5 Tips for Selling a Northern Virginia Home in Winter

Many people say that spring and summer are the best times to sell a home. While each season has its advantages and disadvantages, winter is actually a great time to sell your home in Northern Virginia. Keep reading to get tips and advice to make your home stand out and get it sold for the best value in winter. 

 

1. Dress up the front of your house to make it feel warm and inviting. Don't go overboard!  You want to make sure that you enhance the curb appeal of your home, not hide it. Strategically placed lights and greenery are often enough to create the idea of a welcoming home.  As in other seasons, you want to create that great first impression with curb appeal.

 

2. One of the biggest things is a simple one-- make sure to keep the house clean and all walkways clear of leaves, snow, and other debris. If buyers need to trek through a few inches of snow on the way into your home, or if they enter a kitchen with dirty dishes all over the counter, that sets the wrong tone for the showing.

 

3. Don't be shy with the light and the heat. When you sell a home in the winter, turn on all the lights before showings and open the blinds. Allowing more light creates a more welcoming atmosphere, and buyers will see your home at its best. Also be sure to keep your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature all day when you have a showing. Not only does a cold home make buyers feel uncomfortable, but they will also start questioning whether your HVAC system is working.

 

4. Something many do not consider when preparing a home for showing is providing sound, specifically music. You could put on jazz, classical, or any other music you feel wouldn't distract from the house. Having soft music in the background makes the home feel more alive, and buyers will be more comfortable moving around and evaluating the home.

 

5. Be sure to take advantage of the lower inventory in the wintertime and highlight the unique features of your home. Your Realtor should have all items of significance listed in the MLS and in their in-home flyer, but you might take the time to place a small notice outside of each room to point out the important features. If you have a new water heater, you might notate that outside of your utility room, or you could list the materials used in your beautiful kitchen renovation so buyers know exactly what they are getting.

Are you buying or selling a home in Northern Virginia this year? Contact Preferred Realty Partners today to get started. 

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.

New Listing: 2850 Bradley Acres Court

Located in desirable Bradley Acres in Herndon VA, our latest listing has been meticulously maintained and is ready for its next owner. This home has a new roof, new windows, and new siding. The owners cut their energy bill in half with these upgrades!

The carpeting is like-new throughout the house. It is plush and clean and only a few years old.

Neutral paint colors mean this home is ready to be personalized. Classic details like chair rails and crown molding are featured in the dining room.

The large gourmet kitchen has hardwood floors that were refinished at the end of 2015. The beautiful stainless steel refrigerator is a recent upgrade. The countertops are marble, and they shine in person.

The kitchen includes an eat-in breakfast area with a sizable bay window. Enjoy your large backyard with mature trees while you have your coffee in the mornings.

Skylights and a vaulted ceiling make the family room a bright and pleasant room to spend time. The wood-burning fireplace is great for cool winter nights.

A giant loft space can be used as an office, playroom, workout area, and so much more. Look down on the main living area and never be far from the rest of your family.

The master bedroom features vaulted ceilings and large windows facing the rear of the home. Enjoy peace and quiet here every night.

The master bathroom has separate vanities so everyone has plenty of space to get ready each morning. You'll also find a separate tub and shower and ceramic tile floors.

The master walk-in closet includes built-in shelving to keep you organized. The space has been maximized so you can fit more but still see it all!

The 2nd bedroom faces front and has two large windows. The carpet is like-new. This bedroom shares a bathroom with the other room upstairs.

The 3rd bedroom also faces the front of the home. It's a quiet street so noise is at a minimum.

Down in the finished basement, there is plenty of room for entertaining or working out. A sliding glass door leads out to a concrete patio. There is a large unfinished area for storage and the laundry is located in the basement as well.

The fourth bedroom is located in the basement, and it has a full bathroom nearby. This is perfect to give guests some privacy while they visit.

The view from the deck is beautiful in any season. Enjoy a barbecue in the summer and relax in your own private oasis.

The patio leads straight out from the basement and overlooks the sloping yard.

A small stream runs on the property between the mature trees.

Are you or someone you know moving to Herndon VA this year? We'd love to help. Contact Preferred Realty Partners today to see this home and any others on the market in Herndon VA.