November 8, 2024

7 Strategies I Use to Find Off-Market Properties for Clients

In a market with limited inventory, off-market properties aren’t just for investors; they’re an excellent option for buyers seeking a primary residence. These homes offer owner-occupants a chance to purchase with less competition and at a favorable price.
November 1, 2024

Real Estate Scams

The real estate market is already tough enough — when you’re buying, renting or refinancing the mortgage on a home, the last thing you want to worry about is being scammed. Unfortunately, criminals are getting more creative in how they target housing consumers. In 2022, real estate fraud resulted in victim losses of nearly $400 million, according to data from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Here are five common real estate and mortgage scams to keep on your radar, plus tips to avoid becoming a scammer’s next victim.
October 10, 2024

What is a better investment: Four 1BRs or One 4BR condo?

Just by chance last week, four 1BR condos sold at Clarendon1021 and one 4BR condo sold at the Atrium for almost the same price, which begs the question, what would be a better investment. When it comes to real estate investment, one common dilemma is whether to purchase a single larger property or multiple smaller ones. Let's weigh the options between buying one 4-bedroom condo versus four 1-bedroom condos for the same price.
September 19, 2024

The Interest Rate-Condo Price Connection

Low interest rates, while often seen as a driver of real estate transactions, can also discourage homeowners from selling their properties. Many owners secured their homes during a period of historically low mortgage rates. These favorable rates made owning a home more affordable by reducing monthly mortgage payments. If they were to sell, they would likely face much higher interest rates when purchasing a new home, leading to significantly higher monthly payments. This "rate lock-in" effect causes homeowners to think twice about selling,
August 25, 2024

Inside the MLS: How It Powers Your Property Search

As a real estate agent, one of the most powerful tools at our disposal is the Multiple Listing Service, commonly referred to as the MLS. The MLS is essentially a subscription-based service that real estate agents use to share information about properties for sale. By pooling resources, agents can provide their clients with comprehensive listings that include vital details about each property, such as price, square footage, and amenities.
August 24, 2024

The Smart Buyer’s Guide to Navigating Mortgage Choices

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make in your lifetime. With a variety of mortgage loans available, knowing which one suits your needs can be overwhelming. This guide will help you understand the seven main types of mortgages, offering clear insights into the pros and cons of each, and who they're best suited for.
July 17, 2024

A Tale of Two Cities

People often ask me how the condo market in Arlington compares to the condo market in DC. Both are dense, urban areas that have a shared history. Arlington was part of the original ten-mile square surveyed in 1791 for the Nation’s Capital. In 1847, at the request of the local residents, Congress retroceded Arlington to the Commonwealth of Virginia.