Our latest articles
September 29, 2021
5 Factors that Affect Property Values in Prince William County
If you’re planning to sell your home in Prince William County, it’s important to know what your property is really worth. A quick search on popular home selling sites like Zillow, Trulia and Redfin will likely turn up different results. Even a realtor may give you different numbers from what you thought.
So what factors determine property values, and how can you tell that you’re listing your home for the right price? Below are five things that drag property values up or down in Prince William County.
Location
Location is one of the most important factors in real estate. The more popular and accessible the location is, the more people are willing to pay. Typically, buyers like to see homes near restaurants, schools, shopping and public transportation.
Buyers also look for family-friendly neighborhoods with lots of amenities, highly rated schools and low crime rates. Some of the best places to live in Prince William County include Montclair, Woodbridge and Lake Ridge.
Home Size
The market value of a real estate property is usually listed in terms of price per square foot. For example, if your home is 1,500 square feet and sells for $300,000, the price per square foot is $200. In addition to your home size, your usable space also matters. Garages, attics and unfinished basements typically don’t count as usable space.
Age and Condition
Newer homes tend to have a higher price point because buyers pay more for homes that don’t require major renovations. Older homes, by nature, tend to need more work. Even more than the age of the home is its condition. Buyers would prefer to purchase a home that’s old but well-maintained versus one that’s new but in poor condition.
Home Improvements
Upgrades and home improvements also play a big part in property values. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are some of the most sought-after upgrades, especially for older properties with outdated features. Upgrades made to the exterior of your home also make a difference because they enhance curb appeal.
Real Estate Comps
“Comps” are comparable homes in the neighborhood that have recently sold. They serve as a benchmark for what your home should sell for. This is why people don’t like short sales and foreclosures, as they bring down average property values. Appraisers generally look at three recently closed sales.
Need to Sell Quickly? 4 Brothers Buy Houses Will Make You an Offer!
If you need to sell your home quickly, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses. We buy properties throughout Prince William County, including Manassas, Montclair, Woodbridge, Dumfries, Lake Ridge, Dale City, Bethel, Minnieville, Hoadly, Agnewville and County Center.
While our cash buyers do consider the above factors, we are willing to buy your home as is. We are more concerned with the renovation potential than the actual condition of your home. Contact our team today for your free cash offer.
September 20, 2021
Can You Sell a Home in Washington DC with Flood Damage?
Homes flood for all different reasons such as broken pipes, poor drainage, clogged rain gutters, malfunctioning appliances, foundational problems and the weather. And here in Washington DC, we are no strangers to hurricanes and tropical storms!
If you have a home with flood damage, you might be wondering if you have options to sell. Fortunately, you do. Here’s everything you need to know about selling a home in Washington DC with flood damage.
House Flooded? Here’s How to Minimize the Damage.
The first 48 hours after your house floods are critical. By taking the appropriate steps, you can minimize water damage. Below is a quick checklist of things to do when your Washington DC home floods.
- Make a list of damaged property. This list might be short or long depending on the severity of the damage.
- Take photos of the damage. Having pictures allows you to document everything for insurance and resale purposes.
- Call your insurance company. They might be able to repair and restore some of the damage while reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Wear gloves. Some flood water has harmful contaminants, particularly sewer water. Before touching the water, wear gloves.
- Remove items that hold water. Examples include mattresses, furniture and bedding. Getting these items out of the home prevents mold and mildew from forming.
- Contact a water restoration company. These companies use vacuums and dehumidifiers to remove water and dry out the space.
Deciding to Make Repairs or Sell Your Home As-Is in Washington DC
If you take care of the flooding quickly, you might not have much of a problem. However, if your home does have flood damage and you don’t have the money to pay for repairs, it may be best to sell your home. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs for flood damage can be significant.
At 4 Brothers Buy Houses, we buy homes in Washington DC in all types of conditions. We’re not afraid of homes that have flood damage, foundational problems or mold and mildew. We have an extensive network of contractors that we hire to handle these issues. You won’t be required to do a thing!
Also, when you sell your Washington DC home to us, you can eliminate showings, appraisals, inspections, realtor commissions and closing costs. The sale is between you and our home buyers only. Contact us today if your DC home has flood damage and you need a quick, as-is sale.
September 15, 2021
Is it Possible to Sell a Home with a Tax Lien in Prince George’s County?
Selling a home in Prince George’s County, Maryland is stressful enough, so if you’re dealing with a tax lien, you can expect the process to be more complicated. Essentially, you are pulled between the IRS and your mortgage lender while trying to find a qualified buyer. The good news is that you can still sell your home with a tax lien. But there are some things you’ll want to be aware of because they will affect the process and the profit you make.
What Does it Mean to Have a Property Tax Lien?
When your Prince George’s County home has a tax lien, it basically means the government made a claim on the property. This gives them a way to collect the money that you owe them. When you go to sell your home, you can’t take any profits from the sale until you’ve paid off your debt. You also can’t refinance your mortgage until the lien is paid off.
Typically, tax liens are placed on properties when the homeowner hasn’t kept up with the mortgage payments or tax payments. You’ll know you have a lien on the property when you receive a demand payment letter. The lien will stay on your property until you pay it off.
Can You Sell a Home with a Tax Lien in Prince George’s County?
While the process is a bit more complicated, it is possible to sell a home with a tax lien. However, a past due tax bill is a high priority so you’ll have to pay this off before addressing other financial obligations, including your mortgage balance.
In a perfect world, the sale of your home will cover the mortgage balance and any liens on the property. But this often doesn’t happen. Instead, you may have to make payments to the IRS until they lift the lien. Some other options you may have include:
- Changing the type of tax lien
- Applying for a discharge of property
- Sending the IRS an application for subordination of the lien
- Requesting the option for withdrawal
An Easier Way: Sell Your Home for Cash in Prince George’s County
If you want to sell your home fast and pay off the lien, the quickest and easiest way to do this is by selling your home for cash in Prince George’s County. When you sell your home this way, you’re getting a full cash offer that you’ll receive at closing. With money in hand, you can pay off the lien and your mortgage.
Selling your home for cash also means you get to keep the full cash offer because you don’t have to pay for realtor commissions, fees, closing costs, home staging and home repairs. This extra money can be put toward paying off the lien.
4 Brothers Buy Houses in Prince George’s County Maryland. We have no problem buying homes with tax liens on them – we do this all the time! To learn more about our process and how to get your free cash offer, contact our cash home buyers in Maryland today.
September 15, 2021
Top 5 Things That Turn Off Potential Home Buyers
Selling a home in Alexandria VA? As the seller, your goal is to sell your home quickly while also taking home the most money. There are many things that need to happen to make this a reality, which may be in the cards for you. However, depending on the condition of your home, you may be looking at a long and tiresome road.
Even though most areas in Virginia are seller’s markets, this doesn’t mean people are buying just anything. Buyers prefer move-in ready homes in good condition. If your home doesn’t fit the bill, buyers will likely wait for something better to come along or ask you to lower the price.
To ensure you have realistic expectations, here are the top five things that turn away potential buyers – even in a competitive market.
Bad Odors
Yes, there is such a thing as “occupant odor.” These odors are specific to each household and are a mix of detergents, food, cleaning supplies and air fresheners. What you want to avoid is strong smells like cigarette smoke, pet urine, litter boxes and hamster cages. These odors can be confused for mold, mildew or just plain dirtiness, so avoid them at all costs.
Poor Curb Appeal
If your home has an overgrown yard, missing shutters or a cracked driveway, you’re basically telling potential buyers that your home isn’t well taken care of. Keep in mind that many people will drive past a house or look at it online before scheduling a showing. To avoid chasing away potential buyers, take some time to improve your home’s curb appeal.
Clutter Everywhere
When selling a home in Alexandria VA, all clutter needs to be removed. Your countertops should be practically bare with the exception of fresh flowers or a small plant. Cabinets, drawers and closets should be well organized and all clutter – laundry, toys, papers, dishes – should be put away in storage bins.
Dings, Cracks, Rips, Tears, Etc.
Don’t leave these types of jobs to the buyer. They’re usually easy and inexpensive to fix, unless they are the result of a bigger problem. Here are some things to be aware of, as they can be easy to miss since you’re used to living with them:
- Broken door hinges
- Ripped carpets
- Torn upholstery
- Broken or bent blinds
- Loose doorknobs
- Old or outdated light fixtures
- Dirty windows
Crazy Color Schemes
It’s best to give your walls a fresh coat of paint before putting your Alexandria home up for sale. Choose neutral colors like grey or off white. This is especially important if your walls are painted in bold hues like fuschia or lime green.
We also recommend giving your floors a once-over. Wall-to-wall carpeting can be a turnoff for buyers, especially if it’s worn and faded. You can swap out carpeting for stylish laminate or vinyl or offer a credit to your buyers instead.
Get a Free Cash Offer and Sell Your Alexandria VA Home Today!
What happens if you don’t have the time, money or desire to correct all these issues? Sell your home in Alexandria VA for cash! 4 Brothers Buy Houses purchases homes in all types of conditions – we don’t care about wall-to-wall carpet, old appliances, poor curb appeal or broken blinds. We’ll make you a fair cash offer and take your home as-is – not questions asked!
To get your free, no obligation cash offer, contact our cash real estate investors in Virginia today!
September 13, 2021
Pros and Cons of Hosting Open Houses in Woodbridge VA
Open houses are a debatable subject for both real estate agents and sellers. Some believe that open houses sell homes, while others feel that they are unnecessary, especially now during a pandemic. If you plan on selling your home in Woodbridge VA, you’re probably asking yourself this very question: Do I need to schedule an open house to sell my home?
There is no right answer for every situation. In some cases, open houses are valuable tools that can speed up the selling process. In other cases, they aren’t really necessary. Let’s cover the pros and cons to hosting an open house and what to do if you want to sell your home fast in Woodbridge while minimizing showings.
Advantages of Open Houses in Real Estate
Open houses may be a nuisance, but they can help speed up a home sale and even bring in multiple offers. And hopefully, you only have to schedule them once. Here are some of the benefits to look forward to:
- Attract buyers that wouldn’t have scheduled a personal tour
- Create a low-pressure environment where people feel comfortable
- Increase awareness that your home is for sale
- Receive feedback on your home (learn what people like and don’t like)
Disadvantages of Open Houses in Real Estate
As beneficial as open houses can be, they are still a headache. You must get your home in the best condition and leave for several hours. The realtor will stay at the home during this time to answer questions and watch over things. Below are some of the negative aspects of hosting an open house:
- Lots of unqualified buyers (or those who are just curious)
- Security issues since many people will be in the home with little supervision
- Less one-on-one time with buyers
- Often more work than it’s worth
What if You Don’t Want to Host an Open House? Is This a Necessary Part of Selling a Home in Woodbridge VA?
You do not have to host an open house if you don’t want to. However, your real estate agent may strongly encourage it, especially if your home is unique and located in a busy location. And, if your home isn’t selling, you may have no choice but to host an open house for added exposure.
If you’re not a fan of having an open house because of security issues, possible theft, unqualified buyers and “lookie-loos” (nosy neighbors), you do have another option: sell your home for cash in Woodbridge VA. When you sell your home fast for cash, you can eliminate showings and open houses!
4 Brothers Buy Houses pays cash for homes in as-is condition. We respect our clients’ privacy and never request showings or open houses. And, we can close within 7-10 days. Contact us today to get your free cash offer.
