Buying a Home as an Investment
By Tom Pietsch | October 21, 2009
These days, most of the listed homes for sale in Alexandria, Springfield, or Lorton are all about building a family future. Savvy buyers know that the market is theirs, and they can bargain for things like better school districts, home improvements, and other amenities that make owning real estate in Virginia great. However, when the Alexandria real estate market boasts more homes than there are buyers, there’s another advantage: homes for investment opportunities are cheaper and have greater potential than ever before.
First-Time Homebuyers in Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton: If you’re in the market for the first time, buying a home as an investment is a wonderful opportunity. Not only are there federal funding options available for first-time buyers, but the low average cost of homes right now means that you can get more Virginia home for your dollar. This is especially true if you’re looking for a home to live in for a few years. By buying a house now, you can have a place to call home and the potential to sell it for profit five, ten, or even twenty years from now.
Alexandria Home Flipping: “Flipping” a home, or buying a house and fixing it up to increase the resale value, has been made popular by television shows and success stories that boast of tens of thousands of dollars virtually overnight. However, the process of fixing up a house is a much larger task than it at first appears. If you plan to flip a house as a way to earn a living, make sure you know exactly what the construction projects will entail and how you will finance your way through the process for the entire time it might take to resell your investment home.
When Buying VA Real Estate, Timing is Everything: As a financial decision, buying real estate is often best taken advantage of as a long-term investment. After all, it can be difficult even for professionals to predict the Alexandria real estate market. That’s why one of the best ways to turn a profit on a Virginia home is to plan on living in the home or renting it out for upwards of 10 years at a time. It’s one of the best ways to guarantee an increase in your investment, and to enjoy yourself – and your family – while doing it.
The most important thing to remember before delving into VA real estate as a way to make money is that there is no quick and easy road to riches. The recent housing bubble burst is perfect evidence of this, and many people learned the hard way that buying a home as an investment, like any financial decision, takes time, planning, and a little homework.
Topics: Alexandria Virginia Homes for Sale, Springfield VA Homes, Virginia Real Estate | No Comments »
Ways to Increase your Home’s Value
By Tom Pietsch | September 26, 2009
When you first purchase a house in Alexandria, Springfield or Lorton, you’re most likely thinking of ways to build a home for you and your family. A big yard means plenty of room for the children to play. A newly renovated kitchen means you can finally throw the types of dinner parties you’ve always wanted. A master suite, well, that’s just icing on the cake. However, when it comes to sell your Virginia home, it’s important to remember that all those little (and big) changes can also mean big little (and big) changes in your sale price.
While most homeowners should make changes to their houses that suit their lifestyle rather than the eventual sale price of their home five, ten, or even twenty years down the road, there are a few things to keep in mind. After all, if you will someday be selling your Alexandria house, you want to be sure you’re maximizing your profit.
- Repair all the little things – now. Most of the time, homeowners are willing to overlook the little idiosyncrasies like a broken step on the porch or chipping paint on the kitchen cabinets while they live in their house. These small repair needs are a bit like a knee that acts up in the rain or a car that always requires you to turn the key three times to the right before starting; they just become part of the everyday backdrop of your life. However, for someone buying a home in Alexandria, Springfield or considering real estate in Lorton, these things can become glaring problems. By fixing issues as they arise (rather than waiting until you’re ready to sell your VA home), you not only avoid making major repairs all at once, but you actually get to enjoy the repairs while you live there.
- Know your neighborhood. If you live in one of Alexandria’s family-friendly neighborhoods, chances are things like well-maintained yards, large family rooms, and spacious kitchens will be worth more in the long run. If you live in a Springfield condo, you might find that built-in bookshelves and jacuzzi bathtubs are more appropriate. While you don’t have to tailor every change to your eventual sales audience, you can choose to make the types of changes that will translate into the highest returns.
- Don’t ignore the less visible changes. Almost all of the houses for sale in Alexandria go through cosmetic changes before they hit the market. Fresh paint, new kitchen appliances, and good landscaping are fairly common. Less common are things like a new roof, updated plumbing, or even a newly-installed automatic sprinkler system. However, these things show up in a home inspection evaluation, and when you put your trust in a VA real estate agent like Tom Pietsch, these types of changes will always get the focus and attention they deserve.
The most important thing you can do to your Alexandria home is enjoy the time you’re going to spend there. However, by keeping its eventual sale at the back of your mind, you’ll be able to get the most out of your life – and your investment.
Topics: Alexandria Virginia Homes for Sale, Springfield VA Homes, Virginia Real Estate | No Comments »
Guide to Buying a Fixer-Upper in Virginia
By Tom Pietsch | August 31, 2009
In the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia real estate market, buying a home with the intent to fix it up is one of the best investments you can make. There’s no better way to take control over your home ownership than to customize the design, floorplan, and landscaping of everything from a single story rancher to a charming Victorian – especially if you’re looking to use the current Virginia real estate economic climate as a way to get the home of your dreams without breaking the bank.
However, as any responsible real estate agent will tell you, buying a fixer-upper can be a big challenge. Excessive or hidden damage in a home can be both dangerous and costly. Before you make the plunge, make sure you follow a few important fixer-upper guidelines.
1. Always get an inspection. Nothing will give you a better idea of what kind of repairs you’ll come across than a thorough home inspection from a trusted source. Don’t take on more damage than you, your contractor, and your budget can handle.
2. Pay attention to the layout and structural foundation of the house. If you’ve always dreamed of a large kitchen, make sure your potential new home can be adapted in terms of wiring, plumbing, and layout. Sometimes, the skeletal structure of a house prevents certain types of cosmetic changes.
3. Location matters. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a single family house in Alexandria or a condo in Springfield; a home’s value is only as high as the neighborhood in which it’s located. A rundown building in a nice neighborhood has the greatest potential to bring an enormous resale price.
4. Know the difference between “big fixes” and “small fixes.” Things like drywall, painting, floor refinishing, landscaping, and hardware are easy to do yourself. Things like plumbing, electrical work, windows, and roofs can be more expensive and difficult. Stick to changes you can make for certain based on your skill level and budget.
When buying a home in Alexandria or looking at Springfield real estate options, a fixer-upper can be one of the best ways to get the home of your dreams for a low overall cost. Just make sure you enter into the transaction with your eyes open, with flexibility in mind, and with Tom Pietsch at your side.
Topics: Alexandria Virginia Homes for Sale, Springfield VA Homes, Virginia Real Estate | No Comments »
The Importance of Curb Appeal
By Tom Pietsch | July 17, 2009
Most real estate agents will tell you that the best time to sell a home in the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia areas is during the late spring and early summer months. When the weather turns warm, the vibrant growing season commences, and children can be seen playing happily in the yard, potential homebuyers really begin to connect with a house – even before they set foot across the threshold.
In real estate lingo, this is known as curb appeal.
Most potential homebuyers make a decision about a house within the first 30 seconds. For example, simply driving by a well-kept single family home for sale in the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia areas is often enough to cause people to pull over and make an immediate call to their realtor. That’s because an inviting exterior promises an inviting interior.
To get the kind of curb appeal that really gets noticed, you have to be able to detach yourself from your home. You may have lived there for months or years, and have probably learned to overlook the overgrown shrubbery next to the sidewalk or the mailbox in need of repair. However, these are the first things potential homebuyers will see. You have to view your home as objectively as possible in order to begin making the necessary repairs to get noticed.
Look out for:
• Visible mold or mildew on the house, roof, or sidewalks
• Outdated exteriors
• Yard clutter
• Dirty gutters, siding, or windows
• Chipped paint
• How your home appears at dusk or even at night
• Overgrowth in the yard or on the sidewalks
• Dead plants or leaf piles
• Overly personalized doormats
Of course, if you’re really motivated to sell your home in the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia areas, you may also want to consider upgrading your landscaping. Like staging your home or making repairs, restorative landscaping can give your house just enough polish to entice a higher level of buyers. In fact, in a recent study, it was determined that good landscaping can actually add 6 to 11 percent to your home’s sale price.
We all know that selling a home can be hard work. Increase your chances of success by making sure your potential buyers are impressed before they even get out of the car.
Topics: Alexandria Virginia Homes for Sale, Springfield VA Homes, Virginia Real Estate | No Comments »
Relocation and Moving Tips in the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia areas
By Tom Pietsch | June 23, 2009
Want the secret to an easy move? Whether you’re relocating just around the corner, renting a moving truck or are packing up the family for cross-country relocation, you’ll get the tips you need to survive. Here are some great moving tips to save you time and money.
The key is to stay organized, so check out moving checklists online to help you with your move to the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia areas. Make a list of questions to ask for either your local moving truck rental business or decide if you need to go with actually hiring a moving company.
Experts in the moving and storage industry say that, you should plan six to eight weeks in advance to book a reputable moving company. Finding that reputable company can be a challenge, however, and a little research should be done before you entrust all of your worldly possessions to professional care. Check out listings online of moving companies that allow you to compare movers and interview moving companies to find just the right one. On interstate moves, charges are based on the weight of the items to be moved, the distance to be moved, packing, and other services. Get two or three estimates well in advance of your move. Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau about any moving company you are considering.
Renting a moving vehicle or a portable on demand moving crate can be your best and easiest option to make sure your stuff gets moved to the new place the way you want them to. If you choose to rent a moving vehicle, you can rent it the day of the move or the day before. If you really want a lot of time to make sure you can arrange your furniture and household goods in your moving vehicle, then you might consider an on demand storage unit. These units get delivered to your driveway and you have as long as you need to fill it up. Then, when it is full, you call the company and they will come and pick the container up and deliver it to storage or to your new home.
No matter which moving option you choose, you will make things a lot easier on yourself if you weed out all the “stuff” that you haven’t used in a long time and donate it or throw it out. Start packing the items you want to keep but don’t use everyday away well before the moving day. Think about this tip: get wardrobe boxes to pack clothes. By simply hanging clothes inside these boxes, you’ll save time both packing and unpacking.
Facing relocation can be scary. Let your Real Estate agent, Tom Pietsch, ease the pain with packing tips, relocation advice and moving companies that specialize in relocation near and far.
Topics: Alexandria Virginia Homes for Sale, Springfield VA Homes, Virginia Real Estate | No Comments »
Alexandria, Springfield, & Lorton Virginia Real Estate Market
By Tom Pietsch | May 23, 2009
Welcome to Alexandriavirginiahomesnow.com. I hope you’re enjoying the spring-like weather. It’s time to “spring clean” your homes and get them ready to sell. I’m Pietsch and am here to help you jump start your way into that new “dream home” you’ve been waiting for.
Economic forecasts show that our economy is “springing” back! Take advantage of it and don’t miss the incredible deals that will be starting to happen within the next few weeks.
Alexandriavirginiahomesnow.com is all about great deals and getting updates about the over-all state of Real Estate here in Alexandria. In reality, real estate can only get better. It’s time to carefully monitor shifts in thinking, evaluate innovation and track existing real estate trends.
It seems that every decade or so, a year comes by that really defines our industry. As we stand at the beginning of 2009, we are in a period of time destined to be landmark years.
So go to hellovirginia.com and let me - Pietsch - help you achieve your goal and be the perfect stepping stone along your path!
As you consider buying a home in the state of Virginia, in areas such as Alexandria, Springfield, and Lorton, look at criteria such as location, design, size, and pricing. We are all different and have our own special needs.
You will also have many questions such as:
- Can I afford my “dream home“?
- Where will I get my mortgage?
- What is my credit like right now?
I will be happy to answer each of these questions, and more. My experience has given me the knowledge of the market and the experience to answer all your questions more efficiently.
Now, if you are in need to sell your home in the Alexandria VA, Springfield, or Lorton Virginia area, it is obvious that you will want the best possible deal. I can help you decide what needs to be done to your home to get it in the best possible shape for it to sell and sell quickly.
Is it a buyers or sellers market in the Alexandria VA area? The market conditions will play a crucial role in determining the asking price. Because market conditions change constantly, it is important that you get solid advice from an agent or REALTOR® familiar with Alexandria and surrounding areas in the Real Estate market.
Knowledge and experience are the keys to look for in a successful real estate agents business. So, in order to provide you with the best, over-all experience, find someone who is committed 100% to your cause.
Choose a reliable real estate agent to help you with your Real Estate needs in Alexandria, Springfield, or Lorton Virginia area and make your home buying or selling a fulfilling experience. Take the stress out of the total real estate experience and let experience work for you.
If you would like to learn more about Pietsch and Alexandria Virginia real estate simply visit hellovirginia.com.
Topics: Alexandria Virginia Homes for Sale, Springfield VA Homes, Virginia Real Estate | No Comments »
Staging Your Home
By Tom Pietsch | April 25, 2009
Staging your home is a great way to prepare your home to sale and to make it look alluring to buyers in the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia areas. Staging your home has become popular during the last decade. Read this article to find out some great ideas on how to get your home ready for potential buyers and get it sold sooner, rather than later.
Within the first minute, people decide if they could live in your home. The problem is that there are so many homes on the market right now, that if yours doesn’t catch their eye immediately, then they have other choices. The struggling housing market is forcing people to take more drastic measures to sell their homes. Many homeowners say they need all the help they can get. With the market not being so good, there are ways you can make your house stand out. Staging your home is the way to make your house stand out in the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia areas.
The idea of home staging is to highlight your home’s best attributes and positively affect potential buyers. Staging your home isn’t about your own tastes. It is about making the home appealing to the general population. Whether you go at it alone or use a stager, you need to have the attitude that your home is no longer your home.
Following are some tips to consider:
- Take down family pictures. Potential buyers need to picture themselves in your home, not you!
- Staging your rooms to show off their true potential. Clear out clutter or other personal items that will distract buyers.
- Painting the walls yourself is the cheapest upgrading option you have. This will really attract buyers. Try a neutral tone.
Staging your home is a great option to make your home stand out in the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia areas. Let myself, Tom Pietsch, your agent offer you advice about how to make your house more attractive to buyers.
Topics: Alexandria Virginia Homes for Sale, Springfield VA Homes, Virginia Real Estate | No Comments »
What buyers look for, or look out for when purchasing a home.
By Tom Pietsch | March 23, 2009
What should buyers look for, or look out for when purchasing a home in the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia areas? This article will help sellers look into some important aspects of selling their home and what potential buyers look out for as well.
The way you live in your house is not the way to sell your house. So, what makes a house a home for sale on the market, and one that soon has a “SOLD” sign out on the front lawn? And what aspects are important to look at because potential buyers will ask the question, “How much work are we going to need to do prior to moving in and beyond?” The appearance and cleanliness of the home are significant. Always have your home ready to be shown at a moment’s notice with me, your agent, Tom Pietsch because this is what buyers are looking for. And a tip- burned out lights need to be replaced; classy lighting and upgraded fixtures can ameliorate the value of a home. Also, buyers said they would be willing to pay more for a home with a renovated kitchen.
Here are some things a buyer will look out for when dealing with the purchase of a home. The buyer will consider the following:
- Exactly what property is included in the sale? Lighting fixtures, drapes or blinds, refrigerators, stoves, washing machines and dryers are often problem areas.
- Is the neighborhood quiet, friendly? Are the homes well kept?
- Are there any development plans that will affect the property?
- The inspection report - are there any substantial problems with the house?
- Real estate taxes - what are the current property taxes, and what impact will your purchase have on the taxes?
Another issue that raises concern regarding buyer appeal is that sellers often mistakenly think that viewing empty properties will give the buyers an accurate sense of the space available. On the contrary, it is more difficult to really judge the size of a room without furniture and other objects as reference points. An empty room even allows buyers to focus on negative details instead of getting a sense of the overall space and the flow of each room to the next. Buyers need to ask themselves the question, “Can I see myself in this home?” Therefore, staging really helps buyers envision themselves in the space.
The idea of “staging” a home to make it look alluring to buyers has become popular during the last decade, as manifested by the proliferation of numerous home staging companies offering advice about how to make the house more attractive to buyers. Check out next’s months article about “Staging a Home.”
When selling your home with myself, Tom Pietsch, your agent keep in mind what buyers look for, or look out for before coming to look at your home in the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia areas.
Topics: Alexandria Virginia Homes for Sale, Springfield VA Homes, Virginia Real Estate | No Comments »
Unclutter Your Home and Get It Ready to Sell
By Tom Pietsch | February 11, 2009
It is very important to make a great first impression to the potential buyers of your home. Every seller wants their home to sell fast and bring top dollar. Does that sound good to you? Well, it’s not luck that makes that happen. It’s careful planning and knowing how to efficiently unclutter your home that will excite buyers. Here is how to prep a house and turn it into an appealing and marketable home.
Get rid of those items that have been sitting around for years without being used or even handled. This is the hardest thing for most people to do because they are emotionally attached to everything in the house. After years of living in the same home, clutter collects in such a way that may not be evident to the homeowner. However, it does affect the way buyers see the home, even if you do not realize it. Buyers and real estate agents should see your house in its best condition from the very first day it’s on the market.
Here are a few approaches to take to unclutter your home and get it ready to sell. Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room’s purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don’t want buyers scratching their heads and saying, “What is this room used for?”
Another way to unclutter your home and get it ready to sell is to make those minor repairs and best of all, make the house sparkle! Only do one room, or even one small area, at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Your best friend is the trash bag; when in doubt, throw it out. Many find it easier to use boxes to sort items, so you don’t have to find a home for everything as you unclutter. Most important, be quick and decisive when sorting. Tell yourself:
• If you don’t need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
• Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
• Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.
If you are getting your house ready to sell in the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia areas, then take a step back and pretend you are a buyer. Let a friend help point out areas where you can unclutter your home and let myself, Tom Pietsch, your agent help you to get your house ready to sell.
Topics: Alexandria Virginia Homes for Sale, Springfield VA Homes, Virginia Real Estate | No Comments »
New Year brings optimism for the 2009 Real Estate Market
By Tom Pietsch | January 27, 2009
What better way to start the New Year, then to bring confidence to our 2009 Real Estate Market. Ringing in the New Year being hopeful and optimistic will allow us to decide what we can do to improve our way of thinking about what is currently going on in the market. The New Year begins with us having a positive outlook and is a promising time for those of us looking to buy a home in the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia areas.
Here are a few reasons to make a real estate investment in 2009:
Lower Home Prices: Housing prices have fallen to more affordable levels, in some markets moving back to 2003 prices. Lower home prices expand the number of people able to afford to buy and own home, creating a greater demand in the 2009 Real Estate Market.
Historically low interest rates: 30 year fixed mortgage rates are nearing 5 percent and are expected to move to 4.5 percent or lower in the 2009 Real Estate Market. Compared to 6.25 percent rates seen earlier in 2008, a rate of 4.5 percent would mean a monthly savings of $218 on a $200,000 mortgage. Lower monthly costs will keep people in their homes, reduce the number of homes on the market and lead to a stabile housing market.
The New Year brings optimism for the 2009 Real Estate Market. It is already evident that the housing inventories and prices are beginning to stabilize. The combination of lower prices and historically low interest rates will lead to a very good housing recovery.
No one can predict a market bottom, however it appears the worst of the market turmoil is behind us. The drive to stabilize and improve the housing market should lead to an improved 2009 Real Estate Market.
Let us all take a good peek into our own personal outlook on the 2009 Real Estate Market. With the interest rates low and many homes available, there is no better time than the present especially if you are looking for a home in the Alexandria, Springfield, Lorton Virginia areas.
Topics: Alexandria Virginia Homes for Sale, Springfield VA Homes, Virginia Real Estate | No Comments »