Welcome Home!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Whether or not you’re planning to sell your home…your home’s front entrance says A LOT about you! So what’s yours saying right now?
It can be very difficult to look at your own house objectively and with fresh eyes. If this is the case, enlist the help of a very honest friend. I think we all know 1 brutally honest person!
Stand across the street, then look at the property from each corner – is the landscaping overgrown? “If you can’t see it, you can’t sell it!” Add color to beds and plants of varying heights. Add fresh mulch or ground cover. Remove any dead plants and cut back all shrubs to window height.
Does the mailbox need replacing? What about the shutters and the window screens? And just how welcoming is your welcome mat? Does it say “Go Away” or “Attack Cat on Duty”? Then you might consider replacing that. When choosing a door mat – the wider the better. This gives the impression of a wider entry way.
How about the porch light and house numbers – they may need some updating as well.
What about the hardware on the door? The popularity of brushed nickel finishes extends to the outside as well!
Perhaps the front door could use a fresh coat of paint, how about the trim – remember to check with your HOA for approved colors. Repainting the doors and trim help to make the house look crisp and in good condition and it’s one of the least expensive things you can do to dress up a home.
These small changes can add up to a GREAT first impression!
Living in Reston, VA !
Thursday, May 20, 2010
“Living in Reston is like living in a park.” Claude A. Veatch
Reston, VA has been long recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the best places to live because of its wide array of recreational offerings, variety of housing styles, vast amount of parkland, pedestrian access, and proximity to both Washington DC and Dulles International Airport. Residents also express a sense of community and belonging unlike any other community.
“Reston” is a way of life. I have proudly called it HOME since the mid-80’s.
Situated in the heart of the Dulles Corridor — small and large businesses thrive just minutes from Dulles International Airport and only 20 miles from the nation’s capital. And...the Metro is coming - Dulles Metrorail will permanently connect Northern Virginia to the rest of the region, beginning in DC and following the Orange Line through Arlington County, extending through Tysons Corner, Reston, Herndon, Dulles International Airport and continuing into Loudoun County.
Amenities abound here! With 15 outdoor pools, 49 tennis courts (8 of which are clay), four lakes and the 72-acre Walker Nature Education Center sanctuary, summer camps and special events, the selection of ways to play are endless. I haven’t even mentioned the numerous restaurants and amazing shopping yet!
Nature and simple pleasures are REALLY what it’s about here - a walk around the lakes - the laughter of children in the pool - a tennis match with new friends - a walk along one of the community's trails.
I live under a canopy of trees and share that space with deer, raccoons, owls, song-birds a-plenty, etc! My mental vacation is a paddle around Lake Audubon on a sunny day!
The decision has been made – I wouldn’t live anywhere else!
What do YOU enjoy about YOUR area ??
Local Art !
Monday, May 17, 2010
This past weekend, I volunteered at the NoVA Fine Arts Festival hosted at Reston Town Center. As an artist at heart, this is my favorite local event. I gave out event maps and took donations and answered a variety of general questions...(where's the Apple store, bathrooms, Clydes, Kids Tent, what time are the concerts, etc...). It was a fun day! Over 200 artists showed off their talents this year.
Once you soak up all this creativity - you can't help but be inspired!
In case you didn't make it this year, the festival will return to Reston Town Center next May - see ya there!!
The Home Inspection (not JUST for buyers!):
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Home Inspection:
A home inspection is rapidly becoming standard practice when potential buyers are considering a home. By having the home inspected BEFORE it is listed, you can avoid nasty surprises and make your home more attractive to buyers by attending to necessary repairs.
A pre-listing inspection can provide a list of potential upgrades that may help you sell faster and for a higher price.
A professional home evaluation of more than 1,600 items inside and outside the home is the core of the inspection. The home inspection industry is not regulated so be sure to research before you commit. Inspectors conduct a visual inspection of accessible systems and components of the home including:
• Structure and foundation
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• Roofs and Attics
• Basements and Crawl Spaces
• Gutters and Drainage
• Walls, Floors and Ceilings
• Porches and Decks
• Property and Site
• Furnaces in heating season
• Air Conditioning in cooling season
• Plumbing Fixtures in Kitchens and Baths
• Water Heaters
• A representative sampling of Lights and Receptacles
• A representative sampling of Windows and Doors
• Built-in Appliances
BE THERE during the inspection! A home inspection is not simply a laundry list of what is wrong with the home. In addition to documenting issues and needed repairs that may exist, a professional home inspector will also show the new buyer how to operate the various systems in the home and provide tips on improving energy efficiency and maintaining the home in general. And being present during the inspection will make the final written report that much more meaningful.
The Home Inspection industry in not regulated. Some inspectors are more thorough than others and prices do vary. Ask for references and a sample inspection report before you commit.
You may also want to consider purchasing a Home Warranty. Not only does it provide the buyer with peace of mind, it may also cover the seller while the home is on the market.
Home warranties usually run about $375.
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