A Home Demanding Attention!

Recently Listed:

The Intrepid House

Situated on just over 2 acres, this 8,974 square foot estate is one that demands you to entertain in. How many homes have you visited that boast an Indoor Pool? Well the Intrepid House does not only have one but two pools. Yes separate indoor and outdoor pools and a detached pool house. The original builder of the home once made this home his primary residence while building a number of other homes in  the Harbor Hills Community.

Indoor Pool

Outdoor Pool

Aside from the pools the home has been recently renovated with 5 bedrooms, 4 full and 2 partial baths, 3 car extra deep heated garage with above guest quarters, and a wine cellar. The home also shows off a gourmet kitchen and two kitchenettes.

Kitchen

Sunroom

Family Room

Outdoor Fire Pit

Listed By: Patrick DeLeonibus

Offered at: $1,244,000

C:443.223.8340

How you get your home sold and knowing you sold it for the highest possible price with the best terms!

Just because a given real estate market has quick moving inventory does not mean you can just list your home and sell it. Well you can try, and most people do but don't you want to maximize your profits and know you sold it with the best terms?

It seems like when the market heats up owners will tend to tell their agent to list the house. Then without providing the proper attention to the property it sells. Yes it sold but did it sell for the highest possible price with the best terms? This is a question you should not be asking yourself when you get that contract in hand.

You still need to stage your home... or simplify it.

I am not telling you to pay a stager. Many homes will have the essentials but may need to eliminate certain pieces of furniture or items. This process may not require you to hire someone and you could tackle it yourself. However most agents now will cover some or all of the cost to have a stager come out and consult with you. It is an important conversation to have. 

You still need to market the property for maximum exposure.
It is still important to market your home the same way you would if the market was slow. Marketing and Photography does help increase the potential number of offers and the final sales figure. Buyers shop with their eyes now more than ever so that first picture counts.

You still need to price it right. 
Do not get greedy it will only hurt your end sales price. If you list high many buyers will just ignore your home and move on to the next and you will find yourself chasing the market as your home sits on the market. Just like staging many real estate agents will also have appraisers provide numbers on the projected value of your home.

You still need to make sure your landscaping is top notch.
Landscaping is important but not the most important tool to selling your home. It is important to consult with a landscape specialist if you have concerns about your outdoor space. However many times most yards can just use a clean up. There is no need to dump exorbitant amounts of money into your homes landscaping just before you list. Do what's necessary!

Make sure your home is getting the proper attention and avoid cutting corners to maximize your profits.

www.PatrickDeLeonibus.com
443.223.8340

Example of twilight photography

Spring is Coming Early!

All over the Washington Metro Area the real estate market is heating up earlier than previously expected. Currently we are experiencing high sales and inventory that is dwindling. There are a number of factors driving sales.

A few factors in play...

Transportation system in the DC Metro
Attractive reports on the outlook of the city
New development projects
Foreign investors
Large national investors
Positive outlooks for the Federal Government
Younger population demanding the urban lifestyle
Talk of rising interest rates for the new year

Georgetown Real Estate

If you previously thought about putting your home on the market in the spring time you may want to get it ready early. When buyers are biting they will tend to pay more when the inventory is lower. I expect this surge in demand to carry throughout the year. The undetermined factor is whether the inventory will match the demand and drive us to lower prices. 

As announced last week by major news outlets the Urban Institute predicts a population increase of at least 2,039,594 by 2030. Information like this being released does not slow down the real estate market, it gives it a nice kick in the butt as full steam ahead. 

I'm going to dub last week as "investor week", I heard from every investor I knew, asking me to find them their next project. Its a great time to live and move to DC.

www.PatrickDeLeonibus.com 

Market Movement and Positive Outlook

In this market place you will find the serious sellers, and buyers that want to pay a fair price.

As I just mentioned the other day we appeared to be in a buyers market but now as the statistics are being analyzed that shift is moving towards a more even market.

I'm going to take a moment and further explain and try to shed some light on the current uncertainty that we are experiencing.  The market is best explained as moving to an even market but with continued buyer uncertainty that shift is slow. It changes from day to day and sale to sale.  There can be micro markets being driven by specific situations like development and investment potential, and larger markets that consist of micro markets. All factor into the conditions of  "the market". It is important to understand the types of sales and volume of sales to realize the right time to buy or sell. Basic Econ 101!


Whats going on with the most stable market in the country?

"DC Market" and factors determining
News Flash you live in the nations capital! Did you think I wasn't going to say politics is a factor? Truth is elections are today and possible shift in power among the Senate. That being said we are also a short time away from a presidential election with a lot of emotions building. These do determine and push home sales in the country, more importantly the district.  Luckily, we are in one of the most stable markets in the country having the federal government in our city.

October Stats: 1001 Properties were listed on the market in DC for the month of October. 724 sales in October. Currently with a total of 1,436 active listings in DC. All stats are provided by MRIS and not guaranteed to be accurate.

"Alexandria City Market" and factors determining
Just a stones throw across the river from DC we are experiencing sales moving slightly higher and soon creating an even market. Inventory is creeping up as well as sales, making this a good time to buy. Buyers still know the inventory and are becoming very educated with the slower pace of sales. Sales are generally not moving over list price.

October Stats: 264 Properties were listed on the market in Alexandria City for the month of October.  183 sales in October. Currently with a total of 554 active listings in Alexandria City. All stats are provided by MRIS and not guaranteed to be accurate.

Positive outlook:
Be prepared for a possible uptick in national sales leading into the new year following the November elections and other positive world news for example slowing of new cases of Ebola and Financial Market positive gains. Yes Ebola in the US helps add to the uncertainty and uncertainty moves the real estate market.

Market Outlook: Heading to an even market.

A Buyers Market

Washington DC, Alexandria and Annapolis Housing Market Conditions

   With more listings going on the market than sales being performed.  It makes sense that now is the time to buy your next home.  Take advantage of these low interest rates and have your pick out of all the homes available.

   If you are looking to sell use caution and do your homework to determine the market value of your home.  It is especially crucial in this type of market to not overprice your home.  Overpricing will turn the few potential buyers away from your home and sell your neighbors home.

www.PatrickDeLeonibus.com

DC Living allows for Backyard Destinations

Younger population moving in, and backyard destinations become ever so popular.

If you have lived in the DC area for a number of years you already understand the benefits of living here.  If you are new to the area WELCOME, you are bound to love it here.  After the dust settles from the nations politics DC is still home to about 632,000 Americans (2012).  Looking back at 1940 we had nearly 900,000 residents and now the population is trending back upwards with the desire to move back into the city and immediate surrounding neighborhoods.   So you ask yourself what is the drive for the population to move inward?  We are looking at the younger demographics... age 25 - 34 is now the largest age bracket in the District.  The younger population just graduating college or only about 7-10 years out want to be within walking distance or metro distance to work.  It is not because they are lazy it is merely because they realize if they want to be out in the suburbs they can travel to get there.  There are also other economic factors involved, which I wont get into but this is the general reason motivating their decision.  Traveling is not an issue nowadays with all the different types of car share programs and rental services provided.  All you have to do is get up and go...

Cabin in Somerset PA

I was recently in Pennsylvania enjoying a weekend by the creek which compelled me to write this article.  With further research I have realized we have plenty of travel destinations within three hours of living from the DC Metro.  Now we can enjoy these destinations when we want on our time.  Families are using these destinations to build or rent vacation homes, ranches,  or retreats but keeping their primary residence in the city.



Backyard Destinations

Golfing trip in PA

There are countless backyard destinations to enjoy within 2-3 hours of DC  a few of them are:

Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake which sits just 3 hours outside of DC in Western Maryland and 30 minutes off of Interstate 60.  Deep Creek is home to the Wisp Ski Resort, but if skiing is not for you make sure you check it out during the warmer months for the other land and water sports.  Deep Creek welcomes golfers of all skill levels with at least four golf courses in the vicinity.  You can always find cabins for rent or sale at deep creek lake.

Somerset PA Fire and Ice Festival
http://www.festivalsinpa.com

Somerset and Rockwood PA
Get back to nature in Somerset and Rockwood PA.  You are probably thinking, Where is Somerset?  Well Somerset and Rockwood are also very similar to Deep Creek, just 3 hours outside of DC but located in PA.  Somerset is another Skiing destination (Seven Springs Mountain Resort).  During the warm months Somerset and Rockwood will allow you to reach the outdoorsman in you. Fishing, Hunting, Rafting, and Camping are all at your disposal.

Maryland's Eastern Shore
The Eastern shore has a variety of quaint places to visit for either day trips or over night stay.  Some options include St. Michaels, Crisfield and Smith Island.  A number of Marylanders enjoy second homes in these destinations.               www.PatrickDeLeonibus.com

Crabbing Boats, Maryland's Eastern Shore
http://www.thehulltruth.com/

Alexandria Farmers Market

Alexandria Farmers Market
www.northernvirginiamag.com

If you have not been to the Alexandria Farmers Market you are truly missing out.  I recently visited the Alexandria farmers market with my family a couple of Saturday's ago.  The weather appeared as if it was going to be nasty but as we walked down the street it cleared up and the sun came out.  The variety of people and items at the market really can make anyone feel at home.

Out of all the farmers markets I have been to, the Alexandria Farmers market makes you fall in love with the charm of Old Town.

For those of you who do not live in Old Town or have never visited...

Imagine this... in the center of Old Town Alexandria the Market Square Plaza that sits in front of City Hall packed with the hustle of Old Town on Saturday Morning.  There are Artists, Farm Vendors, Music and Laughter. The setting takes you back and really demands your life to slow down and take in the atmosphere.  This alone would make anyone consider living here.   The Farmers Market has been around for 260 years and currently holds the status of the oldest continuous farmers market in the country.  This market is open every Saturday year round. See you there! www.PatrickDeLeonibus.com

Alexandria Farmers Market www.jay.typepad.com

Patrick has been Ranked in the Top 100

Patrick DeLeonibus Speaking
at DC Rotary

I was recently pleased to hear that I was ranked in the Top 100 of Coldwell Banker Agents for the Greater Washington D.C. Metro Area.  I would like to thank all of you for helping me achieve this and I look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals with the same elite level of service.  As we leave the summer months and head into the fall, it is a great time to consider your position in the real estate market.  Your business is always appreciated!

www.PatrickDeLeonibus.com