Northern Virginia Real Estate Video Blog with Steve Hawkins

Don't Let Your Home Get Damaged this Winter!

Today, we want to discuss how you can get your home in top condition during the winter months. We've compiled this short list to help you avoid costly damages this season:

Get your head in the gutter! Make sure there aren't any leaves clogging your gutters and downspouts.
Button up your overcoat! Seal cracks around windows and doors with weather stripping and caulk.
Get on-top-of-the-roof problems! Inspect your roof for damaged shingles and leaky vents.
Walk the walks and drives! Take steps to repair damaged sidewalks, driveways, and steps.
Chill out! Drain and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
Freshen your filter! Clean and replace dirty furnace filters. Have a professional inspect your system while you're at it.
Gather round the hearth! Check fireplaces for soot or buildup. Better yet, schedule a visit from a reputable chimney sweep.
Keep the humidifier humming! Clean the plates and pads to ensure efficient operation.
Head off gas problems! If you have a gas-fired room heater, have it inspected by a professional.
Keep the wood fire burning brightly! Wood stoves are making a comeback. To avoid a dangerous situation, be sure to inspect yours before firing it up.
Keep your family safe this winter! A home safety check should be an annual ritual in every household. Check smoke and CO2 detectors, fire extinguishers, and review fire escape plans.

These are just a few of the things you can do to protect your home and make sure everything goes smoothly during the winter months. Since you still have time to prepare your home before the cold weather really sets in, we want to share some energy saving ideas as well. Caulking around windows and doors is easy, and will keep cold air out and warm air in.

Although newer homes may not require caulking, all homeowners should be checking their weather stripping and door sweeps. Install ceiling fans to help push warm air down and circulate it throughout the home. Using a hot-water-heated blanket, checking attic insulation, replacing windows, and having an energy audit done can all save you big money down the road.

If you have any questions about getting your home ready for the winter season, please give us a call. We would love to help you out!

Can You Refinance When Switching Careers?

As you've probably heard, Ben Bernanke was recently denied financing when he tried to secure a new mortgage. Why was this? Well, now that he has retired from the Federal Reserve, he doesn't necessarily have a clear source of income. He plans to be a speaker and author, but since he hasn't yet established himself in that field, he was denied.

Because he was shifting careers, lenders determined that he didn't have enough job security for him to qualify for a loan. These standards apply to everyone, so switching jobs while trying to acquire financing can be risky. Hopefully these standards will be loosened up soon to help home buyers in a similar position.

If you are thinking of buying a home and changing job fields at the same time, we highly recommend you reach out to us. We can run everything by our lender and see what your options are - sometimes you have to wait a while to buy a home when you switch job fields. The bank often wants to see that you're secure in your new field before lending to you.

If you have questions about this or any other real estate topic, don't hesitate to give us a call or shoot us an email. We would love to give you a hand!

What's the Difference Between an Inspection and an Appraisal?

Many people don't realize there is a difference between an appraisal and an inspection. They're different components of a real estate transaction that you should be familiar with if you plan on buying or selling a home.

Inspection: A home inspection is done 7 to 10 days after an agreement has been reached on the sale of a home. It is conducted by the buyer and at their expense. The inspector will look for problems with the structure and functionality of the home, so that the parties can agree on final terms.
Appraisal: An appraisal is similar to a home inspection but has some technical differences. It usually takes place 3 to 4 weeks after the principal agreement of the home sale. It's typically ordered by the home buyer's lender to make sure the home is worth what the buyer says it is before money is exchanged. The lender will view the home in question and compare it to other homes in the area. Within 3 to 5 days the lender will determine whether the deal is fair so it can close.

In short, the inspection is beneficial to the buyer; it's a way to be confident the house is everything the buyer says it is. An appraisal, on the other hand, is a way for the lender to be sure they are not lending an unnecessary amount of money. Essentially, both of these ensure a seller prices their home at a fair market value based on comparable home sales.

If you have questions about this topic, or would like us to address another question in a later video, give us a call or shoot us an email. We would love to make your real estate experience as smooth as possible.

Where Can You Find the Most Reliable Real Estate Information?

With the real estate market of Northern Virginia becoming more active every day, there is a constant surge of property in demand. If you're a prospective buyer, CLICK HERE for a Full Home Search, or if you're interested in placing your property on the market, obtain a Free Home Value Report RIGHT HERE. For any other questions about current market conditions or the value of your property, contact me at (703) 909-3939.

One thing we get asked about a lot is the accuracy of the data produced by home search engines like Zillow and Trulia. While these sites can be a huge asset to your search, it's important to take their information with a grain of salt. These websites use algorithms that have specific variables such as square footage, number of bathrooms, and number of bedrooms - but they fail to take many other important factors into account.

Having an actual Realtor look at your home is the best course of action to make sure the information is accurate. The last thing you want is incorrect information to negatively affect the buying and selling process. Keep in mind that these search engines don't know where the market is headed, either. They don't know if it's on the rise, on the decline, or neutral. Where the current housing market is at in your area can significantly impact the value of your home. In some cases, Zillow reported a home as being worth nearly 50% less than what it sold for.

So call a Realtor, find out what's happening in the market and how it affects your home price. Always be sure to call me if you're interested in buying or selling a home. Thanks for joining us, hope to hear from you soon!

How You Can Avoid Reducing the Price of Your Home

We have noticed a trend recently in Northern Virginia that has left us wondering what's going on. We've seen a handful of homeowners reduce their listing price, despite what appears to be a hot market. Is the market cooling down, or are folks simply overpricing their homes because of their confidence in the strong market?

We're thinking it's the latter. Pricing your home too high is dangerous for two reasons: you look greedy in the marketplace and buyers start avoiding your property like the plague. If you are in this scenario, it is likely this was unintentional - you wanted a certain price for your home so you thought you'd try for it. The problem is that once you reduce the price of your home, people don't come back. Typically, overpricing your home results in having to dramatically reduce the price to a point it wouldn't have reached otherwise. But how can all this be avoided?

First, you need to look at our Northern Virginia market and see how other homeowners are pricing their property. Working with an agent who has your best interests in mind is another important step. They will help you utilize competitive pricing to gain market momentum and drive your price up.

If you are interested in working with an agent that has a feel for all the nuances of our market, give us a call or shoot us an email. We would love to help you form a competitive pricing strategy so you can get the most from your home sale.

Your Guide to Keeping your Home Safe this Summer

School is out and summer is here! It's getting stuffy in the office and you probably have an itch to get outside and get away. That's great, but while you are gone, you need to make sure that you protect your home and all your valuables. Here are 10 ways to do so:

1. Don't post to social media
Wait until you get home to share pictures of your vacation. Don't jeopardize your home just so you can let everyone know you are having a great time.

2. Set timers for your lights

If burglars see the same light on all day and night, it's not hard for them to figure out that you aren't home.

3. Don't let your mail pile up

This is a dead giveaway. Either have a neighbor pick it up or go to the post office to put a hold on it

4. Disconnect your electronics

Most devices will still sap energy if they are plugged in, even if they are off. If you are going to be gone for a longer period of time, this could save you a lot of money.

5. Keep your lawn looking nice
Either mow before you leave or get someone to mow your yard when you're gone. An unkempt yard is an easy sign for a burglar to see you aren't home

6. Remove spare keys
Don't keep your spare key hidden in a secret location outside your home. Put them in the house to avoid someone snooping around your property for a spare key.

7. Ask someone to watch your home

This is your best option. This person can take care of most of this list for you and you will have a set of eyes inside the house just in case anything goes wrong

8. Test your smoke detectors
Make sure your smoke detectors are working to prevent a fire or to alert neighbors if there is nobody home.

9. Notify your neighbors that you are gone
Let them know you will be gone or that somebody else will be watching it

10. Leave your car in your driveway
If you have a second car, leave it in the driveway, This will give outsiders the impression that you are still home.

Hopefully these tips will make your vacation more fun and less worrisome. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to give us a call or send us an email!

How we helped Nadeem buy his home with his negotiation skills

"When we bought our home a few years ago, Steve really helped out with the negotiations. There was some difference of $20,000 that the sellers were having issues with and Steve somehow came up with an idea that he presented to them. It worked out and went well. We’re on very good terms with him and anytime someone we know needs a real estate agent, we give them Steve’s name without hesitation."

How we helped Jackie buy her Virginia home by keeping her hopes up

"I had been looking for a while and I didn’t really see any houses that I liked. Steve kept my hopes up throughout the process and even came and picked me up to show a house since I didn’t want to drive in the snow!"

We were willing to go out of our way to help Farida with her real estate needs

"Steve was a genuine gentleman. He worked very hard for us and we got what we were looking for. When we wanted to see a property, he would pick us up to drive us to the showing and let us make our own decision when we got there. He wouldn't lead us into anything we didn't want and was always willing to go out of his way. "

Having Trouble Selling Your Home? These 6 Tips Might Help.

As part of our commitment to educate you about real estate, we want to be sure you avoid some of the pitfalls many fall victim to. Today, we'll discuss the 6 mistakes that people make while selling their property.

Over-pricing the property: This can ruin a perfectly sellable property. By listing your home at too high a price, it can sit on the market indefinitely. Luckily, we have a good handle on Northern Virginia homes and can effectively price yours for a fast sale, at a premium price.
Inability to show a home: You need to make your home available to as many consumers as possible. If you can't show your home to a large audience, your chances of selling decrease substantially.
Cluttered and personalized home: When showing your home, it should be well-organized and free of personal items - such as artwork, posters, and family pictures. Neutralize your home so buyers can see themselves living there comfortably. If you're moving out anyway, it's best to have the clutter taken care of ahead of time.
Unpleasant odors: Don't smoke inside your home or cook fragrant food, like cabbage or curry. Even pleasant smells should be avoided, as they carry personality - which works against the neutrality of your home. If you have pet stains or odors you can always consult a professional to remove them.
Unwillingness to negotiate with buyers: Real estate agents are professional negotiators and always have your interest in mind with everything they do. No deal is made without a hitch, so expect negotiations and trust that your agent is working in your favor. Always remember, concessions are often necessary for the sale to occur.
Unwillingness to make repairs: Choose your battles wisely. Some repairs are more necessary than others, so you should ask your agent which ones are most crucial.

Just knowing what you need to avoid in order to sell your home isn't enough. It's crucial to have a professional help you through the process. We'd love to help - give us a call or send us an email for all your buying and selling needs here in Northern Virginia.

What Kind of Mortgage is Right for You?

When buying a home in northern Virginia, it's important to know you have options when it comes to the type of mortgage you buy.

We want to share some information that will help you decide what kind of mortgage is right for you.

Some mortgage economists are predicting conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgages to rise to 5.5% before 2015. Because of the higher rate, you may want to consider a hybrid mortgage if you are thinking about buying a home this year.

Here's why:

It provides a fixed-rate for a predetermined period, anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
You can convert to a rate that can change annually.
There is a potential for substantial monthly savings.

It's important to remember that there's still a case to stick with a conventional fixed-rate mortgage, because interest rates remain at historic lows.

The question to ask yourself is how long you plan to stay in your new home. If you are a new buyer looking to buy a smaller home and upgrade to a larger one down the road, the hybrid may be your best bet.

As always, the best choice is ultimately the one you're most comfortable with.

If you're unsure about these options, give us a call at (703) 909-3939 or email us at Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com for advice on which mortgage is right for you!

How to stand out as a serious buyer in a competitive market

How to stand out as a serious buyer in a competitive market
In a competitive market with a very small amount of inventory, like the one here in Northern Virginia, you need to stand out as a buyer in order to get the homes that you desire.

One of the ways in which you can accomplish this would be to make a confident and trustworthy offer on a property to prove to the seller that you're serious about purchasing a home.

While most buyers get a pre-qualification letter, we require our buyers to get a Pre-approval letter with a direct under-writing report. This essentially turns you into a cash buyer, and this is much more desirable in the eyes of a seller.

You will also want to put down a large Escrow payment in order to show good faith. The more that you put down, the more trustworthy you will appear to the seller. Shoot for $5,000-$10,000 depending on the purchase price, not $500 or $1,000.

Also, be careful with appraisals because a property is really only worth the amount that the buyer is willing to pay for it. In my experience, two different appraisers can have wildly different prices for a property. If you waive the appraisal and agree to cover any shortfalls, you will become a much more desirable buyer.

Hopefully these tips will help you to be competitive in our real estate market here in Northern Virginia. If you're serious about buying, my best suggestion to you would be to contact me and my team of professionals. We can help guide you through this crowded market.

Thanks for tuning in!

Narrow Down Your Home Search with our Blueprint Program

Northern Virginia Home Buyer's Blueprint Program
Before we even begin to search for a home for you, we like to sit down and discuss all of your particular needs. A lot of buyers become over-eager to search for homes and go looking before they even know what they want.

My solution to this problem is for you to arrange a time to sit down with us and discuss your particular needs. During this consultation we will determine what you're looking for in a home, such as the number of bedrooms or the type of neighborhood that would suit you the best.

When you sit down and outline your goals, it is much easier for us to find a satisfactory home for you. If we know what you want, it is much easier for us to find out. This way there is no wasted time spent looking at homes that would not work for you.

This is our way of making our service quicker, easier, and less painful for our buyers. It would be a disservice to all of our clients if we did not take these first steps with them.

If you're searching for a home in Northern Virginia, please do not hesitate to contact me and my team of professionals. We would be happy to set aside the time to consult with you and narrow down your home search.

Thanks for tuning in!

Steve Hawkins Reviews - Gladys Cheek

(Steve worked really hard and never dropped the ball. He was courteous, on time, and just excellent. It was a pleasant experience because everything went so smoothly. Work with Steve, you won’t regret it.)

When You Work with Me, You Get Only the Best

Why You Should Hire the Hawkins Real Estate Group

Thanks for tuning in to my real estate video blog where I will be updating you with important information so that you can make better decisions in regards to real estate.

From making the All-American Trap Shooting Team 10 years in a row to running an award-winning business, I am driven to succeed. I've always pushed myself to reach higher levels of success, and this is why more and more people are turning to me to make the most out of their real estate opportunities in Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria.

When you work with me, you will see that it is in my nature to put the needs of my clients first and foremost. You'll find that I'm down-to-earth and friendly, but I will always get the job done.

Whether you're looking to sell your home for top dollar or if you're looking for your dream home in Arlington, I will always be your top choice.

If you're in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, or Prince William County, then you can count on me as your #1 resource for real estate.

I will always fight in your best interests and my service will always leave you satisfied.

Call or email me today if you are interested in buying or selling property in Northern Virginia.

Northern Virginia Real Estate Agent: Spring Market Update

Welcome to My New Real Estate Video Blog!
Twice a month, you can expect to receive a real estate market update for Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William and the surrounding areas. I will also be answering any real estate questions you may have – my goal is to provide you with the best information for our market. This allows us to maximize our success together for your next real estate transaction!

Let's Run the Numbers.
Over the last few years, we’ve experienced a steady increase in closings – numbers have almost tripled over a 7 month time period. In December 2012, there were 971 closings and when you compare this with March 2014, there were 1,496 closings.

When looking at July 2013, there was a dramatic increase of closings in Northern Virginia - 2,496 to be exact! Northern Virginia’s market continues to soar and will easily surpass 2013’s results.

Just in February 2014, we had 1,812 closings accounting for a 13.11% increase over January 2014. You can expect this number to continue climbing through March and April. You can also expect numbers in those months to outperform 2013’s results. When a market is hot, you should expect the competition to be fierce. How can you prepare yourself for this? By watching my videos! I will not only keep you up-to-date on the current results of the market, but you can also expect useful tips for the home buying and selling process.

Let's Work Together!
Feel free to reach out to me by phone, or email me with any questions you may have. Thanks and have a great day!

Why Hire Steve Hawkins To Sell Your Northern Virginia Home?

Hire an Agent With a Competitive Drive and Passion for Success!

I am the realtor that can fulfill all of your real estate needs. By hiring me, you hire a professional who will fight for you in every aspect. I’ve always had a passion to excel – from making the All-American Trapshooting Team for ten years to running an award winning business. I’ve always pushed myself to reach the next level of success.

That same burning drive proves why more and more people looking for Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax and Prince William County real estate are turning to me to make the most of their real estate opportunities.

What does it mean to have a competitive spirit? For some, life is all about having a laser-focus on the blue ribbon or the winner’s circle. Those that know me best know that I am constantly striving for success.

When you work with me, you will immediately notice that it is my nature to put all of your needs first. I’m friendly, down to earth and completely focused on your ultimate happiness. Whether you are looking for your dream home or to sell your home for top-dollar, turn to me and we will make it happen.

Let’s work together – feel free to call or email me with any of your real estate needs. Thanks and have a great day!

Steve Hawkins
Samson Properties
6408 Grovedale Dr. #204
Alexandria, VA. 22315
703-909-3939
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com

Steve Hawkins Testimonial

Click to hear recent
testimonials from happy clients

Gladys - "Steve worked really hard and never dropped the ball. He was courteous, on time, and just excellent. It was a pleasant experience because everything went so smoothly. Work with Steve, you won’t regret it."

Farida - "Steve was a genuine gentleman. He worked very hard for us and we got what we were looking for. When we wanted to see a property, he would pick us up to drive us to the showing and let us make our own decision when we got there. He wouldn't lead us into anything we didn't want and was always willing to go out of hisway. "

Jackie - "I had been looking for a while and I didn’t really see any houses that I liked. Steve kept my hopes up throughout the process and even came and picked me up to show a house since I didn’t want to drive in the snow!"

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