Wine growing in Virginia dates back to the early seventeenth century, when English settlers at Jamestown unsuccessfully attempted to cultivate European vines. The coastal climate of the Chesapeake proved inhospitable for grape growing, but modern technology and viticultural techniques have solved these problems. The topography and geology of the state… read more →
When involved in the sale of a home, it’s crucial for the buyer and seller to understand the details of the real estate contract before it’s signed and, in particular, to recognize the points at which the contract can be cancelled without penalty. A real estate contract, once signed by… read more →
Now that it’s spring, more yard sales should start popping up in your town. You can make some cash by combining your spring cleaning with a successful garage or tag sale with these tips from garage sale experts. 1) Sell on Saturday Author and host of former PBS show Collect This!… read more →
Renovating your kitchen is an exciting project, but the various tasks involved can also make it a daunting one—especially for home improvement novices. While some projects can save money on the overall costs of a kitchen remodel you need to know when it’s safer to leave tasks to the professionals. Here… read more →
Here Are a Couple Ways That Lenders Determine How Much You Can Borrow: 1. Percentage of Gross Monthly Income Many lenders follow the rule that your monthly mortgage payment should never exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.This will ensure that you are not stretched too far with your mortgage… read more →
Using technology to help manage the household can add up to a good amount of time and money saved—not to mention a significant reduction in things (paper calendars and planners) and clutter (all those papers!). Here are the top four apps our clients hate to live without. Perfect Your Budget… read more →
Before purchasing a house, it’s important to hire a home inspector to evaluate the home from bottom to top—including the attic. This often-overlooked storage space can provide visual cues to potential problems in the safety and structural integrity of a home. If there is damage present, the inspection can help you determine… read more →
Reopening of the Renwick Gallery November 13-14, 2015, Washington DC. The Smithsonian museum reopens after an extensive renovation. On Friday, explore the galleries, meet curators Bell and Atkinson, and take tours led by museum docents. On Saturday, attend a free family festival with craft activities, artist demonstrations, musical performances and special… read more →
Choosing color palettes can strike fear in the hearts of even the most confident homeowner. Many people struggle to decide which color scheme will best complement the inside of their homes. They don’t trust their ability to match complementary shades. Others fear they may quickly tire of the color palette they… read more →
Shopping for the best mortgage involves more than just checking interest rates and loan terms. Many borrowers are surprised by the many additional costs involved in closing the loan. Almost all closing costs relate to fees that the mortgage lender is charged by a third-party company and then passes on… read more →