Tag Archives: Real estate

Moving Tips and Tricks

Moving Tips and Tricks

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Getting ready to move? Are you excited and anxious about it at the same time? That’s often the case. While moving can be exciting, it can also be one of life’s most stressful events. There’s so much to think about and a multitude of things to get done, not to mention the changes that you and your family may face. That’s why I’ve put together some of the best moving tips and tricks to help make the process a little easier. Some organization and planning can lighten the stress load. Continue reading →

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Save Green, Get Greener With an Irrigation System

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Some days there’s nothing more satisfying than having the greenest, lushest lawn on the block. The perfectly edged beds, the deep green hues, and flowers and foliage blooming at their finest bring such utter satisfaction as you park in the driveway. If you pull up to brown or bare spots and a lawn full of weeds and you’ve weeded and seeded for as many seasons as you can recall, maybe it’s time to step things up. Perhaps it’s time for you to graduate to an outdoor irrigation system. Continue reading →

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Turning Your Outside to the Right Side

Turning Your Outside to the Right Side

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All homes have varied yard space. Some have major acreage or a full privacy fence that make them a notable benefit to buying a house. Yet many can be conceived as too small or simple to be memorable.  Outdoor space is no longer just for pets, garden or a kiddie pool, if you leave the space untouched, it could work against you. So, I have put together some tips and tricks to make use of your yard space and help it stand-out. Continue reading →

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Home Buying IS Within Reach!

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So many people, especially the young, are discouraged about their ability to buy a home, especially with the newest generation of homebuyers having born witness to the “housing bubble.” But let’s face it, that was almost a decade ago and the real-estate market has made a strong comeback with fair pricing and an honest loan system accessible to those who never thought it possible in their lifetime. Lucky for us, we have the details on how you can reach buying a home especially if your profession is in law enforcement, education, firefighting, and healthcare thanks to the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA). Continue reading →

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Is Your House a Green House?

Is Your House a Green House?

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Is your house green? I am not referring to the color, which may be a very nice shade of green on your home. I am thinking of your efficiency and the benefits of how your home is built, when the appliances were updated and if you are on your way to owning an Energy Star® home.

Earth Day is just around the corner and many people go big, (in some cases tiny as in tiny homes), to achieve a balance with the earth while enjoying a comfortable and beautiful living space. You can regularly find homes in Northern Virginia with solar panels, and many of us know about the VOWTAP wind turbine project slated for the Southern Ocean area of our great state. However, ocean wind turbines are controversial and many people still think solar panels are unattractive. So, what is a better way to meld conservation and comfort?

Energy Star®

In 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began the Energy Star® program. Manufacturers of home appliances and building products were encouraged to participate in the voluntary labeling program identifying which of their products were the most energy efficient. The EPA program has been widely applied, and the Energy Star® label is “now on major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics, new homes, and commercial and industrial buildings and plants.”

The energy guide label gives you a simple estimation of how much your new product will cost you and how it rates to comparable products You can learn more about the energy guide here.

You Can Be an Energy Star®

Is Your House a Green House?Even if your home is not new, you can update your home with Energy Star®-rated products and be an energy star.

  • Updated appliances are one of the easiest and fastest ways to help lower the carbon footprint in your home. The Energy Star ® website has a list of the most efficient appliances for 2017 ready for you to check out.
  • Insulation with the Energy Star® certification can help improve your home’s efficiency and is considered safer by the EPA. To get the most from your insulation, make sure you have purchased the best insulation for your temperature zone and housing type and ensure it is installed correctly.
  • Newer doors and windows with the Energy Star® certification can also lower your heating and cooling bills while increasing the value of your home. Once again, proper installation is key in ensuring you get the most from your update.
  • Are you ready to update your furnace or air conditioning? Make sure you get an Energy Star® Verified HVAC Installation (ESVI). Oversized or undersized equipment can lead to waste in both the energy source you are using as well as money.

We don’t have to go live on a commune or buy into crazy fads to make the earth a better place. We can be comfortable in our own homes and still be conservative with our energy use and our budgets. Have a great Earth Day! And if you would like to learn more about selling your home please contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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4 Reasons You Need a Price Strategy Advisor, (PSA)

4 Reasons You Need a Price Strategy Advisor, (PSA)

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When you search for realtors, are you overwhelmed by how many are in your area? And how to distinguish one from another? What you need is a realtor who has taken the next step to make your home-selling and buying experience a positive one. You need a Price Strategy Advisor, (PSA). As a certified PSA, I want to share with you four reasons why you should choose a realtor who has a PSA certificate.

Price Strategy Advisors Are Well Trained

Realtors who earn their PSA receive a certificate after completing an in-depth course on comparable pricing, valuation and market analytics. Those choosing to earn the PSA designation have to test out of the certification class. They know this educational component is important for accurately aiding their clients to help create the best buying or listing price strategies. They also take continuing educational opportunities seriously and value the importance of new ways to best serve their clients.

They Will Guide You Through the Maze

Whether you are buying or selling a home, a realtor with a PSA certificate can guide you confidently through the maze of complexities that come with buying or selling a home. Real estate has its own lingo, which can be very daunting. What is a Comparative Market Analysis? Does it benefit the buyer? The seller? Is the appraisal fair? Am I making a great bid, or am I overpaying?  These are all intersections in the maze, and a realtor with a PSA can successfully navigate with you.

The Masters of the Comparative Market Analysis

4 Reasons You Need a Price Strategy Advisor, (PSA)Your PSA-certified realtor will not only guide you through understanding a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), but they are extensively trained in how to calculate this important tool. As mentioned in a prior blog, the CMA is an in-depth report that digs into the heart of your homes worth. The CMA is compiled using “comparables.” These are nearby properties similar to yours that have sold in the last three to six months. A realtor with a PSA certification knows how to use the data to ensure an accurate read on your area and your home. A well-done CMA and pricing strategy can also mean a faster selling time on your property.

PSA and the Code of Ethics in Valuation

Realtors with a PSA certificate also have a deep understanding of the National Association of Realtors (NAR ®) Code of Ethics. Realtors with a PSA certificate must be in good standing with the NAR®. This means that their knowledge and good standing can be seen in the valuation of your property and the realtor’s interactions with you, the valuation process, appraisers and others involved in the real estate process.

As you can see, a realtor holding a Price Strategy Analyst certificate can be an asset to your property sale or purchase, bringing integrity, knowledge and success to the table. If you are interested in learning more about the PSA certificate or a Comparative Market Analysis, please contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

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Updating or Remodeling? What would an Appraiser Think?

Updating or Remodeling? What would an Appraiser Think?

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With spring officially beginning on March 20th and the idea of fresh new beginnings in the air, many folks are eager to get started updating their homes for a sale or planning improvement projects for a future sale. While you may be interested in adding a deck or patio, updating a kitchen or bath, or even adding crown molding to enhance trim details, not all projects are created equal in the eyes of a residential appraiser. Let’s look at a few of the things THEY look at to assess value.

Cost Versus Value

Homeowners considering home improvements need to remember that cost doesn’t always equal a dollar for dollar return in value. An appraiser does not simply add the cost of your improvement to the value of your home. Instead, an appraiser will look at the age of the improvement, assess cost and calculate depreciation if the asset is not new. Then they will evaluate the current marketplace to determine if buyers are buying and contracting for homes with similar improvements. The two approaches most often used to define value are called the Cost Approach and the Market Comparison Approach.

Site Location And Exterior Improvements

There is a lot to be said for your geographic location. For instance, if you have a unique setting and live near a pond or lake, have scenic views of the mountains, or live on the 18th green of a private golf course, the attributes of the lot/land are taken into consideration and should add value. Likewise, enhanced hardscape, such as an outdoor masonry fireplace, or even an in-ground swimming pool would also be taken into consideration. Whether or not the appraiser determines the site location and exterior enhancements to be of premium value depends on the appraiser. Once again, the cost and age of the improvement and most importantly here, the market comparison assessment, may or may not cause an increase in value. In other words, the year-round use of having an in-ground pool in Texas may be of higher value than one in Virginia.

The Value Of Maintenance

Regular heating and central air tune-ups, roof and gutter repairs and replacement, septic system servicing and other routine maintenance go a long way and speak volumes to a potential buyer but do not mean a whole lot to an appraiser. An appraiser will address the overall condition of the property but will not look to see if you have recently tuned up your HVAC or checked your gutters. An appraiser is more focused on the value of the property and its assets, so a new HVAC system or roof is important for them to know about, but the routine upkeep of your home and its condition relates to its marketability.

Don’t Toss The Paperwork

Updating or Remodeling? What would an Appraiser Think?Saving receipts can really be a pain, but it can be more of a pain not to document the amounts spent. You should also keep before and after pictures of the work you have had done. The appraiser can’t always see internal and structural work that may mean a difference of several thousand dollars. A good example would be the before and after photos of a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project.

These are only a few of the many things an appraiser will consider when determining the value of your home and its improvements. Ask your realtor for an opinion on buying and selling trends and whether your future improvement project will make a difference to your bottom line. Lastly, consider broad-based improvements that most people will like instead of specific improvements that only a few people can appreciate. Choose wisely to get the highest return and value for your improvements.

If you have questions or need a professional opinion on improvement values and the marketability of your home, contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

“Belinda was very helpful and patient with all the details involved in buying our home. She showed us several homes, supervised the home inspection, and made certain all necessary repairs were completed. She also recommended responsible moving companies and kept in contact with us on the progress of the loan.”  J. Lyell, Gainesville

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Spring Home Fix-up: Resolve to Repair

Spring Home Fix-up: Resolve to Repair

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Spring is here! It’s time to spring clean and look for those little (and big) repairs we keep putting off. I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t try to ignore a home fix up, but with a bit of planning, you can be ready to tackle the projects that keep your house in great shape.

The biggest question is always where to start. Winters in Northern Virginia may not be like they are in Siberia, but they can take a toll on your house. Below is a checklist of common spring concerns for every homeowner to get you going.

Gut the Gutters

Many people see cleaning the gutter as a fall chore. However, debris falls year round and ice buildup in your gutter system over the winter may cause damage. After cleaning out your gutter system, run water through and look for dripping in odd areas that could indicate leaks. Consider gutter netting covers or a gutter guard to lessen the amount of debris collecting and extend the life of the system.

Roof Overview

Break out the binoculars and do some roof watching. Loose shingles or bowing and swelling need to be addressed right away. Repairing the small concerns on a roof can save you in repairs, as well as avoid negative appraisal values if you are getting ready to sell your home. Also look for fungus growth, the ugly black color on shingles that make your roof look unsightly. This condition and other issues can be easily remedied to improve the overall look of your home.

Examine the Exterior

How is your siding holding up? Even homes with all-weather vinyl siding need a once over to look for loose or broken strips, or perhaps a good power-wash to remove some green algae. While you are checking out the siding, also take a peek at windows and their exterior trim to make sure that there is no wood rot or cracked windows.

Look Out Below

Take a good look at your home’s foundation to make sure there are no drainage or dampness issues. Clean the vent areas out so the basement has a good circulation of air to prevent mold and mildew problems.

Clear the Air

Spring Home Fix-up: Resolve to RepairSpring is the perfect time for a HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) tune up. The Indoor Environment & Energy Efficiency Association recommends a yearly inspection and tune-up of your heating and cooling system if it is more than 10 years old. Also, remember to change your air filter routinely to lengthen the life of your heating and cooling system and provide you cleaner air.

Get a Trim

If things are looking a little jungle-y in your corner of the world, it may be time to trim the trees and shrubbery. Not only does it help with the all-around look of the property, trimming the overgrowth can eliminate some of the debris issues on a property, as well as potential large debris problems that can crop up during storm season.

Once you take a look around, you may find other projects that need attention. Just remember, if you get the spring repairs out of the way, not only will you avoid bigger problems, but you will also have more time for summer fun activities.

If you need contractor referrals to assist you with the spring clean-up, or if you considering selling your home this spring please contact, Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

Sign up now for a FREE copy of my e-book, “The Real Estate Key – What You Need to Know”!

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The Purchase and Sale Agreement: It’s a Big Deal!

The Purchase and Sale Agreement: It’s a Big Deal!

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The Purchase and Sale Agreement: It’s a Big Deal!

You’re sitting at the table and looking at the PILE of paperwork that comes with buying your first home. Every piece of paper is important in some way, but the “big deal” is the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

The Purchase and Sale Agreement is a written offer from the potential buyer of the property to the owner of that property. The agreement lists the details of the transaction to protect both parties. If and when agreed to, there is a “meeting of the minds.”

In real estate, an agreement is tailored to specific properties such as single-family homes, multi-family homes and vacant land and contains a list of details important to the sale of a property. Here are some of the details you may find in your agreement.

Purchase Price Offer

One of the main details both parties want to know is the purchase price. As the buyer, your offer is considered and may be countered by the seller based on price or other terms. One of the important items to pay attention to is an expiration date of the offer. The offer cannot be accepted after expiration date unless all parties agree to modifications. Many realtors call this a “trigger” date. It is often seen in “hot” buying markets when several buyers are competing against each other.

Description of Property

Both the common mailing address and a legal description of the property will be included in the agreement. Residential developments are identified by subdivision, lot, block and section, and land and non-subdivision property are defined by the tax ID and/or tax map number.

Chattels, attached personal property such as appliances, light fixtures and even built-in shelving are specifically identified in the body of the agreement. Other personal property such as a pool table or playground equipment which may or may not convey should be identified and written into the agreement on behalf of the buyer. Do not assume all appliances convey just because some do. Be specific. Make sure your realtor is aware of the details and how you want your offer to be structured.

Who’s Who

Another crucial detail is information on which companies are handling the title to the property, the loan, closing and escrow. This information is important to make sure paperwork is properly transferred to the new owner. By and large, I believe a transaction is smoothest when both the seller and buyer use the same title or closing company, an impartial party that does not represent the buyer or seller unless monetarily retained. Keeping buyer and seller information under the same roof allows for faster and more responsive flow of communication.

Contingencies

As I noted in the blog “It’s Always Something,” the first thing to remember about contingencies is there are always more than one. However, they are extra protections for all parties involved. These can include home inspection and appraisal contingences that can save the buyer cash and heartache trying to deal with unexpected repairs or taking possession of a property that isn’t worthy of its value.

There are so many other items that may be included in the Purchase and Sale Agreement that I can’t even list them all here, but I should share just one more: the closing and possession dates. Who doesn’t want to know when they can jump in and start their new adventure? The closing day is an exciting time for all. It is when the seller signs the title work to transfer the deed and lending paperwork is signed off by the buyer to complete the purchase.

The Purchase and Sale Agreement: It’s a Big Deal!Typically keys are handed over to the new buyer, possession is taken and the moving trucks are ready to unload.  However, this day may or may not be the official closing date. The official closing date occurs when the transaction is recorded in the county, city or jurisdiction for which the property is located. The title or closing company has two business days to record the transfer. Once the transfer is recorded, funds are dispersed to the seller and any lien holders, and the transaction is officially complete!

If you want to learn more about Purchase and Sales Agreements or are ready to buy or sell a home please contact Belinda Jacobson-Loehle at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today.

You can also learn more by downloading my FREE e-book, “The Real Estate Key – What You Need to Know”!

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