Tag Archives: Real estate

Achieving Success: Working With a Professional Realtor in Prince William County, Northern Virginia and Beyond

15.09.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

Achieving Success: Working With a Professional Realtor in Prince William County, Northern Virginia and Beyond

realtor is about building a relationship based on respect and trust.

Much like working with a doctor or an attorney, working with a professional realtor is all about building a relationship based on respect and trust.

As an expert, your realtor is there to help with what may be your single most important investment, the buying or selling of your home. Your realtor should be an expert and your best source of information. Here are some tips for getting the most out of the relationship you’ve built with your realtor.

Stay local. You are always better off working with a local agent to list your property and typically better off with a local buyer agent as well. A local listing agent will know the pulse of the area, be up on market trends and have a network of other realtors to go to share new listing information or buyer needs with. You want the biggest bang for your buck, so use the experience of an agent who is tapped into where you live or want to live. You should find quicker success and the opportunity to create the next chapter in life.
Listen and evaluate what your realtor recommends. As a professional, a realtor has assisted with the buying and selling of homes, hopefully for many years. Although no two cases are the same, the process and possible outcomes are more familiar to them than to you. Empower yourself with their knowledge and evaluate their recommendations so you can make an informed decisions.
Know what you want or don’t want from your realtor. Share your dreams as well as your concerns. Sometimes knowing what you don’t want will answer the question of what you do want. Are you looking for an agent that specializes in a certain niche, such as retirement communities or home staging? Or, are you a first-time homebuyer who needs more guidance? Successful realtors understand market trends and may have access to information not available to the general public. Many times a property you thought would be unavailable may be at the agent’s fingertips. So speak up and let your realtor know what you desire!
Be sure you’re getting a team and know that you become a part of that team. An established realtor works with other reputable professionals such as trusted lenders, title companies and estate professionals to give you a great team experience. As a principal to the transaction, you become a member of the team and must do your part to communicate with the team, provide documentation and make yourself available. No one person can do it all. It’s the team effort that gets everyone to the finish line. Make sure you know the players.
Talk about communication. How accessible is your agent and does he/she communicate in a way that is comfortable for you? Consider your communication style and how you want to be contacted by your agent. Do you prefer email, phone calls or personal interaction? Is your agent available when you are? Does your agent have evening and weekend hours? Most importantly, does your agent follow up in a timely manner? Real estate bids can come in quickly and are often time sensitive. An agent that doesn’t respond in a timely manner could be a problem.
Give and take information. It’s okay to emphasize any knowledge and experience you may have to help your agent start to really understand both your short and long term goals. Conversely, ask about any concerns you think may have been forgotten in the busy initial contact stage, as well as throughout the transaction. There are no stupid questions!

Remember, a professional realtor can be as important to your life transition as any other professional you work closely with. A caring, experienced realtor wants to be there for you through all your important home and property ownership milestones. With a relationship based in mutual trust and respect, there is no limit to what can be achieved.

Contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging or email Belinda@Jry1.comfor your real estate needs.

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Establish Your Team. Know What to Look for in a Loan Officer

08.09.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

Establish Your Team. Know What to Look for in a Loan Officer

Select a local professional with a good reputation – Personal referrals are best when looking for someone to handle your home loan. If your realtor already has some trusted loan officers, fantastic! Obtain referrals, shop around and do some research by reading reviews online. You can find a loan officer anywhere in the country, but staying local with your selection works best. When issues arise and the appraiser needs to be contacted and communication is urgent, you want someone who is responsive and able to maneuver quickly within the local marketplace. It’s your safety net to a successful transaction.

Good communication skills – Often times a move accompanies a major life change, like a marriage, divorce or job change, and you want someone who is sensitive to that. You need someone who is caring and dialed into your financial goals, and can effectively communicate in the way that is best for you. Not everyone likes text messaging, but other folks can’t be reached without it.
Experience – Ask how long your potential loan officer has been in the mortgage business. You want someone with experience, but that’s not to say a new loan officer won’t work just as hard or harder for your business. It’s when challenges are presented and credit issues require counseling that experience matters the most. Do some research on the company to ensure they are reputable, as well. Look for Better Business Bureau complaints on the lending company. Loretta Flynn, Senior Mortgage Advisor at McLean Mortgage Group says, “The lending guidelines are the same for everyone – it is the way a loan officer prepares their customers for the process and guides them through it that separate the good from the exceptional…the loan officer must see the transaction through to the very end and navigate the whole way through the transaction and safeguard that nothing goes awry in the final days before the closing.”
Good rates and reasonable fees – It is always best to comparison-shop lender programs and fees, even when you are buying new construction. Aside from a little time, it doesn’t cost you anything to complete a loan application. A good deal isn’t a good deal until you have something to compare it to. Lenders receive new lending products on a regular basis, but not all lenders have the same products. An evaluation of your credit history and an understanding of your personal circumstance will provide you the details you need to obtain the best quotes. And if you are still uncertain after that, speak with your realtor.
Top-notch customer service – Buying a new home can be smooth sailing if you have a loan officer who prioritizes customer service, works well as a team player with all parties, answers your questions and can circumvent road blocks. In the end, you will need to trust in the team that you have created by relying on their professional skills to successfully get you to the closing table. As Loretta Flynn says, “A Realtor’s livelihood is based on a 100% successful execution of their promises to their clients, and the loan officer should hold himself or herself to that same standard for success.” Your satisfaction is our success.

If you are seeking an experienced realtor with referrals to solid lenders, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging. We will ensure you get the best service possible by working with professionals who are in your corner.

Jacobson Realty and Home Staging (JRY) was established by Broker/Owner Belinda Jacobson-Loehle in April 2002. Belinda is a native Washingtonian who grew up in Alexandria, Virginia and has lived and worked in Gainesville, Virginia since 1995. She has been a licensed broker since 1989.

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What is a Buyer’s Agent?

18.08.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

What is a Buyer’s Agent?

Homebuyers (especially first-time homebuyers) need an advocate and a fiduciary to represent their best interests. This person is called a buyer’s agent or a buyer representative. Although buyers can represent themselves in a real estate transaction, just as a defendant can represent themselves in a court of law, do you really want to take your chances with what is often the largest, single investment you will ever make? If your answer is no because you want the best information, the expertise of a knowledgeable agent and someone who understands the latest laws and best practices, not to mention the best deal, then read on!

Typically, the home seller pays a commission to the listing broker, who then pays a portion of that commission to the selling broker or cooperating broker. The actual listing agent and the selling agent (a.k.a. the buyer’s) agent, are paid directly by their respective brokers. With a few exceptions, no one gets paid until the transaction closes.

In the age of online shopping, sometimes buyers think they can easily find the best home options themselves without the aid of an agent. But often, listing information available to the public is outdated, unavailable or contains misinformation. Realtors, and thus buyer agents, have more reliable resources, and access to the most current home listings and price changes. A seasoned agent will know how to provide information on market trends, statistical changes and the latest impacts on the local economy. Your buyer agent will become an important source to you so that you can make a well-informed buying decision.

A buyer’s agent is someone who is solely in your corner, looking out for your interests. When you sign a Buyer Agent Agreement, he or she will commit to getting you the best possible price and protect your financial information, thus creating a fiduciary relationship.

The agreement between you and your agent ensures everyone knows the expectations of the transaction. Your responsibility to your agent is to work with him or her exclusively. Once you’ve signed an agreement, you shouldn’t call another agent to see a property, even if your heart is in the right place and you are trying to save your agent some time. And never give your personal information out to another agent while you’re working with your agent. Finally, let your agent know very clearly what you’re looking for so he or she can find all the homes that fit your precise criteria.

Once your dream house has been found and you are under contract, your buyer agent will refer you to other professionals you may need such as lenders; inspectors home warranty companies and anyone necessary to assist you in getting the best advice at all times.

The buyer agent will also oversee inspections and repairs, maintain proper communication between all parties and provide you the resources and guidance you need to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience. From start to finish, your buyer agent will be at your side, until the final questions have been answered and all matters have been resolved at the closing table.

Buying and selling real estate is a cooperative effort and Jacobson Realty and Home Staging has years of experience representing buyers, empowering them to make confident decisions. So protect yourself with professional advice during one of the largest transactions you may ever make in your lifetime. Contact us today.

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Estate Professionals Help Listing Agents Do a Better Job in VA, MD and DC

21.07.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

Estate Professionals Help Listing Agents Do a Better Job in VA, MD and DC

It’s amazing the amount of things you can collect over a lifetime! If you have decided to simplify your life by downsizing because kids are finishing college or you are just ready for retirement, you may need more than the assistance of a listing agent. If this is the case, we have suggestions for you.

We here at Jacobson Realty have aligned ourselves with estate professionals to make downsizing as smooth and seamless as possible. We recommend a consultation with your listing agent and home stager first. They will know the important furnishing and personal items to retain to help market the house.

From this point, we recommend the use of a professional estate sales company such as Doneen Hoffman of Estate Professional Services, LLC, to help sort, purge, donate and sell everything else. Doneen has lots of experience helping people hold estate sales so that they can get the best prices for their things without the headache of selling them by themselves.

Estate sales professionals such as Doneen want you to know that these are not yard sales — her estate sales are upscale shopping experiences. Doneen helps her clients fetch the best price for their items. They allow shoppers to shop in the homes, and they mark items clients want to keep as “not for sale.” All sales are final.

Doneen can hold a pre- and post-sale, or she can sell a piece at the estate sale and hold it until after the home sells. “We work with every single client individually,” she says. “Every client has different needs and wants.”

Doneen strives to go above and beyond for her clients. If a client wants a specific price for an item, she does her best to get that price. She prices items fairly and does not negotiate. Auction companies may start low and sell low, but Hoffman doesn’t operate that way. Auction companies also charge to bring furniture to their site for the sale, while estate sales are conducted at the client’s home at a time that is convenient to them.

Estate sellers typically offer a free consultation. Doneen examines personal items, seeks to understand the client’s particular circumstances and determines the best time to schedule the estate sale after coordinating with the listing agent.

Doneens’ sales usually start on a Thursday or Friday, and Saturdays are pick-up days. She does not hold sales on Saturdays because, she says, “Saturdays are yard sale days, and we are not a yard sale.”

Doneen takes photos of items so that she can do market research about fair pricing. She also uses photos for marketing, which is a major factor in the success of the sale.

Doneen takes care of marketing her estate sales to get the best possible turnout. Her company uses as many marketing tools as possible to get the most people in attendance and maintains a strong alliance with local auction houses. With her strong reputation, she usually has 10 to 15 people waiting for the doors to open when the sale starts.

After the sale, Doneen will also help declutter and organize. She offers “haul away” services for items that may not sell or need to be donated to charity. She will then coordinate with the listing agent to complete the pre-marketing process.

For more information on Doneen’s services, visit her Facebook page.

If you’d like more information on the home selling or buying process and our free home staging services, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging.

Jacobson Realty and Home Staging (JRY) was established by Broker/Owner Belinda Jacobson-Loehle in April 2002. Belinda is a native Washingtonian who grew up in Alexandria, Virginia and has lived and worked in Gainesville, Virginia since 1995. She has been a licensed broker since 1989.

The JRY mission is to provide professional advice and analysis, maintain clear and consistent communication, and serve clients with respect. The home buying and selling process can be an exciting and stressful experience. Our goal is to make it smooth, educational, enjoyable, quick, and as financially beneficial as possible.

The desire of JRY is to exceed your expectations to find the home you love or sell the house you have for a deal that is right for you!

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What’s best? Saltwater Versus Chlorine Pools

15.07.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

What’s best? Saltwater Versus Chlorine Pools

If you’re looking to install a pool in your home (or you already have a pool and are looking to possibly convert it), you may be wondering if saltwater or chlorine is right for you.Each has its own merits and disadvantages. Check out the comparison and see which one may be best for you!

Saltwater Pools

Pros

Healthier – While saltwater pools do indeed have some chlorine in them, they have much lower levels of chlorine than traditional pools and are easier on your skin, hair and eyes. You can avoid itchy skin, red eyes and discolored hair by having a saltwater pool. Also, because this pool requires fewer chemicals, your exposure to potential toxins during routine maintenance will be greatly reduced.
Easier to maintain – After you add salt to your water, the filtration system does most of the work of maintaining the chemical levels in your pool. Make sure you keep your filtration system running smoothly and you won’t have to worry about constantly balancing the pH of your pool or adding various chemicals. Cleaning your pool is only required once a year when you will drain the pool, change the filters, scrub surfaces and inspect the chlorine generator.
Less expensive to maintain – Because the only chemical you’re adding is salt (unless an issue arises), you should be able to save lots of money on chlorine and other chemicals, which tend to be pricy. Subsequently, you don’t have to be concerned about finding a safe place to safely store chemicals.

Cons

More expensive to install – The upfront cost of installing a saltwater pool is greater than installing a chlorine pool because the pool’s filtration system is more complex. The system actually generates small amounts of chlorine that, in conjunction with the salt in the water, kill bacteria, viruses and algae.
There is still a cost associated with maintenance – Though the maintenance is less with this type of pool, it can be costly and take a lot of time and labor for the annual draining, cleaning and refilling of your pool.

Chlorine Pools

Pros

Less expensive to install – The upfront cost for installing a chlorine pool is less than installing the filtration system for a saltwater pool. If you’re on a tighter budget right now, this may be a better option for you.
Doesn’t need to be drained annually – One of the major cons of a saltwater pool can be the cost and labor associated with draining your pool annually. Chlorine pools require more daily maintenance but don’t have the same annual cleaning process of a saltwater pool.

Cons

More expensive to maintain – Though you do save some money by not refilling your pool annually, pool chemicals needed to maintain proper chemical levels in your pool tend to be costly and safe storage of these chemicals is required. Over time, maintenance of the pool will cost you more than it would with a saltwater pool.
Not as healthy – Chlorine levels in this type of pool are much higher and tend to irritate eyes and skin and can discolor hair and swimsuits. If you’re sensitive to chemicals, this type of pool may not be the best option for you.

If you are installing a pool and still are not sure which type to get, consult a few different pool companies, do a cost comparison and think of the future. And be sure to consult a realtor if you don’t plan on living in your home very long, because a pool changes a home’s value. For questions about this or any other real estate related issue, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging. We’re in tune with you!

Jacobson Realty and Home Staging (JRY) was established by Broker/Owner Belinda Jacobson-Loehle in April 2002. Belinda is a native Washingtonian who grew up in Alexandria, Virginia and has lived and worked in Gainesville, Virginia since 1995. She has been a licensed broker since 1989.

The desire of JRY is to exceed your expectations to find the home you love or sell the house you have for a deal that is right for you!

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New homebuyer? Here’s what you need to know!

09.06.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

New homebuyer? Here’s what you need to know!

When you are buying a home, especially for the first time, there are some things you need to keep in mind, not just about the house and property itself, but about the roads, community and more. It’s a lot to keep track of, especially during all the excitement! Staying informed and level headed, though, will help you purchase a home you will be happy in for many years. Use this handy list of do’s and don’ts to help you make a decision on whether or not a home you are considering buying is right for you.

Know the house

· Understand the condition of the property before you buy it. Don’t purchase without a home inspection.

· Consider purchasing a home warranty. Not only can it save you money, it can give you peace of mind.

· When buying a fixer upper or a home that needs updating, estimate your costs before you sign on the dotted line. You want to prevent any overwhelming surprises and budget nightmares.

· If you buy a house with an in-ground basement, be certain to have a professional radon test.

Know the land

· If the land behind you is undeveloped, know who owns it. Don’t assume that it will stay undeveloped.

· Don’t purchase in a flood plain without flood plain insurance, even if it’s a 100-year-old flood plain. You just never know.

· Don’t purchase next to a water tank/tower – you will never be able to landscape high enough to cover the view!

Know the roads

· Know how your roads are maintained – by the county, community or you.

· If your property backs to a road, make sure there is adequate screening, and check sound levels during high traffic times.

· Don’t purchase a house at the top of a “T” intersection – you will always have headlights shining in on your entrance.

· Don’t buy at a stop sign unless you are prepared to watch cars come and go all day long.

Know the neighborhood

· Don’t purchase next to a fire station unless you are prepared to hear sirens at all hours of the night.

· If you purchase near a golf course, don’t purchase in the line of golf ball fire! Know the golf course layout – window replacement is expensive. Golf course lots located at the tee or green are safe and most desirable.

Know the community

· When purchasing in a community with an HOA, know the rules. Review the HOA documents to understand the restrictions before you move in.

· When purchasing in a community without an HOA, examine the community and how it is cared for. What you see if what you get. Your only recourse will be the county rules and regulations if there is an issue.

· When buying a townhouse, check the availability of visitor parking. Is it convenient and plentiful?

· Learn about activities, amenities and events in the community. Will these fit your lifestyle?

· Learn about the schools, public services, crime rates and other aspects of the community that will affect your quality of life.

At Jacobson Realty and Home Staging, we are familiar with the local homes, communities, neighborhoods and area. We are not just Realtors – we are residents. If you would like expert advice on where to purchase your home and how to hone in on the ones that would be perfect for you and your family, contact us. We’d be happy to help.

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Mystery Solved: R versus r in “Realtor”

12.05.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

Mystery Solved: R versus r in “Realtor.”

Many people have asked us, “What’s the difference between a realtor and a Realtor? Why the capital “R”?” Today, we’re here to solve that mystery and more.

A Realtor, pronounced “real-tor” (there is no “a” or “i” between the two syllables), with a capital R, is part of the National Association of Realtors and has committed to upholding the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of Realtors. This means you get the gold standard in ethical service from a Realtor, but you may not receive the same from a realtor. The gold standard is what you get from Jacobson Realty and Home Staging, where we are all Realtors.

What is the National Association of Realtors?

The National Association of Realtors is made up of over 1.1 million members from all aspects of real estate. This includes brokers, salespeople, counselors, appraisers, property managers and others from the commercial, industrial and residential real estate fields.

In order to be a Realtor, someone in the field has to join the Association and agree to abide by the strict Code of Ethics. Ongoing continuing education requirements in the Code of Ethics must also be completed in addition to state-mandated training. The Association provides a wealth of information and a facility for research, the exchange of information and professional development.

What is in The Code of Ethics?

Realtors have certain obligations to their clients and customers, to the public and to other Realtors as outlined in the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of Realtors.

Their duties help ensure you as a client or customer are getting fair, honest and equal information at all times.

· Realtors cannot mislead an owner about the market value of a home to get their listing.

· Realtors are not allowed to mislead buyers about savings or benefits they can receive through their services.

· A Realtor can only represent both the buyer and seller in a transaction (or the landlord and the tenant) after all parties are fully informed and written consent is documented.

· A Realtor must submit offers and counter-offers objectively and quickly.

· A Realtor can only permit access to a property on the terms and conditions authorized by the owner or seller.

· Realtors must preserve and protect the confidential information of a client.

There are much more standards of practice listed in the Code of Ethics that Realtors must abide by, all of which stack up to a trustworthy and confident transaction for you.

Duties to the Public

A Realtor also has duties to the public. In the state of Virginia, they may not discriminate against race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status (a parent or guardian with children residing with them who are under the age of 18 years old), national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity. They also may not volunteer information about the racial, ethnic or religious composition of any neighborhood. They must be honest in all communications and not present misleading information to the public.

Duties to Other Real Estate Professionals

A Realtor has duties to other real estate professionals to keep a strong ethical backbone in the real estate community. Realtors cannot knowingly or recklessly make false or misleading statements orally, or in writing, about other real estate professionals, their businesses or business practices.

All of these rules and regulations that Realtors must follow help ensure the highest level of professionalism in the real estate business. As Realtors here at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging Company, Inc., we are committed to upholding the highest standard of ethics to give you service you can trust when buying or selling a home. Contact us today for more information.

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What You Should Know About Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and Power Lines

12.03.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

What You Should Know About Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and Power Lines

Electromagnetic Fields, or EMF, has caused some stir locally, as Dominion Power plans to put up power lines in Western Prince William County. We thought it would be helpful to provide some research about EMF so people can make informed decisions, especially if they are moving into the area.

To start, EMF is the combined energy of electric and magnetic fields that surrounds any electrical device when it’s plugged in and turned on. Some people believe EMF may cause health issues, and they’re particularly concerned with living near power lines. How worrisome are power lines for your health? The United States Environmental Protection Agency has published some information about the safety of EMF.

According to the EPA, experiments have not clearly shown that exposure to EMF increases your risk for cancer. The issue is still being studied by scientists. They also say the strength of the field fades the further you get from the source.

Powerlines and smart meters do emit EMF; however according to the EPA, the fields from power lines have a much lower frequency than other types of EMF like microwaves or radio waves.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Science explains the difference between types of EMFs and which you may have to worry about as a potential health threat. Non-ionizing EMFs are emitted from sources like power lines, microwave ovens, computers, cell phones and Bluetooth devices. Non-ionizing EMFs are defined by the NIH as “low to mid-frequency radiation which is generally perceived as harmless due to its lack of potency.”

The other type of EMFs are ionizing and are emitted from sources like ultraviolet light, some gamma rays and certain x-rays. Ionizing EMFs are defined by NIH as “mid to high-frequency radiation which can, under certain circumstances, lead to cellular and/or DNA damage with prolonged exposure.”

If you happen to live near a power line, the amount of EMFs reaching inside your home will be very small.

NIH says that scientists have performed studies on the effects of EMF exposure to see if it causes disease. They said there were some studies that reported biological effects from EMF exposure, but many biological effects are within the normal range of variation and not necessarily negative health effects.

Both the EPA and the NIH essentially say that while EMFs should continue to be studied to ensure the safety of being exposed to them, there is not enough scientific evidence to say that there is any ill effect on your health from exposure to EMFs from power lines.

We at Jacobson Realty and Home Staging hope this information is helpful. If you would like to know more about our area, feel free to contact us.

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Active Adult Communities in Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow, and Surrounding Area of Virginia

05.03.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

Active Adult Communities in Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow, and Surrounding Area of Virginia

You may have heard that 55 is the new 45. Builders are keeping this youthful spirit in mind when designing their active adult communities. These communities aren’t a place where you just play shuffleboard and grab the early bird special at 4. They are planned with active adults in mind. These builders realize that people are retiring later (and often are still commuting to jobs) and want engaging amenities conveniently located close to home. There are many communities in the Gainesville, Haymarket and Bristow areas that cater to the next generation of (soon-to-be) retirees. Check out these beautiful communities:

· Heritage Hunt in Gainesville – If you love to golf, this Lennar community is for you. Built around a championship 18-hole golf course, you can roll out of bed in the morning and tee off practically in your backyard, or find easy access to RT 66 for commuters. This gated community also brings you luxurious, country club living with dozens of amenities. Between them, three clubhouses offer a grand ballroom, activity rooms, a golf pro shop, fine dining, billiards and much more. This community offers maintenance-free living with accessible floor plans. You can choose from a luxury elevator condominium, low-maintenance duplex, villas, or a main-level living single-family home. If you love nature, you can enjoy the long walking paths throughout the community and absorb the scenic views of the Bull Run Mountain!

· Regency at Dominion Valley in Haymarket – Another golfer’s paradise, this Toll Brother’s community also boasts a terrific executive golf course and provides access to the standard Dominion Valley golf course. This upscale community also has condominium, attached and detached homes, so you can find the space that truly suits you. There are plenty of community activities. To stay fit and active, they have indoor and outdoor pools as well as a fitness center with an aerobics studio, a yoga room and a spin class. If you enjoy outdoor activities, there are many parks and on-site trails to explore. And you won’t have to worry about maintaining your yard here. They offer lawn and exterior care and snow removal as a few of the many community perks.

· Dunbarton in Bristow – Part of the larger Braemar community built by Brookfield Homes, this gated community has almost 500 single-family and attached home residences. It boasts many recreational activities and resort-style amenities, like a 21,000 square foot clubhouse, a library, a billiards parlor, a ballroom, an indoor and outdoor pools and a fitness center. Close to D.C., this is a great location if you have to commute to the city for work. It’s also close enough to the countryside, mountains and fabulous golf courses to be an ideal spot for retirement.

· NEW – Regency at Catharpin Creek in nearby Catharpin – This 125- acre active adult community by Toll Brothers is currently under construction. Infrastructure should be completed by the fall, with the possibility of pre-sales starting at that time. It will have the same Toll Brothers quality of construction and include a gated entrance, clubhouse, pools and walking trails, but it will not have a golf course. Phase one has been approved by Prince William County for 79 single-family units.

Jacobson Realty and Home Staging knows this area well and has worked with home sellers and home buyers in different phases of life. You can rest easy knowing that when you work with us, you are getting expert advice from professionals who live in the area and know the communities. If you or someone you know would like more information on communities in Gainesville, Haymarket, Bristow or surrounding areas of Virginia, we’re here. Give us a call or send us an email. We’d be happy to guide you to your next home purchase.

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Why You Need an Open House

10.02.2016 siteowner Leave a comment

Why You Need an Open House

A public open house is a critical piece to marketing your home, especially if you need to do showings by appointment only. Your listing agent has the responsibility to get your home the most exposure to the public as possible, and while tools like Zillow and Trulia are great for online marketing, they don’t get people in the door like an open house will.

The open house is a coordinated event with you, the owner that allows the public to freely view your home with or without an agent during the timeframe of your choosing. It reduces the pressure on you as the owner to ready your house with little or no notice, and it provides freedom to the potential buyer to preview the home in a more leisurely manner. It’s essentially a win-win situation for both parties. Here are some frequently asked questions I get about open houses.

Do open houses only attract neighbors?

Not always. Keep in mind, though, that your neighbors are your friends. The more neighbors who know about your property, the more likely they will tell their friends and family about your listing.

Are public open houses always scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays?

No. However, many open houses are scheduled on Sunday afternoons to prevent conflicts with weekend and religious activities. Open houses can be scheduled any time of the week that works for you and makes sense for potential buyers. The time of day is also flexible. It’s a good idea to listen to the recommendations of your listing agent and coordinate a date and time that works best for you and for your potential buyers.

Is it important for a listing agent to offer food at an open house?

No. If a listing agent has a unique or desirable property listing, the open house will be very busy — especially if the house has been professionally staged. It’s best not to have food at a public open house. You spent a lot of time and effort readying your home for the open house, and you probably don’t want to go through sweeping up a day’s worth of crumbs and spills after it’s over. A small dish of candy and perhaps a bottle of water are considered gracious and all you really need to offer for a regular open house.

If your listing agent is planning a broker’s open house, usually simple luncheon food is provided. Why do you provide food for brokers? Because you want your listing agent to keep brokers on site to gain as much feedback as possible to understand the positioning and the perceived value, architectural flaws and overall perception of the property by other pros. This information will help your agent make adjustments to tweak your listing in a more favorable light. You want them to share their property experience with other agents who may have a buyer for your property. Food encourages people to stay a little longer and talk.

Do public open houses and broker opens always work?

No. They are simply additional marketing tools for your agent to use to provide exposure to your property. Listen to your listing agent about recommendations to determine if a public open house or broker’s open will work best, given the location of the property and time the property is being offered.

If you would like more information on open houses or anything else related to residential real estate, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging. We’d be happy to answer any questions.

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