Month: September 2020

Moving to Fairfax VA? Reasons You Will Love Living Here!

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Welcome to my real estate website! For anyone moving to Fairfax VA or considering the move, you’ll want to be sure to read this article first.

 

Fairfax, Virginia

If you enjoy living in a peaceful community with all the amenities of a cosmopolitan Washington DC just a short drive away, Fairfax VA is the perfect city for you. In 2009, Fairfax was voted third of Top 25 Places to Live Well by Forbes Magazine. With a public school system that is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country, high employment rates, leading-edge healthcare facilities, low crime rates, and gorgeous green spaces, it is highly rated by residents as well.

A variety of real estate options can be found in Fairfax whether you are looking for landscaped suburban lots on lush tree-lined streets or contemporary living close to the heart of the city. From single-family detached dwellings to modern condominiums, townhomes to large luxury estates, you will find whatever your lifestyle and budget dictate. Only 17 miles from Washington DC, featuring National Historical Sites from its rich Civil War history, a plethora of recreational and cultural activities, a pedestrian-friendly downtown, great weather, and a host of shopping and dining options, you wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

 

Recreational Activities

Fairfax, Virginia offers a plethora of activities to keep residents happy, healthy and entertained. From 220 acres of parkland, nature reserves, and 28 miles of scenic trails, to a variety of musical, arts, historical, and family-friendly annual events hosted by community associations. Summer Nights in the City from June to September features live music and shows for the family every Thursday and Friday evening. For over 30 years, the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts festival in April offers three weeks of art exhibitions, musical, dance, and theater performances, which raises funds for local art students to study at the acclaimed George Mason University, Virginia’s largest public university located in Fairfax. Residents will also enjoy many events, festivals, and concerts centered around the Old Town Square as well as its beautiful modern and heritage landmarks, water cascade, pergola, and even a splash pad for the kids.

 

Shopping Opportunities

From outdoor shopping districts to upscale shopping malls and the walkable downtown, Fairfax residents enjoy a multitude of venues to shop until they drop. Old Town Plaza features a central plaza with a fountain, free concerts in June to September and a variety of shops and al fresco dining options. Anchored by Macy’s, JC Penney, and Lord & Taylor, Fair Oaks Mall contains more than 200 brand-name stores, specialty boutiques, eateries, spa and beauty services, and many others. Fairfax Corner is a mixed-use center with main street style shopping featuring local and national retailers, a state-of-the-art movie theater, excellent dining choices, and events and entertainment for all ages.

 

Dining Options

You can find a list of restaurants in Fairfax, Virginia here and if you want to know a few of the local favorites, keep reading. When you are ready for something different from national-chain restaurants, 21 Great American Bistro offers amazing food, fabulous service, and a varied menu where every selection is as delicious as the next. With a classically trained pastry chef on staff, you will be glad you saved room for dessert. For delicious Thai cuisine with Food Network like presentation, Sisters Thai is the spot and the delightful atmosphere is a perfect match to the tasty dishes. Literally a hidden gem, Caribbean Corner presents the delectable spice medley of authentic Jamaican jerk and other island specialties. However, plan on ordering take-out as there is very little seating room. Coffee aficionados must try De Clieu Coffee and Sandwich. Freshly prepared all-day breakfast sandwiches, delicate and decadent pastries, and a wide selection of coffee and espresso – you may never go back to Starbucks.

 

If you have any questions about real estate or would like to learn more about Fairfax, please contact me at homes@natashabackupadmin.truedes.com or at (571) 455-0178.

Buying A Home? How Working with a Real Estate Agent Will Save You Money

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Why Use a Real Estate Agent

One of the most common questions that comes up when people start their house hunt or begin the process of listing their home is – do I really need a real estate agent?

Often this question is the result of a misconception that not using a real estate agent will save a buyer or seller some extra cash or that it’s easier just to negotiate independently. Most of the time, the decision to do it alone is misled or un-researched. So, we’re laying out some of the common misconceptions that will likely cause you to reconsider your decision to not work with an agent.

Doing it alone doesn’t cost less

One of the primary reasons a buyer might shy away from using a buyer’s agent is the idea that it is an added expense in the home buying process. In fact, using a buyer’s agent is absolutely free to the buyer and usually saves you money in the long run. A buyer’s agent works on commission, which is traditionally paid by the seller.

And for those sellers hoping to save a little green on their home sale, the idea of selling a home by owner is often short sighted. Because 90 percent of buyers and sellers use agents during the real estate transaction, homeowners selling their home on their own may be losing out on a huge market of buyers that want to work with an agent-listed property.

Additionally, there is something to be said for working with an agent who can list the property on MLS because 95 percent of home shoppers will go online to search for properties at some point during their house hunt. By selling a home by owner, homeowners could be eliminating a huge pool of buyers who will look to the MLS themselves or through their agent to find their dream home.

You’ll actually save money working with an agent

During the home buying process there are several ways a buyer’s agent will earn their commission. Your agent will search for homes within your criteria and sometimes even preview those homes, set up appointments to view them, and ask all the right questions during the viewings. With inventory in many places at an all-time low, a buyer’s agent is also a resource for finding properties that aren’t even on the market yet. With a good agent, there won’t be one rock left unturned.

Once you do finally decide on your dream home, the buyer’s agent will handle the negotiation process, draw up offers, schedule the inspection and oversee the escrow process. In some states a lawyer will need to be present, but in most parts of the U.S. the buyer’s agent can handle all the steps in the process!

While a cost savings is often argued when it comes to a seller’s agent, the money saved by not paying commission almost never makes up for the overall cost savings associated with using a seller’s agent that will sell your home faster and at a higher price.

According to National Association of Realtors (NAR), homebuyers who use the Internet to search for a home (which is a whopping 95 percent) are more likely to purchase a home with a real estate agent than buyers who don’t use the Internet. A seller’s agent will almost immediately list your home to every Internet outlet through the MLS, and will usually advertise your property in other places online like through social media or search engines. As a seller, you can also tap into their network of agents that are in the ear of hundreds of buyers through their agent open houses or general networking.

Additionally, do you know how to market yourself and your property without the help of an agent? What are the hot marketing methods or technologies that tap into motivated buyers so that you can sell your home quicker than your neighbor? An experienced real estate agent has a method for selling their homes as quickly as they do.

You’ll have access to everything on the market and buyers will hear about your property first

A buyer’s agent will have access to all databases and listings that might not be as readily available to someone searching for their next home. For instance, a buyer’s agent will have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Coming Soon properties and the searchable database of homes currently on the market. They can easily send listings your way when you provide your basic search criteria.

Also, because you might be too busy or focused on selling your current home, you may miss out when new listings come on the market. A buyer’s agent is focused on all things real estate all day, so your perfect home will be top of mind for them when it might not be for you. And if you’ve ever worked with a buyer’s agent yourself, you know that much of your home search is driven by the suggestions of your real estate agent.

If you’re selling a home by owner, you can almost guarantee your home will never be part of that list of suggestions from a real estate agent to their buyer. While you could save a small fraction of your selling expenses by not paying agent commission, you’ll lose a lot more with the extra time your home will sit on the market and the potential losses during the negotiation process.

Real estate agents are an excellent source of information

If you’re spending a lot of time googling information about home inspections, mortgages, title companies and laws around home buying or selling, you should instead be spending that time looking for a reputable real estate agent.

Whether you’re buying or selling, your agent will be a wealth of information. They will walk you through every step of the process without you having to consult other professionals. They can even provide names of mortgage brokers or attorneys for you to work with since they interact with these professionals on a regular basis and know who in your city has the best track record.

When you’re selling a home it’s likely you’ll have endless questions about the process and your own personal investments. Does the A/C need to be serviced before putting your home on the market? Is it worth the investment to repair the roof? Should you offer buyers closing costs or allowances for repairs? It’s almost guaranteed that many unknowns will come up and you’ll only be fully prepared if you have an experienced real estate agent to support you.

Bottom Line

Purchasing or selling a home is not a process that should be taken lightly. It’s a huge financial and personal decision so why not use all the resources available to you when purchasing your dream home or selling your existing home – especially when an agent can likely save you money or prevent unexpected expenses or mistakes! Using a real estate agent will be the easiest decision you make when purchasing or selling your home.