Helena Talbot's blog - Fixed Mortgage Rates Move Slightly Higher

Housing is on the march once again, particularly in new construction starts which saw a strong upsurge in housing starts in December. Specifically, new construction jumped to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 954,000 units. That was 12.1% above the November estimate of 851,000 home starts. In addition, the most recent figure was 36.87% higher than the December 2011 level of 697,000 homes.

For comparison purposes, though, the figure was still more than 30% below the average level of housing starts over the past 50 years. Thus, while housing is definitely on the mend, it still has further to go. For the most recent year, as a whole, an estimated 780,000 housing units were started. That was up 28% from the comparable 2011 full-year estimate, keeping in mind that about 1.5 million starts annually are needed to keep up with population growth.

In addition to new starts, privately owned housing units authorized by building permits came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 903,000 homes in December. That metric, too, was up, albeit nominally, from the estimated 900,000 permits issued in November. The year-to-year swing however was dramatic, with a 28.82% increase in building permits overall for 2012.

Housing completions, which have vacillated up and down consistently throughout 2013, also finished the year strong reporting a 13.20% increase at 686,000 completed units, up from 675,000 in December 2011.

Meanwhile, in a rare bit of uniformity, starts were up in every region of the country in December. Specifically, building was higher by 21.4% in the Northeast, where building had earlier been limited by the ravages of Hurricane Sandy. Moreover, starts jumped by 24.7% in the Midwest, by 3.8% in the South, and by 18.7% in the West.

Taken as a whole, there was little not to like in this report, which was materially better than forecast, and should set this sector up for a stellar 2013. The housing data may not be a game changer at this point, but the December increase in building gives us some confidence that the nation’s gross domestic product will in fact rebound higher in 2013.

Helena Talbot's Free iPhone/Android App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App: Text "Exit9" to 87778 or enterhttp://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

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 - 3 Tips for First-Time Investors

There isn’t a worker in America who doesn’t know he or she should be saving money—especially given today’s economic conditions. Whether you're saving for a home down payment, college tuition or a retirement nest egg, investing in the future is a wise financial decision. Understandably, the two most pressing questions usually are: “How much can I afford to save?” and “What is the best way to make my money grow?”

Financial experts agree that long-term investing is the surest way to build savings—and also that you do not need a lot of money to get started. What is critically important, however, is that you save on a consistent basis.

There are classes you can take, books you can read, and experts you can consult in order to learn the finer points of investing. To begin with, however, there are three fundamental steps you must take: 

1.  Determine your savings goals. You need to know what your savings goals are in order to figure out how to get there. Let’s say you want to retire at age 65 with the same standard of living you have now. You can find retirement calculators online to help you determine how much money you will need in order to reach that goal.

2.  Evaluate the stock market. Guaranteed investments and savings bonds are great for reaching short-term goals. They generally return about 2% to 5% at best. But if you have some time to reach your goal, investing in the market will likely be your best approach. Averaged out over the last 25 years, despite some trying times, DOW returns have paid around 9% or 10%. Here’s the difference: Over 25 years, a $10,000 investment at a 3% rate of return will grow to $26,000. A 9% return will give you $86,000.

3.  Understand that time is money and plan accordingly. To be successful at saving money, it must be approached as a long-term plan—get-rich-quick schemese rarely, if ever, work. Therefore, the earlier you start to save, the more money you will have down the road. In these scenarios, assume a 10% rate of return compounded annually:

• Begin investing $100 per month at age 30 until you reach age 65. At that point, you will have about $345,000 in investments. You will have put in $42,000 over the 35 year span. The other $303,000 is from the growth of your money over time.
• Begin the same $100-per-month saving plan at age 20. At age 65, you will have about $916,000. You will have invested $54,000. The other $862,000 is from the growth of your money over time.

Helena Talbot's Free iPhone/Android App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App: Text "Exit9" to 87778 or enterhttp://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

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 an Appraisal Can Help Sell Your Home

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3IH020e5wA&feature=youtu.be

While it’s standard practice for real estate professionals to conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help price your home correctly for sale, you may also want to discuss with your agent the possibility of investing in an appraisal before you put your home on the market.

Appraisals have long been a part of the transaction process for home buyers, however, pre-sale appraisals for home sellers have risen in popularity as a way to help confirm that your home is listed at the best possible price.

A home appraiser will compare the condition of your house in relation to the comparable properties and will give you a reasonably good idea where your house fits in relation to recently sold properties.

An appraisal can range in length from two pages to more than 100 and will include details about the house, a description of the neighborhood and side-by-side comparisons of similar properties.

The appraisal report will also contain an evaluation of the area’s real estate market, notations of major problems with the property that will affect its value, and an estimate of the expected time it will take to sell the property. This also gives you a chance to correct problems before officially putting your house on the market—a sure-fire way to ensure a quicker sale.

Choosing the right appraiser is critical, however—whether you are selling or buying a home. Work with your agent to select an appraiser who understands the nuances of your particular neighborhood, as prices can vary significantly based on school district and street location.

The Appraisal Institute offers the following tips for consumers, providing important guidance for homeowners and buyers seeking to ensure their sales are completed in a timely manner:

• Make sure a qualified appraiser is hired (such as a designated SRA, SRPA or MAI member of the Appraisal Institute). The lowest priced appraiser does not necessarily equate with the most qualified.
• Accompany the appraiser during the inspection of the property, if possible. The more active of a participant you are in the process, the more you will understand it and be able to catch any errors.
• Request a copy of the appraisal report. Federal law requires that you receive a copy of the appraisal within 30 days.
• Appeal the appraisal if appropriate. Market conditions do change, especially in these economic times. If you feel that new information may change the appraisal, be sure to contact them.
• Have your agent ask the lender to order a second appraisal by a qualified and designated appraiser.
• File legitimate complaints with appropriate state board or professional appraisal organizations.

Remember, one doesn’t need to agree with the outcome of an appraisal. A home appraisal, no matter how scientific, still ends up being the opinion of the appraiser and, to some degree, a judgment call. However, the appraisal, when combined with your agent’s expertise on market conditions, will be a powerful way to determine the very best price for your home.

Helena Talbot's blog - First Impressions Count: 4 Easy, Inexpensive Ways to Attract Prospective Buyers

If you’re in the process of getting your home ready to be put on the market—or you’ve recently listed your home for sale—you know just how crucial a positive first impression can be when it comes to attracting prospective buyers. While first impressions are everything in this day and age, creating a positive one doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

Here are four easy and inexpensive ways to create an inviting home environment for potential buyers.

1. Trim it right. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for your home’s interior. While $100 won’t allow you to repaint every room in your home, it will get you enough to freshen up the trim, and any spots on the walls that need a touch up. Be sure to stick with clean, warm colors.

2. Focus on the front. The first thing a prospective buyer sees when they arrive for a showing is the front of your home. For $100 or less, you can repaint the door, plant a fresh flowerbed, and make sure your lawn is neat and tidy. Don’t forget to shine up details like your house number and mailbox, and repaint or replace anything that looks tired or old.

3. Squeaky clean. Your home should be clean and clutter free for a showing. While you can tackle the process yourself, hiring a cleaning service is a great way to get things gleaming before a showing.

4. Appeal to the senses. You don’t want to turn off potential buyers with a musty smell or dim lighting. Take the time to air out your home before a showing and, if necessary, light a lightly scented candle—or bake a batch of cookies. Make sure rooms—especially the first room a buyer will enter—are well lit and bright by opening curtains and blinds. Bring in an extra floor lamp if necessary.

Helena Talbot's Free iPhone/Android App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App: Text "Exit9" to 87778 or enterhttp://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

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

5 Reasons a Real Estate Agent is Crucial to Home-Selling Success

Even as the economy improves, many Americans are still on a strict budget. Often this means they are trying to cut corners wherever possible, and while selling their homes, they may be trying to sell themselves instead of enlisting a real estate agent. But in actuality, having an agent is financially intelligent. Below are the top reasons why.

1. Market know-how: A seasoned agent knows your market, which will help you price accordingly—perhaps the No. 1 most important thing you can do when selling your home. 
2. MLS Access: An agent has access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—a database of current homes for sale. This access works both ways. An agent or broker can list your home on the MLS, and your property info will be instantly available to agents all across your area. Additionally, your agent can search in the MLS for potential buyers. 
3. Details, details, details! Your agent is going to be a big help in getting your home ready for sale, from the big things like major home improvements, down to the details, like pointing out housing-code or zoning violations. Plus, an agent can help you fill out the paperwork you will need before you offer your home.
4. Less stress. Your agent can take on stressful or awkward tasks, like negotiating with buyers and their agents. This is extremely helpful if your buyer is demanding. Plus, buyers are not always comfortable viewing your home when you are in it, because they feel pressure and/or awkward about bringing up things they don’t like. An agent is the perfect go-between. 
5. Word of mouth. Your agent has tons of connections, and can provide referrals to contractors, home inspectors and lawyers. Most agents are always talking to other agents, which is a great resource when looking for buyers.

Helena Talbot's Free iPhone/Android App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App: Text "Exit9" to 87778 or enterhttp://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

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 - 3 Tips for First-Time Investors

There isn’t a worker in America who doesn’t know he or she should be saving money—especially given today’s economic conditions. Whether you're saving for a home down payment, college tuition or a retirement nest egg, investing in the future is a wise financial decision. Understandably, the two most pressing questions usually are: “How much can I afford to save?” and “What is the best way to make my money grow?”

Financial experts agree that long-term investing is the surest way to build savings—and also that you do not need a lot of money to get started. What is critically important, however, is that you save on a consistent basis.

There are classes you can take, books you can read, and experts you can consult in order to learn the finer points of investing. To begin with, however, there are three fundamental steps you must take: 

1.  Determine your savings goals. You need to know what your savings goals are in order to figure out how to get there. Let’s say you want to retire at age 65 with the same standard of living you have now. You can find retirement calculators online to help you determine how much money you will need in order to reach that goal.

2.  Evaluate the stock market. Guaranteed investments and savings bonds are great for reaching short-term goals. They generally return about 2% to 5% at best. But if you have some time to reach your goal, investing in the market will likely be your best approach. Averaged out over the last 25 years, despite some trying times, DOW returns have paid around 9% or 10%. Here’s the difference: Over 25 years, a $10,000 investment at a 3% rate of return will grow to $26,000. A 9% return will give you $86,000.

3.  Understand that time is money and plan accordingly. To be successful at saving money, it must be approached as a long-term plan—get-rich-quick schemese rarely, if ever, work. Therefore, the earlier you start to save, the more money you will have down the road. In these scenarios, assume a 10% rate of return compounded annually:

• Begin investing $100 per month at age 30 until you reach age 65. At that point, you will have about $345,000 in investments. You will have put in $42,000 over the 35 year span. The other $303,000 is from the growth of your money over time.
• Begin the same $100-per-month saving plan at age 20. At age 65, you will have about $916,000. You will have invested $54,000. The other $862,000 is from the growth of your money over time.

Helena Talbot's Free iPhone/Android App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App: Text "Exit9" to 87778 or enterhttp://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

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 for Rebuilding Your Credit After Foreclosure

Many people have weathered through some tough times over the past few years. But now, as things begin to look a little brighter, it's time to consider starting over the right way and with a plan.

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I am well versed in credit and lending issues and can offer some great tips and information on taking the steps to once again qualify for a mortgage.

Here are some tips for getting your credit back on track:

Pay your bills on time: The FICO score, the dominant credit score used by lenders, gives the greatest weight to payment history, so make sure you consistently pay your bills on time.

Review your credit report: You're entitled to a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three national credit bureaus -- Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. You should get a copy and check it for any inaccuracies. To get your free credit report, go tohttp://www.annualcreditreport.com.

Check your mortgage: You want to be sure that you don't still owe anything on your old mortgage. Sometimes proceeds from a foreclosure sale aren't enough to cover what's owed on the mortgage, which would leave you owing the difference.

Apply for credit: In particular, apply for different varieties of credit. Credit-scoring models value having different types of credit, so apply for everything from a credit card to a car loan but don't apply for too much credit at one time. Too many inquiries on your credit report will look poor.

Don't fall prey: Watch out for credit repair companies that promise to clean up your credit report so you can get a car loan, a home mortgage, insurance, or even a job -- after paying a fee for the service. "The truth is, that no one can remove accurate, negative information from your credit report," according to the Federal Trade Commission. "It’s illegal." Only the passage of time can assure that negative, but accurate, information on your credit report will be removed.

Helena Talbot's Free iPhone/Android App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App: Text "Exit9" to 87778 or enterhttp://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

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