Selecting a Good Contractor in Chantilly and Northern Virginia Area
May 5th, 2011 categories: Uncategorized
Home remodeling in Chantilly and elsewhere is doing pretty well. It is anticipated that projects will top $130 blllion this quarter.
That is as high as it has been since the first quarter of 2008. Interestingly enough, the typical cost of home remodeling projects is dropping.
Chantilly and Centreville homeowners are like those in other places: they are putting money in home improvements.
But just like the importance of selecting the right real estate agent, making a good contractor choice will make all the difference.
Here is a short video from NBC’s The Today Show, which will give you tips for picking a good home contractor. Common sense points but worth hearing.
If you need a few local references here in Chantilly and surrounding area, let me know and I will provide several. And as mentioned previously, if you are considering buying or selling a home, check out our video on how to select a great real estate agent. You will definitely want to know what to look for and what to avoid in your search for a top notch real estate agent.
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Washing windows: eco-friendly and save a little money
May 2nd, 2011 categories: Seller Strategies
Want to keep your windows clean and do it the eco-friendly way?
Here are a few easy steps.
First, try to save this task for a cloudy day. Hot windows will dry out more quickly and cause streaking.
Second, mix about 8 parts water to 1 part white vinegar and 1 part eco-friendly dish detergent. The dish detergent will help remove build-up from previous commercial cleaners. Mix this in a spray container. After you have done this one time you don’t need to add in the detergent. Just mix 1/2 teaspoon of the vinegar to 1 cup of water.
If you want to be more eco-friendly, and save money on paper towels, use a reusable microfiber-type cloth.
You will make very little environmental impact in doing it this way, and you will save a little money in the process.
And if you are getting your home ready to put on the market for sale, take advantage of the many resources on our website, and of course, please know that my team and I are here to help you sell your home well, under all market conditions. Let me know how we can serve you!
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More garage space: Simple ideas that will add value
May 1st, 2011 categories: Buyer Strategies, Seller Strategies
If your Chantilly or Northern Virginia area home could use a bit more space, and if you have a garage, check out this 4-minute video from Lowe’s YouTube series.
If will give you some great ideas on how to make space by adding elements to your garage interior that may not be there, or may not be used to your best advantage.
Another big advantage of managing garage space more efficiently is that it may add more home space. You can store a lot more “stuff” in a garage that is well organized.
And, if you will eventually have your Chantilly home for sale, this is a great way to add that extra value, without a huge expense.
If the time to sell your home is not far away, of course, we invite you to use any of the tools on our prime web site, and to let us know how we can help you in any way. In all markets, we are helping Northern Virginia home buyers and sellers to reach their real estate goal. We are here for you with an entirely client-centered approach to real estate.
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Fresh or Frozen Produce: One better than the other?
April 22nd, 2011 categories: Uncategorized
Chantilly and Centreville area home owners who appreciate gardening may be in full swing by now. And there is no substitute for the freshness that comes with your own garden produce.
But there are a few things about freezing that you may find of interest.
Enhancements in packaging and delivery methods of frozen produce can, in some situations , make frozen more “fresh” and higher in nutrients than what you purchase in the “fresh” section of your supermarket.
Just keep a few things in mind when you choose one vs. the other.
First, the main advantage that frozen produce carries over fresh produce is that frozen produce is picked in its most ripe and most nutrient-rich state. It is then flash-frozen, so the nutrients become locked-in and sealed.
By contrast, fresh produce is typically picked before it’s ripe, and is left to ripen in transit.
Food nutrients degrade with exposure to heat and/or light, so the longer it takes produce to get from the farm to the supermarket, the fewer nutrients the produce will have.
For example, fresh fruit and vegetables might sit for up 2 weeks before they’re sold by your local supermarket. Add to that the time they sit in the consumer’s home.
Another advantage of frozen produce is that it’s often less expensive than fresh fruit. For example,consider the cost of strawberries bought in bulk:
- Frozen strawberries : $1.71 per pound
- Fresh strawberries : $1.90 per pound
This isn’t to say that frozen produce is “better” than fresh produce. It just depends on your circumstance. If you plan to consume the produce within a short period from purchase, and can account for its ripeness and freshness, fresh produce may be preferred. Or, if you eat organic produce, free from pesticides and chemicals — certain produce may be better eaten fresh.
So, frozen does have some advantages depending on these factors.
We are not nutritionists but we are real estate experts, and if you need help with your home purchase or sale, or if you are moving into the Northern Virgina or Western Fairfax region, please let us know and we will be here for you! By the way, if you are moving to the area, we think our web and blog sites are some of the best information sources you will find.
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Building Permits Up In All 4 Regions Of The US
April 20th, 2011 categories: Buyer Strategies, Seller Strategies
We see from a Census Bureau report that seasonally-adjusted, single-family Housing Starts were up in March by 8 percent over February’s 2-year low.
But don’t take this data too literally, because there is a statistical problem in the data’s margin or error.
As noted in the footnotes, there’s no “statistical evidence to conclude that the actual change [in Housing Starts] is different from zero.”
It is possible that housing starts went down or up, given this margin of error.
What may be more noteworthy is Building Permits data. As compared to February, permits were up by 6%. Permits can be a good forward indicator of housing.
After permits are issued, 86 percent of them will typically start construction within 60 days. The implication is that new home sales and housing stock should follow the Building Permits report trend, but on a 2-month delay.
All four regions showed increases last month:
- Northeast : +2.6 %t from February
- Midwest : +10.0 % from February
- South : +5.3 % from February
- West : +5.3 % from February
Amidst all of the other challenges, this may be at least one good piece of information.
Will the market be less favorable for those looking at new construction say five or six months from now? That is certainly possible. In any case if you are looking at homes for sale in Chantilly or elsewhere in Northern Virginia, we will help you get the best deal either on new construction, normal resales, or distressed properties.
Let me know how my team and I can help. We are here for you!
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1031 Exchange Video: When buying another property, know about this option
April 19th, 2011 categories: 1031 Exchange, Buyer Strategies, Seller Strategies
If you are considering buying another property in or out of the Northern Virginia area, you should be aware of the 1031 Exchange process.
It enables the selling of one property and the buying of another with very significant tax advantages if you quality and meet the required legal criteria.
Watch video for an intro to 1031 Exchange.
If you are a Chantilly or Northern Virginia area investor, or simply a home owner who wants to know about options, you should know about 1031. In partnership with one of our Real Estate in Chantilly blog writers, real estate attorney John Pitrelli, we have produced an informative video introduction to the 1031 option. Take time to watch this introduction. You should at least know that this is an option, and many people have used it to their advantage.
Check it out at our Video Center where you may also find other resources that will be helpful.
If you are buying and/or selling property in the Northern Virginia area, or moving to the area, we are here for you!
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It may not feel like it, but big foreclosure drop year-over-year
April 18th, 2011 categories: Buyer Strategies
Although it may not “feel” like it, foreclosures are happening at a much slower pace this year than last.
At least that is what a recent report suggests.
RealtyTrac reports that the number of national foreclosure filings dropped 35 percent in March 2011 vs. March 2010.
“Foreclosure filing” includes: a default notice, a scheduled auction, or a bank repossessions. Another interesting fact is that foreclosures filings were down last month in all but 8 States.
As we have seen previously, foreclosures are still clustered in geographical areas. Over half of bank repos are focused on a small number of States.
For example, during March, just 6 states encompassed 51% of the total activity.
- California : 15% of all repossessions
- Florida : 9% of all repossessions
- Arizona : 7% of all repossessions
- Michigan : 7% of all repossessions
- Texas : 6% of all repossessions
- Nevada : 5% of all repossessions
Also to note, is the high proportion of resales that are distressed properties…. almost 40% of all home resales. Those properties are averaging a 15 percent discount when compared to normal sale properties.
Of course you do have to perform due diligence, and that is where I can help if you are moving to Northern Virginia or are living in the area. If you want to find out more about distressed properties in Chantilly or the Northern Virginia area, do let me know and I will get you the information you need. No matter where you are located, I encourage you to get professional help if you are going the distressed property route.
Please understand that when you buy a home from a bank you are in a different ball game. You can get hurt if you are not careful.
So if you are home buying in Chantilly, Centreville, or the Northern Virginia area, please know we are here for you!
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Sleeping well: Healthy Bedroom Environment
April 16th, 2011 categories: Buyer Strategies, Seller Strategies
Sleeping well may be one of the most under-rated components to good health, and having a healthy sleep environment is one important part of good sleep.
Check out this 5-minute video from NBC’s The Today Show, and you will get some good tips on what to avoid and what to do to make your bedroom sleep and health friendly.
And if you want to ensure that selling or buying real estate in Chantilly or Northern Virginia is not a source of sleep problems, make sure you choose the right professional help. Please consider us as a resource. We invite you to listen to what others say after having worked with us.
We’d love to be of service to you as well. Let us know how we can help you buy or sell your first or next home in Chantilly or elsewhere in Northern Virginia.
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Chantilly Home for Sale: Sweet Spot at 4508 Lees Corner Road
April 15th, 2011 categories: Featured Listings
If you are taking a look at homes for sale in Chantilly VA, here is one to keep on your radar screen. This very attractive Colonial is located at 4508 Lees Corner Road in Chantilly, Virginia (MLS #FX7574393).
Good looking Colonial at 4508 Lees Corner Road in Chantilly, VA
Is this one of the nicest homes for sale in the Brookfield community? We think so, but come by and take a look and decide for yourself! Let me know if you want to schedule a tour of the property. We’d be happy to let you see why we think this is such an attractive home.
There is a lot to like, but one of the very special features is the huge back deck with Koi Pond and gazebo. It is also nice to see all that open space from the back yard view.
Another very special feature is the open loft on the second floor with the built-in bookshelves. This space has lots of optional uses, depending on your preferences.
Take a minute and do a Visual Tour, and then let us know if you would like more information.
If you have questions or want to see the home in person, just contact Kathy.
By the way, this home is a normal sale property…no foreclosure or short sale hassles. Given the current market, this could make your home buying experience a whole lot easier and safer.
Price: $ 399,900
MLS#: FC 7574393
More information: please click here and you will see the property on our Featured Listings page.
PS – If you are relocating to Northern Virginia, we can get your questions about the area answered quickly.
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Getting Your Northern Virginia Home Ready To Sell: Spring Cleaning Checklist
April 12th, 2011 categories: Seller Strategies
Spring has arrived in Chantilly and Centreville! With the warmer weather around the corner homeowners will be eagerly heading outdoors to enjoy the beautiful surroundings our area has to offer. And some will be getting their home ready to put on the market. But before you do so here are a few resources that can make your process all the more efficient and thorough.
This helpful checklist from MarthaStewart.com makes sure no job gets left behind.
From the smallest of chores to the biggest of projects, many common tasks are covered, including:
- Vacuuming and shampooing rugs
- Waxing wooden furniture and non-wood floors
- Dusting books and shelves
- Resealing grout lines in kitchens and bathrooms
- Clean and/or launder window treatments
Then, you’ll want to remember to flip your mattresses, change your air filters, and test your home’s smoke alarm batteries.
Most of the cleaning can be handled with household items like rags and cleansers, but for a few of the items, you may want to rent a machine from a local hardware store or supermarket. Carpet shampooers are a noteworthy example. Rental costs are nominal and the potential time savings are big.
For some, household Spring Cleaning is a one-day affair. For others, it’s a weekend project that lasts a month. However you choose to do it, keep this checklist handy and you’ll have an easier time.
Also, please remember, if your Spring Cleaning is in preparation to sell your home The Kathy O’Neal Team is here for you!! Among many resources on our web sites, I think you will find MARKET SNAPSHOT to be especially helpful. You can use it to find the actual selling prices of homes in your Northern Virginia community. And of course, if you need an estimate of your home’s current market value, just let me know.
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