This past week, a client of mine asked about the life expectancy of plumbing, especially in older homes. When purchasing an older home, the age of the plumbing system can be a cause of concern. Below, please find more information on the life expectancy of pipes. The life expectancy of piping in homes depends on the material used in the pipes themselves. Supply pipes are under constant pressure and therefore most likely to cause water damage. Supply lines made of brass will la

Courthouse Update A good way to find investment deals is by contacting sellers in financial hardship before they list with an agent. I am currently in the process of finding an investment property, so I am working on building a list of potential properties in Northern VA that may be worth pursuing. This past Friday, my investment group and I went to the Fairfax County courthouse to find homeowners in the pre-foreclosure stage. This is a good stage to catch the owner at, becau

Spring time is approaching, and the prime time to list your condo is just around the corner! If you plan to sell, here are 10 ways to improve the market value of your Parc Reston Condo, without breaking the bank... Laminate Wood Flooring: Consider installing a laminate or engineered hardwood floor throughout your condo. I have seen prices as low as $1/sqft at Costco for a color called Sunset Acadia. This is cheaper than most carpets, more durable, and is an eye catcher for po

I came across an investment opportunity this week while searching through bank owned properties on the MLS. 12611 Builders Rd in Herndon, VA was last sold in on 12/29/2005 for $510,000 and is now on the market for $375,000. After running a comparables analysis and factoring in seller subsidies, I determined a fair market value estimate to be $437,000. The property needs a lot of work, but this could be a good deal. Take a look at the listing along with the other comparable sa