TURN UP THE HEAT!

TURN UP THE HEAT!!

I have seen some truly beautiful outdoor spaces lately. They are truly an extension of the home's living area!! AND, can't get enough of those outdoor fireplaces!!

Fire Pits
A fire pit is much like an elaborate version of the rock ring you made for a campfire as a kid. They can be permanent or portable. The cost for a stone or brick pit varies depending on design, but a portable metal dish on a stand can be found at stores such as Smith & Hawken and Summer Classics (www.smith-hawken.com or www.summerclassics.com) for as little as $100.

If you opt for a permanent pit, consider making it at least 24 inches in diameter, but 36 inches is better, giving you more room to build a good fire. As an inexpensive alternative to a custom-built pit, consider using a 24-inch-long section of large concrete pipe. Flip it up on end, and sink it partially in the ground. To find a concrete pipe supplier, visit www.concrete-pipe.org.

Fireplaces
An outdoor fireplace is just like one inside. You have a firebox, chimney, flue, and hearth. Because they are constructed just like an indoor fireplace, they often must meet local regulations. And, unlike portable fire pits and chimineas, you can build outdoor fireplaces into a wood deck. (Check with your local building official and fire department about any codes governing outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, or chimineas.

A full-blown outdoor fireplace is the most permanent and expensive option. They can cost from $5,000 for a prefabricated unit and surround to $10,000 or more for masonry. Because they are the most expensive option, these structures are often designed to complement the architecture of a new house or addition.

Until recently, the only option for an outdoor fireplace was masonry. But as popularity grew, companies such as Heat-N-Glo (www.heatnglo-lifestyle.com) started offering less costly prefabricated outdoor fireplaces. With durable stainless steel parts, they stand up to the elements. The structures are available as wood- or gas-burning. Prices for the firebox start at around $1,500, not including the surround, chimney, or any site work.

Chimineas
A chiminea is perhaps the original outdoor fireplace. Traditional versions are manufactured from clay, like a pot, and can be very fragile; newer types are made from metal or iron. Chimneas often come in two components: the base or bowl where the fire goes and the neck or chimney. Because they have a small chimney, smoke is directed upward and out of your face. Once a staple of quirky roadside pottery shops, chimineas can now be found at garden shops, home-improvement warehouses, or online at Web sites such as www.outdoorfireplaces.com. Basic chiminea models begin at around $130.

Before burning your first fire, insulate the bowl with 3 to 4 inches of sand or fine gravel. For clay chimineas, burn small fires the first five times you use it to keep it from cracking. If you live in a colder climate, store it in a garage or other protected place for the winter. Metal or iron chimineas can be left outside year-round, but one warning if you're opting for this style: Don't purchase a circular metal version with mesh sides and a solid top and bottom. Although the smoke escapes from the sides, the solid top and mesh sides get extremely hot.

Outdoor Fireplace Tips
Chase away the chill in the coming months with the addition of a fire pit, chiminea, or fireplace to your backyard. These options allow you to spend more time outdoors with your family as cooler weather arrives. But remember to be safe so you can enjoy them fully.

Place a portable fire pit away from the house, tree branches, fences, or anything else that might be flammable.
Never use a portable fire pit or chiminea on a wooden or covered deck.
Just like indoors, never burn chemically treated wood.
Metal fire pits and clay chimineas can produce a lot of heat, so don't try to move them for at least a day after the fire is out.
Never use gasoline or other flammable liquid to start a fire. Use kindling, newspaper, and dry logs instead.
Don't leave any type of fire unattended.
(Derick Belden - Southern Living Magazine)
(Photos courtesy of HGTV)

Have you seen any great outdoor spaces in your area lately?
Planning your own oasis?

Know anyone who is planning on a "moving" experience - please ask them to call Selling Homes by Design for a no-obligation consultation on home selling and buying!

Recipe for Preparing YOUR Home for Sale!

Recipe for preparing YOUR home for sale!

I recently gave a seminar on "Preparing the home for sale". There are plenty of 1st buyer seminars out there - but there seemed to be a void when it comes to educating sellers (1st time sellers, in particular) - Here are some excerpts from that seminar...

Today’s Buyer:

Today’s buyer is savvy and well informed. They are looking for a turn-key home – not a fixer-upper.

Homeowners face a difficult challenge in selling their home in today’s market. The home must stand out – it must be memorable!
Sellers can only control how the home is priced and how it looks. Sellers cannot control the market, competition or interest rates.

The second most important incentive sellers can offer, after an appropriate price, is presenting a home that can compete with a model home. The biggest mistake that sellers make is that they will give up $50,000 to $100,000 in price rather that spend $20,000 to put in a new bath or a new kitchen with granite counters. Buyers don’t have the time, money or imagination to do these upgrades, so they prefer a home that’s already upgraded. When it comes to upgrades, Buyers then to think in thousands, seller tend to think in hundreds.

According to Remodeling Magazine, when you consider its value at resale, a home improvement project typically costs only 20 to 25 cents on the dollar.

Curb Appeal: Your home’s first impressions begin even before the front door. Your home must have appeal from the street. If it doesn’t appear welcoming on the outside, buyers will either keep on driving or form negative opinions before they come in the front door.

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. Clean all debris and moss from roofs and gutters.

Look at the condition of the lawn. 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.

Upgrades that provide Return On Investment:

Buyers look for and appreciate updated kitchens and baths. These are the remodels you stand to gain the largest payback on! Spend your money on the rooms that have running water as a general rule. A buyer is likely to subtract literally hundreds of dollars if they see a dated bathroom vanity with 70’s faux marble top and chipped sink. A small, new furniture-style one piece vanity popular with buyers can be purchased at any home improvement store for about $100.00. Such an update provides value.

For bathrooms, inspect all tile, grout and hardware. Clean or repair grout. Use vinegar to remove soap residue from shower heads and shower doors. Look at the floor ~ tile in a neutral stone look can be a very cost effective update.

Brushed nickel is still the finish of choice – just updating simple knobs and towel bars can give a bath a fresh look. Go with a spa-like motif and invest in neutral towels, shower curtains and accessories ~ you can always take them to your new home. Keep bath products to an absolute minimum. Clutter undermines all your hard work!

Everyone knows a kitchen can sell a house! While it’s true that stainless appliances and solid surface counters such as granite are the #1 choice of buyers, your budget may not permit. Laminate counters with a solid surface "look" can give an updated feel if you cannot afford granite.

If you can’t replace appliances; ensure they are squeaky clean and in proper working order. Wash cabinets to remove any grease build up and consider replacing hardware. Backsplashes and under cabinet lighting add additional value to a kitchen. Tile backsplashes are inexpensive and can be installed by any do-it-yourselfer.
Remove “stuff” from counters, above cabinets and top of fridge – it shouts “Hey, this kitchen has no storage!”.

Remember, glass front cabinets and hutches are for display – not storage. Use them accordingly. Take all magnets, artwork off the fridge.
Lastly – look at the flooring.

The New Neutrals of Paint Colors:

Paint is THE most cost-effective investment you can make! The new neutrals add warmth and definition to a space. It can define a focal point such as a fireplace or view.
It can make your home stand out from the rest in your neighborhood.
These new neutrals are derived from colors in nature – think sand, mushroom, wheat!
Tans, honeys, and sages sell!

Staging:
“The way you live in your home and the way we sell your house are two different things.”
Staging is a concept developed 30 years ago by Barb Schwarz. Although the process has been around for some time, it’s just now gaining popularity in our area. Staging uses proven guidelines and techniques to prepare a home for sale.
When I do a Staging consultation – it is a detailed process of going thru each room, taking notes and pictures, looking at the ceilings, the walls, doorways, flooring, furniture and its placement and accessories. I come back with about a 20 page plan made specifically for that house.

In every room, stand in the doorway and look thru the eyes of a buyer. What do you really see – pack everything you can live without while your home is on the market. This includes any family photos, collections of any kind, guns, swords, hunting trophies and religious and political items. The buyer needs to “picture” himself living there, with his things.

Dining Room Before Staging:

Dining Room After Staging:

Your closets and cupboards should be pared down to half of their current contents. I suggest that all the hangers in the closet be the same.

Truth is, buyers lack imagination. “They only know what they See, not the way it’s going to Be!” That is why each room must have a defined purpose, must be clutter-free, Q-Tip clean and rid of excess furniture and personal items. This includes the kitchen counters, laundry space and all bathrooms. Buyers want to purchase square footage – not your stuff.

Show off all the space in your place!

Have you ever had your home Staged for selling? Are you a D.I.Y'r and can tackle some updates yourself?
Thinking about a NEW beginning - give a call to Selling Homes by Design to get the process started with professional Staging and Realty services! 703-679-1712

SELLING YOUR HOME & THE VIRTUAL TOUR

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE VIRTUAL TOUR COMPANY

You finally realized that hiring a professional Virtual Tour company to photograph your property was a great move. Next step is to prepare your home so that it looks appealing to potential buyers who will be looking at your home online? Think about “staging” your home, or in other words, setting the scene for immediate buyer interest in your property.

To be really effective, you need to look at both the outside and the inside of your home. Here are 3 tips to get you started with the inside of your home:
1. De-clutter. This is one of the most important things you can do. It might be easier to think of de-cluttering like this – you’re moving anyway, so why not start packing now?
Pack up everything you don’t need and store the boxes out of sight in the garage (or consider temporarily renting a small storage locker).
2. Organize your closets – put similar colors together, pants together, skirts together, shirts together etc. Why? Because it will make the closets look bigger. (Really.) An organized closet appears bigger, and you want your closets to look as spacious as possible.
3. Make your home look like a model. You want to de-personalize as much as possible so potential buyers can imagine themselves and their own belongings occupying the space in your house. That means minimizing – putting away everything you don’t need or use. Clear off kitchen counters as much as possible – stash all those appliances you don’t use, and put miscellaneous small clutter in a few attractive baskets or boxes
And the biggest tip of all? Imagine yourself as a potential buyer looking at your property for the very first time. What impressions are you getting? Would YOU buy your house? What would you like to see changed before you submitted an offer on your house?
Proper staging helps you sell your house in a shorter time and at the price you want.

Interested in selling YOUR home? Consult with Selling Homes by Design for a no-obligation meeting to discuss your home and our professional realty and Staging services!

(preparation information provided by The Murphy Group of Keller Williams

Need a STAY-CATION ?

You'll NEVER want to leave THIS home!

Meticulously maintained and very tastefully updated! A+ location, too! Close to everything: Reston Town Center, Reston Station Metro Stop, Dulles Airport, Dulles Tech Corridor, Toll Road, Rte 7 - located just off Hunter Mill Road.

This grand home is situated on a FLAT 1.15 acre lot. NO HOA. Design your own pool or sport court!

The main level offers an open feel with private study and updated kitchen and butler's pantry. Both the breakfast nook and family room lead to the spacious deck.

The upper level has a cozy nook, 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. The incredibly spacious walk-out finished lower level has room for a home theater AND pool table, a bedroom / den and full bath - perfect for guests and another bonus room for your home gym.

The side load garage offer lots of storage, too!
This home is 100% move-in ready and waiting for YOU!

Going to be in the area this weekend?

Taste of Reston is a GO!!! Make your way down to Reston Town Center starting at 3 pm this afternoon to partake in Northern Virginia’s largest food festival! Even kids will have a blast as they explore the fun activities, interactive games, and demonstrations at the Family Fun Zone! - located at the corner of Market and President’s Streets. The festival is both Friday and Saturday this weekend, with a bonus carnival day on Sunday. Prepare your palate, its Taste of Reston! www.restontaste.com

This home is priced at $999,999.
And is offered by Keller Williams Realty
Sharon Goetz, Realtor, Stager

A "NEW Home ?

Opting for new home construction
Whether to buy an existing home or have one built is yet another decision to make during the home-buying process. If you decide to go with new construction, a real estate agent can be a powerful advocate in your corner as you negotiate upgrades, a move-in date and other terms with the home builder.
Below are some basic pointers to prepare you for the journey ahead.

Selecting a builder
Shopping for a large production or custom home builder can be a daunting task. Start by defining what architectural styles appeal to you and then seek out the builders in your area who offer those styles. Due diligence is essential. Ask friends for referrals to get firsthand accounts; verify the builder's state license status, if applicable; and check whether they're certified by the National Association of Home Builders.

The builder representative and your real estate agent
A builder representative's ultimate goal is to sell you a home. His or her role is to provide a wide range of information to help you in your decision-making, from building restrictions, roads and easements to inspections, warranties, rebates and upgrades. A real estate agent knowledgeable in new-home construction will be able to help you wade through all the data and point out the downsides and upsides of each line item. Your agent also can look out for your interests in reviewing the builder's contract, which often contains more legal jargon than consumer-friendly language.

It's all about timing
Market conditions greatly dictate a builder's incentive to make a deal you cannot refuse. When a builder has inventory on his hands, his carrying costs start adding up. When this happens, a builder might be more amenable to strike a favorable deal, whether it's throwing in upgrades or taking a bit off the asking price. A real estate agent can help you know when market conditions are right for these benefits. Also, watch for builder close-out sales. Builders promote these special events when a new subdivision is near completion but empty inventory still remains.

A word about paying up
While there are always exceptions, most builders require a deposit when a purchase agreement is signed. They also require that the buyer pay for any upgrades prior to closing. If you back out prior to closing, unless the agreement states otherwise, you will lose that money. Make sure you understand every detail in the builder's contract before signing it.

Sharon Goetz
Realtor®, Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Interior Decorator
Keller Williams Realty, Reston, VA

How's the Market in Reston, VA 20191 ?

How's the Real Estate Market in Reston, VA 20191:



The median list price in RESTON, VA
20191 this week is $519,900. The 35
properties have been on the market
for an average of 114 days.

The market has shown some
evidence of slowing recently. Both
prices and inventory levels are
relatively unchanged in recent
weeks. Watch the Market Action
Index for changes as it can be a
leading indicator for price changes.

Want to know what's going on in YOUR neighborhood - just give Selling Homes by Design a call! 703-679-1712

Sharon Goetz
703-679-1712, Sharon.G@KW.com
Realtor®, Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Interior Decorator
Keller Williams Realty

www.SellingHomesByDesign.com
www.facebook.com/SellingHomesByDesign

Please visit my website to see photos of Staged homes
& to request my FREE report on “Preparing Your Home for Sale”.

SELLING HOMES!...by design®
• Staging® services designed for YOUR home
• A choice of 3 commission plans designed to fit YOUR needs
• A satisfaction guarantee designed with YOU in mind

Colonial Charmer in Reston, VA

Williamsburg meets Reston!
This Colonial charmer may very well grace the pages of "Tradtional Home Magazine"!



Special, Pre-Market Opportunity!

Located in the Deepwood Community of Reston, VA, this Cardinal model, end-unit brick townhome truly lives like a detached home. You'll find it's ALL in the details - carefully chosen updates include a completely remodeled kitchen with granite counters, custom tile backsplash, "soft-close technology" drawers, high end stainless steel appliances by Bosch and Kitchen Aid and custom window seats.



This gourmet kitchen leads to a private patio area with water feature - your serenity among the trees.



This 3 bedroom, 2 full - 2 half-bath home is "Q-Tip clean" and meticulously maintained. Other details to be appreciated are the large master bedroom with walk-in closet, double sink bathroom and crown molding - truly your private oasis!



The upper level has 2 other bedrooms and an updated main bath featuring custom tile.





Colonial details are ever present in the cozy living and dining rooms.



Entertaining friends is a snap with a spacious family room - perfect for movie or game night.



A+ location - this home is walking distance to Shopping and Community Centers, a magnet elementary school and bus stop. The Reston Town Center, Toll Road and proposed Silver Line Metro Stop are all nearby.

Historically LOW interest rates and the move-in-ready condition of this home all equal NOW is a great time to buy. I can arrange a pre-market showing - just for YOU!

Please contact me to discuss your options and details on renting vs. buying (if applicable). If you have a friend, co-worker or neighbor who has been considering a move - it would be my pleasure to offer them a no-obligation consultation to discuss their specific needs.

This outstanding home is listed by Keller Williams Realty in Reston, VA. It will be offered for $407,900.

Sharon Goetz
703-679-1712, Sharon.G@KW.com
Realtor®, Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Interior Decorator
Keller Williams Realty

www.SellingHomesByDesign.com

Staging Tips: Part III

The "Model Home Concept":

A shopper is more willing to buy a home that’s tastefully decorated, even if the buyer has no intention of furnishing it that way. That’s the Model-home concept.



Builders are the masters of this concept. They study their target audience to determine what type of décor to use. These days, the audience is very sophisticated and has high expectations. Builders use surveys and focus groups to create the profile for their potential buyers. The builders hand their research to designers who choose furnishings that will appeal to a type of buyer. The home has to be something the buyer will identify with. If you have very affluent interiors, you will most likely turn off a young first time buyer as they will feel it’s beyond their reach.

A contemporary style with a Crate & Barrel look would be more appealing to the first time buyer of a townhome.

Builders also go thru great lengths to provide a local feel. In Annapolis, Nautical art may be used in the home, in Leesburg, the home office may have an equestrian theme.



The WHOLE point is – be memorable (in a good way)! Keep in mind who your audience may be whether you’re selling a condo, townhome or estate home!
Visit area model homes – you’ll want to give potential buyers that same WOW factor.

Sharon Goetz
703-679-1712, Sharon.G@KW.com
Realtor®, Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Interior Decorator
Keller Williams Realty

www.SellingHomesByDesign.com

Please visit my website to see photos of Staged homes
& to request my FREE report on “Preparing Your Home for Sale”.

SELLING HOMES!...by design®
• Staging® services designed for YOUR home
• A choice of 3 commission plans designed to fit YOUR needs
• A satisfaction guarantee designed with YOU in mind