Category: Hist Farm Purcellville Real Estate

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Loudoun County, Virginia is the wealthiest and fastest growing county in the country. While these statistics may bring to mind McMansions crowding the landscape, those visions couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, the western portion of the county is actually very rural, with breathtaking views. The rolling hillsides are dotted with horses grazing, cows, grape vines, and countless fields of hay, corn, and other crops. Loudoun County is known for horses, horse shows, fox hunting, and multidisciplinary horseback riding from children’s lead line to world class show jumping, Olympic level eventing and dressage. With robust real estate demand, Loudoun is where technology and rural pursuits blend.

And so it makes sense that the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development recently hosted a Farm Exchange event. As the name suggests, participants discovered, or “exchanged,” resources, suppliers, and service providers related to agribusiness. Those who participated are right here in the community and offer valuable services that can help our clients achieve their agribusiness goals in the upcoming season.

As the only real estate services provider present, we promoted our farm property listings as well as upcoming custom homes. In addition to representing our services, we also forged valuable connections that we can utilize for our clients, including mortgage lenders, barn builders, insurance companies, landscape and tree services, soil and water management, farm equipment sales, rentals, and service, and a number of other businesses that would make any new farm owners’ business and recreation activities more pleasant and efficient.

This was the first such “exchange” and it was well received. Properties on the Potomac was honored to participate, and we look forward to additional events where we can make even more connections for our clients.

Whether you are looking to acquire raw land for development or an existing horse farm, our contacts and recourses can assist with every aspect of land acquisition and development. Contact Properties on the Potomac at 703-624-8333 today!

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“My house is the red brick one . . .”

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.

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The houses may look the same. The lots may all be the same size. In some communities, there may not be a lot differentiating one house from the next, at least not externally. But living on a cul-de-sac is different. A cul-de-sac adds value. And when it comes time to sell, houses in a cul-de-sac have the upper hand over their non-cul-de-sac neighbors. Here’s why:

  1. Instant community
    For a new buyer, living on a cul-de-sac means it might be easier to get to know your neighbors. It is often easier to share a refreshment, make introductions, and, maybe, find common ground.
  2. Security
    Quite literally, being at the end of the road makes it difficult for cars to speed past your home. It’s safer to walk and to congregate outside. Children can play, ride their bikes, skate, or play ball, while the windows of 3-4 homes overlook the area.
  3. Social activity
    On warm summer evenings, it is not unusual to see neighbors enjoying a beverage together on the cul-de-sac where children have played most of the day. It is a great place to invite children and adults alike to get away from screens and get some fresh air and human interaction.
  4. Relaxing environment
    Without having cars driving past your front yard, the noise and level of activity is greatly diminished. Relaxation comes with an absence of movement and noise. Yes, children might laugh and shout, but these are the happy sounds of life – not the road noise and speed of business life.
  5. It is a throwback to earlier times of children playing outdoors
    The cul-de-sac is where children of all ages can play together. It is heartwarming to see the older kids teaching the younger ones to shoot a basket in a hoop or to learn to ride a bicycle. It frees up parents to relax without managing children’s every activity. It stimulates sociability and friendship and expands energy for a good night’s sleep. “It is one of the last remaining ways to give children an old-fashioned childhood,” says Patricia Shannon of Southern Living magazine.

While there are exceptions to all of these, my 37 years of serving clients has proven that cul-de-sacs are a great place for building friendships, relaxing, and hours of safe play for children. Historically, homes on cul-de-sacs command higher resale values. Why? Limited supply with greater demand (as listed above) boost value. The cul-de-sac is a special place.

Is a new home on your list for this year? We know where the cul-de-sacs are. Call or text us at 703-624-8333 to help you find the perfect setting.

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“We plan to list in spring.”

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:

  1. We are not in last year’s market. There are no guarantees of unlimited buyers.
  2. The economy and corresponding interest rates are volatile.  
  3. In our decades of professional experience, the BEST time to sell is January, February, and March.
  4. Buyers have been planning their moves before the holidays and purchase after the holidays.
  5. 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.

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Here we are – the beginning of 2023 ! You have been waiting to make decisions and commitments until the holidays are over. Now what?

If you are thinking of moving – up, down, around, or away – here are a few tips to help you structure your activities:

  • Decided whether you want to sell or keep your current real estate. Either way, consult a competent real estate broker. The possibilities are endless and your investment and risk are huge. Be selfish and work with the best (that would be us – read our website and see for yourself).
  • If you plan to sell, list long before you want to go on the market. That way pre-marketing excitement can bring the best buyer.
  • Go through all the nooks and crannies of your home (that includes closest that you often use). Start with all off-season belongings first. Decide whether you will keep, toss, or donate.
  • If you have a home of 2000+ Square Feet, know that it will take you several weeks to complete the culling and packing.
  • Be smart and not impulsive. There are many garments and things, that due to the current circumstances ,have remained unworn or unused. Do not throw away anything on a whim. It doesn’t matter if it makes you happy if you will need it later. You will buy it back for more money and of lesser quality. Keep your stuff. Your happiness will compound with lower bills. Be a good steward.
  • Do not make capital investments in your current home unless it will be a coat of paint and some flooring. Keep it simple. Do not replace appliances with stainless steel.
  • Chose a smart real estate agent who knows what sells and what brings in the most return for your investment. – Again, that would be us – not bragging, just the facts.
  • In 2022, our listings sold for 105% of list price and our buyers paid 95.5% of list price. How is that? Ask us.
  • We’ll be happy to show you how you can benefit from our 35 years of experience in all sorts of markets.

Looking to make a move in 2023? Give Properties on the Potomac a call at 703-624-8333!