Author: Sponsor

This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Darlene Duffett of Corcoran McEnearney, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact Darlene at 703-969-9015 or visit her website, darleneduffettrealestate.com. You may also submit your questions to Corcoran McEnearney via email for response in future columns.

When your parents move out of their long-time home—whether they’re downsizing, moving into assisted living, or transitioning to live with family—it often falls on adult children to handle the sale of the property.

I’ve worked with 3 different sellers this past year that found themselves in this exact situation. It’s not just about paperwork and staging; it’s about managing memories, emotions, and the responsibilities of a life transition. If you’re facing this journey, here’s what you need to know, what to expect, and how to make the process manageable with confidence and care.

Understand the Legal and Financial Landscape

Before you begin packing boxes or calling contractors, it’s essential to understand the legal and financial aspects of selling the home. Start by confirming the current ownership status—whether your parents still hold the title, if it’s in a trust, or if there are multiple heirs involved. If your parents are unable to manage the process themselves, you’ll need to have legal authority through a Power of Attorney to make decisions on their behalf. In cases where the property has been inherited or is part of an estate, consulting a tax advisor or estate attorney is crucial. Getting these legal and financial questions clarified early will save time and stress down the line.

Begin the Decluttering and Sorting Process

Clearing out the home can feel like the most emotional part. Whether your parents have lived in the house for five years or fifty, it’s likely full of treasured memories and belongings accumulated over a lifetime. The key here is to work methodically and compassionately, starting one room at a time. Create clear categories: items to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Involve your parents if possible, especially when it comes to sentimental objects, and allow time to honor the emotions that may come up. You may also consider hiring a professional organizer or a senior move manager—especially helpful if you’re managing the process from out of town. In one of our cases, we had a company come in to hold an estate sale and another to haul away the leftovers.

Assess the Home’s Condition

Now it’s time to look at the home through a buyer’s eyes. Older homes may have outdated finishes or deferred maintenance, and it’s important to identify which updates will provide a return on investment. I recommend walking through the property with an experienced real estate agent (like me!) who can advise on smart, cost-effective improvements. This might include painting dated walls, replacing worn carpeting, or enhancing curb appeal with simple landscaping. In some cases, a pre-listing home inspection may be a wise move, particularly for older properties, as it allows you to proactively address any major issues and avoid surprises once the home is under contract. The goal is to present the home in its best light while being mindful of your time and budget. Or, it may be just to sell it in “as is” condition. There are many construction companies that will purchase the home even with the contents intact. For some, this is the easiest way to a quick closing.

Create a Thoughtful Pricing and Listing Strategy

Once ready, it’s time to create a pricing and marketing plan tailored to the DC-area market. We usually do this based on recent comparable sales and current demand. If the home is empty or features older finishes, staging (either physical or virtual) can help buyers see its potential. Professional photography, detailed floor plans, and strategic marketing are essential. Your agent should coordinate everything—from marketing to showings to negotiation—to ensure the sale goes smoothly, allowing your family to focus on what matters most during this transition.

From Contract to Closing – What Happens Next?

Once your parents’ home goes under contract, it might feel like the hard part is over, but there’s still an important phase ahead. The time between contract acceptance and closing typically lasts 10 to 45 days, and a lot happens during this period.

The first step could be the home inspection, usually scheduled within the first week. Buyers may request repairs, a credit, or a price adjustment based on what’s uncovered.

Next, the buyer’s lender will order an appraisal to ensure the home’s value supports the loan amount. If the appraisal comes in low, it could require price adjustments, additional negotiations, or documentation to justify value.

Behind the scenes, title work, HOA document reviews (if applicable), and final loan approval are all in motion. You’ll want to keep the home in good condition until settlement day and make any agreed-upon repairs well in advance. Your agent will coordinate access for re-inspections, walk-throughs, and provide updates every step of the way.

Finally, as you approach the closing date, you’ll gather necessary documents, sign paperwork, and hand off the keys. Once the transaction is complete, funds are disbursed, and the home is officially sold, you’ll be able to take a breath—and maybe toast to a job well done.

Here is a quick checklist that might be helpful:

Legal & Financial

• Confirm ownership and title status
• Secure Power of Attorney (if needed)
• Consult with a tax or estate planning professional

Prep & Declutter

• Sort personal belongings (keep/donate/sell)
• Hire a junk removal or estate clean out service (if needed)
• Deep clean the entire home

Repairs & Improvements

• Repair visible damage (walls, fixtures, floors)
• Refresh paint, lighting, or flooring if cost-effective
• Spruce up curb appeal (trim, mulch, clean porch)

Listing Prep

• Hire a real estate agent familiar with estate or downsizing sales
• Stage the home (either fully or virtually)
• Schedule professional photos & create a marketing plan
• List and show the property

Darlene Duffett is a licensed real estate agent in Virginia with Corcoran McEnearney in Old Town, Alexandria. She is licensed in Virginia and Washington, D.C. She has built a reputation of partnering with her friends and clients throughout the home buying or selling process. If you would like more information on selling or buying in today’s complex market, contact Darlene at 703-969-9015, [email protected], or visit her website DarleneDuffettRealEstate.com.

If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our associates, please email: [email protected] or call 703-549-9292.

Corcoran McEnearney, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, corcoranmce.com. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you — McEnearney Associates | Middleburg Real Estate | Atoka Properties has joined forces with Corcoran, one of the most esteemed names in real estate. We are now Corcoran McEnearney!

What does this mean for you? It’s simple: the same trusted service and local expertise you’ve always relied on, now paired with the global reach, cutting-edge resources, and industry-leading innovation that Corcoran brings us.

This partnership enhances our ability to serve you better, whether you’re buying, selling, or investing. With Corcoran’s renowned network and our unwavering commitment to your success, we’re confident this marks a new chapter of possibilities for your real estate journey.

If you have any questions about this exciting change or how it benefits you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to continuing to provide you with exceptional service as Corcoran McEnearney.

More Than 40 Years of Exceptional Service

The first McEnearney Associates office opened in 1980 with John McEnearney at the helm, whose personal commitment to offer best-in-class service with the industry’s best agents set the foundation for the company. More than 40 years later, the McEnearney name has continued to uphold this foundation while steadily growing to include more than 420 agents and 40 support staff across 13 offices, located throughout Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia.

Today, Maureen McEnearney Dunn, daughter of John McEnearney, is the President of Corcoran McEnearney, having been a part of the company since its inception and holding her current position since 2007. Throughout her tenure, Dunn has brought visionary leadership to grow the firm sevenfold, transforming its operations and expanding its market presence significantly.

Under her leadership, the firm has recruited top talent and fostered success amongst the agents, while focusing on marketing, education, training, relocation, and technology to keep the company ahead of the curve. Deeply committed to industry and community involvement, she has served on the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS® Ethics and Professional Standards Committees and has led hundreds of key fundraising initiatives including the Capital Area Food Bank, Arlington Food Assistance Center, At Home in Alexandria, SCAN, Act for Alexandria, Share of McLean, and more.

“The authentic culture and dedication to excellence with the Corcoran^® brand has always aligned seamlessly with the core values of McEnearney,” said Dunn. “Corcoran’s robust marketing strategies and expansive network can help equip our agents to deliver even greater care and support to both new and loyal clients. We are energized by the immense growth potential this partnership brings, reinforcing our commitment to delivering the exceptional service that has defined our company for 45 years.”

Depth of Industry Leadership

As a strategic growth merger, McEnearney Associates joined forces with Middleburg Real Estate/Atoka Properties in June 2023. Having led successful careers as agents, Peter Pejacsevich and Scott Buzzelli founded Atoka Properties and acquired Middleburg Real Estate in 2008. Initially drawn to Middleburg, Virginia, for its strong heritage and deep history, the team channeled their personal interest and successful business into establishing a premier brokerage serving Virginia and West Virginia’s countryside and beyond.

Now operating as Principal & Chief Operating Officer of Corcoran McEnearney, Pejacsevich brings his strong business acumen and global perspective to continue driving the company’s presence and growth throughout the greater Washington, D.C. metro region. His extensive industry experience in luxury sales and track record of success provide him with a profound understanding of every level within the business. This deep-rooted expertise allows him to drive innovation and enhance overall operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to the firm’s continued long-term success.

“This partnership has been a natural fit from the beginning,” said Pejacsevich. “The Corcoran^® brand’s genuine spirit resonated with us – values of service, integrity, market expertise, and neighborhood fluency, affirming that together we could achieve something even more impactful in our market. While maintaining independence, we now gain access to cutting-edge technology, refined marketing strategies, an expanded network, and enhanced resources.”

Joining Dunn and Pejacsevich on Corcoran McEnearney’s executive leadership team is David Howell, Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer. Howell is a recognized industry leader who, among other distinctions, is a member of the Hall of Fame for both Virginia REALTORS^® and the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS^®, where he also formerly served as President.

The Corcoran McEnearney executive team also includes Scott Buzzelli, Chief Strategy Officer; Jeanne Choi, Chief Marketing Officer; Kristen Doczkat, Chief Financial Officer, and a strategic growth team. Complementing this executive team, Corcoran McEnearney is further supported by five exceptional Managing Brokers, skilled corporate department leads, and dedicated office managers.

“We are thrilled to welcome Corcoran McEnearney, an impressive and well-respected company with a well-earned reputation for excellence and integrity,” said Stephanie Anton, President of Corcoran Affiliates. “By joining forces, our network is gaining invaluable expertise and presence in a major world market, while providing the tools and resources to further strengthen Corcoran McEnearney’s high standards in client service and agent support.”

If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our associates, please email: [email protected] or call 703-549-9292.

Corcoran McEnearney, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, corcoranmce.com. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Hope Peele of The Peele Group and McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact The Peele Group at 703-244-6115 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.

Question: What is a title company?

Answer: In a Virginia real estate transaction, the buyer is allowed to select which title company they would like to use. Most buyers, however, especially first timers, don’t have a preference, and likely don’t even know what a title company does. So why does it matter? And how do you choose?

Quick Note: “Settlement” and “Closing” are used interchangeably here, as are “Title Company” and “Settlement Company”

Most likely, your trusted realtor will have one or two recommendations for a settlement company that they’ve worked with before, and have contacts that they trust to get you to the finish line.

But what does a Title Company do? To start, they typically hold the Earnest Money Deposit in an escrow account and distribute it accordingly at settlement.

Then, they get to work on the title search.

At settlement, both the deed and the title will be transferred to the buyer. The basic difference between the two is that the deed is tangible, whereas the title is more of a concept.

The deed is a legally binding document that contains a property description, so that it is clear which property is being transferred. The chain of title, however, is all the parties who have rights to the property. If there are unpaid contractor fees, for example, that contractor could have put a lien on the title. That means that they have partial rights to ownership until the debt is cleared.

A title search will ensure that there are no surprises in terms of ownership of the home, and the seller does in fact have the legal right to sell the property. The settlement company will also provide you with title insurance, just in case there is a hidden or fraudulent issue that arises after settlement.

Even though they are chosen by the buyer, the settlement company is a neutral third party who prepares the paperwork, conducts the closing with a settlement agent/notary, records the documents with the county and distributes funds at the appropriate time.

Whichever company you decide to work with, it is important that there is a point of contact who is easily reachable and responsive to questions.

Hope Peele is a licensed real estate agent with McEnearney Associates, Inc. in Alexandria, Virginia. She grew up in Old Town and currently lives in Del Ray. As a partner with The Peele Group, Hope is dedicated to guiding her clients successfully through the many-faceted process of buying or selling a home. Contact Hope at 703-244-6115. 

If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our associates, please email: [email protected] or call 703-549-9292.

McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria

This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Brian Bonnet, Senior Loan Officer (NMLS ID# 224811) of Atlantic Coast Mortgage, LLC (NMLS ID# 643114). To learn more about current mortgage rates and the home loan process, contact Brian at 703.766.6702 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.

Question: Are there loan options to help a buyer purchase and renovate a fixer upper?

Answer: Let’s face it, when purchasing a new home, most of us would prefer to purchase one with upgraded kitchens and baths, a new roof, new windows, new systems, and our favorite paint colors — oh, and in the ideal location. Most of us would also like to win the lottery.

None of those are realities for most people.

The housing market continues to struggle with a level of supply that is not keeping pace with demand. Buyers are competing for too few available houses and properties deemed “fixer-uppers” get less prospective buyer attention. However, these properties have untapped potential and should not be overlooked if a buyer is willing to take on the home improvement challenge and can identify the means to finance the effort.

As different properties require various levels of effort to improve them, the methods of financing those improvements can also differ greatly. Some buyers are flush with cash and have enough to cover a large down payment, closing costs, and improvements. Others struggle with how to meet the minimum cash requirement just to purchase a home. Just as homes differ in big and small ways, buyers need financing options that differ as well. Here are some general questions to consider.

Instead of making the down payment I had planned, can I make a smaller down payment and cover the cost of improvements with the cash I have retained? 

The smaller down payment means a larger loan, which requires a higher monthly payment. But since we are talking about fixer-uppers, the starting price for the home is presumably lower and therefore the loan amount is lower than would be the case for a home that did not need upgrades and improvements.

Can I borrow from my active retirement account to increase my cash to cover the down payment and the costs of improvements?

Most qualified retirement programs allow active participants to borrow for the purchase of a new home. The funds available can supplement or replace other savings, which can then be used to cover the cost of repairs and improvements.

Does an FHA 203K loan make sense for my particular fixer-upper scenario?

Some lenders provide FHA 203K renovation loans for home purchasers that allow them to finance 96.5% of the cost of the purchase price plus qualified improvements and renovations.

• The streamlined 203K program allows for the purchase price plus non-structural renovations and upgrades up to an additional $75,000 in cost.
• The full 203K program allows for a purchase with major renovations, up to a maximum loan amount in the Washington metro area of $1,149,825.
• The FHA programs require only 3.5% of the combined cost of the home purchase and renovations or upgrades from the purchaser.

Am I ready to take on a construction loan to turn the fixer-upper into my dream home?

Some lenders provide true construction financing, which can finance anything from a major kitchen and bath renovation to buying a vacant lot and building a new home and can be an effective method to finance the complete renovation of a true fixer-upper. Often there is great value in the “bones” of the structure and the location of that structure, but very little value in anything else associated with the property. A construction loan may be the best approach to acquiring and bringing new life to a tired, old, fixer-upper.

If you are lucky enough to find your perfect turnkey home in this competitive market, you can expect to pay top dollar for it. But savvy home buyers will tell you the best value is in properties that require some sweat equity and TLC. Keeping that in mind and identifying the best way to finance those efforts can open more homebuying opportunities in our tight housing market.

Please reach out to me or my colleagues at Atlantic Coast Mortgage to have a conversation about whether a construction loan works for your homebuying goals.

If you would like more information about financing a mortgage in today’s market, please contact Brian Bonnet at [email protected] or call 703-766-6702.

If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our associates, please email: [email protected] or call 703-549-9292.

McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria

This week’s Q&A column, sponsored and written by McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria, is a bit of a departure from our usual format. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact us at 703-549-9292. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.

Question: When do you need a licensed contractor vs. a handyman?

Answer: There comes a day in every homeowner’s life when you realize it’s time for reinforcements. Whether it’s a leaky pipe, a new electrical box, replacing an appliance, or drying a wet basement, finding a fix starts with choosing the right expert for the job. However, not all home projects are created equally, so how do you know whether to call a handyman or a licensed contractor?

(Renters, you will call your Landlord or Property Manager!)

The main differences between a licensed contractor and a handyman are the type and size of jobs they work on, their licensing requirements, and how many people they supervise. Contractors typically work on larger projects, like home additions or renovations, while handymen usually work on smaller projects and home maintenance.

When it comes to licensing, do your research for the requirements in your area as some handyman work may require a contractor’s license. For example, there are three levels of general contractor license in Virginia, based on the size of the job being performed. The lowest level of general contractor’s license, a class C license, allows for residential contracting jobs between the amount of $1,000 and $10,000, including materials and labor, while Class A contractors perform or manage construction, removal, repair, or improvements for projects $120,000 or more, or when costs for any12-month period is $750,000 or more.

A handyman may do work that includes painting, drywall repair, window or door repair, replacing faucets or electrical outlets, swapping out light fixtures, laying carpet, hanging curtains, or installing shelves.

For smaller jobs that can be completed in a couple of hours or a day or two, homeowners can check out popular options on sites like TaskRabbit and Thumbtack — like Uber or DoorDash for home projects, complete with client reviews — or Angi (formerly Angie’s List), which also offers contractors for larger jobs. Handyman fees can be charged by the hour or per the project and generally don’t require signing a contract.

States often require a contractor’s license for jobs that cost more than a certain amount, require structural changes, or involve electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work. Sometimes the project may require a permit for work being contracted, including these examples:

• New windows. Replacing an existing window does not need a permit, but cutting a hole for a new window does. This includes new doors and skylights.
• Most municipalities require permits for siding projects whether you use strong cardboard or other materials.
• Not all fencing projects require a building permit, but cities often place restrictions on non-permitted fences. For example, in Maryland’s Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, a permit is needed for fences 4-feet or higher while in Howard County it’s 6-feet or higher and in Calvert County it’s 7-feet or higher.
• Electrical and plumbing. If you’re installing new or removing current plumbing permits, you’ll need a permit. Any improvement project that includes installing a new electrical system also requires a permit.
• Water heater. You need a permit if you want to replace your water heater.

Who can apply for permits, expiration dates, and other details vary based on the type of permit required so be sure to check your local jurisdiction to confirm whether it will be you as the homeowner or the contractor who will apply for the appropriate permits. Regardless of whether you’re hiring a handyman or a contractor, interview a few professionals to see who fits best based on their expertise and how they answer these questions:

• How long has your company been in business?
• What experience do you have with this type of project?
• Do you have the necessary permits or licenses?
• Do you have references?
• What is the cost estimate?
• What is the timeline for this project?
• Are you insured?

Big or small, it can feel daunting to start a home improvement project, especially if it comes up unexpectedly due to damage or a breakdown. But with a bit of research and planning, you can find a home improvement professional who will work with your timeline and budget.

If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our associates, please email: [email protected] or call 703-549-9292.

McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria