The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® reports on March 2013 home sales activity for Fairfax and Arlington counties, the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church and the towns of Vienna, Herndon and Clifton. A total of 1,499 homes sold in March 2013, a 4.02 percent increase above March 2012… read more →
Living in the Wahington, D.C. metro area more often than not, space is at a minimum. You say you want a haven to come home to after work. You say you want a place to escape the hustle of life. With an efficient layout and undemanding plants, you can achieve… read more →
A real estate owned (REO) home is one that is owned by a lending institution as a result of forfeiture or failure to make mortgage payments. REO homes are popular with investors and home buyers looking for a deal. When a homeowner defaults on a mortgage loan, the property ends up at… read more →
One story living is hotter than ever and not just for baby boomers! Young families and singles opt for one level homes in today’s market. t’s only recently that an increasing number of homebuyers have been more interested in doing all of their living on one floor. In 1973, one-story homes made up… read more →
Everyone loves the smell of freshly baked cookies in the oven, right? Sure, but don’t expect that smell to sell your house, research suggests. Homeowners are often coached to create pleasing aromas when potential buyers pay a visit. But complex smells, like baked goods and potpourri, are likely to damp enthusiasm for a… read more →
Moving can be stressful enough for adults, let alone children. Studies have shown that children who move frequently tend to do poorly in school and have more behavioral problems. The study also found that introverted people who moved often when they were young demonstrated less well-being as adults — and… read more →
The bidding wars are back. While not every local real-estate market is experiencing bidding wars, some homebuyers find themselves competing for houses because not many are for sale in their markets. To compete in a bidding war, buyers need to prepare financially for the home purchase. They have to be… read more →
In today’s economy, many people live paycheck to paycheck. However, if your goal is to buy a home, you need to get a better strategy. Budgeting needs to take priority. Most people need to sacrifice a little and stick to a budget in order to save for a home. A good budget plan should… read more →
As consumers grow more energy-conscious, and environmental advocates push for greater awareness, there is no shortage of suggestions for new ways to cut energy bills and help the planet in the process. The cost-savers can be great for homeowners — but what about renters? It turns out that many leases… read more →
Although any home loan might be the right choice for homeowners of any age, mortgage needs change over a lifetime. Here’s a look at which loans are best-suited to different life stages, including when you’re just starting out, hitting middle age and preparing to retire. Just Starting Out Many of… read more →