Helena Talbot’s blog – Buying in a Low Inventory Market

The temperature in the real estate market has begun to re-adjust; the hot arena once reserved for buyers has begun to cool, and sellers are again taking the reigns. With many markets now displaying scarce inventory stock, and multiple offers making it even more difficult, it's easy to become discouraged as a buyer. However, just because you may be looking for a home in a low inventory market doesn't mean you need to give up your dream of landing your ideal property. Below are four tips for buying in a low inventory market.

Be prepared financially

These days, many sellers won't even work with those who aren't pre-approved. Additionally, it would be heart-breaking to find that dream home only to have someone else buy it while you're going through the mortgage process. Before you even begin looking, make sure all of your finances are in order. This will not only make sellers take you more seriously, but will help speed along the entire process.

Know what you're looking for

From the right neighborhood, to the budget and the number of bedrooms, have a good idea of what you're looking for so you don't waste any time—yours, or your agent's.

Act fast

Gone are the days when you could mull over a property, or visit ten homes only to circle back to the first one you saw. With properties flying fast, if you see a place you like, put in an offer right away.

Be aggressive

If you see something you like, be sure to act not only fast, but smart. Putting in an offer may not be enough. If you can buy in cash, this is more appealing to sellers. Don't have the cash? Another trend that is hot right now is writing a “love letter” to the sellers. Or better yet, make a video. Tell them exactly why you love their home, and tell them a bit about yourself and your family. New baby on the way? Go into detail about how their extra bedroom would be the perfect nursery, and how you can really see your child playing in their big back yard with that maple tree just perfect for a swing. Make them see you as a person and not just a name on a page, and you have a better chance of winning them over.

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.

Helena Talbot’s blog - The Dangers Of Non-Disclosure

If you're trying to sell your house, you probably already know that you must, by law, disclose any problems associated with the property.  However, some sellers have a tendency to think that not pointing out the flaws in their home will bring them more money on the sale of their home.  And that may be true; however, there are many problems that could arise later on down the line due to non-disclosure of your homes past and present issues.  

Non-disclosure lawsuits are on the rise.   Once upon a time it was a "buyer beware" market but not anymore.  Ask any realtor and they will tell you that non-disclosure ranks as one of their three biggest problems during the sale and after the sale. 
Especially if the seller has made concentrated efforts to cover up the problematic issues.   Another thing to make note of is that after you have completed a repair, it must be documented.  If you complete a repair and it's not documented, and issues arise down the road, you could still be held liable.   

A seller must disclose anything that could affect the property's value.  Things such as foundation problems, etc. and in some states you must also disclose any risk of natural disasters such as the home being in a flood plain or if there is a high risk of earthquakes.   Additionally, some states also require that you disclose neighborhood nuisances like a barking dog or any other type of noise nuisance.   The non-disclosure rule applies to everyone.  Even if you sell your house "as is" you still have to abide by the non-disclosure laws of your state.   Below are a list of items that should be included in your property disclosure report.  Some of these may vary from state to state. 

• Completed repairs or repairs you were made aware of by the previous owners
• Past or present termite issues
• Any past or present water damage or moisture issues
• Mold
• Lead
• Natural hazards such as the risk of flooding, earthquakes and wildfires
• Past history that includes a notorious haunting or horrific events such as a murder, etc.
• A historical designation that limits remodeling
• Special zoning
• Environmental issues

When in doubt you should disclose.  However, just because you disclosed an issue, doesn't necessarily mean you are obligated to fix the issue.  You can negotiate the repairs with the buyer as terms of the contract.  Or you could just include an "as is" clause in the contract for the repairs in question.  

Talk to your realtor about everything in your home that needs to be disclosed.  Don't ever keep information from your realtor.  He is there to help you.  Not disclosing important issues is serious business and could land you in a lawsuit later.  You will then have to pay for the repairs anyway.  So do yourself a favor and save everyone the time and trouble and be diligent about what your buyer needs to know.  

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- Licensed in Virginia. 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.