and the Civil War Encampment Weekend at Sully Historic Site, during the weekend of Aug 18-19, in Chantilly VA, is an excellent opportunity to view it (10am – 4pm Saturday, and 10am – 3 pm Sunday, $9 adult/ $7 senior and child). Actors portraying both Union and Confederate troops … (0 comments)

arlington: Dog Days in Northern Virginia - 07/06/12 05:09 AM

Storms and hot weather are a part of any Northern Virginia summer, but this past June was the hottest on record for 142 years and shows no sign of letting up. Recent storms knocked out electricity for thousands of us, and many still remain without power.
 
Know that all of our clients, friends and neighbors are in our thoughts, and that we hope for everyone’s safety and well-being during this unfortunate time.
 
Please bear in mind the precautions listed here to help keep you and your family healthy and safe.
 
 
Drink plenty of water, … (1 comments)

arlington: Arlington Family Fun for Independence Day - 06/27/12 11:04 AM

Experiencing Arlington today, it can be difficult to imagine what the area must have been like over two hundred years ago when our country was much younger. Living in your Arlington home, it’s easy to forget the hardships our country had to endure to get to where it is today.
 
Independence Day is a time for us to remember and celebrate this great country, and there’s no better place to celebrate than just across the Potomac at Long Bridge Park, a sound redevelopment showcasing the Potomac riverscape and lush green spaces.
 
On Wednesday, July 4, Long Bridge Park … (1 comments)

arlington: Summer Sizzles in Northern Virginia - 06/19/12 04:11 PM
Whether it’s a part of your summer adventure or the focus of your relocation, Northern Virginia offers something for everyone. Situated at the heart of the nation and surrounded by a landscape studded with history, art, and culture, the region is within easy reach of Washington, DC both by car and public transportation.
 
History comes alive in Northern Virginia. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at how food moved from farm to table during the Revolutionary War era with the Hoecakes and Hospitality experience at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, or visit the estate’s working blacksmith shop, gristmill, and distillery, as well as … (0 comments)

arlington: Sell Your Northern Virginia Home Quickly - 06/13/12 04:15 AM
If you are thinking of selling your Northern Virginia home this summer, recent statistics show that now may be the best time to put your home on the market. In April, home sales prices increased by 5% from the previous year and average days on the market were down 15%.
To help you increase your home’s chances of selling quickly and for top dollar, make sure you are making smart home improvement choices to add value to your home:
Paint the Exterior of Your Home A fresh coat of exterior paint doesn’t cost a fortune, especially if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, but … (0 comments)

arlington: Honor our Veterans this Memorial Day in Arlington - 05/22/12 01:52 PM
Arlington is home to some of the most patriotic residents in our country. We have many great monuments, honoring veterans and famous Americans, to help us remember those who have died serving our country.
 
While we can celebrate our country every day, Memorial Day is a special weekend to remember and honor our veterans, while marking the beginning of the busy summer season.
 
This Memorial Day, there are many things to do in and around Arlington to come together as the proud community that we are.
 
For instance, Arlington National Cemeteryis a great location to visit on … (1 comments)