Helena Talbot's blog - Unique Ways To Fund Your Downpayment

One of the biggest concerns many people have when it comes to buying a home is coming up with the down payment.  Or perhaps coming up with a down payment that is large enough to lower their monthly payment.   These are very legitimate concerns ; therefore, we have come up with some unique ways to help you afford your down payment.

1.  The most popular(and maybe not so unique) is to dip into your savings account

2.  Hit up some of your friends - who knows what kind of money they have lying around

3.  Ask all of your relatives - if all of your relatives can give a little, perhaps you can reciprocate the next time they need a favor

4.  Check with your 401k administrator - in certain cases you can borrow some money from it without penalties

5.  Look at your entire portfolio - do you have stock proceeds you can use or maybe you could sell some stocks to beef up your down payment

6.  What assets to you have - do you have anything that you could sell to come up with that extra down payment

7.  Sometimes, depending on the lender , a co-signer might be an option

8.  Does your city offer any down payment subsidy programs - sometimes these subsidies are $5000 to $10,000 - this is free money - who doesn't want free money.  This will also significantly lower your monthly payments as well

9.  Some banks still offer zero percent down - which means you have no down payment - these are usually reserved for first time home buyers with extremely good credit

10. Perhaps you might consider a lease with an option to buy

11.  Sometimes a seller is willing to fund part or all of your down payment just to get the deal - this is called a carry back mortgage - it will help the seller sell their home faster and help the buyer buy a home that they could not otherwise afford

12.  Talk to your lender about a second mortgage

There are many, many ways to fund your down payment.  Ask your realtor to help you come up with the options that will work best for you.  You might be surprised at just how well versed they are in helping buyers reach their down payment goals.  So use their experience to your advantage and don't let a little thing like a down payment get in your 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.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

Helena Talbot's blog - Should I Buy A Home If Interest Rates Rise?

You may ask this question and get ten different answers.    Just because the interest rates have risen does not necessarily mean it is not the right time to buy.  If you hold off, this mistake could cost you thousands. 

 So how do you know when it's ok to buy a home if you know the interest rates are rising?  Well, that is a good question and here are some facts to help you sort through it all.

1.  Consider specialty loan options

-Hybrid mortgages - this is a mortgage loan that will offer a very low rate for a fixed amount of time, usually 5-7 years, then the loan will revert to an adjustable rate mortgage.  This sounds a bit risky; however, if you are not planning on staying in your current home for more than five years, this is a fantastic option for you

-An ARM  loan with an option that would allow it to be converted to a fixed rate loan when at the borrowers discretion

-An interest only loan - this is a loan that requires you to make payments to the interest only for a set number of years, then it converts to an amortized loan with interest and principal payments each month

2.  Talk to a tax advisor - before you do anything, make sure you talk to your tax advisor about whether or not one of these types of loans is right for you. 

3.  Ask for a Buy Down - this is a fee paid at closing to get a lower interest rate.  Sometimes a motivated seller will be willing to paying some if not all of the buy down just to get the deal. 

4.  Ask the seller to pay some or all of the closing costs.  Quite frequently the seller's closing costs are used as a write off by the buyer.  (Check with your tax advisor before doing this)

5.  Lower prices mean lower loan amounts so don't let higher interest rates chase you off.  With some skillful negotiating your realtor can help you secure an unbelievable deal  saving you loads of money.  So a high interest rate does not have to mean more money. 

Remember, many people drop out of the home buying market when the interest rates go up, but as you can see this could be a very costly mistake.  Some of the best mortgage loans come about when the lenders are competing for your business and when sellers are realizing that there are more homes for sale than there are buyers. 

So talk with your realtor and come up with a game plan to help you find your dream home.  Don't let rising interest rates stop you, use it to your advantage!

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.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

Helena Talbot's blog - The In's And Out's Of Locking In An Interest Rate

Congratulations on your decision to buy a new home!  Buying a new home can be a very exciting time; however, there are many things to consider and many things to get done.   One of the most important things - if not the most important thing - when buying a new home is your choice of lenders and the interest rates they charge.   Get this wrong and it could cost you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. 

Whether you are buying a new home or just re-financing your current one, it is a good idea to do some comparison shopping for the best lender with the best rates.  A low interest rate isn't the only thing you should consider when shopping for a loan.  You will also want to consider the terms of the mortgage, what the closing costs will be and you will want to check the reputation of your lender.  Remember, this is going to be your lender for quite possibly 30 years, so you want to make sure they are reputable.

Your real estate agent will be a huge help when it comes to lenders and loans.  They will be able to provide you with a list of lenders that have the best loan packages available and will be able to tell you what their qualifying requirements are.   Your realtor can also tell you which lenders are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty  to provide you with excellent service and the ones that will make sure everything goes smoothly from start to finish. 

The first thing your lender and realtor will tell you is that you need to "Lock In" your interest rate.  What that means is that the lender will guarantee you the current interest rate with specific predetermined points and fees for a specific amount of time, usually 30 days. 

So after you have applied for your mortgage loan, the rates will more than likely fluctuate from day to day and week to week.  Therefore, if you don't want to risk losing that great current interest rate, you will need to ask for a rate lock from the lender.   This will lock in your interest rate.

Don't worry, your real estate agent will be there to help you.   So don't hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.  They are professionals with years of experience just waiting to help you through the home buying process and will be there for you every step of 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.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

Helena Talbot's blog - Making Sense Of Points, Rates And Fees

You have just found the home of your dreams and the seller has accepted your offer.  Now the fun begins.  You keep hearing terms like "buy down", "discount points", "purchase points, but you have no idea what all this means.  Do they all mean the same thing or is each term something different?  This is where your realtor comes in.  Of course you can always call your lender; however, your realtor is the one you have been dealing with and the one that will be more than happy to explain everything to you. 

Purchase Points - which are also known as a buy down or discount points.  Points is a term used to define an amount of money given to the lender at closing to lower your interest rate for your mortgage loan.   Every point is equal to one percent of the total amount of your loan.  So if you have a mortgage that is $100,000 then one point would equal $1000.  Every point you buy will lower your interest rate by a certain percentage.   Just remember, the more points you buy, the more money you are going to have to come up with at closing. 

The question is - is it smarter to buy points or to hold on to your money?  Well, that depends on how long you plan on staying in that home and of course what you can afford to pay.  If you are planning on staying in this home for more than five years then my advice is for you to buy as many points as you can.  Because this will lower your monthly payments and will save you interest over the life of the loan.

Interest Rates - interest rates fluctuate daily, and when you apply for a loan it doesn't mean that the rate you were quoted that day is the same rate you will get at closing unless you "lock in" your interest rate.  Locking in your interest rate will give you a guaranteed rate within a specific time frame.  Most lock in periods are for 15, 45 or 60 days.   Keep in mind that the longer you lock in your rate the more it will cost you because a lender takes more of a risk to lock you in for a longer period of time. 

Fees - since when have you ever bought anything that did not have some sort of fee associated with it?  Well, a mortgage is no different.   Some of the fees you can expect are:  title fees, underwriting fees, land survey fees,  appraisal fees etc.  Each lender is different and will work your loan differently; some lenders will charge you lower fees but a higher interest rate.

So before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you do your homework and most definitely ask your realtor to let you know who they have had the best experiences with.  Make sure there are no hidden fees and make sure that you fully understand what costs are involved and what your obligations are for the life of your loan.

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.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

Helena Talbot's blog - How To Downsize With Minimal Impact On Your Life

When most people think of downsizing, they think of having to make sacrifices and think about all of the things they are going to have to give up.  But this is absolutely the wrong way of going about downsizing.  Downsizing can be very beneficial in so many ways.  So let's take a look at why downsizing can be a very powerful way to restore order to your life.

1.  Downsizing will help you to organize everything

2.  By organizing your things you will save time

3.  Organizing is a trickledown effect, you get organized,  this will help you save time, which in turn reduces stress, and reducing stress makes you a happier person - it's all good

4.  You will free up much needed space

5.  You will be de-cluttering your life which will make you more productive and happier

6.  Downsizing will save you money

So how is downsizing a bad thing?  Is there anything mentioned above that you would not like to achieve?  I didn't think so!   Ok, so now that you realize that downsizing is a very good thing, you probably want to know how to go about doing it.    Keep reading  .  .  .

Here are some tips that will make your downsizing quick and easy!

• Don't tackle everything at once.  Go room by room or one area at a time.  Perhaps you could start with a closet.  Don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed and don't rush yourself (but don't procrastinate either).  You must not move on to the next room until you have completely finished the first area or room

• Evaluate your things and assign a value rank to what is most important to you.  Ask yourself:  do I need this, do I use this, how much sentimental value does it have, is it in good condition.  If you have not thought about some of those items for over a year - then get rid of it - sell it, donate it etc.

• Take your valuables such as your wedding gown, pictures etc and make sure they are properly prepared for storage because the elements can really have an effect on them.

 

• Remember that if you have adult children that have moved out, as much as you love them, it is not up to you to store their things

• You must stay positive about this whole thing.  It is very easy to get wrapped up in memories from the past, like all of the little treasures your children have made for you over the years, but there is no reason to keep everything.  Only keep a few important things

• Imagine what your new space is going to look like after the dust settles

• Think about how good you are going to feel once you have everything de-cluttered, clean and organized.  You are going to wonder why you have not done this sooner

Some people find it easier to hire a realtor that specializes in downsizing.  By finding such a realtor, you will be getting someone who knows how to visualize, plan and has the patience it takes to deal with these types of situations.  Your realtor will know you, your wants and your needs and will be able to find you the perfect home for your situation.

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.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

Helena Talbot's blog - Do You Really Need A Real Estate Agent?

The short answer is no, but why wouldn't you want to?  There are so many anxieties that come with buying a home, whether you are a first time home buyer or someone that has purchased several homes in your lifetime.  It doesn't matter; the stresses and anxieties will always be there.  However, your realtor goes through this process on a daily basis, often times many times each day.  So what does this mean for you?

Let's look at what your Realtor can do to make everything much easier for you from start to finish.

1.  Your Realtor can help you determine what price range of homes you can afford

2.  Your Realtor can customize your home search for you - how many bedrooms do you want, how many baths,  find you the perfect location, help keep you out unsavory areas

3.  Your Realtor could potentially save you thousands of dollars just by using their expertise and knowing all of the ins and outs that will save you money - this is priceless

4.  Your Realtor will arrange for you to view as many homes as you would like and will then encourage you to look at the home of your choice several times at different times of the day even after your final decision to make sure that you are completely comfortable with your selection

5.  Your Realtor will save you time.  Most people are very busy and do not have time to spend on walking through countless open houses that may not even fit their criteria or to spend countless hours scouring the internet

6.  Your Realtor has access to many lenders and will know who to send you to to help you get your pre-approval and then to get you the best possible deal from an easier to work with lender to one that will go to the ends of the earth to get you approved and one that will get you a great interest rate

7.  Your Realtor is a professional real estate agent, which you are probably not, so this alone will give you an advantage because your realtor knows your neighborhood, the schools, the builders, and knows how to negotiate on your behalf

Buying a home is probably the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime so why would you leave this process to chance.  This decision is one that will affect you for many years so you want to make sure that you have an expert on your side.  Someone that knows you, has a relationship with you, cares about you and one that will help you through the entire process every step of 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.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

Helena Talbot's blog - How To Avoid The Temptation To Overprice Your Home

Pricing your home is one of the most important decisions you will have to make once you decide to sell your home and one that could cost you big if you get it wrong.   We know what you are up against.  You want to sell your home for top dollar and you want to sell it fast.   Right?  So how exactly do you go about finding that sweet spot? 

We know how tempting it can be to overprice your home.  You want to test the market or ask for a higher amount and then negotiate down, but remember, the market is flooded with competition and if you do any of those things you might just be deterring potential buyers or buyers may perceive you as being a desperate seller and you will continually get low ball offers.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you avoid overpricing your home.

• Research Your Competition.  Have your realtor put together some information about similar homes on the market in your area and the ones that have recently sold and what they sold for.  If you overprice your home, buyers will not want to hassle with it and move on to the next one.  Additionally, home appraisers will use the area comps to determine your homes current value.  So even if you do get a higher offer, the appraiser may find your home is overvalued compared to other nearby homes and this can cause major delays in the mortgage process or you could lose the deal altogether

• Where Are Your Buyers Coming From?  The vast majority of home buyers begin their home search online.  They type in a price range, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms etc. and if you have overpriced your home then your house will not even be seen by potentially thousands of possible qualified buyers

• Visit The Open Houses Of Your Competitors.  Before you put your home on the market, it might be very helpful to visit some open houses in your area.  See what your buyers will be seeing.  How do they compare to your home?  How are they priced?  Learn what strengths and weaknesses your home has so you can address them in advance.  Doing this is the best way to get a reality check on exactly how to price your home

• Get A Home Inspection Now.  If you are thinking about putting your house on the market you should consider getting a home inspection in advance.   Home buyers always use the home inspection to get you to lower your price.  However, if you learn the issues in advance,  you and your realtor can decide which ones to take care of prior to listing your home so that they will not be an issue with your home buyer.  This could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run.  In addition, you can set the price of your home contingent on any needed repairs

Talk to your realtor to help you make the best possible decision for pricing your home.  Your realtor will be more than happy to do all of the leg work for you and provide you will all of the competing information and stats you will need.  When in doubt - go low.  An overpriced home will cause more problems for you in the long run and once the damage is done, it may not be easily reversed.

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.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

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. 

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.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

Helena Talbot's blog - Things To Check Beforing Moving Into A Neighborhood

Buying a home is a very exciting time but you need to be diligent and do your research very thoroughly.  You may be spending the rest of your life living in this neighborhood.  Doesn't it make sense to spend a significant amount of time checking it out first?  Here are a few things you must check before signing on the dotted line.

1.  Check The Crime Stats - Don't assume you know whether or not it is a good neighborhood.  Check the sex offender registry.  Google your address - you may find out that your house was once a meth lab or worse.  Check the crime maps for the area, you may be very surprised at what you find.

2.  How Recession Proof Is The Neighborhood - Is the neighborhood in good proximity to job opportunities.  Is it an area that has a multitude of subprime loans that could result in default and leave the neighborhood with a huge supply and no demand.  Look for a more than normal amount of "For Sale" signs or foreclosure notices on the windows.  Check to see if all of the homes for sale in the area all have major price reductions or if it costs less to buy than to rent.  All of these are good indicators that this is a pretty hard hit area and you may need to think twice.  However, on the same note, you will find some great deals here as well.  So if you are in it for the long haul you should be alright.  You just don't want to get stuck in an upside down home if you end up needing to sell quickly.

3.  Does The Area Match Your Needs - Does the neighborhood have the types of things your enjoy, such as your hobbies, hot spots you like to frequent, parks and recreation, your favorite restaurants.

4.  Does The Area Have Your Necessities - Are your favorite grocery stores available or how far would you have to drive to get to them.  Is daycare close by.  What about the gym and the nail salon etc.

5.  Check The Neighborhood At Different Times Of The Day And Night - This is probably up there with one of the most important things you need to check.  Sometimes a neighborhood will look perfectly normal during the day; however, a drive through during the night exposes a whole other element that you would definitely not want to live around.

These are just a few things that you need to check now and again before you sign your mortgage paperwork because neighborhood dynamics can change quickly and frequently.  The very best way to help avoid a big mistake is to talk to your realtor.  Your realtor has access to all of this information at their fingertips and they would be more than happy to help you get your ducks in a row before you commit to one of the biggest decisions of your life.

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.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

Helena Talbot's blog - Tips To Get Your Home Sold

Do you know what your homes "Hot Buttons" are?  We all know that location plays an important role in the sale of a home but there are several things that your home may have that you are not highlighting. 

Here are a few things that you may not have thought of that you can use as "Hot Buttons" to help get your home sold more quickly.

Everyone has their favorite places that they frequent - convenience places - such as the neighborhood Walmart, Costco, Home Depot or the closest Daycare Center  etc.  So make sure that you let your realtor know about the things that people may be looking for and ask your realtor to include them in all of the print material

Is your home within walking distance to any neighborhood shopping districts?  The ones with the highly sought after hang outs like Starbucks etc.  Walk “Scores” are a huge part of a buyers decision as to whether they will buy a home or not.

Bookshelves, nooks and storage spaces are also big time necessities for most people.  Especially for apartment dwellers that are bursting at the seams due to the lack of these things.  So make sure you let your realtor know about each of these spaces that could be a huge selling point for many people.  Additionally, you are going to want to do everything possible to highlight these spaces with decor that will show off that particular use of space.

Is your home dark?  Consider removing the curtains or that old shade.  This will make the space look lighter and brighter in the eyes of a buyer.  A light, bright space has a positive emotional impact on people when they walk into a room so do everything you can to lighten your dark spaces with as much natural light as possible.

Do you have a patio, deck, back yard or porch of any kind?  Many buyers, especially people who have been living in an apartment and have not had the pleasure of having an outdoor living space, will have those things on their list of must haves.  So if you have an outdoor living space, it would benefit you greatly to stage those areas.  Accent them and make them as appealing as possible to your potential buyer.  You want to have your potential buyer envisioning themselves using those spaces on a daily basis.  Sometimes if your outdoor spaces are extremely desirable, the buyer will overlook some imperfections on the inside just because the outdoor spaces are everything they have ever wanted.  A well staged outdoor space can also bring in higher offers. 

Let your potential buyers know if there is anything that you would be willing to leave in the house.  Such as the refrigerator, washer, dryer, a patio set etc.  These are the items that are hard to move and many people do not have one of their own and on moving day the last thing your buyer wants to think about is having to go out and purchase an appliance just to be able to live in their new home.

Talk to your realtor about all of the little things you can do to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar.  Your realtor has been doing this for years and will have many tricks up their sleeves so take advantage of all that experience and let them do everything they can to help you sell your 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.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

Helena Talbot's blog - Tips To Get Your Home Sold

Do you know what your homes "Hot Buttons" are?  We all know that location plays an important role in the sale of a home but there are several things that your home may have that you are not highlighting. 

Here are a few things that you may not have thought of that you can use as "Hot Buttons" to help get your home sold more quickly.

-Everyone has their favorite places that they frequent - convenience places - such as the neighborhood Walmart, Costco, Home Depot or the closest Daycare Center  etc.  So make sure that you let your realtor know about the things that people may be looking for and ask your realtor to include them in all of the print material

-Is your home within walking distance to any neighborhood shopping districts?  The ones with the highly sought after hang outs like Starbucks etc.  Walk “Scores” are a huge part of a buyers decision as to whether they will buy a home or not.

-Bookshelves, nooks and storage spaces are also big time necessities for most people.  Especially for apartment dwellers that are bursting at the seams due to the lack of these things.  So make sure you let your realtor know about each of these spaces that could be a huge selling point for many people.  Additionally, you are going to want to do everything possible to highlight these spaces with decor that will show off that particular use of space.

-Is your home dark?  Consider removing the curtains or that old shade.  This will make the space look lighter and brighter in the eyes of a buyer.  A light, bright space has a positive emotional impact on people when they walk into a room so do everything you can to lighten your dark spaces with as much natural light as possible.

-Do you have a patio, deck, back yard or porch of any kind?  Many buyers, especially people who have been living in an apartment and have not had the pleasure of having an outdoor living space, will have those things on their list of must haves.  So if you have an outdoor living space, it would benefit you greatly to stage those areas.  Accent them and make them as appealing as possible to your potential buyer.  You want to have your potential buyer envisioning themselves using those spaces on a daily basis.  Sometimes if your outdoor spaces are extremely desirable, the buyer will overlook some imperfections on the inside just because the outdoor spaces are everything they have ever wanted.  A well staged outdoor space can also bring in higher offers. 

-Let your potential buyers know if there is anything that you would be willing to leave in the house.  Such as the refrigerator, washer, dryer, a patio set etc.  These are the items that are hard to move and many people do not have one of their own and on moving day the last thing your buyer wants to think about is having to go out and purchase an appliance just to be able to live in their new home.

Talk to your realtor about all of the little things you can do to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar.  Your realtor has been doing this for years and will have many tricks up their sleeves so take advantage of all that experience and let them do everything they can to help you sell your 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.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

Helena Talbot's blog - Helpful Tips For First Time Investors

If you are just starting out as a real estate investor, you basically have two types of investing options.  You can buy and hold a property and sell when the value goes up or you can buy a property, remodel it and then flip it. 

Obviously, the safer risk is to buy a property and hold it until the value increases.  If this is the route you have decided to take, then there are a few things you need to keep in mind. 

1.  Look for a property that is close to where you live.  It will be much easier for you to inspect and supervise the remodel if it is close enough for you to inspect the progress throughout each day.

2.  Look for a property that is in a neighborhood that is on the rise as far as future development.  This will allow you to benefit from the increase in the property value as it goes up.

3.  If you are trying to decide whether to buy a newer built home, a remodeled home or a less expensive home that needs some cosmetic repairs - buy the fixer upper and put some upgrades into it.  This will give you a better return on your investment in the long run.

4.  Buying a home as a real estate investment could provide you with some tax savings

5.  Get a personal financial advisor to help you set your investment goals

6.  Your real estate agent can help you find a property that will match your investment plans

7.  Your realtor can help you with a myriad of questions such as:  why a particular property would be considered a solid investment.  Why certain features make a home easier to rent.  What kinds of maintenance expenses you could encounter.  What kind of cash flow you can expect and how the tax savings can add to your investment. 

8.  Your realtor can also give you the history of pricing trends for any particular market area so that you can use that information to achieve your investment goals.

Real estate investing is something that you do not want to learn the hard way.  The most important things you can do to make sure you don't make a rookie mistake is to find an experienced realtor and personal financial advisor to guide you through the entire process as smoothly as possible.

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.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot

Surefire Ways To Lose The Deal

Buying a home is a wonderful experience.  However, you must go about it in the right way.  So if you think that you can go around spitting out offers and using dirty dealing techniques just because you know that it is a buyers' market right now - you are sadly mistaken.

When you are trying to buy a house, there are several things you absolutely must not do.  The best way to know what not to do is to put yourself in the sellers shoes.

Here are a few surefire ways to lose the deal and quite possibly your dream home

• Do not make an extremely low or unjustified offer.  Yes, you do have the upper hand because it is a buyers' market right now; however, no one can afford to give your their home  below market value.  The seller will see you as someone that is wasting their time.  They will turn down your offer and will not even consider a counteroffer.  Talk to your realtor to determine the fair market value for the area - before you make an offer.   It's ok to make an offer below the asking price if you have the market data to support your request.

• Get your financing in order before making an offer.  It is not uncommon for people to start arranging their financing  as far in advance as six months or more.   People assume because they have decent credit and some money saved for their new home that they will automatically be approved.  However, in this economy, that is not always the case.  You may find the perfect home for you and your family but if you cannot show that you can be approved, you might just lose the deal.  The seller will not want to risk accepting your offer and then finding out months down the road that you cannot get approved for the purchase of their home. 

• Do not walk into someone's home and start trash talking their house or their neighborhood.  If you think this will get you a lower price, you are wrong.  You are only going to anger the seller and they will turn down your offer in no time flat.   A person's home is a very personal thing.  Some people have lived in their homes for a very long time and the emotional attachment they have for it can run very deep.   So keep all negative comments to yourself.  You can talk to your realtor about your objections once you have left the sellers home and are in the privacy of your realtors office.  

If you see a reason to make a lowball offer on a home, talk with your agent about respectfully voicing your concerns to the sellers agent.   Your realtor has years of experience dealing with this type of thing and there is a very good chance that your realtor may already know the sellers agent and can address your concerns in a constructive manner.

Remember, always put yourself in the sellers shoes before doing anything.  You don't want to find the perfect home and then have it snatched away from you from an unwilling seller.  So play nice and let your agent guide you every step of 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.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot