Scott Petersen, Realtor

Is a Breakfast Nook Practical? Pros and Cons of This Quaint Kitchen Feature

What do you think about Breakfast Nooks? This article outlines the pros & cons. While this is always subjective, every family I have worked with wants a breakfast nook.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/is-a-breakfast-nook-practical-pros-and-cons-of-this-quaint-kitchen-feature/

realtor.com As an architectural feature, breakfast nooks are an acquired taste. But should you consider building one in your kitchen? Here's what the experts say.

Home trends to consider

Home Design trends to keep an eye on. I am all for Luxe Modern.

washingtonblade.com Fluid, eclectic, bold concepts hot now in interior design

The future of housing looks nothing like today’s

Is multigenerational housing on the rise? With large student loan debt and an aging baby boomer population, I think we will continue to see this trend. Do you agree?

https://www.fastcompany.com/90342219/the-future-of-housing-looks-nothing-like-todays

fastcompany.com After a century, Americans are choosing to live together–transforming not just the buildings we live in, but the way we live in them.

Scott Petersen, Realtor

Tips for 1st time home buyers.

1.See what you can afford-How much do you spend on rent? Use this as a starting point and meet with a lender.
2.Save for closing costs- Closing cost are fees included at the closing of a real estate transaction, can include a number of charges such as appraisal and attorney fees, recording fees, title and escrow charges. Typically 3-4% of the purchase price.
3.Mange debts & down payments-There are lots of flexible loan products available. You no longer need 20%
4.Identify neighborhoods- Housing prices vary greatly from city to city, and even block to block. Make sure the neighborhoods you like meet your needs.
5.Go local- Work with a local lender or Realtor, this will help streamline the process and make the the purchase less stressful.
6.Think longterm- Don’t just think about what you want now; try to visualize your life down the road and make sure this house fits the vision.

Was this helpful!

Here's How Virginia Ranks For Beer Lovers

We like our beer in VA but not as much as some states!! We need to do a Properties & Pints episode in California.

patch.com A new report by Groupon has found that some states are better than others for people who really like beer. See how Virginia ranks.

Kavtek AR App Review: Home Design at Our Fingertips | ARPost

This is a cool article about a new app on the market called Kavtek. The app will show you different options when it comes to decorating the interior and exterior of your home. From painting to installing new floors; the app will show you what it will look like without hiring an interior designer.

https://arpost.co/2019/05/06/kavtek-ar-app-review-home-design-at-our-fingertips/

arpost.co The Kavtek app makes home design simple with AR. Use the AR app to put furniture, paint, and even plants around a home, office, or yard.

[05/07/19]   Tips for 1st time home buyers.

1.See what you can afford-How much do you spend on rent? Use this as a starting point and meet with a lender.
2.Save for closing costs- Closing cost are fees included at the closing of a real estate transaction, can include a number of charges such as appraisal and attorney fees, recording fees, title and escrow charges. Typically 3-4% of the purchase price.
3.Mange debts & down payments-There are lots of flexible loan products available. You no longer need 20%
4.Identify neighborhoods- Housing prices vary greatly from city to city, and even block to block. Make sure the neighborhoods you like meet your needs.
5.Go local- Work with a local lender or Realtor, this will help streamline the process and make the the purchase less stressful.
6.Think longterm- Don’t just think about what you want now; try to visualize your life down the road and make sure this house fits the vision.

Was this helpful!

Scott Petersen, Realtor

This would be awesome to have at Nats Park!!Hopefully the Lerner's will make it happen!!

.https://patch.com/district-columbia/washingtondc/nats-park-getting-massive-restaurant-entertainment-venue-report

Nats Park Getting Massive Restaurant, Entertainment Venue: Report

This would be awesome to have at Nats Park!!Hopefully the Lerner's will make it happen!!

.https://patch.com/district-columbia/washingtondc/nats-park-getting-massive-restaurant-entertainment-venue-report

patch.com A 35,000-square-foot restaurant and entertainment venue reportedly is opening at Nationals Park at some point.

Party in the Front! The Year's Biggest Outdoor Design Trends Relocate the Action

Statement Doors!!!! I talked about this on Properties & Pints.These seems to be trending this year and are easy do, statement doors can really boost a homes facade. Check out the other great ideas!

realtor.com This summer, don’t just plan to lazily lounge in the backyard. The year's top outdoor design trends bring new life to untouched spaces of your home.

Design your house to sell

Design your home to sell!! This Realtor/Designer offers great tips to sell your home fast. My favorite tip is #2, embrace the trends and change out old light fixtures. Especially in the foyer, this is an easy tip that can be inexpensive.

https://www.azfamily.com/shows/your_life_arizona/design-your-house-to-sell/article_546a8196-6b91-11e9-a2d8-470ab31ba11f.html

azfamily.com Ready? Set? Sell! That’s what many homeowners across the valley are getting ready to do as spring approaches, which tends to be the best time of year to sell your

Scott Petersen, Realtor

Check out this article maximizing your home value while saving some money. There are some really great tips like adding plants to the flowerbeds or patching the lawn. And what rooms to update if you have a limited budget.

https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/19/04/13552664/5-money-saving-hacks-to-increase-your-home-value

5 Money-Saving Hacks To Increase Your Home Value

Check out this article maximizing your home value while saving some money. There are some really great tips like adding plants to the flowerbeds or patching the lawn. And what rooms to update if you have a limited budget.

https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/19/04/13552664/5-money-saving-hacks-to-increase-your-home-value

benzinga.com Trying to improve the value of your home can seem like a daunting task. Determining not only how many improvements needs to be done, but what you actually can afford is difficult...

Top 15 Home Features That Will Sell Your Home Fast—and for More Cash

If your thinking about selling your home this is a great article from Realtor.com about features that will boost your sales price.

From is installing solar panels to upgrading your exterior lighting there are some really great ideas. Keep in mind some of these can be subjective I.E. the in ground pool.

realtor.com The realtor.com data team dug through hundreds of thousands of listings to find the top features that boost home prices and help properties sell fast.

Easy ways to keep your home green without breaking the bank

I have found that a lot of buyers and sellers are looking for a greener home. I really like this article because if outline simple things you can do around your house to make it a greener environment and save money on energy costs.
Some suggestions are more expensive like adding solar panels while others are cheaper i.e. plugging air leaks and insulating the attic.

Check it out and tell me what you think!!

https://www.roanoke.com/easy-ways-to-keep-your-home-green-without-breaking-the/article_d40c5600-560c-5316-93af-505d0875a4ed.html

roanoke.com Kermit got it wrong: Being green can be easy — at least when it comes to owning a green home.

Open House

Open House Saturday 2-4PM and Sunday 1-4. Rare Ashburn townhome Under 350k

Open House

Open House Saturday 2-4PM and Sunday 1-4PM. Rare Ashburn townhome Under 350k!!

Poll: Which Reston Town Center, RTC West Newcomers Are You Most Excited For?

New Shops coming to Reston!!

restonnow.com Updated at 1:45 p.m. -- Includes new information about Bombay Velvet's opening. Spring is less than two weeks away, and the change in seasons will also coincides with some new nail salons, fitness studios and restaurants at Reston Town Center and RTC West. A fine-dining Indian restaurant, a b

How to Get Down Payment Assistance for a Mortgage

If you are considering buying but you lack the money for a down payment check out this options.

loans.usnews.com Down payment assistance programs can make buying a home easier.

The 7 Biggest Bathroom Design Trends Making a Splash Right Now

I don't know about you guys but I'm digging the wall paper the half bath.

What do you guys think?

realtor.com The biggest and best bathroom design trends of 2019 will focus on making the bathroom a place we want to be—not just where we have to go.

Analysis | What you need to know when considering buying a home with friends

Thinking about buying with a friend? Here are some tips that will help you with you investment

washingtonpost.com You’ll need to be completely open with each other about your finances. Sharing credit reports is one place to start, since every borrower’s credit will impact your interest rate on the loan and your ability to qualify for a mortgage.

[03/15/19]   New 4-star hotel coming to Reston Station

Interior Designers Predict the Next Major Wall Décor Trends

Check out these new wall paper trends!!

housebeautiful.com It's time to be bold.

A guide to modern Lowcountry home design - CHSToday

I know we are not in Charleston but I think these design tips go a long way.

chstoday.6amcity.com To give you a feel for Nexton, a new-home community in Summerville, we’re sharing eight design hallmarks that embody modern Lowcountry home design.

Properties & Pints

What the "Kel" is a home warranty?! Two Kellys and a Scott explain on this weeks episode at Vanish!

What are we drinking?
Scott: Lucketts Calling
Kelly: Waves Amber Ale
Kelly: Wrath Saison

PulteGroup Shares Its Top Interior Design Trends for Spring

Pultes Spring Design Trends!!

businesswire.com Ready to spring into the new season with fresh home décor ideas and color inspiration? The interior design team at PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM) is sha

Here's the Latest on Penzance's Planned Herndon Parkway Development

Big changes coming to Herndon!! Time to get excited.

restonnow.com Six submissions later, a Penzance Properties development that was first submitted in 2015 moved forward at the Herndon Planning Commission meeting on Monday (Feb. 25). The development would create an urban block with residential, office and retail space in three buildings at 555 Herndon Parkway,

Homeownership rate rises to four-year high as Millennials are finally buying homes

Come on ppl get with the trend!!!

housingwire.com What so many in the housing industry have waited years for appears to be finally happening: Millennials are buying homes. Back in September, after existing home sales fell to a three-year low, it appeared that many younger would-be buyers were turning to renting instead of buying. But things look mu...

More and more millennials are buying!! If you are thinking about making a purchase give me a shout and I would be happy to coach you up, even if it's a couple years from now.

Founders Row Breaks Ground In Falls Church

This new community in Falls Church is going to AWESOME!! Movie Theater, Bar with 90 beers on tap and 322 residential units!!

Time to move to Falls Church!!

patch.com The mixed-use development also announced a few retail components.

Properties & Pints

You deserve better part 2.... 😂

HD BROS.

Make your listings stand out and sell faster with our cinematic listing video!

Check out some of the latest work from the team!

www.hdbros.com

HD BROS.

Nothing like a good blooper reel from our latest video😂

Stay tuned for more great content from the team!🎬🎬

www.hdbros.com

Family Handyman

New homeowners take heart. Experienced DIYers share their tips about what to do (or not do) after moving in.

Properties & Pints

Brewing with benefits! Check out all the amazing things Loudoun Brewing Company is doing to give back to the community!

Properties & Pints

Kelly & Scott talk house styles on this week's episode at Dog Money Restaurant & Brewery! Want to win a P&P pint glass?! To enter let us know your favorite house from the movies/tv in the comment section!
What are we drinking?
Scott: Loudoun Common Lager
Kelly: Pax Britannica English-Style Ale

Kelly & Scott talk house styles on this week's episode at Dog Money Restaurant & Brewery! Want to win a P&P pint glass?! To enter let us know your favorite house from the movies/tv in the comment section!

What are we drinking?
Scott: Loudoun Common Lager
Kelly: Pax Britannica English-Style Ale

Properties & Pints

Kelly & Scott talk house styles on this week's episode at Dog Money Restaurant & Brewery! Want to win a P&P pint glass?! To enter let us know your favorite house from the movies/tv in the comment section!

What are we drinking?
Scott: Loudoun Common Lager
Kelly: Pax Britannica English-Style Ale

Properties & Pints

"What does the 🦊 say?!" Check out this interview with Bill Madden of Mad Fox Brewing Company, one of the pioneers of the NOVA craft brew scene! 🍻

Millennials really don't get how down payments work

20% Down is not required!!
https://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/news/millennials-really-dont-get-how-mortgage-down-payments-work

nationalmortgagenews.com More than one-third of millennials said saving for a down payment is the biggest hurdle to buying a house, but few seem to realize they don't need to put 20% down to get a mortgage, a recent survey found.

Buying a Home Young is the Key to Building Wealth

The link says it all.

http://bit.ly/2DcT9OK

simplifyingthemarket.com Homeowners who purchase their homes before the age of 35 are better prepared for retirement at age 60, according to a new Urban Institute study. The organization surveyed adults who turned 60 or 61 between 2003 and 2015 for their data set. “Today’s older adults became homeowners at a younger age...

Roughly 10 Americans Million Hold Buying A House As Their Top Financial Goal In 2019

Is 2019 the year YOU buy a home??📣🙌🤙🏡

https://www.forbes.com/sites/taramastroeni/2019/01/14/roughly-10-million-hold-buying-a-house-as-their-top-financial-goal-in-2019/#7609a6b43908

forbes.com As a good portion of Americans are busy setting weight loss and fitness goals, many are also turning their attention to their finances and taking a look at what their financial goals will be for the coming year, according to a new survey by Bankrate.com.

Properties & Pints

Shout out to Hash Sesay for the awesome video work.

Introducing Properties & Pints: "We're here to educate and have fun!" 🏠🍻

Special thanks to Hash Sesay for perfectly capturing our mission in this video and to one of our favorite breweries Rocket Frog Brewing Company for the delicious brews!

Cheers!

Properties & Pints

What happens in Caboose Commons, stays in Caboose Commons….unless it could impact your loan...

What are we drinking?
Scott: Fog IPA
Kelly: Up Down

What to expect from the real estate market in 2019 | WTOP

https://wtop.com/living/2019/01/what-to-expect-from-the-real-estate-market-in-2019/

Could it finally be a buyers market this year?

wtop.com The new year is just heating up, but experts say the housing market may finally start to cool down in 2019. Here’s what you can expect.

Student Loans Keeping You From Buying A Home? Think Again

https://www.forbes.com/sites/alyyale/2019/01/14/student-loans-keeping-you-from-buying-a-home-think-again/#3cf44f701d08

20% Down is just a myth! Get a better understanding of your FICO score. Look into your debt-to-income and speak with a lender. You might be closer than you think.

forbes.com Student loan debt has long been cited as one of the Millennial generation’s biggest barriers to homeownership. But it seems the hurdle might not be as insurmountable as many think.