As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, it’s time to bid farewell to the winter chill and welcome the rejuvenating spirit of spring. And what better way to embrace the season of renewal than by giving your home a thorough spring cleaning? At Properties on the Potomac, we understand the importance of a clean and well-maintained home, not just for your own comfort but also for enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. Here are some expert tips to help you freshen up your home this spring:
Declutter with Purpose: Start your spring cleaning by decluttering your living spaces. Go through each room and identify items you no longer need or use. Donate or sell these items to free up space and create a more organized environment. Decluttering not only makes your home look cleaner but also helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the space.
2.Deep Clean Every Nook and Cranny: Dust, dirt, and grime tend to accumulate over the winter months. Take the time to deep clean your home from top to bottom. Pay attention to often-overlooked areas such as baseboards, ceiling fans, and behind appliances. A sparkling clean home not only feels more inviting but also signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained. For those of you that prefer to hire this task out, hire a company to do a deep clean. Contact us for cleaning company recommendations.
3. Have your carpets cleaned: Whether you have wall to wall carpets or area rugs, consider having a company clean them for you. There are companies that come to your house to shampoo and clean your carpets. If you have more delicate area rugs, we can recommend companies that will pick up, clean, and return them for you.
4. Focus on Curb Appeal: Don’t forget to spruce up the exterior of your home as well. Sweep pathways, clean windows, clean gutters and downspouts, and power wash siding to remove dirt and debris.
5. Maintenance Matters: Finally, use your spring cleaning as an opportunity to tackle any maintenance tasks that may have been neglected. Replace air filters, check smoke detectors, and inspect plumbing fixtures for leaks. Addressing these issues now can prevent costly repairs down the line and increase the value of your home.
At Properties on the Potomac, we believe that a well-maintained home is key to attracting buyers and achieving a successful sale. By following these spring-cleaning tips, you can ensure that your home looks its best inside and out, helping you to make a lasting impression on potential buyers. Ready to sell your home this spring? Contact us at 703-624-8333 today to learn how we can help you achieve your real estate goals.
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!
February is often seen as a downtime for gardeners in many parts of the country. While your landscape may still be dormant, there are still important tasks that need to be completed before spring arrives. Here are 5 things every gardener should be doing this month:
1. Prune Trees, Shrubs and Vines
Late winter is the best time to prune many trees, shrubs, and vines. Pruning not only maintains the desired size and shape, but it also removes dead or damaged branches which can invite disease and pests. Focus first on spring-flowering plants like forsythia, lilacs, and flowering quince. Those that bloom later in the season can be pruned a bit later.
February bloomsEarly bloomsBe sure to prune ornamental trees
2. Get a Jump on Weed Control
Weeds will begin germinating as soon as temperatures begin to rise. Get a head start on curtailing them by applying pre-emergent herbicide early in the month. This will help prevent many annual and perennial weeds from taking over flower and vegetable beds once spring growth resumes.
3. Test and Amend Your Garden Soil
Now is the perfect time to get your soil tested through your local extension office or purchase an at-home testing kit. Testing will tell you the pH of your soil, as well as macronutrient levels and recommendations for amendments to correct any deficiencies. Preparing your soil now means your plants will thrive once planted.
4. Sow Cool Weather Crops
Toward the end of February, you can start certain hardy vegetables inside for an early spring harvest. Vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and onions can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Check seed packets for more specifics on starting times.
5. Plan and Prepare for Spring Planting
Finally, use February to make plans for the upcoming growing season. Order seeds, map out your vegetable garden layout, and clean and sharpen tools. Planning ahead will make you ready to hit the ground running once planting season officially begins.
Even though the garden may still be frozen, February is a pivotal month for getting set for spring. Completing winter garden maintenance and preparation now will ensure your yard and garden are primed for vigorous growth in just a couple short months.
Looking for a home with the perfect garden? Properties on the Potomac can help you find your outdoor oasis. Give us a call at 703-624-8333 now!
Embarking on the journey to homeownership can be a daunting task, especially for those who might need a little extra help to turn their dream into reality. The Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR) curated a list of financing opportunities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. This guide aims to make the American dream possible for potential homebuyers by highlighting various programs designed to provide financial assistance:
Chenoa Fund (National):
– National down payment program offering up to 5% toward down payment and/or closing costs. – Available for both FHA and conventional mortgages. – Funds come in the form of a second mortgage loan, potentially forgivable in some cases. – Accessible through approved lenders. (chenoafund.org)
City of Takoma Park’s Down Payment Assistance Program (Takoma Park, MD):
– “The Home Stretch” program providing $10,000 for down-payment assistance. – For income-eligible, first-time homebuyers. – Requires completion of a homebuyer education course and a certified inspection. – First-come, first-served basis. – Website: takomaparkmd.gov
D.C. Open Doors with Down Payment Assistance (D.C.):
– Offers deferred repayable loans for a down payment and below-market interest rates for first trust mortgages. – Eligible for both first-time and repeat homebuyers. – Down-payment assistance in the form of a deferred 0% non-amortizing loan. – Website: dchfa.org/homeownership/available-programs/dc-open-doors
Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) (D.C.):
– Offers eligible District government employees a deferred, 0% interest loan and matching funds grant. – No income cap or cash contribution requirement. – Maximum purchase price of $765,600. – Website: dhcd.dc.gov/service/employer-assisted-housing-program-eahp
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) 3.5% Loan (National):
– Good option for individuals with credit issues (minimum eligible credit score is 580). – FHA loan amount tops out at $970,800. – No requirement to be a first-time homebuyer. – Website: hud.gov/buying/loans
Federal Housing Loan Bank Down Payment Assistance (FHLB DPA) (D.C., MD, VA):
– Down-payment assistance grant of up to $10,000 for eligible homebuyers. – Available in the District, Maryland, and Virginia. – Website: fhfa.gov
With an array of financing opportunities at your fingertips, homeownership is within reach. Take advantage of these programs and turn the key to your dream home.
Our team is dedicated to support you every step of the way. Contact Properties on the Potomacat 703-624-8333today and explore these financing opportunities to make your dream home a reality. Our expert team is here to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect financial solution tailored to your needs.
Information is provided from the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS®. “Unlocking Your Dream Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Financing Opportunities.” GCAAR Housing Booklet. gcaar.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/102623-gcaar-housing-booklet–single-pages.pdf, Accessed 01/23/2024. Please note that the information provided is deemed to be up-to-date as of the publication date but cannot be guaranteed. Real estate financing programs may undergo changes, and it is advisable to verify the latest details with relevant authorities or financial institutions.
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.
Your home’s landscaping plays a significant role in creating a welcoming atmosphere and enhancing curb appeal. From vibrant flower beds to lush green lawns, a well-maintained garden can instantly elevate your property’s aesthetics. One crucial aspect of plant care, often overlooked, is watering. Let’s dive into how watering your plants, including established landscaping, not only contributes to curb appeal but also helps maintain and even increase your home’s value.
Preserving Vibrancy and Health: Regular watering is essential for the health and vitality of your plants. Even established landscaping requires adequate moisture to thrive. When plants receive sufficient water, their foliage remains vibrant and lush, creating an eye-catching display for passersby and potential buyers. Neglecting watering can lead to wilted leaves, browning foliage, and overall diminished curb appeal.
Enhancing Curb Appeal: Curb appeal is crucial when it comes to attracting potential buyers or simply impressing your neighbors. A well-maintained garden showcases your attention to detail and demonstrates pride in homeownership. Regular watering ensures your plants remain robust, colorful, and full, making your property stand out in the neighborhood. A visually appealing exterior creates a positive first impression, which can significantly impact the perceived value of your home.
Protecting Long-Term Investments: Landscaping is an investment in your home’s value. A thoughtfully designed and properly cared-for garden can increase your property’s worth over time. Regular watering helps protect this investment by preserving the health and longevity of your plants. Neglecting watering can lead to plant loss, requiring costly replacements and potentially compromising the overall aesthetic appeal of your landscaping. By maintaining proper moisture levels, you safeguard the value of your home and ensure a beautiful outdoor space for years to come.
Watering Best Practices: To maximize the benefits of watering, it’s essential to follow a few best practices: – Deep Watering: Rather than light sprinkling, focus on deep watering sessions. This encourages plants to develop deep root systems, making them more resilient to drought conditions. – Timing Matters: Water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation. This allows the water to penetrate the soil effectively, reaching the roots where it’s needed most. – Consistency is Key: Establish a regular watering schedule based on the specific needs of your plants and the climate in your area. Consistency ensures that plants receive the necessary hydration without overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other issues. – Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to help retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also acts as an insulator, protecting roots from extreme temperatures.
Watering your plants, including established landscaping, is an integral part of maintaining curb appeal and preserving your home’s value. By providing adequate moisture, you promote healthy growth, vibrant colors, and a visually appealing outdoor space. Investing time and effort into proper plant care will pay dividends in the form of an attractive home exterior and increased property value.
Ready to enhance your home’s curb appeal and maximize its value? Contact our experienced real estate team at 703-624-8333 today for expert advice and assistance with buying or selling properties. Let’s make your real estate dreams a reality!
Spring is finally here (in case the pollen count had not already alerted you) and what better way to celebrate the season than by exploring the abundance of parks and natural areas that the DC area has to offer? From the lush gardens of the National Arboretum to the tranquil waters of Lake Needwood, there’s no shortage of natural beauty to discover in and around the nation’s capital. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat from the city, gather up your favorite food, a blanket, and a friend and head out to one of these beautiful parks in or around DC.
Rock Creek Park: Rock Creek Park is a 1,754-acre park that offers miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and recreational activities like tennis and golf. Parts of Beach Dr are closed to vehicles making it a fun place to ride a bike, roller-skate/blade, run, and walk! It also includes the National Zoo and the Carter Barron Amphitheatre.
Lake Needwood: Lake Needwood is a beautiful 75-acre lake located in Rockville, Maryland, surrounded by 1,500 acres of scenic parkland. The lake offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and hiking on the nearby trails. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and grilling in the park’s many picnic areas.
Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park: Visit Great Falls Park on both sides of the Potomac. Great Falls Park in Virginia is located just 15 miles outside of DC and offers stunning views of the Potomac River and the Great Falls. Want to stay on the Maryland side of the river? There is another Great Falls Park in Potomac, MD. Visitors to both sides can enjoy hiking trails and picnic areas.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Theodore Roosevelt Island: Theodore Roosevelt Island is a peaceful 88-acre oasis located in the Potomac River, accessible by footbridge from Arlington, Virginia. The island is home to miles of scenic hiking trails, lush forests, and a variety of wildlife habitats. Visitors can also explore the island’s rich history through its monuments and exhibits dedicated to the legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt, including the 17-foot-tall statue of the president located in the island’s central plaza.
Meridian Hill Park: Also known as Malcolm X Park, this park is located in the heart of DC. It is a beautiful 12-acre park that was recently updated by the National Park Service to make it more accessible and added more trees and shrubs. It features a cascading fountain, a historic statue, and a vibrant weekly drum circle.
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens: Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is a hidden gem located in Washington, DC, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of aquatic plants and wildlife. The park features acres of stunning water lilies, lotus flowers, and other aquatic plants, as well as hiking trails, fishing piers, and picnic areas. The annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival, held July 15-22, 2023, is a highlight of the year, where you can see the lotus and water lilies in full bloom.
Anacostia Park: Anacostia Park is a sprawling urban oasis located in the heart of Washington, DC, offering visitors a wide range of recreational activities. The park’s 1,200 acres includes hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and athletic fields, as well as access to the Anacostia River for kayaking, fishing, and boating. The park also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including concerts, movie screenings, and cultural celebrations. It’s an ideal destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking outdoor fun in the city.
National Arboretum
National Arboretum: The National Arboretum is a 446-acre living museum located in Washington, DC, showcasing over 6,000 species of plants and trees from around the world. Visitors can explore the park’s collections through self-guided tours, educational programs, and special exhibits. Highlights of the arboretum include the iconic National Capitol Columns, the Bonsai and Penjing Museum, and the picturesque Capitol Hill neighborhood vistas. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in horticulture, botany, or simply seeking a serene natural escape in the heart of the city.
Fort Washington Park
Fort Washington Park: Originally built to defend the river approach to Washington DC, Fort Washington is a historic site located in Fort Washington, Maryland. Visitors can explore the fort’s rich history through exhibits, tours, and ranger-led programs. The park also offers scenic views of the Potomac River and opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. It’s a great destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Huntley Meadows Park: Huntley Meadows is a 1,500-acre natural oasis in Alexandria, Virginia, offering visitors the chance to explore a variety of habitats, including wetlands, meadows, and forests. The park’s boardwalk trails and observation platforms provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Visitors can also participate in guided nature walks, photography workshops, and educational programs hosted by the park’s rangers. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and outdoor recreation.
Properties on the Potomac realtors know more than just real estate. We can also help you find your new favorite neighborhood park, coffee shop, or restaurant. Give us a call at 703-624-8333 to find your new neighborhood.
The facts indicate that there is a market shift in progress. Higher interest rates with minimal inventory is spurring some sellers to remain aggressive when pricing their homes for sale. Last year at this time, some listings were selling for as much as 33% over their list prices. However, interest rates were in the low 3% range. In the end, it is about what buyers can afford to pay in a monthly payment.
The active homes (for sale) inventory across our region is at historic lows. The current Washington, D.C. Metro inventory is between a 30-60 day (depending on location) supply based on last week’s contract activities.
My market analysis disclosed that the active to under contract prices show a dramatic price disparity of 15% to 60% (location based) higher than the average prices of the properties that went under contract. Accordingly, the average days on the market for the active properties is also 33-57 days longer (about 66%) than the under contract properties.
In our recently wild market, it was impossible to underprice a property because it would get bid up to above its market value. Therefore, the real estate agent’s role was that of order taker and contract dissector. That condition has now changed. Now, the experienced, knowledgeable agent will analyze the market’s activity, study recent comparable sales, and recommend the best pricing for your property to get is sold as quickly as possible because that is when the optimal price will be received.
Under today’s changing circumstances, we often hear, “If they don’t like our price, they can make us an offer.” The reality is that they will not make an offer and will buy another property that they deem better priced. Buyers do not want to get too creative or too aggressive. They do not want to enter into negotiations that could end badly while losing better opportunities.
In any market, an overpriced property will languish. In fact, not only will the property languish, but it will ultimately sell for below market value. The chart below shows how the initial price affects the sales price. You can see the importance of pricing the property correctly from the outset.
If a property is overpriced by five percent, it is not unusual to have a final sales price of 3%-5% below actual market value. Why give up value on the gamble that a buyer will overpay in today’s market?
In our industry, the saying goes, “The first offer is usually the best offer.” The first offer typically comes in quickly with a good price and strong terms. Missing out on that first offer will diminish the seller’s ultimate return.
How is market value determined? The skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable real estate agent knows their market, their buyers’ expectations, and is well connected with the top agents in the area. Their wealth of knowledge and experience will help you make the correct pricing decision.
The bottom line: properties that are priced in line with buyer affordability are selling quickly. Properties pushing prices beyond market values are staying on the market.
Are prices falling? No. Many homes are being priced incorrectly and need reductions to bring them in line with actual market values.
If you are thinking about selling your property this year, do yourself a favor and call one of our exceptional agents for a market analysis at 703-624-8333. You will know that the price you set on your property will be competitive, thus bringing you the best returns.
By Andrea Justus, Properties on the Potomac Realtor
It’s that time of year: the time to plan your garden and start seeds. Vegetable gardening is easy and fun and the prep starts eight weeks prior to planting time. In Northern Virginia, planting time is generally the weekend of Mother’s Day. Although beautiful Spring days are tempting, I have “early planted” and lost a garden or two due to late season snow and cold snaps. I now am a firm advocate of Mother’s Day planting.
Seeds can be planted directly into the ground for items like spinach, radishes, beets and herbs, as long as the ground is 50 degrees. For non-leafy vegetables, it’s important to start your plants early to get a jump on the growing season. I start tomatoes, eggplant, okra, cucumbers, squash and pumpkins in early March so that by early May the plants are large and healthy enough to withstand weather and insects and flourish. (For pumpkins, you can also sow the seeds in the ground in June for pumpkins in Fall.) March is also a good time to start flowers like Astilbe, Dahlias, and Croscomia. By starting in March, the flowers will bloom early and throughout summer.
What is the best method for starting seeds? There are many approaches, from dirt in a cup to seed-starting trays with heating pads and overhead lights. I make my own seed-starting blend with a Miracle Grow soil, worm castings, vermiculite and peat moss mixture. The mix is approximately 5 parts soil, two parts worm castings, one part vermiculite and a handful of peat moss. This gives the seeds an airy and nutritious start. You can use seed-starting trays or mini pots available at most gardening stores. Solo cups in trays also work well. I start mine in the basement next to the door so they get natural light. I use solar blankets on the ground and behind the seed table to capture any warmth and sunlight available.
Once the seed starts come up, I transfer them to larger cups and plant them deeper. Sometimes more than one transplant is needed. Water lightly every other day so that the soil is slightly damp, not wet. A gentle hand is critical to transferring the seed starts. Plan on starting more seeds than you need plants so that it’s not a crisis if you break a tender shoot. About 2 weeks before planting, start hardening off the plants by putting them outside. Start with an hour or two and gradually increase the time outside. You can also cover the plants while they are outside with burlap to keep them from being wind and sun burned. Once the plants are hardened, get ready to plant your garden in early May. I like to plant and fertilize with Abernethy and Spencer’s TLC. It gets healthy plants off to a roaring start!
I enjoy gardening and sharing the fruits of my labor with others! If you know me, you know I’m a plant person. Happy Gardening!
Need help figuring out the best landscaping for resale value? Reach out to Properties on the Potomac at 703-624-8333 now!
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. 