Children’s House Montessori School (CHMS) looks forward to opening in Del Ray for toddlers and preschoolers in August 2024.
As CHMS prepares the campus for the fall it remains mindful of an important priority: supporting working parents. It also understands that the days are long and the years are short for young families. Balancing demanding professional and personal responsibilities while ensuring their child receives a high-quality education from caring and qualified professionals can be challenging for parents.
CHMS provides parents the flexibility to choose what daily school schedule fits best for their family, offering three options: a half-day program from 8 a.m.-12 p.m., a part day program from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., or a full day program from 8 a.m. to as late as 5 p.m.
CHMS’ Montessori curriculum features hands-on materials, individualized lessons, and socialization. Students progress through eight subject areas that teach them to practice independence and work collaboratively with their younger and older friends.
Their full day Enrichment Program (EP) is a fun and dynamic way for children to end their school day. During EP, students engage in small group outdoor and indoor activities that purposely promote gross motor movement, fine motor skills, and critical thinking. Students learn developmental milestones, like throwing a ball, hopping on one foot, catching a ball, jumping in hoops and more, as they progress throughout the school year. Children also learn to play games like soccer, basketball, and red-light green light, and to socialize with another.
Explore further the educational opportunities that await your child at CHMS at www.childrenshousemontessori.com.
This week’s Q&A column is written by Rebecca McCullough of McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact Rebecca at 571-384-0941 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
Question: What should I know about real estate appraisals?
Answer: An appraisal is an unbiased professional opinion of the value of a home. An appraisal is needed when a mortgage is involved in the buying, refinancing, or selling of a property. Other reasons you may get an appraisal is to determine value in the case of estate settlement, divorce, or insurance purposes.
It is important to understand the meaning of unbiased which is without prejudice and favoritism. In this case the appraiser has no financial interest personally in the property or transaction. It does not say that the unbiased professional opinion will not be subjective.
What is the process of an appraisal?
For the purposes of the article, we are going to assume the appraisal is being ordered as the result of a ratified contract where the buyer needs to obtain a mortgage to pay for the property
Upon ratification the contract is sent to the buyer’s lender. The lender then requests an appraisal through an independent Appraisal Management Company (AMC). Lenders and buyers cannot choose their own appraiser.
The contract will specify a timeframe to have the appraisal completed. The assigned appraiser will reach out to the listing agent for an appointment to see the property. The appointment usually takes less than one hour.
The appraiser will measure the square footage, take pictures, and attempt to determine the age of appliances, windows, roof, and other systems. They will want to know of any major improvements made in the home and when they were done. They will also take into consideration the surrounding area, schools, transportation infrastructure, and other amenities in the community.
After the physical review they will do the same market analysis that the real estate agent does to determine the market value of the home. They will look through the most recent sales to determine the homes which best compare to the subject house with respect to square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, lot size, age of home, finishes, and condition. Sometimes those are very difficult to find because the areas have been redeveloped over time. There may be brand new homes next to old or even historic homes.
The diversity of homes in our Alexandria communities can make finding good comps very difficult. When this happens, the appraiser often goes to neighborhoods further away. That could lead to the two homes being in different school districts which could impact the value of a home.
Once the appraiser has determined what they feel are the best comps they will make monetary adjustments to the various features of a home to bring the homes into alignment. For example, one has a screened porch the other does not. What value do you add or subtract for this feature? Now do that a few times with other features and it is subjective.
It’s not an exact science, but appraisals are necessary. Flash back to the 2008 housing crisis, when lenders were loaning people more money than the house was worth. We know we don’t want a repeat of that. It’s the appraiser’s job to protect the interests of the lender and the buyer.
Once the lender receives the completed appraisal one of three scenarios can happen:
- The appraisal value is higher than the sales price. Excellent, instant equity!
- The appraisal value equals the sales price. Again, excellent parties move forward.
- The appraisal value is lower than the sales price. Uh-oh.
Low appraisals are everyone’s worst scenario. Depending on the contract, and the type of financing the buyer is applying for, the next steps are different. Let’s lay them out.
Cash or conventional financing that is contingent on appraisal value:
- The buyer and the seller will negotiate. Easy option the seller agrees to lower the sales price to the appraisal. Transaction moves forward.
- The buyer and seller agree on a compromised price, the transaction moves forward. This may mean the buyer has to add money to his down payment to meet loan requirements to preserve rates and conditions. For example, if the amount now puts the buyer’s downpayment at less than 20% they will have to bring more money to closing to avoid paying mortgage insurance.
- The buyer and seller cannot agree to a price, and if the buyer is protected by an appraisal contingency, the buyer can void the contract and walk away with no penalty. If they put an earnest money deposit down, they will receive it back in full.
VA (Veterans) Loan
VA loans are guaranteed by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans can borrow up to 100% of the sales price with no limit. VA loan borrowers CANNOT waive the appraisal. Even if they do waive their right in the contract documents, it can’t be enforced. This is very complicated, yet simple too when submitting contracts. There’s a lot of misunderstanding regarding this issue in the industry.
With respect appraisals coming in over, at, and under the sale price, the scenarios are all the same as above. However, the veteran does not need a Finance Contingency Addendum to be protected. They are protected by statue.
Understanding this, you can appreciate that it can especially trying for veteran’s who want to take advantage of the great rates and terms VA Loans can provide and get a VA loan. However, because they cannot waive appraisal, or the right to void based on a low appraisal, sellers are sometimes hesitant to accept offers with VA loans. This is especially frustrating in multiple offer situations. But understanding each contract is critical, and not making blanket assumptions regarding the offer because it’s a VA loan is important.
Honestly, this is one of the key scenarios where a knowledgeable agent can make or break a deal for a seller and/or buyer. Understanding and navigating a successful contract with a VA Loan can be tricky.
We are expecting another seller’s market in the spring of 2024 with inventory still very limited. Buyers are tired of waiting on the sidelines and with the slight decrease in rates they are out looking for houses to buy. The contingencies and terms that a buyer includes in their offer are critical. Please make sure you are working with a knowledgeable agent if listing or buying a home this spring, and always!
Rebecca McCullough has built a successful real estate business in Alexandria and Northern Virginia by providing excellent service to her clients. If you would like more information on selling or buying in today’s complex market, contact Rebecca today at 571-384-0941 or visit her website RebeccaMcCullough.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.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria
This week’s Q&A column is written by David Howell, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, of McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant market news, contact David at 703-855-5089 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
Question: How did the Alexandria real estate market for 2023 compare to 2022?
Answer: This week we look at contract activity for all of 2023 compared with 2022 for the City of Alexandria and South Alexandria (Fairfax County portions of Alexandria). The charts below show contract activity by month, price range, and by property type (condos, attached homes, and detached homes). We have often discussed the continuing pressures of low inventory on our local market. As interest rates are gradually coming down, there will be an increase in buyer activity. And the same will be true for sellers who will be more willing to give up their current low-rate mortgage. 2024 will see more activity than we had in 2023.
If you are interested in more information, every month on our website we profile the most important market indicators for Northern Virginia — contract activity, interest rates, inventory, affordability, and the direction of the market — in an easy to read and digest summary followed by supporting charts and data.
City Of Alexandria
New Contract Activity by Month
- The seasonal nature of the real estate market is evident as activity increases through the spring and decreases through the fall months in both 2022 and 2023.
- Activity in 2023 did not vary as much from spring to fall. And even improved in the last few months of the year compared to 2022.
New Contract Activity by Price Range
- Contract activity in the City of Alexandria decreased 17.3% for 2023 compared to 2022.
- Contract activity was slightly higher for the highest price category, but significantly lower for the lowest price categories.
Just Listed highlights Alexandria City properties that came on the market within the past week. This feature is sponsored by the Jen Walker Team (Licensed in VA) of McEnearney Associates REALTORS®.
Welcome Back!
Jen Walker here with The Jen Walker Team! We are a real estate group based out of Alexandria, Virginia. I, along with my rock-star team members, Sue Kovalsky, Micki MacNaughton, Adrianna Vallario and Nancy Lacey, have more than 40 years of experience in real estate and sold over $145 million in 2023.
This amazing property is truly one of a kind and one you must see to believe. Sited on a very private lot of over 1.25 acres, the home features five bedrooms, three full baths, pool and pool house and a two-car garage.
The home is grand, with 9-foot ceilings on the main level. Enter the foyer and walk into a very large, formal living room with fireplace. This space opens up to a sitting room and flows easily to the dining room, which can easily accommodate 12+. Beyond the dining room is a convenient butler’s pantry with access to the kitchen — both were recently renovated and feature inset cabinetry, marble counters and backsplashes. The kitchen boasts a Thermidor refrigerator and Viking cooktop with separate double wall ovens. An adjoining pantry/mudroom has additional cabinetry, laundry, built-in shelving, an additional refrigerator, and plenty of counter space.
In the rear of the home, you will find an extraordinary family room — with beautiful, vaulted ceilings, hidden storage, an oversized fireplace and more; this is the perfect room to host parties or enjoy cozy nights by the fire. Just off the family room is a wood-paneled sunroom. This light and airy room is great for more casual get-togethers or overflow space while entertaining. Off the family room is a grand screened porch, with plenty of space for relaxing or hosting! Rounding out this level is an office/library with an adjacent full bathroom.
Head upstairs to five bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The primary features three closets and an en-suite bath. The renovated bathroom features an oversized shower, double vanities, and a linen closet (the bath also has access to the walk-up attic). The second bedroom (currently an office) has a great size, vaulted ceiling, and beautiful light. Two additional large bedrooms and one smaller bedroom with a hall bath round out this level.
The grounds of this property are simply stunning. A two-car garage is adjacent to the main house — accessible under a breezeway. Beyond that is the pool (20′ by 40’) and pool buildings — one 6′ by 10′ for equipment and one 12′ by 10′ — great for a shady nap or watching TV in between swims. The pool liner was replaced in 2022, and the pool has a solar cover on a roller that easily gets the pool up to 90 degrees by early summer. Mature plantings and trees dot the landscape. To the right of the main house is additional side yard space with a 10′ by 16′ garden shed.
Park in the garage or pull up to the front using the circular driveway — you do not want to miss this spectacular home.
4001 Lawrence Avenue, Alexandria 22304 — $2,695,000
Click here for additional Just Listed properties in Alexandria and call The Jen Walker Team to schedule a home tour at 703-675-1566 or email [email protected].
- 2706 Valley Drive, Alexandria 22302 — $1,725,000
- 3101 N Hampton #810, Alexandria 22302 — $350,000
- 1355 Powhatan Street, Alexandria 22314 — $1,150,000
- 701 Swann Avenue #106, Alexandria 22301 — $698,000
- 2181 Jamieson Avenue #411, Alexandria 22314 — $440,000
Happy House Hunting!
In our highly competitive Alexandria market, the Jen Walker Team has the insider knowledge to connect you with homes that are not even public yet. With more than 40 years of experience, the Jen Walker Team has the expertise to answer questions, calm fears, and streamline your transaction. Want to see other homes not featured in this article? Contact our team today!
Please note: While The Jen Walker Team provides this information for the community, they may not be the listing agents of these homes. Equal Housing Opportunity.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria
Children’s House Montessori School (CHMS) is pleased to announce the opening of our Alexandria campus in August 2024 at the intersections of Hume and Mt. Vernon avenues.
The newly renovated space will accommodate five classrooms for toddler and preschool students, ages two to six, and includes a nature-focused playground, pick-up/drop-off area, and parking. A warm and welcoming home awaits young learners in Del Ray!
CHMS’s guiding mission is to provide young learners with a high-quality Montessori education in a safe, caring, fun, and stimulating environment that honors the unique talents of each child and nurtures a lifelong love of learning. CHMS’s core values emphasize practicing personal safety, strengthening school community, developing individual character, and adhering to Dr. Montessori’s educational principles.
The Montessori educational method encourages self-directed learning guided by Montessori-credentialed staff within a curated classroom environment. Toddlers and preschoolers engage in purposeful individual and small group lessons with hands on materials, geared to develop a strong academic, social, and emotional foundation. CHMS students graduate as proactive, empathetic, prosocial, and prepared citizens, equipped with essential skills to excel.
CHMS has successfully served families at our Arlington campus for over 20 years and has been recognized regularly as a “Best of Arlington” preschool provider.
We look forward to welcoming Alexandria area families to our new, second campus! We are currently accepting applications for toddlers and preschoolers.
Please visit our website to learn more at childrenshousemontessori.com or call us at 703-276-1360!
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: How long does it take to get a home on the market for sale?
Answer: There are many steps to selling a home. However, if you are somewhat prepared, an experienced Realtor can launch your listing as active in a matter of days. How prepared are you? I would suggest that you leave it to your expert Realtor to assess and advise on whether your home is truly show-ready. In addition to the condition of your home, there are also some important pre-marketing activities that should be done for the best and most lucrative outcome for you, as a seller, and it’s best not to speed through the process too quickly. In our business, we provide each seller with a customized timeline.
If you are interested in a personalized and realistic timeline for your own home, don’t hesitate to reach out for a no-obligation consultation and you are also invited to our first “Downsizing & Planning for the Future” event on January 20th at James Duncan Library. I’ll share more details below.
In this article, I’ll break down the key steps in getting ready for a sale, with an idea of how long each step may take.
- Preparation (2-8 Weeks):
Before listing your home, it’s super important to make sure that it’s ready for buyer viewings. An outside opinion is crucial, so that you don’t waste time and money painting less than ideal colors or doing things that aren’t necessary, Most importantly, you need to declutter, make necessary repairs, and enhance curb appeal. This stage depends on your current condition, and whether you do it yourself or use one of our trusted and often speedy contractors to accomplish the task list quickly. Homes in better shape may require even less than 2 weeks for preparation.
- Setting the Right Price (1-2 Weeks):
Getting the list price is a very important step, and involves your Realtor assessing the market, comparing recent sales within a close distance of your home, and considering your homes features and the ages of the systems, such as the roof, HVAC, windows and more. This process requires thorough research and consultation with real estate professionals. It’s also important to reassess the price, just before going active, in case there have been any new sales.
- Listing Your Home (1-2 Week):
Once your home is prepared and you have decided on the list price, launching your home as active can happen very quickly. Your Realtor will need to schedule a photo shoot for high-quality pictures, produce top-notch marketing materials, and write a compelling and informative description of your home. Your Realtor’s marketing plan should include a social media campaign, a great online presence and lots of exposure for your listing.
- Showings and Open Houses (Varies, ideally 7-14 days):
This stage begins the minute your home becomes active and will last as long as it takes for your home to get an acceptable offer. If your home price is right and the photos show well, you will likely start getting requests for showings within a day or two. Usually, your Realtor will hold an open house the first weekend, and then again fairly regularly throughout the listing period until you are under contract. Hosting open houses and making it easy for buyers to schedule visits are essential for showcasing your property.
- Receiving and Negotiating Offers (Varies, ideally quickly!):
The time frame for this stage will vary depending on how many other homes are currently on the market, whether your home is priced to attract buyers (too high is a deterrent) and whether the offers received will work for you, as the seller. This is where you ideally have more than one offer and can weigh out the best options for you — price, how quickly they can close, whether they will allow you to stay for a period of time after closing (if needed), and what types of contingencies the buyer wants to include in the contract. It’s essential to work closely with your Realtor to structure the best deal for you.
- Under Contract period and closing (3-6 Weeks typically):
After accepting an offer, the home goes under contract. During this period, various tasks, including inspections, appraisals, and paperwork will take place. The timeline for these processes can be done quickly, or can take longer, depending on the contract agreement and the complexity of the sale. Unless you have an agreement to occupy the property for a period of time after settlement, you will have to be completely moved out, usually by the day before closing. The actual closing usually takes place at the settlement company, where the seller and the buyer sign all the documents (often separately) and the settlement company processes the final sale and records it with the local courthouse.
As you can see, selling a home is a multi-step process with varying timelines at each stage, and some of these steps can happen concurrently. It can be accomplished in just a few weeks or could take several months. It’s important to stay organized and to work with an experienced real estate professional for the best results and easiest process.
Ready to start your own timeline! Join us on January 20 at our Downsizing & Planning For The Future event for expert tips from Professional Organizer Terry Barlow, Estate Sale Guru Daniel Sanders, local Moving Expert Ben Frakes, Junk Removal Expert Collin Wheeler, and The Peele Group at McEnearney Real Estate — Kim and Hope Peele & Nancy Smith!
This will be an informative session on how to get started and accomplish your goals, with time for Q&A.
When: Jan. 20 from 12-1:30 p.m. with extra time for Q&A.
Where: James Duncan Library, 2701 Commonwealth Avenue. Space is limited. RSVP required — on the library website (alexlibraryva.org/event/9926105) or email [email protected].
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, 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: How important is pricing strategy in the current market?
Answer: Precise pricing is more important than ever! Even in a white-hot “Seller’s Market,” owners must be careful when pricing for maximum buyer exposure.
It’s a market that can be enticing for sellers and exhausting for buyers: record-low inventory, high interest rates, and competition around every corner.
However according to David Howell, McEnearney’s Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, sellers still need to be smart and strategic in how they price their property. In fact, in reviewing McEnearney’s most recent statistical research, Howell observes that there are four kinds of sellers in this market — the Very Successful, the Eventually Successful, the Hopeful, and the Failures.
Let’s examine who has the numbers on their side.
The Very Successful Seller:
This is what every seller aims for but only about half of properties actually meet that goal. The “very successful” are those who sell at or above their original list, and those folks usually see a quick sale. For example, in October 2023 in Fairfax County and City of Fairfax, 55% of all homes sold fell into that “very successful “category, and those properties sold in an average of just 9.4 days and 2.5% above list.
The “worst of the best” in the metro area was Washington, D.C., where 40% of homes sold at or above list, and sold in an average of 17.3 days. That’s still pretty darn good.
The Eventually Successful Seller:
These homes sold, but below their original list price and with longer days on the market (DOM). In the City of Alexandria, about 48% of homes fell into this category in October, selling in an average of 30.7 days at 3.6% below the list price. In comparison, 52% of homes sold in six days and 1.6% above list.
The differences are significant — those “eventually successful” sellers took a month longer to sell (that’s another mortgage payment, insurance, and HOA or condo payment!) and sold for much less money. Those homes weren’t priced correctly at the outset, and the significant majority had to reduce their price before getting a contract.
The Hopefuls:
The third category of sellers are the “hopefuls.” Those are homes on the market that haven’t yet accepted an offer. In every jurisdiction we track, the average DOM for these “hopefuls” is at least twice as much as the average days on the market for homes that sold. This is where “testing the market” is at a seller’s peril. Buyers are scouring inventory for the right home and if a listing comes to market and isn’t attracting offers, holding out longer for “That One Perfect Buyer” is not going to solve that problem.
In fact, buyer mindset can affect even normally-priced homes that haven’t yet sold. If the average DOM is 7 days and your listing is at 14 DOM, some buyers may assume something is wrong with the property, even if there isn’t. This in turn brings lower offers — if any.
The Failures:
That brings us to the final category of sellers: the “failures.” We know that sounds harsh, but roughly one in every eight homes that go into the MLS expires or is withdrawn before it sells. This could be for any number of reasons — inflexible seller, significant property damage, distressed sale — but the end result is the same: no buyers were interested.
So, if most of the Washington metro area is in a seller’s market, why aren’t these homes selling? As shown, even with so many market advantages, 3 out of 4 sellers won’t sell their home right away. In most cases, this is because they simply aren’t priced in line with the reality of today’s market where many buyers have been slammed by higher mortgage interest rates.
What can a seller do to ensure they land in the “Highly Successful” camp? The first step is to work with a licensed Realtor® who will provide local market insight and guide your pricing strategy. The second is to prepare your home to attract the most qualified buyers: fix, remodel, and paint for the best first impression, and consider offering credits for buyers.
Finally, have a plan to make a pricing adjustment if the home hasn’t sold within 21 days, which appears to be the local “tipping point” when sales prices drop. In a recent study by the National Association of Realtors, a listing that is 30 DOM without an offer is likely 3-5% overpriced. Be ready to make a pricing decision that keeps you within a competitive time-and-pricing window that keeps buyers interested.
As we have noted before, there are still buyers actively engaged in the market, but they make their decisions based on value. And they don’t see value in an overpriced home. So, heed the warnings of three out of four kinds of sellers who learned the hard way: price matters and time kills.
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
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Just Listed highlights Alexandria City properties that came on the market within the past week. This feature is sponsored by the Jen Walker Team (Licensed in VA) of McEnearney Associates REALTORS®.
Welcome Back!
Jen Walker here with The Jen Walker Team! We are a real estate group based out of Alexandria, Virginia. I, along with my rock-star team members, Sue Kovalsky, Micki MacNaughton, Adrianna Vallario and Nancy Lacey, have more than 35 years of experience in real estate and sold over $150 million in 2022.
This listing by Lisa Groover of McEnearney Associates is a must see! Her listing boasts “Enjoy the Del Ray lifestyle in this charming three level end-unit townhome just blocks from the shops, restaurants and local services along The Avenue. Filled with light, this spacious home has a place for every thing, every purpose, and everyone!
Move-in ready with beautifully refinished hardwood floors on the main level and fresh paint throughout — 4 E Del Ray is waiting for you to call it home! Relax by the wood burning fireplace, grill your favorite meal on the expansive deck, or lounge in the spacious primary suite with updated ensuite bath. Spend time with your friends and family in the lower level recreation/family room with a full wall of built-ins. Work from home from downstairs or one of the three bedrooms. Tons of storage in the unfinished portion of the lower level.
Lovely nine-unit community of Commonwealth Cluster at the corner of Commonwealth and E Del Ray Avenues with one assigned spot in the parking lot and plenty of street parking. All of this, and pet friendly too!
Open House: Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17 from 1-4 p.m.
4 E Del Ray Avenue, Alexandria 22301 — $785,000
Click here for Just Listed properties in Alexandria and call The Jen Walker Team to schedule a home tour at 703-675-1566 or email [email protected].
- 840 W Glebe Road, Alexandria 22305 — $750,000
- 318 N Alfred Street, Alexandria 22314 — $1,750,000
- 305 Mount Place, Alexandria 22305 — $1,295,000
- 400 Cameron Station Blvd #130, Alexandria 22304 — $367,900
Happy House Hunting!
In our highly competitive Alexandria market, the Jen Walker Team has the insider knowledge to connect you with homes that are not even public yet. With more than 35 years of experience, the Jen Walker Team has the expertise to answer questions, calm fears, and streamline your transaction. Want to see other homes not featured in this article? Contact our team today!
Please note: While The Jen Walker Team provides this information for the community, they may not be the listing agents of these homes. Equal Housing Opportunity.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 #WeAreAlexandria
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 are the most important things I should know about caring for my home during the winter?
Answer: Great question! I frequently get reach outs from my buyers about caring for their new (or not so new) homes. After almost no snow last year, many local weather news sources are predicting a winter with lots of snow in the D.C. area. Veronica Johnson, chief meteorologist for 7News First Alert Weather has predicted “17 to 22 inches of snow for the D.C. Metro area this coming winter.”
As we are getting solidly into winter, but not below freezing yet, this is the time to make sure that you are doing some preventative maintenance. Here are a few of the most important things to do to get ready for the winter months.
Check the inside of your home for air leaks. Check all your windows for air leaks, and caulk where needed — both inside and outside. If you have any window air conditioners, this is the time to put them in storage or invest in an insulated cover. Not only will your home be warmer and cozier, but you will also have a more energy-efficient home with a more manageable heating bill.
Check the outside of your home for open entry points and potential water issues. While you are checking for air leaks, look around the exterior of your home, and cover any openings to guard against water intrusion, and also rodents that are looking for a warm hideaway. Make sure to pile fireplace wood away from your home, so that little critters don’t migrate towards the cozy inside of your home. Double check your gutters and downspouts so that rainwater and melting ice can run freely off of your roof and away from your home.
Winterize the pipes. It’s important to make sure that all your outside spigots are protected for the winter. First, turn off the water supply to outside faucets, then unhook hoses, turn on the outside spigots and drain them of all the water. Last, shut them off from the outside only, and cover them with a spigot cover. This can prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. You should also make sure that any pipes in unheated areas are properly insulated. On particularly cold nights, you may even want to leave your inside faucets on a slow drip, so that the pipes don’t freeze. I grew up in an 1800s home and my parents still use this technique when the temperatures drop below 25 degrees.
Get a fireplace check-up. Speaking of being cozy, there’s nothing better than a lovely fire in the fireplace during the winter. This is a great time to have your fireplace inspected and cleaned, for both heat efficiency and for the safety of you and your family.
Have your furnace and hot water heater serviced. There’s nothing worse than having a furnace breakdown in the middle of winter, so it’s best to be proactive when it comes to your HVAC system. An easy way to extend the life of your furnace is to change the filter regularly. This keeps contaminants out of the system and keeps your system running smoothly. Have your local HVAC service company service the system in early winter and again in late spring, and get their advice on how often to change the filter for your particular furnace. Have the hot water heater checked while you’re at it, so that you don’t wake up to a cold home or shower.
Change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These batteries should be changed once a year, so if you haven’t done it already, do it now. And if your detectors are more than 10 years old, change them out completely. There should be smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement.
Be ready for snow removal. Stock up now on ice melting products and grab a snow shovel or two if you don’t already have them. The worst time to be looking for these things is the day or two before a storm. Put your gloves and hat near the front door, too, while you’re at it. It’s best to be ready for snow and sleet.
It’s best to address these maintenance tasks ahead of time, so that you protect your home, keep your energy costs down, and don’t have major repairs during the coldest time of year. For lots more great information on taking care of a home, we frequently recommend a couple of home maintenance books to our new buyers. “Home Maintenance for Dummies” by James Carey is an oldie but a goodie. Another good book is “The First-Time Homeowners Survival Guide” by Sid Davis.
If you need advice, or recommendations on local contractors, don’t hesitate to reach out. Proactive maintenance not only protects your investment, but also contributes towards a stress-free winter and a cozy home. And if you need help finding your dream home, please get in touch!
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
