Tag: Northern Virginia

Home Owners’ Title Insurance in Northern Virginia: Buyers’ Legal Rights

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What is Home Owners Title Insurance?

Title Insurance is an essential part of virtually every transfer of ownership. Unlike most insurances that protect against risk of future events, Title Insurance exists to eliminate losses due to defects in title which occur as a result of things that happened in the past. Even the most careful title search will not reveal some situations or events that could cast doubt on your title to the property.

Some of these are:

  • Mistakes in the public record
  • Fraudulent or forged title instruments
  • Undisclosed heirs
  • Adverse possession
  • Undisclosed prescriptive rights

The title examiner is not liable for such matters.

Title Insurance, generally, will protect the insured party from financial loss or damage for covered risks up to the policy limits. Such expenses typically include attorney’s fees in defense of title and the payment of monetary claims.

Who Does Title Insurance Protect?

Both the lender and the owner have an interest in the owner’s clear title to the property. Since home owner’s Title Insurance is optional in Virginia, separate title insurance policies are available. Generally, if the purchaser is financing any portion of the purchase price, a lender will require that a Lender’s Title Insurance Policy be issued to insure the lender to the maximum amount of loan. Thought this policy protects the lender, it is the owner who will pay the premium at settlement as one of the costs of obtaining the loan.

For the property owner to be protected, the owner must elect a separate Home Owner’s Title Insurance Policy which protects the owner up to the face value of the policy (usually the purchase price). While in Virginia a purchaser is not required to buy an Owner’s Policy, it is highly recommended that the purchaser does so. Both, minor defects and catastrophic title failures are insured against by the single-premium-payment charged at closing. The policy’s protections extend beyond the period of ownership and continue to defend your estate for years to come.

* Natasha Lingle is a licensed Real Estate agent affiliated with KW Realty office based in Vienna VA/Tysons area. Natasha specializes in communities of Northern Virginia located just outside Washington D.C including Mclean VA, Great Falls VA, Arlington VA, Alexandria VA, Vienna VA, Oakton VA, Fairfax VA and Reston VA, Tysons, and Dunn Loring.

 

How to Sell Your House Fast for Cash in Vienna VA, Alexandria VA, McLean, Falls Church, Fairfax & Around Northern Virginia

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How to Sell Your House Fast and “Pain-Free”: Selling Your Home in Vienna VA, Alexandria VA, McLean VA, Fairfax, Burke, Falls Church & around Northern Virginia for Cash and in “As-Is” Condition

• We buy homes in all conditions

• We don’t charge Realtor Fees

• And Settle with Cash Offers

 

 

Quick Overview of Northern Virginia Real Estate Market

If you need to sell your house fast in Vienna VA, McLean VA or other communities of Northern Virginia, please, before making a final decision, take a look at this article to learn about the benefits of selling your home directly to builder or property investor for cash and in “As-Is” condition.

You may have noticed that Northern Virginia real estate market is bubbling over with options for new construction homes. Contemporary home buyers with their criteria for newer homes with open floor plans, high ceilings, walking closets and luxurious bathrooms are driving real estate market away from older properties and towards new homes with most up to date amenities.

As a result, many local builders and property investors in Northern Virginia are looking to buy properties in “as-is” condition, so they can build new homes and accommodate the needs of the modern families.

If you are owning an older home, including condo, townhouse or single family home, in VIENNA, MCLEAN, FAIRFAX, GREAT FALLS, ALEXANDRIA, OAKTON, BURKE, ANNANDALE or FALLS CHURCH and thinking about selling, you can avoid the hassle of a traditional sale and DO NOT have to pay AGENT FEES for selling you home.

“The best part? The builders or property investors will pay you CASH and will accommodate your ideal closing date.”

Selling Your House to a Builder or Investor for Cash vs Traditional Sale. What are the major differences?

In a current Northern Virginia real estate market in such towns as Vienna VA, McLean VA, Great Falls VA, Fairfax VA, and Falls Church VA, many sellers have two options:

❶  Sell your home fast to a home builder or property investor in “As-Is” condition.

❷ Or to go through a traditional sale by putting your house on the market with the Realtor® and selling it through MLS system.

 

FIRST OPTION: Selling your home in “as-is” condition is straightforward and will not require the sellers to do any work on the house or schedule showings and Open Houses.

The builder or investor will buy your home in “as-is” condition through a direct sale and will invest time and money to build a new home or renovate the property and sell it later.

This option is ideal for the home sellers who don’t want to spend money and time on all needed pre-sale preparations, such as staging, repairs and updates, and it becomes an optimal choice to the sellers who are looking for a quick and easy house sale and want to avoid paying real estate agent fees.

The builder or property investor will make an offer, and if you are satisfied with the price and the closing date, the contract is signed.

You’ll be paid cash for your house in as soon as two (2) weeks – the closing time is usually flexible, and the builder can accommodate your ideal move out date or offer a rent-back.

SECOND OPTION: Will involve a house makeover that might include upgrading of the bathrooms and the kitchen, repainting, and staging. It is very important to know what appeals to today’s home buyers and consider those trends when you are remodeling in order to get most return on your investment or ROI.

The property should be available for the daily showings from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm until the house goes under contract, and also, the Open Houses have to be held every Sunday.

Traditional Sale usually costs sellers between 5%-6% in agent fees – up to $36,000 for $600,000 home.

 

Benefits to the Sellers who Sell Directly to the Investors and Builders:

  • CASH OFFER
  • NO MIDDLE MAN (the deal will be done directly between you and a builder/investor)
  • NO REALTOR FEES
  • FREE HOME EVALUATION
  • NO REPAIRS
  • QUICK CLOSE
  • YOU SELL THE HOUSE IN AS-IS CONDITION
  • NO APPRAISAL
  • NO LENDING RESTRICTIONS

 

Selling Your House Fast for Cash in “As-Is” Condition to an Investor: How Will You Avoid Agent Fees?

When you decide to sell your house fast in “as-is” condition with us, there are will be no realtor fees involved!

How does it work?

Because of my professional arrangements with the local builders and investors, we’ve agreed that it would be most beneficial to the sellers and future home buyers to eliminate traditional 6% real estate agent’s fees.

“For example: if you sell your home to us for $600,000, you will save up to $36,000.”

The builder or investor will purchase your property and convert it into a home that satisfies the needs of the potential home buyers.

My role as a real estate agent is to help you to get in touch with reputable local builders and property investors and take the property through a vetting process – my services to you are FREE of charge.

Here’s How to Get Started:

STEP 1: Please Call/Text us at (571) 455-0178 or submit your information HERE

We’ll discuss the condition and the features of your home and schedule a walk-through.

STEP 2: Meet with us at your home

For the most accurate evaluation, a quick walk-through is ideal. We will evaluate a condition of your home, and you will have an opportunity to meet with us in person and ask questions. This evaluation is FREE of charge, and there will be no pressure and no strings attached.

STEP 3: Choose your closing date and settle

If the numbers work, and you are satisfied with our offer, the contract is signed. All you’ll have to do is to come to the Settlement. We will close on a date that is most convenient to you. Option for rent back is available.

 

In Conclusion:

If you need to sell your home fast, before committing to the extensive renovations and making a final decision on a type of sale, please meet with me for a consultation.

Property evaluation consultation is FREE. It will allow me to identify the type of sale that your property fits the most and will enable you to ask questions.

 

 

Examples of Our Past Projects:

 

1833 CLIFDALE CT, VIENNA VA 22181

1833 Clifdale Ct, Vienna, VA

1833 Clifdale Ct, Vienna VA 22182. This house was purchased directly from the Seller through cash transaction. Flexible closing date was very important to the home owner and was met by the investor/buyer.

 

7782 TANGIER DR, SPRINGFIELD, VA 22153

7782 Tangier Dr, Springfield, VA

7782 Tangier Dr, Springfield, VA 22153. This home was purchased off market for cash. The sellers needed to have three months of free Rent-Back and the investor was able to accommodate.

 

9909 MONTCLAIR CT, VIENNA VA 22181

9909 Montclair Ct, Vienna, VA

9909 Montclair Ct, Vienna VA 22181. This home was purchased directly from the Seller who was moving to Florida. The seller wanted to stay discreet, wanted to avoid paying agent fees and liked the convenience of not doing any home sale preparations.

 

About Us

We are a locally based company trusted by the home sellers and buyers throughout Northern Virginia.

We help homeowners who want to sell on their own schedule without an agent and with zero hassle. We pride ourselves on our reputation for working one-on-one with each customer to handle their individual situations and needs.

With the ability to directly purchase homes in “As-Is” condition and make cash offers, we can create an extremely fast, and hassle-free transaction.

We are truly committed to helping each individual customer. We focus on fast response, integrity, and over-delivering on customer service. By putting the customer’s needs first, whether selling or buying a home, we can help you realize your real estate goals.

The process of selling to an investor is very easy. My vetted investor will come through your property (he’ll need 15-20 minutes) to evaluate the condition of the property then, within 24-48 hours, he’ll send you an offer. If you agree to the conditions, the documents are signed.

There are no obligations, no endless marketing calls, and no marketing emails.

Contact Us:

Two ways to contact us and receive the benefits of this special offer:

  1. Please fill out “What Your Home is Worth” form for a FREE no obligation Home Valuation Report.
  2. Call/ text: (571) 455-0189 or e-mail: homes@natashalingle.com to ask questions, learn about the process of selling your home, and schedule FREE no obligation sellers’ consultation.

Have additional questions? Please contact us directly by calling or texting at (571) 455-0178 or by filling out contact  form.

 

Buying a Home in Virginia? Don’t Skip This Crucial Step: Home Inspections Explained

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Don’t risk buying a lemon. Make Sure to Conduct a Home Inspection

So, you’ve made an offer with a Home Inspection contingency; it was accepted, and now your next task is to have the home inspected.

Is the home inspection necessary? I always recommend to my buyers to have one. The Home Inspection will not only allow you to make sure that the house you are buying has fewer defects as possible but will also give you an opportunity to renegotiate the price offered for the home, ask the sellers to cover repairs, or even, in some cases, walk away from the deal.

If you are relocating to Virginia from another state, it is important to note that the state of Virginia generally still goes by the old English common-law concept of “caveat emptor” (“let the buyer beware”). That basically means that while sellers can’t lie outright or actively conceal a problem and must honestly answer prospective buyers’ questions when asked, they aren’t obligated to point out the home’s flaws or defects to the buyers. It’s up to the buyers to do their due diligence and hire a certified Home Inspector to conduct a comprehensive Home Inspection. I have a short list of inspectors that I have worked with in the past and will give you my recommendations, but it is always helpful to do your own homework.

How to Choose a Home Inspector

Realtor.com suggests that you consider the following 5 areas when choosing the right home inspector for you:

  1. Qualifications – find out what’s included in your inspection & if the age or location of your home may warrant specific certifications or specialties.
  2. Sample Reports – ask for a sample inspection report so you can review how thoroughly they will be inspecting your dream home. The more detailed the report, the better in most cases.
  3. References – do your homework – ask for phone numbers and names of past clients that you can call to ask about their experience.
  4. Memberships – Not all inspectors belong to a national or state association of home inspectors, and membership in one of these groups should not be the only way to evaluate your choice. Membership in one of these organizations often means that there is continued training and education provided.
  5. Errors & Omission Insurance – Find out what the liability of the inspector or inspection company is once the inspection is over. The inspector is only human after all, and it is possible that they might miss something they should have seen.

Important information for home buyers in Virginia: Check license status of your Home Inspector – Effective July 1st, 2017, all home inspectors in Virginia must be licensed.

It is always best to be present during a home inspection and tag along, that way the inspector can point out anything that should be addressed or fixed.

Be prepared to spend up to three (3) hours in the house. Don’t be surprised to see your inspector climbing on the roof, crawling around in the attic, and on the floors. Remember, you hire a home inspector and pay him a fee, and he works for you.

The job of the inspector is to protect your investment and find any issues with the home, including but not limited to: the roof, plumbing, electrical components, appliances, heating & air conditioning systems, ventilation, windows, the fireplace & chimney, the foundation and so much more!

Important to note that in Northern Virginia around 56% of the tested homes contained Radon levels higher than recommended by EPA standards. Read a full article about Radon gas, Radon testing and Radon sales contract contingency here: “Is Your Northern Virginia Home Radon Free?”

The Most Expensive Problems Discovered by Home Inspection Involve:

• Foundation

• Roof

• Heating/Cooling Systems

• Pests/Termites

• Mold

• Electrical Wiring

• Plumbing

The home inspection report will list detailed descriptions of the defects and have photos and will usually be delivered to you by email on the same day. Go through report carefully and decide what items on the report you would like the sellers to repair or replace, or if you would like to have a credit in elu of all or some repairs (all credits have to be issued with the lender’s approval).

Please remember, almost everything can be fixed. I’ll help you negotiate any issues to the get the best contract.

The home inspection report will be be sent to the sellers with the Home Inspection Removal Addendum that lists all needed repairs or a request for a credit.

Bottom Line

They say ‘ignorance is bliss,’ but not when investing your hard-earned money in a home of your own. Work with a professional you can trust to give you the most information possible about your new home, so that you can make the most educated decision about your purchase.

 

Is Your Real Estate Agent Using Latest State-of-the-Art Technologies to Sell Your Home Fast?

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If not, you may need to find someone who is

Much of your potential success when selling your home quickly and for the most money lies is in the hands of your real estate agent. And your agent’s success largely depends upon the marketing tactics they use to promote your house and attract potential buyers. So, how can you evaluate if their strategy for marketing your home is sound, effective, and more advanced than what everyone else is doing?

You can look at their years of experience, testimonials, or the number of homes they’ve sold in the past as an indicator of the potential value they offer to you as your home’s listing agent. Or you can evaluate the way today’s home buyers are searching for their next homes and see how your potential new agent measures up.

Times are changing…

Just because a marketing strategy worked a decade ago, doesn’t mean it is going to work today. Evaluating your potential agent on years of experience alone may cause you to overlook the fact that marketing has gone digital, and your next buyer is just a click away.

According to National Association of Realtors latest Buyers Profile report, over 95 percent of contemporary home buyers use the Internet to search for homes – not signs in the front yard, classified ads, local magazines, an agent’s physical office, or TV ads.

Just look at the graph below! It shows the influence of the Internet on Home Search Process from 1995 to 2016.

Need more prove? The table below demonstrates that only 3% of home buyers are using TV and 16% are using print advertisement as sources used during their home search.

How would your real estate agent showcase your home online, since that’s exactly where your target buyers will be looking for their next home? By hiring an agent that is well versed in the demands of digitally savvy consumers, you’ll reach an audience that you wouldn’t with a traditional agent, and you’ll sell your home faster.

Posting the listing with MLS is only the beginning

If you question your potential real estate agent about listing your home online, and he or she responds that the MLS should cover all online marketing, it may be time to rethink your choice in agent.

Every agent will list your property on the MLS, from where your listing will be pushed to such websites as Realtor.com, Trulia and Zillow, but that is far from enough to take advantage of the huge opportunities that exist online today.

Real estate agents that have their fingers on the pulse of the fast-moving real estate market, in addition to using traditional marketing tools such as: installing front yard sign, printing flyers and holding Open Houses, will incorporate many or all of the more advanced methods of marketing, to include:

• Creating a separate website to market your property.
• Developing a Facebook and/or Twitter ad campaign strategy.
• Sharing professional property photos on Pinterest and Instagram.
• Uploading home tour to YouTube.
• Reaching out to international buyers.
• Promoting your property on Adwerx.
• Showcasing your home in the best light through fusion photography, 3D home video tours, aerial photography and other cutting-edge technologies.

Unique Value through Digital Advertising

Think about how real estate agents have advertised your property in the past. It usually meant a classified ad in the local newspaper or a spread in one of the real estate publications. The problem with this approach is that your agent’s marketing dollars would be quickly depleted by exposing ads to an audience that may or may not be interested in your property.

Facebook Advertising

Digital channels, such as Facebook, have given technologically savvy agents more options than ever to sell your home fast. Using specifically targeted Facebook ads, real estate agents can not only target your area, but they can reach a pool of home buyers who are actively searching to buy a home just like yours, at the specific price point, at the specific proximity to their office, and so on and so on.

The level of targeting digital marketing focused agents can reach with Facebook ads is almost eerie! Can your agent offer that?

Adwerx

You may not have heard of Adwerx, because it’s a tool built specifically for real estate agents. Adwerx is an advanced online technology for retargeting ads that allows agents to advertise your home to buyers online.

How do Adwerx Ads work? Do you remember that time you searched for shoes on your favorite department store’s website, and then you saw those same shoes on the ad bar while you were online banking or looking for a recipe? This is the power of retargeting ads! After the buyers look at your property online,  they’ll be reminded about your property over and over again when they aren’t even thinking about it.

Also Read:

Selling Your Home with me: Step-by Step process.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of those extremely important elements of digital marketing that happens behind the scenes. What does your agent know about SEO? Do they have an expert SEO strategist on staff?

SEO is the process of creating content on the web and through social media that will increase the likelihood of buyers finding your home through a simple web search. It often includes complicated algorithms, a keyword strategy and technical skills required to optimize a website or listing for it to be pushed to the front of the line on a Google search. And no buyer will find your home on your agent’s website, if it is hidden on the 29th page of search results on Google.

How does your potential real estate agent measures up against technologically savvy agents that use these important tactics to reach the buyers who are looking for your home on the Internet? If you mention SEO, and his or her head spin, it may be important to keep searching for your next agent!

What kind of marketing team does your agent employ to support the marketing efforts?

Agents running full-scale marketing campaigns for each and every one of their listings usually can’t do it alone, and they know how important it is to get it just right to sell your home fast and at the highest price point the market can handle.

Providing a state-of-the-art marketing strategy takes a team of: in-house professional writer for persuasive and clear content, an SEO specialist to drive traffic to your listing, and a web developer and graphic designer to give your online presence just the right look. Have you asked your potential real estate agent what kind of team they have in place?

Working with Natasha Lingle

I understand the role a flawlessly executed marketing strategy plays in selling a home fast. I also know exactly what it takes to compete in today’s digital marketplace. I’m not afraid to invest the money needed to have access to the latest technologies that will increase the probability of in-person showings and, consequently, persuading the buyers to bring an offer and buy your home.

I’ll happily talk to you about the power of Facebook and Adwerx ads, SEO, and why high quality photography is one of the most important aspects of real estate on-line marketing.

I will work tirelessly with my team of marketing experts to showcase your property on-line in order to attract quality buyers.

And please don’t forget to download my Seller’s Guide!

[sellers-guide]

August 2017 Housing Market Update for Washington DC Metro Areas

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August 2017 Housing Market Update for Washington DC Metro Areas

August Home Sales and Median Prices

The following analyses of the Washington, D.C. housing markets are based on August 2017 MRIS housing data.

  • The Washington D.C. Metro median sales price of $430.000 was up 2.2% or $9,250 compared to last year but was down 2.3% or $9,900 compared to last month. This is the highest August price of the decade.
  • Sales volume across the DC Metro area was over $2.6 billion, up a slight 0.1% from last year.
  • Closed sales of 5,072 were down 0.3% compared to last year and down 1.6% compared to last month.
  • New contract activity of 4,965 was up 1.2% compared to last year.
  • New listings of 5,894 were up 7.2% compared to last year but were down 6.2% from last month.
  • Active listings of 9,855 are down 4.4% compared to last year and down 4.1% compared to last month. This is the 16th consecutive month of declines in year-over-year inventory levels.
  • The average percent of original list price receive at sale in August was 97.8%.
  • The median days-on-market for August 2017 was 18 days, four days lower than last year.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A FULL VERSION OF THIS REPORT

 

The DC Metro Area Housing Market Update provides unique insights into the state of the current housing market by measuring the number of new pending sales, trends by home characteristics, and key indicators through the most recent month compiled directly from Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data.

The DC Metro Area housing market includes: Washington, D.C., Montgomery County and Prince George’s County in Maryland, and Alexandria City, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church City in Virginia.

 

10 Most Beautiful Waterfront Properties in Northern Virginia

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10 Most Beautiful Waterfront Properties in Northern Virginia

Looking for waterfront property in Northern Virginia?

Here is a list of 10 beautiful properties located in Alexandria VA, Falls Church VA, McLean VA and Reston VA.

View all Waterfront Homes for sale in Northern Virginia, click on the image below

Situated directly on the Potomac River and, yet, only 10 miles to Washington DC, this waterfront property features 2 boat sips & electronic boat lift.

Stunning waterfront oasis on the shore of Little Hunting Creek. Brick patio with landscaped gardens. Entertaining paradise: porch, hot tub, patio waterside with LED lights! Kayak/canoe from yard.

Located on the shore of Lake Barcroft, this property features Putting Green, beach and boat dock withover 4900 square feet of living space.

This spectacular waterfront property on the shores of Lake Newport features hardwood floors throughout the entire home,  custom cabinets, large island, and, of course, tranquil private setting with beautiful lake views.

Can’t get better than this! The views of Lake Barcroft from nearly every room. Expansive outdoor decks and patios for entertaining. Dock provides space to moor a pontoon and store kayaks or canoes. Just 8 miles to Washington DC.

10 Acres Estate with 750 feet of river frontage. This luxurious home offers exquisite interiors, stunning landscaping, incredible outdoor Living with heated pool, grill station and Tuscan wood fire oven.

This stunning waterfront property is sitting on over 3 acres along the bank of the Potomac River. This incredibly private setting boasts unbelievable sights and sounds of the river.

Stunning Contemporary home with dramatic views of Lake Thoreau. Dock with pontoon boat ready for your relaxation. The property is less than mile away from the Metro. 

Enjoy a year long views of Lake Thoreau from this expansive deck. This waterfront home features large lower level with two bedrooms, recreation room with wet bar, walls of glass and patio.

Stunning waterfront townhouse on Lake Audubon. Enjoy panoramic views from all levels. This property offers gourmet kitchen, butlers pantry and cozy family room area, 2 decks, 2 balconies, and 2 porches.

If you are looking to purchase waterfront property in Northern Virginia, please feel free to contact me to set up a consultation.

View all Waterfront Homes for Sale >>>