Real Estate and Reston, VA

How Hard Can it Be? Selling Your House FSBO

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:56:00 -0700

I am well aware that the general public believes that Realtors are overpaid (I could spend a whole blog post letting you know how the commission we receive is divided and spent until we get a fraction of it to deposit, but I will save that for another day).

Friends of mine are always saying, 'we might try to sell it ourselves.' My response is always, 'you should.' And then I go on to tell them how they should handle the security issues and how they want to be sure to get legal advice as they go through the contract negotiations. Sometimes they give it a try, and sometimes they don't. I never want to take on a client who does not believe my services and time are value-added. If they are concerned, by all means, they should try it on their own.

The truth is, it is far more complex than putting up a sign and buying a combo box.

That brings me to the concept of using a fee-for-service brokerage to advertise your home (which usually goes hand-in-hand with putting up a sign and installing a combo box) . I have seen a couple of things that make me (and I am sure other Realtors) cringe. If you are going to take this on, here is what you should keep in mind.

Your choice to discount the buyer commission could negatively affect your traffic. I am not saying it will, I am just saying it might. Look to see what competitive homes are offering and give yourself a chance by remaining competitive.
Know your comps and understand how appraisers assess value. You might think your new carpet is a huge asset, but the market (and finally the appraiser) determine the value of your home.
Understand how a home inspection works and how you will get technical information during negotiations. As a buyer's rep, I can present our requests to a FSBO, but I cannot provide additional information or opinion on how they should respond. As Realtors, we don't understand every system in the house, but we have a strong network we can go to to ask questions and get clarification on issues.
Understand the Home Owners Association rules and laws in your area. Here in Virginia, you CANNOT just hand over the packet you received when you bought the house. It must be ordered and updated.
Make sure you understand the legal definition of rooms and don't misrepresent what you have. The biggest violation here are basement 'bedrooms,' which are often not bedrooms at all.
Be kind to the Realtor who brings you a buyer. They are likely doing twice the work--and often for less of a commission than they would normally receive as a buyer's agent (see #1).
If neither the buyer or the seller has a Realtor, you would be unwise not to hire an attorney. The transferring of real estate is subject to many rules and regulations. Make sure you understand your obligations or hire someone to guide you through the process. The last thing you want is to be sued over your efforts to save some money on your home sale commission.

Make sure you understand the laws and regulations in your community and do your part to make sure you do the best possible job of representing yourself in the sale of your home. If you decide it sounds like a lot to take on (and it is in our current real estate climate) be sure to hire someone to help you. You may be reluctant at first, but I think you will find it money well spent.

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.

Dog-Friendly Realtor...How Can You Tell?

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:12:19 -0700

I am a Realtor, a wife, a mother and the owner of 2 four-legged babies, Emmy and Gigi. There are times when these two dogs drive me crazy, but I love them both and they keep me grounded.

This morning, as I prepared for a private showing of one of my upcoming listings, it occured to me that I probably wear my love for pets on my sleeve--or pants, as the case may be.

So how can you tell I am a dog-owning Realtor? Here are some of the ways:

All my slacks and skirts have tell-tale slime at dog height. I try to clean it off, but inevitably, Emmy gets me as I leave
The same goes for dog fur. We now have two black dogs. If you think I wear a lot of black, you would be right...it makes it easier to be presentable.
I am very punctual by nature, but if I have been working at home and have to leave for a meeting, I am likely to be a couple of minutes late. Why? I can't always get the dogs inside!
When we meet for our first listing appointment, I completely get that you are more stressed about what to do with your dog(s) during a showing than what the asking price for your home will be.
I will greet your dogs with as much enthusiasm as I great you.
Dog owners 'get it,' and I will help you figure out the best way to handle all your dog stuff while the house is on the market--and I won't judge!

Being a dog owner is a huge commitment. Selling your house is a huge commitment, too. It isn't necessary that your Realtor be a dog owner, just because you are, but it sure makes it easier!

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.

Death of a Short Sale

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:31:22 -0700

RIP, Short Sale from Hell.

It was inevitable that this Short Sale would die a long and painful death. The indicators have been there all along; multiple banks, a second that has been sold multiple times, deadlines that came and went, a real estate market that has continued to improve since last fall. And finally, today, the public announcement of the Trustee Sale on the steps of the courthouse.

Could we have done anything differently? The very, very frustrating thing is that, no, we could not have done anything differently.

We provided a solid contract with few contingencies. My client was qualified. We remained in communication. We were patient.

At one point, we did withdrawal our contract after the 2nd trust was sold for the 3rd time and it looked like approval was impossible. We hoped that would spur them on. It did. We reinstated our contract, the 2nd trust approved the sale, and guess what? The first trust approval, which had expired, was not renewed! We started over with the 1st trust.

It has now been over 9 months. My client is very frustrated (his first purchase experience, by the way). He is looking out of state for a property since there is nothing available in his price range in Virginia.

Who wins in this scenario? Not the homeowner who is now facing foreclosure. Not the failed purchaser. Not the Realtors who have worked so hard to keep this deal together and will earn $0 on this transaction. Not the settlement company who has one less closing. Does the bank win? I guess it gets the home off of its books--but it would have anyway, if they allowed the sale to go through.

I guess the new purchaser wins...likely an investor instead of they excited first-time home buyer who is starting out his career and investment path.

RIP, Short Sale. Chalk another one up for a process that doesn't work for anyone but the investors and tax collectors.

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.

The Boys (and Girls) are Back in Town--and so is Their Stuff!

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Sun, 06 May 2012 10:23:16 -0700

'Tis the time of year that all of the college students return to their home-towns to spend sometime with Mom and Dad. Not only do our darling children return, but so does all of the stuff that they accumulated.

Their return creates special challenges for folks who have their homes on the market.

The first challenge is that the hours that they keep at college tend to be different that the hours most of us keep in the 'real world.' This can make the scheduling of showings tricky, especially for families that get up and out of the house each morning. Sleeping students are not what prospective buyers want to come across as they are looking at bedrooms. Let your student know that they will be expected to make the house available, and the hours that the house will be available for showing. Make sure you let them know what you expect of them while the house is being shown (do they need to leave?).

The second challenge is getting them on board with keeping their room, and other spaces that they use, picked up. I have two college-aged daughters and this is a constant discussion point in our house. Their standard for 'neat' and mine vary significantly. Make sure they understand what you expect each day when they get up and as they go through the day.

The third challenge is incorporating their stuff into your recently cleaned-up and cleaned-out house. Of course, a storage unit is always an option. Another option is to get stackable plastic containers and store their dorm/apartment stuff in these containers, stacked neatly in a garage or storage room. Not every home lends itself to this option, so be sure to consult with your listing agent about the best way of handling this in your own home.

Having your college age student home can be a challenge, and a joy, for any family. It is especially challenging when you have your home on the market. Make sure you involve your student in the discussions about what you have done to prepare your home for market and what you do daily to get it ready to show. While that may not get them out of bed early each morning, or ensure that they make their bed, being clear about the expectations will make it a little easier for everyone as you go through the process of selling your home.

Remind them that the faster it sells, the faster you can all go back to living 'normally!'

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.

First PUBLIC Open: 11220 Wedge Dr., Reston, VA 20170 3/18/2012 from 1-4 p.m.

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:45:13 -0700

Holly Weatherwax | Momentum Realty | (571) 643-4902

11220 Wedge Dr, Reston, VA

Fantastic Location! Minutes to Metro (2013) & Reston Town Center

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $710,000

Year Built 1971 Sq Footage 3,200 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 4 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 16,498 sqft HOA/Maint $47 per month

DESCRIPTION

Located on a quiet street just minutes from the new Reston Silver Metro Station in one direction and Reston Town Center in another, this beautiful BONNER CUSTOM CONTEMPORARY will make you feel instantly at home.

Freshly sanded and finished HARDWOODS on 2 levels, brand new carpet and fresh paint throughout. Generously sized rooms spread over 4 floors this house is both very livable and incredibly flexible.

Enjoy the quiet life and still be just minutes away from the action!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Bonus/Rec room - Dining room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Granite countertop - Basement - Laundry area - inside

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Swimming pool(s) - Tennis court(s) - Golf course - Lake - Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Golf Course Location! - Custom Bonner Contemporary - Great location, close to Reston Town Center - Bright home with flexible floor plan - Newly sanded and finished Gleaming Hardwoods! - Brand new carpt - Freshly painted - 4/5 BR, 3 Full Baths - Updated Kitchen and Baths - FX7792795 - OPEN HOUSE Sunday, March 18 from 1-4 p.m. hosted by Sloan Wiesen, Weichert Realtors

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

BONNER Custom Contemporar

Entry Way

Living Room w/Gas FP

Bonus Rm w/full bath

Updated Kitchen

Dining Room

Foyer

View from Deck

Master with hardwoods

Bedroom with hardwoods

Additiona BR w/hardwoods

LL Family Room

LL Bedroom

Close to Reston Town CTR

Beautiful floating stairs

Contact info:

Holly Weatherwax

Momentum Realty

(571) 643-4902

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 14, 2012, 1:41pm PDT

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.

Reston, VA, Bonner Custom Contemporary on Hidden Creek Golf Course

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:21:22 -0700

Holly Weatherwax | Momentum Realty | (571) 643-4902

11220 Wedge Dr, Reston, VA

Fantastic Location! Minutes to Metro (2013) & Reston Town Center

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $710,000

Year Built 1971 Sq Footage 3,200 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 4 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 16,498 sqft HOA/Maint $47 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

BONNER Custom Contemporar

Entry Way

Living Room w/Gas FP

Bonus Rm w/full bath

Updated Kitchen

Dining Room

Foyer

View from Deck

Master with hardwoods

Bedroom with hardwoods

Additiona BR w/hardwoods

LL Family Room

LL Bedroom

Close to Reston Town CTR

Beautiful floating stairs

Contact info:

Holly Weatherwax

Momentum Realty

(571) 643-4902

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 13, 2012, 3:17am PDT

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.

Homes for Sale in South Reston, Virginia (20191)

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:08:16 -0800

If you are considering a move to the Washington D.C. area, Reston, Virginia, is well worth your consideration. Unlike many typical suburban areas, the Reston Association takes great pride in the green spaces in Reston. The community feels more like a big park than a residential area. Mature trees, open spaces, parks and recreation areas are found woven throughout.

Reston, Virginia is a planned community, located in Northern Virginia, Fairfax County, in the suburbs of Washington D.C. The area is known for its excellent school system, the proximity to Washington D.C., Tysons Corner, Dulles Technology Corridor, Dulles International Airport and the Reston Town Center.

The wide variety of home types and price points makes Reston an excellent choice for many home purchasers.

There are three main sections of Reston, loosely defined by zip code: North Reston, South Reston and Lake Anne/Reston Town Center.

South Reston, as defined by the 20191 Zip Code, is generally accepted to be the homes South of the Dulles Toll Road.

Featured below are searches for the three most popular types of housing in the South Reston area, 20191 zip code.

Please contact me to let me know how I can help you find your new Reston home.

Single Family Homes for Sale in the 20191 Zip Code

Townhouses for Sale in the 20191 Zip Code

Condominiums for Sale in the 20191 Zip Code

You can reach me directly (or by text) at 571-643-4902 or at hollyweatherwax@mris.com.

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.

Homes for Sale in North Reston, Virginia (20194)

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:49:41 -0800

The wide variety of home types and price points makes Reston an excellent choice for many home purchasers.

There are three main sections of Reston, loosely defined by zip code: North Reston, South Reston and Lake Anne/Reston Town Center.

North Reston, as defined by the 20194 Zip Code, is generally accepted to be the homes North of Baron Cameron Avenue. It is also called North Point or North Hills by the people who live there.

Featured below are searches for the three most popular types of housing in the North Reston area, 20194 zip code.

Please contact me to let me know how I can help you find your new Reston home.

Single Family Homes in the Reston 20194 Zip Code

Townhouses in the Reston 20194 Zip Code

Condominiums in the 20194 Zip Code

You can reach me directly (or by text) at 571-643-4902 or at hollyweatherwax@mris.com.

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.

How I Know Spring Has Arrived to Reston, Virginia

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:15:59 -0700

When we bought our Reston, Virginia home, almost 11 years ago, we made a lot of changes, including moving and editing the landscaping. This one plant, however, was one of my favorites. As a single specimen, we had to find a place where it would get the right sun conditions, yet still look like it belonged.

We found the perfect spot, and each Spring when it blooms, I know that Spring has finally arrived! Yesterday, I took this photo.

I guess Spring has officially arrived to Reston, Virginia!

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.

What Improvements Should I Make to Be Competitive?

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:02:38 -0700

Yesterday, I wrote a post called, 'Keeping Up With the Joneses' Pays in Real Estate. In it I discussed the importance of making sure that you keep your house updated to the standards of the neighborhood.

What most sellers want to know is, 'what kind of improvements are worth the money?'

Of course, this is going to vary from place to place from price-point to price-point.

Many of the exterior updates that your neighbors are making are things that you can see. Some of the exterior updates that you might notice include: changing light fixtures, replacing windows, trim repair, deck sealing, replacing gutters. Other outside upgrades that you might notice being done include adding a deck or patio, a water feature (such as a water fountain), landscaping, and new exterior siding or painting.

It is important to find out what kind of improvements your neighbors are making on the inside, too. Some of these might include floor upgrades such as hardwoods, new carpet, and new tile. Your neighbors might be adding new lighting fixtures, new appliances, new cabinets, new counters and new plumbing fixtures. If over the years your neighbors have all remodeled the kitchen or bathrooms, you will need to consider how your home will compare to those homes

Some of the system oriented replacements that people in your neighborhood might be making include replacing the furnace or HVAC system or installing a new water heater.

Remember, it isn't enough just to clean out your closets and get the carpets cleaned when you list your house for sale. You need to take into account the work that the people around you have been doing and make sure that your home is equally well appointed. A home that is in good condition, with updates that are common for the area and priced well, will sell!

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.

'Keeping Up With the Joneses' Pays in Real Estate

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:35:07 -0700

We live in in a wonderful community in Reston, Virginia. We have known most of our neighbors since about 1994 when our neighborhood was built. We meet for coffee, celebrate birthdays and holidays together and watch one another's lives change and evolve.

Inevitably, every time we get together, the conversation turns to who is remodeling their kitchen, installing hardwood, finishing the basement or making other improvements to their home.

There are always some who are smug about the fact that they are not falling into the financial trap of 'Keeping up with the Joneses.' While it might not make sense to pick your car or your handbag based on what the neighbors are doing, when it comes to real estate, a wise consumer will listen and learn from these conversations.

When I go into a listing appointment, one of the things I am evaluating is how well your home stacks up to the other homes in the neighborhood, or in the area. If your community seems obsessed with kitchen renovations, you are not doing yourself any favors if you feel that it is a silly waste of time and money. The laminate cabinets and counters the builder installed might suit you just fine, but if all of your neighbors are upgrading to cherry cabinets and granite counters, it is something you should consider.

Buyers in this market expect that they will move into homes that are ready to receive them. They don't want to do a lot of work and the certainly don't want to fix all the things that the seller did not want to bother fixing. They don't expect a house that is ready for Architectural Digest, but they do expect a home they can live in for a couple of years before needing to tackle a big project.

If you aren't sure what your neighbors have been doing to their homes, it might be time to start having conversations at the mailbox or the grocery store. Not every update needs to be top-of-the-line, but if all the homes around you have replaced the carpet or the HVAC, you should be aware that this will be what the buyers will expect when you go to sell your home.

Buying things just because your neighbors do is not a way to run your financial life, but when it comes to home improvements, a smart seller will ensure that their home is just as updated as the homes around them. It is the one time when you really should consider, 'Keeping up with the Joneses.'

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.

How Easy Is It To Get Out of a Contract?

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 06:28:10 -0800

You have been saving your money, watching your credit score, getting advice from friends and family and you think it might be time to buy your first home.

Understandably, you are nervous. So much can go wrong; You might change your mind, you might select one house only to find one you like better, you might lose your job. Any one of these things make you wonder if you should actually buy a new house.

Are you wondering how easy is it to get out of a contract?

Last year, I wrote a post about this; What if I Change My Mind Can I Get Out of A Contract. It was one of my most well read posts. I know there are a lot of you who are wondering about this, especially given the unusual conditions in the real estate market over the last several years.

First off, if you think you might want to get out of a contract, because you might change your mind, I would counsel you that you are not ready to buy a new house. Changing your mind is not fair to the seller, the seller's agent, your agent, or anyone else involved in the contract. There may be ways that you can get out of a contract, based on the remaining contingencies, but while it is possible, and legal, it is not advisable and it is not fair.

If you are concerned that you might find something better and want to get out of the contract, I would advise you that you aren't ready to buy that particular house. In life, there is always something better that comes along. You need to decide if you want to become an homeowner, with all the benefits and responsibilities, or sit on the sideline and wait for the 'best' possible property. Buying a house comes with trade-offs. Sometimes, you buy a house because it meets all of your criteria, or maybe it doesn't. The house you buy needs to come close enough to your list that you won't have regrets later. Again, there are possible 'outs' to your contract, but it will depend on the timing and your contract.

If you lose your job, and have a financing contingency in your contract, you will likely be able to get out of the contract. You can't qualify for a mortgage if you need your job to qualify--and you no longer have it.

Contingencies in the contract are designed to help the buyer make sure that they are buying a house that they can afford, in the condition they expect, in a community that they can live in. They are not designed for wishy-washy purchasers or buyers who are really not certain how they feel about the house or purchase.

When you decide to buy a house, make sure you are well informed about your personal situation and your personal goals. If you go into a home purchase with clear goals and a willingness to move forward, you will be rewarded with a house that you can make your own!

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.

What the Seller Should Expect From a Home Inspection

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:21:06 -0700

This week I spent some time educating one of my clients about the way that home inspections are handled in Northern Virginia. They are handled differently than her past experience in other states, so I thought it might be worth explaining what a seller should expect, so that others know when they go to sell their Northern Virginia home.

Most Northern Virginia contracts include a Home Inspection Contingency. This contingency allows the buyer to hire an inspector to provide them with an objective, 3rd person opinion of the condition of the home.

It is customary for the inspection to take place without the seller present. The Buyer, the Buyer's Agent and the home inspector are generally the only ones present for the inspection.

The intent of the inspection is not to create a laundry list of obligations that the seller must fix. True, such a list is often generated, but it is really the result of the inspection, not necessarily the intent of the inspection. Think of it like the inspection you would get done before buying a used car. Yes, things might require fixing, but you really want to know what the overall condition of the vehicle is at this point in time.

It is also a time for the buyer to begin taking ownership of the house. Sometimes this doesn't happen and they walk away (but better now than later). They spend some informal time in the house. They might begin thinking about furniture placement or enhancements. With the seller out of the picture, they might start to think about how they will make the home their own.

In any case, the seller is not present at the inspection. The buyer has an opportunity to talk frankly with their inspector and really get an understanding of the property condition. If the seller were present, these conversations might not be as open and honest. Further, if the seller was there, the seller might participate and modify the outcome--both in a positive and a potentially negative, way.

Once an inspection is completed, the buyer gets a report of the condition of the house. As they review this report, they know that they will be asked to remove the home inspection contingency that was likely included in their contract. Usually, as a condition of removing the home inspection contingency, they ask the seller to make some repairs. These repairs will vary depending on the buyer, the seller, and the condition of the home. These repairs remain negotiable until the seller signs the document removing the contingency.

As a seller, you should approach this process without any preconceived ideas about the outcome. It is almost impossible that your home will be in perfect condition. Be open to the buyer's request/response and willing to consider the things that they might request. Of course, you can always turn them down or offer something different. Sometimes, although it does not happen often, the buyer will accept the condition of the home and no specific repair requests are made.

The Home Inspection is one more step in the process of getting the contract from contingent to non-contingent status. Understanding how the home inspection will work can keep this from being an unnecessarily stressful step.

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.

Fairfax County Public Schools Changes Last Day of School, 2012

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 04:40:22 -0700

It has been a very mild winter in Fairfax County, Virginia. As a result, the Fairfax County School Board has modified the 2011-12 schedule to make the last day of school Friday, June 15, 2012.

The school year has been modified by reducing the number of days in the school year by 2 to allow this earlier closing date.

For more information about this calendar change, or other actions of the school board, visit the Fairfax County Public Schools website.

If your plans include the purchase or sale of property in Northern Virginia, I would love to help you with Moving Your Dreams Forward!

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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.

10650 Chadwell Ct., Great Falls, Virginia FOR SALE

Holly Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Northern VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:24:21 -0700

Holly Weatherwax | Momentum Realty | (571) 643-4902

10650 Chadwell Ct, Great Falls, VA

Elegant Great Falls Colonial Will Exceed Your Expectations!

5BR/4+1BA Single Family House

offered at $1,269,500

Year Built 1994 Sq Footage 5,800 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4 full, 1 partial Floors Unspecified Parking Unspecified Lot Size 36,415 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Soaring ceilings, fantastic light, gleaming floors, and beautiful finishes are hallmarks of this elegant center-hall colonial located in the Langley School District. This small enclave of homes is centrally located close to Tysons Corner, Reston (and future Metro), and great shopping. Located on a cul-de-sac, this spacious 5 BR, 4.5 home features a 3 car, side-load garage, remodeled kitchen and baths, large, flat lot, In-law/Nanny suite, Jack-n-Jill bathroom/bedroom combination, generously sized basement, with option for a private apartment, tons of storage and elegant finishes throughout.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Bonus/Rec room - Office/Den - Dining room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Granite countertop - Stainless steel appliances - Attic - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard - Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Gorgeous Home with Cul-de-sac location - 3-Car, side-load Garage - Remodeled Kitchen and baths - Langley High School Pyramid - Features 5 Bedroom (1 Master & 1 Guest Suite),4.5 Baths - Formal Dining and Living Rooms - Generously sized rooms - Great Family Room with 11' Ceiling, Stone Fireplace and tons of windows! - Huge Lower Level with Guest Room, full bath, Wet bar/Kitchenette & Bonus room

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Elegant Center Hall

Gleaming Hardwoods

Double Oak Door Entry

FP with Marble Surround

Large Dining Room

Spacious Family Room

Remodeled Kitchen

Adjoining Breakfast Room

From Breakfast Room

Main Level Library

MBR with Tray Ceiling

Master Walk-in Closet

Guest Suite Sitting Room

Lower Level Rec Room

Kitchenette/Wetbar

View from Yard

Large,flat lot

Updated Master Bath

Contact info:

Holly Weatherwax

Momentum Realty

(571) 643-4902

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Mar 30, 2012, 2:05am PDT

If you like what you've read, please consider subscribing to my blog:

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.