Teresa Jones

According to Realtor.org, below are five things to do before putting your home on the market:

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you'll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

2. Organize and clean. Reduce clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn out or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don't plan to do it yourself. The figures will help when negotiations begin.

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you're a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

With just a few smart moves, you can turn a buyers' market in your favor.

Provided by:
Teresa Jones & REALTOR.org
teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS
400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314
202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office)
703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free)
http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/

INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS

To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!

To ensure quality and compliance with the appraisal process, and provide added protection for home buyers, mortgage investors and the housing market, a joint agreement has been established between Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), and the New York State Attorney General. The Home Valuation Code of Conduct is a result of that agreement and effective May 1, 2009, loan officers, Realtors, or borrowers may no longer select an appraiser of their choice when financing the purchase of a home through a lender, or when refinancing a home.

Freddie Mac will no longer purchase single-family mortgages from Lenders that do not adopt the Code. This code is designed to enhance the independence of appraisers and to assure that borrowers and secondary mortgage market investors receive a fair and independent property valuation. For more information, visit http://www.freddiemac.com/singlefamily/hvcc_faq.html.

Provided by:
Teresa Jones & REALTORS.org
teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS
400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314
202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office)
703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free)
http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/

INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS

To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!

Time to Getaway? If you're planning to travel during the summer this year, you can help protect your home while you're away by following these tips from Rismedia.com:

1. Make it look like you're home. Install timers on interior lights so they turn on and off periodically. Consider leaving your radio on and tuned to an all-news or talk show station.

2.Install exterior lights controlled by motion sensors to make your home a more difficult target for a thief.

3. Discontinue your newspaper delivery temporarily. Be sure to give several days notice so your order can be processed in time.

4. Ask someone to collect any free papers or sales materials left near your house.

5. Have the post office hold your mail. This can be done by calling the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 and listening to the option for putting a vacation hold on your mail.

6. Ask a friend or neighbor to park a car in your driveway occasionally and keep an eye on your place.

7. If you have an alarm that is monitored, tell the alarm company you will be away. If possible, provide a phone number where you can be reached.

8. If you're going to be away for two weeks or more, ask a friend to mow the grass or hire a lawn service.

Take these simple steps to help protect your property before leaving for vacation.

Provided by:
Teresa Jones
teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS
400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314
202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office)
703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free)
http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/

INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS

To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!

ReStore is a resale business that sells new and used building materials and home improvement items to the general public at 50% to 90% below retail prices. All materials are donated, and the proceeds from the ReStore benefit Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia. According to washingtonspaces.com, there will be a big sale hosted by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) on May 2nd from 9 AM - 4 PM that will include furniture, window treatments, fabrics, and appliances.

Habitat ReStore of Northern Virginia
7770-A Richmond Hwy.
Alexandria, VA 22306
703.360.6700
www.restorenova.org

Provided by:
Teresa Jones
teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS
400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314
202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office)
703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free)
http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/

INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS

To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!

1. You Have Someone Familiar Who Is Willing To Help You. Uncle Sam will provide first-time buyers (defined as anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years) a maximum $8,000 tax credit.

2. When Prices Come Back Up, You'll Have Instant Equity. In many neighborhoods, foreclosures and short sales have driven down prices; however, better times will mean the price of the home you buy will rise rapidly.

3. Home Ownership Is A Great Investment. According to the Wall Street Journal, if you put $10,000 into the stock market and it earns 10 percent, you've earned $1,000. If you put $10,000 down on a home and its values increases 10 percent, you've made $10,000.

4. Rent Goes Up, Mortgage Can Stay Fixed. If you get a fixed-rate mortgage, the monthly payment stays the same - while rent goes upward.

5. You Own Your Quiet Retreat. It is comforting to know that your home is your own. You can paint it any color you want and there is no pet rules - let three dogs run in the back yard!!!

Provided by:
Teresa Jones & REALTORS.org
teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS
400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314
202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office)
703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free)
http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/

INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS

To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!