When To Maintain A Financial Holding Pattern In Real Estate

I received a phone call the other day from a Real Estate Agent friend of mine. He said, "David I just heard from the Loan Officer of one of my clients I'm working with". My Agent Friend continued on to state that his "Client (who was barely approved because of past Credit Issues) went out and spent a huge chunk of money on Credit! As a result, his Credit Score that was borderline, plummeted and is now below the acceptable level for a Mortgage". In other words, the deal his client thought he had was dead! This was all because of a stupid financial mistake, a very costly slip-up.

As I thought about my friend, his client and the dead deal they now face, I decided to sit down and write out some financial "Do's and Don'ts" for my own clients who have a Contract and are waiting to close. In fact, I would urge you who are reading this today and contemplating a Real Estate Transaction, to pay attention and abide by these Simple Rules:

1. Do Pay your Credit Cards on time (Now is NOT the time for a late payment)
2. Do not buy any BIG Ticket Items on Credit or Cash - (Example: Car/Furniture/Even Furniture for your NEW House)
3. Don't change Banks or Accounts (Loan Officers must look back over the previous months to track spending)
4. Never, never, never make a Job Change when in the middle of a Contract
5. Always Protect your Down Payment Money (Your Loan Officer will be checking the availability of funds before close)
6. Never co-sign for anyone, but especially when waiting for your Home to Close
7. Do NOT move money from Account to Account (You could sabatage the deal)
8. Do NOT let anyone run a Credit Check for you (This can change your FICO Score)

Finally, always remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

Help For Fixing Your Credit

My regular readers have often noted that I spend a considerable amount of time writing about Credit, Credit Reports and how important they all are in securing a Mortgage. Quite truthfully, you should be watching your Credit Report at least once a month. Additionally, remember, there are three companies that you need to be paying attention to when inquiring about and watching your Credit. Failure to do this can cost you in a huge financial way.

Trans Union, 800-888-4213
Equifax, 800-685-1111
Experian, 800-682-7654

Here is an interesting article and the link, on the subject of: Two Steps to Fixing Credit After Fraud: Report and Repair

I hope you find the above information useful.

Finally, always remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

Home Sellers: Consider A Pre-Sale Home Inspection

I have blogged several times on reasons why Sellers need a Pre-Sale Home Inspection. I guess it could be said, "I am a STRONG PROPONENT of doing so.

I just came across an article worth posting on this blog. It says the same thing that I've firmly believed in and in fact, gives us THREE STRONG REASONS. I hope you will take the time to read, "Three Reasons Sellers Should Hire Own Inspector".

Finally, always remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

The Value Of A Home Inspection

I’ve had purchasers down through the years indicate they will NOT be getting a Home Inspection when buying their house. Many indicate they can look things over themselves and as a result save a few hundred dollars in what it would cost by hiring an Inspector.
What has my response been? To give a list of concerns buyers will need to personally address to know the house is “Move in” ready. Often, after they look at this list the decision is made to spend some money and hire a Home Inspector.
Here is the list I have shared with my buyers:

Exterior condition will need to be examined: Roof, eaves troughs, brick, mortar, paint, siding, decks and patios, underground irrigation (when applicable), outside water outlets.

Energy efficiency must be considered: This includes type of heating, insulation and windows. Is the system clean? Is it old? Is it in good repair? How much additional life is still in the present heating system? Are there safety concerns that need to be looked at?

Air quality: Air filtration systems must be examined. Don’t forget that you should consider running a radon test?

Basement: Crawlspace conditions - Water stains, mold, leaks or cracks. Is the integrity of the house in place?

Are there structural problems: Sticking doors/windows and uneven floors. Perhaps the house is on a slab? What is the condition?

Water pressure: Test by turning on the taps or flushing a toilet. Is the toilet loose? Are there dripping faucets? What about the Hot Water Heater? How old is the heater?

Parking Conditions: What is the condition of the concrete or asphalt?” This list could go on and on and on…………..

While the above list is only a small part of what is looked at in a Home Inspection, hopefully it will convince you too - you need an inspection by a qualified inspector. I personally wouldn’t buy the home without it.

Finally, always remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

Enjoy A Happy Easter

I wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a Happy Easter! I hope you will enjoy the day with your family and friends, taking a brief break from the usual and sometimes stressful activities of the week. In fact, writing this brief blog post will be the extent of my Real Estate activities today because I want to spend time attending Church, having breakfast after Church with my wife and then enjoying a restful drive into the country, taking some pictures with my Nikon. If my Long Coat Chihuahua behaves himself, we might even take him along with us.

Finally, remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

My Favorite Quotations

I started to become interested in collecting and memorizing quotations way back into the 5th grade, which was a long time ago, but I won't say how long. Anyhow, here are three of my favorites that I've collected down through the years.

1) The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up.  - John Maxwell

2) Always remember others may hate you but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself. - Richard Nixon

3) Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.  - John Maxwell

Always remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.


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

Simple Guidance On Insuring Your Condo

Let me state at the very beginning of today's writing that this is being penned for Condo Owners. Why?

I am certain many of my readers would say they prefer Condo Living above all other forms of Home Ownership. For others, there are many, many, many, who don't even want to consider it. As for me, I love Condo living! In fact, my preference has always been, Top Floor, End Unit. When I was Treasurer of a Condo Association I used to live in, I was absolutely amazed at the amount of Condo Owners who would attend Board Meetings that didn’t understand how their Condo Insurance is supposed to work right along with the Master Policy of their Association. For this reason, I’m including a link to an excellent article in this writing about Insuring Your Condo.

Here is the link: 6 Condo Insurance Questions
I hope you will take the time to Read, study and make sure you have adequately answered these questions so you will never be caught without adequate coverage and as a result face huge financial issues.

Finally, remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

A Free Place To Check Your Credit Score

One of the issues I often discuss on this blog is in reference to getting your Pre-Approval for your next Mortgage. In fact, without a potential clients Pre-Approval, I simply do not show houses or properties of any kind. Once Pre-Approved, we truly "Go for it!!!"

I've noted recently, in talking with clients who have their Pre-Approval, that one reason some of them have dragged their feet in this process, is they fear rejection when asking for a loan. I understand this because I am much the same way. Who wants to experience rejection? This is why I am always checking my Credit Score, so that I know where I stand, at least with my Credit. While there is other criteria involved in securing your next Mortgage, we all know that Credit Scores play a HUGE role in this process.
Here is a link you can try if you like and check your Credit Score FREE! It reflects on only one of your scores, but yet it can really help you to have some peace of mind. Here is the good news: It is free today, tomorrow, a month from now and unless the company changes their rules, it is simply FREE and hopefully will remain that way. The link: Credit Karma   I hope you will check it out!

Finally, remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, even by supplying names of Lenders my Clients have had a large measure of success with in the past, please Write or Phone me.

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

Perhaps Now Is The Time To Purchase Your Next Home

I've been watching the Northern Virginia Homes For Sale market with great interest this year. In fact, I've noted, according to Radio Station WTOP, that pending sales are at there highest level since 2006 in the Washington Metro area. This often means Multiple Offers, Escalation Addendums, and finally a Higher Sold Price than would have otherwise been anticipated.

Keeping the above paragraph in mind, there are still "Good Deals" out there. Interest rates are still at historic lows (although slightly higher over the past three weeks) and this might be the time to make your move - that is if you are serious about purchasing a home this year.

So how do you begin looking for a home?

1) You can register at my site to begin your home search, Virginia Online Home Search. The good news is nobody will put pressure on you to buy and your information will never be shared with a 3rd party.

2) You should also feel free to CONTACT ME for names in reference to Mortgage Companies and/or Loan Officers that my previous clients have had favorable results with.

Happy house hunting!!!
David

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

Making Wise Retirement Decisions When It Comes To Real Estate

Somewhere around the age of our 50s and early 60s, we have to really begin to remain focused on retirement and making Real Estate errors. Why? We simply do not have enough working years left to recover from our mistakes and loses.

If you are in the position of planning to work a few more years and then retire or at least slow down a bit, (like me) then this is an article you really cannot afford to pass by. I posted this a few months ago and I feel I need to put it up again for everyone to read.

This takes about 4-5 minutes to graze through it and is called the 9 Dumbest Retirement Moves    Hopefully, this will help to keep you on the straight and narrow path financially, that leads to a wonderful retirement.

Finally, remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

Potential Home Buyer Mess Ups - Part 2

I referred in my previous post to a question I was recently asked through an email. The question: "What is the number 1 thing you've experienced that most often goes wrong in a Real Estate Transaction, after you have a contract?" My response was: A Buying Client goes out and makes a rather large purchase on Credit before the closing!

There is a second potential mess up that often occurs though: Not paying attention to contingencies! Contingencies most often are dated! In other words, they begin on the day the contract is ratified and then they have an ending date. A Home Inspection might have a contingency of 14 days! An Apprasal - 30 days! Perhaps the buyer is paying cash and the seller wants proof that he/she actually have the funds for the purchase. Maybe this contingency is 3 days. Whatever the contingency and final date for it, everything must be carried out in a "Time is of the essence" manner. In other words, stay on schedule. The cost of not keeping up with the contingency can end up being more than just dollars.

Finally, remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

Potential Home Buyer Mess Ups

Someone wrote me the other day and asked a very straight forward yet simple question: "What is the number 1 thing you've experienced that most often goes wrong in a Real Estate Transaction, after you have a contract?" While other Real Estate agents might come up with a different response, mine is a "NO Brainer". Here it is. . .

The client has had their preliminary approval for a Mortgage, their credit is run again for one last time, just before closing and a problem comes to the surface. The problem? They have gone out and made some kind of a major purchase on credit. Most often, it is for furniture for the new house, flooring, window treatments and/or a host of other possibilities. As a result, their Credit Score has been affected and now, their being able to secure a Mortgage is in jeapardy.

What is the rule here? Once you have your approval, just say, "NO"! Do not buy on credit before you close on the house. This is especially true if your Credit Score is sitting right on the border of "Just making it" so as to secure a loan. This is what is REAL about Real Estate.

Finally, remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

You Must Prioritize When Going House Shopping

Prioritizing is truly a MUST when shopping for a house. As many of my readers know, I am a firm believer in getting pre-approved before you or anyone begins their home search. The fact is, without pre-approval, we really don't know your price range to search in. Additionally, you won't be able to make an offer as a prepared and ready to deal purchaser. Most important, you will always have a measure of doubt as to whether or not you can even get approved. The truth is, NOT Knowing is NOT Better! You need your pre-approval! Let me say it again, GET YOUR PRE-APPROVAL!

Here is what is REAL about Real Estate: Financing a home is an extremely important decision that requires careful planning and attention to all details. Some of them I've just mentioned! As a Real Estate Agent who deals with buying and selling homes on a regular basis, I am more than happy to provide you with the names of lenders I've worked with before. In fact, these are lenders my clients have had favorable results with. You should screen them, ask questions and then carefully choose who you feel you should work with.
There are some important National websites I would urge you to visit before searching for financing. These can be found directly through my Real Estate Website. Simply go to my FINANCING PAGE. You won't be disappointed that you took a moment to become educated in this process we call, "Securing a Mortgage".

Finally, remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.


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

Useful Real Estate Tools

I keep some interesting tools on my Real Estate Website. You will find Foreclosure Listings, MLS Listings, information about Short Sales, Community Information, Real Estate Terms and their definitions and of course one of my many Blogs.

Here is a link that you might find useful if you are just getting ready to begin your search for a home. All total, you will find 10 Calculators that do a variety of things in reference to Mortgage Shopping and Finance.

For Example:
Additional payment calculator
How much do you save by paying more or making additional payments than your initial mortgage terms?
Monthly payment calculator
Want to know how much your monthly payment is for your mortgage?
How much do I have to earn?
Not sure how much money you'll have to earn to afford your house payment and accompanying expenses?
How much can I borrow?
Want to know how big of a mortgage you can take on?
Should I pay discount points?
Not sure if you should pay discount points on your mortgage loan?
How much will I save by refinancing my loan?
How long will it take to recoup the costs of refinancing my home mortgage?
How much will my tax deduction be?
Want to know how much your home mortgage will save you in taxes?
Bi-weekly mortgage calculator
Want to know how much time and money you'll save paying off your loan on a bi-weekly payment plan?
APR calculator
To find out the annual percentage rate of your loan, enter the loan amount, interest rate, points, other costs and year-length term.
Interest only monthly payment calculator
To find out the monthly savings you could gain from an interest-only payment plan.

Here is the LINK: Mortgage Calculators

Finally, remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.


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

Step #1 When Looking For Your Next Home

First time homebuyers have often asked this important question: “What kinds of things should we know and be doing before going on the journey of shopping for our next home?”  It is important to note the question is about what happens before going house hunting. It isn't about something that begins in the middle of the process. It is at the beginning of beginnings!

Here are some thoughts to consider about the PRELIMINARY PREPARATION you must make before your Home Search begins.

1. Consider “How much house can I afford?” Think about it: It makes no sense to begin looking for a house, fall in love with a it; know you have found the house of your dreams 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 program (an amount of money) that works for you.

2. Not only do you need your pre-approval, but you should also Remember there are important questions to 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?
  How much will I have to put down for this loan?
  What about FHA Loans? Veteran Loans?
  What paperwork will you need from me?
  Do you have an online application?

If you would like additional information, please feel free to visit: My Loan Information page on my Burrows Properties Website.

Finally, remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

Home Buyers: Your Final Walk Through Inspection

I sat down with some First Time Home Buyer's the other day in an effort to explain the Home Buying process. When I arrived at the concluding thought (just before talking about the Closing Table experience) that dealt with "The Final Walk Through Inspection", my new clients interrupted for a moment and stated, "This is confusing! We thought we've already had the Home Inspection". Of course, I proceeded on to explain that at this point in the contract, they have! On the other hand, the Northern Virginia Contract indicates very clearly that the property is to be handed to the new owners in the same condition it was in on the day the Contract was ratified! Furthermore, it is to be Broom Clean!

My clients then inquired, "So what do we do for the final walk through inspection?" Here the list I gave them:
1) We will check for any plumbing issues (Flush toilets, run water, check for water leaks, etc...).
2) Make sure utilities are still on (In our neck of the woods they must remain on through closing). This is especially critical during the winter months.
3) Are the appliances working? This would include all appliances that convey with the sale.
4) Is the house Broom Clean, rid of all debris?

By the way, I always encourage my buyers to immediately go and check out the house after closing. This is especially true if they are from another town, city or state. They simply want to make sure the house is secure, especially if it might be a few days before they return. Perhaps this is the best time to have it re-keyed!

As anyone can tell, a Final Walk Through isn't Rocket Science, but it is of great importance to do this, preferrably within 24 hours before closing. This is something I always put into the Contract so that the Seller understands he/she must perform according to the contract, right up and till the very end.

Finally, remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

What Homebuyers Are Looking For In 2011

I often hear statements like this as a Buyer's Agent: "The house I am looking for must have a fireplace." Another purchaser might state: "My house must have a large yard". Still others will say: "I'm looking for more of a country setting but easy access into the city". This list is of course unending!

Here is one thing that is absolutely true of how I work and many other Real Estate agents, too. As a Real Estate Professional, I am truly here to help you, my clients, find the house of your dreams.

Having stated the above, I ran across an interesting article: 9 Items Home Buyers Desire In 2011

I would urge you to take a moment and read the 9 items. You may not agree with everything but it certainly is worth thinking about.

Finally remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

Real Estate Red Flags Shouldn't Be Ignored

As a Realtor that has been around for a while now, I often see Red Flags as I tour various properties with Clients. I've learned that either you can pay attention to those things that are seemingly jumping out at you, or the purchaser can get burned on the other end of the deal. It is just that simple! Specifically, red flags can be a home that has been closed up for months, winterized for a couple of years and trust me the list continues on.

Here is a three minute Video on the subject: Real Estate Red Flags

When I first viewed this Video, I felt it was almost like me talking with my clients. In fact, for the experienced agent, there really isn't anything new here that most agents haven't said or witnessed before. On the other hand, if you are a First Time Home Buyer,  you probably are not aware of Red Flags in Real Estate and perhaps this Video is a good place to begin the learning experience.

Finally remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

Cheap Ways That You Can Stage Your Home

The ideal when preparing to put your house up for sale is to hire a Home Stager. I suggest this all of the time to sellers and even as a Buyer's agent, when offering my thoughts to the Listing Agent about a particular house we just toured, I often suggest, "Your seller could use a Home Stager".

But what if the Seller is not in a position to employ these kinds of services? There are alternative steps (although I still prefer a Home Stager) a Home Owner can take. Specifically, there are 5 dirt-cheap ways to Stage Your Home.

I would suggest you take a moment and read the cheap and relatively simple ways you can help prepare your house for sale. When leaving the closing table, you will think back to this article and be glad you took a moment to check it out!

Finally remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

Can I Deduct Private Mortgage Insurance?

I am not a Tax Expert. In fact, this blog is not meant to give Tax Advice in any way, shape or form. Having said that, I know that many of my readers are still working on their 2010 Taxes. The question that arises is: Can I Still Deduct Private Mortgage Insurance? Good question!

Remember though, I said, I will NOT advise you so I will refer you to a good site where you can read the details for yourself. Here is the link: Deducting Private Mortage Insurance

Hopefully, the above article will help guide you in the right direction.

Finally remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.

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

Thinking About Becoming A Landlord?

I work with clients on a regular basis who want to purchase an investment property and then as a result, become a Landlord. In fact, over the past couple of years, I've had several who have successfully made this transition and are absolutely loving it.

On the other side of the coin, I've had a few calls from what I would refer to as, frustrated New Landlords. I hear things like, I didn't know how to check someone's credit, I didn't understand the lease myself and here I was writing it for someone else. The list goes on and on. Trust me, this happens all of the time.

Here is a Short Video that might just help that I would strongly suggest you take a couple of minutes to listen to, especially if you are considering becoming a Landlord. The Video is: Being A Landlord Takes Real Work
Finally remember that knowledge can be power when endeavoring to buy or sell Real Estate. If I can help you in this process, please Write or Phone me.


David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Classic Realty 4200 Evergreen Lane, Suite 331
Annandale, VA 22003
Serving: Gainesville VA, Haymarket and ALL of Northern Virginia
Direct: 703.859.5188
Office: 703.637.1400
Blog: David Burrows Properties
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Website: Burrows Properties