Interest Rate predictions for 2015

Wondering where interest rates are headed for the year?

Here is a round up of the mortgage interest rate projections for 2015 by Fannie Mae Freddie Mac, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors:

This table was provided by the KCM blog.

Time will tell where interest rates end up at the end of the year.  One interesting thing to note is that an increase in interest rates does not mean a decrease in home prices.  Pricing is determined by supply and demand.  

If you would like to buy or sell a home, call me today.

Thank you

Carla Brooks

703-577-4960

brkslong@aol.com

A Great Home Tour

Let's start the new year off right....with a great HOME TOUR from the owners of Tone on Tone in Bethesda MD.  

 Loi Thai posts regularly on his blog: Tone on Tone.  He and his partner (Thomas Troeschel) own Tone on Tone, a swedish antiques furnishings and accessory store in Bethesda, MD.

I'll never forget the day (3-4 years ago roughly) I saw this picture of their Swedish secretary (painted green) paired with white washed flooring and colorful antique birds in the Washington Post Weekly Thursday Insert.

This picture stole the hearts of anyone and everyone interested in home design and fashion.

  Their living room (former home) was equally enchanting with its subtle painted hues scattered throughout a room of seagrass and neutral fabrics.

So this is the perfect day to stay home and enjoy a cup of tea while scrolling through the home tour Part 1 at the Tone on Tone blog.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home, call me today.  I am here to help.

Carla Brooks

703-577-4960

brkslong@aol.com

What features of a home do buyers love best?

Each buyer is unique and has their own set of preferences.  Some features stand out, however ,as highly sought after by the general public.  Holding an Open House and/or touring homes with buyers is an excellent way to receive feedback.

Finished basements with media rooms, gourmet kitchens, luxurious baths and outdoor spaces come to mind as the top features.

What features are important to you as a buyer?

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

Thank you

Carla Brooks

703-577-4960

brkslong@aol.com

PS photos are a courtesy of free digital photos

What features are important to Millenials?

First of all, who are the "Millenials"?

Millenials are defined as those individuals born between 1980 and the mid-2000's.

The Millenials are the largest household formation group in the country at the present time.

The KCM blog has a post on the factors important to the Millenials when they consider a home for purchase.  You and read it here

Each generation has their own set of preferences when considering a home for purchase.  Demographics and preferences change over time.  Currently, there is a move to be closer to the city and jobs.







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

                                                           Thank you

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

PS photo is a courtesy of free digital photos

Open House Sunday in South Village Retreat

This lovely home is Open to the public tomorrow from 1-4.  There is approximately 5000 square feet on 3 levels, with a solarium addition and soaring two story family room.

This home sits on a corner lot with 1/3 acre of land.  Maturing trees and front porch give it great curb appeal.

Quality hardwoods on the main level with graceful staircase entryway.

Incredible views and lots of light in this family room.

Spacious kitchen with upgraded cabinetry, 5 burner gas range and eat in breakfast area.

Master bedroom with sitting room and 3 sided gas fireplace.

Huge master bathroom with bronze fixtures, built ins and double walk in closets.

Hope you can make the Open House.  (43335 Hollybank Place, Chantilly,Va 20152) 

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

Thank you

Carla Brooks

703-577-4960

brkslong@aol.com

What will the future hold for 2015 Real Estate?

                            2015 is bound to be an interesting year for real estate.

                                Home prices are set to rise and so are interest rates.

                                 Here is one economists' view on the 2015 forecast.

                     If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, call me today.

                                                           Thank you

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

PS photo is a courtesy of free digital photos

Dulles Metro Project updates

The Fall September/October 2014 newsletter for the Dulles Rail Metro Project is now available here.

Updates in the Fall Newsletter include information on: the widening of the Saarinien Circle at Dulles Airport, the ridership totals for the new Silver Line to date, the low interest Tifia loan for the Dulles Toll road (to hold tolls at current levels) and more....

The full extension of the Silver Line Metro to Dulles Airport is expected to be completed by 2018.

If you would like to get automatic updates on the project via monthly newsletters, sign up on the Dulles Metro website.

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

                                                           Thank you,

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