MY BLOGS
Where Will You Go After You Sell?
Where Will You Go After You Sell?
Where Will You Go After You Sell? If you’re planning to sell your house and move, you probably know there’s been a shortage of options available. But here’s the good news: the supply of homes for sale has grown in a lot of markets this year – and that’s not just existing, or previously-owned, homes. It’s true for newly built homes too. So how do you decide which route to go? Do you buy an existing home or a brand-new one? The choice is yours – you just need to figure out what’s most important to you. Perks of a Newly Built Home Here are some benefits of buying a newly built home right now: Have brand new everything with never-been-used appliances and materials Use energy efficient options to save money and leave a smaller footprint Minimize the need for repairs and benefit from builder warranties Take advantage of builder concessions that can help with affordability In today’s market, a lot of builders are focusing on selling their current inventory before they add more homes to their mix. And some of them are offering concessions and are more willing to negotiate to make a sale happen. That, coupled with the fact builders are primarily building smaller, more affordable homes, has led to one other potential perk. The median price for a newly built home in today’s market is actually lower than the median price of an existing home – which isn’t usually the case. Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, shares: “Homebuyers who are looking for that ‘new-home smell’ may be in a relatively friendlier market than times past when new homes were considerably more expensive than used ones.” If you’re interested in seeing what builders nearby have to offer, lean on your real estate agent. Their knowledge of local builders, new communities, and builder contracts will be important in this process. Perks of an Existing Home Now, let’s compare that to the benefits of buying an existing home. Join an established neighborhood that you can get a feel for before moving in Choose from a wider variety of floorplans and styles Appreciate the lived-in charm that only an older home can provide Enjoy the privacy and curb appeal of mature trees and landscaping In addition to these lifestyle benefits, there’s strategic value to buying an existing home, too. Remember, you can always make upgrades to an existing home down the road to give it some of the latest features available. This gives you the best of both worlds: you’ll get the charm, the neighborhood, and over time, you can still add those on-trend elements you may see in a brand-new home. And if you do, you’ll likely increase the home’s value too. An article from LendingTree explains: “. . . they can personalize it and possibly increase its potential resale value with cosmetic upgrades . . . Plus, if a home comes with physical details or stories that add charm, in some cases, these elements are attractive enough to add to a home’s resale value . . .” Want to see what’s available? Your real estate agent can show you what homes are for sale in your area, so you can see if there’s one that works for you and your needs. Bottom Line There are a lot of factors that go into deciding whether to buy an existing home or a newly built one after you sell, but it’s essential in today’s market to understand the opportunities you can find in both. Let’s connect so you have expert guidance as you explore the options in our area.
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11751 Arbor Glen Way, Reston VA 20194
11751 Arbor Glen Way, Reston VA 20194
Discover the Charm of North Reston: Stunning Miller and Smith Townhome Nestled in the desirable North Reston community, this charming Miller and Smith Z style garage end unit offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Located in Arbor Glen, this home backs to woods, providing a peaceful retreat while being just moments away from vibrant urban amenities. Modern Comfort and Elegant Design Step into the inviting two-story foyer that leads to a spacious living room filled with natural light. The updated white kitchen with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances makes it a chef's delight. The large bay window in the dining room and the sliding glass door open to a private backyard with a fully built-out deck, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Thoughtful Features and Updates This townhome is designed for modern living with: Main Level Laundry: Conveniently located on the main floor. Two-Story Living Room: Featuring a cozy fireplace and abundant light. Upper Level: Includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Elfa System Closets: Customizable and efficient storage solutions. Recent Updates: HVAC replaced in 2024, new luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring throughout the main level in 2021, new roof in 2019, and an updated kitchen and sliding glass door in 2017. The fully finished open lower level offers versatile space to create your own personal retreat, home office, or entertainment area. The home also includes a one-car garage and driveway, providing ample parking and storage. Prime Location and Unmatched Amenities Living in North Reston means you are close to everything you need. Enjoy proximity to: Reston Town Center: A hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Silver-Line Metro Station: Easy access to public transportation. North Point Shopping Center: Convenient grocery and retail options including Trader Joe’s, Harris Teeter, and Target. Major Highways: Quick access to Rt. 286, Rt. 267, Rt. 7, and Reston Parkway for seamless commuting. Additionally, the Reston lifestyle offers incredible amenities including: 55 miles of interconnected paved pathways. 48 tennis courts. 15 pools. Lakes, parks, and numerous tot lots. Embrace the Reston Lifestyle With its prime location, modern features, and access to exceptional community amenities, this Miller and Smith townhome in Arbor Glen offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of the Reston lifestyle. Whether you are commuting to Tysons Corner, catching a flight at Dulles International Airport, or simply enjoying the local parks and pathways, this home provides the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience. Contact us today so we can introduce you to all this charming townhome and vibrant community have to offer. Annie Cefaratti: 202-841-7601 Nikki Ryan: 703-615-2663
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More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That
More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That
More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That’s only natural as you think about the dollars and cents of it all. And while you ultimately need to be able to afford a home you buy, don’t lose sight of why homeownership was so important to you in the first place. That’s because buying a home is so much more than just a financial transaction. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says: “The benefits of purchasing and owning your place of residence are both financial and emotional – pride in homeownership and the feeling of security are huge intangible benefits.” Here’s a look at just a few of those more emotional or lifestyle perks, to help anchor you to why homeownership is one of your goals. A Sense of Satisfaction Owning a home is often associated with better mental health and well-being. That’s probably because buying a home is a big milestone. And the sense of satisfaction and pride that comes with achieving that goal just feels good. A recent article from the Mortgage Reports says: “By and large, homeownership brings more satisfaction than renting. . . Surveyees scored the overall happiness level of homeowners at 88% compared to 67% for renters.” More Stability for Your Family Another thing that may make homeowners feel more satisfied is that they’re finally able to put down roots. Think about it. If you’re used to moving each time your lease renews and your rent climbs, staying put for a while would be nice not just for you, but for any loved ones that live with you. A home can provide more predictability and the chance to make long-term friends. That should reduce everyone’s stress too. As NAR explains: “Families also benefit from homeownership, with studies proving that parents are able to spend less time in a stressed state, therefore spending more time with their children. The ability for parents to feel stable has a huge impact on children’s behavioral issues, educational success, and future economic success.” A Stronger Feeling of Community And if you’re also looking for a sense of belonging for yourself, homeownership can help with that too. As FinHabits says: “Homeowners tend to be more involved in their local communities, leading to a stronger sense of belonging . . .” It makes sense. Your home connects you to your neighborhood and, by extension, your broader community. That’s because owning a home gives you a stake in that community’s future. So, becoming more involved and wanting to do what you can to help improve the area while making long-term relationships with neighbors is only natural. The Ability To Make the Space Your Own And don’t forget, your home is a place that’s all yours. Unless you’ve got specific homeowner’s association requirements, you’re free to customize it however you see fit. So, if renting has been cramping your style, it’s time to express yourself and jump on the latest trends (if you want to). Whether that’s small home improvements or full-on renovations, your house can be exactly what you want and need it to be. And as your tastes and lifestyle change, so can your home. Picture coming home each day to a place that feels like you. That’s a feeling like no other. Bottom Line If you want to enjoy a sense of accomplishment and pride in where you’re living, let’s have a conversation to go over what you need to do now to make this future happen for you.
MORE
MY BLOGS
Where Will You Go After You Sell?
Where Will You Go After You Sell? If you’re planning to sell your house and move, you probably know there’s been a shortage of options available. But here’s the good news: the supply of homes for sale has grown in a lot of markets this year – and that’s not just existing, or previously-owned, homes. It’s true for newly built homes too. So how do you decide which route to go? Do you buy an existing home or a brand-new one? The choice is yours – you just need to figure out what’s most important to you. Perks of a Newly Built Home Here are some benefits of buying a newly built home right now: Have brand new everything with never-been-used appliances and materials Use energy efficient options to save money and leave a smaller footprint Minimize the need for repairs and benefit from builder warranties Take advantage of builder concessions that can help with affordability In today’s market, a lot of builders are focusing on selling their current inventory before they add more homes to their mix. And some of them are offering concessions and are more willing to negotiate to make a sale happen. That, coupled with the fact builders are primarily building smaller, more affordable homes, has led to one other potential perk. The median price for a newly built home in today’s market is actually lower than the median price of an existing home – which isn’t usually the case. Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, shares: “Homebuyers who are looking for that ‘new-home smell’ may be in a relatively friendlier market than times past when new homes were considerably more expensive than used ones.” If you’re interested in seeing what builders nearby have to offer, lean on your real estate agent. Their knowledge of local builders, new communities, and builder contracts will be important in this process. Perks of an Existing Home Now, let’s compare that to the benefits of buying an existing home. Join an established neighborhood that you can get a feel for before moving in Choose from a wider variety of floorplans and styles Appreciate the lived-in charm that only an older home can provide Enjoy the privacy and curb appeal of mature trees and landscaping In addition to these lifestyle benefits, there’s strategic value to buying an existing home, too. Remember, you can always make upgrades to an existing home down the road to give it some of the latest features available. This gives you the best of both worlds: you’ll get the charm, the neighborhood, and over time, you can still add those on-trend elements you may see in a brand-new home. And if you do, you’ll likely increase the home’s value too. An article from LendingTree explains: “. . . they can personalize it and possibly increase its potential resale value with cosmetic upgrades . . . Plus, if a home comes with physical details or stories that add charm, in some cases, these elements are attractive enough to add to a home’s resale value . . .” Want to see what’s available? Your real estate agent can show you what homes are for sale in your area, so you can see if there’s one that works for you and your needs. Bottom Line There are a lot of factors that go into deciding whether to buy an existing home or a newly built one after you sell, but it’s essential in today’s market to understand the opportunities you can find in both. Let’s connect so you have expert guidance as you explore the options in our area.
Read more11751 Arbor Glen Way, Reston VA 20194
Discover the Charm of North Reston: Stunning Miller and Smith Townhome Nestled in the desirable North Reston community, this charming Miller and Smith Z style garage end unit offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Located in Arbor Glen, this home backs to woods, providing a peaceful retreat while being just moments away from vibrant urban amenities. Modern Comfort and Elegant Design Step into the inviting two-story foyer that leads to a spacious living room filled with natural light. The updated white kitchen with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances makes it a chef's delight. The large bay window in the dining room and the sliding glass door open to a private backyard with a fully built-out deck, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Thoughtful Features and Updates This townhome is designed for modern living with: Main Level Laundry: Conveniently located on the main floor. Two-Story Living Room: Featuring a cozy fireplace and abundant light. Upper Level: Includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Elfa System Closets: Customizable and efficient storage solutions. Recent Updates: HVAC replaced in 2024, new luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring throughout the main level in 2021, new roof in 2019, and an updated kitchen and sliding glass door in 2017. The fully finished open lower level offers versatile space to create your own personal retreat, home office, or entertainment area. The home also includes a one-car garage and driveway, providing ample parking and storage. Prime Location and Unmatched Amenities Living in North Reston means you are close to everything you need. Enjoy proximity to: Reston Town Center: A hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Silver-Line Metro Station: Easy access to public transportation. North Point Shopping Center: Convenient grocery and retail options including Trader Joe’s, Harris Teeter, and Target. Major Highways: Quick access to Rt. 286, Rt. 267, Rt. 7, and Reston Parkway for seamless commuting. Additionally, the Reston lifestyle offers incredible amenities including: 55 miles of interconnected paved pathways. 48 tennis courts. 15 pools. Lakes, parks, and numerous tot lots. Embrace the Reston Lifestyle With its prime location, modern features, and access to exceptional community amenities, this Miller and Smith townhome in Arbor Glen offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of the Reston lifestyle. Whether you are commuting to Tysons Corner, catching a flight at Dulles International Airport, or simply enjoying the local parks and pathways, this home provides the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience. Contact us today so we can introduce you to all this charming townhome and vibrant community have to offer. Annie Cefaratti: 202-841-7601 Nikki Ryan: 703-615-2663
Read moreMore Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That
More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That’s only natural as you think about the dollars and cents of it all. And while you ultimately need to be able to afford a home you buy, don’t lose sight of why homeownership was so important to you in the first place. That’s because buying a home is so much more than just a financial transaction. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says: “The benefits of purchasing and owning your place of residence are both financial and emotional – pride in homeownership and the feeling of security are huge intangible benefits.” Here’s a look at just a few of those more emotional or lifestyle perks, to help anchor you to why homeownership is one of your goals. A Sense of Satisfaction Owning a home is often associated with better mental health and well-being. That’s probably because buying a home is a big milestone. And the sense of satisfaction and pride that comes with achieving that goal just feels good. A recent article from the Mortgage Reports says: “By and large, homeownership brings more satisfaction than renting. . . Surveyees scored the overall happiness level of homeowners at 88% compared to 67% for renters.” More Stability for Your Family Another thing that may make homeowners feel more satisfied is that they’re finally able to put down roots. Think about it. If you’re used to moving each time your lease renews and your rent climbs, staying put for a while would be nice not just for you, but for any loved ones that live with you. A home can provide more predictability and the chance to make long-term friends. That should reduce everyone’s stress too. As NAR explains: “Families also benefit from homeownership, with studies proving that parents are able to spend less time in a stressed state, therefore spending more time with their children. The ability for parents to feel stable has a huge impact on children’s behavioral issues, educational success, and future economic success.” A Stronger Feeling of Community And if you’re also looking for a sense of belonging for yourself, homeownership can help with that too. As FinHabits says: “Homeowners tend to be more involved in their local communities, leading to a stronger sense of belonging . . .” It makes sense. Your home connects you to your neighborhood and, by extension, your broader community. That’s because owning a home gives you a stake in that community’s future. So, becoming more involved and wanting to do what you can to help improve the area while making long-term relationships with neighbors is only natural. The Ability To Make the Space Your Own And don’t forget, your home is a place that’s all yours. Unless you’ve got specific homeowner’s association requirements, you’re free to customize it however you see fit. So, if renting has been cramping your style, it’s time to express yourself and jump on the latest trends (if you want to). Whether that’s small home improvements or full-on renovations, your house can be exactly what you want and need it to be. And as your tastes and lifestyle change, so can your home. Picture coming home each day to a place that feels like you. That’s a feeling like no other. Bottom Line If you want to enjoy a sense of accomplishment and pride in where you’re living, let’s have a conversation to go over what you need to do now to make this future happen for you.
Read more