You've decided to sell your

As soon as you know your open house date, you need to get your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home ready. De-cluttering is a major step to make rooms look bigger. The minimalist approach is good. You need to create a space that is inviting to the eye and allows buyers to see themselves living in it. That's hard to do with your collection of spoons from different states or a prominent display of beanie babies.

Now is the time to make all those repairs you have put off. When selling your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home, there is no such thing as a "small repair". Loose doorknobs, ripped window screens, leaky faucets or a faulty doorbell make a potential buyer wonder what other bigger issues may lurk within these walls. That can either lower their offer price or make them check your home off their dream list altogether.

Use some elbow grease on your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home. Really get into every nook and cranny. Wash the walls, clean the windows and scrub the grout. Deep clean the carpets. Steam clean the draperies and furniture, especially if you have pets or smokers in the house. Don't be fooled. Just because a smoker smokes outside doesn't mean that they don't bring that smell into the home when they are done. The smell of smoke lingers the longest in wood and fabric and is the hardest smell to get rid of.

Don't ignore the outside of your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home. Make sure the lawn is freshly mowed a couple of days before your open house is scheduled. Trim the shrubs. Store toys, bikes, tools, etc. neatly away. Keep the trash bins out of sight, if possible. If not, neatly tuck them away behind the gate so they aren't the first thing buyers see when they pull up.

On the day of your open house, store all personal items (checkbooks, bank statements, piggy banks, valuables, etc) in your trunk for safekeeping. Dress the dining room table as if you'll be hosting a special dinner. Set up the backyard table for a barbecue. Remove all toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, prescription medication, etc) from the bathrooms. Stowe countertop kitchen appliances in cabinets. Make sure there is plenty of light by opening up all the draperies and blinds. Hang up clean, fresh towels in the bathroom. Remove trip hazards, such as cords and throw rugs, including bath mats.

Offering goodies to eat always sets a nice tone for potential buyers of your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home. The smell of freshly baked cookies brings sets a "homey" atmosphere for buyers as well. You can always buy the ready to bake ones at the store for a simple "no fuss, no muss" treat. Freshly brewed coffee is another inviting smell. Make sure you leave a note for your guests to help themselves.

Most importantly of all, just before the open house is set to begin...get out! Go take a long walk. Visit with friends or family. Spend some time at the park. Take in a movie. Buyers aren't comfortable when the owner of the home is there while they are checking it out. The goal of an open house is to show a potential buyer that this could be their home. If they aren't comfortable, they won't want to put in an offer.

With a bit of planning and some elbow grease, you can make your Northern Virginia/South Carolina open house run as smoothly and stress-free as possible. Knowing what to do to prepare for an open house certainly helps. If you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me. Together, we can get your home sold in no time!

Gene Mock, your Northern Virginia, South Carolina and Washington DC real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Northern Virginia homes real estate here: http://northernvirginiahomes.net/2012/04/19/what-to-do-to-prepare-for-an-open-house/.

It seems like a simple concept: put money away to buy a Northern Virginia/South Carolina home. So, why does it seem so hard to do? According to financial guru Suze Orman, you should have at least 10-20% of the home's purchase price to put down in order not to find yourself financially strapped. There are programs out there to help you buy a Northern Virginia/South Carolina home even if you have less than 10%. But, with 20% down, for example, you won't have to pay the private mortgage insurance (PMI) required by mortgage companies when you borrow more than 80% of the price of a home. That can save you a decent amount of money. Not to mention that the more you put down, the less you have to borrow, which, in turn, makes your monthly mortgage payment less. So, how do you save money to buy a home? It is easier than you think.

First, make a budget. I know, I know. Nobody LIKES to make a budget. But it is incredibly important to get a real idea of what you take in, what you pay and what your actual debt load is BEFORE you purchase that Northern Virginia/South Carolina home. That way, you will know exactly what price range you can realistically afford. Be faithful in tracking expenses by keeping a daily log of every single purchase you make and bill you pay for a month. This will help you see where you spend your money on a daily basis and where you can afford to "trim the fat".

After you've worked out your new "saving for a home" budget, determine how much you can set aside every month for your "we're going to be homeowners" savings account. Many people find it easiest to create a completely separate savings account that is meant only for your downpayment. If your employer offers direct deposit, allocate a specific amount of your paycheck to be deposited into this special savings account. Psychologically speaking, if you don't ever see the money to begin with, you really won't miss it.

While saving for your Northern Virginia/South Carolina dream home, you don't necessarily have to live like a hermit. You can still enjoy movies, eating out and going places. You'll just need to reduce the amount you normally spend. For example, a typical family of four can easily spend around $100 to go to the movies, when you factor in the cost of the goodies you consume while there. Instead, rent a movie and buy microwave popcorn to enjoy while watching. Instead of going out to eat twice a week, cut it back to once and go out to lunch instead of dinner (much less expensive). Pack up your lunch and take it with you to work rather than paying to eat out. "Treat" yourself to a latte once a week instead of spending $5-$6 everyday.

These are just a few ideas to help get you started on saving money to buy your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home. It does take some focus to make your dreams of homeownership happen. But, boy are they worth it! Home prices haven't been this low in years (and they're starting to go up slightly), interest rates remain low and inventory is plentiful enough to find just what you're looking for. Just let me know when you're ready to make the next step by actually viewing homes for sale in the Northern Virginia/South Carolina area. I'll be happy to help.

Gene Mock, your Northern Virginia, South Carolina and Washington DC real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Northern Virginia homes real estate blog here: http://northernvirginiahomes.net/2012/04/12/how-to-save-money-to-buy-a-home/.

Boy Scouts aren't the only ones who should "be prepared". The tornadoes that recently ripped through the Dallas-Fort Worth area got me thinking about the possible disasters we can face at any time here in Northern Virginia/South Carolina. While we don't exactly live in tornado alley, there are plenty of other emergencies we may face while we think we are safely tucked away in our homes. Preparing a home emergency kit before a disaster strikes is always a smart idea.

Your emergency kit needs to be portable. In the stress of reacting to a fire or flood, for example, you need to be able to have everything you need in a central location that is easy to just grab and go as you flee your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home. A big duffel bag or simple suitcase is perfect for this. Keep it near the exit or at least within easy reach at all times.

Since it can take several days before you get situated after an emergency, the general rule of thumb is to keep at least a three day's supply of necessities in your emergency kit. Each kit should contain the following basics:

• Water - 1 gallon/person/day. This will be used for drinking as well as basic sanitation needs. Double for children and don't forget the pets.
• Food - Non-perishable (canned, boxed or MRE). If the cans aren't the "pop top" variety, make sure to include a hand operated can opener. You can also pack things like trail mix, cereal bars and other treats. Keep all food in animal-proof, airtight containers to keep critters out. Regularly go through your food rations before an emergency to rotate out the older food before it expires. You don't need to deal with food poisoning on top of an emergency situation.
• First Aid - This includes a couple of pairs of protective gloves, bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, eye wash, thermometer, tweezers, pain reliever (aspirin or non-aspirin varieties), antacids (Tums, Pepto Bismol), tape and a laxative. The stress from the emergency coupled with a change in your regular diet can do a real number on your digestive system.
• Flashlight With Batteries - These are the safer alternative to candles. Too many Northern Virginia/South Carolina homes have caught fire due to candles that have been left to burn on their own. If possible, get a flashlight that you can keep in a wall-mounted charger unit so that you know it is ready to just grab and go at a moment's notice. If not, keep extra batteries in your home emergency kit.
• Sanitation/Hygiene Supplies - Travel-size bottles of shampoo, body wash, toothpaste and other hygiene products will fit nicely inside your emergency kit. Consider using dry shampoo so you don't have to waste precious water resources on cleaning your hair. Include toilet paper, moist towelettes, paper towels, garbage bags, plastic ties and feminine hygiene products (if needed).
• Radio - For major disasters, the radio may be your only link to the world outside your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home. Hand-crank models can be found at army surplus stores. Yet another reason to keep extra batteries in your kit.
• Miscellaneous - Help kids pass the time with some little toys, cards, jacks, story books, etc. Duct tape is good for almost anything. Portable whistles can help you signal for help better than your voice can.
• Cash - Always keep about $100 in small bills available. It may be hard to get to an ATM right away.

If you have small children, keep extra sets of diapers, pull-up pants and formula in your kit. A few days supply of necessary prescription medication is important to include as well. You may want to throw a wrench in there so you can shut off the gas and/or water if necessary. Tailor your emergency kit to fit your family's specific needs. Preparing a home emergency kit before disaster strikes is good common sense for any Northern Virginia/South Carolina homeowner.

Gene Mock, your Northern Virginia, South Carolina and Washington DC real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Northern Virginia homes blog here: http://northernvirginiahomes.net/2012/04/05/preparing-a-home-emergency-kit/.

The ever-changing landscape of the American job market is such that many people in the workforce have now begun working, partially and full-time, from their Northern Virginia/South Carolina homes. Just like brick-and-mortar shops, home-based businesses also are allowed certain deductions come tax time. Whether you have a room dedicated solely to your business or simply use a desk in a corner of the kitchen to get your work done, work 40 hours a week or are a weekend warrior, as long as you operate a legitimate business, you may be eligible for deductions on your income taxes. The following is a guideline for home office deductions:

What Qualifies as a Home Office?
A home office must be a specific area in your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home that is dedicated solely for business. If you communicate with clients, conduct your everyday business affairs or even store product, it may qualify as a home office. Also, if your employer requires you to do work from home, your home office may also qualify. However, just because you feel overwhelmed at work and bring it home to try to "catch up" doesn't mean you have a "home office". Always check with your tax adviser first to verify that what you have can legitimately claimed as a home office.

Home Office Size as Percentage of Home Used
To determine what amount of your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home expenses can be deducted for your home office when using an area inside of your home, you must first determine the size of your home office in relation to the total square footage of your house. That means measuring the area of the room or dedicated work space and dividing it the total square footage of your home. For example, if you live in a 2,000 square foot home and the room you use as dedicated office space is 150 square feet in size, the percentage of your Northern Virginia/South Carolina used solely for office space is 7.5%. If you are unsure of your home's total square footage, consult your original home loan documents or property tax information. If you've converted your garage into an office, this home percentage rule doesn't apply. Again, speak with your tax adviser to find out how to determine home office deductions for a separate structure.

What Home Expenses are Deductible?
After you've determined what percentage of your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home is used for actual business, you can calculate your deductions for typical homeowner expenses, such as mortgage, electricity, gas, internet (if applicable), phone, real estate taxes, homeowners insurance and home repairs. Renters can also follow the same guidelines. However, most states require that you have authorization from your landlord to use the property for business purposes before you can claim any home office deductions.

This information is only meant as a guideline for home office deductions. Since I am not a tax consultant, adviser or CPA, please be sure to talk to your tax professional before filing your taxes to get the most accurate and current information available. Working from home has become a way of life for many Northern Virginia/South Carolina homeowners. Why not take advantage of any tax benefits you may receive from it? Remember, the deadline to file your taxes this year is Tuesday, April 15, 2012.

Gene Mock, your Northern Virginia, South Carolina and Washington DC real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Northern Virginia Homes real estate blog here: http://northernvirginiahomes.net/2012/03/29/guideline-for-home-office-deductions/.

#1 - Keep it clean. Asking for extras like making the seller pay for closing costs, lender fees, a home warranty or other things may turn the seller off of your offer. They may move on to another Northern Virginia/South Carolina buyer who is asking for a lot less, making for an easier transaction for them.

#2 - Tailor your offer to the seller's needs. Ask your agent to talk to the seller's agent to find out what is important to the seller (ie, they need a particular price, they want to close in a certain period of time, etc). Then, your Northern Virginia/South Carolina agent can help you craft your offer in terms of meeting the seller's requirements, making your offer look much more attractive.

#3 - Increase your earnest deposit. Typically, your earnest deposit (money put into an account to show good faith) is 1% of the purchase price. Consider offering more than that to show you are both serious and financially stable enough to afford the Northern Virginia/South Carolina house in question.

#4 - Bigger down payment. Instead of putting the minimum amount down on your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home loan, put more down. For example, a typical FHA loan requires 3.5% as down payment. Put 5% down instead. Like the earnest deposit, this will show that you are both serious and financially sound.

#5 - Add an "escalation clause" to your offer. This is when you offer to pay a certain amount over what the next highest bidder offers up to a specific amount. For example, you decide that the most you are willing to pay on your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home is $300,000. Instead of offering $300,000 flat out, you add a clause in your offer that says you are willing to pay $500 over the next highest offer up to $299,999. If the highest bid the seller receives is $275,000, the escalation clause then makes your offer to be $275,500. Your real estate agent should talk to their broker to find out what legal language to use to write up the escalation clause. Always make sure to get a copy of the next highest bid from the seller before you enter into a sales contract to verify that what they said was the next highest offer is truly what the next highest offer was.

#6 - Buy the home "as is". This doesn't mean that you can't get an inspection on the Northern Virginia/South Carolina home before buying it or that you are legally bound to purchase it even after an inspection raises questions on possible expensive repairs. In fact, I still highly recommend getting an inspection. Making an offer on the home "as is" means that you won't hold the seller responsible for, let's say, replacing carpets, re-roofing or anything else that can delay a sale and cost the seller more money.

Crafting the perfect offer and getting it accepted is just another step in Northern Virginia/South Carolina homeownership that is unavoidable. Keep these top six ways to get your offer accepted will help you realize your piece of the American dream. Let me know how I can help.

Gene Mock, your Northern Virginia, South Carolina and Washington DC real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Northern Virginia homes blog here: http://northernvirginiahomes.net/2012/03/22/top-6-ways-to-get-your-offer-accepted/.

Several years ago, homes seemed to sell themselves. Sometimes, a property could be listed and sold in the same day. However, that's not the way it is in today's real estate market. Selling your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home can be stressful under the best of situations. But it doesn't have to be. Especially if you avoid some of these common seller mistakes.

Not Cleaning Up - Think of selling your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home as a job interview. Buyers are your potential boss. You would never think of interviewing for a white collar position in a pair of ripped blue jeans, a stained shirt and flip flops, would you? First impressions really do matter, especially when it comes time to sell a home. Pick up and put away the toys, put dirty clothes in the hamper, put clean clothes away, clear the sink of dirty dishes and throw out the trash.

Staying During a Showing - It's natural to be curious about what potential buyers think of your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home. However, you could actually hurt a sale by sticking around. Buyers like to take their time to truly investigate a property. They want to feel free to discuss what they think about it without having the owner standing over them. A showing is the perfect time to take the dog for a nice long walk, visit with neighbors, catch a movie or run some errands. Your REALTOR® will catch you up to speed once the buyers have gone.

Going the "For Sale by Owner" Route - Yes, Northern Virginia/South Carolina homes can be sold by homeowners themselves. However, even seasoned professionals will tell you that trying to handle everything (from advertising to scheduling showings and juggling paperwork to handling negotiations) is a lot to take on. Hiring a knowledgeable REALTOR® who understands the local real estate market is well worth the fee. In many ways, they can actually save you money and they certainly save you the stress of trying to sell your home by yourself.

Forgoing an Agent Interview - Chances are, when you hired a babysitter, you interviewed several people to find the right individual. At the very least, you asked for recommendations from other people you trusted about who they have used in the past. The same goes for your REALTOR®. Talk to a few different Northern Virginia/South Carolina real estate professionals to find one that will fit your needs and personality. You will be working very closely over the next couple of months. So, hiring someone you are comfortable with and who has the skills, knowledge and experience you need is important.

Unrealistic Pricing - I can't stress this enough. Don't price your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home according to what you "think" it should cost. This isn't personal. Setting your sales price too high means that it will sit on the market far too long while other houses around it are snatched right up. In order to sell your home, you will eventually need to lower your price. In a buyer's mind, when your home has been on the market for a while and you have lowered your price once or twice, they believe you may be so desperate to sell that they can come in with a much lower offer than if you had priced it competitively to begin with. Talk to your REALTOR® about what homes in the area have sold for recently, what they are priced at/selling for now, how long it has taken for them to sell and how the market looks to be going in the next few months. This is yet another reason hiring a professional instead of trying to sell it yourself can make such a difference.

Avoiding common seller mistakes can mean the difference between selling your Northern Virginia/South Carolina home quickly and moving on or having to endure a long, drawn-out, stressful sales process. The choice is yours. When you're ready to put your home on the market, contact me. I can definitely help you experience as smooth of a real estate transaction as possible.

Gene Mock, your Northern Virginia, South Carolina and Washington DC real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Northern Virginia real estate blog here: http://northernvirginiahomes.net/2012/03/15/avoiding-common-seller-mistakes/.