Monday, January 31, 2011

Important Financial Guidance

I am primarily a Buyers Agent! Sometimes I will take a listing, especially if it is a previous client or someone that I know personally. Most important, I simply enjoy working with Buyers, helping their dreams come true.

I've noted, with great interest, that many people are having difficulty getting their pre-approval for a Mortgage lately. They think going into it, there won't be any problem and are quite surprised when all of a sudden they hit a roadblock, and are turned down for the money.

This has caused me to seriously consider how my clients and prospective clients are living when it comes to handling their money. In fact, I've discovered that attitude adjustments are often a very necessary kind of thing that needs to take place in all of our lives, even in dealing with the dollars we earn and spend.

I ran across this article that reinforces this truth: Simple Tips To Change Your Financial Behavior

By the way, it is a lengthy article but the information especially toward the end of the writing is of great importance so please don't miss it!

One more thing: Many of you who know me are aware of the fact that I have lost 50 pounds over the past three years. At the beginning, on January 2nd, three years ago, I refused to go on a starvation diet because quite frankly I had tried that before and utterly failed! I did make a decision that I would exercise, and finally I wouldn't feel deprived of food or even the feeling of being cheated when it comes to food in the process. My change in lifestyle that would ultimately lead me to a 50 pound weight loss would simple be a commitment to a lifestyle change for the rest of my life!

Finances are a lot like what I just described in the previous paragraph. I would urge you to think of making a commitment to a lifestyle change when it comes to finance. Pay attention to the article and most important, begin now! You will be in your new house before you know it. By the way, when I use the word "Commitment", I understand the true meaning. I've tried and tested it myself many times. What does it mean? "Inconvenience!" You see, I've learned that nothing worthwhile in life comes without a price. But in the end, it is worth it!

Remember, knowledge is power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. When you are ready to make your next MOVE, please WRITE or PHONE me.

David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Classic Realty
4200 Evergreen Lane, Suite 331
Annandale, VA 22003
Serving ALL of Northern Virginia
Direct: 703.859.5188
Office: 703.637.1400
Real Estate Starting Point Blog
Home Search: Virginia Online Home Search
Website: Burrows Properties

 


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Simple Foreclosure Tips

I find the process of doing many things in life effectively, often requires knowledge of simple truths. The same is true for many aspects of Real Estate. While Real Estate has many complicated sides, (areas that certainly require a Realtor®) some parts of purchasing a home are often straightforward!
I spend approximately an hour a day reading about Real Estate. As a result, I am on the email lists of many who write about the subject. This crossed my desk early today and I thought it could serve as worthwhile reading for anyone thinking about purchasing a Foreclosure. Simply follow this link: Tips For Buying Foreclosures

Please understand this list is not complete by any means, but it might get you pointed in the right direction when it comes to buying a foreclosed property. By the way, if you are looking to purchase foreclosures in Northern Virginia, simply follow this link for a very effective MLS Foreclosure Search Engine. Sign in and check the Foreclosure box while unchecking everything else. You will not be spammed and your information will never be shared with any 3rd party.

Remember, knowledge is power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. When you are ready to make your next MOVE, please WRITE or PHONE me.

David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Classic Realty
4200 Evergreen Lane, Suite 331
Annandale, VA 22003
Serving ALL of Northern Virginia
Direct: 703.859.5188
Office: 703.637.1400
Real Estate 101 Blog
Home Search: Virginia Online Home Search
Website: Burrows Properties

Monday, January 24, 2011

January Is Radon Awareness Month

I firmly believe one of my greatest responsiblities as a Real Estate Agent is to keep you informed in reference to the latest news, views and thoughts about Real Estate and Home Ownership.

This article, penned by Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., crossed my desk this morning: Radon in Your Kitchen Counters? I would urge you to take a look. You might not fully agree with the writer, but his thoughts are certainly worth considering. Remember, I am simply the messenger here, reporting the latest in news, and then you decide. In fact, some additional links (pro and con on the subject to be fair) are provided below:

CBS News Report About Radon
Do Granite Countertops Emit Radon?
What's Lurking In Your Countertop?

Finally, pay special attention to the last paragraph where Dr. Weil points out that the EPA strongly suggests we should all have Radon Tests performed in our homes. When Radon is found, it should be properly and professionally dealt with.

Remember, knowledge is power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. When you are ready to make your next MOVE, please WRITE or PHONE me.


David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Classic Realty
4200 Evergreen Lane, Suite 331
Annandale, VA 22003
Serving ALL of Northern Virginia
Direct: 703.859.5188
Office: 703.637.1400
Real Estate 101 Blog
Home Search: Virginia Online Home Search
Website: Burrows Properties

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Real Estate: A Good Investment?

I was surfing the internet this morning, visiting my usual, early morning favorite sites, when I came across this article on the Smart Money website: Real Estate: Finally A Good Investment

I totally understand that this is an opinion of the writer, but at the same time, some of the things he is writing about makes sense and some of the facts really do add up! I hope you will take a moment and read.

Remember, knowledge is power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. When you are ready to make your next MOVE, please WRITE or PHONE me.


David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Classic Realty
4200 Evergreen Lane, Suite 331 Annandale, VA 22003
Serving ALL of Northern Virginia
Direct: 703.859.5188
Office: 703.637.1400
Real Estate 101 Blog
Home Search: Virginia Online Home Search
Website: Burrows Properties



Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Looking Ahead To Retirement

I'm sure that many of my clients and prospective clients are seriously thinking about retirement and even more specifically, "When should I retire?" By the way, I'm thinking about this, too! My problem is, I don't want to leave Real Estate and will probably hang around for as long as I can!
This article, "4 Tips For Late Bloomers" just crossed my desk this morning. I hope you will take a moment to read, digest the thoughts shared and implement a plan. If you haven't started getting ready for the future, perhaps there is no time like the present to begin. I wish you well.

Remember, knowledge is power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. When you are ready to make your next MOVE, please WRITE or PHONE me.


David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Classic Realty
4200 Evergreen Lane, Suite 331 Annandale, VA 22003
Serving ALL of Northern Virginia
Direct: 703.859.5188
Office: 703.637.1400
Real Estate 101 Blog
Home Search: Virginia Online Home Search
Website: Burrows Properties



Gainesville VA Homes For Sale
Gainesville Virginia Homes For Sale
Relocation Information Gainesville Virginia
Fairfax Homes For Sale
Northern Virginia Information
Fairfax MLS
Haymarket MLS
Haymarket Homes For Sale

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Tips On Color When Home Decorating

Many people are frustrated because they can't sell their house right now. In fact, I have completed several Comparative Market Analysis's lately with the results for some prospective sellers appearing grim! With the present economy the way it is, the amount potential sellers owe on their home exceeds what they can actually sell it for. Many homeowners, as a result, are opting to wait it out, hoping things will change in the near future and then they will be able to sell.

If you, like other home owners are waiting for the market to improve, there is something you can do to transform your present home into seemingly a different and pleasant place to live. The good news is, it doesn't need to cost you a lot of money. Here is an article worth taking the time to read and the title alone will grab your attention: Colorful Ways To Expand Small Spaces ... Reading this and making simple changes, could enhance the marketability of your home when it is time to sell as well as making it a more pleasant place to live whlie you are waiting.

By the way, if you are currently looking for a home, the above article could help you in choosing just the right colors. Reading this writing and keeping in mind the various thoughts the author shares, could really aid you as you walk through potential homes when it comes to how you will decorate after your purchase.

Remember, knowledge is power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. When you are ready to make your next MOVE, please WRITE or PHONE me.

David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Classic Realty
4200 Evergreen Lane, Suite 331
Annandale, VA 22003
Serving ALL of Northern Virginia
Direct: 703.859.5188
Office: 703.637.1400
Real Estate 101 Blog
Home Search: Virginia Online Home Search
Website: Burrows Properties



Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Useful Tools When Going House Hunting

There is a rule that I have when taking someone out to look at properties. It is easy to understand and I insist on it as a Buyers Agent. Very simply, the prospective buyer must have their pre-approval. He/She will need to have talked with someone in Mortgage, filled out the necessary paperwork, had a credit check and then a letter that states their approval. Again, I insist on this for a variety of reasons that we won't go in to within this post!

Once you have your approval, there are many other useful tools that you should take advantage of: For example, you need a current, UP TO DATE WEBSITE to find up to existing MLS Listings. Additionally, you should be reading on the subject of PURCHASING YOUR NEXT HOME and something else I thought of today is really quite essential. You need a good PAYMENT CALCULATOR.

If you are shopping for a home in Northern Virginia, feel free to use any of the above resources and I promise, you will not be hounded or spammed. Furthermore, any information you share will not be given to any third party.

Remember, knowledge is power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. When you are ready to make your next MOVE, please WRITE or PHONE me.


David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Classic Realty 4200 Evergreen Lane,
Suite 331 Annandale, VA 22003
Serving ALL of Northern Virginia
Direct: 703.859.5188
Office: 703.637.1400
Real Estate 101 Blog
Home Search: Virginia Online Home Search
Website: Burrows Properties

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Valuable Information For Your 2010 Taxes

I know, you would probably rather be thinking about 2011 and for sure, not about taxes right now. I concur with you wholeheartedly! On the other hand, this is the time of year to begin preparing for your annual filing.

Please remember that I am not a tax expert nor am I promoting any particular firm when I supply you with this link, but I found one of the most complete online guides for preparing your 2010 Taxes that I will be using myself. It just came out:  Bankrates 2010 Tax Guide

Finally, remember that knowledge is power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. When you are ready to make your next MOVE, please Write or Phone me.


David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Classic Realty 4200 Evergreen Lane, Suite 331
Annandale, VA 22003
Serving ALL of Northern Virginia
Direct: 703.859.5188
Office: 703.637.1400
Real Estate 101 Blog
Home Search: Virginia Online Home Search
Website: Burrows Properties


Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Understanding The In's and Out's Of Your Credit Score

One thing that I encourage all of my clients and prospective clients to be aware of, is your Credit Score. In fact, I've often referred people to web based companies where people, just like you, the reader of this blog, can for a small fee and sometimes free, acquire your Credit Score. Feel free to Contact Me for this list. It is free with NO obligation.

I came across an excellent article this morning that asks a question and then gives you the reader an answer: What Is A Credit Score, Anyway? If you are serious about a Home Purchase in the not too distant future, you need to read and digest the article.

Finally, remember that knowledge is power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. When you are ready to make your next MOVE, please Write or Phone me.

David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Classic Realty 4200 Evergreen Lane, Suite 331
Annandale, VA 22003
Serving ALL of Northern Virginia
Direct: 703.859.5188
Office: 703.637.1400
Real Estate 101 Blog
Home Search: Virginia Online Home Search
Website: Burrows Properties



Monday, January 3, 2011

Mortgage Rates Slowly Rising

This crossed my desk this morning and thought you would find it helpful, especially if you are thinking about purchasing your next home soon. Mortgage Rates Jump Again

I hope you will take a moment to read and digest this information. By the way, if you are interested in knowing what is happening today, simply go here and check the Financial Section of my website for current interest rate updates.

Finally, always remember that knowledge is power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. When you are ready to make your next MOVE, please Write or Phone me.


David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Classic Realty 4200 Evergreen Lane, Suite 331
Annandale, VA 22003
Direct: 703.859.5188
Office: 703.637.1400
Real Estate 101 Blog
Home Search: Virginia Online Home Search
Website: Burrows Properties




Gainesville VA Homes For Sale
Gainesville Virginia Homes For Sale
Relocation Information Gainesville Virginia
Fairfax Homes For Sale
Northern Virginia Information
Fairfax MLS
Haymarket MLS
Haymarket Homes For Sale