Loudoun County VA real estate: July 2013

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - How To Protect Your Identity While Buying A Home

If you're looking for a home, you need to be aware that criminals are watching you. They know that someone who's trying to buy a home has some money tucked away. And they can't wait to get their grubby little hands on your hard earned money.
You need to take the necessary steps to ensure your identity and your computer are protected from thieves and viruses.

Beware of online criminals who put up fake websites just to gain access to your personal information. These sites may look real but you need to take precautions and thoroughly check a site before inputting your personal information or downloading anything that could be uploading a virus to your computer and stealing your information. You can do this by only using reputable, well know sites and sites that have been recommended by your realtor. Or better yet, only use your realtors site.
Here are a few tips that will help you protect yourself while searching for a new home.

1. Install some anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing protection software on every device you use to access the internet. If you already have these installed, you should make sure you keep them up to date because cyber-criminals are continually changing the ways in which they can gain access to your computer. The better anti-virus software's will also deny you access to any site that is malicious or has a malicious link. Just another reason not to skimp on your anti-virus protection.

2. Always keep your browser and operating systems updated. That means whether you use Firefox or IE or whether you use Windows Vista or Windows 7; you should upgrade to Windows 8 if you can and update whatever browser you use to its latest version as well. The newest versions will be better equipped to handle the latest viruses.

3. Don't ever access your financial information unless you are using a secure connection. If the website address does not start with "https" - then it's not secure. The "s" at the end of the "https" indicates that it is "s" for secure. And it is recommended that you never access your financial or any other personal information from a public Wi-Fi spot.

4. You should only use a mortgage calculator from a legitimate site or the mortgage calculator found on your realtors website.

5. Remember that email is not secure. So don't provide any of your personal or financial information to your lender via email. It's better to pick up your phone and call them to relay such sensitive information.

6. Have a credit freeze put on your credit report. A credit freeze is designed to stop someone from opening new accounts in your name. You will need to let the mortgage company know that you have a freeze on your credit and that you will have to make arrangements to allow access to your credit report when that time comes.

Be proactive in protecting your identity and your personal information. You don't want anything to get in the way of buying your next home or anything else you may want to purchase along the way.

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 includeLeesburg, 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.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - How To Properly Maintain Your Deck All Year Around

Having a deck or installing a new one can increase the value of your home and will give you about a 77% return on your investment when it comes time to sell. So it's important that you take the time necessary to properly care for your deck all year around.

Here is a deck maintenance schedule you should adhere to in order to protect your investment.

If you have a wood deck, you should clean and seal it once every year. If you have a vinyl deck, you should clean it once every year. Make sure you cover your plants, bushes or any foliage you have with plastic sheets before you begin.

Spring:
• Wash your deck to remove any mold and debris that has gotten into the wood. You will need to scrape out the debris between the boards as well. For a wood deck you can use any general deck cleaner or if you prefer, you can use a half bleach and half water solution . If you have a vinyl deck, you will need to purchase a deck cleaner that is specifically designed to clean composite materials. Then use a soft brush to gently scrub it clean; however, you should never powerwash a vinyl deck as you may damage the material and void the warranty.
• Seal your wood deck if it needs it. You can test your deck using water to see if it needs to be resealed or not. Hose your deck down with water and if the water beads up you don't need to seal it. If the water soaks into the wood, it's time to reseal.
Summer:
• Inspect your deck visually to check for potential hazards. Check for loose boards and if you can access the underbelly of your deck, check the posts, joists and beams for rot or structural damage. Additionally, you should check for any potential pest problems and address them if needed.

Fall:
• Look for any nails that have started to come up. If the nail is only slightly raised, just hammer it back down. However, if it has raised substantially, you should pull out the nail and then re-install a screw that is longer than the nail you just removed.
• Trim any bushes or foliage away from your deck to help prevent rotting. You should also move around any pots, chairs and tables you have on your deck to help prevent discoloration.
You should sweep your deck periodically to remove any debris that has piled up around the area.

I hope you have found this information helpful. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, call your realtor, he would be more than happy to help you with 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.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Curb Appeal Tips That Will Help You Sell Your Home For Top Dollar

How would you like to sell your home for top dollar? Well of course you would! You have probably heard of "curb appeal" . Curb appeal is the first thing your buyer sees when he drives up to your home. Yep, you got it - you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Your homes curb appeal can determine whether a buyer stops to consider your home or just drives on by. It will also set the buyers mindset on whether or not your home has been well cared for and if it's worth what you are asking for it.

Here are a few curb appeal ideas that will help you sell your home for top dollar.

1. You should take a look around your home with fresh eyes and ask yourself "what do I see?" Take care of all major and minor maintenance issues. Anything from loose gutters, crooked shutters, cracked windows and loose mortar. Nothing should be left undone. The time you spend on these things now could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run. For example: if you have a cracked window, the buyer will have it in their mind that your home needs new windows , whether it does or not. Once the buyer has a certain mindset, it's hard to change it. Whereas it would have been much cheaper to just replace that one window and the buyer would have more than likely never noticed and therefore it would never have been an issue.

2. If you can afford it, it will pay you back in spades if you paint your entire house. If you can't, make sure you powerwash it or at least paint the trim and the doors. You can rent a powerwasher for a day or so to make your home look as fresh as possible. This should include cleaning the windows as well. This goes back to the scenario above. If the buyer sees dirty windows, he might perceive them as old and in need of being replaced.

3. Clean up all the clutter and anything that doesn't need to be there. Depersonalize it as much as possible. You want your potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living there. You should add some fresh mulch and perhaps add some flowers to a nice pot on the porch or to your flowerbeds. A splash of color will catch their eye and enhance your curb appeal.

4. Most people don't consider the little things like their mailbox and their house numbers. What is the first thing your buyer will see when they are driving down your street looking for your house? Your house number right? So whether your house number is on your mailbox or on your house or both, that is the first thing your buyer will see. So go ahead and spend a few extra dollars and get a new mailbox if you need it and if not, you can plant some flowers around the base and add some fresh new numbers to it. In addition to your mailbox, buy a nice, tasteful new plaque for your house with your house numbers on it. It's the little things that go a long way.

Talk to your realtor to find out what other recommendations they have to enhance your curb appeal. The next thing you know, you will have a top dollar offer being submitted for your approval.

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, July 26, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - What You Should Know Before You Consider Refinancing

If you have a high interest rate, you may have considered refinancing . However, you should do some research to learn all you can about refinancing before you proceed.

Here are a few things you should know before you consider refinancing.

1. Often times the cost of refinancing can offset the savings you were expecting to get . The average fees range from $1900 to $3650 and this doesn't include the loan origination fees, PMI or discount points.

2. In some states, if you refinance your home, your new loan is then considered a "recourse product." That means if you default on your loan and the sale of your home doesn't completely cover what you owe, the bank can seize your other assets.

3. Your current loan may include a prepayment penalty. So you will need to consider the prepayment penalty fees you will incur to determine if refinancing your loan is really worth it.

4. If you refinance your mortgage, you will need to make sure you are able to stay in your current home for at least two to five years to recoup the cost of the refinance; otherwise, you could lose money.

5. If you have recently refinanced your mortgage and you are considering refinancing your loan again, you will not see much if any savings at all. It's not a good idea to refinance unless you can drop your interest rate by at least a point and a half - two points or more is preferable.

6. Qualifying for a loan is even more difficult than ever due to the recent housing market debacle. Therefore, you will need a credit score of at least 720 to get a reasonable interest rate. Anything less than that will earn you a higher interest rate and it's possible you may not even qualify at all. Not to mention the mounds of paperwork you will have to wade through and a long drawn out couple of months to get through the approval process.

Before you consider refinancing, you should talk to your realtor. In the state of the current housing market, your realtor may be able to find you a more suitable home for less money than it would cost you to refinance your existing home.

Additionally, if you have equity in your home, you could use that as a down payment on your new home, which will better your chances of getting your new mortgage approved.

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, July 25, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Five Patio Decking Options You May Not Have Considered

If you have been thinking about installing a deck or patio, your first thought was probably one of the hard wood options. Most people consider one of the following: pressure treated wood, cedar, pine or redwood. However, there are some new options on the market that you may not be aware of.

Here are a few decking options you may not have considered.

1. Vinyl or PVC. This material comes in many different colors and is pretty much maintenance free. Since it doesn't contain any wood, no annual maintenance is required. Most PVC products carry a 25 year warranty.

2. Composite. This material is made with a combination of wood fiber and recycled polyethylene. It comes with many different colors and textures that look like real wood and it is considered a very low maintenance product. However, it will have to be properly cleaned every few years to prevent mold.

3. Ipe. This material is a South American hardwood that is naturally rot resistant and very durable. It does come with a bit of labor as it must be sealed each year in order to help maintain its appearance. This material is extremely hard so the labor to install this product is somewhat more extensive.

4. Aluminum. This is one that most people would not even consider; however, due to modern advances, this product comes with a polyurea coating to help with noise issues and a traction aid to help keep it much cooler than untreated aluminum.

5. Glass Infused Wood. This material is wood that has been infused with glass using a silica and microwaving infusion process making it very durable and very low maintenance.

A well kept deck or patio can actually raise the value of your home, sometimes substantially. So it's worth installing a deck that not only looks nice but is also low maintenance or better yet maintenance free.

Talk to your realtor about what options he recommends for your home and your area. He will also tell you what material option is best for your neighborhood and how much return on your investment you can expect when you sell.

hI 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, July 24, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - How To Present A Winning Back Up Offer

Have you found your dream home but just learned that it already has a pending offer in place? This is a very common occurrence, especially if the home is in perfect condition and worth every penny they are asking for it. So what should you do? Should you give up? No! You should submit a back up offer. However, there are a few things you should learn before submitting your offer.

Here are a few things that will help you submit a winning back up offer.

1. It is not necessary to offer significantly more than the asking price. You don't want to overpay for the home. Remember, it will still have to have an appraisal and be approved for that appraised amount. However, it is recommended that you offer the seller what they are asking for the home or just slightly more if the current offer is already at the asking price.

2. You should always get pre-approved before attempting to buy any home. This could mean the difference between having the seller accept your offer or someone else's offer. If you submit a back up offer, and the other deal falters in any way, you will more than likely get the backup offer over someone else that has not been pre-approved. In addition, you should include in your offer that your credit and your financials have already been reviewed by your lender. This just puts you one more step ahead of everyone else.

3. You should show the seller that you are flexible. Sometimes sellers need to close quickly and others need a longer period of time close. The more flexible you are the more likely you are to have your back up offer accepted over another offer.

4. Try to write your offer without contingencies or as few contingencies as possible. If your offer has no contingencies and with the other offer the seller will have to wait for the buyer to sell their home, you will more often than not get the deal.

5. Try to appeal to the seller on an emotional level. Ask your realtor to give the seller a personal letter from you introducing yourself and letting them know what you love about their home and why you feel you are the perfect buyer.

Generally, a seller has an emotional attachment to the home and wants to see it go to someone who loves it as much as they do and will care for it as they do. Also, by doing this, you will put a "face" to your offer whereas all of the other offers are all going to come across as impersonal, anonymous offers. It's worth a try. You never know what might get through to a seller.

Talk to your realtor about any other tactics they have successfully used to secure a winning back up offer. Your realtor deals with these types of things every day and will be able to guide you through to the purchase of your next perfect 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.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Don't Forget This Room.....

Do you know what room most home sellers overlook? If you haven't guessed it yet, don't feel bad. Most homeowners do not even give it a second thought.

The garage is the most overlooked room in the house. The garage is a very important space for most buyers. They are envisioning themselves working in their "shop", building shelves, trying to picture how their vehicles will fit or how much extra storage it provides them.

It is extremely important for your garage to look clean and uncluttered. You took the time to clean and organize every other room in your house. So why wouldn't you do the same for your garage? Your buyers will not be able to picture themselves using your garage if it is cluttered and full of your personal belongings.

You are going to have to pack anyway so why not start with the garage. Go through everything and throw away anything that you don't use. Then pack the rest. Get a short term storage space if you need to.

Cleaning and organizing your garage so that your buyers can visualize themselves using it could make or break the sale. Additionally, an orderly garage could add value to the price of your home. If your buyers can't see the full potential of the space, they can't visualize themselves using it!

Here are a few tips to help clean and organize your garage:
• Go through everything and throw away anything you don't use
• Pack and put into a storage anything that you don't use that distracts from the organized look of the garage
• Dust all of the walls and don't forget to sweep the cobwebs out of the corners and off of the ceiling
• If the garage has cabinets or shelves, make sure they are clean, uncluttered and organized
• Remove everything from the floor that doesn't need to be there
• Remove all chemicals and flammable items. Not all buyers keep a close eye on their children
• Make sure your garage door opener is functioning correctly, including a working light bulb
• Clean your garage floors and if your garage floor has oil spills or any other type of spills, clean them thoroughly
• After you clean your garage floors, paint them with cement paint to add a "like new" fresh and clean look to them
• If your garage walls have any sheetrock damage, have them repaired
• A fresh coat of paint in your garage will also help make your home seem newer, well kept and shows pride of ownership. This gives the buyer a sense that if you took such good care of the garage, you must have taken equal care with your homes maintenance and this will add value in the mind of the buyer
• Don't forget to paint the garage door as well. Because often times this is the first thing the buyer sees

Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression! Be sure to tell your realtor if your garage has any special features so they can point them out to perspective buyers. Ask your realtor for any other tips and tricks you can use to sell your home more quickly and for more money. They will be more than happy to share ideas that they have used successfully in the past to help sell your 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.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - 6 Reasons to Paint before You Move In

Moving to a new house, condo, or apartment this spring? Before filling your home with furnishings, there’s something you might want to do first: paint. Experts of every stripe – from REALTORS® to authorities on painting -- say that one of the very best times to do interior painting is just before moving into a new home. Here are six reasons why, according to Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert for the Paint Quality Institute:

1. It’s easy now. Interior painting is a very simple project – and not at all physically demanding -- when you can move freely within a room. Why wait till later when you may have to move heavy furniture from side to side, or work around big items, to do your painting?

2. It saves time. Painting can take a lot longer when you have to cover and uncover things, move them back and forth, and take down and re-hang artwork. It’s better to paint just before moving and short-circuit these time-consuming and unproductive steps.

3. It can save you money – lots of it. If you’re using a professional painting contractor, he or she can complete the work far faster in rooms that are empty. That’s extremely important, since time charges for labor typically account for 80 percent of the cost of painting, according to Zimmer. “Bottom line: Calling in a contractor before moving into a home can drastically lower the cost of painting the space,” she says.

4. It safeguards your furnishings. No matter how carefully you or your contractor work, there is always the chance of a paint spill, or a few stray flecks finding their way onto a prized possession. Painting before bringing in your furnishings keeps these items out of harm’s way.

5. It can simplify interior decorating. Don’t yet have your furnishings? There’s no better way to set the stage for your décor than by adding a fresh paint color scheme before decorating. Doing so greatly simplifies the selection of new furniture, carpeting, and accents, allowing you to choose just the right tints, tones, and shades to make your new home picture perfect.

6. It feels good. Adding a new coat of paint makes any home seem cleaner, fresher, more welcoming, and best of all…more “yours.” To keep your paint job looking great, Zimmer recommends the use of top quality 100 percent acrylic latex paint; it will produce a more stain resistant finish that will look new-home fresh for years to come.

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, July 17, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Helpful Questions To Ask The Seller Before Moving In

Buying a new home is a very exciting time. There are many things to do and to get done and many things to remember. Sometimes you can hardly wait until the seller moves out so that you can have the house all to yourself. But wait just a minute -I would be willing to bet that the seller has loads of information that could make your life a whole lot easier once the house is yours. It is to your advantage to gather a list of important questions and talk to the seller if possible.

It is generally not considered appropriate for the buyer to just knock on the seller’s door or call them directly and start asking questions. However, talk to your realtor about helping you get your questions answered before the seller has moved and is no longer available.

Here is a list of important questions that in all of the excitement you may not have thought to ask.

1. Do you have any information about the repair history of the house

2. Do you have any warranty paperwork and owners manuals for anything that is staying with the house

3. Do you have paint colors available so that they can be matched for touch ups etc.

4. Do you have the phone numbers for any contractors you have used for repairs and landscaping on the house. You may want a contractor that is familiar with the house or perhaps you like the way the lawn looks and would like to keep the landscaping service

5. Where are the best restaurants, dry cleaners, daycare centers etc. located

6. Is there a neighborhood watch program and how do you get in touch with the organizer

7. Is there a Homeowners Association and where is the clubhouse - if applicable

8. What are the trash days and what are the requirements. Is there a trash bag limit and what do you do with bulk items

9. What is the history of the house. Things that are not disclosed on the disclosure form - such as an interesting story, the prior uses of the house, do they have a set maintenance schedule in place. Is there anything that works but is a bit quirky when operating it. This could save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs when you find out something works but is just a bit quirky

10. Don't forget to leave the garage door openers

11. Where are the emergency cut offs, the breaker box and utility meters and any tools needed to use them. What about that wrench that is needed to operate the fireplace - is it available

12. Don't forget to ask about the sprinkler system, landscape lighting, septic tank, basement pumps, pool pumps, well pumps, hot tubs operating systems. All of these items may be things you know how to operate or possibly not. So it is best to ask.

Hopefully, these questions will help make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible. Don't forget to talk to your realtor, they may have additional questions that would be pertinent to ask about the home you are going to be moving into. Your realtor is there to help you in any way they can so don't hesitate to ask if you need help with something. That is what they are there for.

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.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Buying A Condo? 4 Questions to Ask

Condominium homes have always been, and will likely always be, an efficient and economical route to becoming a first-time homeowner. They can offer the comfort, prestige, and even luxury appointments that apartment living may lack, often at a cost that is not much different than rent.

Purchasing a condo is a smart and, most times, more affordable way to enter the housing market. However, not all condos are equal so it's vital that potential buyers be knowledgeable and know to ask the right questions.

Consider asking the following four questions before you buy:

What will you own? Read the bylaws and be sure you understand what you will be responsible for and what belongs to the condo association. Will you own the boat dock at the back of your unit? Can you elect to build a spa on your patio? Generally, unit owners own and are responsible for the interior of their condos, while costs for outside maintenance, including common areas and sewer lines, are the association's responsibility.

Who lives there? Are the majority of residents owners or renters? Owners generally take more interest in proper maintenance and are more willing than renters to serve on the association board and enforce complex rules and regulations—including the regular collection of homeowner dues.

How effective is the homeowner's association? Do they have legal counsel, reasonable funds and a capable, caring volunteer board? One way to judge is to check with residents about restrictions, oversight and timeliness of repairs and upgrades. Another is to take a hard look at the grounds and be wary of signs of neglect.

What about special assessments? The association should have the power to special assess for needed, one-time large expenditures. Otherwise, things that need to be done may never get done at all, leaving the complex vulnerable to disrepair and lowered property values.

Buying a home is a complex and complicated undertaking, whether it's your first home or your fifth. Once you have a good, working knowledge about purchasing a condo, making the right decision will come much easier.

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, July 11, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Top 5 Ways to Get Your Home in Shape

According to a recent survey from HomeAdvisor, more than half of U.S. homeowners (53 percent) do not engage in any annual maintenance for their home, and only 18 percent of homeowners are very confident in their general knowledge of their home's annual maintenance needs.

Amy Matthews, TV Host and HomeAdvisor's Home Improvement Expert, offers homeowners five simple, useful tips to keep their homes in shape year round.

1. Spray foam insulation. According to survey findings, 77 percent of bill-paying U.S. homeowners are at least somewhat concerned about their high energy bills this winter. Small holes in foundation or siding, including anywhere pipes or wires penetrate the envelope of the home, can cause serious heat loss and increased costs. These small crevices can be the equivalent of having a window open all winter.

Matthews recommends using a can of spray foam insulation to seal these cracks to help save money on energy bills.

2. Hot water heater. Hot water heaters are becoming more energy efficient, but a homeowner who is not yet ready to upgrade can still get the best use out of their current appliance. A helpful tip is to see if the hot water heater is warm to the touch, and if so, to wrap it with an insulated blanket. This will help it work more efficiently.

3. Roof. Homeowners who live in regions that receive heavy rain, hail or snow should be on the lookout for water damage after large storms. Set a reminder to call a roofing pro to inspect the roof for damage or repair needs every one to two years. This continued maintenance will extend the life of the roof and give the homeowner peace of mind.

4. Heating and cooling systems. Ensure the proper function of heating and cooling systems by having them checked by a licensed heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) professional annually to prevent potential future emergency repairs. Matthews recommends that homeowners clean or replace filters every one to three months.

5. Garbage disposal. The garbage disposal is one of the most frequently used kitchen appliances and, according to HomeAdvisor, was among the top home appliance repairs in 2012. To avoid garbage disposal repairs, never place coffee grounds, grease, eggshells, bones or potato skins in the disposal. Matthews recommends placing a few ice cubes and the rinds of any citrus fruit in the disposal every few months to keep garbage disposals clean and odor-free.

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, July 10, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - How-To: Take Stock of Your Home

As many homeowners are doing their spring cleaning, there is no better time to take stock of your belongings. Putting together a home inventory can help individuals and families track important items in the event of a future loss.

"Unfortunately, you never know when a disaster may strike and you might suffer the loss of a home," says Mitchell H. Jawitz , vice president, personal lines marketing at The Hanover. "In that time of need, it's difficult to recall all of the personal items one may have lost. Having a home inventory can help you to replace everything in your home in a fast and efficient way if you have a covered loss."

Tips for creating a home inventory:

List Everything: First, go through each room, listing major items. Include purchase date and price, if known. Save, store and make copies of receipts –keeping them outside of your home. Include serial numbers for appliances, electronics, and cameras.

Take Photos or Videos: Open all closet and cabinet doors. Stand in the center of each room and take one picture of each wall or scan the room with a video camera.

Let Technology Help You: Visit Hanover.com to find a link to the Insurance Information Institute (III)'s program, Know Your Stuff, which allows you to use your computer or smartphone to inventory your possessions and store it in a safe online account.

Once the home inventory is created, it is best to keep it up to date. List and photograph new purchases and gifts as they arrive in your home. Delete items you no longer own. Make it a habit in the spring and the fall. And, it is good practice to check in with an insurance agent about whether items on the list are insured. Some homeowners' policies will have limited coverage on jewelry, collectibles, or other expensive valuables. These items need to be insured separately. An independent insurance agent can offer valuable advice and help you distinguish between what is covered and what is not.

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

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

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, July 8, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - Pesky Plumbing Issues And How To Stop Them

If you own a home, you know that plumbing leaks can occur at any time. Sometimes they develop slowly over time and sometimes they are a sudden occurrence. The cost involved in repairing a major plumbing leak can get expensive. Not to mention if you develop mold and the clean up involved with that. But with some good preventive measures you can avoid most disasters.
Here are some preventive measures you can take to avoid as many plumbing disasters as possible.

• Locate your main water shut off valve. Your entire family should know where it is and how to use it. If you ever have a leak or any other type of plumbing emergency, you can turn off the water to your entire house from the main water valve. This will stop the water and help prevent any further damage until you can get the leak repaired

• Have shut off valves installed on your appliances and fixtures. You can do this yourself or you can have a professional do it for you. This will allow you to turn off the water to a specific area of your home while allowing the water to flow to the other parts of your house

• Have a flow sensor installed. A flow sensor will automatically shut off the water to your house if it detects a leak

• During the winter months, remove your hoses from the exterior faucets of your home. This will prevent them from freezing and cracking the pipes. It is a good idea to install a hose bib over the exterior faucets of your home during the winter months as well

• Add insulation to the pipes in cold parts of your house like the garage, basement, exterior laundry room or any crawl spaces. Pipe insulation tubes are fairly cheap and you can find them at your local home improvement store

• Don't hang anything on your exposed pipes such as laundry or home decor. This will loosen the pipes joints and could cause them to burst or leak

• Don't over stuff the items you put underneath your kitchen and vanity cabinets. This could cause the pipes to loosen and leak and you may not notice this right away which will cause even further damage

• If you notice a leak, fix it immediately. If you don't, not only will it cost you more money on your water bill, but it will also cause your pipes to corrode and could create a dangerous mold issue as well

• You should always turn off your sprinkler system when the temperatures are going to be below freezing for more than three hours at a time. Some systems come with freeze sensors already installed. You should check your system so you know whether or not you have that feature so you can act accordingly
A plumbing leak that is not fixed can cause extensive damage. So never procrastinate when it comes to your plumbing.

I hope you have found this article helpful. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, call your realtor and ask them for a list of available homes in your area. 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 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

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.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Helena Talbot's blog - How To Recognize A Home That Will Hold Its Resale Value

Buyers who are looking for a new home are often very excited. It is that excitement that can sometimes cloud their judgment when it comes to buying a home that will retain its resale value. So what can you do to make sure that your excitement does not overcome your good judgment and common sense?

Here are some things to keep in mind when you are trying to buy a home that will retain its resale value.

1. Location, location, location! Is this home on a busy street or does it have some other undesirable factor about it? If so, make sure the price is adjusted accordingly.

2. Consider all defects that are not correctable. Things like location, traffic, floor plan etc. Then make sure the selling price reflects these non -correctable items. Remember, you may have to sell this home with these same defects in the future. So you don't want to be left holding the bag.

3. Does this home suit your long term needs. If so and you plan on living in the house for a very long time, then resale value may not be as big of a determining factor for you.

4. Don't be bullied. If you are looking in a hot market, don't overlook the issues that could cause you to lose money if you have to sell in a future market downturn.

5. Look for a home that has a broad appeal. A home that is suitable for most people. One that has a good floor plan and amenities that the majority of people are looking for is important.

6. Think about the size and the space. Is this home going to be very expensive to maintain due to its home or yard? Are there any other factors that could influence someone's decision to buy.

7. It is best to buy a home that is in good condition -one that someone clearly took the time to maintain over the years. Routine maintenance is a huge factor when it comes to future repairs.

8. Convenience - how convenient is this home to schools, banks, day care centers, shopping, gas and restaurants.

9. Look for an easy commute - is this home located in an area where the major thoroughfares are easily accessible. Is there a bus line nearby etc.

10. Find a home that has a good resale value and not one that is just a good deal.

Talk to your realtor about buying a home that has a good resale value and they will be able to help keep you on the right track. Resale value should be one of the major deciding factors when buying a home. Remember, most people do not live in the same house their entire lives. So plan accordingly!

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

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

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.