Falls Church Dirt
Helping Dreams Come True
November 30th, 2009 Categories: Alexandria Dirt, Arlington Dirt, Falls Church Dirt, Home Buying, McLean Dirt, Reston Dirt
Making home ownership dreams a reality, one home at a time…
Right now you might only be dreaming of home ownership, but it might be more attainable than you think. Prices are reasonable, rates are unbelievably good, the tax credit has been extended… why not at least investigate? Call me to go over the first steps to see if now might be a good time for you. Whether it’s a condo in Reston? a Townhome in Vienna or a single family in Arlington? (or anywhere else in the region for that matter) I am well qualified to help.
Happy (rainy) Monday
Jennifer
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Home Decor Stores – A Secret Addiction
October 7th, 2009 Categories: Alexandria Dirt, Arlington Dirt, Falls Church Dirt, McLean Dirt, Reston Dirt
Got ya huh? I first sat down today to write a post about decorating for the season; whether it’s fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring, 4th of July or whatever else you might think to decorate for, this time of year I always enjoy the warm musky scents of cinnamon and cloves; I enjoy my grapevine pumpkins and the pumpkins and mums that align everyone’s front walks. While generally I’m a bright color kinda gal, this time of year I love to see the cranberry colored candles and the burnt orange and deep browns that make up the colors of the season.
So as I’m formulating my post about decorating with gourds
and candles
and jack-o-lanterns…
I’m really finding myself thinking, “oh, where can I run out and get some cute stuff for the season?”
Well, the first place that comes to my mind is Home Goods. In fact, when I surfed on over to the site to pick up the link for you, I found that I could become a Fan of Home Goods on Facebook… of course I couldn’t resist. But THEN, the best part of all, the first post I saw was that their “Dynamite Deals” begin October 8 – already thinking about what my schedule’s like tomorrow – ok, but I digress.
Another great spot to pick up seasonal items is Target. Of course – we’re all at Target ALL THE TIME anyway right? It’s the place you can’t get out of for under $100 unless you are seriously time constrained. Anyway, they have some super cute seasonal merchandise and you can also find the other accouterments to go with whatever theme you’ve started because they have everything from table linens to candles, vases, etc….. am getting antsy just thinking about my next trip!
There’s also Tuesday Morning, if you’re lucky enough to have one in your area. It’s hit or miss, but if you go enough, <wink wink>, you’re sure to find good stuff.
Of course there are all sorts of other places to find seasonal items ranging from the grocery stores, pharmacies, farmer’s markets, Hallmark or other card stores, etc… You can range from the plastic gaudy to selecting materials all from nature like berries, leaves, shells, etc… You can simply decorate a dining table, or a mantle or go to extremes of multiple rooms, inside and out. I’m no decorating expert, but if you set out to enhance your home with a seasonal theme, it’s fun and adds a special feel to your world. Of course you can save your decorating items from year to year, but then you’ve shortchanged yourself out of the fun of the hunt.
See you at Target!
Jennifer
OK I know many of you are wondering what this has to do with real estate sales and it doesn’t but it has a lot to do with your home, which is the heart of the matter now isn’t it? These are also great staging ideas if you’re considering selling!
Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!
Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session! And remember, there’s no time like the present! The $8,000 tax credit expires on 11/30/09 – There’s still time!
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The Clock is Ticking and the Market is Booming
October 6th, 2009 Categories: Alexandria Dirt, Arlington Dirt, Falls Church Dirt, Home Buying, Home Selling, Market Stats, McLean Dirt, Reston Dirt
Houses (and condos) are selling. That is good news.
Interest rates are still low. That is good news.
Inventory is shrinking. That is both good and bad news.
The 1st Time Buyer Tax credit will soon end… Good or bad news?
As we wind down to the end of the year – the main topic of discussion (and motivation) seems to be the demise of the $8,000 first time buyer tax credit. Some say it’s definitely going to be extended – others will tell you no way it will be extended – blah blah blah is what I say. Whatever happens, it is what it is. Has it stimulated purchases this year? I believe it has. Is it still stimulating purchasing? YOU BETCHA!
As you know, I track ratified contracts in Arlington County Virginia – that’s for ALL property types; condos, townhomes, single family detached – in all zip codes, in all price ranges. The goal of looking at this slice of the statistical pie is to see the REAL sign of market activity – you can look at sold data – but it’s likely to be months old by the time it’s “sold.”
I recently reported on the market this summer. What I thought would be very interesting would be to watch the activity for September and October. I can report to you today that we ratified more contracts last week since the 2nd week of June at a whopping 69 ratified contracts. There wasn’t a SINGLE WEEK in all of 2008 when we ratified this many contracts. Yes, you heard me – the highest we hit in 2008 was 65. Now I don’t have numbers going back as far as 2003, 2004 or 2005 – but I’m telling you this, so listen up:
What we have now is the perfect storm. If you’re still on the fence, GET OFF. We have incredible interest rates, shrinking inventory, and sellers who (for the most part) want to sell. Whether you’re eligible for the tax credit or not, I cannot think of better circumstances under which to consider a home purchase.
So, pick up the phone and phone or text or email me to start discussions today. If you’re a seller – don’t delay. Whether or not you feel you’re in the “zone” for the 1st timers, houses are selling. PERIOD.
It’s Tuesday folks – have a good one!
Jennifer
Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!
Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session! And remember, there’s no time like the present! The $8,000 tax credit expires on 11/30/09 – There’s still time!
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Referrals
September 16th, 2009 Categories: Arlington Dirt, Falls Church Dirt, Home Buying, Home Selling, McLean Dirt, Reston Dirt
Simple concept… If you like someone’s haircut, you ask them where they had it cut… right?
If you like someone’s landscaping, you ask them if they would share the name of their architect… right?
If you need a new house cleaner, lawn service, nanny, etc… you start asking around – to get a REFERRAL!
Did you know that 78% of consumers trust peer recommendations (as reported in this super cool video chock full of social media statistics) It goes on to say that only 14% trust advertisements. What does that say? Referrals (or peer recommendations) are becoming ever more important in our business world today.
So, why should your experiences in real estate be any different? I would contend that they are actually one of the most important referrals you could ever give or receive. It’s quite possibly the single largest purchase you will make (until you sell and move) and you need a highly qualified person guiding you, who you will work well with (that’s a lot of w’s!). Be certain, it’s not just the referral, they then need to earn your business, but peer recommendations for that initial list is the absolute best place to start!
Since I don’t know many of my readers, I’ll share with you a recent email I received from a client who just sold and bought this summer:
Jennifer,
Our recent move should have been a stressful time in our life given the circumstances of our Family and the economy. We needed to upgrade in preparation for our new baby and the timing was difficult because of the turbulent economy and housing market. Through your guidance we were able to find a house that we absolutely love, and sell our old house for a fair price. You were very understanding and considerate of the difficulties involved with showing our house with a toddler and a large dog. You worked with us like a friend would, and we are very appreciative of that. You thoughtfully and promptly dealt with any issue or question we had no matter how small or large it was. We always felt like we were your only client even thought in reality I know you were very busy. We look forward to working with you in the future and we will certainly be in touch. Thank you!
- Travis, Miriam, and Keegan Smith
Now what do you think of that? I will tell you it made me smile!
So don’t keep secrets – share your referrals, share your success stores, share your good experiences! I for one will be eternally grateful!
Happy Wednesday
Jennifer
Serving all of your real estate needs in Arlington, McLean and the entire Northern Virginia Region!
Contact me today for a free home valuation or buyer counseling session! And remember, there’s no time like the present! The $8,000 tax credit expires on 11/30/09 – There’s still time!
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