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