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Obtain up-to-date information on neighborhood demographics, public and private schools, housing values and current market trends, crime rates, climate reports, mapping, and much more.
Designations: GRADUATE, REALTOR® INSTITUTE (GRI)
REALTOR
Awards: PWAR CODE OF ETHICS AWARD 2007, PWAR top producer 2003 & 2004 &2005
Languages: French Spanish English, Italian
Special Interests: Boating, Travel, International Cultures
Allow me to do the hard work for you and make your purchase easy and rewarding!
I am the third generation of realtors in my family, which has been in this area since the 1800's. It is hard to know more than I do about the people and the area. This market is difficult if you aren't ready for it. LET ME HELP YOU!
- Professional
- Reliable
- Knowledgeable
- Available 24/7
- Buyer's Agents
- Listing Agents
- Property Managers
- Rental Agents
- Well Educated Agents with Strong Ethics!
Need a lender to help you finance your purchase? Get started today!
Many people have little "glitches" on their credit that they are not even aware of until it is time to try and get a loan. It is never to early to get qualified by a lender. I work with lenders that can get you into the home of your dreams. Call me now for more information!
Home inspections are a good idea for both new and older homes!
Judy Newman from Fairview Home Inspections is an awesome inspector that has helped my clients have peace of mind and thorough knowledge of their "new" homes. Even newly built homes have issues that only an expert would find. Most people think that only resale and older homes need a home inspection but believe me, every home needs an expert eye to evaluate its condition. Call Judy at 703-753-5417 or contact me for more information.
Home warranties are helpful to both buyers and sellers.
Many home warranty companies cover the sellers during the listing period as well as the buyers for the first year after settlement. This peace of mind can make or break a deal. In the case of Old Republic home warranty, if any appliance, air conditioning, heating, plumbing or electrical problems occur, they usually repair or replace the item in a timely manner with only a $100 deductable. This can save lots of $$$$$$$ and gives a buyer peace of mind. Most buyers are already stretching themselves thin when they purchase their new home. A major repair can really hurt if it happens soon after closing! This is a great bonus to offer when you sell your home. It shows you care.
Property Management and Rental Units
The International Properties team is happy to assist anyone interested in finding a residential rental as well as helping owners manage their rental properties. Contact Vicki today for more information!
Ten Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
1.Be picky, buy don't be unrealistic. There is no perfect home.
2.Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you.
3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and your closing costs.
4. Don't wait to get a loan. Talk to a lender and get pre-qualified for a mortgage before you start looking.
5. Don't ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy! Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion.
6. Decide when you could move. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area?
7. Think long-term. Are you looking for a starter house with the idea of moving up in a few years or do you hope to stay in this home longer? This decision may dictate what type of mortgage terms will suit you best.
8. Don't let yourself be house poor. If you max yourself out to buy the biggest home you can afford, you'll have no money left for maintenance, decoration or to save money for other financial goals.
9. Don't be naïve. Insist on a home inspection and if possible get a warranty from the seller to cover defects within one year.
10. Get help. Consider hiring me as your buyer representative. Unlike a listing agents, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer's representative is working only for you. And most of the time, buyer's reps are paid out of the seller's commission payment and cost you the buyer NOTHING OUT OF POCKET!
10 Ways to Make Your House Sell Easier
1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items and store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage.
2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.
3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.
4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows.
5. Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and other dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.
6. Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they'll give buyers the impression that the house isn't well maintained.
7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes and edge of the walk. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.
8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.
9. Clean your gutters.
10. Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.
Five Common First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes
1. They don't ask enough questions of their lender and miss out on the best deal.
2. They don't act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.
3. They don't find the right agent who's willing to help them through the home buying process.
4. They don't do enough to make their offer look good to a seller.
5. They don't think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years
What most buyers don't know that could save them hardship and $$$$$$ !
I Have heard so many buyers say, "We thought we would buy our new place without an agent to save some money". Everytime I hear this I feel so bad for the situation they have found themselves in! Not only do they not have an expert handling what is probably the most expensive investment of their lives but in each of these instances they could have had me represent them at NO CHARGE TO THEM AT ALL! Many people that are not in the real estate business don't realize that commissions for buyers and sellers are almost always paid for by the seller, NOT THE BUYER. The only person saving money is usually the seller if you show up without an agent to assist you with the detailed job of negotiation, communication and settlement.
Don't let this happen to you. Call me today so I can help you get the best deal on buying a home. It's practically FREE.
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