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David Burrows

How To Save On Energy

In this economy, we all know that saving money in reference to energy is important. All of us understand by personal experience that energy is not costing us less, but in fact prices continue to rise. Every year we anticipate hearing on the news that our Natural Gas and Electric costs will be going up two percent, five percent and sometimes more. Is there anything we can do to save on home related energy and if so, what?

Here is an article to click about energy could be worth the time it takes to read. Hopefully you won't just read it but you will act on the thoughts that are shared. By the way, we've changed all of our lights in our home to energy saving bulbs, additionally, we've caulked around two drafty windows. You can do the same. Now for the writing: 17 Ways to Reduce Home Energy Costs - Money-saving tips for managing your home energy expenses.

One more thought to consider: Remember, saving energy is not only good for your wallet but it is also means we are taking care of the earth in a responsible manner.

David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Envirian of Warrenton, Warrenton, VA 20186
Phone:
(888) 673-7866 x119
Burrows Properties

Sellers: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.

Buyers: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.

Try this link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale When you land on the main page try one of our custom searches listed on the bottom of the page. No registration is necessary for the Fairfax MLS general search on my site. If you check the box to receive automated updates sent to your email, you will be required to give us your name and a valid email address.

Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!

This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.

A Quick Lesson On Interest Rates

While managing a Real Estate office I watched one of our agents work with some clients who wanted to buy a house and had received their pre-approval for a loan. The Realtor' assumption was this couple with their approval, were actually ready to make their purchase. Her clients continued to look for a house but unfortunately were dragging their feet, taking longer than what the agent thought they would take. The purchasers were first time home buyers, who would be buying an entry level house, which was really all that they could afford and in fact, barely qualified for the mortgage. Here is the kicker and something to always remember.

This couple failed to get locked in on an interest rate. In the interim, interest rates went up which resulted in a higher monthly payment. They no longer qualified for a house in the price range they had really planned to buy in because the additional interest would put them over the top of their pre-approved limit. They were forced to look for a house that was somewhat less than what they had previously thought they could buy. In their case they were nearly priced right out of the housing market.

Here is a simple truth to remember: Every time interest rates go up, the amount of house you or I can afford to pay for goes down. In other words, instead of being able to afford a $200,000 house, you maybe can only finance a property for $175,000. Why? The answer is simple: Let's assume that I am approved for a payment of $1,075 per month - a $200,000 dollar Mortgage at 5%. Interest rates rise to 6.5% resulting in a payment of $1264 per month for the same amount of house - $200,000. If I am eligible for a maximum payment of only $1075 then I will have no choice but to look for a property that costs less.

I would never say to anyone that this is the time for you to buy because only you, as a prospective buyer can determine the best time. On the other hand, you should be aware of the fact that interest rates are very low and we are still in a buyers' market.

David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Envirian of Warrenton, Warrenton, VA 20186
Phone:
(888) 673-7866 x119
Burrows Properties

Credit Tip:
Always secure your Mortgage Pre-Approval before going out house shopping.

Seller Guidance:
I would encourage you to employ a Realtor to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.

Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.

Try this link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale When you land on the main page try one of our custom searches listed on the bottom of the page. No registration is necessary for the Fairfax MLS general search on my site. If you check the box to receive automated updates sent to your email, you will be required to give us your name and a valid email address.

Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!

This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.

Moving Soon? Try These Suggestions

One of my absolute favorite websites when it comes to saving money is The Dollar Stretcher. You will find financial information on taxes, growing herbs for tea, budgeting, retirement, living a frugal lifestyle and yes, lots of information about Real Estate and of course many other topics.

Here is a helpful writing in reference to Moving, especially if you are moving to another city. It is called, 6 Saving Tips When Moving. I hope you will take a moment, if you are preparing to move soon, to read this informative article. It will be worth your time.

David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Envirian of Warrenton
110 West Shirley Avenue
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 540.349.3075 x119
Burrows Properties

A Burrows' Thought worth considering: "You can get a Free Credit Report on the internet. Make sure you know what that report says before you apply for credit."

Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these articles on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin?

Seller Guidance:
I would encourage you to employ a Realtor®® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.

Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.

Try this powerful link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale
The search engine on my site will allow you to find a house by Mapping, County, Subdivision, Zip Code, Address or City. I encourage you to try the Fairfax MLS and in fact, search the entire Northern VA Real Estate area.

Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!

Click on the following link for your Complimentary eCalendar & Daily Planner. This is a Free Gift from David. There is absolutely NO sign-up, registration, tricks, or gimmicks. It really is free for you to enjoy! This is a great tool for keeping track of your schedule for all of your Real Estate needs. There is NO obligation.

This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.

Financial Assistance Available In Purchase Of First Home

I like to share information that can be valuable to First Time Home Buyers. Here is something worth reading that could make a huge difference in the purchase of your first home.

Loudoun County offers financial assistance through the Downpayment/Closing Costs Assistance Program (DPCC) to first-time homebuyers. The program assists low-to moderate-income homebuyers with the purchase of their first home in the county. Here is the link to follow for the information: Downpayment/Closing Costs Assistance Program


David L. Burrows, Realtor®, Accredited Home-Staging Specialist
Envirian of Warrenton
110 West Shirley Avenue
Warrenton, VA 20186
Serving ALL of Northern Virginia
Burrows Properties

A Burrows' Thought worth considering: Buying a house involves true commitment. My definition of commitment is translated inconvenience. You should expect the unexpected after you have a contract. Something always develops that you don't expect to happen. When it does, remain calm and absolutely resolved to see everything through to the end. By the way, this is when you lean on your Realtor.

Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these articles on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin?

Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor®® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.

Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.

Try this powerful link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale
The search engine on my site will allow you to find a house by Mapping, County, Subdivision, Zip Code, Address or City. I encourage you to try the Fairfax MLS and in fact, search the entire Northern VA Real Estate area.

Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!

Click on the following link for your Complimentary eCalendar & Daily Planner. This is a Free Gift from David. There is absolutely NO sign-up, registration, tricks, or gimmicks. It really is free for you to enjoy! This is a great tool for keeping track of your schedule for all of your Real Estate needs. There is NO obligation.

This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.

A Simple Home Maintenance Prescription

One of the things that is easy to put off and put off and put off some more is Home Maintenance! Whether you are a home owner in the Fairfax VA Real Estate market or just anywhere in the United States there is something you must remember. Home ownership is NEVER maintenance free.

I've pulled together some helpful tips (I've published this before) as referenced by www.HomeInspectorLocator.com in maintaining your home. I would urge you to follow the link and become more informed about how to keep your house in good repair.

These kinds of things you do just once.
1. Locate and mark the shut-offs for the heating, electrical and plumbing systems
2. Install smoke detectors as necessary
3. Change the locks on all doors
4. Remove or repair trip hazards such as broken walks, or driveways, loose carpet or flooring
5. Have all chimneys inspected and serviced before operating
6. Remove any wood/soil contact to prevent rotting and insect damage

These kinds of things you do more often.
1. Clean gutters in spring and fall
2. Check for damaged roofing twice a year
3. Service your furnace or boiler yearly
4. Check furnace filters, humidifiers and any electronic air cleaners monthly
5. Check bathtub and shower caulking monthly and repair promptly if needed
6. If in a climate prone to freezing, shut off outdoor water faucets in the fall
7. Cut back trees and shrubs from the house walls, roof and air conditioning system as needed

Of course, these suggestions are by no means the be all and end all of home maintenance. On the other hand, it is a good place to begin.


David L. Burrows, Realtor®, Accredited Home-Staging Specialist
Envirian of Warrenton
110 West Shirley Avenue
Warrenton, VA 20186
Serving ALL of Northern Virginia
Burrows Properties

A Burrows' Thought worth considering: Buying a house involves true commitment. My definition of commitment is translated inconvenience. You should expect the unexpected after you have a contract. Something always develops that you don't expect to happen. When it does, remain calm and absolutely resolved to see everything through to the end. By the way, this is when you lean on your Realtor.

Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these articles on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin?

Seller Guidance:
I would encourage you to employ a Realtor®® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.

Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.

Try this powerful link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale
The search engine on my site will allow you to find a house by Mapping, County, Subdivision, Zip Code, Address or City. I encourage you to try the Fairfax MLS and in fact, search the entire Northern VA Real Estate area.

Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!

Click on the following link for your Complimentary eCalendar & Daily Planner. This is a Free Gift from David. There is absolutely NO sign-up, registration, tricks, or gimmicks. It really is free for you to enjoy! This is a great tool for keeping track of your schedule for all of your Real Estate needs. There is NO obligation.

This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.

David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.