Northern Virginia Real Estate

Preparation For Purchasing Your Next Home

2010-06-17T17:36:00Z

Many first time homebuyers have contacted me through the years and asked this important question: "What kinds of things should I know and even be doing before going on the journey of shopping for a house?" Notice, the question is about what happens before beginning the actual shopping process. Here are some thoughts and questions to consider about the preliminary preparation you must make for your next home search.

1. Consider "How much house can I afford?" It makes no sense to start looking and then fall in love with a house until you know what you can spend. For example, you wouldn't go car shopping without knowing your budget for a car. You wouldn't go to purchase groceries without knowing your grocery budget.

Here is what is real about Real Estate: How much you can spend for a house is determined by getting pre-approved for a mortgage. You should phone at least three lenders and determine who you want to work with after talking with each. The loan officer will take your information and come up with a Mortgage program that works for you.

2. Remember there are important questions you must ask your loan officer. What type of loan am I getting? Is it a fixed mortgage? Is it a 15 or 30 year mortgage? What are the advantages of a 15 year mortgage over a 30 year? What about FHA Loans? What about Veteran Loans? What will my interest rate be? Should I lock in that rate? What paperwork will you need from me? Do you have an online application?

3. You should feel free to interview more than one Real Estate agent. You should know that there is a difference in how Real Estate Agents work. Some are full time while others are part time. You need to determine if the Agent is someone you can count on? I don't mean can he or she write out a contract, although that is absolutely imperative. Consider, is the Agent one who will work with the lender you have chosen and follow through with attending the home inspection, reading the inspection report and giving you a heads up if something is terribly wrong with the house. Is your prospective agent internet savvy? In other words, can he/she dig up information for you fast? Is the MLS on their website? Does he/she even have a website? Does the agent respond in a timely manner to every email and phone call?

4. Begin to put away some money and have it ready, just in case you find that "one house" that you don't want to walk away from. It's called earnest money and down payment. Ernest Money shows that you are a serious buyer, and helps the seller to feel more comfortable saying "Yes" to your offer.

5. Since you have found an Internet Savvy Real Estate Agent, you should be able to begin exploring listings on his/her website. I would urge you to become as familiar with the market as you can by looking at homes in the communities that interest you most. Your agent shouldn't hesitate to show you how to use this tool and use it effectively.

This list could be a lot longer, but know this: Buying a home is a huge decision and as a result, you need to be informed and ready. Please, do not over spend. You don't want to be added to the rising rate of foreclosures, now or ever. It's not easy to get your credit back into shape once you get in to that situation. Enjoy your house hunting.

David Burrows, Realtor
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, VA 20186
Email: david@burrowsproperties.com
Web: Burrows Properties

Fairfax Homes For Sale

Fairfax MLS

Virginia Online Home Search

Northern Virginia Information

HUD Homes In VA

A Must Rule To Follow When Buyers Are Looking At A House To Purchase

2010-06-03T17:42:00Z

While managing a Real Estate office in another state, I led Sales Meetings every Tuesday morning at 9am sharp! We (50+ Agents and I) had breakfast, chatted a while and then talked about the nuts and bolts of Real Estate and working successfully with our clients. One subject often surfaced as being a bit more popular than others. The topic: "I have buyers, we are touring homes but often the sellers are present and they simply get in the way." The question was simple: How do we as agents deal with pesky home sellers while touring their property? Specifically, what should we say to our buyers so that the home tour will be profitable?

As usual, all of the agents and I spent some time on this subject of what to do with sellers and I heard a variety of responses. For example, tell your buyers:
Be polite, but don't engage in too much conversation!
The seller may make promises about the house, but don't take them too seriously! Sellers tend to over promise!
Don't feel inhibited by their presence; go ahead and look at closets, cupboards as seriously as if the sellers were not there.
As much as possible save your questions for when the sellers are not present.

At the end of the discussion I added one more truth to share with buyers. Please, please, please, instruct your purchasing clients to NOT act excited about the house in the presence of the sellers. Why? If a seller knows the buyer is elated, ecstatic, really wants his/her home, then you might lose out at the negotiating table. It could cost you money!

A True Story: I had shared some of these rules and more specifically my rule about not acting excited about a house in the presence of sellers, with a young couple that I was working with a couple of years ago. They were so meticulously following the guidelines I had given them that they surprised me. We had been in a house, the sellers were present and I thought this couple was just NOT interested in this particular house. We got out to the car, put the seatbelts on, backed out of the driveway when the wife placed her hand on her husbands knee, looked him right in the eye and said, "Honey, buy me this house!" She had so carefully followed the rules, listened to what I had said about not acting excited that she had even fooled me.

We put together an offer. The sellers accepted the offer with no strings attached and we had a contract. Why? These people listened and it paid off. They still laugh with me about how they acted so uninterested while in the presence of the seller that they fooled their Realtor®, too.

David Burrows, Realtor
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, VA 20186
Email: david@burrowsproperties.com
Web: Burrows Properties

Fairfax Homes For Sale

Fairfax MLS

Virginia Online Home Search

Northern Virginia Information

HUD Homes In VA

The Home Sale Negotiation Begins Before The First Offer Is On The Table

2010-04-27T17:28:00Z

While driving back from showing some properties last Saturday afternoon, I found myself pondering this question. When does the negotiating process in a Real Estate transaction really begin? Most sellers will respond, "At the moment an offer has been presented to me!" Personally, I believe it begins before that and in fact, it begins at the moment the "For Sale" sign is placed in front of the property. From the very beginning of beginnings of listing a home for sale, questions are often asked of the seller about the house and property. Be aware, supplying the wrong answer or even too much information to a purchaser in reference to certain questions, can steal away a sellers negotiating advantage.

For example: One question I've heard asked many times over is, "So why are you selling?" Notice, there is not an offer to purchase yet, it is simply a question as to "Why" are you selling? I've been truly amazed at what sellers share with prospective buyers as to their reasons for moving at this point in time. In fact, I believe when sellers share too much, they without knowing give prospective buyers an unfair negotiating advantage. If the buyer believes the seller has to sell, in other words is desperate to sell, you can bet on the fact they will offer less than they would have otherwise. A seasoned Realtor knows this to be true.

An experienced Realtor will coach their seller as to what and what not to say. Perhaps they will even urge their sellers to go have a cup of coffee at the neighborhood coffee shop while their home is being toured. A seller's failure to listen could cost him/her big bucks! I came across this article recently on this very subject of guarding your negotiating advantage. The writing is titled, "Mum's the Word on Why You're Selling" Revealing your motivation to sell your home almost always gives the buyer a strong negotiating advantage, warns Steve McLinden.

I urge all sellers to let your Realtor manage the process of selling your house. In all probability, your agent understands the negotiating process, including what and what not to say while endeavoring to strike a deal.

David Burrows, Realtor
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, VA 20186
Email: david@burrowsproperties.com
Web: Burrows Properties

Fairfax Homes For Sale

Fairfax MLS

Virginia Online Home Search

Northern Virginia Information

HUD Homes In VA

How To Expedite The Sale Of Your Home

2010-04-22T11:08:00Z

I saw this wonderful article a while back that would definitely be worth your time to read if you are currently in the process or are going to be in the process of selling your house. This interesting writing will act as a guide, in reference to specific things you can do to expedite the sale of your home. Elizabeth Weintraub is a gifted writer, but most important, she understands how to welcome buyers into your home. Her article is simply one of the best I've read on this subject.

By the way, something that isn't mentioned as clearly as I would prefer, is the fact that when Realtors show your house, make sure you the owners get lost! I am a firm believer that homeowners should not be home when their property is being shown. I've had some buyers literally turn around and walk away from seeing a particular house because the owner were home.

Follow this link to read the article: Top Ten Home Showing Tips

David L. Burrows, Realtor®Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 888.673.7866 x119
Burrows Properties

Fairfax Homes For Sale

Faifax MLS

Virginia Online Home Search

HUD Homes In VA

Northern Virginia Information

Avoid This Headache That Can Occur After Your Next Home Purchase

2010-04-19T18:59:00Z

While managing a Real Estate office in Michigan I had a handful of people phone or contact me in reference to one issue in particular after moving into their house. The issue usually evolved from what has been a clear and obvious misunderstanding; sometimes from not even knowing a particular rule existed in the Association (HOA) where they now live.

Sometimes the confusion was about HOA Fees, when to pay them, or, why have our fees gone up one month after moving into our new residence? Sometimes the puzzlement has been about length of grass and/or perhaps getting fined for not properly caring for their lawn or leaving their trash container out all night. Can the HOA even enforce the fine? Other times the confusion includes color of paint, faded paint on a deck or door, how board members are elected and the list goes on and on and on. Be aware that in some Associations, unpaid fines can actually be placed against a homeowner's property as a lien.

My point for this writing is simple. Associations are most generally a very positive thing for home owners. The Association can and does help to protect you and the entire community in a variety of ways which in most cases is extremely accommodating! On the other hand, be aware that most confusion develops for a new home owner in an Association, because the new owner failed to read the documents. I can assure you as a Realtor and one who has been a board member/treasurer of a rather large Association in the past, that the Association in all probability will not change their long standing rules just for you. Now that you are the new owner of that condo, townhouse or single family home, you will have to live with whatever you don't like, appreciate or even failed to have clarified before your purchase.

So what is the solution? It is so, so simple. If your offer to purchase does not contain a provision of rescission of the contract based on your unhappiness with the Association Docs within a certain number of days of receiving the said Documents, then have your Realtor® write the rescission contingency into your offer.* When you receive the documents, ask your Real Estate Attorney to review them with you before your contingency runs out. A few hundred dollars for this service is trivial in comparison to having to live with something you utterly dislike or didn't know existed in an Association. Additionally, you should feel free to phone the President of the Board or even the Management Company so that more information can be gleamed and understood! It is far better to know what is real about your prospective purchase before all contingencies are met than to have to endure years of unhappiness because you failed to gain a proper understanding of the docs.

*Please note: The provision of rescission in an offer to purchase certain kinds of brand new homes can be already included in the new home contract. For example, in Virginia, an initial purchaser of a Condo has the right to rescind for 10 days from the date the POS was received or the contract was ratified. For any resale property (whether it's single family, townhome or even a condo) there is an automatic 3 day rescission period that begins from the day the purchaser receives this resale packet. Ask your Realtor about this to make sure because you have NO room for error here.

David L. Burrows, Realtor
Envirian of Warrenton, Warrenton, VA 20186
Email: david@burrowsproperties.com
Web: Burrows Properties

HUD Homes In Virginia

Fairfax Homes For Sale

Fairfax MLS

Virginia Online Home Search

Northern Virginia Information

Please Read What You Are About To Sign

2010-04-16T18:49:00Z

Home Buyers Beware: Failing to read the fine print is truly NOT better! In fact, failing to read anything you are signing whether it is for a car, 2^nd Mortgage or the First Mortgage, can lead you to financial ruin. Just ask the thousands and thousands and thousands (or should we say millions) of people who have or are losing their home thru foreclosure and/or Short Sale.

As a Real Estate Professional, I have stopped more than one person signing papers at their Mortgage Closing and asked, "Do you really understand what you are about to sign?" The response has sometimes been, "No, but I'm sure its ok". The fact is it may not be ok and you should know and understand everything you are agreeing to do by signing on the dotted line.

Here is what seems to often be the way it works: Sometimes Closing Agents progress quite fast because after all, they do this every day. You shouldn't hesitate to ask them (or have your Realtor ask them) to slow down, especially if you are a FIRST TIME home buyer. If you feel the closing agent is annoyed or frustrated, ask for someone else to close your loan. You deserve the best professional closer when you are getting ready to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into your new house.

David Burrows, Realtor
Envirian of Warrenton
110 West Shirley Ave., Warrenton, VA 20186
Direct: 703.859.5188
Web: Burrows Properties

Virginia Online Home Search

Fairfax MLS

Fairfax Homes For Sale

Northern Virginia Information

Virginia Home Finder

HUD Homes In VA

This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.

Just Get The Receipt

2010-04-15T23:01:00Z

I have some friends who live in another state that recently purchased a house. During the home inspection process a fairly large water leak was discovered over the garage. In all probability the leak was the result of a frozen pipe that had burst! Drywall was damaged and the water had been turned off by the owner.

My friends asked the seller to fix the broken pipes and thought because the drywall was replaced and repaired, everything was properly cared for, including the leak. They were wrong. The water was turned off all winter and when they turned it on in the spring, water went everywhere. The new drywall was ruined and now the new homeowners are faced with major damage that will cost several hundreds of dollars to repair.

The question is: Could this have been avoided? The answer is, "Yes!" How could it have been avoided? A simple receipt from the seller would have confirmed the job was successfully completed. The purchasers could have also asked for that one item to be re-inspected and it would have been worth the few extra dollars it would have cost them. Now the new homeowners are wondering if the new drywall was nothing but a cover for a job that was never finished or started in the first place.

This is one more reason why you and every home buyer must have representation throughout the home buying process and in fact, all the way to the closing table. A true professional would have asked for the receipt!

David L. Burrows, Realtor
Envirian of Warrenton
110 West Shirley Avenue
Warrenton, VA 20186
Web: Burrows Properties

Virginia Online Home Search

HUD Homes In VA

Fairfax Homes For Sale

Virginia Home Finder

Northern Virginia Information

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.

Doing This Will Really Help You To Purchase Your Next Home

2010-04-12T14:40:00Z

One question that I often hear as a Real Estate Agent is, "What should I do to prepare for buying a house?" In response I say things like, "You can begin by going to my website, www.burrowsproperties.com where you will find all kinds of information such as articles, blogs, the ability to do a home search; even find information about getting your pre-approval for your mortgage."

There is one additional step that is often overlooked. In fact, this is something that should have been taking place over a period of time. It is called, SAVING for your purchase. The truth is, if you have saved and established good credit, then you can secure a mortgage at a good rate, put together your purchase and begin making that house your home.

Here is an article that is fresh off the press and it is worth reading on the subject of saving money. It is called: 28 Ways To Save For A Rainy Day. Please take some time to read the writing and begin to put these simple truths into practice.

David L. Burrows, Realtor^®Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.391.9200 x9119
Burrows Properties

Your Selling thought for the day: When your house is being shown, trust your Realtor and go shopping. In other words, statistics prove that when the homeowner isn't present for their home to be shown, the house has a better chance of selling.

Some Helpful Links When Searching For Or Selling A Home:

Virginia Online Home Search
Fairfax Homes For Sale
Fairfax MLS
Northern Virginia Information
HUD Homes In Virginia

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.

What Do I Do When I Need To Dispute A Debt?

2010-04-06T11:43:00Z

A while back, someone spoke with me about how to correct an inaccuracy on their Credit Report. In simple terms, they wanted to dispute something they believed was wrong on their report from one of the Credit Reporting Agencies. I was happy to give them the following web address for a sample letter and they have already had the corrections applied to their credit report. Here is the information you will want to utilize when you have a dispute to settle. Remember, the inaccurate information will not in all probability go away on its own. You will have to use this letter or one like it.

Sample Letter: Dispute a Debt with Creditor

Hopefully this letter will give you the guidance necessary to correct any errors.

David L. Burrows, Realtor^®Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.859.5188
Email: david@burrowsproperties.com
Web Site: Burrows Properties

A Burrows' Thought worth considering: Before beginning your search for a house, always see a Mortgage Loan Officer first. The Loan Officer will pre-qualify you for a certain amount of money. You will then know the house to shop for by way of price. When you are ready to make an offer, your offer will always carry more weight when the sellers know you are pre-approved!

Some links you will certainly want to follow when getting ready to buy or sell a house or property:

Virginia Online Home Search
Fairfax Homes For Sale
HUD Homes In Virginia
Northern Virginia Information

This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.

If Only I Had Listened To My Realtor

2010-04-02T15:56:00Z

The stories I have heard from home sellers in reference to costly mistakes they've made throughout the selling process have been truly amazing. I've had some tell me their errors in judgment have cost them time and most important, money coupled with huge disappointment. Below is a list, certainly not complete because other Realtors® like me could add to it again and again with similar stories that have been told to them. Here is a list of "I should have listened to my Realtor" stories.

1. I should have detached myself from my home and looked at it as a property for sale.

All of us believe our house is close to perfect. We've lived in it, slept in it, laughed, cried and made all kinds of memories and improvements. The fact is, while we view our house as simply the best house, others won't and don't! Remember the old saying, "When you are selling your house it is no longer your home - it is a house for sale."

2. I should have de-cluttered and de-personalized.

Whether we've been in a house one year, two years or thirty, clutter almost always accumulates. If you can't somehow sell it or give it away, then rent a storage locker for the time your house is listed "For Sale" Clutter can make your house look smaller and less appealing to a home buyer.

3. I should have hired a major maid cleaning service company.

I was looking at my back windows this morning off of my family room. Whew, do they need cleaning! The fact is, I hadn't noticed until today. If you are a smoker, you may not realize the smell of smoke that can linger in your house and that non-smokers will have a tendency to NOT want to buy it or even pass thru the front door to view your home once they catch a whiff. When you hire a professional cleaning crew they will attack the areas you wouldn't regularly have thought about or noticed. I can guarantee you that something overlooked here will almost always be a deterrent in selling your home.

4. I should have employed someone to stage my home.

Home stagers are especially gifted at arranging pictures; furniture and helping rooms look more presentable, spacious and inviting. A seller often has just one chance to make a positive first impression with a prospective buyer and it is when that purchaser first walks thru the door. Failing here can certainly delay a sale.

5. I should have cleaned the garage.

Remember, your garage is part of the property. A garage that is organized, de-cluttered and clean will certainly enhance and possibly speed up your sale. Some garages that are two car in size look more like a one car because of the clutter. Sellers, clean that garage!

6. I should have paid attention to curb appeal.

Sellers often forget this point. Grass should be mowed, flowers planted in appropriate places and don't forget to trim the shrubs or apply fresh paint where needed, especially around the main entrance. If it is in the winter, snow and ice should be removed. The last thing you want is someone slipping and falling on your property.

7. I should have had a home inspection and purchased a home warranty.

When a seller takes the time to hire a Professional Home Inspector and then purchases a Home Warranty, it helps to assure the buyer that the home is in "Move In" condition. It is an extra touch that can certainly make a difference in getting your house sold. It can stand out as the major difference between your house and the house that is for sale a block away. Make sure your Realtor® makes note of these two areas in the MLS and other advertising.

8. I should have disappeared while my house was being shown.

I know of many deals that have gone sour here. I had this happen a couple of years ago when my purchasers were having the home they were purchasing inspected. The seller hadn't left and wouldn't get out of the way. His attitude was anything but pleasant. My buyers canceled their purchase agreement and went on to buy another house. If only the seller would have left!

9. I should have set a more realistic price.

This is huge! Over pricing your house will almost always delay your sale or perhaps even deny you the sale of your home. Buyers are wise when it comes to which house on your street is over priced. Why should they pay more for yours than the house that is three or four doors down from you when your house is almost exactly the same as the one for $20,000 dollars less? If you can buy something at one store for five dollars, why would you pay ten dollars down the street at another store? I have heard so much frustration from sellers over this one issue.

10. I should have hired a Realtor® rather than endeavoring to sell the house myself.

I know there is a lot of talk today about selling your house on your own. The fact is, many, many people try for six months to a year to sell their property only to eventually hire a Realtor® to list and sell their house. The regrets I've heard here are huge! Interview at least three agents. Make sure the agent you choose is heavily involved in technology since 80% of home buyers today look on the web for listings. Find out how much web traffic is generated on the agent's personal website. You will also want references to make sure the Realtor you are thinking about is employing is someone who returns every email, phone call and is easily reached. Make sure you feel "A Connect" with this person when it comes to communication. Finally, get their promises in writing and make sure what the agent is committing to is not what I refer to as, "Over Promising" just to get the listing. Hyperbole in Real Estate just doesn't cut it. If someone cannot be real when you interview them, then they will not be real further down the road and disappointment will fill the air.

David Burrows, Realtor
Envirian of Warrenton, Warrenton, VA 20186
http://www.BurrowsProperties.com/
http://VirginiaHomeFinder.ListingBook.com/
http://www.HUDHomesInVA.com/

Quote of the Day:
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
Lou Holtz

Search Here For Your Next Home In Northern Virginia:
Virginia Home Finder
Fairfax Homes For Sale
Northern Virginia Information

Please Note:
This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.

David Burrows an Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.

Try This For Estimating Your Credit Score

2010-03-16T18:02:00Z

I have a very good friend from Hawaii who is in banking. I know many of my readers won’t believe it, but my friend tells me that he actually gets excited about numbers, computing them and looking at them for eight to ten hours a day. He claims he doesn’t get bored doing this. Furthermore, he works with numbers not only all day long but almost every day of the year and has been doing so for over 20+ years.

My response to my friend is, “Good for you.” But for most of us, number crunching isn’t the most exciting thing that we do. Moreover, some of us can almost dread it.

I came across something recently that has changed my mind, at least a bit about numbers and number crunching. In fact, you need to do this simple test, just as I did a few minutes ago. Take it to find out your FICO Score (Estimated Score). If you are truthful with your answers, you will know what your estimated score is to within just a few points of your score as the major credit companies report it.

Remember that I said I just took the test? Well, I was honest and it was just a couple of points off. By the way, this kind of number crunching is almost fun. Really, I’m not lying!

One more thing, the number you finally arrive at as a result of taking this brief quiz, will tell your loan officer if/when you are ready to purchase your next house. Sound important? It is and you should know this number.

David Burrows, Realtor

Envirian of Warrenton

Warrenton, VA 20186

Email: david@burrowsproperties.com

Web: www.BurrowsProperties.com

Listings: www.VirginiaHomeFinder.ListingBook.Com

Foreclosures: www.HUDHomesInVA.com

Thought For The Day: Estimating your Credit Score as this blog points out can be fun and very close to accurate. Absolutely nothing though replaces knowing what your true score and credit report really says about you.

Important Links:

Northern Virginia Information

Fairfax Homes For Sale

Sellers Toolkit

Buyers Toolkit

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.

Veterans: Don't Forget To Inquire About A VA Loan

2010-01-20T19:20:00Z

While I am not a Mortgage Loan Officer and for sure do not work for a Mortgage Company, at the same time I know a potentially good deal when I see one. As a Realtor and a Veteran, I know that for years Veterans were told a VA Loan was not the best deal out there and as a result many of our Military and Veterans used other means to finance their mortgage. I did the same thing myself.

With some Mortgage money fairly tight these days, VA Loans are becoming increasingly more popular again. I would urge you to read the following article for additional information:

Why Should A Veteran Use A VA Loan To Buy A Home?

David L. Burrows, Realtor^®Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.391.9200 x9119
Email: david@burrowsproperties.com
Web Site: Burrows Properties

A Burrows' Thought worth considering: Buying a house involves commitment to the task before you. My definition of commitment is translated inconvenience. Expect the unexpected after you have a contract. Something always develops that you didn't expect to happen. When it does, remain calm and absolutely resolved to see everything through to the end. By the way, this is when you lean on your Realtor.

Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these articles on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin? I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.

Buyer Guidance: Get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.

Try These Links To Help You Find Your Next Home:

Virginia Home Finder

HUD Homes In Virginia

Fairfax Homes For Sale

Fairfax MLS

Links To Help You Find Your Way Around In Northern Virginia:

Northern Virginia Information

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.

Upgrading A House Is Important But Don't Over Do It

2010-01-15T16:40:00Z

In our current market, many sellers want to be at the front of the competition when listing their house for sale. In other words, if there are four other houses on the same street for sale, it is not uncommon to want to have the best prepared and priced house. Why not and in fact, it makes a lot of sense to have a well prepared home.

First and foremost, this is a good thing most of the time. For sure you want to price your home attractively and the appearance should be second to none. Having said that please be careful that you don’t over do any renovation or upgrade. If you do, it could end up costing you when you finally have to sign on the dotted line.

Here is an excellent article that you can point your mouse toward in getting more information on upgrades that don’t pay. The article is actually titled, 4 Housing Upgrades That Don’t Pay.

David L. Burrows, Realtor

Envirian of Warrenton

110 W. Shirley Avenue

Warrenton, VA 20186

Direct: 703.859.5188

Burrows Properties

Selling Thought For The Day: When interviewing a Realtor, never be afraid to ask for references. In other words, “Would you supply me the names of three clients you’ve worked with in Real Estate?”

Try These Links To Help You Find Your Next Home:

Virginia Home Finder

HUD Homes In Virginia

Fairfax Homes For Sale

Fairfax MLS

Links To Help You Find Your Way Around In Northern Virginia:

Northern Virginia Information

Two Additional Links That Are Helpful To Buyers and Sellers:

Free Sellers Toolkit

Free Buyers Toolkit

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.

Are You Sure You Understand The Contract?

2010-01-12T20:54:00Z

If there is anything true in purchasing a house, it is this: Not reading the fine print is certainly NOT Better! In fact, failing to read anything you are signing whether it is for a car, 2^nd Mortgage or the 1^st Mortgage, can lead you to financial ruin. Just ask the thousands and thousands and thousands of people who are loosing their home thru foreclosure because of their failure to interpret and understand the fine print.

As a Real Estate Professional, I have stopped more than one person signing papers for their Mortgage Closing and asked them to take a deep breath and then consider, “Do you really understand what you are about to sign?” The response has sometimes been, “No, but I’m sure its ok”. The fact is it may not be ok and you should know and be aware of everything you are agreeing to do by signing on the dotted line.

Here is the way it often seems to work: Sometimes Closing Agents progress quite fast thru the closing because after all, they do this every day. You shouldn’t hesitate to ask them to slow down, especially if you are a FIRST TIME home buyer. Remember, you are paying for their service. If you feel the closing agent is annoyed or frustrated, ask for someone else to do the closing. You deserve the best professional closer when you are getting ready to invest potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars into you new house.

By the way, I always urge people I work with to consider consulting with an Attorney. This way you can certainly know the ins and outs of what you are going to be agreeing to when you sign on the dotted line.

David L. Burrows, RealtorEnvirian of Warrenton, Warrenton, VA
Phone: 703.859.5188
Burrows Properties

Buying thought for the day:
Buying a house can be a complicated process. Remember to employ a Licensed Real Estate Agent. The Agent should not be afraid to give you valid references upon request.

Try these links to help you find your next home:
Virginia Home Finder
HUD Homes In Virginia
Fairfax Homes For Sale
Fairfax MLS

Interested in some great reading on selling your home? Take a look at these articles on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin?

Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.

Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.

Try Doing This When Selling Your House

2010-01-04T19:36:00Z

I believe there are two areas of concern that should be addressed by serious house sellers in the Real Estate market. In fact, doing these two things along with competitive pricing can do wonders in helping to produce a buyer for your house.

First, if you have been one of many regular readers of my blogs, then you know that I am a true believer in Home Inspections before listing your house for sale. Having an Inspection by an independent, licensed Home Inspection Company can do several things to aid you in the selling process. Most important to me, is when you have your house inspected and areas of concern develop, you can tend to those corrections, defects, repairs before listing your house.

I’ve discovered that most often the repairs and upgrades are minimal. It can be a loose fitting on the faucet in the shower, a stairway that needs to be made safe or perhaps something simply brought up to code. To have a copy of the inspection available to serious buyers can bring about peace of mind and a higher level of confidence in the seller. You see, for serious buyers, not knowing is not better. They want to know what is real.

Second, purchase a Home Warranty that conveys with the sale of the property. This gives a potential buyer added needed assurance in the purchase of your house. It says, “If something goes wrong, I want you to be able to get it fixed with minimal effort and expense.”

Doing these two things for a purchaser may just help to sell your house faster giving both you and the buyer much needed peace at the end of the day when the selling and buying process is complete.

For additional reading on selling your home fast, here is some additional reading that you will find helpful. TOP FIVE WAYS TO SELL YOUR HOME FAST

The write of the above article, Stacey L. Bradford, has done an amazing job of giving sellers excellent guidance on selling their homes.

David L. Burrows, Realtor®Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.859.5188
Burrows Properties

Out Of Town Buyers Tip: Always remember, when moving to the Northern Virginia Area, you can research the entire area online at my website. Here is the link that is truly the mother of all links to follow - Northern Virginia Information and Links.

Home Ownership Tip: Keep all receipts, records of maintenance, tax papers, and utility bills in a safe place. You never know when you will need them.

Burrows' Thoughts worth considering: "One reason to have a Home Inspection by a Professional Inspector is not only to discover possible defects, but to help the new home owner to understand the need for proper maintenance on the items the Inspection brings to the purchasers attention."

Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these articles on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin?

Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor®® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.

Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.

Try this link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale When you land on the main page try one of our custom searches listed on the bottom of the page. No registration is necessary for the Fairfax MLS general search on my site. If you check the box to receive automated updates sent to your email, you will be required to give us your name and a valid email address.

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.