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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you have found this article helpful.  If  you are thinking about buying or selling a home, call your realtor and ask them for a list of available homes in your area.  Your realtor would be more than happy to help you in any way they can.

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

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 - How To Recognize A Home That Will Hold Its Resale Value

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 - Make Your Outdoor Space Help Sell Your Home

With spring in full bloom, it's a beautiful time of year to spruce up your property and get it ready for the warmer weather. For many people, this means creating an outdoor environment that is inviting and fun to use during the warmer months. This is just as important if you're planning on selling your home as if you're going to be living in it.

Nicer weather means that people want to spend more time outdoors working, playing, socializing, and even eating. Most homeowners invest some time preparing their yards and gardens for warmer days, and the same rules apply when prepping your home for sale.

Buyers will be tempted by the accessibility and appeal that you enjoy in your yard.

Making your yard and the outside of your home enticing doesn't have to be expensive. All it takes is a little elbow grease and a few key investments – most likely the same investments you make every year as the weather warms up. Here are a few small fixes and embellishments that you can use to your advantage when making your outdoor space appealing:



Clean it up. Your outdoor space can give prospective buyers the impression of an additional "room" when viewing your home. And as with any other room in your home, you want everything to be in order. Stow lawn tools and outdoor toys in a garage, shed, or storage bench when you are not using them. Clean up anything that has gotten grimy during the cold winter months. Wash windows and clear gutters. Rent a power washer from a local home supply store to clean off siding, decks, patios, and fences that look dirty.



Make quick fixes. Replace or repair anything that has taken a beating. Paths and patios should be free of chipped or cracked tiles or paving stones. Shore up fences that are damaged or leaning. Repaint any trim or decking that is in bad shape. Make sure all of your outdoor lighting is working.



Make your landscaping stand out. While you don't necessarily want to plant a huge vegetable garden that will require maintenance (and for which you may not reap the benefits), well-placed and carefully maintained plantings are an easy and attractive way to make your home stand out. If you don't have the time to maintain flower beds, add a few pots and planters brimming with bright blooms. Hanging baskets of flowers are available at virtually any home store or nursery, while small pots of fresh herbs are pretty and you can take them with you when you move. As always, stay on top of weeding and keep grass trimmed and bushes and trees pruned. Investing in some fresh mulch will give your yard a clean appearance.



Add charm. A prospective homebuyer will likely be drawn to the allure of dining al fresco, so if you have a grill or barbecue area, make it inviting with some attractive outdoor furniture. If you have a pool, open it and maintain it. Keep the water sparkling and inviting, and store pool toys out of sight. And don't forget how your property will look during evening hours. Outdoor lighting comes in all shapes and sizes, and much of it is very affordable. Invest in some fixtures that highlight your property's best features. And keep lawn ornaments to a minimum. Remember that buyers want to imagine themselves in your home, so it's best to give them room to imagine their own belongings in your outdoor space.

With summer just a few weeks away and winter just a memory, it's time to get out and enjoy the nicer weather. The best part of preparing your lawn and yard for sale is that you can enjoy the benefits while you are waiting for an offer to come through.

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 - Existing-Home Sales See Steady Price Gains

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 - Do You Know Why Your House Is Not Selling

If your house has been on the market for any length of time and is not selling, you are probably wondering what you have done wrong.  What's wrong with your house.  Why is it not selling.   Don't worry, this happens sometimes but with the help of your realtor it can be done.

Here are a few things to consider if your house is not selling and what you can do about it.

1.  Price.  Yep, that is usually the first thing people think and they very well might be right.  Remember your house is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it no matter what you think your house is worth or how many upgrades you have made.   You will need to work with your realtor in researching the current market in your area.  Then and only then will you be able to determine the fair market value of your home even if it is not what you think it should be.   A big mistake many people make when choosing a realtor is picking the one that "says" they can get you a higher price for your home than the market commands.  Do your homework and be prepared to make an educated decision when choosing your realtor.

2.  Don't base your selling price on your needs.  What you "need" to make on your house does not mean anything to a potential buyer.  So set your price based on the facts - the fair market value for your area.

3.  Keep your emotions out of it.  If you are basing your price according to what your neighbor sold theirs for a few years ago because you "think" your house is better.  Then stop right there.  This is going to get you nowhere.  Markets change and many sellers view their homes in a whole different light than someone that is impartial.  So don't base your price on your emotional attachment to your house.

4.  Don't be greedy.   If the fair market value of your home is $300,000 and you want to try to get $350,000 for it, this will come back to haunt you later when your house sits on the market for a year with no takers.  Now potential buyers will think there is something wrong with your house because it is not selling.

5.  Price is not always the issue.  If a buyer see's imperfections  such as an unkempt lawn or a broken fence etc., you will continually receive low ball offers.  So if you have any obvious imperfections, go ahead and fix them before you put your house on the market.

6.  If location or noise issues are the problem, then you and your realtor will need to come up with ways to overcome those buyer objections before they occur.  Maybe the price justifies the issue or perhaps you can "throw in" something to sweeten the deal such as paying closing costs etc.

7.  Is your house clean?  Make sure your house is clean inside and out otherwise you may find yourself sitting on your house for a very long time.

8.  Are you making it difficult for your buyers to see your property?  It is in your best interest to allow a lockbox to be put on your house.  If you only allow buyers to come by on an appointment only basis this will also reduce your chances of a quick sale.  Talk to your realtor about these things.  Most agents are more than willing to give you a courtesy call before showing your home to allow you just enough time to pick up and make arrangements to be out of the house.

9.  Make sure you are not present during a showing.  Most buyers are very uncomfortable touring your home while you are there.  Furthermore, it makes it more difficult for them to picture themselves living there while you are in the home.

10.  Sometimes the reasons are beyond your control.  Such as a new home development being built in your area or maybe you received some bad advice from your agent.  This is the time you will need to step back and reassess the situation.  What can you do to overcome the obstacle.   Do you need to sweeten the deal or perhaps you should postpone moving.  Or perhaps you need to replace your current agent with someone that has a little more experience.

There are many reasons that your house may not be selling.  Talk with your realtor about reassessing your current market strategies and together you can come up with some viable options.   Just remember, eventually your house will sell.  Follow your realtors advice and they will do everything in their power to get you the best possible offer.

Ispecialize 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 - 5 Factors That Effect Your Credit Score

Your credit score is one factor that will control a big portion of your life.  That little three digit number that can cost you money or save you money.  Needless to say,  it is very important that you understand what factors go into how the credit bureaus decide what your credit score will be.

There are three main credit reporting agencies:  TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.  Your credit score is a reflection of your debt and payment history.

Here are five things that will affect your credit score.

1.  A variety of credit.  Creditors want to see that you have a history of different types of credit.  Such as credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages.

2.  How much debt you have.   The more debt you have the more of a risk you are to a lender.  Therefore, always try to pay down or pay off your debt to make yourself less of a risk to a lender.  This will make it easier for them to approve your loan and offer you a lower interest rate.

3.  What is your payment history.  It is very important that you pay all of your bills on time.  This means everything from your utility bills to your credit cards.  Everything!  Late payments will lower your credit score.

4.  How old is your current credit.  Whatever you do - do not open any new lines of credit, no matter how small they are, if you are getting ready to start looking for a home.  If you do, this tells a lender that you may be spending too much, too fast and they will lower your credit score and will more than likely give you a higher interest rate.

5.  How long have you had credit.  Age matters when it comes to credit.  Younger buyers are at a disadvantage because their credit history is shorter.  The longer your credit history is the better.  This gives the lender a better idea of how you handle your money and your debt and whether or not you historically pay your bills on time.

It is important that you check your credit reports throughout the year.   You will need to make sure that everything is accurate and that there is nothing there that does not belong.  
If there are issues with your credit report, this will give you some time to correct or improve things before you attempt to buy a house.

Talk to your realtor about what you can do to improve your credit score and exactly what you will need in order to qualify for a home loan.   Your realtor will be able to refer you to a reputable mortgage lender, thereby making the whole process much easier.

Ispecialize 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 - How to Prevent Neighbors from Devaluing Your Home

Your troublesome neighbor may not just be a nuisance...but a drain on your property's value. According to the Appraisal Institute, a professional association of real estate appraisers, homeowners and potential homebuyers should be aware that problematic neighbors can significantly reduce nearby property values.

Less-than-stellar neighbors can include homeowners with annoying pets, unkempt yards, unpleasant odors, loud music, dangerous trees and limbs, or poorly maintained exteriors. A homeowner or prospective homebuyer should visit a street on several days at various times to learn more about what is happening in the neighborhood. A home’s proximity to a bad neighbor also can impact the rate of potential decline in value.

According to Appraisal Institute President Richard L. Borges II, MAI, SRA, external situations, such as living near a bad neighbor, can lower home values by more than 5 to 10 percent. Appraisers refer to this as external obsolescence, which is depreciation caused by external factors not on the property.

The Appraisal Institute suggests taking the following steps to help solve neighbor issues:

1. Speak with other neighbors. Get consensus when identifying issues, and approach the problematic neighbor together.

2. Look up original and updated subdivision restrictions. If talking to the neighbor doesn’t work, see if they’re violating any restrictions. If so, writing to the code office of the municipality and reporting the problem could spur an investigation into the nuisance. Depending on the offense, a call to the local health department also may be warranted.

3. Hire an attorney. If all else fails, the cost of an attorney likely will be less than the home’s potential loss in value.

Ispecialize 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.