Key Trends Home Buyers and Sellers Should Watch in 2019

We're entering the home stretch of 2018, when you can actually say, "See you next year!" to someone you'll see in just a few weeks. It's a time to look ahead, to make new plans, to achieve new dreams.
And if those dreams include buying your own home, you should keep an eye on the ever-changing tides of the housing market. Now, markets are like the weather: You can't entirely predict how they will act, but you can get a sense of the forces that will push things in one direction or another.
The realtor.com® economic research team analyzed a wealth of housing data to come up with a forecast of what 2019 might hold for home buyers and sellers—and it looks like both groups are going to be facing some challenges.

1. We'll have more homes for sale, especially luxury ones

We've been chronicling the super-tight inventory of homes for sale for several years now. Yes, homes have been hitting the market, but not enough to keep up with the demand. Nationwide, inventory actually hit its lowest level in recorded history last winter, but this year it finally started to recover. We're expecting to see that inventory growth continue into next year, but not at a blockbuster rate—less than 7%.
While this is welcome news for buyers who've been sidelined, sellers must confront a new reality.

“More inventory for sellers means it’s not going to be as easy as it has been in past years—it means they will have to think about the competition," says Danielle Hale, realtor.com's chief economist.

"It’s still going to be a very good market for sellers," she adds, "but if they’ve had their expectations set by listening to stories of how quickly their neighbor’s home sold in 2017 or in 2018, they may have to adjust their expectations."

Although next year's inventory growth is expected to be modest nationwide, pricier markets will tell a different story. In these markets—which typically have strong economies (read: high-paying jobs)—most of the expected inventory growth will come from listings of luxury homes.

2. Affording a home will remain tough

It's no secret that home sellers have been sitting pretty for the past several years. But is the tide about to change in buyers' favor?

“In some ways, life is going to be easier for home buyers; they’ll have more options," Hale says. "But life is also going to be more difficult for home buyers, because we expect mortgage rates to continue to increase, we expect home prices to continue to increase, so the pinch that they’re feeling from affordability is going to continue to be a pain point moving into 2019.”

Hale predicts that mortgage rates, now hovering around 5%, will reach around 5.5% by the end of 2019. That means the monthly mortgage payment on a typical home listing will be about 8% higher next year, she notes. Meanwhile, incomes are only growing about 3% on average. That double whammy is toughest on first-time home buyers, who tend to borrow the most heavily and who don't have any equity in a current home to draw on.

 

3. Millennials will still dominate home buying

Just a few years ago, millennials were the new kids on the block, just barely old enough to buy their own homes. Now they're the biggest generational group of home buyers, accounting for 45% of mortgages (compared with 17% for baby boomers and 37% for Gen Xers). Some of them are even moving on up from their starter homes.

As we mentioned above, things will be tough for those first-time buyers. But the slightly older move-up buyers will reap the benefits of both their home equity and the increased choices in the market.
And regardless of whether they're part of that younger set starting a career or the older set that's starting a family, "they’re going to be more price-conscious than any other generation," says Ali Wolf, director of economic research at Meyers Research.

That's because they typically are still carrying student debt and want to be able to spend on experiences, like travel. That takes away from the funds they can put aside for a down payment, or a monthly mortgage payment.

"They want to maintain a certain lifestyle, but they still see the value in owning a home," Wolf says.
So they might compromise on distance from an urban center, or certain amenities, or space—70% of millennial homeowners own a residence that's less than 2,000 square feet, Wolf notes.

There's plenty of time to expand those portfolios, though, as millennials' housing reign is just beginning: This group is likely to make up the largest share of home buyers for the next decade. The year 2020 is projected to be the peak for millennial home buying—the bulk of them will be age 30.

 

4. The new tax law is still a wild card

At the time of last year's forecast, the GOP's proposed revision of the tax code was still being batted around Congress. While there was talk that it might discourage people from buying a home, no one really knew how it might affect the real-estate market.

This year ... well, we still don't really know. That's because most taxpayers won't be filing taxes under the new law until April 2019. And while some people might have a savvy tax adviser giving them a better idea of what's in store, for many, the reality check will come in the form of a bigger tax bill—or a bigger refund.

Renters are likely to have lower tax bills, but might not be tempted to buy while affordability remains a challenge, and with the new, increased standard deduction reducing the appeal of the homeowner's mortgage-interest deduction.

"I think the new tax plan will affect mostly homeowners and home buyers in the upper parts of the distribution," says Andrew Hanson, associate professor of economics at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. "Those who either own or are buying higher-priced homes are going to pay a lot more."

Sellers of those pricier homes will also take a hit, as buyers anticipating bigger tax bills won't be as willing to pony up for a high list price.

The biggest change resulting from the new tax law, Hanson predicts, will be in mortgages, since people will be less inclined to take out large mortgages.

"If anyone is going to be upset about the tax plan, it'll be mortgage bankers," he says.

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The Ultimate Guide to Moving: Should You Hire Movers or DIY?

Depending on where you're moving, how many items you're moving and a slew of other factors, you need to decide whether to hire a moving company or tackle the job yourself. Before making your final decision, read through these pros and cons, plus a bonus option for the less-traditional move.

Moving yourself pros

• More cost-effective: A DIY move can save you money on paying movers an hourly or flat rate. Depending on the company you go with, hiring movers can cost thousands of dollars! 
• No scheduling conflicts: Rather than being beholden to the moving company's schedule, moving yourself gives you much more freedom. 
• Ensure precious items are protected: If you move on your own, you can be sure that anything valuable or precious remains safe under your care.
• Save money for furnishing your new digs: Many people move themselves because they would rather save money for furnishing their new place or start an in-case-of-emergency fund for home repairs. 

Cons

• Time-consuming: If you don't have a lot of time on your hands, you should consider hiring movers. 
• Stressful: Moving yourself requires a lot of physical and mental strength. That's why people turn to professional movers. 
• Moving truck fees, gas and tolls: Make sure that a DIY move is actually more cost-effective than hiring movers. Factor in the cost of a moving truck, gas and tolls before making a decision.

Hiring movers pros

• No heavy lifting: If you hire a moving company, you can rest assured that you will not pull a muscle or break anything while trying to maneuver heavy furniture out of your current home and into a new one.
• Insurance to protect valuables: If anything gets damaged during the move, moving companies come with insurance that will cover the cost of anything that doesn't make it out alive. 
• Huge time-saver: If you're short on time, a moving company can swoop in to save the day. It can even offer packing and unpacking services to make your life simpler! 
• Very efficient: Moving companies offer professional services, meaning that the men and women you hire can get your items in and out in a timely fashion. If you decide to go it alone, that might not be the case. 

Cons

• Extremely expensive depending on the packages: Before you get too excited about someone else packing and unpacking your home for you, be aware that adding on this service will increase your bill astronomically. 
• Insurance doesn't mean your items won't get damaged: If your goal is to not have anything broken, then the insurance a moving company offers won't be worth it to you. No amount of money can replace a family heirloom or other priceless item. 
• Less control over scheduling: If you hire movers, know that they may not be available on the date you need. 

Consider a portable storage unit
If neither of these options impresses you, try looking into portable storage units. Typically, the storage company will bring the container to your home so that you can pack it with your belongings and then bring the container back to its storage facility.
Some people go this route if they are in the process of selling a home and want to move some of their belongings out of the home to stage it for buyers. Or if you're doing a home renovation, a portable storage unit is a good option.
What does it boil down to? 
Take note of all the pros and cons mentioned above before you decide on movers or a DIY move. Your unique situation will impact the best option for you. Make sure you do the numbers and that you're getting the right deal for your situation.
Feel free to contact us at any time for questions on how to make your next move as seamless as possible.

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Amazon ‘HQ2’ coming to Northern Virginia

Amazon today announced that a Northern Virginia site would be part of its second headquarters (HQ2) location. The decision will create tens of thousands jobs and billions of dollars in investment in the Washington, D.C., region, lure many companies that want to work with Amazon, and spur development of new industry strengths for the area.

The announcement ends a high-profile, 14-month competitive search process that received bids from 238 locations across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Northern Virginia and New York City, which also will be part of HQ2, were among 20 finalists that Amazon toured.

The Northern Virginia site chosen by Amazon is in Crystal City, part of Arlington County. Fairfax and Loudoun counties had submitted a site called Innovation Station straddling the county borders and adjacent to Metro and Washington Dulles International Airport. Innovation Station is close to an Amazon Web Services east coast campus and company data centers.

6 Things People Later Regret Decluttering From Their Homes

We normally don't rue chucking unused kitchen gadgets or an old pair of shoes. But in the big push to do some high-impact decluttering, many people get rid of things they later wish they'd kept. For instance, I got rid of my grandparent's Pendleton blanket (a nice memory from childhood sleepovers) when I moved across the country; I'd give most anything to have it back now. And a friend misses old letters from high school that went into the trash; but really, how much space do a few pieces of paper really take up?
So before you purge past the point of good reason, lean on some 20/20 hindsight and peruse this list of things that other people regret decluttering out of their homes. Who knows? Later on, you might wish you had hung onto them for dear life.

 

1. Personal paperwork

"For over 30 years, I was a freelance producer in film, mostly commercials," says Ben Bryant of Los Angeles. "When I moved on to run my own video company, my wife and I did a cleanup and I tossed my work record books containing details of jobs, colleagues. and fees."
The problem? "Who knew that 20 years later I’d write a memoir?" says Bryant. "That toss-out was a huge mistake."
Maybe old papers and calendars in a home office don't spark joy, but when going through documents, pause for a moment so you can be sure you’re making the right decision for the present and the future. When dealing with stuff, you have to be able to purge the junk and save what's important.

 

2. Photos where you look less than perfect

Maybe you want to be ruthless about chucking those physical photos where you have red-eye. But look for who else is in the picture before you head to the trash bin.
"I've had clients that regretted getting rid of photos that they didn't like of themselves but that also featured family members," says Susan Santoro, a professional organizer at Organized31.com. "Later, they wished they had photos of those relatives that passed away."
Simply declutter the photos that are duplicates or don't have anyone meaningful to you in them. The remaining photos likely don't take much room to keep.

 

3. Iconic clothing

Santoro recalls a client who regretted getting rid of his 1980s Guess jacket.
"He wishes he still had it for '80s-themed parties, which, due to his age, are more frequent than he would have guessed back when he purged his wardrobe," she says.
With clothing, the key is to get rid of anything that no longer fits, is torn, or you never liked in the first place. But hang onto those pieces that really capture an era of your life.

 

4. Items you like that just don't fit in your current space

When Christie's (no last name given) grandmother passed away in 2013, each grandchild received a framed photograph she had taken of a nature scene.
"But at the time, I had no extra wall space to hang it," says the Boise, ID, resident. The picture was put in her closet. Then in the midst of decluttering for a move, she decided to get rid of it. And it wasn't until Christie saw similar photos in her sisters' homes that she felt a loss.
"While I have items I received after my grandma passed away, I deeply regret not having this piece of art that she captured," says Christie.
If you're in the middle of a major life transition such as moving, hold off on decluttering anything with deep sentimental value. Even if it doesn't fit in the house you have at the time, you may have space in your future digs.

 

5. Items you're too young to appreciate

Jacquie Denny was a 23-year-old just getting started on her career when her mother decluttered the family home. Anything she wanted to keep needed to go or it would be tossed, her mom told her.
"I wasn't thinking that I would want that goofy scrapbook I kept during my teen years," says Denny, who later co-founded the estate sale service Everything But the House. "But now, it’s gone for good, and that black-and-white photograph signed by all four Beatles would be nice to have!"
Decluttering can be dangerous when you're still young and the full value of memories haven't yet sunk in. If relatives won't hold onto items for you until you've grown up past cringing at anything having to do with high school, consider renting a small storage space to keep these sentimental items.

 

6. Real jewelry along with fake

Gilat Tunit, owner and founder of the Project Neat, had a client who accidentally threw away her mother's heirloom (and very expensive!) necklace. Um, why?
"Somehow while decluttering her old costume jewelry, she threw out her mother's very real necklace," says Tunit. By the time the woman realized what she had done, the necklace was long gone.
Many times, we get overwhelmed by all of the things they have and the purging process becomes excessive. You don't have to go full Marie Kondo! Take your time or you may regret what you get rid of, advises Tunit.
"Sometimes people get so declutter-happy that they make mistakes," Tunit adds. You may want to consider hiring a professional who can manage the process, and help curate what stays and what goes.

article source:  Home Improvement on Realtor.com
By Margaret Heidenry

ASHBURN VA: Top 2 of The Best Places to Live in America, 2018

Revenge of the Burbs!

 
Home is where the heart is, home is where you make it—but given the option, wouldn't you want to make your home and store your heart in a place with a great sense of community, excellent schools to set your kids up for success, and affordable homes so you can set yourself up for financial stability?
Of course you would. And we're here to help!

For the second year in a row, realtor.com® teamed up with Money magazine to come up with its annual Best Places to Live list. Having focused on small towns last year, we set our sights this time around on places with populations of 50,000 or more.

To figure out the best of the best, we took into account more than 135,000 data points, covering economic health, public school performance, local amenities, housing, and cost of living. We disqualified places with high crime rates (more than double the national rate), depressed income (less than 85% of the state median), and a lack of racial diversity.

The resulting list doesn't feature any of the nation's best-known big cities (could it be due to their higher crime rates and skyrocketing home prices?), but many suburban towns that are within a decent commute of one. That means you get those classic suburban amenities (a big house, a backyard for barbecues, great public schools) without totally giving up on the big-bucks jobs and fun factor of the big city.

"For someone who’s starting from scratch, this is a list of areas with great quality of life, healthy housing markets where affordability is important, and great overall community," says Danielle Hale, realtor.com's chief economist.
Ready? Let's take a cross-country tour of America's top-drawer places, 2018. (See the list of all 50 here.)

1. Frisco, TX

Median home price: $449,900
Median household income : $117,642
Population: 177,286

A three-bedroom home in Frisco for less than $500,000.

For the first time in at least five years, Frisco topped the U.S. Census list of America's fastest-growing big cities. From 2016 to 2017, the city added an average of 37 new residents every day. Over a year, that added up to a population jump of 8.2%.

The city about 30 miles north of Dallas is home to the splashy new headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys, The Star, a megacomplex that includes offices, a hotel, and swanky bars and restaurants. North Texas is on fire economically, and as Mayor Jeff Cheney pointed out in his (apparently unsuccessful) sales video aimed at snagging Amazon's new headquarters, Frisco still has plenty of room to grow.

With its 177,000 people, Frisco is already a good-sized city—but one that still has a sense of community, says Julie Howell Stutts, who's been a homeowner there for seven years.

"You still kind of feel like you know everybody here," she says.
Schools here are top-notch and a prime draw for families. But while in the past the area's housing consisted of mostly single-family homes, the recent spate of building has included apartment complexes more appealing to single professionals.

2. Ashburn, VA

Median home price: $519,990
Median household income: $120,862
Population: 49,692* 

A large home in AshburnTim Kitchen/Getty Images

A couple of decades ago, Ashburn was a country town with just one grocery store. That's when Kim Rabinowitch and her husband bought a townhouse, just after their marriage.

"We liked it because we could get a lot for our money back then," she says. But they fell in love with the schools and their neighbors, and when they decided to trade up to a house, they bought one just down the street.

"People want to move into our school district," Rabinowitch says. "Houses go on the market, and they’re on there for less than a day."

With great schools and convenient transportation—it's 10 minutes by car to Washington Dulles Airport and 40 minutes to the District of Columbia, plus there's a new metro station to DC under construction—it's no wonder that Ashburn has become popular with commuting federal employees. And other nearby suburban towns such as Tysons Corner and Fairfax offer more job opportunities closer to home.

Single-family homes, many with four to five bedrooms, dominate the housing stock, along with some townhomes. An impressive 83.4% of those homes are owner-occupied.

3. Carmel, IN

Median home price: $374,000
Median household income: $106,546
Population: 92,198

Coxhall Public Garden in Carmel, INPurdue9394/iStock

Just 26 miles north of Indianapolis, Carmel has become a sought-after suburban destination for its excellent schools and amenities.

"It’s mostly young families that are moving in," says Kelly Lavengood, a real estate agent with the Lavengood Team in Indianapolis. "I frequently receive calls from people looking to relocate to Carmel from out of state."

But it's not just a magnet for parents—Carmel's walkable downtown and plentiful parks also make it appealing to empty nesters.

"A lot of times, people think that suburbs are just an extension of the city," Lavengood says. "But Carmel has really become an entity of its own."

There's a variety of homes for Carmel buyers to choose from, from entry-level abodes all the way up to mansions. Architectural styles vary, too—there's even a pocket of midcentury modern homes designed by Avriel Shull.

4. Ellicott City, MD

Median home price: $558,950
Median household income: $121,019
Population: 70,780*

Shops in Ellicott City, MDWalter Bibikow/Getty Images

Founded in 1772, Ellicott City has plenty of charm, particularly in its historic downtown district. Here, you can dip into boutiques and antiques stores in buildings that are pretty much antiques themselves.

But that doesn't mean this place is stuck in the past. Its top-rated schools attract young families, and its affordable housing and access to two major metropolises appeal to professionals as well.

"The cost of living is high in Maryland; Ellicott City just happens to be located between Baltimore and Washington [DC], and it offers affordable housing," says Jon Sandler, a real estate attorney who has been practicing in Ellicott City for 21 years. "Half the people are [Washington] Redskins fans, and the other are [Baltimore] Ravens fans."

It's the kind of place, he says, where locals stick around, or eventually come back to their roots. Many of the older buildings downtown have rental apartments upstairs, and there are also historic single-family homes, typically built with granite blocks, just outside downtown. There are also quite a few newer developments aimed at young professionals, Sandler notes.

But if you buy here, you'd best get flood insurance—the city has been subject to disastrous inundations in the past, and is weighing whether to invest tens of millions of dollars to redirect water from downtown.

 

5. Cary, NC

Median home price: $389,000
Median household income: $94,617
Population: 165,904

Four-bedroom home in Cary, NC

Cary sits within North Carolina's Research Triangle—an area of scientific innovation marked off by the cities of Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Durham, which is home to more than 200 companies.

The area is rife with highly educated professionals who want the best schools for their kids—and Cary can offer that, says Merry Ann Cutler, a real estate agent and relocation expert with Re/Max United in Cary.

"Some of the people moving here are coming all the way from the West Coast," she says.

Plus, it's relatively affordable—you can buy a nice, single-family home here for $400,000.

"There’s a huge influx of people moving in right now, and construction can’t keep up with it," Cutler says. "Homes sell very, very fast."

Despite the development, there's still plenty of green, crisscrossed by the largest number of walking and biking trails in the Triangle.


for more on the list, go to: Best Places To Live In America, 2018

By Cicely Wedgeworth | Sep 17, 2018

Should I Buy a Home That Needs Repairs?

If you’ve found your dream home − in the area you want, with a big kitchen, three bedrooms and more − is it worth it to buy if the home needs a little TLC? The answer differs depending on the type of repairs, the neighborhood and more. Keep reading to find out if putting an offer on a home that needs repairs is the right move for you.

Are the repairs just cosmetic?

Don’t get confused between a fixer-upper and a house that just needs some minor, mainly cosmetic, repairs. A fixer-upper usually has a very cheap purchase price because the new owners will have to put in so much elbow grease to get it to livable condition. However, cosmetic repairs are another ball game. These are small tasks like painting, changing the carpeting or installing new cabinetry. If the home you’re interested in only needs cosmetic repairs, it may be worth the money because you’ll get to customize the home a little bit, and the seller might be offering a discount because the house needs a little TLC.

Check the inspection report

Get an inspection report before you buy. Maybe the seller told you that all the house needs is a fresh coat of paint and a little landscaping; but the inspection report could alert you to bigger problems that the seller either doesn’t know about or hasn’t disclosed. If the inspection report mentions foundation issues or that a new HVAC system is needed, this is not the kind of project you want to get into if you’re not prepared.

Will you get good RIO after the repairs are complete?

What kind of neighborhood is the home in? If it’s in a decent neighborhood, close to schools and parks, or if the neighborhood is up and coming, it might be worth buying a home in the area because the value will increase over time. It’s worth it to take on some minor home repair projects for a house in a desirable neighborhood.

Do you have the time to devote to this project?

If you weren’t previously planning on purchasing a home that needs minor repairs, make sure you have the time and patience to put up with the items that need updating. If you have a busy job or kids with demanding schedules, moving into a home that isn’t move-in ready could be stressful. Also, be prepared for loud noises and a little debris if you hire workers or plan to do repairs yourself.

Are you getting a deal on the home?

One of the most important factors is the type of deal you’re getting on the home. If it’s not move-in ready, what’s the incentive to do the repairs and updates yourself? If the seller isn’t offering an allowance for you to do the repairs or isn’t selling slightly below market to incentivize buyers, what’s the point?

Look into a 203 (k) loan

If you find a home that you’re serious about but that requires minor or major repairs, look into financing through HUD’s 203 (k) loan. This type of financing allows you to finance the purchase of the home and the necessary improvements without having to seek multiple loans. Visit HUD.gov to learn more.

If you’re on the fence about making an offer on a house, call me today and I’ll help you decide if a home that needs repairs is the right option for you. Or if you have other questions about the home-buying process, I'm here to guide you!

Moving? Top 5 Tips for Packing

Follow these tips to make packing less daunting and to ensure your move goes off without a hitch.

Moving to a new home can be exciting, the sign of new beginnings. It can also be an exceptionally stressful time.

Getting all your furniture, clothes, kitchenware, electronics and valuables from one place to another is no simple task – whether you’ve hired professionals or are managing the move yourself.

The specifics of each move are different. Moving down the block, from one studio apartment to another, is less complicated than moving from a 3,000-square-foot home in New York to a similarly sized house in California. No matter how or where you’re moving, preparation and careful planning will make the process smoother.

 

 1. Sort, sell, donate or toss

Why move what you don’t need or use? During the days and weeks leading up to your move, mercilessly sort through every closet and drawer. Organize a moving sale, donate items to a charity like Goodwill, The Arc or The Salvation Army, or list them via an online reuse/recycle-type website. Throwing things away is OK, too; some items will simply be outdated or too worn to be of much use to others.

 

2. Make lists, check them twice

Organization is the key to any good move. Make lists of all the people and institutions you need to contact before moving: schools, utility companies, government offices, subscriptions you need to change, etc. You’ll need another list that includes the names of everyone who needs to know your new address, from family members to co-workers. Perhaps most important of all: make a list of things that will be moved, room by room. If you’ve hired a moving company, the movers will work with you to put together an inventory. If you’re moving your own stuff, consider getting an app like Moving Day for the iPhone, which allows you to build a complete inventory and create barcodes for your boxes that you can scan with your phone and document damaged items.

 

3. Over-prepare

If there’s one thing you don’t want to run out of on moving day, it’s boxes. If you’re packing yourself, ask nearby stores, friends and neighbors for boxes. If you buy special moving boxes, ask if you can return any you end up not using. Also make sure you have plenty of tape, furniture padding and bubble wrap to ensure your stuff arrives undamaged. Borrow or rent a dolly for moving heavier items. If you’re relying on friends and family to move you, make it as easy as possible for them. Have all the boxes packed and labeled before they arrive, so all they have to do is pick up a box and carry it to the moving van. If you’ve got professional movers handling the packing, they should come armed with all the supplies you’ll need.

 

4. Label absolutely everything

Mark your boxes with clear descriptions so you can remember which boxes are fragile and which can wait to be unpacked. Even better: In addition to listing contents, label with a destination such as “master bath” or “basement.” Avoid mish-mash boxes and “misc.” labels – those boxes will cause frustration on moving day and beyond.

 

5. Pack an ‘open me first’ box

When you get to your new place, the last thing you want to do is sort through a half-dozen different boxes to find the toiletries and clothes you need. Your ‘Open Me First’ box should include a change of clothing for each family member, towels, soap, shampoo, medicines and favorite toys for the kids. If your morning isn’t complete without a cup of tea, include a tea kettle, tea and mug; granola bars or a box of crackers might also be a nice pick-me-up on unpacking day.

By Mary Boone

5 Things to Look for in a Rental Listing

Lackluster listings abound — learn to cut through the clutter and spot the keepers.

Whether you’re looking for an apartment, single-family house or townhome — and whether you’re in a city, the suburbs or a small town — be prepared to spend a lot of time online and even more time driving around to tour the most promising places in person.

If you want to save time and avoid headaches, make sure that every rental listing you consider has all the information you need. High-quality listings help you weed out the places that don’t fit your criteria (wait, Fido’s not welcome?), but they also indicate an organized, communicative and professional landlord — something every renter wants.

As you begin your search, consider these five important things every good rental listing should contain:

1. Detailed details

Front and center should be the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, storage space and a floor plan to help you visualize the layout.

Avoid listings with vague terms like “junior one bedroom” or “open one bedroom.” According to Zillow research, 88 percent of shoppers search online listings based on how many bedrooms and bathrooms they need. Landlords know this, so they get creative with descriptions to attract more tenants.

Another need-to-know detail is how safe the property is. Zillow research reports that 67 percent of renters said that a safe neighborhood is a must-have, and 46 percent said the same about a secure building.

Most landlords will say that the neighborhood is safe, so do your own research, especially if you’re new to the area.

Speaking of being new — if you’re moving to a new part of town or an entirely new city, look for listings with important facts about the neighborhood, including proximity to transit or major freeways, convenient shopping centers, and nearby recreation and entertainment options.

2. Amenities — all of them

Beyond basics like heating and kitchen appliances, every renter has different amenities that they consider must-haves.

The most popular amenities renters look for include air conditioning, in-unit laundry, ample storage and private outdoor space. Watch for other nice-to-have in-unit amenities, like recent renovations, hardwood floors, plenty of windows and upgraded kitchens.

Shared amenities should be included in the listing too — things like parking, rooftop decks, fitness areas, outdoor space, swimming pools and bike storage.

3. Major (and potentially problematic) policies

The listing should disclose any policies that could be a deal breaker for you. Examples include rules around pets (including specific breeds), the maximum number of people who can live in the unit, smoking, parking, noise and — most importantly — lease terms and length.

Additionally, see if you can tell if the landlord lives on-site or if a local property management company manages things. If the landlord is nearby, they’ll likely handle repair requests quickly, along with general building upkeep and maintenance.

4. Clearly described costs

Make sure the landlord is exceptionally clear about the dollars and cents:

• What is the monthly rent?
• How much of a deposit is required, and is any of it refundable?
• Are there any one-time fees?
• Is there a pet fee or monthly charge?
• Does parking cost extra?
• Who pays for utilities?

These additional charges can quickly move a listing from feasible to fruitless, so make sure you have all the info you need to do the math ahead of time.

5. High-quality photos

Focus on listings that have not only good photos but also recent photos — and lots of them.

Look for listings that include both interior and exterior shots, plus photos of all shared amenities. But renter beware: If the landlord says the photos are of a similar unit — not the one that’s actually for rent — you may find yourself in a bait-and-switch situation.

Once you find a few listings that include these details, you’re off to a great start. You can more easily compare properties side by side, identify deal breakers and find areas where a landlord might be open to compromising.

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8 Ways to Get Rid of Awful Pet Smells That Turn Off Buyers

You probably only think you’ve eliminated pet odors. Here’s how to make sure.
Having pet odors inside your home can turn off potential homebuyers and keep your home from selling. Ask your real estate agent for an honest opinion about whether your home has a pet smell.
If your agent holds her nose, here’s how to get rid of the smell:

1. Air Out Your House

While you’re cleaning, throw open all the windows in your home to allow fresh air to circulate and sweep out unpleasant scents.

Once your house is free of pet odors, do what you can to keep the smells from returning. Crate your dog when you’re out or keep it outdoors. Limit the cat to one floor or room, if possible. Remove or replace pet bedding.

2. Scrub Thoroughly

Scrub bare floors and walls soiled by pets with vinegar, wood floor cleaner, or an odor-neutralizing product, which you can purchase at a pet supply store for $10 to $25.

Try a 1:9 bleach-to-water solution on surfaces it won’t damage, like cement floors or walls.

Got a stubborn pet odors covering a large area? You may have to spend several hundred dollars to hire a service that specializes in hard-to-clean stains.

3. Wash Your Drapes and Upholstery

Pet odors seep into fabrics. Launder, steam clean, or dry clean all your fabric window coverings. Steam clean upholstered furniture.

Either buy a steam cleaner designed to remove pet hair for around $200 and do the job yourself, or pay a pro. You’ll spend about $40 for an upholstered chair, $100 for a sofa, and $7 for each dining room chair if a pro does your cleaning.

4. Clean Your Carpets

Shampoo your carpets and rugs, or have professionals do the job for $25 to $50 per room, depending on their size and the level of filth embedded in them. The cleaner will try to sell you deodorizing treatments. You’ll know if you need to spend the extra money on those after the carpet dries and you have a friend perform a sniff test.

If deodorizing doesn’t remove the pet odor from your home, the carpets and padding will have to go. Once you tear them out, scrub the subfloor with vinegar or an odor-removing product, and install new padding and carpeting. Unless the smell is in the subfloor, in which case that goes next.

5. Paint, Replace, or Seal Walls

When heavy-duty cleaners haven’t eradicated smells in drywall, plaster, or woodwork, add a fresh coat of paint or stain, or replace the drywall or wood altogether.

On brick and cement, apply a sealant appropriate for the surface for $25 to $100. That may smother and seal in the odor, keeping it from reemerging.

6. Place Potpourri or Scented Candles in Strategic Locations

Put a bow on your deep clean with potpourri and scented candles. Don’t go overboard and turn off buyers sensitive to perfumes. Simply place a bowl of mild potpourri in your foyer to create a warm first impression, and add other mild scents to the kitchen and bathrooms.

7. Control Urine Smells

If your dog uses indoor pee pads, put down a new pad each time the dog goes. Throw them away outside in a trash can with a tight lid. Remove even clean pads from view before each showing.

Replace kitty litter daily, rather than scooping used litter clumps, and sweep up around the litter box. Hide the litter box before each showing.

8. Relocate Pets

If your dog or cat has a best friend it can stay with while you’re selling your home (and you can stand to be separated from your pet), consider sending your pet on a temporary vacation. If pets have to stay, remove them from the house for showings and put away their dishes, towels, and toys.

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Kitchen Storage Hacks

Organize your kitchen on-a-budget with these 11 easy storage hacks and tips using everyday items. Transform clutter into a clean organized space with storage that will inspire you to cook more. Or no  :)

A Waterfront Home In Middleburg, VA

23057 Kirk Branch Rd, Middleburg

Waterfront living, just like at 23057 Kirk Branch Rd, Middleburg, gives a lot of perks - from fresh fish , to enjoying the sound of nature,  to being entertained by the wildlife that attracts the water,  or having fun in water sports adventures and the amazing view a home owner could delight in.

Enjoy the sounds of Goose Creek from every room in this exquisite custom built home that was completely remodeled and expanded in 2009.  The interior is exquisite, with a 12-room house, which was built in 1899, it sits on a 3 acre level and sloping property, which has 4 ensuite bedrooms, open flowing floor plan, gourmet kitchen, built-in cabinetry, recessed lights, pocket doors, Anderson windows & so much more! A deck from which to view the creek and listen to the mesmerizing water as it flows downstream.

 The exterior is what makes this home more special.  Living on this gorgeous waterfront home is serenity at its fullest.  No noisy neighbors, no traffic noise, no pollution and no un-welcomed urban disturbances.  It is like being on vacation, allowing the mind calmness and being able to be detached from the stress of urban living.  You can sit on the Sunroom and see the amazing views of clear sunsets and sunrise and countless birds flying above your house.  Let us not forget the countless health benefits of being surrounded by nature.

Owning this waterfront home also accounts for a significant value in terms of investment. As the waterside property are normally scarce to find, this allows you to retain this home’s value over a longer period as compared to properties in the city hub. Along with its excellent resale value, it can also be used for rental purposes. People want to rent waterfront homes for the same reasons that you want to buy one.


For more information or a private tour of 23057 Kirk Branch Rd , call me at  703-615-1493

5 Ways to Start Your Summer in Loudoun County

The long holiday weekend that marks the unofficial start of summer is finally upon us! It is a time many of us look forward to as it means more hours of sunshine, cool evening breezes through open windows, beautiful blooms and that snow is –fingers crossed- officially out of the picture for the next several months. Everyone has their own Memorial Day traditions, but this year we invite you to kick off the summer season in Loudoun with one of these five family-friendly activities. Don’t forget to share your experience using #LoveLoudoun. 


Pick Your Own Fruits & Veggies

One of the greatest things about summer is being able to gather fresh fruits and vegetables for salads and dinners. It is the perfect time of year to introduce even the pickiest eaters to something new! Visit Great Country Farms, which offers a variety of pick-your-own products throughout the year, or check out the strawberry patch at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, in partnership with Wegmeyer Farms. While there, take time to explore the beautiful four-acre garden, comprised of terraces carved into the hillside.

Set Up a Picnic

Many of Loudoun’s wineries and breweries allow you to bring a picnic to enjoy outdoors with a bottle of wine or a cold brew. This weekend, Tarara Winery’s outdoor summer concert series kicks off May 26^th with the 80s tribute band The Reflex. Bring your legwarmers, jelly shoes and some food to this not-to-be missed concert at the winery’s pavilion by the lake.

Explore the Outdoors

From the Potomac River to the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Loudoun offers numerous outdoor activities that span from kayaking and fishing to hiking, biking and more. Start with a visit to Rust Sanctuary- a hidden gem in Leesburg that includes 68 acres of wooded trails through meadows and forests. After, head across Loudoun to Harpers Ferry Adventure Center where activities range from lounging on tubes for a leisurely trip down the river to white water rafting.

Al Fresco Dining 

This has to be an all-time favorite summer activity. There is nothing better than sipping a cool drink under the sun or enjoying a delicious dinner outside as the day turns into night. After a few games at TopGolf, head to the entertainment center’s rooftop space that includes televisions, fire pits and live music on select evenings. At Sense of Thai in One Loudoun, you can sit outdoors or enjoy a breeze from inside as  the restaurant opens its garage-style doors on beautiful days. Many of the restaurants in the historic towns of Leesburg and Middleburg also have outdoor patios to enjoy including the “Secret Garden” at Shoe’s Cup and Cork, the Wine Kitchen and Red Fox Inn & Tavern.

Animal Encounters

Loudoun is known as the horse capital of Virginia so no matter what path you take, you are bound to see beautiful horses on farms throughout Loudoun. But, if you want to get up close and personal, visit the animals at Leesburg Animal Park, which features live animal shows, exotic exhibits as well as pony and wagon rides. If you want to learn about life on the farm, take a free farm tour at Temple Hall Farm and meet all the animals that call this Northern Virginia park home.

For more ideas, visit www.visitloudoun.org

article by:  Jen Sigal