Helena Talbot’s blog – The Top Most Requested Home Buyer Amenities

If you’ve been searching for a new home, you probably have some “must have” amenities in mind. Things that you must have before you’ll even consider purchasing the home. If so, then you’re not alone. Most home buyers are very particular and many of them want the same things. Here are the top most requested home amenities.

1. Home office
2. Green features
3. Home theaters
4. Media rooms
5. Energy efficient appliances
6. Energy efficient windows
7. Top grade insulation
8. Large kitchens with an island bar
9. Outdoor living spaces
10. A downstairs master suite
11. Over sized soaker tubs and over sized showers with a seating area
12. Stone and brick exteriors

Many home buyers are also looking for walkable communities that have jogging trails, playgrounds, pools and are within walking distance to their favorite venues. Location and convenience play a big role in their decision in whether or not to buy a home in a particular neighborhood.

If the community is too far from their place of employment or isn’t convenient to the places they frequent such as daycare centers, churches, dry cleaners, grocery stores, banks and gas stations, they’ll probably look for another location to call home.

If you’re thinking about moving, contact your realtor. Give him your list of “must haves” and anything else you’d like in your new home. Your realtor is very familiar with the local neighborhoods and will be able to help you find a suitable home for you and your family. He will also provide you with a complimentary comparative market analysis of your neighborhood and a list of available homes that meet your criteria.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – How To Have A Successful Home Showing

It’s not every day that you sell your home. So we have put together the top ten things you can do to prep your home for a top dollar sale!

1. Clean Your Home. This goes without saying but many people neglect this step to some extent. Your home needs to be thoroughly cleaned so that the dirt does not distract from the buyers opinion of the house.

2. Clean Again! Yep, you heard me right. Clean again. You need to give your home a deep clean. Meaning that you look up, down, in and outside of everything. Clean places you have not even thought about cleaning before. Because those are the places that are going to need it the most. Example: windows, window screens, sidewalks, your garage floor etc. Look at your home as if you were a buyer. Hire a professional if you have to. It is that important!

3. Add An Air Freshener. Every home has a lived in smell. Cleaning will take care of some of that but the rest can’t be helped. So in order to make your home more appealing, add some Plug In air fresheners, some Febreze or some scented candles.

4. Curb Appeal. Freshen up your curb appeal. Remember, that is the first thing your buyer is going to see. So add some fresh mulch, trim your trees and shrubs, plant some new seasonal flowers or add some potted plants for a more inviting look.

5. Tone Back Your Colors. If you have painted or decorated your home with loud colors, consider changing them to a neutral color. Most buyers prefer to see neutral colors and decor so they can more easily imagine their own things in your home.

6. Stage Your Home Properly. Ask your realtor to help you stage your home properly. Proper staging can make or break a sale. So you may need to do a little rearranging etc. to make your home more user friendly.

7. Fresh Flowers. Believe it or not, fresh flowers throughout the house make a huge difference when it comes to attracting buyers. This will help your home feel fresh and full of life.

8. Repairs. Most every home has small little things that need repaired. A dripping faucet, a running toilet, burned out light bulbs etc. You should spend some time fixing these small things so that they will not devaluate your home in the buyers mind.

9. Lock Your Valuables. Your agent will be with the buyers throughout the tour; however, they cannot watch each person all of the time.

10. Be Absent. When you have a scheduled showing, it is extremely important that you not be there. Most buyers are very uncomfortable looking through and talking about your home in front of you. So take a break, go out and do something fun while your home is being shown. You will be glad you did.

Ask your realtor about other tips and tricks you can do to help your home sell more quickly and effectively. Your realtor has years of experience and will be able to help you through the entire home selling process.

Ispecialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – How Low Can Mortgage Rates Go?

Well, it’s official. The 30 year fixed mortgage rate has hit an all time low of about 3.875% (of course mortgage rates will fluctuate daily but it is minimal). Not only that but the 15 year fixed mortgage rate has just hit a new record low of about 2.785% (again mortgage rates can fluctuate daily but this is normal). With that being said, when will it stop?

We all keep asking ourselves “just how low can it go?”. I guess that remains to be seen. The problem with all of this is that the lower mortgage rates have not helped to boost the current home sales.

The lower interest rates should have helped boost home sales and helped boost them tremendously. But unfortunately there are several problems that cannot be solved by continuing to lower the interest rates.

The first problem is that there are many, many buyers that cannot qualify for a loan under the current approval guidelines. The second problem is that that are just as many, if not more, buyers that cannot afford the down payment that the bank requires. And to compound the problem, the buyers that can afford to buy a new home or to refinance their current homes have already done so.

So the bottom line is: if you can qualify for a mortgage, then now is the time to buy. Who knows if the rates will go any lower; however, it does not seem likely.

Don’t assume that you cannot qualify. Talk to your realtor to discuss your options and about any special programs that may be available to you. The worst thing you could do is to assume that you don’t qualify when you very well may.

You don’t want to miss out on these all time record low mortgage rates that could literally save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Thirty years or even 15 years is a long time.

So don’t wait! Call your realtor today to get the ball rolling. Your realtor will be able to recommend a reputable mortgage company and provide you with information on any assistance programs you may qualify for. You don’t want to pass up the chance of a lifetime. We may never see interest rates this low ever again!

Ispecialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Things To Consider When Designing Your New Construction Home

It is very exciting to have a new home built. But in all of that excitement there are things you should consider before finalizing your plans. You will need to look to the future needs of your home and family then plan accordingly; rather than just thinking about your current lifestyle and how you want your home to perform for you now – in the present.

Here are a few things that you may not have thought about when starting the beginning phases of building your new home.

1. When deciding whether to go with the large open spaces, less walls etc. Think about your life now and in the future. Currently you may have a toddler and need those wide open spaces to keep an eye on them. However, remember that they don’t stay toddlers for long. Before you know it that toddler will be a teenager and you will then need as many separate rooms / spaces as you can get. Because once you have some teenagers on your hands, you will quickly learn that everyone is going to want their own space.

2. Don’t downsize a room or a closet to make a space for a newborn or toddler. Once again, they do not stay newborns for long and you will be left with little or no space. Downsizing a room or eliminating a closet just doesn’t make sense in the whole scheme of things. Remember, your newborn is only going to be a newborn for a little while. But you will more than likely live in your home much longer than that.

3. Don’t give up kitchen cabinet space for a pass through bar just so you can keep an eye on your kids. Your small children will grow quicker than you can blink an eye but once your home is built your kitchen will have to stay that way forever. And before long your children will be grown and you will no longer need that pass through bar but you sure could use that extra cabinet space.

4. Consider a downstairs den that could be converted into a bedroom in the future as your family grows.

5. Think about having your attic roughed-in with plumbing and electric for a future bedroom or living space.

6. Perhaps adding a bathroom and kitchenette to your basement for possible future living quarters. This will also add value to your home when it comes time to sell.

7. Think ahead to when your toddler turns 16 and gets a car. You will need more garage space. So consider having a three car garage included with your home building plans.

8. It is always a good idea to have grab bars installed in all of your bathrooms. These are not just for seniors. These are great for kids and for adults who have over extended themselves and need a little assistance getting in and out of the bathtub or shower.

It is hard to know exactly what you are going to need in the future. But try a little forward thinking and build your house according to what you think you will need.

If you have built a house that is no longer suitable for you and your family. Call your realtor and ask them to help you find a home that fits your new lifestyle. Your realtor would be more than happy to assist you in any way they can.

Ispecialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – What You Need To Know Before Hiring A Contractor

The first thing you do once you have decided to proceed with a design project is look for a contractor. You talk to friends and family, you read reviews etc. You think you have done all of your homework. However, just because you have researched everything very carefully and have done your homework, does not mean that you can throw caution to the wind.

Here are a few things to keep in mind – even if you think you have found the perfect, most reliable, trust worthy contractor.

1. Your contractor is not your best friend – he is first and foremost a businessman .

2. The contractors number one priority is to get the contract signed – so they may not reveal everything if they think it might prevent you from signing the contract. Remember, times are hard and many contractors are desperate for work. So buyer beware. This doesn’t mean you should use hardball tactics. If you do, the contractor is likely to cut some corners in other areas. Just ask for an itemized bid and let them know that you are getting apples to apples bids from three contractors before awarding the job.

3. A contractor is not a designer or interior decorator. If you need a professional designer, then hire an architect or interior designer in addition to the contractor who will be performing the work.

4. Your contractor might be delegating the work to another contractor. So make sure you find out exactly how personally involved the contractor is going to be and who will actually be on the job making sure that everything is getting done per the contract.

5. You should not be required to pay a huge deposit (sometimes this is illegal). It is possible that the contractor could ask you for a small deposit to buy the initial materials etc. However, if the contractor is financially stable and in good standing with his suppliers, then he should not need your money to pay for any supplies upfront. Therefore, if the contractor asks for more than 30% for a job that he has not even started yet, then you should counteroffer with a more nominal deposit amount of 5%-10%.

6. Expect a 10%- 20% mark up on parts as well as labor. Your contractor is in business to make money; therefore, there is a mark up on everything. If you decide to supply the parts yourself, you could definitely save some money. However, make sure that you and the contractor agree on specific numbers and amounts of what you will be supplying. And don’t forget to ask the contractor to remove the cost of the parts from his original bid. You will also need to make sure that you will have all of the necessary parts available to your contractor once the job starts. A delay in getting the supplies could cost you more money.

As a homeowner, when you take on a design project, you should stay as involved as possible. You will need to make sure that what you agreed on is getting done every step of the way and that all parties are doing what they are supposed to and are doing it to your satisfaction. If they’re not, you need to immediately contact the contractor and alert him of the situation. Do not let things go on through to the end of the project if something is not right.

I hope you have found this information helpful. However, if you have decided to buy a new house as opposed to remodeling your current one, call your realtor and ask for a current list of available homes in your area. Your realtor would be more than happy to help you find a more suitable home for you and your family.

Ispecialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Is Your Attic Costing You Money?

If you are like me, you are always trying to find ways to save money on your electric bill. You do the usual things like turning off the lights when you leave a room, you adjust your thermostat up or down a few degrees, you caulk around your windows, you wash in cold water as much as possible, you use your dishwasher but only when it is full etc.

But I bet there is one place that you have never even given a single thought – your attic! Did you know that you can save around $600 per year just by adjusting your attic insulation from R-11 to R-49. Depending on the materials you use and where you live, you can anticipate spending around $1500 to have a contractor insulate an 800 square foot area of your attic. You can expect this investment to pay you back in about three years. If you decide to do the job yourself, you will save about half of that.

So how do you know if you even need more attic insulation? The quickest way to determine if you need more attic insulation or not is this: look across your attic floor and if you can see the attic joists, then you definitely need more insulation. If you can’t see the joists and your existing insulation is above the tops of the joists then you do not need to add more insulation. You would just be wasting your money.

Here are three different ways you can add insulation to your attic.

1. Roll on or blanket type of insulation. It comes in rolls of either 15 or 23 inches wide and is made to fit between the joists. If your attic already has insulation, just install the batts at right angles and insulate over the joists. This type of insulation is the best to use if you are doing the job yourself because it is the easiest to work with.

2. Loose fill or blown in insulation. This type of insulation will require a machine that blows a stream of loose fill insulation over the existing insulation on your attic floor. This type of insulation is very efficient at filling in all of the small crevices and hard to reach places. However, this type of insulation installation is best left to a contractor.

3. Sprayed foam polyurethane. This type of insulation is good to use if you are planning on turning your attic into a living space. You will apply this insulation to the roof and rafters and not the floor. It will mold to the rafters and block water vapor and has a high R-rating per inch. This type of insulation will generally cost you double what the roll on or loose fill insulation will.

I hope you have found this article informational. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, call your realtor and ask them to provide you with a list of available homes in your area. Your realtor would be more than happy to help you through the entire home buying and / or selling process!

Ispecialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Housing Strategies for Seniors

People are living longer today. The century-long expansion in the world’s population that is 65 and older is the product of dramatic advances in medical science and healthy lifestyles. Currently, 13 percent of the U.S. population is 65 and older, up from 4 percent in 1900. As baby boomers turn 65 in higher and higher annual numbers, it is estimated that one in five Americans will be over age 65 and about 5 percent over 85. All this calls for growing care and services for the elderly population and pre-planning for lifestyles in the future.

The senior housing industry has been growing dramatically over the last 15 years as adult children look for smart solutions to their parents’ needs, whether physical or social. Alternatives for Seniors offers a number of things to consider when choosing lifestyle options for the older generation:

• Location. Keeping your parents close to home should not be the number one consideration. Although it is important that the community be convenient for family and friends to visit, being close to amenities they need and trust will make their senior living experience rewarding and more fulfilling.
• Type of community. Visiting to make sure the current residents have similar interests, backgrounds and values will allow for a more enriching life in the golden years. Many communities invite prospective residents to tour their community and enjoy lunch with the community, which is a wonderful way to ascertain if the culture is a fit. Many communities offer a weekend stay to experience more fully what the community has to offer.
• Staff. Is the staff appropriately dressed, personable and outgoing? Do the staff members treat each other in a professional manner? Does the staff call residents by name and interact warmly? The answers to these questions will determine quite a bit toward whether the community is right for your loved one.
• Medical needs. Does the community have on-site medical supervision? If not, is there an agency that is associated with the community that can help when needed?

Finding and choosing a housing option for an aging loved one can be a difficult process. Be sure to keep seniors’ needs as your top priority in order to find a community that properly suits them.

Ispecialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – Are Homeownership Tax Advantages at Risk?

You may be aware that Congress is considering changes to tax law that stand to negatively affect you as a current or prospective homeowner. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)—the largest trade association in the country, which advocates for real estate professionals and homeowners—as Congress pursues comprehensive tax reform it should focus on doing no harm to housing and America’s 75 million homeowners by maintaining current tax laws for homeownership and real estate investment.

NAR President Gary Thomas recently testified before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee concerning Federal tax provisions that affect residential real estate. Thomas urged specific support for maintaining the current deduction for home mortgage interest. The mortgage interest deduction helps many families become homeowners, which is the foundation for a healthy middle class, and it is vital to the health and stability of housing markets.

Sixty-five percent of families who claim the deduction earn less than $100,000 per year, and as a percentage of income, the biggest beneficiaries are younger middle-class families.

“The mortgage interest deduction makes sustainable homeownership more affordable for millions of middle-class families; these families are the nation’s backbone,” said Thomas. “Protecting these hard-working Americans should be Congress’ top priority as it pursues comprehensive tax reform. On behalf of our one million REALTOR® members and millions of homeowners, we urge Congress to do no harm to housing.”

In his testimony, Thomas emphasized the fact that homeownership has had long-standing support in the country because of its many benefits to individuals, families, communities and to the nation’s economy.

Thomas explained that the current tax code contains housing-related provisions that help facilitate homeownership, build wealth for families and provide stability to communities. Altering these policies could marginalize current and future homebuyers as well as jeopardize the nascent housing recovery and the overall economy.

“REALTORS® know that homeownership is an investment in your future,” said Thomas. “NAR remains committed to preserving the current tax measures for homeownership so that millions of Americans can continue to build the kind of financial security that owning a home can provide.”

Ispecialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – How To Find A Great Neighborhood

Finding the right neighborhood is as important, if not more important, than finding the right lender or the right home. Moving to a good neighborhood will determine how you live, how comfortable you will feel and will affect just about everything else in your life. So taking the time to find a great neighborhood is an extremely important step that you do not want to skip.

Here are some things to consider when searching for a great neighborhood.

1. First and foremost – check the crime statistics for each neighborhood you are considering!
2. How close are the parks and recreation areas for your kids – are they within walking distance?
3. How close are your social conveniences such as shops and restaurants?
4. How long is your commute to work?
5. How far are your necessities such as grocery stores, daycares, banks, gas etc.?
6. Is your home going to appreciate in this neighborhood or is the neighborhood declining?
7. Talk to people in the neighborhood – do they like living there?
8. How well is the neighborhood kept up – are the homes well maintained and nicely landscaped?
9. If you have children – is it a child friendly neighborhood with many kids or is it mostly seniors or singles?
10. Check out the schools – does it have good schools – this is important for resale even if you don’t have any children.
11. Do many of the homes in the neighborhood have bars on the windows and doors?
12. Look around for graffiti on the walls, fences, sidewalks etc.

Buying a new home can be a daunting task. There are so many things to consider. Your realtor will be able to supply you with all of the information you will need about each neighborhood so that you can make an educated decision. So call your realtor today and let them know which neighborhoods you are interested in and they will be able to make recommendations for you, in addition to the research you have already done.

Ispecialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.

Helena Talbot’s blog – 13 Commonly Used Real Estate Terms You Need To Know

If you are buying or selling a home then you probably know there is quite a bit of real estate terminology that you are probably not familiar with. That’s ok – it’s not your fault. Most people only buy, and or, sell a house a few times in their lifetime. So it just stands to reason that you would not be well versed in all of the terminology that goes along with that type of transaction.

This is the time you should depend on your realtor to educate you when something comes up or something is said that you don’t understand. Real estate is what your realtor does and they are well versed in the real estate terminology since it is a part of their everyday lives. But I realize that you probably would like to be at least a little familiar with the lingo. So we are going to go over some of the more commonly used real estate terms.

• Adjustment Date – the pre-determined date the interest rate changes if you have an adjustable rate mortgage
• Amortization – a portion of your monthly loan is applied to your accruing interest every month and the remainder is applied to your principal. Over time, the interest decreases and the amount applied to your principal increases and your loan is paid off within a specified amount of time. This is called amortization
• Appraisal – is a justification of the price paid for your home based on the analysis of the comparable sales of similar homes in your area
• Assessment – the value that is placed on your home for taxation purposes
• Assignment – this is when the ownership of your mortgage is transferred from one mortgage company to another
• Chain Of Title – this is the analysis of the different transfers of tile for a property over the years
• Clear Title – this is a title that does not have any liens or legal issues as to who owns the property
• Contingency – this is a condition that must be met before a contract can become legally binding
• Conventional Mortgage – these are home loans that are not government loans such as VA and FHA
• Deed – this is the legal document that gives you the title to your house
• Earnest Money Deposit – the deposit made by a potential buyer to show that they are serious about buying a particular house
• Escrow – money or documents that are deposited with a third party to hold and will be delivered upon the fulfillment of a specific contract condition – such as a closing
• FHA Mortgage – a mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration, also known as a government loan

These are just a few of the terms you will hear when dealing with real estate. Real estate terminology can be tricky; therefore, it is best to ask your realtor for clarification about anything you don’t understand. Your realtor would be more than happy to answer all of your questions and to help you through the entire real estate buying and selling process.

Ispecialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.