It is the Holiday Season again. Social calendars and children’s activities are at their peak. A common belief is that December is “quiet” in real estate. In reality, things are abuzz preparing for the New Year. Realtors are planning and wrapping up their year. Many homeowners are thinking, while perhaps, not taking immediate action.
When the calendar slows, distractions abound. Plans percolate. There might be fewer sales. There is also less competition (good for buyers). Are you evaluating how your space functions? Conversations often shift from “Should we?” to “What do we want next?” What do you really want?
The Conversations That Matter Most
Planning conversations revolve around timing, readiness, and sequencing. Much depends on selling or holding the current property. Should you consider a more immediate or deferred approach?
What matters to you most? Do you need more space, a different location, more land? What does your next chapter look like?
Here is why early planning matters. Several years ago, a client shared some plans for the following year. We discussed options and made a plan. I received a distress call shortly before their listing was going on the market. A neighbor was also going on the market at the same time. “What should we do?” I assured them that we are ready to put the house on the market immediately. There were no properties for sale in the entire community. So, “Let’s get you several offers, the best buyer, and the best offer, and those who miss your house can have the next one.” This is exactly what happened. Soon after their sale, three more houses came on the market. There were no multiple offers. Our price remained top for the neighborhood for quite some time.
Financial Considerations
The financial and strategic conversations are inescapable – the “yes…but.” Yet, where there is a will there is a way. You most likely have equity in your current property which will benefit your future purchase. As a seller, tax advantages could help you act sooner than later. Perhaps now is a good time to have a preliminary conversation with your trusted real estate advisor.
Your three percent loan is marvelous, but you can still up or downsize despite interest rate fluctuations. I have structured many happy outcomes and helped my clients build wealth.
Waiting until January or worse, “spring” limits your options. January brings speed, competition, and many external pressures. Making reactive decisions is rarely optimal. Early conversations allow for better evaluation, preparation, and ultimately, execution.
As in any important financial consideration, thoughtful outcomes begin with thoughtful conversations. If you are considering a potential change, contact me now. I will help you sort the pieces and give you meaningful information with which to make good decisions. After all, the best real estate decisions are rarely rushed. They are considered.
Cold weather changes the rhythm of our homes. We shift from open windows and outdoor evenings to warm fireplaces, hot tea, and the satisfying quiet of a winter night. Yet winter requires more than comfort. It asks that we protect what protects us. A thoughtful checklist now prevents emergencies later.
Protect Pipes from a Cold Night
Few things interrupt a peaceful winter evening like a frozen pipe. When water turns to ice, it expands and can burst pipes behind walls or beneath floors. The damage is both expensive and preventable. Insulate exposed pipes in garages and crawl spaces. Keep interior temperatures steady, especially overnight. If you plan to be away, leave the heat set above fifty-five degrees. A winter night is no time for the house to fend for itself.
Ice Dams and Rooflines
Snow on the roof is picturesque until warm air beneath melts it, and it refreezes at the eaves. The ice forms a dam, and water has nowhere to go except beneath shingles. It is the hidden kind of problem that appears in March when ceilings become discolored. Proper attic insulation and ventilation keep temperatures uniform. Clean gutters before the first snowfall, and if heavy snow arrives, use a roof rake from the ground. Let the roof stay cold. That is the goal.
Walkways and Concrete Surfaces
Salt seems like a winter necessity until one remembers that salt breaks down concrete. Over time, it erodes driveways and walkways. The better approach is calcium magnesium acetate or similar products that are kinder to surfaces. The real secret is prompt snow removal. The less ice forms, the less melting product you need.
Doors, Windows, and Storm Doors
Winter air knows how to slip inside. A loose latch or worn weather stripping can make a room feel twenty degrees cooler. Take a moment when you close storm doors. Listen for the latch. Check windows and sliding doors for small gaps that invite drafts. Replace worn seals. Secure latches. These are small details that make a noticeable difference on a January morning.
Fireplaces, Embers, and a Cautionary Note
A winter fireplace is one of life’s quiet luxuries: a chair nearby, a warm beverage, and the comfort of real heat. Yet fireplace ash carries a danger many homeowners underestimate. Hot embers can remain active for hours.
Never dispose of them outdoors or in the yard. A breeze can reignite ash and send embers toward siding, mulch, or wood structures. Always place ashes in a metal container with a lid, kept away from the house, until fully cooled. It is a simple precaution that prevents a house fire while everyone is asleep.
Winter Should Be Enjoyed
The purpose of preparation is not worry. It is confidence. Once the essentials are handled, winter can be what we hope it will be: evenings by the fire, comfort in familiar rituals, and the quiet pleasure of knowing the house is ready.
Here’s to enjoying the season prepared and protected.
This is the season when we spend more time indoors and our doors and windows remain closed for longer periods.
I am deathly allergic and toxic to mold. A three second exposure can make me ill for weeks and even months. I often laugh with my buyer clients that I am the official “mold meter” when we look at houses. There have been times that I detected mold even before opening the front door. I share my experience with my clients, and we leave as quickly as possible. Sick houses can be cleaned. My clients need not be the ones to do that.
Not everyone smells or reacts to mold. I believe that educating my clients is paramount. No sale is worth illness and maladies. I would rather walk away than knowingly let my clients buy into malaise, illness, and even life-threatening accidents. A mold reaction caused me to fall from my horse, breaking my ankle. My life changed. I have not been the same ever since.
While everyone has varying levels of reaction, if any, to mold in a property, it is important to understand how mold develops and where it can grow. It is not always the old basement, although it quite possibly can be. With weather changes and moisture changes, below is a list (not comprehensive but suggestive) where mold can grow:
Window casings and drywall around them
Doors – under sill plates and around the frames on the drywall
Under sink base cabinets
Under dishwashers
Under washing machines
Under HVAC condensate lines
Inside HVAC air handlers
Behind and under refrigerators (even those without water sources)
Bathrooms
Basements – under floors, wall bases, even ceilings
Your car!!
What can you do to prevent mold from taking root in your home or car?
Inspect window caulking regularly – recaulk as needed
Check door sill plates – especially at decks and patios
Look under sinks – look for evidence of moisture – attack and remediate
Look under your dishwasher for evidence of water and mold signs
Look under and behind washing machines
Have your HVAC serviced and inspected semi-annually – ask your tech to look for evidence of leakage and mold
Pull your refrigerator out – inspect the floor
Run the exhaust fan in your bathrooms while showering to prevent condensation build-up
Confirm that bathroom exhaust fans are operating properly
Change the air filter in your car
Keep all HVAC filters clean
Here are a few unsettling facts that I recently discovered:
Drywall in its manufacturing process has imbedded mold spores
Mold loves drywall. That is why after a water incursion event, mold grows on drywall very quickly.
New home construction can “build-in” mold during the construction process by allowing materials to get wet.
Your car’s trunk gasket can be allowing water incursion and harboring mold
Your car’s air filter can get damaged by mice – their deposits can sprout mold
Your car’s AC can leak into your dash – mold can sprout
These lists are just a few of the mold issues that can develop over time or quickly.
Mold has been associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, upper respiratory ailments, even ‘colds’ could be reactions to mold. Do not be lulled into security by a ‘new house.’
Last year, I walked through our basement bedroom for a split second. That was long enough for me to get sick. It lasted through January. Where was the mold? Our basement bath exhaust fan had stopped exhausting but sounded to be running just fine. My husband likes the shower there. The moisture from the shower traveled to the far corner of the room, settled on the cold tile floor under a night table, and sprouted a quarter-sized spot of mold.
As a precaution – I had the exterior walls’ drywall removed – luckily – all was dry including studs and base framing. The tile was dry with no evidence of water. I called a waterproofing company – they tried to sell me a $50,000 remediation system.
I decided to call on the home inspector who inspects my clients’ home purchases. He came armed with a moisture meter. He found none. Then, he suggested laying down and sealing a vapor barrier plastic sheet like that of a crawl space. He told us to leave it down for 7-10 days. If at the end of the period, there was moisture under the barrier – there is a water problem. If none, then it was a condensation problem. Luckily, it was the latter.
Our brilliant contractor figured out that the exhaust fan was not extracting the condensation. In with a new fan and lots of cleaning – all is well.
However, this episode required that I discard the entire contents of the room. I had my brand new furnace thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Mold spores are airborne and had certainly settled on all fabrics and furnishings. All because an exhaust fan had malfunctioned. On that note – ask questions about the history of any resale furnishings that you are considering buying. Have you ever smelled mustiness in antique drawers . . . ?
Mold is toxic and for those who are sensitive, each episode increases that sensitivity and the reactions. While I am not a mold expert, here is a link to mold and its remediation on YouTube. The mold conversation begins around the 3 minute mark. It is a little long but could save you years of misery.
If you have questions or need resources, contact Krasi Henkel – TEXT – 703-624-8333. If you are planning to buy your next home, Text Krasi.
After attending the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce ‘PolicyMaker Series: Postelection Aftermath’ I walked away with concerns and considerations. This blog is not intended to make or take a political stand, but to outline possibilities and current actions. Keeping you informed so that you can make the best possible decisions, is always my goal.
Politicians and analysts banter the term, affordable housing. Let’s unpack this concept and discover how, if at all, affordability can be affected.
The variables of affordability consist of the following obvious pieces:
The price of real estate
The mortgage interest rate
The mortgage term (number of years)
Cost to insure
Taxes
Income tax incentives (if any)
Housing supply and local zoning
To improve affordability, one or more of the above variables must be influenced as follows:
Private property values are subject to market forces.
Mortgage interest rates while variable, can be subsidized by jurisdictions or offset by tax savings
The term of the mortgage 15-30-50 affects the monthly payment
Insurance is partly environmental risk based, and partly determined by your desired value to insure and what to include.
Taxes – real estate taxes are based on jurisdictional assessments. You can appeal assessments. You can elect officials who would reduce tax rates.
The Federal government or even the state can make interest, taxes, etc. deductible at higher rates – AKA – subsidizing through deductibility.
Supply and demand shifts from scarcity to accessibility can partially be accomplished through thoughtful zoning and maybe expeditious reviews.
Below are possible solutions but will require bold federal and state participation.
Let’s clear one thing up – homeowners do not plan to decrease the asking prices for their houses in a scarcity scenario. Insurers have suffered massive losses and will likely not be reducing their rates, and their reinsurers will most likely not be doing the same.
Property taxes – you can evaluate your jurisdictional budgets and determine potential austerity measures with which to justify tax reductions. We all know that this is a long term project involving studies, hearings, and elections.
While on the topic of property taxes and local jurisdictions, one way to increase supply would be to loosen zoning regulations and shorten permit and inspection periods. All of that requires public hearings. Realistically, when was the last time a voting block voted to increase density?
Income tax deductibility or credits could be useful subject to income limits. This will require political maneuvering, bills, vetoes, and committees, and lots of talk and perhaps a little help.
Mortgage interest is a possible variant. When affordability is addressed, it is often addressed for first time home buyers. The US government, states, and local governments offer mortgage loans to offset cash down payments, and structure loans based on a variety of criteria. This is where creativity can set in and offers interesting options to consider.
Let’s look at Virginia for example. There are several assistance loan products including down payment and closing cost grants. After that there is Virginia Housing (formerly VHDA), which is funded through bonds and are not and do not affect the tax base. These loans come with quite a few strings and qualification can be onerous. Looking at today’s mortgage rate, I note that VHDA is offering their loan for 6.5%. Yet FHA, VA, USDA are all below 6%.
Another mortgage alternative is increasing the loan amortization terms from 30 to 50 years. Yes, the total interest paid will be higher, but the monthly payment can become affordable. Consider the example below:
$500,000 loan at 5.75%
30 year principal and interest (PI) payment: $2918
50 year principal and interest (PI) payment: $2540
The monthly savings will be: $ 378
That difference can make the difference in qualifying.
It will cost more over the life of the loan. The reality is that most people move every seven years. Loans can be refinanced if rates decline. I have met very few people who retained their original loan to its final payment. The 30-year mortgage was originally tied to the 30-year treasury bill. Though, the 10-year Treasury Note is a more direct benchmark. The 30-year treasuries are called “long bonds.”
Zoning:
Zoning adjustment measure has been on Virginia’s local jurisdiction radar for over five years. Since 2020 initiatives to modify local zoning to permit density increases have been proposed.
Last week, a circuit court judge recently ruled in favor of the City of Alexandria in the “Zoning for Housing” lawsuit, dismissing the case and allowing the city’s zoning reforms to stand.
The case had been brought by local property owners, Coalition for a Livable Alexandria, protesting the density changes and their perceived impact on their properties. This ruling allows the city’s “Zoning for Housing” ordinance to proceed.
A question: with the decision in place, can a developer now buy a single family house, tear it down and build a multi-family structure? What are the limits? What are the safeguards? Where will those residents park? How will the existing infrastructure support the additional density as far as education and traffic?
In Tysons, a similar initiative has been enacted. Click here to learn more about these and other Virginia measures.
While political promises abound, reality sets in. The recent election platform was heavy on affordable housing. When I inquired at the recent event, about the “how” of the promises, the moderator ‘ran out of time.’ I asked why VHDA loan rates outstrip all other loan rates. When I approached one of the State senators, he told me that they are “looking into it.” The urgency? Subject to interpretation. They seem focused on zoning changes as the primary solution.
There is no easy fix. Everyone must get involved and ask the hard questions: When politicians promise ‘affordable housing,’ ask them: Affordable to BUY, or affordable to RENT? Those are two very different things – one builds wealth and independence, the other creates permanent tenants beholden to landlords and government programs. The days of happy ambivalence are gone. You should pay close attention and make your decisions thoughtfully.
If you want to buy your first home, contact Broker Krasi Henkel. Her nearly 40 years of experience and exceptional lender network, produce dream-come-true scenarios. If you want to be one of the lucky few – text Krasi today – 703-624-8333.
Eleanore of Aquitaine: Her Influence on Architecture and the Fireplace
Fireplaces are a favorite holiday featureInspired by Eleanore of Aquitaine, the fireplace removed the smoke and mess from the castle by drafting the smoke through a chimney
Eleanore of Aquitaine was one of the most powerful and influential women of the Middle Ages. She was strong, determined, and opinionated. She got things done. She initiated a revolt against the king, her husband, in favor of her son. She was the mother of King Richard Lionheart and King John (not everyone is a winner). She rode astride and led and/or participated in the Second Crusade. At age 72, she crossed the Pyrenees Mountains in winter to select the future queen of France. She left a lasting impact on numerous aspects of European culture, including architecture and the development of the fireplace.
As Queen of France and later England, Eleanore was known for her patronage of the arts and her keen interest in architecture. She commissioned the construction of numerous castles, palaces, and abbeys throughout her domains, many of which showcased the latest architectural innovations of the time.
One of the most significant architectural features that Eleanore is credited with popularizing is the fireplace. Prior to the 12th century, most European homes relied on open hearths in the center of the room for heating and cooking. However, this design was inefficient and caused smoke to fill the living space.
Eleanore, having grown up in the sophisticated courts of Aquitaine, was accustomed to more advanced heating systems. She is believed to have introduced the concept of the wall-mounted fireplace to the castles and palaces she inhabited. This design, which featured a flue to carry smoke out of the building, allowed for better heat distribution and improved air quality.
The incorporation of fireplaces into castle design became increasingly common during Eleanore’s lifetime. The Great Hall, a central feature of medieval castles, often showcased grand fireplaces that served as a gathering place for the household. These fireplaces were not only functional but also highly decorative, with intricate carvings and elaborate mantels.
Eleanore’s influence on fireplace design can be seen in many of the castles and palaces she inhabited, such as the Palace of Poitiers and the Fontevraud Abbey. The latter, where Eleanore spent her final years and was eventually buried, features numerous fireplaces throughout its buildings.
The legacy of Eleanore’s architectural innovations extends beyond her own lifetime. The use of wall-mounted fireplaces became widespread throughout Europe in the centuries that followed, evolving into the diverse range of fireplace designs we know today.
Eleanore of Aquitaine’s influence on architecture and the development of the fireplace cannot be overstated. Her patronage of the arts and her introduction of advanced heating systems to medieval European castles left a lasting impact on architectural design and the way we heat our homes to this day.
Do you dream of a home with a fireplace? Whether gas or log-burning, quaint or ornate, Properties on the Potomac can help you find your perfect fireplace. Give us a call at 703-624-8333 today!
Ranch-style homes have been a popular choice for decades thanks to their practical single-story layouts and flexible spaces. While some home buyers may overlook older ranch houses in favor of newer construction, these modest homes actually offer great opportunities. With some creativity and wise investments, you can remodel a ranch house on a budget.
The Benefits of Buying an Older Ranch:
Mail level primary bedroom(s)
Mature trees and landscaping
Established neighborhoods
Lower property taxes
Good value per square foot
Flexible floor plans
Hardwood floors or solid mid-century materials
The Blank Canvas:
BEFOREAFTER
The simple shapes of ranch homes make them perfect blank canvases to incorporate modern style. Minor changes can make ranch homes feel fresh and new without blowing the budget. Consider these economical updates:
New paint in contemporary hues
Swap dated lighting for streamlined fixtures
Replace builder-basic kitchens and baths with IKEA systems
Refinish hardwood flooring hidden under outdated carpeting
Knock down walls to create open-concept spaces
Add an addition
Kitchen BeforeKitchen AfterPrimary Bath BeforePrimary Bath AfterEntry BeforeEntry ConstrucitonEntry After
The above photos were a joint project with Anders Hurd – Faber Custom Builders, Inc. The project was incredibly successful and the property sold to the first buyer ho saw it!!
Big Style for Small Budgets
You don’t need expensive materials to give a ranch home an interior facelift. Use these design insider tips:
Shop for unique vintage details
Use bold wallpaper or paint instead of new cabinets
Stain concrete floors for an industrial look
Upgrade windows and patio doors even if you keep other structural elements
The single-level living and unused basement or attics in ranch homes present opportunities for expansion or converting unused areas into rental units for extra income.
Addition to a ranch home provides tall, open spaces with abundant views
Take a fresh look at older ranch houses. With an updated exterior paint color, strategic refreshes indoors, and your own custom vision, you can personalize a home to suit your needs and style for less than you might expect. The charm and practicality of ranch homes continue to win over buyers who see their outstanding potential.
One of my favorite ranch homes in a subdivision that I have sold many ranches and that I love to walk my dog!
As opinions have currency in real estate, the cultured credibility offered by a home library can sway buyers and add significant value to a house. Though e-readers and digital books are common, there remains strong appeal to the tangible permanence and character of print books lining built-in shelves.
More than a storage place for novels and non-fiction, the home library represents intellectualism and refined tastes which many affluent buyers seek in a residence. Beyond superficial decor, an elegant library signals the substance of both current and past owners. It communicates that interesting dinner conversations, music, and art have filled those rooms.
Built-in bookcases hold special weight over stand-alone shelving. They demonstrate forethought in the home’s original design and construction and cannot be easily moved or changed on impulse like furniture. As integral house features, custom built-in bookcases can add 10-15% of their initial cost to listing prices. Their fixed nature also means volumes collected over years remain on display.
The permanence, personalization, and intellectual substance embodied in a home library comprises a unique asset. For buyers seeking both image and lifestyle, rooms of books can add eight to fifteen percent in perceived worth…or perhaps prove literally priceless among competing listings.
In showcasing owners’ sophistication, libraries reveal character that cannot be fabricated. Where furniture and paint colors change on trends, libraries accumulate over lifetimes. They bestow cultured credibility more reliable than passing fashions. For buyers sharing such values, a house with a library makes tangible the intellectual and cultural traditions they wish to perpetuate.
If you’re in search of a home with a library, or perhaps a home with the perfect space to build the library of your dreams, we’re here to help! Call Properties on the Potomac at 703-624-8333 today.
This is our most frequently asked question. It is understandable given low inventory, rising interest rates, and homes often selling for over list price. Real estate headlines can seem daunting. Headlines notwithstanding, our market is still active. Home values climbed at about 3.5% in the first half of this year as demand continues to outpace supply.
The key to this market is being an educated buyer or seller. Now more than ever, working with the right agent is critical. Selecting a savvy, experienced agent who will give you expert guidance will make all the difference in this competitive market.
Our proven systems help our clients find the right homes and make the best offers. Our success speaks for itself. We leave no details to chance. Our sellers optimize their properties to attract the most qualified buyers who are ready to move quickly.
Today’s most successful real estate agents are taking advance reservations from qualified clients. By planning ahead and partnering with a top agent, buyers and sellers can still achieve their property goals, even in this fast-paced market.
Bottom line: real estate remains an essential need and purchases are happening every day. With the right preparation and guidance, your real estate goals can absolutely become reality. The key to our clients’ success are our well-honed systems.
Do you have real estate plans for 2024? Connect with Properties on the Potomac at 703-624-8333 to start strategizing for your next move!
Red brick is distinctive. It has commanded attention over the centuries and does not disappoint today. The Victorian red brick house dates back to the 1870s and was typically a sign of wealth among homeowners, as yellow bricks were far less expensive.
The Empire State building, completed in 1931, is faced with 10 million red bricks. At the time of its opening, it was the tallest building in the world. Why the choice of red brick instead of some other color?
All bricks are not alike. Bricks are classified by color, class, size, and purpose of use. The bricks used to face residences are typically “First Class Bricks.” These bricks are thoroughly burnt, and are copper, dark red, or cherry in color. The bricks should be free of cracks, flaws, or stones. Their texture must be uniform and not be able to be scratched or dented by a fingernail. When two bricks are struck together, they should have a metallic ring. They should not absorb water and lime must not be visible in a brick fracture.
Bricks are made of clay and earthen components. The clay or material used affects the color and class of the bricks. Additionally, the length of time of “firing” affects the color. Extra burning makes a browner brick. Red bricks have to be made “just right” to optimize color and important features.
Because of the careful process needed to create the red bricks, the cost increases accordingly. Lighter colored bricks will have sand or even cement in their mix. Sand based bricks are more porous, thus less water resistant. Those bricks require sealing to remediate water absorption. There was a building in Washington, D.C. constructed with a very attractive red brick façade. Its sides and back were covered with yellow brick. If heavy rains hit from a particular direction, the interior walls of that building became damp. The walls behind the red bricks of the façade remained dry.
In short: the color of brick chosen for a home makes a statement. With today’s technology in brick manufacturing, more colors are available that qualify as first class. And while red brick may no longer be considered prestigious, a red brick house typically sells faster (subject to many other criteria) than a lighter colored brick, or homes clad in other materials.
Looking for your perfect red brick home? Call or text us at 703-624-8333.
Most people believe that selling their homes in spring (after March 21) is the best time. However, that is not real estate’s “spring” market.
Real Estate in no longer just regional, but national and even global. What happens in one area affects many others. Our properties in the Washington, D.C. Metro area are affected accordingly. Making decisions that affect one of your largest assets must be made with all of the best possible information. With this in mind, below are the five reasons to consider listing your property for sale now:
We are not in last year’s market. There are no guarantees of unlimited buyers.
The economy and corresponding interest rates are volatile.
In our decades of professional experience, the BEST time to sell is January, February, and March.
Buyers have been planning their moves before the holidays and purchase after the holidays.
Because most people count on the later market, the serious buyers have already made their decisions and purchased; leaving the inventory of listings to increase while the pool of buyers declines.
An example is from the post-2007 recession market: a client was being relocated to another state. They had to sell their home. We recommended listing it in February. After completing their presale activities, we put the house on the market in February. The first three groups who toured the house made competitive offers. Our clients made their move according to their best plans. Several months later, their neighbors listed their house for sale. Their house remained on the market for considerably longer than our clients’ property; selling with a single offer for slightly below my clients’ price.
In volatile markets such as this, delays can be costly.
If you are planning to sell your property this year, please contact us today so that we can help you make your best plans. Call or text us at 703-624-8333.
Properties on the Potomac, Inc. 