Virtual Reality

Viewing homes online has become the first step in most home buyers home search.   3D and Virtual Reality are now playing a major role in simulating the actual walk through of a home.

HERE is an article that has a link to a fun video on virtual reality.  Enjoy!


                       
                                                        Carla Brooks
                                                     brkslong@aol.com
                                                       703-577-4960

PS Picture is a courtesy of free digital photos

Projects Around the House

If you are like most homeowners today, you have a running punch list of "to do" maintenance items for your home.  While it is nice to DIY projects to save money, it is best to leave some tasks to the professionals.  HERE is a list of 5 Projects that should be done by a professional.

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.  Thank you for stopping by,


                                                                   Carla Brooks
                                                                brkslong@aol.com
                                                                  703-577-4960

Dulles Metro Rail Update

Phase Two of the Dulles Rail Metro Project is underway.  This Phase concentrates on the stretch from Reston to Ashburn.  Real all about the progress here.  Simply click on the link for the April newsletter to find the latest and greatest information.

The two pictures above were taken early on in Phase 1 of the Dulles metro rail project.  

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.  I am here to help and make the process enjoyable.

Carla Brooks

703-577-496-

brkslong@aol.com

Selling your home?

If you are planning on selling your home in the near future, it is a good idea to know (in advance) what the costs will be at the settlement table.  Don't be afraid to ask your realtor to provide an estimate of closing costs.

Ris Media has posted an article today on the Hidden Costs of selling a home.  Click on the link to read about the costs and also be aware that each area of the country has its own costs and fees that may be in addition to the ones listed in the article.

Call me today if you would like to buy or sell a home, I am here to help.

                                                  Carla Brooks
                                              brkslong@aol.com
                                                 703-577-4960

PS Free Digital Photos is the source of the above photo.

Dulles Metro Rail update

Previously, the Northern Virginia real estate market was a function of the federal government job market.  Over time, however, the federal government jobs will play less of a role in the supply and demand of the real estate market in Northern Virginia.

The primary reason Northern Virginia is attracting a multitude of new job opportunities is the Dulles Rail Metro Project.  Businesses have the confidence to locate to areas with metro service since it adds to the quality of life of their employees.  Please click on the link to read about the construction progress and view the wonderful photos.

Call me today for more information on the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market.  I am here to help!

                                                                  Carla Brooks
                                                                 703-577-4960
                                                              brkslong@aol.com

Suburban Living or Not?

One of the trends in real estate is the resurgence of home buyers interest in the downtown living.  It makes sense to cut commuting time and increase the quality of life by spending less time in traffic.  His Media has an informative article on this topic today.

The article also lists the top 10 Downtown areas in the US.  Enjoy the read and if you are in the Northern Virginia area, enjoy the weather this week.

I am here to help with your real estate questions.  If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.

                                                            Carla Brooks
                                                           703-577-4960
                                                         brkslong@aol.com

PS Free Digital Photos is the source of the above photo.

Underground Oil Tanks

Does your home have an underground oil tank?  Or, are you thinking of buying a home with an underground oil tank?

If so, there are companies that specialize in inspecting underground oil tanks( and the soil around them) to make sure that the tank is not leaking into the environment and water table.

Pollard Environmental is one company in Northern Virginia that offers this inspection service.

Call me today with your real estate question.  I am here to help.

                                                             Carla Brooks
                                                         brkslong@aol.com
                                                           
                                                            703-577-4960

PS Free Digital Photos is the source of the above photo

How to get the most money for your home sale

There are effective strategies to realize the most $$ for your home sale.

Presentation is key.  The time and money spent to show your home in the most positive light is well worth it.  Your home will sell in less time and for a higher sales price.

The KCM blog has a great post today regarding your home sale.

If you would like to meet with me to discuss your home strategy, call today for an appointment.  I can  assist you in developing a plan that will fit your situation and get you where you want to go.  I am here to help!

                                                                    Carla Brooks
                                                                   703-577-4960
                                                                 brkslong@aol.com


PS All photos are a courtesy of free digital photos

Mortgage Rates

It seems amazing that mortgage interest rates are still as low as they are.  After all, we have been told repeatedly (over the years) by government officials and business leaders that rates have to rise and will do so soon.

Here is a graph of mortgage interest rates depicted on the KCM blog today.

Call me if you would like to discuss the current mortgage interest rates and your plans to buy or sell real estate in the near future.

                                                     Thank you
                                                    Carla Brooks
                                                    703-577-4960
                                                brkslong@aol.com

Curb Appeal

Want to add some curb appeal to the exterior of your home?  Ready to make your home shine after a winter season of snow, ice and frigid temperatures?  Wondering where to start?

RIS media has a great article on this topic today.  Click Here to read.

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.  I am here to help.

Carla Brooks

brkslong@aol.com

703-577-4960

PS Undated photo is a courtesy of free digital photos

Need to make a choice for the exterior of a residential home?

If you are building a home and need to make a decision on the exterior construction, it is a good idea to make a list of the pros and cons of each material before making a final decision.  It is also a good idea to be aware of the differences in exterior construction choices before purchasing an existing home.

Here is an excellent article on the pros and cons of vinyl siding and Hardie Plank siding.

Here is an article on the pros and cons of brick siding.

Some neighborhoods are a combination of exterior building choices while others are limited to a select few.  It is a good idea to make sure that your material choice is aesthetically pleasing to the neighborhood and that it does not violate any Association Rules that may be in place.

Thank you for stopping by and have a great day.


                                                      Carla Brooks
                                                      703-577-4960
                                                   brkslong@aol.com

PS Photos are a courtesy of Free Digital Photos

Are you wearing a wrist watch?

The answer to this question may very well determine whether or not you were born in the digital age.

It has often been said that "change is hard" or "I don't do well with change".  The fact remains that change is a part of life and life is a constant state of change.  We must all learn to not only cope with change, we must learn to "thrive" with change.

Here is a link to a Ted Talk by Sir Ken Robinson to start the day with thoughtful insight.

I hope you have a great day and call me if you would like to buy or sell a home.

                                                         Carla Brooks
                                                        703-577-4960
                                                     brkslong@aol.com

Do Home Owners pay less for Auto Insurance than renters?

Have you compared your insurance rates lately on the car that you are driving?

Here is an interesting article on other factors that affect auto insurance premiums aside from driving records.

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today. I am here to help.

                                                       Carla Brooks
                                                      703-577-4960
                                                   brkslong@aol.com

Super Bowl Housing data

Ready for the Super Bowl?

Here are some fun and interesting facts about life and real estate 50 years ago.

If you want to buy or sell a home, call me today for immediate assistance.



                                            Carla Brooks
                                           703-577-4960
                                        brkslong@aol.com

When should your home go on the market?

The spring market peaks at different times each year.  As homeowners, we ponder whether to be the early bird on the market or wait until the spring is in full bloom.

There really is way to predict when the "peak" will occur yet the KCM blog has an article on this subject today.

Call me today if you would like to buy or sell your home, I am here to assist and help you in any way possible.

You may need assistance in:
                                            -Evaluating your options
                                            -Developing a plan to sell/buy simultaneously
                                            -Preparation of your home for the market
                                            -List price options
                                            -Determining area to buy new home

Whatever your questions or needs may be, I can Help.


                                                      Carla Brooks
                                                     703-577-4960
                                                brkslong@aol.com

PS Photo is a courtesy of Free digital photos

Staging

Staging a home for sale has become a routine task for many sellers.

Staging sets the "stage" for potential buyers to view your home in the most attractive light.  Staging is a proven strategy to sell a home in less time and for more money.


Here is an article on staging by Elle Decor that summarizes the basic staging tips for free.


If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.  I am here to help!

                                           Carla Brooks
                                          703-577-4960
                                       brkslong@aol.com

More on bathrooms

The majority of buyers want updated kitchens and bathrooms.  The fixtures do not have to be "high end" materials yet the better the quality, the more value perceived and hence the more they will pay as long as their budget allows.

Updating kitchen and bathrooms is many times not done until one is ready to move, sadly enough.  It would be nice to enjoy these updates for a while before selling, eh?

If you are fortunate enough to be able to update without moving, you may want to consider a few luxury fixtures.  Here are some fixtures you may want to invest in.

Always good to keep up with the latest and greatest!

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.  I am here to help and make the process enjoyable for you!


                                                    Carla Brooks
                                                    703-577-4960
                                               brkslong@aol.com

Latest Bathroom Styling

Thinking of updating your existing bathroom?  Here is a New bathroom showcased on Houzz today.  Enjoy!


Room of the Day: A Dream Bathroom in 90 Square Feet

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.  I am here to help!

Carla Brooks
703-577-4960
brkslong@aol.com

Tax Extenders set to have a positive effect on the real estate market

The governments role in the real estate market is real.  Legislation has the ability to encourage homeowners and investors to move forward and/or pull back.

Current legislation on the table can be read about here.

Be sure not to overlook the additional information at the end of the article for a deeper look into the specific details of pending legislation and how they effect your taxes.

Have a great day and call me if you would like to buy or sell a home, I am here to assist!

                                                Carla Brooks
                                               703-577-4960
                                            brkslong@aol.com

PS the pictures are a courtesy of free digital photos.

Why do American move?

Fifty years ago, one could expect a homeowner to reside in their personal residence for a lifetime.  Not so any longer.  Americans move for a variety of reasons.  Quality of life and the job market are the major reasons for change in location.

The KCM blog has detailed the major reasons for moving in their blog post this morning.  You can ready it here.

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today, I am here to assist.

                                                      Carla Brooks
                                                  brkslong@aol.com
                                                     703-577-4960

Welcome the New Year with style!

Looking to make a design statement in your home?  Looking to define a particular area?  How about an area rug...

Here is an excellent article on how to incorporate a fashion rug/utility rug into your home.

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today, I am here to help!

                                                       Carla Brooks
                                                      703-577-4960
                                                   brkslong@aol.com