Monday, November 6, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
Congratulations, you just ratified the contract on your future home! Now you are getting a call from your agent stating that you need to let them know the best day to have the home inspection within your deadline... WHAT??
Do I even NEED to be there? I have no clue what to look for!!
Not to fear.... we can help!
What is a home inspection?A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.
What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) publishes a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics I ...
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dc, dc metro area, real estate, community, buying a home, did you know?, new home
Monday, October 30, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
You're in the process of purchasing your dream home and your realtor asks you if you have ordered your homeowner's insurance. "Wait a minute..." you think (or say). "I thought we did not ask for a homeowners insurance when we negotiated our contract?"
If this was (is) you when you purchased your home, you may have been confusing your home WARRANTY with your home INSURANCE. Your next thought or answer may have been that you don't think you need either. Read more below to not only understand the difference between the two but to also see how both can be a huge help to your home!
It is more and more common for people to be offered home warranty coverage when they buy a new home. Although both home warranties and home insurance can provide you with coverage when an emergency comes up, the two are very different.
Your home insurance policy is not a home warranty. Whether you are a first time home buyer, moving into your second or third home, a new condo or even you aree ...
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dc, dc metro area, real estate, community, buying a home, did you know?, selling your home, home warranty, home insurance
Thursday, October 26, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
DID YOU KNOW....
Virginia ranks at the top of the Haunted Places list from the National Register of Haunted Locations. Nearly 170 spooky sites claim paranormal happenings. Here are a few.
In addition to the haunted sites open to the public, several Virginia communities offer a variety of Halloween Events. Some activities are not for scaredy cats, so pick and choose according to your comfort level for paranormal intrigue.
Northern Virginia
Alexandria - Visitors to Gadsby's Tavern Museum have heard tales of mysterious events, such as the sightings of a beautiful young woman who died on the premises in 1816. Once, a tavern guest followed the apparition upstairs to a deserted bedroom where a hurricane lamp glowed. After summoning the manager, the two men found a lamp that burned when touched but contained a wick that appeared as if it had never been lit.
Alexandria - Enjoy Ghost Tours in Old Town Alexandria, which start at the haunteg ...
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dc, real estate, halloween, dc events, fun in dc
Wednesday, October 25, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the USA
The United States is 1 of about 70 countries around the world using DST. When do clocks change and which areas are exempt? In what year was DST initiated in the US?
March to November
The DST period in the United States begins each year on the 2nd Sunday in March, when clocks are set forward by 1 hour. They are turned back again to standard time on the 1st Sunday in November as DST ends.
Not All Areas Use DST
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 gives every state or territory the right to opt out of using DST.
In the contiguous US, only Arizona currently exercises that right. Clocks in most of the state, including its capital, Phoenix, remain on Mountain Standard Time (MST) all year. The only exception is the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona, which follows DST to stay in sync with the parts of its territory extending into Utah and New Mexico—both states observe DST.
Other parts of the USA that do not follow DST are Hawaii and all ofm ...
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dc, dc metro area, community, daylight savings time, daylight savings time 2017, did you know?, spring forward fall back
Thursday, October 19, 2017 / by Brittini Martinez
These days, if you're looking for ideas around home staging and improvement, all you have to do is turn on the TV. With dozens—dozens!—of real estate reality shows dominating prime time, you could conceivably never run out of inspiration to make your home stand out.
And sure, you might feel empowered after watching designers and builders knock down walls, repaint with bold colors, and then style the result with ornate throw pillows. But emulating these shows can be a slippery slope for sellers.
Somewhere along the way, these programs have created DIY monsters out of homeowners who think they can easily replicate what they see on TV. The result? A property that's nearly impossible for brokers to market and sell.
We're not saying you should never take your cues from these shows. But you should know the reality of reality TV advice—before your wallet is empty and you're knee-deep in shiplap. Here are seven pain points for a; ...
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dc, dc metro area, real estate, dmv, halloween, selling your home
