Spring is typically a time when the Reston real estate market is booming. The weather is nice. Reston home sellers can easily do work to fix up their houses for sale. Home buyers feel more comfortable driving around to see prospective houses when it’s not snowing. Families want to have a new place to live in time for the start of a new school year. This year is very different, with shelter in place orders in most states. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make any plans for moving forward on your real estate plans.

Buying or Selling a Reston Home? Check out Your Financing Options

Buyers and sellers can both take steps to research financing options with different banks. Now is a good time to check on your credit score and make sure it’s accurate. Most people are having to make cuts from their personal budgets. Even if you can’t make larger credit card payments, not adding more debt is a good first step. Those who expect to get a stimulus check should think about the best way to use it. You could pay down a high-interest debt or put it in your savings for a down payment.

Those who are planning to sell Reston real estate can get started on getting their house ready to sell. Begin deep cleaning and decluttering. You might not be able to take donations to a thrift store. However, you can box things up, label the boxes, and store them together in your garage or basement. There’s time to tackle all the little fix-it jobs around the house. Work on dripping faucets, for example. Replacing door knobs and cabinet hardware is a straightforward task.

Remember to pay attention to the outside of the house, too. Pull weeds, trim and edge the grass, and plant flowers if you can.

Feel free to reach out to our office with your real estate questions!

Continue to support your local restaurants while staying at your Reston home as much as possible. There are many restaurants around town that offer curbside carryout. Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is one of those restaurants. Lobster is likely something that you do not have already at your Reston home, so indulge and treat yourself in this time of uncertainty. Take a break and beat cabin fever to pick up the food for a little holiday away from home. Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is located at 11939 Democracy Drive in Reston Town Center. Order by calling 571.926.8610 or order online.

Reston Home Owners Support Local Business and Order Their Favorites

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls has been in business since 2014 and is on a mission to serve authentic lobster rolls. The lobsters are fresh from the waters of Maine and served with only basic items such as butter, lemon, mayo, and some celery. Try a variety of lobster rolls such as the classic served with mayo and lemon butter, the lobster BLT roll served with lobster, bacon, lettuce, and tomato, the lobster salad roll made with celery, mayo, and lemon dressing, or the Bar Harbor with extra lobster meat. In addition to the lobster roll choices, there is also a shrimp roll , salads, lobster grilled cheese, lobster mac and cheese, and choices for the kids such as a Nathan’s all beef hot dog, grilled cheese, or macaroni and cheese. Sides include lobster bisque, New England clam chowder, side salad, potato salad, cole slaw, or cape cod chips.

If you have any future gatherings in the planning process, consider choosing Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls for catering. Think of Mason’s for a future meeting at the office, a birthday party at your Reston real estate, or something large like a wedding. Lobster rolls can be purchased at larger order prices, potato salad and coleslaw are available for just $5 per pound, and lobster bisque and clam chowder can be purchased for $13 a quart. Fill out a catering inquiry online to chat with someone when you are ready. Find the full menu, information about catering, and place an online order at the Reston location of Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls. 

The Fairfax County Public Library has many online resources available to those living in Reston. This is very helpful as people are being asked to stay at home and the library is closed to protect staff and patrons. Explore the website and use your library card to gain access to a slew of resources to help your brain stay active and engaged while social distancing at your Reston home.

Take Classes at Your Reston Home Through the Library Website

Ever thought about learning a new language? Check out Rocket Languages. There are 12 languages to choose from, which include Spanish, Japanese, and American Sign Language. This can also be a great resource for students who have been learning a language in school. LearningExpress Library is another great educational resource. Find tests, tutorials, and ebooks to prepare for licensing and academic tests. There are items available for children and adults, even citizenship test preparation. Lynda.com is also available through the library and offers courses in areas such as technology, business, and creative fields. This is a great time to learn something new or prepare for a potential job change.

Stay up to date with the news by checking out the newspaper database. Read the New York Times, Washington Post, or other major online newspapers. Also check out newspapers from years past to brush up on history. ust for Kids is a great place for kids to go and stream videos to learn about thousands of topics. There is something for any interest, including math and science, art, animals, hobbies, reading, and more. Everyone living in Reston is invited to take a look at the library’s website to explore all offerings. Find books to read, books to listen to, learning games for kids, legal forms, information about doing your taxes, and much more all thanks to your library card. 

See Michael Corum to find out about living in Reston. Explore library e-resources at your Reston home while social distancing.

When getting ready to sell your Reston property, it may feel overwhelming trying to decide what to fix up and what to leave alone. Focus on projects that will help your home sell faster. The faster your home sells, the more money you are likely to get. It is important to wow potential buyers with the pictures they see online. This will draw them in and make them more likely to visit your Reston property in person.

Check in with your realtor for suggestions and also consider these three renovations that are likely to help your Reston home faster.

Small Updates on your Reston Home Can Make a Big Difference

Get the most bang for your remodeling buck and consider updating or improving your kitchen, bathroom, and roof. If you have the money to go for a full kitchen remodel, that can be one option. However, there are many more inexpensive ways to freshen up the space. Consider painting or refinishing your current cabinets and installing new countertops. Install a new backsplash and update the cabinet hardware. Fresh, neutral colored paint also goes a long way. It will make the space look clean and inviting.

Do the same in the bathroom. A full remodel will certainly be great, but so are small updates. Consider replacing the flooring or the vanity. Scrub the grout until it looks new or have new grout put in. Think about updating the medicine cabinet and hanging more modern looking towel hooks. Also be sure to paint and hang a new shower curtain to make the bathroom look bright and clean.

Lastly, consider having a new roof installed on your Reston property. Buyers are likely to be more interested in a property that has a new roof. This means that they will not have to worry about it for many years. Just be sure to hire a reputable company that will do a good job of sealing the roof cap and any other features on the roof. If a potential buyer has a home inspection, the inspector will certainly take a look at those areas.

Purchasing a Reston home is an exciting, but time consuming venture. Even those who feel that they were overly prepared and took their time often walk away from the process having regrets. Here are a few things that people wish that they would have taken more time on considering or not settled for when buying a Reston home. 

First of all, one of the biggest regrets is not looking toward the future. Will the Reston home be large enough to accommodate a future family? Are the schools good? Will the open space nearby be developed? If so, will there be construction noise, loss of views, or more congestion? How far is the commute to work? If there is a job change, will the location of the house still be a good one?

Check out Several Mortgage Companies Before Buying Reston Real Estate

Another regret is not doing enough research. For instance, there are many different options for mortgages. Learn about all of the loan options and find the best fit for you. Many people also wish that they were aware of all of the costs that come with purchasing Reston real estate. The cost goes above and beyond the purchase price. Unexpected closing costs are never fun. Closing costs may also cause some people to question having an inspection done because of the cost. However, the inspection is very important to learn valuable information about the home and find any problems before completing the purchase. Particular areas that are important during an inspection are wiring and plumbing.

In addition to the inspection, many people regret not doing a final walk-through. Most agreements allow for a final walk-through. This is to make sure that the property is still in good condition. Much can happen in the weeks or months between going under contract and closing. This is especially important in properties that have been foreclosed or have housed renters. No one wants surprises when taking possession of their new home.

If you’re on the Reston market, give our office a call so we can help you through the process.

It may be tempting to forgo a realtor and try to sell your Reston property by yourself. The commission fees might seem high, and living in an area that is a seller’s market could make it seem like a piece of cake. However, there are many reasons why it is best to leave the selling of your Reston property to a professional. There are many aspects to the process that will go more smoothly with the help of a realtor, plus it is likely that an agent will fetch a higher price for your home than you would on your own. This would likely cover the commission and then some. 

A Real Estate Agent Will Help You Get Top Dollar for Your Reston Home

Home pricing, marketing, and contracts are complicated. There is more to coming up with a listing price than asking someone down the street what they bought their house for or using an online pricing tool. Overprice a home and it will sit for a long time. Underprice it and you are likely to lose money. It is also difficult and costly to market a home that is for sale by owner. Realtors can get your house exposure on multiple listing services and also market your house to fellow agents who will then share the home with their clients. It is definitely best to leave the paperwork to professionals. This paperwork protects the buyer to avoid future liability. Get this wrong and it could mean trouble.

Other areas where agents are a great help are sprucing up your Reston home before selling and open houses. It can be overwhelming to know what to spend time and money on to fix up before putting your house on the market. Realtors know what fixes are likely to bring in the most money. When it comes to open houses and showings, it can be frustrating to schedule and deal with them on your own. One of the biggest headaches for those trying to sell by owner is dealing with all of the real estate investors who want to buy quick and flip the house or with people who are just looking and have no intention of buying the house.

Give our office a call so we can discuss your home selling needs.

Anyone interested in Reston rental property should check out the luxury apartments at the Harrison at Reston Town Center. There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans, which can accommodate many lifestyle needs. Many of the one-bedroom options include a den or family room space, perfect for a home office. Some units offer a balcony or terrace, which allow residents to enjoy the stunning views of the Sugarloaf Mountains and sunrise to the east and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and sunset to the west. 

Renting in Reston Provides Great Amenities

Inside, the apartments at the Harrison provide those renting in Reston with lots of luxury amenities. There are hardwood floors in the common areas and plush carpet in the bedrooms. The kitchens are outfitted with granite countertops and high end stainless steel appliances. Bedrooms have large walk-in closets. Each unit has its own washer and dryer. Verizon FIOS is available for all your internet, TV, and communication needs.

The community amenities are just as impressive. Work out at the fitness center with state of the art cardio machines, weight training stations, and free weights. There is an indoor pool, and a spa, sauna, and private massage room. The rooftop pool is great for relaxing in the warmer months. Residents enjoy a full schedule of exercise classes and community events. Schedule a conference in one of the conference rooms. Work in a private office or workstation. Guests can rent one of two suites, so you can host friends and family even if you have a smaller place. There’s an underground garage as well as space to store a bike and bikes to borrow. The Harrison is also close to the Silver Line station. The building is dog and cat friendly, too.

Many people are interested in the Reston rental property because of its location at Reston Town Center. Residents enjoy fine dining, shopping, and professional services just steps from their own front doors. 

Contact the office to discuss how we can help you find the right apartment to lease in Reston.

Enjoy breakfast or lunch away from your Reston real estate at Community Canteen. Stop in anytime Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. for a meal or snack at Reston Town Center. Weekend brunch is also available next door at Mon Ami Gabi. Take advantage of one hour of free parking in the garages during the week and free parking all day Saturday and Sunday. Visit the host stand for validation outside of these times. Meet a friend or stop in for a quick bite while doing some shopping.

The breakfast menu is served from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Try a variety of breakfast items made with a twist. Grab something quick like fruit and a yoghurt bar, organic oatmeal, or homemade muesli. Up the protein with an egg dish such as a build your own omelette, breakfast burrito, or breakfast panini.

The lunch menu is served from 10:30 am. until 3 p.m. Find custom salads, hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches, and soups. When ordering salads, patrons can choose their greens, additional veggies, proteins, and dressing. Hot sandwiches include crispy fried chicken, baked ham and swiss cheese, caprese panini, and a sandwich of the day. Soups include a prime beef and black bean chili and a soup of the day and cold sandwiches include turkey and cheddar, mom’s egg salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, and spicy lamb on naan bread.

Get Community Canteen to Cater a Party at Your Reston Home

Catering is also available. Get a little help with the food for a party at your Reston home, a meeting at the office, or other special event. There are many selections available for breakfast, sandwiches, snacks, salads, lunches, and tasty desserts. All who call Reston home are invited to stop into Community Canteen and give it a try. View the entire menu, daily specials, information about catering, and sign up for “free eats” at Community Canteen. 

Anyone interested in living in Reston should check out Forest Edge Cluster homes. The cluster is one of the oldest in Reston and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018. It has a strong community spirit and tradition of neighborliness. The cluster takes its name from the from the trees that surround it, as well as the mature trees within the cluster. Residents with kids meet up at the tot lot, where kids can slide, climb, and play.

Forest Edge Cluster homes have two or three bedrooms and are two or three stories tall. Most have a finished basement with a rec room. Depending on the style, they will have a back deck. There is also outdoor space in the backyard, perfect for having a barbecue party and letting kids run around. Inside, the townhouses have been carefully maintained and upgraded. You’ll find hardwood floors in the common areas and plush carpet in the bedrooms. Often the kitchens have been upgraded with stone countertops, stainless steel appliances, and new cabinets. Many have bathrooms that have been updated with stone floors and counters. The bedrooms are very spacious and have generously sized closets.

Enjoy Reston Real Estate Amenities Close to Forest Edge Cluster

The best of Reston real estate is easily accessed from Forest Edge Cluster. Residents use the Blue Trail for walking and jogging and to get around town on foot safely. Uplands Pool is very close. It has a large lap pool and a splash pool with play fountains. Tennis and basketball courts are also close by.

Lake Anne Village Center is less than a mile away. It’s wonderful to order a snack at one of the eateries located there and relax by the water. Many different types of businesses are located at the center, from salons to consignment shops to an art gallery.

Reston Town Center is about two miles away, with even more restaurants and retail shopping, as well as grocery stores. Commuters can take the Metro from the Wiehle-Reston East station. Dulles Toll Road is also easily accessed from Forest Edge Cluster.

Search for treasures for your Reston home or register for a booth and do some spring cleaning at the Spring Flea Market. The market will take place on Saturday, March 7th, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. This is a great opportunity to keep unneeded items out of the landfill. As they always say, one person’s trash is another’s treasure. Enjoy time with your friends or family searching for new items for your Reston home or by manning your table, hoping to sell items to make some extra cash. There are sure to be lots of great bargains.

Sign up for a Vendor Table and Earn Money Clearing out Reston Real Estate

Vendor tables are available for $15 for residents who live in Reston real estate, or $20 for non residents. Vendors can arrive as early as 7 a.m. to set up their tables for the day. Please note that live animals and edible items are not allowed to be sold at this event. Requesting donations is also not allowed. Otherwise, it is a great way to get unwanted toys, unused wedding gifts, clothes that are the wrong size, and other items out of your house and into the hands of someone else who could use it.

While at the community center, check out all that it has to offer. There is open swimming and swimming lessons, classes and activities for children, teens, adults, and seniors, and fitness classes. Ask about information on upcoming summer camps, facility rentals, and other events available to the public. Other events coming up soon are the Sunday Afternoon Dance, Country Western Dance, Diva Central Events, EGGnormous Egg Hunt, Underwater Egg Hunt, and Founder’s Day. The Reston Community Center is a huge asset to residents. Find out more about the Spring Flea Market and other upcoming events and offerings at Reston Community Center.