My Virginia Neighbor

Staging is the key to sell in the VA, DC and MD areas You’ve heard the headlines—there’s a shortage of homes for sale, and that’s driving us toward a sellers’ market. However, just because home sellers are favored in these conditions, that doesn’t mean every property will sell for top dollar and in little time. Buyers today are more selective than they’ve been in the past, and if you’re getting ready to sell, you need to keep these facts in mind. Make it move-in ready. Call it the HGTV effect, but more and more buyers come to the market with high expectations and desires for a move-in ready home with the latest updates and designs. Stage your home for success. Most Realtors can recommend a quality home staging professional, who’ll help you style your home in a way that’ll appeal to the most buyers. Start preparing well ahead of when you want to move. Nowadays, you might have to renovate a bathroom or install new flooring before listing your home. By starting the improvemen...

My renters and "want-to-be" first time home buyers, this post is for you! With all the homes being built in the NOVA area, I bet many of you are wondering, when am I going to buy? And how do I get started? One of the most important things to understand about real estate is the concept of ownership, interest and money. For many people, and many millennials, this is a discussion that could last for hours.  I’ve been told several times that “I want to buy but I don’t have money.” or more sadly, I want to buy, we meet and discuss finances and find out that they don’t have any money to purchase. The downturn of 2006 did not make it easy for millennials who wanted to work, get their career started and save for a new home. Many had to stay at home with their parents, and wait indefinitely for their situation to change.  For expanding families and those who want their own space, this delay can be heartbreaking.  Once you are on the same page and ready t...