When It Comes To Buying a House, Unique is Not Always Better

As I show buyers homes, I am constantly pointing out features that will, and will not, make it easier to sell in the future. I think it is critically important to consider resale, even as you are selecting the home you want to buy.
 
If you are considering a condominium, for example, it is Couple House Soldbest to buy the model that has the features most in common with the other units in the development. You might be attracted to a 3 bedroom, 1 bath model, but remember, when you go to sell, that might not be the most popular model available if most of the others feature 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (easier for roommates or to rent out a room).
 
If most of the townhouses in the neighborhood that you like are 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms, then you might want to walk past the 2 master suites model (2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths). Why? It will not appeal to the greatest number of purchasers when you go to sell.
 
That neighborhood with the colonials will attract buyers who like the colonial style. You might be attracted to one of the few contemporaries in the neighborhood, because it is unique and different. Just keep in mind, that it might be harder to sell a contemporary in  a neighborhood of colonials.
 
When it comes to buying a house, remember it is just as important to consider how easy the home will be to sell as it is to consider what you want to buy.  While unique, different and special are great personality traits, they don't always translate into a quick and easy sale.

 

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momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

5 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • February 06 2012 08:43AM

Freezin' for a Reason, this Weekend at Lake Anne, Reston, VA

If you haven't gotten out to enjoy the beautiful weather in Northern Virginia this week, you might want to head over to the  Lake Anne Plaza waterfront  tomorrow, 2/4/2012, from 1-3 p.m. and join in the 5th Annual Freezin' for A Reason. This event benefits Camp Sunshine.

The Polar Dip will take place at 2:00 p.m. I just looked at the weather and itFreezing looks like it will be overcast, but close to 50 degrees!

Participants are asked to register and the registration costs $100, again to benefit Camp Sunshine. Spectators can, of course, watch the fun for free. There will be activities and a post-dip celebration. There a number of great restaurants, a coffee shop, a drug store and more great places to pick up drinks and food while you are waiting for the big dip.

If you aren't familiar with Camp Sunshine, it is a camp for children with life-threatening diseases and their families. 

Best of luck to all the Polar Dip participants...bring warm clothes for when you get out!

 

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momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

7 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • February 03 2012 02:59PM

Clean Out That Closet and Make a Dream Come True

It is time for the annual Diva Central Dress Drive sponsored by the Reston Community Center, Reston, Virginia.

The drive, which runs from January 9 through February 25, 2012 collects dresses, shoes, jewelry, hand bags, shawls and accessories. Donations should be in good condition and no more than 5 years old (2007 or more recent). It is requested that they be dry cleaned prior to donating, but if that is not possible, the donation will still be accepted, just notify RCC at drop-off.

Donations can be made at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston VA 20191.

The big event, Diva Central,  will be held on Saturday, March 10 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.   at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne location (1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston, 20190). Any high school student who is in need of a prom dress can come in and select the dress of their choice (one per student), as well as all the accessories.

They are still looking for volunteers to help with the drive and event. If you are available, call Kenny Burrows, RCC's Teen Program Director, 703-476-4500.

Donations to the Diva Central event are tax deductible.

 

 If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog: Subscribe to Holly's Blog

 

momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

3 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • February 03 2012 08:25AM

What Were You Thinking When You Bought That House?

I see a lot of houses.  I see the light, I see the layout, I see the architecture and I see the stuff.  It is always interesting to try to figure out why people buy the houses that they buy.  Sometimes it is obvious and sometimes not.

When I am working with a client and they walk into the house they want, I can USUALLY see it their expression.  Not always, however, are the reasons for choosing a house so obvious. 

Have you ever walked into a home and wondered, 'why would you have ever bought this house?'  Maybe the layout is awkward. Maybe it is located on a busy street.  Maybe it is very, very dated.  

The reasons people buy a specific home is as varied as my white bungalowclients.  It could be that the only thing that matters is the location.  It could be that they gave themselves a deadline and just bought something that was available at the time.  They could have been relocating and did not want to go into temporary housing.  Maybe a baby, divorce or elderly relative caused them to want to make a quick decision.  And they live with the results of their choices until it is time to sell. Maybe, just maybe, the house spoke to them in a way that it does not speak to others.  

When marketing a house that is unique, or not necessarily attractive to many purchasers, the seller has two ways to represent the home in a way to attract the most people 1) price it competitively (every property has a price at which it will sell--warts and all), 2) stage it to appeal to the most possible buyers.

As you prepare to sell your home, it is important to look at your home from the view of all those who will see your home. A realtor who has experience as a stager, or working with  a home stager, can help you put together a plan to ensure that your home appeals to the greatest number of people.

You must also hire a LOCAL Realtor who is well versed in the market conditions that will affect the price that you get for your home. If we have learned anything in the past several years, one of the most important things is to price your home accurately right at the beginning. Pricing too high can result in your home languishing on the market and, ultimately, recognizing a lower sale price than you would have if the price was set correctly from the beginning.

When you are ready to sell your home, make sure you give yourself the advantage of using a Realtor who is experienced  both with marketing, pricing  and home preparation. It will give you an edge in a market that, at best, is quirky and unpredictable.

If you need help marketing your Northern Virginia home, get in touch, and we can find a time to put together a plan to sell your house.

 

 If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog: Subscribe to Holly's Blog

 

momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

6 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 23 2012 07:33AM

December 2011 Market Report for Reston, VA 20194

Here is a report on the market activity for Reston, VA, 20194 zip code, for December 2011.

20194 December 2011 v. December 2010 Sales

December is a notoriously slow month for real estate in the Northern Virginia area. This December did not behave any differently.  In fact, this December was even slower than December of 2010 in the 20194 zip code--and in all of Reston (click here for the 20191 Market Report and for the 20190 Market Report).

While consumer confidence is slowly regaining its foothold, buyers are still reluctant to move forward. Retail sales saw growth in November and December which could mean that consumers were spending their time and money on retail, rather than real estate, purchases.

3 Bedroom Townhouses continued to be the most popular homes sold in 20194 with the Average sold price up from the December 2010 average of $479,000 to the December 2011 average of $510,557, a 6.59% increase.

Detached, 4 Bedrooms+ homes saw the greatest price decline with the average sales price in December 2010 being $846,000 and the December 2011 average price at $706,875. This was a decrease in average price of -16.45%. It was a relatively few number of homes, 4 in 2011 and 5 in 2010, that impacted this average price.

The inventory in the 20194 zip code continues to be tight. Assuming more buyers get into the market this spring, it could create more favorable condtions for sellers than we have seen in a while.

If you are interested in finding out more about properties available in the 20194 zip code, text, call or email me at 571-643-4902, hollyweatherwax@mris.com.



 

 

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momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

0 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 20 2012 11:33AM

December 2011 Market Report for Reston, VA 20190

Here is the December 2011 market activity report for Reston, VA, 20190 zip code (North of the Toll Road, south of  Baron Cameron Avenue, includes Lake Anne and the Reston Town Center).
Market Report Reston, VA 20190 December 2011

December is a notoriously slow month for real estate in the Northern Virginia area. This December did not behave any differently.  In fact, this December was even slower than December of 2010 in the 20190 zip code--and in all of Reston (click here for the 20194 Market Report and for the 20191 Market Report).
 
While consumer confidence is slowly regaining its foothold, buyers are still reluctant to move forward. Retail sales saw growth in November and December which could mean that consumers were spending their time and money on retail, rather than real estate, purchases.

Condominium sales made up the bulk of home purchases in the 20190 zip code for December of 2011, with 12 units sold. This was down from December of 2010, when 23 units sold. The average sold price, however was up 12.75%, from $335,726 to $378,544.

The 20190 zip code had only 2 detached homes sell in December. While this number looks very low, only 3 detached homes sold in December of 2010. This zip code has a large number of condominiums and townhouses relative to the number of detached homes. The average price, insignificant when only factoring two homes, does not help at all given that the 2 homes sold were atypical detached homes: a 2 bedroom ($160,000) and a 3 bedroom ($210,000).

In the Lake Anne/Reston Town Center area, 7 townhouses sold last month, compared to 10 in December 2010. The prices trends are not clear, given that they were significantly up in some categories and significantly down in others. 

In December 2011, the 20190 zip code had 7 townhouses sold,2 detached homes and 12 condominiums. These numbers were significantly lower than in December 2010 when there were 10 townhouses, 3 detached homes and 23 condos sold, indicating that demand was down in December 2011.

If you are interested in finding out more about properties in the 20190 zip code, text me, call me or email me at 571-643-4902 or hollyweatherwax@mris.com.

 

 If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog: Subscribe to Holly's Blog

 

momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

0 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 20 2012 11:33AM

December 2011 Market Report for Reston, VA 20191

Here is a market report for Reston, VA, 20191 (South of the Toll Road), for December 2011.


Market Report for 2011, December 2011

December is a notoriously slow month for real estate in the Northern Virginia area. This December did not behave any differently.  In fact, this December was even slower than December of 2010 in the 20191 zip code--and in all of Reston (click here for the 20194 Market Report and for the 20190 Market Report).
 
While consumer confidence is slowly regaining a foothold, buyers are still reluctant to move forward. Retail sales saw growth in November and December, which could mean that consumers were spending their time and money on retail and car, rather than real estate, purchases.

In South Reston, 3 Bedroom Townhouses continued to be the most popular homes sold with the Average sold price slightly down from the December 2010 average of $346,200 to the December 2011 average of $342,389, a 1.10% decrease. In December of 2010, 21 townhouses were sold, while this December 14 were sold.

The average price for a detached, 4 Bedrooms+ home sale was up in South Reston, the number of units sold was down significantly. In 2010 the average sold price was $504,429. In 2011, the average sales price was $573,333 which was an increase of 13.66%. December 2011 saw the sale of only  4 detached homes, compared with the sale of 15 detached homes in December 2010.

Condominium sale prices were up 10.13% with an average sale price in December 2011 of $186,429 as compared to the December 2010 average of $169,284. Last year, 13 condos were sold as compared to only 7 this year in the month of December.

Overall, the numbers were down, acrosss the board. In December 2011, the 20191 zip code had 14 townhouses sold, 4 detached homes and 7 condominiums. These numbers were significantly lower than in December 2010 when there were 21 townhouses, 15 detached homes and 13 condos sold.

If you are interested in finding out more about properties in the 20191 zip code, text me, call me or email me at 571-643-4902 or hollyweatherwax@mris.com.

 

 If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog: Subscribe to Holly's Blog

 

momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

0 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 20 2012 11:32AM

Looking For Things To Do in Northern Virginia?

Northern Virginia is a great place to live!  There are things to do all over the Washington D.C. metro area. From NOVA (as we Virginians call it), it is an easy jaunt to Maryland or D.C.  We have access to museums, monuments, theaters, events (and great shopping) throughout the area.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, The Washington Post is a greatLake Anne Farmers Market place to start. Each Friday they publish a Weekend section that provides theater, art, music, movies and local event information. This pullout section is a great resource.

If you are not a paper subscriber, you can get most of this information on-line at the Going Out Guide site. Go to this site to make your weekend plans and find out what is happening in and around the Northern Virginia area.

Make plans to do some fun things this weekend and use the Going Out Guide to help you make those plans.

 

 If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog: Subscribe to Holly's Blog

 

momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

0 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 20 2012 07:55AM

Baby Steps Toward Selling Your House


There is undoubtedly a lot of work to do before you put your house on the market.  Not surprisingly, it is the little things that can help convince a buyer that your house is the 'one.'  You can't change the architecture or the location, but you can control how your house is presented. Rather than waiting until 2 weeks before you list and then pulling all nighters to get ready, why don't you tackle some of the smaller jobs right now? If you do one thing each day, you might be surprised how quickly you get through the list. 

Here is a list of some things you might tackle to get the job started:

  1. Clean out the pantry.  Get rid of food with expired dates. Toss (or donate if the dates are still good) the items that you bought but you now know you will never use. Make sure there is nothing in the pantry that doesn't belong in a pantry (backpacks, shoes, toys, etc.).
  2. Tackle the junk drawer. Junk drawers serve a purpose. They should contain those random items that you need fairly regularly, but that don't have another logical place to live.  If there is stuff that you can't identify or will never use, it is time to throw it out!
  3. Fix up the front door. Paint it. Buy a new mat. Replace worn or broken door knockers, knobs and doorbells. If it is warm enough where you live, put fresh plants in the pots.
  4. Clean off the 'fridge. Have you even noticed that magnets multiply? Seems like you put one on your refrigerator and all of the sudden it is covered. Just get rid of them. If you must keep the one with the school phone number or the pharmacy information, tuck it discretely on the side or upper corner.
  5. File your papers. We talk a lot about being a paperless society, yet we continue to be overrun with paper. Put on trashy television, sit down with the piles and start filing them. If you don't need something, shred it. If you are out of file cabinet space, pick up some file boxes at your local office supply store and get organized.
  6. Clean out your closet. Now I can't speak for everyone, but I know that many of us have several sizes in out closet. Pick the size that you are right now and put everything else in a storage box that you can access if you suddenly drop 10 lbs. Get rid of those 'good quality, ugly as sin,' sweaters that you believe you will wear at some point--you won't. You will feel much better when your closet is filled with things that you both like and that fit.
  7. Go through the medicine cabinet. Gather up all that expired medication and take it to a local pharmacy that accepts medication for disposal. DO NOT FLUSH IT! Throw out old boxes and dosage cups. Organize it by ailment (First Aid, Cold, Stomach Issues, Specific Illnesses, etc.). Knowing where to find something when you need it will save you time and money (you will avoid replacing things that you already own!).
  8. Donate Books and Magazines. Decide which books are important to you (that you will read again or that you would like to have on hand to lend) and get rid of the rest. Your kids will not come back for that old Economics Book. That mass-market paperback will not be re-read.  Find a shelter, hospital or Elder Care center that will be appreciative of your donation.
  9. Tackle that 'room.' We all have one...the room that collects all the stuff. It might be a room that one of your children used to live in before they moved out. It might be a guest room--and you don't have many guests. Maybe it is just an extra room that you never really needed and have used for storage. Just clean it out.
  10. Time to take on the tapes and disks. VHS and cassette tapes will not become like albums. You probably don't even have the players for them anymore.  Old PC games and software fall in to this category, too. Donate them, if appropriate, throw them away, or pack them up (if you must), but take some time to evaluate whether or not you will ever watch, play or use each tape or disk again and then act accordingly.
I hope this list helps inspire you to take on some of the projects around your house. When you look at the big picture, it can be overwhelming. By taking on one job at a time, you can begin to get your house under control--whether or not you are considering a sale.

 

 If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog: Subscribe to Holly's Blog

 

momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

5 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 13 2012 07:43AM

No, Really, It Is Perfect!

Compromise has become a dirty word. No longer are we willing to give up something in order to gain something else. In purchasing a home, however, you better get back in that mode, or you will not be moving anytime soon!

At heart, most of us are idealists. We truly believe that perfect house is out there. It probably is, but whoever is living in it might not be marketing it while you search for a new place to live.Blue house

As you begin your home search, it is important that you create a list of 'must haves' and 'like to haves.' You may find that items on the list are constantly being shifted back and forth as you see more homes and refine your needs. That is okay; buying a house is a process.

Perfection is overrated. What you need in a new home is one that fits your needs. It might never have the perfect dining room view, but it might have a great kitchen. You might have to sacrifice your one acre yard to be 3 blocks from the metro. The kids might all share a bathroom to get bigger closets. These things are all okay!

When you find the house that works for you--even it it is not 'perfect'--don't be afraid to compromise. One day you will look back and realize that your compromise house was' 'perfect' for you all along.

 

 If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog: Subscribe to Holly's Blog

 

momentum Realty

I believe that buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE. If I can help you, your friends or family buy or sell their next home in Northern Virginia, please let me know!

If you need help with a home outside of Northern Virginia, I have an extensive network of referral agents and will make sure you are working with the best!

The contents of this blog may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of Holly Weatherwax.

5 comments • Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA • January 12 2012 10:19AM