Ready to sell your current property so you can move to Tysons Corner? Start with a good plan. First, de-clutter every room removing all the extra pieces of furniture, and store them in the attic or basement. Look at each room with a critical eye, and remove all the do-dads, knick-knacks, and most of the personal items. You’re moving anyway so these items would have to be packed.

Now walk through your home as if you were seeing it for the first time, look at it through a designer’s eye, through a stranger’s eyes. Is there still too much furniture? Is there enough space to walk comfortably through the room without any obstructions? How about the color, would everyone like the color of the walls? You may be wild about a color, but even though the new owners can re-paint the walls, people often can’t see the potential to make a space their own.

See what other comparable properties look like in Tysons Corner, and make sure your home is up to speed. Your goal is to make every room as attractive as possible and as appealing as possible to most people so neutral colors are best. List every problem you can think of that could be an issue, repair everything you can, and replace anything that needs updating in order to present the property in the best light. A small investment of time and money now can make a big difference later. Next, clean every space and don’t forget to temporarily remove children’s toys and any evidence of the furry or feathered members of the family.

Stage your property as if your home will be photographed for a prestigious design magazine so that the photos posted to sell your home will be eye-catching and inviting. Gather all of the information you have on the property, and take accurate room measurements if you can. Stage the outside too – sweep the steps, make repairs and plant some pretty flowers. Make certain that all walkways are well lit for any property hunters who will view your home at night and anyone who drives by and might call for a showing. If you are unsure of the value of a repair or update, or if you need a professional – Tysons Corner is my specialty and I can help you with that.

To learn more about the benefits of living in Tysons Corner, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/tysons. I am Jeff Wu, and I can assist you with all of your real estate needs. Whether you are relocating to the futuristic city and growing business district of Tysons Corner, or if you already live here and are selling your house or purchasing your new dream home in Tysons Corner, McLean, or Vienna, please contact me at Agent Knows Homes.

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22101, 22102 Open Houses (McLean)

Saturday, December 3rd Open Houses                   

6903 Lupine Ln 1-4pm

1603 Kirby Rd 2-4pm

Sunday, December 4th Open Houses

8445 Portland Pl 10am-5pm

8909 Brook Rd 12-5pm

1519 Pathfinder Ln 1-4pm

871 Centrillion Dr 1-4pm

1201 Old Stable Rd 1-4pm

6405 Old Dominion Dr 1-4pm

6004 Woodley Rd 1-4pm

734 Lawton St 1-4pm

7307 Hooking Rd 1-4pm

6302 Kensington St 1-4pm

1731 Melbourne Dr 1-4pm

1492 Hampton Hill Cir 1-4pm

1497 Teague Dr 1-4pm

7207 Farm Meadow Ct 1-4pm

6547 Old Chesterbrook Rd 1-4pm

1959 Rockingham St 1-4pm

6507 Old Chesterbrook Rd 1-4pm

7337 Lewinsville Park Ct 1-4pm

1808 Lansing Ct 1-4pm

848 Saigon Rd 1-4pm

6901 Benjamin St 1-4pm

This year, 2011, from January 1st through May 10th (today), there have been 1 property sold in the Courthouse Station Townhomes.  So the pace of real estate in this Tysons Corner Community (Vienna zip code 22182), is slower than that of last year, where there were 5 sales in the same time period.  Last year the properties were coming off the market at a much quicker pace as well, as they averaged 11 days on market in the Courthouse Station Townhomes before taking a contract.  This year, 2011, the average days on market in the Courthouse Station Townhomes is at 126 days.

Of the home sold in the Courthouse Station Townhomes this year, it was a 3 bedroom, 3 baths.  The average price of this 3 bedrooms was $578,000.  The unit sold was the Colonial model.

Currently in the Courthouse Station Townhomes there are no homes under contract.

Actively on the market in the Courthouse Station Townhomes there are 0 homes for sale.

For more information on this Tysons Corner Community, or other local real estate = please feel free to contact Jeff Wu = Jeff@AgentKnowsHomes.com, Your Tysons Corner Real Estate Specialist.

Data from MRIS

Property Sold in Courthouse Station Townhomes

Make sure you use a Realtor, whether in Tysons Corner Virginia, McLean, Vienna or other parts

In the most recent issue of the National Association of Realtor magazine there is an article by G.M Filisko titled “Top 5: First Impressions Matter.”  The article tells of the 5 areas to renovate your home and get the best value in dollars spent on the project to dollars equated to in resale value.  Those projects were =

[-] Entry Door Replacement = estimated cost recouped 102.1%

[-] Garage Door Replacement = estimated cost recouped 83.9%

[-] Siding Replacement = estimated cost recouped 80%

[-] Kitchen Remodel = estimated cost recouped 72.8%

[-] Deck Addition = estimated cost recouped 72.8%

These findings are particularly interesting since it is always a seller’s challenge to improve the home or not.  And if so, where to spend your dollars.

For more on this article, the comments/details on the renovation projects mentioned, or to get ideas on what work could benefit your home in Tysons Corner, McLean, Arlington or Vienna for preparation to sell, contact =

Jeff Wu at Jeff@AgentKnowsHomes.com

In this current economic climate, homeowners may not be able to completely renovate their abode all at once. They still, however, need to make sure that their house remains in good condition and get the most they can out of their home improvement budget. This means that a practical homeowner has to do some prioritizing.

Once you decide to take the remodeling plunge there are several steps you must take in order to prepare an appropriate budget for the project. Your main objective is to determine an amount that does not strain your current and future financial resources but also provides enough funds to accomplish the primary alterations you need to make to your house.

Here are a few tips that make a little dough go along way!

□ You can give your kitchen a fresh new look by painting the cabinets or adding new cabinet door knobs is one idea. Add a chair guard rail to the wall, or a line of border across a wall. Simply replacing hand towels and oven mitts, adding a table runner or center piece to the dining table also makes a difference in the appearance of the kitchen.

□ Modernize Bathroom Accessories – the bathroom is one of the most important rooms to keep up to date. Making sure your bathroom is easily accessible and comfortable for your family is a great way to improve your home. Some practical changes might include installing an easy-to-hold door handle and cabinet hardware, a grab bar in the bathtub, or shower accessories that come with a hand-held shower head.

□ Painting – fresh paint in any room is a relatively inexpensive way to give your home a new look. Don’t shy away from some of the bolder colors; these will add a lot of life to whatever area you’re painting.

□ Adding house numbers, planting a few flowers or shrubs, and painting trim around doors and windows are inexpensive changes that will make a difference. Check for and replace rotted wood on railings, steps, and window and door trims. Replace the porch light with an updated fixture. Repair damaged walkways. Remove or replace missing or damaged shutters.

□ Your Home’s Energy Efficiency – if you want to make improvements that will give you some significant returns, improving your home’s energy efficiency with an updated water heater, new energy-efficient furnace, or new windows for better insulation is your best bet.

□ Curb Appeal – to improve the look of your home, think “outside the box” – the box being your home! Think about adding trees, shrubs, and flowers to the front of your home when spring rolls around, which it surely will soon! This will give your friends and neighbors a great first impression and be a great lift after the long winter.

For additional information on how to remodel on a budget, contact

Jeff Wu
Century 21, New Millennium
571-248-1110
240-994-7938
Jeff@AgentKnowsHomes.com
www.AgentKnowsHomes.com

If you are planning to sell your condo and are dreading getting it ready for the market – relax! It couldn’t be easier than it is now! More than ever before, the vogue in interior decorating is favoring simplicity.

Experts recommend that any pictures you put on the walls should be in frames that actually match the paintwork, which is a new concept. In order not to break up the uninterrupted flow of the paint color, it is suggested that drapes or blinds are also in the same color.

Every room can be painted white or cream or beige with silver gray or dark beige detailing. The use of this color scheme will let your prospective buyer know that your place has been decorated very recently.

A paint job is not very expensive, but it can make a very large difference to the appearance of your condo. What of your floors? Are they carpet or are they wooden or tile flooring? Is the color of them one of the shades that will tone with the gray or beige detailing?

Only change the color, if you want to, when you reach a room that is totally separate, e.g., the bathroom or bedrooms. If you do change it, you should still opt for the neutral white, cream or gray natural shades as color is strictly passe at the moment.

Another thing is Texture. It can be seen in upholstery, in throws and blankets, pieces of bedroom furniture, walls and hardwood floors. For instance, you can make an comfortable place by employing wood furniture like chairs, entertainment cabinets and shelves. Choose a sofa fabric of floral chintz or creamy leather. Throw in a simple fleecy throw in a complimentary shade. Place a throw or rag rug in the middle of the space. Paint walls in a shade that contributes to your color strategy and add a touch of elegance applying a faux painting technique like ragging or sponging. Texture and tone create interesting visual effects in the room.

If you have a bright floor and you feel that to change the floor is too extravagant and labor intensive, think of buying a large rug. Think of this before you pick the color scheme because it is usually easier to buy a rug in cream than in gray. A large off white area rug will go a long way toward the simple look that you are aiming for.
Enhancing your living space can be a enjoyable and stimulating task. Pick a fashion and utilize colors that show who you are and what you wish your place to say about you!

For additional information on selling your condo, contact

Jeff Wu
Century 21, New Millennium
571-248-1110
240-994-7938
Jeff@AgentKnowsHomes.com
www.AgentKnowsHomes.com

SELLING AT THE WRONG TIME

Some properties just aren’t selling.

The truth is that there are currently some property markets at the moment that is finding it really hard, e.g. luxury/executive houses.  These properties are typically bought by highly paid executives that in recent years have been flying high on large salaries and bonuses but now that economic hard times have fallen upon us there are fewer of these executives willing to spend large amounts of money because they’re just not confident in what tomorrow will bring.  Investors that have bought properties in mining towns around Australia have been hit by the drop in demand for our resources and are also now facing a tough time.

Some properties are thriving right now.

On the other hand, the first home buyer market , have seen some really good prices lately with increased demand being driven by lower interest rates (affordability), increasing rents and the governments increased first home owners grant.

But you know what, don’t make the mistake of thinking that there aren’t any luxury homes or mining town properties selling and selling well – because there definitely are some that are.  And don’t think for one moment that every ‘first home buyer type house’ is just flying out the door at record prices – because they’re not, some are taking a while to sell and some aren’t reaching the prices that others are.

So how do you work out whether it’s the right time for you to sell or not?

You need to look at what’s happening in your own back yard and forget what might be happening in other states, towns and suburbs.  You need to look at what other similar properties to yours have sold for in the last 6mths, what’s currently for sale and talk to some of the better agents in your area to understand what they are seeing happening in the market – they are the ones that are taking the calls from potential buyers and sellers every day in your area – they more than anyone are going to have the best understanding of whether or not you are going to be able to get the money you want for the sale of your property.

For additional information on when the right time to sell your home is, please contact:

Jeff Wu
Century 21, New Millennium
571-248-1110
240-994-7938
Jeff@AgentKnowsHomes.com
www.AgentKnowsHomes.com

Avoid These Mistakes When Selling Your House

1. DON’T PICK A REALTOR FOR THE WRONG REASONS

Choosing a Realtor based on convenience rather than experience, may prove disastrous. When working with a real estate agent, it’s critical that you have full confidence in that agent’s experience and education. A skilled, knowledgeable agent should be able to explain to you exactly why your home needs to be priced at a certain level – compared to recent listings and sales of homes similar to yours. Experienced agents also know exactly what the current pool of buyers are looking for in relation to particular styles and price ranges of properties. A skilled agent can recommend changes that will enhance the salability of your home, thus increasing the price – and/or decreasing the length of time before a sale.

2. DON’T TRY TO SELL TO THE “LOOKY-LOOS”

A prospective buyer who shows interest because of a “for sale” sign he saw may not really be interested in your property. Often buyers who do not come through a realtor are a good 6-9 months away from buying, and they are more interested in seeing what is out there than in actually making a purchase. They may still have to sell their house, or may not be able to afford a house yet. They may still even be unsure as to whether or not they want to relocate.

Your realtor should be able to distinguish realistic potential buyers from mere lookers. Realtors should usually find out a prospective buyer’s savings, credit rating, and purchasing power in general. If your realtor fails to find out this pertinent information, you should do some investigating and questioning on your own. This will help you avoid wasting valuable time marketing towards the wrong people. If you have to do this work yourself, consider finding a new realtor.

3. DON’T THINK YOU NEED TO BE HOME TO EXPLAIN THINGS TO A BUYER

You will be better served if you allow the Realtors to do their job without you there. Most potential buyers usually feel more comfortable if they can speak freely to the real estate professional without the owners being present. If people unaccompanied by an agent request to see your property, you should refer them to your real estate professional for an appointment.

4. BAD PRICING STRATEGY

Most sellers are aware they shouldn’t price their house too low. However, it’s all too common that sellers overestimate what their house can sell for and price too high.
The logic they often go by is that they can always “accept a lower offer” if the price they’re suggesting doesn’t work. However, what usually happens is buyers are just scared off by the higher price and don’t even come to look at your property.

5. DON’T FORGET ABOUT HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES

Be upfront and disclose to your Realtor any problems with the property. The problems are going to be discovered anyway. A decade ago, health and safety issues were rarely a part of the typical real estate transaction. Today, however, it’s common for inspections relating to health, safety, and even environmental concerns to be a part of most sales contracts. California law requires the seller to disclose to the buyer any knowledge of existing property problems. In many cases, these issues have been or can be factored into the home’s listing price.

For additional information on the mistakes to avoid when selling your house, contact

Jeff Wu
Century 21, New Millenium
571-248-1110
240-994-7938
Jeff@AgentKnowsHomes.com
www.AgentKnowsHomes.com

An organized closet can make the difference when trying to sell a home

Some of these rules and tips are true no matter what area of the country you live in, Tysons Corner, McLean, Vienna or beyond.

When considering selling real estate the question surfaces, what can I do to improve my home and make it more appealing to a prospective buyer?  Looking at your closets might be the answer.  Closets may be the small improvement your home needs when getting ready to sell.

Newer homes tend to have bigger closets and they aren’t just dark spaces with doors any more.  Today’s closets, thanks to companies like California Closets and other offshoots, are filled with light and organized spaces like drawers, shelves, shoe racks and hanging bars that hang at different heights to accommodate different articles of clothing.  Some closets come across as small rooms.  Regardless of whether you have a new home or an older home, if your closets aren’t organized they can be.

Closets can be do-it-yourself projects or created by a contractor or a closet company.  Remodeling closets can be an inexpensive re-model that can add value to the sale of your home without breaking the bank.