The Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now

The housing market is going through a transition. Higher mortgage rates are causing more moderate buyer activity at the same time the supply of homes for sale is growing. And if you aren’t working with an agent, you may not realize that. Here’s the downside. If you’re not informed, you can’t adjust your strategy or expectations to today’s market. And that can lead to a number of costly mistakes. Here’s a look at some of the most common ones – and how an agent will help you avoid them when you sell. 1. Overpricing Your House Many sellers set their asking price too high and that’s why there’s an uptick in homes with price reductions today. An unrealistic price will deter potential buyers, cause an appraisal issue, or lead to your house sitting on the market longer. An article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains: “Some sellers are pricing their homes higher than ever just because they can, but this may drive away serious buyers and result in unapproved appraisals . . .” To avoid falling into this trap, partner with a pro. An agent uses recent sales of similar homes, the condition of your house, local market trends, and so much more to find the price that’ll attract more buyers and open the door for multiple offers and a faster sale. 2. Skipping the Small Stuff You may try to skip important repairs, thinking you can pass the task on to your buyer. But visible issues (even if they’re small) can turn off potential buyers and result in lower offers or demands for concessions. As Money Talks News says: “Home shoppers like to turn on lights, flush toilets and run the water. If these basic things don’t work, they may assume you’ve skipped other maintenance. Homes that appear neglected aren’t likely to fetch top price.” If you want to get your house ready to sell, the best place to turn to for advice is your agent. They’ll be able to do a walk-through with you and point out anything you’ll need to tackle before the photographer comes in. 3. Not Looking at Things Objectively Buyers today are feeling the pinch of high home prices and mortgage rates. With affordability that tight, they may come in with an offer that’s lower than you’d want to see – especially if you didn’t stage, price, or market the house well. It’s important you don’t take this personally. Getting overly emotional can put the sale at risk. As an article from Ramsey Solutions says: “Remember, a buyer’s offer is not a reflection of their opinion of your home or your housekeeping abilities. . . The sale of your home is strictly a business transaction. If they start out with a low offer, don’t take it personally and get emotional. Instead, channel that energy toward negotiating. Work with your agent and make a counteroffer.” 4. Being Unwilling To Negotiate The supply of homes for sale has grown. That means buyers have more options, and with that comes more negotiation power. As a seller, you may see more buyers getting an inspection, requesting repairs, or asking for help with closing costs today. You need to be prepared to have those conversations. As U.S. News Real Estate explains: “If you've received an offer for your house that isn't quite what you'd hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . the only way to come to a successful deal is to make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer's closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.” An agent will walk you through what levers you may want to pull based on your own goals, budget, and timeframe. 5. Not Using a Real Estate Agent Notice anything? For each of these mistakes, partnering with an agent helps prevent them from happening in the first place. That makes trying to sell your house without an agent’s help the biggest mistake of all. Real estate agents have experience and expertise in pricing, marketing, negotiating, and more. That knowledge streamlines the selling process and usually results in drumming up more interest and ultimately can get you a higher final price. Bottom Line If you want to avoid making mistakes like these, let’s connect to make sure you’re set up for success. Check out our services for selling your home for top dollar. Give Rajeev a call to make an appointment at (703)927-0606. Selling your home Buying a Home

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Stunning Luxury and Unmatched Convenience: Discover 43464 Lucketts Bridge Cir, Ashburn, VA 20148

Open Sat Aug 3 & Sun Aug 4th  From 1 PM to 3 PM Nestled in the heart of the highly sought-after Loudoun Valley Estates, 43464 Lucketts Bridge Cir in Ashburn, VA, stands as a testament to luxury living, comfort, and convenience. Listed at $1,180,000, this grandiose single-family home encompasses 4,774 square feet of meticulous craftsmanship and contemporary design. If you're in the market for a home that offers both elegance and functionality, this is a property you simply cannot overlook. Grandeur from the Moment You Enter As you step inside the stately two-story foyer, you'll immediately be captivated by the home’s grandeur. The main level boasts a spacious formal living room that invites you to sit and relax, and a cozy family room complete with a gas fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. Adjacent to the family room is a well-appointed office featuring built-in bookshelves, ideal for a home workspace or personal library. A Chef’s Dream Kitchen The heart of any home is its kitchen, and this one is sure to impress even the most discerning chefs. Fully renovated just three years ago, the kitchen features a center island, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a stylish backsplash that ties the entire room together. Whether you're cooking a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a lavish holiday feast, this kitchen has been designed to accommodate your needs. The large sunroom addition adjacent to the kitchen opens up to a beautifully landscaped backyard patio, making it perfect for relaxing and entertaining guests. Luxurious Upstairs Living Upstairs, a catwalk overlooks the family room, and you’ll find a range of elegant living spaces. The luxurious master suite is nothing short of a sanctuary. It features a sitting room, walk-in closets with organizers, and a modern, fully renovated master bath. Pamper yourself in the spa-like atmosphere of this stunning retreat. Additionally, there are three generously sized bedrooms and an updated hall bath, ensuring plenty of space and comfort for family members or guests. A Basement for Entertainment The lower level of this home is an entertainer's paradise. It offers a spacious recreation room with a wet bar and an extra den that can be customized to your needs. The full bath and media room make this the perfect spot for hosting memorable gatherings or family movie nights. Walk-up stairs provide convenient access to the backyard, making outdoor entertaining just as enjoyable. Unbeatable Location and Community Amenities Located close to the Ashburn Metro, the Toll Road, One Loudoun, and Brambleton Town Center, this home combines luxury with exceptional convenience. Loudoun Valley Estates is a community that genuinely enriches your lifestyle. With an array of amenities including sparkling swimming pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and scenic walking trails, there is always something to do. The neighborhood also features top-rated schools, playgrounds, and sports courts, ensuring a vibrant and active community for families. Recent Upgrades for Peace of Mind This home has seen numerous upgrades and renovations that ensure both beauty and functionality. The sunroom addition, finished basement, and backyard patio are standout features. Having a home theater, CAT 6 wired throughout the house, and two EV chargers are practical conveniences for modern living. The irrigation system keeps your lawn lush and green with minimal effort. For peace of mind, know that significant areas such as the bathrooms and kitchen have been remodeled within the last few years. A new roof added five years ago and upgraded kitchen appliances and HVAC systems just three years ago make this home as reliable as it is luxurious. Why Loudoun Valley Estates? Loudoun Valley Estates offers a perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and community. Imagine living in a neighborhood where you can enjoy sparkling pools in the summer, family-friendly playgrounds, and top-rated schools. Scenic walking trails meander through lush green spaces, providing the perfect backdrop for evening strolls or morning jogs. The proximity to major highways like the Toll Road and Route 7 makes commuting a breeze, especially with the Ashburn Metro just around the corner. Quick access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options adds to the convenience, making Loudoun Valley Estates not just a place to live, but a place to thrive. Make This Dream Home Yours 43464 Lucketts Bridge Cir is not just a house; it’s a lifestyle upgrade waiting to happen. It offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, convenience, and community amenities that elevate everyday living. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make this dream home yours today! Take a 3D tour here Contact Rajeev Vashist at (703)927-0606 to schedule a viewing and take the first step toward owning this stunning piece of real estate in Loudoun Valley Estates.

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Homeowners Gained $28K in Equity over the Past Year

If you own a home, your net worth has probably gone up a lot over the past year. Home prices have been rising, which means you're building equity much faster than you might think. Here’s how it works. Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan. Over the past year, there have still been more people wanting to buy than there are homes available for sale, and that’s pushed prices up. That rise in prices has translated directly into increasing equity for homeowners. How Much Equity Have You Earned over the Past 12 Months? According to the latest Homeowner Equity Insights from CoreLogic, the average homeowner's equity has grown by $28,000 in the last year alone. That's the national average, so if you want to see what's happening in your state, check out the map below. It uses data from CoreLogic to show how much equity has grown in each state over the past year. You’ll notice every single state with sufficient data saw annual equity gains: What If You Bought Your House Before the Pandemic? If you bought your house before the pandemic, the equity news is even better. According to data from Realtor.com, home prices shot up by 37.5% from May 2019 to May 2024, meaning your home's value has likely increased significantly. Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, says: “Homeowners have seen extraordinary gains in home equity over the past five years.” To give context to how much equity can stack up over time, Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains the total equity the typical homeowner has today: “With home prices continuing to reach new highs, owners are also seeing their equity approach the historic peaks of 2023, close to a total of $305,000 per owner.” How Your Rising Home Equity Can Help You With how prices skyrocketed a few years ago, and the ongoing price growth today, homeowners clearly have substantial equity built up – and that has some serious benefits. You could use it to start a business, fund an education, or even to help you afford your next home. When you sell, the equity you’ve built up comes back to you, and may be enough to cover a big part – or even all – of your next home’s down payment. Bottom Line If you're planning to move, the equity you've gained can really help. Curious about how much you have and how you can use it to help pay for your next home? Let's connect. For more information Call Rajeev Vashist at (703)927-0606. Search for Home Sell Your Home

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