The secretly stylish home next door
Take a peek inside that discreet rambler just a few doors down and you just might find some jaw-dropping amenities you never expected. In a real estate trend I’ve been watching, homeowners with big budgets are choosing to have it all by adding low-key luxury features to the homes they already love.
Here in the Arlington, Virginia area we’ve got our fair share of older homes, homes that have been handed down through generations and neighborhoods that people never want to leave. So when homes start to feel like they need an upgrade, moving isn’t an option. Instead, homeowners are focusing on adding luxury to their living spaces while leaving the exterior curb appeal just as it is.
In this era of frugal mindsets and eco-conscious living, opulent statement homes and massive square footage aren’t appealing to as many homeowners. That’s where low-key luxury comes into play.
Pull up to a single-story rambler with a subtle exterior and you may not expect to be wowed. But go inside and some of the features you might find include game rooms, climate-controlled outdoor sport and living areas, expansive back yards with year-round kitchens, panic rooms outfitted with bathrooms and communications systems, wine cellars with full bars, and spa-like retreats.
No matter the location, it’s always possible to reinvent the interior of a home to fit each homeowners’ personal design style without altering how the home fits into the neighborhood. For instance, if you’re a modern-design loving person who lives in a neighborhood that favors craftsman-style homes, the front of your home can feature a traditional, modest facade as seen from the curb. Inside, however, you can indulge your love of all things modern with Carrera marble, geometric patterned floors, and walls of windows that make a statement.
Backyards are a great place to indulge as well by dressing up decks and creating patio paradises. Designing outdoor living spaces are a great way to increase the feel of your home’s square footage as you let what you love to do inside spill over into adjacent spaces outside. Start from the ground up with flagstones, brick or tiles laid in intricate patterns to define your space. Water features such as extravagant inground pools, spas, waterfalls and even picturesque ponds are great ways to up the wow factor of your backyard. Intricate landscaping with twisting hidden paths and fairy gardens, she-sheds or getaways, art studios and outdoor kitchen and entertaining areas are even more ideas for adding some low-key luxury to the home you love.
If you want to live in Arlington Virginia and like the idea of buying a home with character on the outside and all you ever wanted on the inside I can help. Give me a call at 703-593-6320 or email mike@mikesellsvirginia.com.
Luxury real estate trends that elevate any home
Throughout the United States, 2018 has been a year that defies expectations when it comes to the luxury real estate market. Even though frugal living and tiny homes are hot topics, buyers are still making the choice to pursue their dreams of multi-million-dollar homes.
Arlington and surrounding areas in Virginia are no stranger to the luxury home market. Beautiful properties with stunning homes can be found throughout Washington DC, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church and McLean. Even though these properties can be very unique, a few common trends are emerging that can be applied universally for anyone who wants the very best in their own home, no matter how big or small.
Tech-savvy smart homes
In today’s high-tech world, homes wired to adapt to the apps we use to control our daily life are highly desirable. Luxury homeowners demand the latest in wiring and accessibility for every corner of their homes. Every homeowner can benefit from adding some technology, however, to the point of elevating them in buyer’s eyes if they list for sale. Check out this Home Technology article for ideas to upgrade your home.
Strategic use of space
Luxury homes mean exceptional quality, but don’t require thousands of square feet to get there. Even in this market, homeowners want just the right amount of space with everything they need – and nothing they don’t. Instead of a dining room you never use, knock out a wall to create a stunning kitchen, or create a space you’ve always dreamed of like a yoga room or cozy library.
Spectacular kitchens
The heart of the home is the same no matter what size your home is. No matter if you’re a professional cook or just love to putter around with grandma’s recipe book, a luxury kitchen is appreciated in all areas of the real estate market. Trends we’ve seen include spacious islands with second sets of appliances built in, His and Hers Kitchens, and setups equipped to handle everything from grand galas to extended family reunions.
Unique Factors
High-end homeowners want custom finishes and features that reflect their personality and taste and add a certain wow-factor to their homes. Hand-crafted, specialty items can be incorporated everywhere in a home. Hand-carved doors make dramatic first impressions. Custom outdoor cooking areas, firepits and sculptured landscaping create unique and memorable living spaces. Love to travel? Specially-sourced items from exotic locations displayed in your home are a great way to highlight your unique personality.
Private Getaways
Homeowners are taking the idea of creating a special place within the home to new levels by creating luxury retreats that cater to their particular interests and give them a place that feels like they are removed from the cares of the world, without the time and travel it takes to jet around the globe. From backyards to basements and everywhere in between, this is a home trend worthy of taking a look at for creating unique and creative getaway zones in the comfort of your home. For ideas, check out this article: Luxury Retreats Just Steps From Your Front Door.
The staging area most people forget about – outside!
When you’re ready to sell a home, staging is always a good idea. But there’s one space often forgotten – outside! Outdoor living and entertaining areas are high on home buyers’ lists, so we’ve rounded up a few tips for maximizing your outdoor appeal.
The first thing you need to do for patios, decks and any outdoor space is declutter and clean. Store or give away furniture you don’t use, toys, lawn care and gardening supplies, and anything else that makes it hard to walk around your property or makes the space feel cramped or busy.
Thoroughly clean lawn furniture, freshen up cushions and pillows, and get rid of all cobwebs, dead leaves or anything else in corners, around furniture, or stuck to light fixtures. Make sure all landscaping and other outdoor lights are in working order as well, and timers are all functioning correctly.
Finally, remove all weeds or dead plants from landscaping or containers and replace with fresh, colorful seasonal flowers and plants.
Now it’s time to have some fun staging your outdoor areas. Many home buyers will be considering the potential of your outdoor space for entertaining, play time, or just relaxing after a long day. That’s why it’s important to make the outside of your home as appealing as the inside.
Creating outdoor living areas
Homebuyers want to be able to use their yards, patios and porches as extensions of their home. Staging areas outside to function like living rooms, dining rooms, entertainment areas, and even kitchens puts a spotlight on the potential of your home’s outdoor space.
Arrange furniture and add extras to create the ambiance you desire. For outdoor cooking or dining areas, set tables with linens, plates, silverware, glasses and fresh flower arrangements. Create cozy seating areas by adding pillows and cushions to armchairs places ready for a group to sit and chat. Add a center or side table with coasters, wine glasses and candles to make it more functional.
For small spaces such as balconies set up a bistro table and chairs with a coffee set, newspaper and flowers for early showings, or stage it as a cocktail hour for later showings.
Speaking of later showings, if home buyers will be touring your home at dusk, set a welcoming tone by turning on all landscape and decorative lighting, placing flameless candles on your table settings, and lighting gas fireplaces or firepits. (Always be sure to check with your Realtor about any open flames for safety’s sake.)
Whether you’re selling your home, or just want to freshen up the home you love and live in right now, I hope you’ve found some fun ideas you’re excited to start working on. Setting the stage both inside and outside your home for sale is a great way to show home buyers the potential of your home and motivate them to start enjoying it as soon as possible. Have questions, need a free home value assessment? I’m here to help at 703-593-6320.
Essential home maintenance tasks to prepare for winter
With Fall around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get your home ready for winter – and for potential buyers. Performing a simple round of seasonal maintenance chores now can save you time, money, and stress when the cold weather comes. And it will ensure your home looks good and shows great when potential home buyers come around.
Fall home maintenance checklist
Clean your gutters: Fall foliage is beautiful, but not so much when it starts building up in your gutters. Depending on how many trees surround your home, you may need to clean out your gutters a few times before the first snow falls. Packed leaves, twigs and dirt will clog your gutters and cause water to back up into your home or dangerous ice dams to form in winter.
Check the chimneys: An easy annual task is to have chimneys checked by a professional and cleaned if needed. Creosote, soot and ash buildup in chimneys that are used often and can block ventilation and cause smoke and dangerous fumes to come back into the home.
Check your roof: Damage from storms, wind and rain, along with natural wear-and-tear, can loosen and damage roof materials making your home at risk for leaks during winter or invading vermin looking for a warm place to nest. A visual inspection with binoculars walking around your home is a good first step, but having a professional check is even better.
Disconnect garden hoses and drain faucets: When temperatures start dropping dramatically, it’s time to head off damage from freezing water in your pipes. Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets, drain, and put them away for the winter. Turn off shutoff valves on water supply lines and open exterior faucets all the way to drain the lines and prevent them from freezing and breaking.
Pack up your patio: Clean and store all cushions, pillows and outdoor rugs for the winter. Clean furniture and if you won’t be using it during the cold season store it away. Your furniture will last longer this way and keep snow and debris from building up into a big mess you’ll have to clean up come Spring.
Service fire extinguishers: Fireplaces, firepits, and candles are all a part of the season, and a good reason to make sure you’ve got fire extinguishers in good working order placed carefully where they might be needed. It’s also a good idea to review how to use a fire extinguisher with every member of the household that might have to use it.
What do I need for my home inspection?
If you’re selling a home and are preparing for an official home inspection, there are a few things you need to set the stage for a stress-free experience. First, let’s talk about what will happen. A licensed professional will perform a visual inspection of the structure and components of the home. The purpose is to determine if there are any items not performing correctly or safety concerns. Any issues found will be noted in a written report.
Some of the systems that are usually inspected include heating and air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, windows and doors, foundation, basement, and garage.
The first thing to do when preparing your home for sale for an inspection is to make sure it looks its best, inside and out. Check for minor repairs that you or a handyman can accomplish such as loose carpet, disconnected gutters, missing shingles, and leaky faucets.
Some of these might seem minor but fixing them now not only means you’ll have less to worry when the inspection is done, it also shows the inspector and the buyers that you’ve taken good care of your home.
Next, clean your house top to bottom. This may seem like a no-brainer, but so many homeowners forget to do this. A clean home makes a good first impression on the home inspector and sets the stage for the entire process.
In addition to small repairs and cleaning, here are a few more things to consider before the big day:
- Make room: Check with your Realtor, but it’s usually a given that items like the furnace, air conditioner and water heater will be inspected. Be sure to clear away any clutter and leave plenty of space for the inspector.
- Leave utilities connected: The inspector will test things like the stove, dishwasher, furnace and air conditioning so be sure they have power, even if the house is empty.
- Leave keys and remotes: Be sure to leave keys or remotes for anything secured in the home the inspector will need access to, including garage door openers, electrical boxes, exterior building access, etc.
Should I attend my home inspection? Home inspections are usually a time when buyers tour the home at leisure with the inspector and their agent, so it’s best to give them the space to do so. If the buyer’s agent has a question they can reach out to the selling agent, so best practice is to make sure you are available for calls or texts if there are any questions.
How home technology can help sell your house
When it comes to making your home for sale more attractive you already know that curb appeal and staging are great for boosting your home’s appeal. But if you’re looking for something that will really make your house for sale stand out home tech is the way to go.
A fresh coat of paint and new flowers are great, but today’s homeowners are expecting a little more. Studies have shown that more and more potential homebuyers are looking for preinstalled smart-home tech when they are home shopping. This includes devices and systems such as smart thermostats, smoke detectors, garage door controls, home security cameras, doorbells and locks.
The good news for sellers? A lot of this kind of tech can be installed quickly and easily by the homeowner and without spending a lot of money. Even better, these small investments have the potential to catch the attention of home buyers and increase the home’s perceived value in their eyes. Ready to get started? Here are a few ideas for smart home-tech upgrades that are easy to DIY.
Smart thermostat
Forget about having to take a walk to the hallway every time you want to adjust the temperature. Smart thermostats come with everything from remote apps you can use on your phone to voice controls and can be installed by following manufacturer’s step-by-step instructions. There are a lot of versions available that list for under $200, are easy to program for energy-saving, and make life much more comfortable for the whole home. You can check out CNET’s recommendations for the best smart home devices for 2018 for ideas by clicking HERE.
Smart smoke detectors
Peace of mind goes high tech with smart smoke and carbon dioxide detectors such as ones offered by Nest Protect, Kidde and First Alert. These detectors send alerts to your phone if they detect smoke and can even tell you when the battery is running low to avoid middle of the night sessions trying to figure out which one is beeping. For recommendations, check out LifeWire’s article about the best smoke detectors of 2018 HERE.
Video doorbell
While the idea for Ring’s video doorbell originally fell flat on The Shark Tank a few years ago, since then America has voted with their dollars to make businesses like Ring into billion-dollar success stories. These products add a sense of security to homes by putting a camera right at the front door. When it detects motion, or someone presses the doorbell, it sends an alert to a smartphone and saves a video clip of the activity to the cloud. Many models can connect wirelessly to allow homeowners to talk to the person at the door through the speaker no matter where they are. Most models can be had for under $200 and can be installed by homeowners without hiring an electrician.
Smart lock
Another way to boost the security of your front door (or any door for that matter) is to install a smart lock. A company called August offers several versions of smart locks, with options for under $200 as well. Functionality includes remote auto-lock and unlock and the ability to monitor door activity from anywhere. You can also create temporary guest passes for handymen or visiting friends and family.
Smart garage door opener
Every homeowner has had that moment where you leave the house, drive down the block, and then think to yourself, “Did I remember to close the garage door?” Smart garage door controls can answer that question with the tap of an app, much easier than driving all the way back home again. The garage door is used in many homes much more than the front door, yet it’s often overlooked by tech aficionados at first. But once you install a smart controller, you’ll see how easy it is to open, close and monitor activity remotely. Some versions also monitor time and temperature in the garage and offer motion-sensitive lighting for quick trips in and out. You can find options from makers like Chamberlain, LiftMaster and Ryobi and learn more in this article on CNET.
At the end of the day, you can probably install most of the tech we’ve mentioned here for around $1,000. When you’re ready to list your home for sale, make sure your Realtor has access and knows how to demonstrate the tech to dazzle prospective buyers while you remain confident that this small investment will give a great return in catching people’s eye and truly making your home stand out from the crowd.
6 signs it’s time to sell your home and move to a new one
In the beginning you really loved your home. But lately you’re feeling like maybe it’s time to sell and move on. Is it cabin fever? Or are you really ready for the next step? Here are 6 signs that it’s time to make a move to your next perfect home.
Six Signs its Time to Sell your Arlington, VA home
#1: You need more space
One of the most common signs it’s time to sell your home and buy a new one is when you realize that you’re outgrowing your space. Time passes and life changes, usually bringing more stuff with it. Kids, pets, furniture, new jobs, new hobbies, working from home…all of these can add up to making you feel pretty crowded in your current home. If you’re not sure, take some time to declutter – maybe by cleaning out a lot of the old you’ll find you have room for the new. But if that doesn’t work, it’s probably time to call a Realtor.
#2: Your home feels too big
Just like a smaller starter home can start to feel too tight for your growing needs, a home that’s too big can also be a sign it’s time to move on. If you’ve recently retired, your kids have moved out and you’re empty nesters, or you just really feel like downsizing is the right thing to do, a Realtor can help you explore how selling your home and buying a smaller one might be the right move for giving you a little more freedom in your life.
#3: Your neighborhood is changing (and not for the better)
Another reason you might want to start shopping for a new home is a growing sense of dissatisfaction with your current neighborhood. More restaurants and shopping in the area may have changed the traffic patterns, make your area feel more congested, or attract a different kind of crowd. Neighbors you loved when you first bought your home may have all moved away leaving you with strangers or tensions that make your street feel not so welcoming anymore. Or maybe things like construction, flight patterns or other changes in the area are getting on your nerves. No matter what is turning you off, you should love the location you live in as much as your home. Added to that, changes in the neighborhood could affect your home’s value, so it’s a good idea to talk to a local Realtor to get the whole picture.
#4: Your home feels like a money pit
If your home is starting to need more and more repairs, your neighborhood has become more upscale, or the bills feel like they are piling up with new HOA fees, increasing utilities and more, it might be time to sell and find a more affordable home. A local Realtor can help you compare your current situation to downsizing or moving to a new area to decide if it’s the right move for you.
#5: You’ve got great equity
Instead of a money pit situation, you might have the great position of realizing that your current home’s equity has appreciated to a sizable sum. If you dream of a bigger home or a better neighborhood, it might be a good time to put that equity to use.
#6: Your job situation has changed
Transfers, new offices, or even new jobs mean that your commute can change. And that means that the comfortable 20-minute commute you’ve enjoyed for the last few years can suddenly turn into a stressful, white-knuckle 60-minute drive in heavy traffic that negatively affects your home life as well. Commuting to and from the office can take hours out of your week, add stress to your life even when you’re at home, and even affect your health. Depending on how permanent your new commute is, moving closer to your job might be what you need to get back those hours of your life you’re now spending on the freeway.
How decluttering makes selling a home easier—and less expensive
Decluttering is good for the soul, they say, but did you know it can also increase the attractiveness and value of your home when it’s time to sell? If you’re planning to move soon, decluttering is a great way to streamline your living conditions and increase your home’s attractiveness, while potentially decreasing expenses and stress when it’s time to pack and move.
Over the years I’ve helped a lot of clients improve the staging and first impression factors of their homes for sale with a few simple decluttering tips. If clearing out the clutter seems a little overwhelming at first, I’ve rounded up a few of my best tips to help you get started.
What do I need to declutter and organize my home for sale?
FIRST, don’t tackle everything at once. Choose one area and keep it small to start with. (Hint, the garage should not be your first stop!)
NEXT, get started with the sorting. Have a trash bin and bags designated for donation, storage or selling near at hand. Start by getting rid of everything that can be thrown away. Then sort out what can be donated, and what should be stored. Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you haven’t looked at it, used it, or thought of it for more than a year, it needs to go. (Unless it has sentimental or financial value, then you need to store or sell it).
NOW it’s time to start organizing. Here’s a secret – clutter doesn’t mean you’re a messy person. In fact, most of the time it’s probably that things are just in the wrong place. Look at what’s left in the space you’re working on and find the right home for everything. Coats and outdoor gear goes in a specific closet. Kids’ toys go in their rooms, hampers or baskets in play areas. Laundry items belong in the laundry room. Sports equipment in the mud room. Homework, paperwork, and mail in its designated location. Bathroom products and toiletries should be stored in drawers and under the sinks, not scattered over the counters.
FINALLY, here’s one decluttering tip that really makes a difference – getting the cords under control! In today’s modern home there are a lot of cords to deal with – charging cords for phones, tablets, gaming devices, Bluetooth headsets, speakers, and more. Now add in computer cables, monitors, smart TVs, lamps, lighted mirrors, toaster ovens, under-counter lighting, etc. and the cord clutter can get out of control. Fortunately, there are a lot of easy-to-use and inexpensive devices that help corral cords in one area or merge similar functions (like charging) into one device. Check your local home improvement or office supply store, Amazon, or even Pinterest for ideas.
Once you’ve gone through each room of your home, it’s amazing how much more you’ll enjoy your newly decluttered living space. And when it’s time to put your home on the market, potential buyers will see the space, beauty and potential of your home instead of the mess on your counters.
How to turn your home into a place of peace & relaxation
With more and more Americans focused on wellness, a new home trend is emerging – finding ways to put some more “om” in your home. From Zen gardens to meditation rooms, homeowners are creating unique spaces both inside and out perfect for getting away from it all.
If you like the idea of creating a relaxing retreat in your home, here’s a few ways I’ve seen friends and clients here in Arlington, Virginia make it happen.
Relaxation / Zen Gardens: As research continues to show that nature can boost healthfulness, the idea of creating relaxation gardens at home has gained some serious traction. Garden retreats don’t have to be large. In fact, a small footprint makes them easier and less costly to create and maintain. Chose a location where privacy, noise and light levels, and the view are favorable for creating the right atmosphere. Beyond that, the details will be very personal according to who the garden is for. Pinterest is a great place to start for ideas, and touring local botanical gardens and nurseries is too.
Firepits and Indoor Fire Features: Firepits with comfortable seating outdoors are very popular these days and provide a great place to unwind. Indoor fire features and fireplaces can also be used inside a home to provide a place for people to “unplug” by focusing on the flames as a sort of meditation technique.
Yoga / Mediation Sanctuary: Doing yoga at home is becoming very popular but figuring out where to lay out your mat with no distractions can be hard. Pushing furniture out of the way in the living just isn’t cutting it anymore. That’s why many people are turning guest rooms or unused spaces into private studios for a more focused practice. The beauty of yoga retreats is their simplicity. All you need to get started are yoga mats and props, muted lighting and soothing paint colors. Aromatherapy, plants and Bluetooth speakers can also add to the mood.
Traditional Libraries: One recurring theme throughout all of these ideas is the concept of removing technology to unplug from the stresses of the daily world. Old-school libraries are still a popular choice for homeowners wanting a space that’s comfortable, peaceful and where they can surround themselves with the things they love.
The important thing to remember when creating your own personal retreat is that you know what’s best for you. Remember that this space is all yours. When you take time to create a dedicated relaxation zone in your home (or backyard), the experience will be more fulfilling and calm only a few breaths away.
What to ask listing agents at an open house
When you’re ready to buy a home, an open house is a great opportunity to get first-hand information in a short amount of time. Once you get through the front door, though, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. The house will be staged beautifully, smell great and there’s a friendly agent pointing out all the lovely details. But no matter if you’re touring a home in Waco, Texas or Arlington, Virginia, it’s important to have a few questions ready to ask to help guide your decision. That’s why we gathered the following short list of the best questions you can ask to decide if you should make an offer or just keep looking.
Q: Have there been any changes in the price of the home?
Knowing the history of the asking price of the home can tell you a lot of different things. If there have been multiple drops in the price, this could be a flag of possible issues, making it a good idea to look more carefully at the home before you make an offer. It could also help gauge if the seller is flexible, motivated and able to come down in price or not.
Q: How long has the house been on the market?
While this is information you or your agent can easily find on your own, asking the listing agent this question opens the door to a more detailed discussion that can give you a peek into the seller’s motivation as well as a advantage if you decide to make an offer. If a home is listed for too long, it can become harder to sell, which can give you bargaining power
Q: What are the comps in the neighborhood?
If you are just starting out on your home-buying quest and haven’t worked with a Realtor yet, this is a good question to open dialog with the listing agent. Understanding the values and sales statistics of the immediate and surrounding areas helps you to know if the home you are looking at is priced fairly and worth a closer look.
Q: Has the house has any recent renovations or upgrades? HVAC, roof, electrical, etc.
Asking questions about big-ticket items in a home such as the HVAC system, roof, electrical and plumbing will give you a better understanding of how well the home has been taken care of and any potential large expenses that could come up in the future. Knowing if the home you’re looking at has recently upgraded any or all of these systems can be a big factor when you’re deciding on your offer.
Q: Have there been any offers on the home?
If you think this is the one, it’s good to know if there’s any competition. Listing agents are often all too excited to let you know that one or more offers have been made because it can spark a bidding war and drive up the final sale price. On the other hand, if you know that the home has been on the market for quite some time and there have been no offers, it’s worth a deeper look to find out if there are any issues. Not very many offers doesn’t necessarily mean problems with the home, however. Sometimes it can be a simple as the owner passing on an offer when the home first went on the market as they hoped for more, and then kicking themselves when no more came in.
Q: What is the neighborhood like?
Location, location, location is one of the foundational mottos of real estate for a reason. The homes you are looking at are more than what you see on the tour. It’s a good idea to tour the neighborhood of a home that’s caught your interest and ask the listing agent to share details about the people who live around you and the dynamics of the neighborhood that would affect your quality of life and fit your lifestyle.
Q: Where is the nearest Starbucks?
OK, we’re joking here, but only a little. Asking questions about things like the nearest stores, shopping centers, restaurants, schools and places you visit every day can give you a good idea if this home is a good fit for you and your family. Not only is this a good way to help choose the right neighborhood, it’s can also be an indicator of how well the home will hold its value. (To learn more, read “Surprising Factors that Affect Home Values.”).
If you want to buy a home in Arlington, VA or the surrounding area and are ready to start your search, please feel free to give me a call. I can help you narrow your search to areas and homes that fit your vision and guide you in finding the best values and best fit for your unique needs. Give me a call at (703) 593-6320 or email me at mike@mikesellsvirginia.com for ideas, information, free resources and all the help you need.
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