Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
If you follow Jay’s Wintry Mix — my favorite place to keep an eye on our local weather — you know there’s a chance we get snow today (I’m writing this on Sunday, so if the snow is a bust, like usual, know that’s why). We’ve had such a mild winter so far, I know my kids are craving a snow storm so badly!
If you’re looking for somewhere to go sledding, here’s my annual edition of the best places to go sledding in Vienna and McLean!
Vienna
- There’s a small hill at Meadow Lane Park on the baseball field. It’s small enough for little kids who might be scared, but enough to give them some speed.
- Westbriar Elementary School (behind the school)
- Cunningham Park Elementary — has a big hill that’s great for picking up speed
- Wolftrap (the theatre) — there’s two places at Wolftrap, the “Bowl” and the “Big Hill”
- Marshall Road Elementary — in the back there’s a small hill
- Thoreau Middle School — big hill in the back of the school
McLean
- Westgate Park — there’s a hill behind the 2nd baseball field
- Lemon Road Elementary — has a large hill
- Franklin Sherman Elementary School
My mom hack for another fun snow activity is “snow paint” which is just water and food coloring mixed in a squeeze bottle. My kids write their names in the snow, draw happy faces, etc. It’s always a big hit.
One more tip — we all know after snow comes hot chocolate. Caffe Amouri now sells MaddyBakes hot cocoa bombs and they’re delicious!
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
This week before the new year begins, always brings reflections for me. I’ve been thinking about personal stuff from the year — how hard the real estate market was this year, how thankful I am that I was able to sell 45 homes in 2021, how thankful I am that my kids (and my teacher husband) are back in person in school, and how important our health is. For all of those things I am grateful.
With reflection also comes thoughts on the future. This week is notoriously slow for real estate sales, but it is also the week where I start seeing phone calls and emails come in about 2022 plans to move. As I share with my clients, here are my predictions for the Northern Virginia real estate market in 2022:
Rates will increase by mid-year
I believe rates will continue to be in the low 3’s for the first half the year, but by the summer we’ll see it start to inch up. Want to see a practical application of this:
- A $950,000 loan amount at 3.25% is $4,134 (just principal and interest) and at 3.75% it goes up to $4,399 — a $265/mo difference just based on the interest rate
- A $1,250,000 loan at 3% is $5,270 (just principal and interest) and at 3.5% it jumps to $5,613 — a $340/mo difference
- One other point, the Fannie Mae loan limit in the D.C. Metro area for 2022 was increased to $980,700, which means you could buy a $1,020,000 house with only 5% down and 1 loan. Gone are the days of requiring 20% down.
Inventory will continue to be a problem
Inventory has a problem for over a decade in Northern Virginia and it continues to prove it’s one of the greatest hurdles to buyers, and the greatest asset to sellers. If you remember your old supply and demand lesson — low inventory means higher prices for seller. I do think that will keep pricing levels high, probably not at the rate of appreciation we saw in 2020/2021 but they won’t go down. The National Association of Realtors estimates that Virginia home owners gained over $56,000 in value in 2021 due to increased pricing. For example, one of my clients bought a house in the fall of 2019 for $605,000. They sold that house in March 2021 for $755,000 and bought their forever house for roughly the same mortgage payment by capitalizing on that equity!
The market will still be robust and strong
I believe the demand is still strong for buyers to get into the market and sales will be strong.
Investors jumping into lower priced markets
I put my money where my mouth is and bought another rental property in October. I have several past clients who reached out to me about rental properties as well. With extra cash flowing from a strong stock market, savings from no travel and low interest rates, the market is perfect for investors to jump in. You may want to speak to your accountant for your personal situation, but real estate is the greatest hedge against inflation. If you’re looking to diversify your assets, please do yourself a favor and consider real estate investing.
New construction will continue to be slow
If you’re thinking of building next year, bring your patience. Bring your backup plan. Supply chain issues (I’m tired of that phrase too). There will be delays, whether it’s material, permits, or utility companies… there will be delays. If you’re selling your current property, make sure you have a solid plan to account for potential delays.
I’m entering my 14th year of selling real estate. About 350 sales later, I can help you develop a plan for success. I’ve also bought and sold 10 times personally in the past 20 years. I know the stress. With or without kids. With or without a long term plan. I can help if you have no idea where to start!
Wishing you a very Happy New Year! See you all in 2022!
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
Did you put “a new home” on your gift wish list? Maybe you’re making cookies and realizing how much you hate your current kitchen? Maybe you wish you had more rooms so more family could visit? Or maybe you want an excuse to downsize so you don’t have to host anymore?
Either way, everyone has different reasons and needs for moving. If you are thinking of moving next year in 2022, please keep these 3 things you should be doing right now in mind.
1. Talk to a Lender
Budget and financing is the driver of all things. Do you need to sell your current home to buy? Can you afford to buy and sell after? That information is crucial in determining how to position you for the most success. The Northern Virginia market is still going strong and I doubt we’ll see any contingent sale contracts pushed through. Here are my top people:
2. Interview Realtors
You might be surprised to learn that a lot of people interview agents 6 months ahead of their “go” time. Here’s why: you might not know yet what you don’t know. Did you know it took on average 8 weeks last year for someone to go under contract on a house? Plus 30 days to close, more if the sellers need a rentback option, which brings you close to 3-4 months to actually moving day. I always suggest starting early whether you’re planning on selling or buying, or both. From the sell side: maybe you need a lot of time to prep, maybe you don’t. Maybe you need to be agile in case the market shifts and list your home for sale sooner than you planned in order to take advantage of the best market.
For buying, I think it takes some time to learn where you really want to be, especially if you’re not familiar with all the options. I have a lot of clients who look in multiple area: Vienna, Oakton, Falls Church, McLean and Arlington. It’s important to learn what your money will buy you in each location. Do you want septic or well? Do you want to build? Do you want to renovate? All of that understanding takes time. Get your ducks in a row so you’re ready to jump on something when you see it.
3. Make Your Wish List
Write down what you hate. Write down what you love. Write down what you wish you had. I bring people back to basics all the time. Especially in a market where you get tired of looking, I want to bring you back to our initial meeting and say “hey, remember when you said you really wanted XYZ. This house doesn’t have that.” It’ll keep you from having buyers remorse later. It’ll also help me guide you when we see something with potential. I’ve personally gone through 2 renovations and built a home. I might not be a structural engineer, but I can help you see the vision of what a home could be. If you need some guidance, HUD actually has a pretty good checklist to get you started.
Wishing you a very happy holiday season. Hope you’re safe and healthy heading into 2022. I plan to do a 2022 real estate market predictions next week and then a 2021 year in review in January. If you have specific questions to your own situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out: [email protected] or 703-283-6120.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… I went in search of the most Clark Griswold homes in Vienna.
I must say, there are a lot of beautifully decorated homes. It’s really fun to drive around town right now. If you want to see a collection of pretty homes, visit the “Light Up Vienna” list the town put together for their decoration contest. However, I went in search of the houses that went a little extra.
The map below has homes with lots of blow ups, some homes have lights that dance to music, some have themes, while others have amazing light displays. All are worth seeing.
Some tips for looking at lights:
- Some of these might be down if it’s really windy or really rainy.
- Some have tricky places to stop (like Lawyers Road) so please be mindful of traffic
- The Ni Family Lights often changes their playlist, so follow them on Facebook
- You can drive down Hickory Circle SW to see the front of the Vienna Xmas house decorated, but they will send you to the shopping center behind it to watch the dancing lights and TV screen. You should also follow them on Facebook for updates.
If I missed any, please reach out to me and I’ll update the map! If you go visit and post any of these on Instagram, I would LOVE to see your photos!
Tag me at @LauraSchwartzRealtor
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
‘Tis the season for giving! Below is a list of local places to donate toys (new and unwrapped) as well as warm clothing and blankets for those in need.
There are always organizations looking for food, but I’ve covered that a lot over the years. This is a great way to get kids involved in learning about donating and helping others.
Toys
The Vienna police department is teaming up with other agencies for Santa’s Ride, where Santa on a motorcycle brings cheer to children in local hospitals. You can help by dropping off new & unwrapped toys and books to the Vienna Police Department, The Community Center or Town Hall by 8 a.m. on Monday, December 13.
Foster’s Grille also has a Toys for Tots donation box in the front of the restaurant.
Winter Warmth
My company, McEnearney Associates, has teamed up with Share of McLean and the City of Fairfax Police Department to collect warm clothing (gloves, jackets, scarfs, etc.) and blankets to distribute to those in need. The force will keep them in their car and be able to distribute to those they see in need when they’re out and about on shifts. Donation location is 1320 Old Chain Bridge Road Suite 350 McLean, Virginia OR you can email me and I’ll be happy to pick it up from you.
Next week I’m going to do my Holiday List map again! If you want to make sure an address is included, please email me [email protected] or you can find me on social media @GuidingYourMove!
The holiday season is officially in full swing.
As you and your family check out some of the amazing events going on this month, try not to get too distracted by the beautiful homes for sale in Middleburg, Old Town, D.C., Vienna or Centerville.
If you are anything like me, you will be checking out the For Sale signs not just the attractions. Here are some of the best and brightest holiday events along with some nearby homes that will really make you feel warm this holiday season.
Middleburg, Virginia:
Christmas in Middleburg kicks off this weekend. It’s an unforgettable event that features a picturesque parade studded with mounted foxhunt riders and their hounds. My McEnearney colleagues and I will be watching from our new Hunt Country office on Washington Street, please stop by and say hello on Saturday!
408 E Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20117 listed for $1,674,000
300 E Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20117 listed for $1,595,000
1 Chinn Lane, Middleburg, VA 20117 listed for $975,000
Old Town, Alexandria:
Also on Saturday, head over to Old Town for the 50th annual Scottish Christmas Walk. Always a fan favorite, this will make your spirits bright.
202 N Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 listed for $1,590,000
126 S Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 listed for $2,995,000
The Return to Earn initiative was launched in June of this year in an effort to support small businesses and organizations find and retain the talent they need while also helping unemployed Virginian’s transition back into the workforce.
What better way to retain new staff members, reward them for their hard work, and increase workplace morale than by providing a $500 holiday bonus?
Basic eligibility requirements for program participation are as follows.
Employers:
- Must be incorporated in Virginia
- Be in good standing with the state
- Have 99 employees or fewer
For new hires:
- Must have a hiring date that falls between June 1, 2021 — December 31, 2021
- The position must be W2 and come with a wage of $15 an hour or more (tips can be included in wage determination)
- Must attest to having been unemployed at the time of hire*
The SkillSource Group, Inc. and Virginia Career Works Northern is working hard to make this program available to the small business community and to make the application, enrollment and reimbursement process as simple as possible. Click HERE to access an online application.
*Length of unemployment is dependent on time of hire
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
Okay, okay… I know you’re not at all thinking about your home right now as we enter the thick of the holiday season, but I’m here to remind you that your home needs love too!
There are so many lists out there of things to do to keep your home in tip top shape, but I’m going to give you the top 5 you really should do right now.
- Schedule your gutter cleaning (try Maple Leaf Gutter Cleaning or Gutterman Services)
- Clear leaves and debris from any drains around your house (think basement stairs)
- You were supposed to change your smoke detector batteries when we did the time change, if you forgot, check them! And also make sure you have a fire extinguisher in the house.
- Get your HVAC serviced (I use Mannix HVAC) and change your filters
- Winterize your hose bibs
Quick and easy little things really help keep your house running!
If you’re going to the Church Street Stroll tonight, have a great time!
Meet Tank, a young hound mix eager to enlist into a new home after parting ways with his previous one.
According to his new friends at Mutt Love Rescue, Tank “was surrendered by his family through no fault of his” own. He is a new enough arrival that the rescue organization is still developing a more detailed bio for him, but his congenial personality was evident from the outset.
“He is a solid boy, for those who love big dogs, weighing in at 85 pounds and he is approximately 4 years old,” Mutt Love Rescue says. “He is a very sweet boy, gets along with other dogs, and would love a family to spoil him.”
Tank is among the dogs available for adoption or fostering at one of the nonprofit’s upcoming events:
Saturday Nov 27th 12- 3pm Weber’s Pet Supermarket; 11135 Lee Hwy; Fairfax
Saturday Dec 4th 12-3 pm Weber’s Pet Supermarket; 2280 Hunters Wood Plaza; Reston
Saturday Dec 11th 12-3 pm Weber’s Pet Supermarket; 11135 Lee Highway; Fairfax
We are always desperate for foster homes, now more than ever. If you are interested in fostering during this difficult time, please complete an application… unless you are a previous adopter/foster, then you can just contact us via phone (703-988-2608) or email ([email protected]) to tell us which dog you want to foster!
For information on sponsoring this dog, please write to [email protected].
Could Tank be the ideal new recruit for your company?
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
Naturally this time of year, I start to reflect on the year and everything that has happened.
We returned to in-person school 5 days a week (probably the thing I’m most grateful for this year above everything else), saw some normalcy return to our daily lives and endured a roller coaster of a year in the real estate market.
I’ve met a lot of people who read this weekly column and I’m so grateful and appreciative of the support.
I hope you all enjoy a full table of family and friends this Thanksgiving.
