Reston Blog

The real estate closing process in Northern Virginia takes about 30-45 days and includes steps such as mortgage application, home appraisal, inspection, and title search. On closing day, documents are signed, closing costs are paid,

Summary: Maximize real estate tax benefits in Northern Virginia by leveraging exemptions and deductions available to homeowners and investors. Key strategies include capital gains exclusions, mortgage interest deductions, and depreciation benefits for investment properties. Main

Summary: The Role of Home Appraisals in Negotiating Real Estate Deals Home appraisals assess a property’s fair market value. Lenders require appraisals to protect against overvaluation. A low appraisal can derail a deal if the

Summary: The Do’s and Don’ts of Property Search in Northern Virginia Identify wants vs. needs in a home. Know your budget and get mortgage pre-approval. Use filters during online property searches to narrow results. Don’t

Summary: An open house is crucial for attracting buyers. Maximize your home’s appeal by keeping it neutral, clean, and clutter-free. Boost curb appeal, consider professional staging, and work with a skilled real estate agent to

When buying or selling a home, a thorough home inspection is essential. Whether you’re a buyer ensuring your new place is in good condition or a seller wanting to address issues before listing, a home

Summary: Navigating mortgage options is key when buying a home. Explore different mortgage types, get pre-qualified and pre-approved, compare offers from multiple lenders, and work with a skilled real estate professional to secure the best

Summary: Real estate offers are key in home buying, covering sale price, closing date, included personal property, earnest money deposit, contingencies, and more. These elements help define the terms of the purchase and protect both

Selling your home can be both exciting and overwhelming. To make sure you get top dollar and a smooth selling experience, it’s essential to be well-prepared. Here’s the ultimate checklist for selling a house that

Real estate investing might seem out of reach if you don’t have a lot of cash on hand. But here’s the good news: you can invest in real estate with no money. Whether you’re a

Summary: Explore the best Reston restaurants for local dining, from diverse options at Reston Town Center to top-rated spots like Ariake and Pisco y Nazca. Enjoy favorites like Gregorio’s Trattoria for pizza and discover unique

Are you starting to consider selling your home in the Reston, VA area? Have you already decided to sell? You may be wondering how you can boost the value of your home and secure a

Summary: This blog highlights common mistakes that first-time home buyers often make and offers advice to avoid them. Not Knowing Your Budget: Overspending can be avoided by using mortgage calculators and getting preapproved for a

Summary: This guide outlines crucial steps to obtaining a home loan effectively: Get Preapproved: Understand your budget limits and boost your loan approval chances. Shop Around: Compare rates and terms among various lenders to save

TL;DR: Beware of these common real estate scams! Wire Transfer Fraud: Verify all payment instructions with your real estate agent and double-check the contact information against your documents. Rental Scams: Always view rental units in

Choosing where to live is one of life’s major milestones. It’s more than just a financial decision; it’s about setting the stage for the next chapter of your life. Today, we’re diving into the age-old

When you’re ready to dive into the world of buying or selling a home in Northern Virginia, understanding the jargon of real estate transactions can be helpful. Among the most crucial concepts are the buyer

Whether you’re entering the real estate market to buy a home, sell a home, or both, the process can be very complex. Real estate is highly regulated and commonly involves loans with six-figure values or

When diving into the real estate market, whether you’re selling your home in the bustling housing market of Northern Virginia or simply curious about your house’s property value, understanding what can diminish its worth is

Planning on moving to Reston or a neighboring town? No matter why you’re headed to this vibrant and exciting area, finding something fun to do is always a top priority. Reston’s no slouch when it

Open houses offer a sneak peek into what could be your future home. But with so many houses to see and details to remember, it can get overwhelming. However, this home buyer checklist will help

The past few years have been a rollercoaster for the real estate market. Soaring prices, bidding wars, and lightning-fast sales. This leaves many wondering: what will the real estate market in 2024 look like? So,

First-time homebuyers are stepping into a significant and exciting chapter of their lives. Here’s a list of important things that first-time homebuyers should know to make the process smoother and more informed: 1. Financial Readiness:

Navigating the Dynamic Northern Virginia Real Estate Market The Northern Virginia real estate market is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape that holds both challenges and opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. Nestled just outside

Navigating the Flourishing Real Estate Market in Reston, Virginia Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia, Reston is a charming and dynamic community that offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. With

Hiring a buyers agent can be an important decision when you are looking to purchase a property. Here are some questions to consider asking when hiring a buyers agent: These are just some examples of

Reston Town Center Reboot In the past few years, several long-standing Reston Town Center locations decided to close their doors permanently, paving the way for some new restaurants and retail to fill the gap. Though

Real Estate Terms for Beginners If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home in Reston, you know that the real estate industry has its own unique language. You might know some of

Best Pizza in Reston If you are craving pizza and live in Reston, you are in luck. Reston boasts an impressive number of pizza restaurants sure to satisfy even the most discerning pizza lover. In

Discovering Reston’s Neighborhoods  There is something for everyone in Reston, Virginia! Between North, South, Central Reston, and the Uplands, buyers are sure to find a vibe that fits their personal needs and current lifestyle. Whether

Prep Your Reston Home for Sale Continued low mortgage rates, tight supply and strong demand have put home sellers in the driver’s seat, making this a great time to consider selling your Reston home. This

Home Equity Loan vs. Line of Credit Are you looking to tap into the equity in your home in Reston for home improvements or debt consolidation?  You can accomplish this through either a home equity

Homeowners Insurance versus a Home Warranty When planning for upkeep on your Reston home, you may be wondering if you need a home warranty in addition to your homeowner’s insurance policy. Let’s dive in and

Virtual House Hunting in Reston Your search for a new home in Reston begins and ends at your computer keyboard. Although the pandemic shut things down starting back in March, the real estate market is

If you have ever dreamed of living on the water, you definitely need to check out Reston’s lakeside communities! Reston boasts four lakes – Lake Audubon, Lake Thoreau, Lake Anne, and Lake Newport – and

Five Good Reasons to Refinance Interest rates have been hitting record lows over the past few months, so you might be wondering if you could benefit by refinancing the mortgage on your home in Reston.

Multiple Offers, Multiple Options! The Reston real estate market is still smoking hot, despite the unprecedented times we find ourselves in due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Many lucky sellers find themselves sifting through multiple offers,

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us are spending a lot more time at home. Take advantage of this opportunity to tackle upgrades, renovations, and other projects that will make your home a more

The Coronavirus pandemic has affected everything comprising life as we know it, and the Northern Virginia real estate market, including the Reston area, is no exception. However, a strong economy and low interest rates have

So you took the plunge and bought your first home in Reston? Congratulations! Buying your first home is a big financial step, so you’ll want to be sure to protect your investment by staying on

Did you know that moving is one of the most stressful life events you can go through? While part of the stress of moving has to do with change, tension around planning a move can

It’s a new year and new townhouse, condominium, and mixed-use developments are popping up all over Reston! New homes are often pricier than resales, but there are big benefits to buying new, like peak energy

When you’re preparing to sell your home, you naturally want to ensure you get the best possible price. Houses are a big investment, and going the extra mile with proper staging can make the difference

Are you ready to take the plunge and purchase your first home in Reston? Being a first time home buyer can be daunting, but there are a few things you can do to prepare to

Getting a good deal on a home is every homebuyer’s dream. And that means many are willing to negotiate. Often, finding the right home requires a bit of vision and some elbow grease. But at

Renovations That Are Worth Their Weight in $$ Are you ready to renovate your home in Reston?  Customizing your home to your personal tastes and needs can be costly, so it’s good to know which

Buying your first home can come with its own special set of challenges. You may have heard horror stories from friends or family and are now feeling intimidated by the process. Or, you may feel

There is always something going on at Reston Town Center, the hub of the Reston community.  Besides shopping and dining, there are several events happening soon that you will not want to miss! Outdoor Art

There’s nothing easy about moving to a new town, but there are ways to make it less intimidating. Whether you have kids or pets or have made the move solo, keep reading for quick tips

If you have been thinking about having a yard sale, your time has come!  Spring, also known as Yard Sale Season, is here!  After being cooped up all winter, shoppers tend to turn out in

As a dog owner, you probably consider your dog to be a member of your family. You might include your dog in vacation plans and buy gourmet food and “puppy cakes” on his birthday, and

One big advantage of house hunting in Reston is the wide variety of housing options available.  Homebuyers can choose from condos, townhomes, and single-family homes, as well as lakefront and golf course communities. According to

Are you getting ready to move into a new home in Reston?  No matter how welcome your upcoming move may be there is no denying the fact that moving is stressful. It’s actually one of

When asked what people are most looking forward to in retirement, most respond with something in the realm of traveling or vacationing. Many retirees have a strong desire to maintain their current home, especially if

Winter Fun in Reston       There is no need to hibernate during the cold winter months when you live in Reston. With a variety of fun indoor and outdoor activities available around town, you’re sure to

Amazon is Coming to Town Get ready, Reston. Internet giant Amazon is coming to Northern Virginia in 2019! Amazon’s second headquarters, known as HQ2, is being split between Northern Virginia and New York City, locations

Reston is a great market for first time homebuyers, with condos, townhomes, and single-family homes available at a variety of price points. As you begin your search for the perfect first home in Reston, here

When selling your home in Reston, you want to attract as many potential buyers as possible. Home staging will kick your home’s appeal up a notch, which translates to more visits from potential buyers and

Home buyers can score savings by considering the types of distressed properties for sale in Reston. Don’t be fooled by the word “distressed” because they are not all run down. Many are in good condition

What does the Reston Real Estate Market Look Like?  If you’re in the market for a new home, Reston could be the place for you. Choose from luxury hi-rise condos, lakefront property, townhomes, and single-family

Are you ready to move to Reston? Great choice! This Washington, DC suburb with an urban feel has repeatedly landed on Money magazine’s list of Best Places to Live in America based on criteria including

If you are interested in buying new construction in Reston, some new townhome and condo developments are available now.  These new, luxury complexes are close to public transportation, shopping, dining, and a host of other

If you live in Reston, be forewarned: things are about to get spooky! Kids love Halloween and there is more than one night’s worth of Halloween fun (and candy!) in Reston. Let your kids experience

If you are in need of a little pampering, you won’t have far to go if you live in Reston. Whether you want a new hairstyle, a manicure or pedicure, a facial, body scrub or

The Reston Association is the glue that holds Reston together, giving residents assurance that living in Reston is the best experience possible! Bylaws and guidelines for homeowners, along with a host of amenities are part

Nothing beats a good burger, and when you live in Reston, satisfying that craving is easy.  With several restaurants in Reston boasting delicious, juicy burgers, your biggest problem will be deciding where to go.  The Counter

Shopping for a house can be stressful, but choosing a loan has the potential to be just as bad. There’s a lot to know, a small window in which to figure it all out and

Home values are determined through a complicated series of calculations roughly based on the cost of actual construction plus value-adds like proximity to shopping and other conveniences. The prices that other nearby homes have sold

When you are selling your home in Reston, decluttering will help you appeal to buyers and will make your eventual move a lot less stressful. For buyers, presentation is everything. A fresh coat of paint,

You’ve finally done it! You have a house under contract and you’re doing the paperwork to get your mortgage lined up. When your Realtor calls to ask you who you want to use for your

As a homeowner, or soon to be homeowner, you can get some pretty sweet tax deductions from things related to your home. Some tend to change from year to year, like those for energy-efficient upgrades,

If you live in Reston and are looking for a place to unwind after a long day, the possibilities are endless! There are dozens of restaurants throughout Reston, giving residents a lot of options not

The question I am most often asked is, should I buy or rent.  Here are the pros and cons of both buying a new home and renting in Reston.  If you have any comments, feedback,

When looking to purchase a home in Reston, you might decide to consider short sale properties. With a short sale, the lender agrees to accept an offer from a new buyer that is less than

So, you want to buy a home in Reston?  Good choice! Whether you’re single or have a family, this D.C. suburb is the place where dining, shopping, parks, recreation, and culture meet, providing a rich lifestyle experience

Now that you’ve bought a home of your own, you might be thinking that you’re kind of good at handywork and you want to give flipping a go. It’s certainly one way to make money

Do you know how much your home is worth? No, really, do you? Homeowners and buyers across the country often answer this question by turning to a figure known as a Zestimate, produced by Zillow.com. Zillow’s

It’s the little things that really matter sometimes. The cherry on top of a sundae, the light scent of gardenia on a warm spring breeze and a mortgage that’s assumable are each all about the

You’re just swinging in your hammock on a sunny summer day when an ad pops up on YouTube for home equity loans. It sounds like a pretty good deal and you have been wanting to

When you decide to sell your home, naturally you want to get the best price you can. Setting the right price to maximize your profits all begins with finding out how much your home is

Whether you’ve recently purchased a home or are considering renewing the home warranty that came with your home, chances are good that you’ve got questions. Big ones. You’ve probably heard a lot of different things

You’ve been a homeowner for a while now and overall, everything’s gone pretty well. Your home is a comforting, safe place that has given more than it has taken — you’re pretty happy with how

I just moved to Reston! How do I get into the pools for the 2018 season? If you are a part of the Reston Association, the Homeowners Association for the area, you can get into the pools by

Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a wine connoisseur, Reston is the place to be! With several great wine-themed restaurants, wine stores, and stellar grocery store wine departments, there are many options to explore

The best way to commit and stick to an exercise program is to find something you enjoy.  There are so many gyms, fitness programs, and exercise classes in Reston it can be hard to decide which

Grocery shopping. There is no avoiding it. Whether this is a chore you endure or something you love, Reston boasts a wide variety of grocery store options, from traditional chains to gourmet markets. The best thing

RESTON PET PERKS A pet-friendly community like Reston recognizes that pets are more than just pets. They are a beloved part of the family.  Walking trails, an off-leash dog park, pet-welcoming restaurants, medical services, and specialty

The Reston Farmer’s Market One of the most enjoyable perks of living in Reston is the vibrant, bustling farmer’s market held Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Lake Anne Village. The market runs from April

The housing market continues to thrive across much of the country as we head into the spring months. Additionally, many of the markets that burst with the bubble of 2008 are mostly recovered. This has

If you’ve been house hunting in 2018 then you are well aware of the housing inventory shortage Northern Virginia is facing.  The low supply has continued to push prices up and create scenarios of multiple

Zillow’s property-value estimates, called Zestimates, are a popular consumer tool for seeing how much homes are worth. Whether you’re curious about how much your home’s value has changed, wondering if your home’s appraised value is

What comes to mind when you see communities with an age restriction?  Well unless you’ve been to some of the newest 55 and better communities, thoughts of walkable developments, urban living, modern homes, amenities, lock

Where in Northern Virginia would you live if you could choose anywhere? I choose Reston!  Reston was designed so you can get anywhere easily. You can walk to anything you could possibly need; the grocery store,

Before we start, let us first discuss, what is a foreclosure. Foreclosure occurs when a mortgage lender sells the property to pay off a defaulted mortgage loan. Foreclosed properties are much cheaper than the standard

Proper and routine home maintenance is an essential tool to preserve the life of your home. When you own a home, you also need to take care of it. The status of your home is

The housing market continues to thrive across much of the country as we head into the summer months.  Additionally, many of the markets that burst with the bubble of 2008 are mostly recovered.  This has

Whether you are a first time buyer or a seasoned move up veteran, purchasing a home is no easy process.  Many people don’t know where to start, but often don’t know where to go for

Buying Secret #10: Keep Your Money Where It IsIt’s not wise to make any huge purchases or move your money around three to six months before buying a new home. You don’t want to take

Selling Secret #10: Pricing it rightFind out what your home is worth by having a professional CMA (comparable market analysis) done on your home by an expert real estate agent. Pricing your home right, is

As a major political stage, Washington D.C. attracts people from all over the world. Some are visiting, and some, like you, are looking to make the city their new home. Relocating can be a stressful,