The prospect of selling a Great Falls property can be exciting. You may want to contact a seller’s agent as soon as you have made the decision to sell your home, but there are several things that you should accomplish first before contacting an agent. Taking care of a few tasks will ensure you are ready to move forward and discuss details with an agent.

The first thing you should do is have a chat with your financial advisor. Selling a home is a big financial move and it’s important to talk through how to retain as much money as possible from the sale. It’s also vital to understand potential tax implications from selling a home and talk about money needed for potential repairs and renovations. After this conversation, start to formulate a transition plan from living in Great Falls to your new home. It can be stressful to try to sell a home and move at the same time. If you don’t already have a new residence, you may want to consider putting some of your belongings in storage. This will make moving easier when the time comes. It also gets rid of clutter in the home. Reducing clutter is an important part of staging.

Home Sellers Living in Great Falls Should Get Repairs and Upgrades Done

Once you have talked to your financial advisor and created a transition plan, take care of any important home repairs and renovations. It will be difficult to sell your Great Falls property if there are any problems with the electrical, plumbing, or HVAC system. Consider hiring a certified home inspector to alert you of any issues that may need to be repaired. This will give you a good sense of any problems that could hold up the sale so that you can take care of them in advance.

If you are able, also make some home upgrades. Putting money in to freshen up your home can help fetch a higher sales price. These can be simple things like replacing fixtures, installing new doors, or a fresh paint. When these tasks are complete, get in touch with a seller’s agent to get your Great Falls home on the market.

As you begin the process of getting your Leesburg home ready to sell, you’ll want to think about what remodeling projects you want to tackle. In addition to decluttering and deep cleaning, most people will at least repaint. Lots of owners will decide to put in new flooring, especially if your current floor looks too old or dated. As you consider ways to update Leesburg real estate, you’ll be balancing how much time you have, how much money you can spend, and the desired updates in your area. Be sure to get advice from a seasoned real estate agent before tackling anything too big or time consuming. These projects are an investment in selling your house quickly and for a good price. You want to make sure you’ll get a good return.

Leesburg Real Estate Shoppers Will Notice Upgrades to the Kitchen and Bathrooms Most

Most experts agree that the kitchen and bathrooms in a home are the places to spend the most remodeling dollars. Keep in mind that small projects can make a big impact. Changing out the hardware in your kitchen and installing a new faucet can really make an older kitchen look much newer. The same is true in the bathroom. If you have more resources, consider updating the light fixtures. Replacing the vanity in the bathroom can also be a fairly straightforward project. Restaining or repainting cabinets is a big undertaking, but it’s not as expensive as fully replacing them. The renewed cabinets will really shine, too.

Whatever you decide to do about remodeling, make sure that each room in your house is well-lit, clean, and inviting. Rearranging furniture, buying some cheerful accent pillows or a cozy throw for your couch, or putting down a new area rug are all affordable ways to create a welcoming feel to your home. Buying a Leesburg home is an emotional process as much as a practical one, so be sure that you take the feeling of a room into account as you make changes.

Before closing on your McLean real estate, it’s important to do a final walkthrough. Most buyers and their real estate agent complete the final walkthrough 24 to 48 hours before closing, although some people prefer to complete it the morning before closing. This final walkthrough is important because it’s a chance to make sure that the property is in the same condition it was in when you committed to buying it. There are many things to look for during this final walkthrough, so it’s best to bring a checklist and something to write with. 

Be Sure All Major Systems in the McLean Home Are Working and Repairs Are Done

When you are walking through the home, check to see that all of the seller’s belongings are gone. Try all the door and window locks to make sure they are working. Bring a list of agreed-upon repairs and make sure they are finished. Make sure all appliances mentioned in the purchase agreement are in good working order. Find out where the manuals for the appliances and fixtures are. Test both the furnace and air conditioner. Check the plumbing for leaks and ensure that all faucets and toilets are working properly in the McLean home. Look for damage from moving on the doorways, ceilings, and walls. Outside, the yard should be in good condition with no trash or junk. Finally, find out whether the seller left the garage door opener and keys in the home or with their agent.

If problems are found during the final walkthrough, negotiations can be made at closing. If there has been a violation of the purchase agreement, most sellers will try to make things right. Lean on your real estate agent for advice on how to handle the situation. If there is extensive damage and the home does not meet the obligations that are spelled out in your real estate contract, you are legally allowed to back out of the deal.

Should I buy or rent? It’s a perennial question for people trying to make sensible decisions about their current housing needs and future plans. Interest rates are historically low at the moment, and it’s tempting to search Vienna property listings, daydreaming about how you could turn the houses into your dream home.

There’s no denying the advantages of buying over renting in Vienna. When you own your home, you build up equity for the future. You can make any changes you want without consulting a landlord. You enjoy tax benefits, too. It’s understandable to feel that you’re throwing money away when you pay the rent but paying yourself when you pay the mortgage. If you live in a particularly expensive area, your jaw might drop when you see how affordable a mortgage is compared to your current rent.

However, it’s important to see that buying Vienna property (or anywhere else) is a long-term investment. Home ownership comes with a lot of costs, and it takes time to recoup them. In addition to making a downpayment, you need to think about closing costs, which can be 3 to 5% of the purchase price of the house. Other fees include a house inspection, loan origination fees, and document fees.

Another important factor is your credit score. The higher your score, the lower your mortgage rate will be. Before jumping into house hunting, you need to find out how you rate. If it’s too low, you may not qualify for a loan at all. Even if you do qualify, you might end up paying a lot more if you have a high mortgage rate.

Is Buying or Renting in Vienna Right for You?

Your first step toward buying a home should be answering some questions.

1. How long do you plan to be in the area? Most experts estimate it takes at least five years to build enough equity to cover the fees associated with buying a house.
2. What is your credit score? A score of 740 will qualify you for the best loan rates. You need a score of at least 580 to qualify for federal loans.
3. Do you qualify for any special loan programs that make buying a house more affordable? Check out loans through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Veterans Administration (VA). State and local agencies also have programs worth looking at.

Buying a home can be a great idea, but you have to weigh your plans and current financial position to decide if it’s a great idea for you.

Sterling real estate owners who love good beer and good food should check out Sweetwater Tavern. The star of the show at Sweetwater is the amazing list of handcrafted beers, made by head brewmeister Joe Schineller and brewmeisters Aaron Emery and Jon Blake. Their crisp light lager, Naked River Lager, is always on tap. It’s very refreshing and made from German pilsner barley. Their Great American Pale Ale, which has earned multiple awards in the US and abroad, is also always on tap.

Throughout the year, the brewmeisters release special brews, so it’s always worth coming in to see what’s available. There are hoppy ales and IPAs, lagers and other light ales, malty ales, Belgian ales, and some fun and funky brews. Kids will love the real home brewed root beer. If you’d like to try several beers, order the round of samples. You’ll get tastes of five different on-tap brews. When you’ve found your favorite, order a growler to take back to your Sterling home.

Eat a Great Meal at the Tavern or Order Delivery to Your Sterling Home

If you’d like something to eat that pairs perfectly with your favorite brew, stay for lunch or dinner. Sweetwater has an extensive menu with choices to please everyone. Start with firecracker shrimp or warm up with a bowl of lobster bisque. Be sure to order the community bread basket. Sweetwater donates $1 from each bread basket to relieve food insecurity.

The entrees include filling salads, warm sandwiches like the smoked BBQ pulled pork, as well as fresh seafood, chicken, and pasta dishes. If you’re feeling very hungry, check out the chops and barbecue options. There’s barbecue baby back ribs and Berkshire pork chops. If you’re in the mood for steak, try the wood grilled filet mignon or the drunken rib eye steak.

Visit the Sweetwater Tavern website to see the full menu. You can also order online for carry out or delivery to your Sterling real estate location. Be sure to click on the Community Kitchen tab so you can donate meals to people in need in our community. 

If you’re looking for a townhouse in Reston, be sure to check out Tanners Cluster homes. These spacious townhomes have three or four large bedrooms and three or four bathrooms. The master bedroom will have a spa-like ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. The remaining bedrooms have large closets and big windows, letting in plenty of light and great views of the mature trees around the cluster. Since they were built in the mid 1970s, many of these units have been updated and remodeled. You’ll find hardwood floors, new carpet, stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, and upgraded bathrooms.

On the main level, you’ll find a sunny and open concept layout. There’s plenty of space to share a meal with friends and family and relax together. Tanners Cluster homes also typically have a finished basement, complete with a bathroom. It’s a great space for guests, a home office, or a rec room. The cluster also has a tot lot, where kids can run around with friends while adults chat. Several of Reston’s famous walking paths run through the cluster, encouraging residents to explore their community on foot.

Everything You Love About Reston Real Estate Is Close to Tanners Cluster

Tanners Cluster is located an easy distance from most of the amenities that make Reston real estate so desirable. Reston Community Center is a mile away. The center offers fitness and enrichment classes for all ages, sports leagues, and a fully equipped gym. Reston National Golf Course is practically next door, and tennis players will love how close both Shadowood Tennis Courts are. Ridge Heights Pool and Dogwood Pool are also nearby and are the best spots for cooling off in the summer. Reston Town Center is a couple of miles away from the cluster. It’s the place to go for shopping, dining, and community events. Dulles Access Road is about one mile north of Tanners Cluster, making it easy to get to Washington DC for work or entertainment. Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station is just over two miles away, too.

There are many great events available during the fall to those who call Reston home. One great one to check out is the Reston Farm Garden Market Fall Fest 2021. This event is taking place on Saturdays and Sundays now through October 31st. This is a family fun event with tons of activities, food, and fun.

This year, Fall Fest features Spoolkey the square pumpkin. Spookley has a story on Disney and Netflix that helps us realize that what makes us different makes us special. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and this message is a great one as families visit this event.

Families from Reston Real Estate Have a Blast at Fall Fest 2021

There are lots of fun activities to look forward to when attending Reston Farm Garden Market Fall Fest 2021. There is a petting zoo, train rides around the garden market, bounce houses and games, and Spookley the Square Pumpkin Learning Maze. All of these items are included with admission. For extra costs, enjoy face painting, balloons, feeding the animals, fresh apple cider, and pumpkin donuts. Also take a pumpkin back to your Reston home for an additional charge. The cost for general admission is $28 for children and $6 per parent. Children who are 24 months or under are free with a paid admission.

If you are looking to only shop at the Garden Market, note that no ticket is required. A train ride without a Fall Fest ticket is $7. Different food trucks will be available on different weekends. October 9-10 and October 16-17, Fly Pizza Truck will be on site. October 23-24 features Don Sebas Taqueria, October 3th features Lady K’s Cafe, and October 31st features Chix N Stix. Tickets are on sale now and must be reserved for a 90 minute session. Cleaning will take place between each session. Everyone living in Reston real estate is invited to learn more about this event and purchase tickets at the Reston Farm website. 

Mookie’s BBQ serves up great food to those living in Great Falls real estate. The restaurant and bar are open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Located at 1141 Walker Road in Great Falls, indoor and outdoor seating are available. The full menu, including specials, is currently available. Call in orders are welcome and curbside pick-up will continue upon request. Pay with a credit card in advance to avoid non-essential contact when picking up. Online ordering is available, however specials and orders that need significant modifications need to be made over the phone by calling 703.759.2386.

The full service menu at Mookie’s BBQ includes food that’s made from scratch using local ingredients. The restaurant makes all their own sauces and rubs. Take a night off from cooking and order food to enjoy at your Great Falls home, eat at the restaurant, or consider Mookie’s BBQ for catering your next event. The extensive menu includes starters, sandwiches, platters, soups, salads, sides, drinks, desserts, and to-go family packs. There are four choices for family packs all including an assortment of meats, sides, cornbread, and sauces.

The Huge Menu Will Please Everyone at Your Great Falls Home

Choices for meat at Mookie’s BBQ include pulled pork, pulled chicken, baby back ribs, sausages, brisket, and turkey. Hamburgers are also available and choices for sides include coleslaw, potato salad, cucumber salad, BBQ beans, collard greens, hand cut fries, hand cut onion rings, macaroni and cheese, and more. Keep an eye on the daily specials, which consist of items such as fried chicken, bacon wrapped meatloaf, beef ribs, smoked prime rib, salmon, and smoked ham. Consider coming in on Sunday for brunch, which is served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The menu includes brisket hash, French toast, Mookie’s scrambles, and more. Everyone living in Great Falls real estate is invited to learn more about Mookie’s BBQ and view the full menu online. 

Selling your Reston home is a big undertaking, and it’s important to do as much as possible to help your home stand out. There is much to be done before listing a home, including cleaning, decluttering, and staging. Any fixes or upgrades should also be complete before getting your home on the market. If you aren’t sure where to begin when it comes to upgrades, here is a look at the top four upgrades you can make to help your Reston home stand out and sell quickly.

Updating your cabinets can give a huge boost to your home. Even if you don’t have enough money to replace the cabinets, you can paint them or even just add new hardware. Any way to make the cabinets look fresh and clean can really help. Also consider changing up the shelving. Add more shelves to some spaces and take some away to allow for the storage of larger objects.

While working in the kitchen, also consider upgrading kitchen appliances, countertops, and lighting. New appliances will look nice and also provide greater energy efficiency, a bonus for potential buyers. There are many choices these days for countertops and lighting. Consider marble, limestone, or granite for countertops and more modern lighting choices.

Reston Real Estate Storage Spaces Should Look Nice and Big

Two other areas that can make your Reston real estate stand out to potential buyers are the front door and storage. Refresh the front of your home by painting the front door. Freshen it up and keep it the same color, or choose a new color that compliments the front of your home.

A final area to consider upgrading in your home before it hits the market is storage. Potential buyers want to see plenty of storage and have no doubts that all their belongings will fit in the home. Consider adding more shelving to blank spaces, installing longer vanities, and utilizing unique spaces, such as under the stairs. Another good rule of thumb is to take out at least half of your stuff from any storage area. This will make the space look bigger.

When you list your Reston real estate for sale, you likely expect it to sell quickly, especially with how hot the market has been recently. However, there are instances where houses sit for weeks or even months without any serious offers. If this happens to you, consider these reasons why your home may not be selling.

Your home is too personalized and cluttered. Potential buyers usually feel uncomfortable when touring houses with personal photographs, religious, or political decor on the walls. Take down any items that reflect your personal life and allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home.

This can also be true of home improvements. If you painted a mural on your garage door or turned your basement into a dog grooming salon, you may want to rethink your improvements. Leaving your home neutral and full of possibilities is the best way to attract buyers.

Also, remove clutter from your Reston home. Rent a storage unit or store your items with a friend or family member. Only leave what you need and want to use to stage your home. Another option is to completely move out and then hire a professional stager.

Don’t Over Price Your Reston Home But DO Make Sure to Create an Eye-Catching Listing

Other reasons why your home may not be selling is because of a poor listing, high asking price, or your home is in need of too many repairs. Most buyers do not want to deal with making repairs when taking on the cost of buying a home. You may need to take care of the repairs yourself first so that the house can sell.

Once the house has been on the market for a while, rethink your asking price and the information on your listing. Ask an experienced real estate agent for their opinion about home pricing and about your listing. If the description of the home is poorly written, most buyers will skip over it. Be sure to put effort into the listing to capture the attention of buyers. Also, be sure to include nice high resolution photos of both the interior and exterior of your Reston real estate so it shines online.