Loudoun County VA real estate: March 2013

Friday, March 29, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Can You Afford A New Home

Buying a new home can be the most exciting thing you've ever done and it can also be the scariest! You need to think things through and look at the big picture. Write things down, weight out everything so that you don't become just another statistic. Here are some tips to deciding if you can afford to buy a new home.

1. How much can you afford? You should talk to a lender to help you with this question. They will talk to you about your income and your debts and together you can decide how much you can afford and how much they will lend you.

2. Get pre-approved for a loan. Once you have talked to a lender about your finances and your credit worthiness they will give you a pre-approval letter. A pre-approval letter will give you the upper hand once you find a home that you want to purchase.

3. It is a good idea to keep your monthly costs under 28% of your monthly pre-tax income. This should include what your mortgage payment will be. Don't forget to include the real estate taxes and insurance if they are not going to be included in your monthly mortgage payment.

4. If you have any long term debts like a student loan, car payments etc, then you should keep your monthly costs under 36% of your pre-tax income. This includes your monthly housing expenses.

5. Decide what type of loan you will be applying for such as Conventional, VA or FHA loan.

6. Decide what type of mortgage you will be using. Are you going to use a fixed rate mortgage or an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)? If you decide to use an adjustable rate mortgage you must think ahead and plan for when the rates go up, because your mortgage payment will go up when the rates go up, depending on the terms of your agreement.

7. Consider homes in various price ranges.

8. Think about your future plans, perhaps you should purchase a home at the top of your price range. This will give you more time to outgrow your home and will save you money in the long run.

9. Make a budget. Write down every little expense you have - it all matters.

10. Look at your expenses. What do you really need? What can you do away with?

11. Plan for emergencies. Do you have savings? What will you do if an emergency arises? Be prepared, you don't want to lose that beautiful home you saved so long for.

12. Don't over extend yourself.

Ok, now you have thoroughly thought everything through and it's time to make a decision. Go ahead; make the decision one way or another. If you are not ready to buy, decide what it is you need to do to get to where you need to be. Either way, start talking to your realtor today!

Whatever it is start handling it now. The sooner you take care of business, the sooner you will be in your new home. If you are ready to buy don't procrastinate, because you never know when the rates will go up or when you will lose out on your perfect home.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry. As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele. If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems. I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. I am experienced in listing and selling short sales. For information on the short sale process, please visit www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors, Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979. I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren. My son in law is my business partner in real estate. I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William Counties. Our local neighborhoods include Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont. Cell 703.727.9885 Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Tips For Designing A Perfect Pantry

The one thing most people will agree on is the fact that they need a bigger pantry or that the pantry they have needs to be better organized for functionality. But where do you start and exactly how do you go about getting it done.

Let's talk about pantry problems and their solutions. Firstly, decide ahead of time exactly how you want your pantry to look and how you want it to function. Once you have an idea about what you want, you can then begin to put it all together.

Problems:

• Stationary shelves that don't adjust
• Extra tall or bulky items that won't fit so you end up storing them on the floor
• Wasted vertical space

Workable Solutions:

• Buy shelving that is adjustable so that you can adjust each shelf to fit the size of the items you are storing. Such as cereal boxes or canned goods etc.
• If you don't like wire shelving because of the holes, you can add a thin board on the top if the existing wire shelving or simply replace the wire shelving with a solid shelving solution
• The Container Store has some great options for your adjustable shelving. They also have shelving accessories such as shelf separators to help you define your space
• If you have bulky items that you find a hassle to move around, buy a small rolling cart to store those items. Things such as your mixer etc. Then all you have to do when you need them is to roll the cart into the kitchen and you have an instant baking station. Additionally, you can keep your flour, sugar and other items that you use for baking on the shelves of the cart. When you are ready for baking simply roll the cart into your kitchen and everything you need is right at hand. When you are done simply roll the cart back into your pantry for safe keeping until the next time you need it
• Pull out wire bins are great for storing small items as well

Additional Touches:

• Holders that fold flat against the wall for your towels, tablecloths, bibs etc.
• You can use carpet tiles to make your pantry look warm and inviting
• Your pantry can also be used to display your kitchen collectables
• Consider painting your pantry a nice color for accent

I hope you have found these ideas useful. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, call your realtor and ask them to assist you in selling your existing home and buying a new home that is more suitable for you. Your realtor would be more than happy to help you in any way they can!

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - How To Turn Your Home Into The Perfect Place For A Social Extravaganza

There is no better way to bond with friends and family than to have a party or a social gathering. But sometimes just the very thought of planning such an event can be exhausting. So let's talk about some ways that you can turn your home into a place for a social extravaganza without all of the stress.

Here are a few ways to plan and carry out your event without a hitch.

• The first thing you want to do is to pick a theme, a color scheme, the food and the drinks you will be serving

• Remember to include things that will stimulate all of the senses. So start with the entry hall and then go room to room and make sure that each is clean and inviting

• Lighting is very important to the ambiance. Add dimmer switches to every switch, install tinted light bulbs and candles to create warmth

• Scent is also very important. Use candles in every room to create an intimate setting and to set the mood

• Sound is another important factor. Music will be one of the most important factors in having a successful event. Music will also help set the mood and should be played from the time right before the event begins until every last guest has left

• Taste is almost as important as everything else put together. If the food is good, everyone will be talking about your event for a very long time and if it's not, then they will probably not want to return for your next event. So it is a good idea to start the event with cocktails or a nice appetizer. Drinks will help break the ice and help everyone transition from their hectic day

• Color is important. Use color where ever possible. In fabrics, food, napkins, candles, dinnerware and decor

• Set the mood. You can do this with the table. Use your best china or crystal and silver set. Use fun and flirty glassware. Make an impressive centerpiece with candles. Or if it is a holiday you can use ornaments or pumpkins etc. Use customized napkin rings, place cards and menus

• Entertainment is key. Plan various mixers at periodic intervals to keep everyone involved and to make sure that no one is left out

There are so many great things you can do to have the event of the season that everyone will be talking about for years to come. The best thing to do to keep from getting stressed or over whelmed is to make a plan well ahead of time. Then piece together your plan a little at a time, far enough in advance that on event day all you have to do is to set up and wait for your guests to arrive.

If you love to entertain but find that you just don't have the space you would like, call your realtor today and ask for a list of available homes in your desired neighborhood. Let them know exactly what you are looking for in your new home and they will hand pick suitable homes for you to view. Then your next event can be a house warming party in your new home.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Gen-Y: Up to Bat as Next Wave of Homebuyers

Thanks to a recent report from the Virginia Association of Realtors (varbuzz.com), I learned a lot about the next generation of homeowners and homebuyers. The VAR pointed to data from the Urban Land Institute (ULI), which noted that in 2010, Generation Y surpassed the baby boomers to become America’s largest generation.

According to the report, Gen-Y-ers currently are 15 to 32 years old, are moving into apartments and buying homes, and will dominate residential demand for much of their lives –just as the boomers did over the past 45 years.

To get a sense of this young generation’s housing circumstances and future preferences, the ULI commissioned an online survey of a nationally representative sample of Gen-Y individuals ages 18 to 22 who are no longer in high school.

The report is quite detailed, but the VAR focused on a few of the most relevant findings to its members, and future home sellers:
• For the first time in decades, America’s average household size is inching up as Gen-Y-ers (and even some Gen-X-ers) take longer to leave home or return to their parents after losing a job.
• Two-thirds expect to be owners, including over half those in their 20s. Among those who will be in their 30s, three-fourths believe they will be homeowners.
• Of those saying they do not expect to own by 2015, seven of ten claim they will own at some future time. • Over half those currently living with their parents believe they will have acquired their own homes by 2015.
• Hispanics are ahead of whites in their ownership expectations. Blacks have slightly more modest home buying goals, but the difference is not statistically significant.
• 21 percent expect to put down less than 10 percent as down payment; 39 percent expect it to be between 10 percent and 20 percent. And 40 percent expect to come up with a down payment of more than 20 percent.

The VAR also noted that since such a high percentage of future homeowners expect to put down less than 20 percent on a home purchase suggests—Gen Y may not be fully apprised of today’s tighter mortgage underwriting standards.

Good food for thought if you are among the newest generation of real estate clients, or planning to sell in the near future.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - 8 Things Every Kitchen Design Needs

It’s been said that the kitchen is the heart of your home – a friendly gathering point, a place for sustenance, a spot where the family can work together to create a memorable meal.

“It is important for a kitchen to provide the space, the ambience, and the necessary amenities to make all these things more enjoyable,” said kitchen designer Mick De Giulio, who has designed more than 3,000 beautiful and practical kitchens since he began his career at the age of 19.

Whether you are shopping for a home or preparing to remodel the kitchen you have, De Giulio offers his seven top tips for what every great kitchen should have:
• Natural light – Look for more ways to maximize light, from creating bigger windows to adding a skylight to using more reflective surfaces, such as glass and stainless steel.
• Comfort – It’s nice to have some soft seating in the ktichen, a small TV, and – if you have or can create the space – a fireplace.
• Visual texture – Include a mix of woods, countertop materials, and finishes that create warmth, personality, and mood.
• An island – If space allows, an island becomes the social center of the kitchen as well as an expanded work space.
• High performance appliances – Today’s high-efficiency burners, and ovens with convection and self-cleaning features are indispensable for the dedicated cook.
• Integrated refrigeration – Creating cabinet facades to hide refrigeration units provides a tremendous amount of design freedom. Eliminating the traditional large, boxy element makes a kitchen feel more room-like.
• A hook – Every great kitchen needs a visual ‘hook’ – that one unique element that just pulls you in, like a distinctive range hood, a well-stocked pot rack, or a really lovely floor design or backsplash.
• Ice cream – Without it, De Giulio said, no kitchen is complete.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Existing-Home Sales See Steady Price Gains

If you’re considering buying or selling a home, you should be aware of the latest housing market statistics as they could affect when and how you make your decision. The good news is, things are increasingly looking up for real estate, freeing up buyers and sellers to finally move forward with confidence.

According to research from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), sales of existing homes edged up in January; at the same time, NAR reports a seller’s market developing thanks to home prices continuing to rise steadily above year-ago levels. In fact, sales rose in every region of the country but the West, which is the region most constrained by limited inventory.

Total existing-home sales - which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops - increased 0.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.92 million in January from a downwardly revised 4.90 million in December, and are 9.1 percent above the 4.51 million-unit pace in January 2012.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said tight inventory is a major factor in the market.

“Buyer traffic is continuing to pick up, while seller traffic is holding steady,” says Yun. “In fact, buyer traffic is 40 percent above a year ago, so there is plenty of demand but insufficient inventory to improve sales more strongly. We’ve transitioned into a seller’s market in much of the country.”

Total housing inventory at the end of January fell 4.9 percent to 1.74 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 4.2-month supply at the current sales pace, down from 4.5 months in December, and is the lowest housing supply since April 2005 when it was also 4.2 months.

Meanwhile, the national median existing-home price for all housing types was $173,600 in January, up 12.3 percent from January 2012, which is the 11th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases; that last occurred from July 2005 to May 2006. The January gain is the strongest since November 2005 when it was 12.9 percent above a year earlier.

NAR President Gary Thomas says homes are selling faster. “The typical home is selling nearly four weeks faster than it did a year ago,” he reports.

The median time on market for all homes was 71 days in January, down from 73 days in December and is 28.3 percent below 99 days in January 2012.

While these national statistics certainly tell an important story, real estate truly is local, as the saying goes, so be sure to find out the specific market data related to the neighborhoods in which you are buying or selling a home. An experienced real estate professional will be able to localize important data.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Avoid These Costly Central Air Mistakes

Air conditioning is almost a necessity for homes in very warm climates – but considering that the cost for running the unit amounts to almost 70 percent of your summer electric bill, it’s wise to avoid the costly mistakes that can lead to excessive outlay.

If a new air conditioning unit is in your future, take these tips from professional installers to help reduce usage and trim costs to a minimum:
• Buy the right size – An oversized unit will not cool any faster, but will run far less efficiently. A too-small unit will not properly cool the space. Don’t guess. Consult with a professional to determine the proper size needed for your home.
• Place it properly – A unit placed on the southwest side of the house will almost always work too hard. Install the air conditioner in a shady spot on the east or north side of the house, where there is less direct sunlight.
• Don’t surround it with plants – Sure, the unit is not pretty, but trying to hide it behind shrubs or other plants will hinder ventilation, clog condenser coils, and make the unit run less efficiently.
• Use a programmable thermostat – Despite rumors to the contrary, it cheaper and more efficient than letting the unit run all day.
• Be careful about closing off unused rooms – Closing the vents and doors of unused rooms can decrease the efficiency of central air conditioning. Consult an expert before you do.
• Use ceiling fans wisely – The air conditioner should be used in tandem with ceiling fans. Make sure the fan Is switched to push air downward (typically counter-clockwise.) The downward airflow creates a ‘wind chill effect,’ which makes you feel cooler.
• Don’t ignore maintenance - Clean or replace filters every two months – more frequently if there is a lot of dust or pet hair in your home. Check and clean the evaporator coil once a year. Run a stiff wire through the drain channels regularly – and check the window seals each year to be sure the cool air is not leaking out.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Buying a Foreclosed Home? Top Problem Areas to Look Out For

Today's real estate landscape offers some great buys for savvy real estate consumers, especially when it comes to foreclosure properties. Unfortunately, even though there are already a large number of foreclosures on the market, analysts are predicting that yet another wave of distressed properties will crop up in the coming months.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I've consulted with many clients seeking to capitalize on a foreclosure purchase. I always advise them, however, to weigh the pros and cons. While a foreclosure could represent your best chance to get a great deal, make sure you educate yourself about the potential pitfalls of purchasing a distressed property in advance - and what correcting those pitfalls might cost. In most cases, it's not so much about what damage occurred but rather the source of the damage and how long before the problem was addressed.

Here are the top 10 signs that may indicate trouble in a foreclosed home:

Unheated house in winter months. If the home has been properly winterized, there's no need for heat. But if the home has not been properly winterized, pipes will burst and cause water damage.
Missing sinks, toilets and other fixtures. Make sure they've been properly removed and not ripped from walls and floors.
Peeling, bubbling and discolored paint; swelling in walls or ceilings (especially around kitchens and bathrooms), or a musty odor all indicate water damage and, potentially, the presence of moisture and mold.
Fungus growth inside cabinets, behind drawers and built-ins. Fungus could mean that there has been water damage. Since water falls down, look for the source above the mold.
Blocked drains or pipes will cause future problems and may have already created sewage backups.
Black cobwebs, greasy gray residue on walls and/or a strong oily odor. This could point to potential soot damage or a malfunctioning furnace.
An older home with extensive renovations. Check with the city for pulled permits in order to get remolding details. If asbestos is present and has been disturbed, be sure it's been remediated by a certified specialist.
Excessive painting of every nook, cranny, door and floor may mean that the seller is covering up mold.
Discolored subflooring. From the basement, check the subflooring above for stains and small holes, both caused by mold.
Air quality. The air quality within a home tells a lot about the home's condition. Be sure to include air and surface testing in your home inspection. It's a few hundred dollars well spent.

There are indeed many great opportunities in today's market, but proper education and preparation are essential to making the right investment.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Ten Trees That Should Never Be Planted In Your Yard

If you are planning on doing some tree planting, you need to think long term. You need to think about height, width and how extensive the root system of the trees you like will be. Many people just run out and buy something that they think they are going to like without ever considering what that tree is going to be like in a few years. Therefore, they have created a nightmare for themselves. Don't let this be you!
Here are ten trees that you should never plant in your yard.

1. Silver Maple. It is a very big, fast growing tree with a shallow root system that will work its way into your sewer system. Not to mention that it will put cracks in your sidewalks and driveway.

2. Quaking Aspen. This is a very nice looking tree with its white bark and attractive leaves. However, this tree has a root system like none other. It continually sprouts many, many suckers that try to turn into new trees. This is a never ending battle and nothing is going to stop it.

3. Hybrid Poplar. This is a fast growing tree that will look great in your yard - for a while. The hybrid poplars are very susceptible to disease and don't have a very long life span - 15 years if they make it that long.

4. Willow. Everyone loves a willow. But no matter how beloved the willow tree is, it has a very aggressive, water-hungry root system that will take over your drain fields, sewer lines, your irrigation and anything else that gets in its way.

5. Eucalyptus. People love this tree because it can grow up to ten feet in a year. But this tree can be dangerous because it drops heavy, resin filled branches. Not to mention the maintenance nightmare you have just created because its bark peels off annually and will have to be cleaned up.

6. Bradford Pear. A favorite for many people due to its proportionate shape and its beautiful spring blossoms. However, this tree, when at its maturity, is prone to splitting and cracking and those blossoms that everyone loves don't exactly smell "good".

7. Mountain Cedar. If you are prone to allergies, you already know that the mountain cedar releases tremendous amounts of pollen throughout the cooler months. This will cause a severe allergic reaction to anyone within miles of this tree.

8. Black Walnut. This tree, while beautiful, makes a huge mess! You will have to add cleaning up walnuts to your fall chores. In addition, this tree secretes growth inhibiting toxins that will kill anything that is planted near it.

9. Leyland Cypress. Most people love this tree because it is fast growing, evergreen and it will create a nice privacy barrier for their house. However, they require continual trimming and upkeep if you want them to remain healthy. Additionally, once mature, they can be easily uprooted by a storm and their interiors harbor masses of dried twigs that can create a real fire hazard - so much so that some communities will not allow their homeowners to plant them.

10. Mulberry. Last but not least this tree releases massive amounts of pollen, messy fruit and is so dense that nothing will grow underneath it.

I hope you have found this article helpful. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, please call your realtor and they will provide you with everything you need to get you through the entire process seamlessly.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - How To Flu Proof Your Home Like An Expert

Do you know what time it is? Yep, it's that time of year again. The time of year when many of us and our families are running to the doctor, missing work and missing out on just about everything else. Until we get well that it. But wouldn't it be nice if we could just skip all of that and stay well from the get go? It sure would! So let's talk about a few things that can help you stay well throughout the entire flu season. Yes, I realize that you probably know most of these things - but sometimes we just need some little reminders.

Here are some things you can do to help you and your family flu proof your home like an expert.

1. Wash your hands frequently. Frequently being the key word here. Have you ever seen any of those news clips that show you how many germs are on the items we touch daily? Yuk! So wash your hands vigorously using hot water and get a good lather going. Don't forget in between your fingers, under your fingernails and your fingertips. And whatever you do - use paper towels not hand towels because hand towels just pass along more germs.

2. Line your trash cans with plastic bags so you don't have to touch germs when you empty the trash.

3. Periodically clean your door handles, cabinet handles, refrigerator, mircrowave and faucet handles with rubbing alcohol.

4. Make sure you sanitize your TV remotes and any other hand held devices you have.

5. Open your doors and windows from time to time to let some fresh air in instead of breathing the same old stale, germ filled air.

6. Wash your sheets at least once a week in the hottest water you have and make sure you add some bleach to it as well. You may need to wash the bed sheets more often if the person that uses that bed has been sick.

7. Use hand sanitizer frequently. Especially if you work in an environment where you deal with a lot of people and do a lot of hand shaking. It is also a good idea to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you and use it before you begin eating while at a restaurant.

8. Last but not least - get a flu shot. You have probably been hearing it all over the news and from your doctor. Getting a flu shot is the absolute best way to prevent getting the flu.

I hope you have found this article helpful. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, call your realtor to get a list of available homes in your area. Your realtor would be more than happy to help you through the entire buying and selling process from start to finish.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Buying A Second Home

Buying a second home - should you or shouldn't you - that is the question. Well, buying a second home could very well be the absolute best thing you have ever done but you have to do it for the right reasons. Let's talk about a few of the things you need to consider before making any quick decisions.

First you must ask yourself why you want to purchase a second home. Is it to invest in your future? Is it to use for a vacation home? Are you doing it for an additional income? The answer to these questions is critical so let's look at all of the facts.

If you are buying a second home as rental property to use as part of your retirement plan then you have made the right decision. Buying a home forces you to make regular savings in the form of a mortgage payment each month and that is money in the bank when it comes to a retirement fund.

You must make sure,however, that you have enough money to cover the mortgage payments plus any additional expenses such as repairs, yearly taxes and insurance, if they are not a part of your mortgage payment, and anything else that may arise. The good news is if you buy the right house at the right price, your rental property should always stay rented.

Another reason a second home as part of your retirement plan is a good idea is due to the fact that your investment money is subject to less income tax and the interest and taxes may be deductible. So planning ahead could pay off in a big way.

Housing, for the most part, appreciates over time. There are definitely ups and downs in the housing market but buying a home is a long term investment that can ride those tides very well. A home is an inflation proof investment.

The experts have predicted that both fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgages will probably remain in the single digits for the foreseeable future. Therefore, financing a home with a nominal down payment should remain achievable for quite some time.

Buying a home is very exciting and can be a very profitable experience but your decision cannot be made lightly. It is wise to give a lot of thought to why you want a second home, then make a financial plan and stick to it.

If you have some disposable income, then purchasing a vacation home may be just what you need to add a little spice to your life. Then by all means, go ahead and find the perfect house, buy it and enjoy.

Whatever the reason you want or need a second home, please think about your reasons, make a plan and follow through. It is also advisable to talk to a real estate agent about all of your options before diving in. A real estate agent can help you make the best decisions and could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Ten Trees That Should Never Be Planted In Your Yard

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - How To Flu Proof Your Home Like An Expert

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate. 2 easy ways to get the App: Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.