Local 5K Races to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions Strong

Many of us made lofty resolutions for 2016, and statistically, we are reaching the point where we want to modify those goals and take an easier road. That doesn't have to be the case for us in Northern Virginia! We are lucky to live in an area with plenty of gyms, workout groups, yoga studios, martial arts schools, dance classes, hiking trails, swimming pools, and on and on. One of the most economical ways to get in shape is running. Fortunately, even if you aren't a serious runner, there are plenty of 5K races to run or walk in Northern Virginia, and many of them offer you fun swag for participating.

Pre-Game 5K Run/Walk in Leesburg VA
Sunday February 7, 2016 - 8am

Run or walk through the beautiful grounds of the National Conference center on Super Bowl Sunday! You know you're going to spend the rest of the day parked in front of the TV with your perfectly-planned Super Bowl party menu, so why not start the day off with a little exercise? Plus, you get a t-shirt just for participating.

Love the Run You're With 5K in Arlington VA
Sunday February 14, 2016 - 9am

This course runs through the shops of Pentagon row. Run with friends, walk with your S.O., just get out and move for Valentine's Day. Participants will enjoy the after-race party and awards presentation at CHAMPPS as well as a karaoke contest. Even if you don't party, they'll send you home with a cozy blanket.

Lucky Leprechaun 5K in Reston VA
Saturday March 12, 2016 - 8:30am

You've got 60 minutes to meander your way through 3.1 miles of Reston Town Center streets. The luck of the Irish awards you a technical t-shirt for participating. Enjoy food and drink after the race, and you can download your race photos for free.

Dionysus Dash 5K in Leesburg VA
Sunday April 17, 2016 - 8:15am

Some of us need a little motivation to run. If the scenic views at Tarara Winery aren't enough, runners over 21 get to complete a wine tasting and take home the glass. Even better, you still get a race shirt and a goody bag. Tarara is only one of dozens of gorgeous wineries in the area, so why not make a day of exploring Loudoun's wine country?

The Prison Break Dash Run in Lorton VA
Sunday April 17, 2016 - 9am

The Lorton Workhouse Correctional Facility now houses an art center, but that doesn't mean you can't recreate the drama of a prison break in a 5K, does it? Race the others through the complex to freedom and receive "surprise prizes" or dress up to win the costume contest. Food and drinks provided, including donuts!

Glow South Riding in Chantilly VA
Saturday April 30, 2016 - Dusk

Let your inner light shine, or just wear a bunch of glow sticks. This race is untimed, so there's no pressure for speed. Just dress as brightly as you can, and you may win some prizes. All participants get a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt and a glow stick. Everyone is invited to the pre-race party as well. You choose either the 5K race or 1-mile fun run.

There are dozens of other races to check out in Northern Virginia from 1-mile runs all the way up to ultra marathons. You decide where and how to run, and maybe we will see you at one of these great events.

Contact Preferred Realty Partners to find your next home near jogging trails, gyms, pools, or any other fitness amenities you need.

8 Reasons to Stage Your Home for Sale [Before and After Photos]

When you decide to sell your home, you are making a huge change in your life. Most likely, you are selling your largest investment, so it is vital that you take the necessary steps to get the best value for your home.

Hiring a great Realtor is the first step, but not the only thing you can do to get your home sold. Hiring a professional home stager can greatly increase the value that buyers find in your home. Keep reading for the 8 reasons to stage your home for sale. We've included some before-and-after photos of one of our recent listings that was staged by RoomAntics.

Reason #1: The cost of staging will be returned to you in the sale of your home.

According to a 2015 National Association of Realtors report, more than half of buyers think a staged home is worth at least 1% more than an otherwise equal home. That means for a $400,000 home, staging adds at least $4000 to the value, and only costs an average of $675 per home!

Reason #2: You will make more money on your home sale if you stage your home.

That same NAR survey revealed that only 4% of Realtors feel that staging does not impact a buyer's view on the value of a home. That means that 96% of buyers will view a staged home in a more positive light.

Reason #3: A picture is worth 1000 words, and yours will be better looking than the competition.

More than 90% of buyers now search for homes online. That means that if you don't have amazing photos, your home will be overlooked by many buyers. Your home's photos are truly the first impression of your house-- don't you want them to be the best they can be?

Reason #4: Stagers give an objective viewpoint to your home and its features.

Your home is your refuge from the world. Even if you never thought you would live there forever, chances are you have made some memories there. It is difficult for many sellers to detach themselves from their homes enough to de-personalize and de-clutter enough to attract buyers. That's where the stager comes in to help.

Reason #5: Your home will look bigger and brighter after staging.

Professional stagers know how to arrange your furniture to set your rooms at their best advantage. They know if you should add light fixtures to a space, change the curtains to let more light in, or paint the walls to make everything look bigger and brighter. That means better photos and a better look when buyers enter your home for the first time.

Reason #6: Staging will help your home sell faster.

There are 3 factors that impact the sale of a home: location, condition, and price. Your location is fixed, and your Realtor will advise you on the price that will result in a successful sale based on the condition of your home. If you can improve the condition of your home through staging, you will be able to sell quickly and for a higher price than before.

Reason #7: If you don't stage your home, you are helping the competition. 

While every home is unique, making your home stand out in a good way will put it ahead of other homes in buyers' minds. If you choose to sell your home as-is, there's a good chance you are helping another home in your area sell faster, because the buyers didn't see your home in its best light from the beginning.

Reason #8: You can relax knowing that you have done everything you can to sell your home.

The combination of a great Realtor and talented staging team means you have hired the best people to help you sell your home. The responsibility now falls to their talents, and you just have to sit back and review the offers that come in.

Are you selling your home in 2016? Contact Preferred Realty Partners today and take advantage of our decades of combined experience in the Northern Virginia real estate market. Our homes sell for 3% more than average!

Home Prices are up!

I found this interesting article on Yahoo News today and I thought Virginia home owners might be interested in it. In summary it says that prices are up in many metropolitan areas and existing homes available for sale are at a 10 year low.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/home-prices-increase-most-major-140227717.html

This is great news if you have a home to sell, we've seen similar trends of prices moving up in many local areas especially closer to the beltway. And coupled with historically low interest rates it makes now a great time to buy! If you happen to be in the market.

Rates are still CRAZY LOW!

We've been watching interest rates for a while now, and so far they are still at historical lows. If you own a home and you're not upside down in value, this is a great time to refinance!

If you're looking to buy, don't wait! These rates won't last forever and if your credit is good you can afford a lot more home at 3.31% than you can at 4.5%.

See this article from Inman News for more information.
http://www.inman.com/news/2012/11/21/give-thanks-if-you-qualify-record-low-mortgage-rates

A Storm's A Comin'

Folks, If you're in the Northern Virginia area, or anywhere in the affected area of Hurricane Sandy, I hope you've evacuated if you were urged to and that you'll stay inside and off the roads. It looks like we're really in for it. Be safe, tie down anything that's not tied down, and get a good book to read (and some candles, just in case).

Everyone stay safe!

Gorgeous Condo just 4 Blocks from Rosslyn Metro Stop!

Welcome to The Belvedere, where you can have this breathtaking view of downtown Washington, D.C. from your enclosed glass balcony.

This two-bedroom condo complete with hardwood floors, beautifully updated kitchen and spectacular building amenities is available for purchase. Building features an outdoor pool, indoor fitness center with whirlpool, saunas and shower & locker facilities. Also included in condominium amenities are two outdoor lighted tennis courts, a party room, library, and car wash bays.

There is so much to love about this condo, we think you'll want to come and see it for yourself! But if you'd rather browse the listing online, we have a link for that too. 

This weekend in NOVA

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, here are a few ideas:

Friday Night:

• Twilight Jumpers at Great Meadow (The Plains, VA)
• If you're going to be downtown in Washington D.C. You can catch the last evening parade of the summer by the U.S. Marine Band, U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, Marine Corps Color Guard and Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. (Washington, DC)
• If you are into Theater, Zemfira Stage presents the Mel Brooks classic "The Producers" at James Lee Community Center (Annandale, VA). 

Saturday:

• Alexandria Art Market - featuring artwork of all kinds, jewelry, multicultural music and food from local restaurants. FREE EVENT! (Alexandria, VA)
• Page-to-Stage Festival - Presented by the Kennedy Center - FREE EVENT!

Sunday:

• The Big Dig Potato Harvest & Pancake Breakfast at Great Country Farm! (Bluemont, VA) They also have a fantastic Farmer's Market, petting zoo and lots of fun things for kids to do. Make sure you get a jar of their Blackberry or Peach Jam!
• Mini-Golf Inside the Museum - National Building Museum (Washington, DC)
• Middle Eastern Food Festival (McLean, VA) FREE EVENT!!

Have a great weekend!