reston realtor: Are You Ready for Commitment? - 02/13/12 11:01 PM
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)

reston realtor: Understanding Northern Virginia Buyers - 02/09/12 11:47 PM
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)

reston realtor: When It Comes To Buying a House, Unique is Not Always Better - 02/06/12 12:43 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)

reston realtor: Freezin' for a Reason, this Weekend at Lake Anne, Reston, VA - 02/03/12 06:59 AM
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)

reston realtor: Clean Out That Closet and Make a Dream Come True - 02/03/12 12:25 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)

reston realtor: What Were You Thinking When You Bought That House? - 01/22/12 11:33 PM
I see a lot of houses.  I see the light, I see the layout, I see the architecture and I see the stuff.  It is always interesting to try to figure out why people buy the houses that they buy.  Sometimes it is obvious and sometimes not.
When I am working with a client and they walk into the house they want, I can USUALLY see it their expression.  Not always, however, are the reasons for choosing a house so obvious.  Have you ever walked into a home and wondered, 'why would you have ever bought this house?'  Maybe the layout … (6 comments)

reston realtor: December 2011 Market Report for Reston, VA 20194 - 01/20/12 03:33 AM
Here is a report on the market activity for Reston, VA, 20194 zip code, for December 2011. December is a notoriously slow month for real estate in the Northern Virginia area. This December did not behave any differently.  In fact, this December was even slower than December of 2010 in the 20194 zip code--and in all of Reston (click here for the 20191 Market Report and for the 20190 Market Report). While consumer confidence is slowly regaining its foothold, buyers are still reluctant to move forward. Retail sales saw growth in November and December which could mean that consumers were spending their … (0 comments)

reston realtor: December 2011 Market Report for Reston, VA 20190 - 01/20/12 03:33 AM
Here is the December 2011 market activity report for Reston, VA, 20190 zip code (North of the Toll Road, south of  Baron Cameron Avenue, includes Lake Anne and the Reston Town Center). December is a notoriously slow month for real estate in the Northern Virginia area. This December did not behave any differently.  In fact, this December was even slower than December of 2010 in the 20190 zip code--and in all of Reston (click here for the 20194 Market Report and for the 20191 Market Report).   While consumer confidence is slowly regaining its foothold, buyers are still reluctant to move forward. Retail sales saw growth in November and December … (0 comments)

reston realtor: December 2011 Market Report for Reston, VA 20191 - 01/20/12 03:32 AM
Here is a market report for Reston, VA, 20191 (South of the Toll Road), for December 2011.
December is a notoriously slow month for real estate in the Northern Virginia area. This December did not behave any differently.  In fact, this December was even slower than December of 2010 in the 20191 zip code--and in all of Reston (click here for the 20194 Market Report and for the 20190 Market Report).   While consumer confidence is slowly regaining a foothold, buyers are still reluctant to move forward. Retail sales saw growth in November and December, which could mean that consumers were spending their time and … (0 comments)

reston realtor: Looking For Things To Do in Northern Virginia? - 01/19/12 11:55 PM
Northern Virginia is a great place to live!  There are things to do all over the Washington D.C. metro area. From NOVA (as we Virginians call it), it is an easy jaunt to Maryland or D.C.  We have access to museums, monuments, theaters, events (and great shopping) throughout the area. If you are looking for something to do this weekend, The Washington Post is a great place to start. Each Friday they publish a Weekend section that provides theater, art, music, movies and local event information. This pullout section is a great resource. If you are not a paper subscriber, you can get most of this … (0 comments)

reston realtor: Baby Steps Toward Selling Your House - 01/12/12 11:43 PM
There is undoubtedly a lot of work to do before you put your house on the market.  Not surprisingly, it is the little things that can help convince a buyer that your house is the 'one.'  You can't change the architecture or the location, but you can control how your house is presented. Rather than waiting until 2 weeks before you list and then pulling all nighters to get ready, why don't you tackle some of the smaller jobs right now? If you do one thing each day, you might be surprised how quickly you get through the list.  Here is a … (5 comments)

reston realtor: No, Really, It Is Perfect! - 01/12/12 02:19 AM
Compromise has become a dirty word. No longer are we willing to give up something in order to gain something else. In purchasing a home, however, you better get back in that mode, or you will not be moving anytime soon! At heart, most of us are idealists. We truly believe that perfect house is out there. It probably is, but whoever is living in it might not be marketing it while you search for a new place to live. As you begin your home search, it is important that you create a list of 'must haves' and 'like to haves.' You may find that … (5 comments)

reston realtor: What Qualities Make For a Good Realtor? - 01/10/12 11:11 PM
What Qualities Make For a Good Realtor?
It is that time of year. Folks are deciding that this year might be the time to jump into the real estate market, either as a buyer or a seller. You have probably read that you should interview several Realtors, and that is good advice. What kind of things should you be looking for in your Realtor?  Here is a list of things you should consider as you try to decide who to hire to represent you in your transaction. Persistent: It is not always easy to find what your client seeks. It can take months--even years--depending on their requirements. … (6 comments)

reston realtor: An Important Consideration for Any Home Buyer - 01/08/12 11:27 PM
As a Realtor, one of the skills I bring to the table is helping my clients determine the investment value of their purchase. This doesn't always work the way that we expect (the bursting real estate bubble caught almost everyone by surprise), but it is something that every purchaser should consider. There is more to evaluating an investment, than just how quickly your equity will grow. One of the most important things to consider is how quickly you could sell your home, if your personal situation changes. At any given time there is a pool of buyers looking at homes in your local area. Sometimes … (28 comments)

reston realtor: 10 Things Sellers Should Replace Before Listing Their Northern Virginia Home - 01/05/12 11:17 PM
10 Things Sellers Should Replace Before Listing Their Northern Virginia Home
Most Northern Virginia sellers spend a lot of time preparing their homes for market.  Cleaning closets, organizing the pantry, getting rid of old toys/books/stuff...the list goes on and on. Many even paint, recarpet or tackle minor remodeling projects. There are a couple of simple things, however, that sellers often overlook.  Because all real estate IS local, I can only comment that these items are off-putting for buyers in the Northern Virginia market--buyers in other parts of the country may not react to them in quite the same way. Hollywood lights: Those bar lights above the bathroom … (7 comments)

reston realtor: Should I buy my house without a Realtor? - 01/05/12 01:37 AM
Dear Holly,
I am thinking of buying a house. My cousin said that I should really consider working with a Realtor, but I am kind of hands-on-do-it-yourself type and I think I can find a house myself. I don't even understand how Realtors get paid or who they work for in a transaction. Can you shed some light on this and offer some advice? Many thanks, Contemplating a Purchase in Northern Virginia Dear Contemplating a Purchase in Northern Virginia, True to your nature, you have asked an excellent question, one  which will ensure that you have all the information that you … (89 comments)

reston realtor: Book Review: Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson - 01/03/12 11:04 PM
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson Let me just say, I loved this book!   It is a long one, so I brought it on our vacation to Cancun (on my Kindle, not my iPad...sorry, Steve).  I dreaded starting it, thinking I would feel like I was reading a business case study or an onerous biography. Finally, the thought of not having it done in time for my end-of-January Book Club meeting got me to start the book (it is 571 pages, which seemed long for a beach read!). I surprised that I could not put it down. I am a half-hearted Apple Fan. … (5 comments)

reston realtor: Moving out of Town? The Benefit of Asking Me for a Referral - 01/03/12 09:50 AM
Have you considered a real estate purchase out of town? Are you just going to find a Realtor on-line or in the phone book or paper?  
As a veteran agent, I have a lot of resources all over the country.  Let me find you a Realtor who fits your style, and your needs, and who you can trust will be able to help you amke that purchase.
I have done it for other clients, and I would like to do it for you. I can help you with more than just your Northern Virginia purchase.
Give me a call and … (1 comments)

reston realtor: New Laws in Virgina for 2012 - 01/01/12 11:29 PM
There are a couple of changes in the law for 2012 that Virginians need to know about, or may be interested in.
An important one for Northern Virginia residents is the increased toll at the main plaza of the Dulles Toll Road. The new rate is $1.50, up from $1.25. The other on/off-ramps will remain at $.75.   Other laws include stricter rules for Abortion Clinics and a prison reform law that will require that 10% of money earned by inmates be put into an account so that there is  money available to them when they leave prison.   Another new law allows new mothers the option to receive a … (2 comments)

reston realtor: MotorCycle Santa Spreads Christmas Cheer in Reston & Herndon, VA - 12/15/11 04:26 AM
Last year, around this time, my daughter and I spotted Motorcycle Santa on the Fairfax County Parkway, in Reston, VA. She snapped this picture from my Blackberry, while I kept my eyes on the road: Last Saturday, I spotted him again, this time on Reston Parkway. He was blasting music from the speakers on his bike (All I want for Christmas is You).  Two years in a row? Who is this guy and is he the same one from last year? Today, I saw an article in the Herndon Patch, Motorcycle-Riding Santa Claus Brings Holiday Fun to Local Schools. Now I am not … (1 comments)

 


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