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5 Groups Who Really Want to Move

Nearly 10 percent of U.S. residents say they are so dissatisfied with their current housing, neighborhood, local safety, or public service to the point that they want to move, according to a newly released U.S. Census report, "Desire to Move and Residential Mobility: 2010-2011." But other factors are also making more Americans desire to switch their residences. In its report, the Census recently highlighted several segments of the population who are showing some of the highest desires to move. Here are some of its findings: 1. Young householders: About 14.6 percent of Americans age 16 to 34 said they would like to move, compared to 10.3 percent of Americans age 35 to 54, and 6.3 percent age 55 and older. 2. Renters: 16.5 percent of all renters say they would like to move -- more than double the rate of home owners. 3. Those who live in impoverished areas: Home owners who lived in neighborhoods with a high poverty rate tended to show more desire to move. 4. Households with children: 14.3 percent of households with children said they wanted to move compared with 8.7 percent of households who did not have children. 5.Households with a disability: 12.5 percent of households with a disability said they wanted to move compared to 8.2 percent of those without a disability. Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Beautifying a staircase can be a smart move

Many folks consider stairs and hallways as strictly utilitarian — a place to get somewhere else - but these spaces can be great for decorations. Considering that stairs are often one of the first elements home buyers see when they enter the front door of a home for sale, beautifying the steps can be a smart investment. Consider these ideas for making the stairway more attractive:
  • A few tastefully positioned flowers can really stand out on at a stairway
  • Paint a runner in a bold shade of marine paint. Or do it in a pattern, like a stripe or polka dot.
  • Carpet the stairs with a pattern that hides dirt – even if the rest of the house has hardwoods. (As an added plus, carpeted stairs are safer than bare, potentially slick ones.)
  • Tile the risers, the vertical part of the stairs that get scuffed easily.

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Reasons Vacant Homes Are a Tough Sell

The argument for staging a house to get it ready for sale is largely based on what are perceived as the shortcomings of vacant, or unstaged, properties. For one, advocates of the staging process say a vacant home distracts would-be buyers from focusing on the actual real estate.
living room at River Towers
River Towers Living Room
Instead, they allow themselves to speculate on the possible reasons the house is on the market — divorce, financial straits, and other scenarios — as well as on any defects the property may have. Small flaws, like nail holes and worn carpeting, are much more noticeable when the rest of the space is empty. Additionally, a vacant home allows dust to settle and stale odors to linger and spread, cutting short showing times and generating fewer sale chances. All of these factors lead prospective buyers to submit low-ball bids on vacant homes. Other times, they will not even make a bid at all because empty dwellings simply do not allow them to make an emotional connection to the property. They may not even be able to visualize how their own furnishings may fit in a room, causing them to lose interest, say staging professionals. Which rooms do you find more appealing?

When Should You Use a Short-Sale Negotiator?

Realtor Ron Ginyard
Ron Ginyard has the experience you need to successfully realize your real estate goals.
Short sales abound, but many real estate sales associates do not possess the time, training, or temperament to process this type of transaction. In particular, many sales associates would rather use the time that would be lost processing paperwork to instead pursue marketing, lead generation, and other more productive activities. Rather than distract themselves from their core tasks, sales associates handling a short-sale listing can benefit from the involvement of a short-sale negotiator, but they must be careful to adhere to rules on agency relationships, insurance, and compensation. Home owners may choose their own negotiator, although they often do not have the expertise to select the best professional; selling sales associates may retain a negotiator as part of their team, or this individual may be an independent contractor that they hire; or the buyer's sales associate may bring in the negotiator, although this may lead to agency issues since the buyer's sales associate then begins to represent the seller. In any case, it is critical for listing and selling sales associates to be certain of their Errors & Omissions policies, which may or may not cover these activities. They also must take care to address how the negotiator will be paid — out of commissions that have been earned or as a separate or negotiated fee.

  • Second Liens Roadblock for Short Sales

    Second mortgages have become one of the biggest roadblocks to closing short sales. There are about 450,000 properties in some stage of the foreclosure process with at least one junior lien, according to real estate research firm CoreLogic. These second liens are a primary challenge for Freddie Mac, said Mark Johnson, who oversees short sales…

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  • Foreclosure Crisis Slowing Sales

    foreclosure sign
    The foreclosure mess is making it harder for banks to sell properties. ForeclosureRadar, which tracks foreclosures in five Western states, says the number of properties coming to auction in Arizona, California, and Nevada has declined by more than 30 percent. Investors are backing away from sales because they fear that the properties they buy will…

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  • Short Sale Schemes

    This real estate scheme usually happens when the borrower owes more on the property than the current value. The borrower then pretends they have a financial hardship and can not make any more payments. Someone, an accomplice, who is working with the borrower submits a low offer to buy the property. The lender agrees with the…

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4 Tips for Setting the Right Sales Price

Sellers think their homes are worth more than their real estate professional recommends, and buyers think these same homes are worth less.
Will Nesbitt
Will Nesbitt
It’s a difficult disconnect that makes selling properties a challenge. Successfully marketing a home requires that the price be set carefully -- or it will languish on the market. Among the considerations:
  1. How many homes are for sale in the neighborhood? The more homes on the market, the more important it is to list at the lower end of the scale. No matter where you price your home, buyers are going to want to understand the rationale behind why your house is the cheapest or most expensive.  In the end, buyers will pick the house with the most value.
  2. Take short sales and foreclosures into consideration when pricing. If the competing properties are in lousy condition, they are less of an issue, but if they are well taken care of, yet priced 25 percent below market, they can be a serious factor.
  3. Negotiate decisively. Many buyers have options so when you counter an offer, be prepared for the possibility that the counter might be the end of the discussion.
  4. If you have to . . . cut the price. If no one shows up for an open house, if no one calls and if there are no offers, then the price is too high. That means it's time to make a meaningful price cut.
Nesbitt Realty appreciates every client and we'd love to help you achieve your real estate goals. Email us today to learn more about what we can do for you or to get a free assessment of your property's value in {Location_Name}. Nesbitt Realty has received numerous awards and recognitions for client satisfaction because we get results that make our clients happy. We'd love the opportunity to show you about why our clients rave about our service.  

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    Do you have a abode similar to 124 Roberts Ln #201 in Alexandria that hasn't sold? Did you know that in Fort Ellsworth:

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  • What Has Recently Sold At Lyon Village?

    Do you have a home in Arlington that won't sell? Did you know that in Lyon Village:

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  • Reviving A Stale Listing In Alexandria, Virginia In Alexandria

    Do you have a property similar to 301 N Beauregard St #114 in the City of Alexandria that isn't getting any action? Did you know that in The Fountains:

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For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.

How to Get a Home Ready for an Open House

Are you a home seller considering an open house? This checklist might be helpful.
Prescott condominium interiors
Inside a condo at Prescott in Old Town Alexandria VA
  • Remove heavy curtains that block light.
  • Remove excess furniture to make the rooms seem more spacious.
  • Thoroughly clean carpets, windows, closets, and ovens.
  • Paint the front door and buy a new welcome mat.
  • Assess needed household repairs and make them.
  • Clear debris from sidewalks, decks, and driveways.
  • Get a qualified heating specialist to certify that the furnace is in good condition.
  • Replace dated kitchen and bathroom hardware and fixtures.
  • Repaint rooms that look dull using a neutral color such as cream or tan.
  • Refinish worn hardwood floors.
  • Box up knick-knacks, family mementos, and books to create a neutral environment.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

What types of homes are people buying?

7207 HALIFAX PL, Springfield VA, 22150
typical brick home in Springfield
The National Association of Realtors recently did a study to learn more about the types of homes that people are purchasing. By collecting data from home sales across the country they are able to give us a window into types of homes that people are buying. Some of their findings were very intriguing. What's the most typical home purchase in America? If you're not from Northern VA, you might not be surprised to learn that seventy-nine percent of home buyers purchased a detached single-family home. I would expect that in Northern Virginia we have more townhouse and condominium buyers than the national average. The typical home purchased was 1,870 square feet in size, was built in 1993, and had three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The average home purchase was a home that was 20 years old! Home buyers who bought previously owned homes purchased their home for a better price and overall value and the charm and character their home provides. Only a fraction of home buyers purchased brand new home. New home purchases represented only 16 percent of all recent home purchases. Why did folks buy new homes?
The Jamieson
Great views from this condo at the Jamieson are not found in a typical home.
New home purchasers bought a new home to avoid renovations or problems with plumbing or electrical, and the ability to customize their home. Do you fit the mold of an "typical home buyer"? For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

Spring for a Bathroom Makeover

Are you selling a home this Spring?  You might want to consider these tips to improve the value of your home by improving the value of your bathroom. Potential buyers may walk away if bathrooms are outdated and unappealing. Here are some low-cost ways to give the facilities a facelift:
  • Scrub-a-dub-dub. Give everything, including drawers and cabinets, a deep cleaning.
  • Paint the walls. Remove aging wallpaper and paint the space with a bright semi-gloss shade made for use in the bathroom.
  • Replace aging fixtures. Put a tub liner over the old tub and update sinks, toilets, and faucets.
  • Accessorize. Buy fresh, new linens, rugs, and shower curtains.

  • 5 Sure Signs That Its Time To Sell Your Home

    When should I sell my home? This is not always the easiest question to answer. A lot of people don't plan on living in their first, second, or even third home forever, but still knowing when to let go and move on can be tricky. It can feel like ending a long term relationship, it's…

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  • Tips On How To Sell Your Home When You Have Kids

    Nesbitt Realty
    Selling your home can be a stressful event but having kids around can create more stressful moments for parents who are seeking to sell their home.

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  • Home Prices In Arlington Continue To Hike

    Glendale
    The housing market in Arlington County is getting more and more expensive as potential buyers continue to have fewer homes and condos to choose from.

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  • 6 Budget Tips For Staging A House To Sell In Arlington

    If you are trying to land a great deal for your property in Arlington, then you can't afford to overlook home staging. You'll want to hold a terrific open house- one that leaves the attendees entranced.  And the good thing is, you can do that without having to break the bank.

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    How To Make Your 2-BR 2 BA Garden-Style Condo More Interesting For Property Shoppers Considering Palazzo At Park Center thumbnail
    It's pretty obvious, but staged places sell. What can you do if your residence is already adorable?

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What can I expect from my real estate agent?

When listing a condo in Alexandria, VA what can I expect my real estate agent to do to help me in the sale? Your agent can help you:
  • Prepare the property for sale.
  • Help you determine its fair market value.
  • List your property to help you reach buyers quickly and competitively.
  • Assist in price negotiations with buyers.
  • Help complete your sales agreement and close the sale.
As a buyer you can expect many of the same services, tailored to your needs finding a condo, these include:Realtor Logo
  • Deciding on the benefits of renting vs. owning
  • Preapproval for your mortgage
  • Selecting the right location
  • Finding and viewing properties
  • Assessing a properties fair market value.
  • Assisting in price negotiations
  • Completing purchase agreements and closing the sale.
 

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For more information or to set up an appointment call Julie at (703)765-0300.

Nesbitt Realty Marketing Videos

Here are a few of our recent marketing videos. We sold this luxury condo at Carlyle Towers near King Street Metro. We also make neighborhood videos to acquaint newcomers with your home and the area. Cameron Mews is an upscale community near the water in Old Town.  We have sold property here and we manage a rental property here. Another neighborhood video about Old Town. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj_29OFw0lU