Get Your Home Ready for Winter

1. Check your windows

Cleaning your windows will give you an opportunity to check for cracks and damaged caulking. If you notice any damaged caulking be sure to fix it immediately. If you removed your storm windows for the warmer months be sure to put them back up.

2. Clean the Gutters

You want to do this before the winter rain and snow comes. While cleaning your gutters you can see if they are still secure and free of cracks.

3. Clean your drains

Ensure that all your floor drains are free of leaves and debris. This will protect you from basement flooding.

4.  Have your furnace inspected

By doing this now you will avoid being stuck in the cold while you wait for an appointment.

5. Plug hidden leaks

Doing this you will save money on your monthly utilities and stay warmer. Check around spigots and laundry vents and check door frames while you are at it.

6. Protect Pipes from Freezing

This is the time to turn off the water inside the house and drain the spigots.

7.  Trim Bushes and Trees

Trim your bushes and trees so they are not touching your house. Wait until the leaves fall before pruning. This will help ready your shrubbery and trees for spring. Also check for dead and broken branches. These can be a safety hazard and should be removed.


8. Clean your Chimney

If you have a fireplace you want to make sure you get your chimney cleaned before it gets really cold. If you don't clean your chimney it is a potential fire hazard. There is nothing better than a warm fire on a cold winters day.

9. Check your Alarms

Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have working batteries. The colder months usually means

10. Gather Emergency Supplies

Stock up on batteries for Flash lights, locate candles, find snow shovels, buy cat litter or sand, buy some bottled water for emergencies.

CIAS: Press Release

For more information, please contact:

Karrina  Taylor Brown

703-336-3745

Karrina@Realtor.com

www.TaylorBrown.com

Local Agent Receives Training to Effectively Counsel Real Estate Investors, Provide Wealth-Building Strategies.

Arlington, Virginia - 06/12/2013- Karrina Taylor Brown of Re/Max Allegiance in Arlington has earned the prestigious Certified Investor Agent Specialist (CIAS) Designation, having completed extensive training to understand the different real estate investor types, and the investment opportunities, financing options and calculations needed to provide solutions for each. The five real estate investor types include: First-Time Investors, Move-Up Investors, Portfolio Investors, Performance Investors, and Rehab and Resell Investors.

"For decades, investing in real estate has proven to be a consistent and stable way for individuals to build wealth," Karrina said. "Real estate investment supports a number of industries, including construction, retail and professional services, and is a strong way to energize and increase investment in our local economy."

Over the past 12 months, investment and second-home properties comprised more than $300 billion in sales, representing approximately 27 percent of all residential real estate transactions. In addition, in market conditions affected by mortgage industry challenges, 48 percent of investors made all-cash purchases. 

"As markets face the challenges of distressed properties and a difficult economy, real estate investors have the opportunity to find productive deals while helping communities stabilize," Karrina said. "Investors provide much needed liquidity to the market, decrease vacancy rates, improve neighborhoods, and present solutions for homeowners who need to sell." 

With the CIAS Designation training, Karrina will help Arlington-area residents build wealth through real estate investment, and homeowners facing foreclosure find potential buyers for their properties.

Today, millions of homeowners are either delinquent on their mortgages or in the foreclosure process. One potential solution for homeowners in this situation is a short sale, in which the lien holder accepts a sale price of the home that is less than the mortgage amount owed. Increasingly, real estate investors are facilitating this solution. 

"When it comes to properties that actually end up in foreclosure," Karrina added, "up to 30 percent of them can't close conventionally. Investors are often the only ones who can buy them."

The Distressed Property Institute provides live and online CIAS Courses to train real estate professionals how to address the needs of all real estate investors. 

For more information about the CIAS Designation, visit www.cias.com.

Historic Occoquan - Spring Arts & Crafts Show - June 1st and 2nd

This picturesque small town is unique in northern Virginia. Even though it is just 2 miles from I-95 it feels like you've driven miles and miles into the country. My son and daughter in law recently purchased a home just a few blocks from the river and they enjoy being able to walk to the restaurants and stores. Historic Occoquan  offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy with your family. You may want to visit this coming weekend to attend the Spring Arts & Craft Show.

The next Occoquan Arts & Crafts Show will be held in the streets of Occoquan’s Historic District, rain or shine on:

Saturday June 1st (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) &
Sunday, June 2nd (10:00 AM until 5:00 PM)

The Craft Show will include both contemporary and country crafters and artisans from Occoquan and from all around the United States.

For more information check the links below or feel free to call me!

http://www.occoquancraftshow.com

http://historicoccoquan.com/

Lookin for Delicious food near Fort Washington? Check out Mid-Atlantic Seafood - Soul Food

Stopped into Mid-Atlantic Seafood and found some delicious food! I love the home cooked fish and barbecue. The interior is nice and clean. You can keep up on the news while eating lunch. I highly recommend checking this place out!

6045 Oxon Hill Rd

Oxon Hill, MD 20745

(301) 567-1165

Interstate Moving and Storage

Interstate Moving and Storage trains all their movers for a full 2 weeks before putting them out on jobs. They use this mock house inside their warehouse to show how to move items without causing damage to the house or the furniture. Interstate specializes in government and military moves as well as residential, both domestic and international and has been in business for over 70 years. Their attentive staff has an excellent reputation. 

For more information check out www.interstateworldwide.com

or call Kim Woods at 571-238-9483

Marine Corps Charity Benefit, Saturday March 9, 2013

Marine Corps Charity Benefit, Saturday March 9, 2013.

We were fortunate enough to be invited to the USMC Charity Benefit at the Quantico Officers Club on Saturday, March 9.  One of my client’s Andreea Mickliss of the Officer’s Wives’ club helped to organize the event. 

After navigating the driver’s license check at the gate, we wound ourselves back onto the extensive base.  There are nearly 100 square miles of land at the base.  At first we wound through trees with nothing but a small creek defining the edge of the base with the few older homes of Quantico located just beyond.  Eventually we found ourselves in what resembled a 1950s small town with several huge barracks and grounds.  We kept going until we found the Clubs at Quantico.

The country-western themed charity auction, buffet and dance was very well attended.  They raised over $20,000 to benefit the education fund for children of USMC.   The two auctioneers pumped up the crowd and obtained records donations for the items.  Many books written by generals were auctioned, along with a bourbon collection,  chairs signed by generals, backyard party kits, and a weekend at an Annapolis B&B.  The “Military-by-Owner” website and leasing facilitator was one of the largest corporate donors at the event.  The taco buffet was very popular.  Then the DJ provided dance music for the revelers who loved the line dancing and the slow dancing.

Distress Sale of Luxury Homes = Maximum Savings

DC Luxury Home for Absolute Auction, No Minimum Bid

As we move into the real estate recovery, there are fewer short sales and foreclosures coming on the market.  However, there are still some really interesting real estate opportunities coming on the market in the DC & Northern Virginia area.

Take for example,  3101 Chain Bridge Road NW, Washington, D.C. 20016.  This home is currently valued at over $15,000,000, but is being offered for absolute auction on April 6, 2013. Here are some of the details about the property:

SHEER SPLENDOR!  Said to be the grandest property in Washington, D.C., this stately mansion is in a magnificent location overlooking historic Battery Kemble Park.  The estate offers over 15,000 square feet of luxury living which includes a ballroom with a butler’s pantry and two bathrooms.  In addition, a pool/guest house, gym, seven bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, 4 half bathrooms, cozy library with a fireplace, generous kitchen, dining room that seats eighteen, large living room with a fireplace and a family room with a fireplace and porch.  The main level of the home is designed around a wide central hall and boasts a huge, very comfortable elevator, and a caterers entrance/garage downstairs.  An enclosed rooftop ensures spectacular evening entertaining for family, friends and VIP’S!

Some of my clients have been building their real estate portfolios over the past few years by bidding at auction.   I have never seen as much auction activity as in the past 3 years.  There are usually on-line auctions of moderately priced homes on-going in the area.  I am always receiving notifications of properties for sale at auction, and the auctions are usually set up for Realtors to show their clients the properties before the auction.  Of course, these properties are being sold AS IS, without inspections.  However, in my experience, the title is clear when the properties transfer to the new owner

Let me know if you would like more details about this property?  Or if you would to receive notifications of “cheap homes” being sold in the area?

703-336-3745

Tesla Charging Station open in Tyson's Corner

Northern Virginia Sales Contract

Here is a video I recently recorded to help explain the Northern Virginia Sales Contract. Please visit my website for more resources and information. 

www.TaylorBrown.com

Buy a Magnificent DC Home at Auction Price

Good morning friends and clients!

 

I am always seeking out the best bargains in local real estate for my clients.  If you, or one of your friends have been waiting for a super deal on a luxury home, you may want to consider taking a look at this riverfront property. With over 20,000SF, acreage, pools, garages and much more.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase one of the DC regions most magnificent homes. Let me know if you would like more details, or just enjoy browsing at the opulent lifestyle opportunity.

Karrina Taylor Brown MBA

Associate Broker

Re/Max Allegiance

Phone 703-336-3745

Fax 866-813-4010

www.taylorbrown.com 

 

Foreclosure Auction: Magnificent Home on Potomac Thursday, February 21 @ 11:00 AM ET Property Location: 201 Chain Bridge Rd McLean, VA 22101  Auction Location: Arlington County Circuit Court Courthouse 1425 N Courthouse Rd Arlington, VA 22201

#3 On Washingtonian’s Most Expensive Homes List* Foreclosure Auction! This magnificently appointed Mediterranean-style estate is surrounded by incredible views of the Potomac and Washington Skyline. Located on “McLean’s Gold Coast”, this sprawling estate sits on a double lot totaling 2.66 acres and offers phenomenal privacy with convenient access to Downtown McLean, Tysons Corner and Washington, DC. This premier community also provides excellent schools, easy access to major airports and close proximity to fine dining and upscale shopping opportunities. Comprised of well over 20,000+/- square feet of lavish living space and recreational area, this premier estate is the ultimate in luxurious comfort and amenities, and believed to be improved by 10 fireplaces, elevator, high ceilings and massive windows that expose breathtaking views and plentiful natural light. A beautiful gourmet kitchen with huge center island is ideal for entertaining family and friends. The kitchen offers exquisite cabinetry and quality countertops. The relaxing master suite features a private balcony with incredible views. Exceptional details and quality features both inside and out, including detached guest house and staff quarters, basketball court, men's gym and showers, separate ladies gym and spa, steam showers, sauna’s, indoor exercise pool, billiards room, 2 lane bowling alley, movie theater and ample parking options with a 15 car underground garage and private 3 car garage. Plenty of room for open-air entertaining with an outdoor swimming pool, outdoor spa, patio, outdoor kitchen and covered veranda with fireplace to complete this extraordinary estate. *Washingtonian Magazine April 2012 The Property shall be sold in “As Is,” “Where is,” and “With all Faults” condition.   tranzon.com Tranzon Fox is a member company of Tranzon, LLC and Tranzon International, LLC. All Tranzon companies are independently owned and operated. Information contained herein is believed to be correct to the best of auctioneer/agent's knowledge but is subject to inspection and verification by all parties relying on it. Sellers, their representatives and auctioneer/agent shall not be liable for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. All square footage and other dimensions are approximate. This offering is subject to prior sale and may be withdrawn, modified or cancelled at any time without notice.

New Year, New Taxes, New Forms for Virginia Real Estate in 2013

While the real estate market in the commonwealth is roaring ahead with the State sales up 18%, and prices up 12%¹, the Realtors are active in making sure that the voice of home-owners is heard and that the good news will continue in the Commonwealth.

One of the most important factors of a location is reaching it through the transportation system.  The Virginia Realtors are supporting Gov. Bob McDonnell’s transportation bill in order to facilitate adequate funding for our roads and transportation systems.  Revenues from the 17.5c/gallon gasoline tax, which was put in place in 1986, have been falling due to the improved efficiency of cars, and the increase in the use of alternative fuel vehicles.  Meanwhile, the transportation costs are increasing as the number of miles has risen, and due to increased asphalt prices.  This has created stress within the transportation budget;  funds are being diverted from public transportation and new roads to maintenance.  The Governor is proposing to get rid of the gasoline tax, and instead raise the sales tax by .8c.  This will result in a sales tax of 5.8% for most goods, which is lower than the surrounding states.  Sales tax revenues do grow with inflation, which means that the funds will be available to cover increasing costs.  This alleviates the transportation fund being dependent upon the stagnant tax revenues from the sales of the number of gallons of gasoline.   Also, registration fees will rise $15, and there will be an additional $100 fee to register an Alternative Fuels Vehicle.   All this results in the additional funds needed to keep Virginia’s roads & rails running efficiently, and keep commuting times reasonable in the bustling Commonwealth.

The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR) has been busy again updating their standard forms.  Among other miscellaneous changes, the standard listing agreements and buyer agency forms which are used by the sellers and buyers to hire their Realtors have been updated.  Now these agreements will expire at midnight on the agreed date.  I thought that my work hours were long enough, as the contracts have always included weekends and time-frames which ended at 9pm each day.  The real estate contracts still use the 9pm time-frame for the expiration of contingencies etc.  Welcome to the 24 hour world of electronic communication!!

1.              Full report available at http://www.varealtor.com/sites/default/files/Virginia%20Monthly%20Report[1].pdf
2.         http://www.governor.virginia.gov/utility/docs/Transportation%20funding%20fact%20sheet.pdf

Great Time to Rehab a property in the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market

 In the bleak mid-winter this is a great time to get a head-start on the local real estate market.  Northern Virginia real estate market is leading the country out of the recession.  With the lowest unemployment rate of major markets and leading job growth, the demand is strong.   There are fewer homes on the market than usual as the number of distressed properties is declining, and other sellers wait for prices to rise.   The aging housing stock is also contributing to the number of rehab possibilities.  Some home-owners have been very comfortable in their older homes, and have not upgraded them to modern buyer’s standards.  These homes are often in good locations.  At the same time, today’s busy young professionals often want to buy homes which are “ready-to-go” with modern amenities, and will pay top dollar for a comfortable,  modernized home.

At this time, I have a great rehab listing available in Old Town Alexandria.  This 1970's home is currently occupied, but it could do with a new kitchen & replaced baths, and fixtures etc.  The nearby renovated homes are selling for more than $150,000 more. It is in a great location on a quiet street, walking distance to King St Metro, shops & the waterfront, with off-street parking and 3BR 1.5BA.  The property is available for $425,000.

Call or email me today if you would like to see this property. I expect it to sell quickly.

I recently took a trip to the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden and snapped a few pics. The famous Burghers of Calais by Rodin is located here as well as many other interesting pieces.