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Synergy HomeCare Appreciated Health Care Heroes

Care providers were challenged by ElderTree Care Management Services to get creative and show appreciation for health care aides at local assisted living facilities. On June 30, Synergy HomeCare did that by bringing entertainment and smiles to residents and workers at Paul Spring Retirement Community and Mount Vernon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center as part of the #CAREavanChallenge. Continue reading

5 Reasons Buying Real Estate is Better Than Renting

Are you considering renting in Northern Virginia?  With remarkably low interest rates, perhaps you should consider buying?  Here are 5 solid reasons that buying is better than renting.  
    1. Be your own landlord. The landlord picks the paint colors.  The landlord decides whether pets or smoking is allowed.  If you are the landlord, you make the decisions.  And you decide whether to extend your lease or not.
    2. Paying the principal is forced savings. Everyone knows that paying off a mortgage is better than paying rent forever.
    3. Fixed-rate mortgages never rise – and eventually you pay them off. With mortgage rates at record lows, people who buy now are locking in real bargains.
    4. Good schools. Family-sized rentals are harder to come by in areas with excellent public schools.
    5. Spacious properties in pleasant neighborhoods. Sizable homes in attractive communities are almost always owned – not rented.
There are five basic ground rules when it comes to buying real estate in {Location_Name} and shopping smart, and they are: #1 – Get your financing before weighing all options for a home in {Location_Name} There are few things in life as disappointing as losing out on the home of your dreams due to not being able to secure funding. While the desire to get out there and search for that great home is understandable, it is vital to line up the financing you will need before you start shopping for a home. Getting the financing ahead of time has a number of important advantages, including knowing how much you can buy and gain more respect from the listing agents. By knowing how much home you can afford before you shop you will avoid wasting your time looking at unaffordable properties, and the listing agent will be more than willing to show you the homes in your price range. It is also important to take a good look at the various types of mortgage on the market before getting started in the home buying process. These days, mortgages come in far more choices than the typical 15 or 30 year. For that reason, potential home buyers need to understand how each type of mortgage works, and to gauge which mortgage is the best choice for their needs. #2 – Look at the community in {Location_Name}, not just the home It is a good idea to look at the entire community, instead of focusing on a single home. This can be a particularly important thing to consider for those moving to a new metropolitan area, as these buyers will be unfamiliar with the local climate and lifestyle. It is crucial to determine the areas of town that are most desirable, and to consider things like distance from work and local shopping opportunities. We have all heard that location is the key consideration when it comes to real estate, and that is certainly the case. Buying a house in the wrong area can be a big mistake, and it is important to choose the location as well as the home. Potential buyers can learn a great deal about the nature of the various neighborhoods simply by driving around town, as well as by talking to other residents. #3 – Be fair with your first offer Trying to lowball a seller on the first offer can backfire, as can paying too much. It is important to carefully evaluate the local market, and to compare the asking price of the home with what similar houses in the neighborhood have sold for. Comparing the sales of comparable homes, what are known as "comps" in the industry, is one of the best ways to determine what is fair, and to make sure that you neither overpay or underbid on the property. #4 – Always get a home inspection Always investigate the home for any possible defects before making an offer. Compared to the cost of the average home, the price of a quality home inspection is virtually negligible. Hence, get a good home inspection done before you buy. To find the best home inspector, it is a good idea to seek out word of mouth referrals as many of the best home inspectors rely on word of mouth advertising. #5 – Do not alienate the sellers of the home Many real estate deals have fallen apart due to the personal animosity of the buyer and the seller. It is important to avoid alienating the seller of the home during the process, and to avoid nitpicking every little detail during the sale. Keeping the goodwill of the seller will help the transaction go smoothly, and it will provide the best environment for seller and buyer alike. [learn more about the home buying process] For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.