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        <title>Northern Virginia Real Estate Blog and Market Updates</title>
        <link>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Blog about Northern Virginia real estate: buying, selling, market conditions, interesting facts and news.</description>
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            <guid>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/a-sense-of-place-build-a-magical-space-that-reconnects-with-the-earth.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/a-sense-of-place-build-a-magical-space-that-reconnects-with-the-earth.html</link>
            <author>dave@zadareky.com (David Zadareky)</author>
            <title>A Sense Of Place - Build A Magical Space That Reconnects With The Earth</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 







We are pleased to deliver this month's issue of the MaxAvenue Homeowners Club LOCALE&trade; Magazine.


This issue begins with&nbsp;From the Earth, Architect Henry Panton creates magical spaces with the environment in mind.Our second feature,&nbsp;The Best of You, Interior designer Carol Willard is always seeking the very best version of herself in her own homeThis month's LOCALE&trade; closes with&nbsp;Rustic Ramblings, a vacation adventure piece that offers a unique combination of camping in the beauty of Mother Nature with the unapologetic pampering of a luxury resort!&nbsp;I hope you enjoy this month's issue of LOCALE!&nbsp;






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            <pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:27:58 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/remax-launches-true-global-real-estate-listing-site.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/remax-launches-true-global-real-estate-listing-site.html</link>
            <author>dave@zadareky.com (David Zadareky)</author>
            <title>RE/MAX Launches True Global Real Estate Listing Site</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
RE/MAX Launches True Global&nbsp;Real Estate Listing Site


global.remax.com&nbsp;Offers Customized Search of&nbsp;More Than 60 Countries&nbsp;


(Denver, CO)&nbsp;  RE/MAX, LLC, the recognized real estate leader, has launched a new website,&nbsp;global.remax.com, the first truly global resource for consumers, with hundreds of thousands of home listings in countries around the world.&nbsp; The site features customized search tools that allow buyers to search for properties in 30 languages, translate currencies and find the latest international real estate news.&nbsp; At launch, the site will contain listings from Brazil, France, Italy, India, Portugal, the United States, Canada, Italy and New Zealand - a total of more than 60 countries and territories around the world.


&nbsp;


&ldquo;We make our customers our priority, and they told us they needed a comprehensive resource for international properties,&rdquo; said&nbsp;William E. Soteroff, RE/MAX Executive Vice President, U.S. and International Regional Development.&nbsp; &ldquo;Were seeing an increasing number of foreign buyers looking for property in the U.S. and American buyers looking overseas.&nbsp;global.remax.com&nbsp;is essentially a one-stop source for residential and commercial real estate, no matter where you live.&rdquo;


&nbsp;


Real estate trends differ from country to country, city to city and even neighborhood to neighborhood.&nbsp; Buyers and sellers who visit&nbsp;global.remax.com&nbsp;can stay on top of the latest real estate news and events through an in-depth and detailed news feed.&nbsp; The site will also feature a rotating spotlight on a specific country or region, offering visitors insight into that market and any new developments.&nbsp;


&nbsp;


In countries like India, Brazil and China, as&nbsp;the population grows and incomes rise, families are searching for homes of their own and investment properties.&nbsp; RE/MAX is also growing, adding offices around the globe.&nbsp; Franchise sales were up nearly 15% in the first half of 2011, a mark that looks to&nbsp;outpace last years total franchise sales, which recorded an impressive 30% increase over 2009. In Brazil alone, RE/MAX has seen 133% growth over 2010.&nbsp;


&nbsp;


&ldquo;Were growing because theres a need for experienced and professional agents,&rdquo; said Soteroff.&nbsp; &ldquo;In some countries, RE/MAX has been the first real estate brand to go in and open for business.&nbsp; Its exciting to be a part of that.&rdquo;


&nbsp;


RE/MAX has a presence in more than 80 countries, a reach far greater than any competitor.&nbsp; With more than 6,300 offices around the world and a sales force of nearly 90,000 agents, buyers and sellers can take advantage of the experience and knowledge of the most productive professionals in the real estate industry.&nbsp;


&nbsp;


For more information about RE/MAX global listings, please visit:&nbsp;www.global.remax.com.&nbsp; To find out more RE/MAX, visitwww.remax.com. To join the best performing real estate sales force, visit&nbsp;www.joinremax.com.


&nbsp;


Watch a video about global.remax.com.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:09:50 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/elegant-function-when-life-gets-complicated-style-it-anyway.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/elegant-function-when-life-gets-complicated-style-it-anyway.html</link>
            <author>dave@zadareky.com (David Zadareky)</author>
            <title>Elegant Function - When Life Gets Complicated, Style it Anyway.</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
&nbsp;





&nbsp;


Life has a tendancy to be chaotic. &nbsp;In our homes especially, it's natural -- our daily routines wreak a bit of havoc on any organizational system we have......


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            <pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:09:42 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/heavy-rain-and-flash-flood-safety.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/heavy-rain-and-flash-flood-safety.html</link>
            <author>dave@zadareky.com (David Zadareky)</author>
            <title>Heavy Rain and Flash-Flood Safety</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Heavy Rain and Flash-flood Safety


Preparation before a flood will keep you as right as rain.


By Torquil Dewar


After a prolonged dry period, flash-flooding is a serious threat to many rural and urban areas. A common misconception is that flooding usually only occurs in river or stream floodplains. This is not the case: flash-flooding can occur anywhere.


Urban areas are particularly dangerous during flash-floods. Built-up areas cannot absorb water as fast as a rural or natural area, which results in overwhelmed drainage systems and dangerously fast flowing water.


If the area you live in is prone to flooding, or if you receive a flood warning from the radio or television, make sure you have an escape route planned in advance.&nbsp;Keep a wind-up or battery-powered radio (and spare batteries) in your house. Go to &nbsp;http://www.weather.gov/nwr/Maps/&nbsp;to find out more about the National Weather Service's continuous weather information broadcast.


If you have time before you leave your home, turn off all power at the mains, and disconnect all electrical appliances. Move as much as possible upstairs, and bring outdoor furniture inside to reduce the amount of floating debris. Do not touch any electrical appliance or outlet that is already wet or submerged.


Move by foot to higher ground, avoiding any moving water - even if it doesn't appear to be deep (it takes less than two feet of water to move an SUV, so it's wise not to underestimate the strength of fast-flowing water.) If you have to walk in water, do so only where the water is still, and where you can be seen and reached by others. Use a stick or other object to test the ground in front of you. Always look for downed power-lines and other electrical outlets that may be submerged - if in doubt, do not enter the water.


Once you have made it to a safe area, there are several important points to remember:


Only drink water that has been deemed safe by a local authority - flooding can cause septic tank and oil leaks, resulting in widespread water contamination.Avoid areas where floodwaters have recently receded - roads, bridges and walkways may be dangerously weakened during a flash-flood.Stay out of any building that is still surrounded by floodwater.Do not return to a flooded area until authorities have deemed it safe.When you do return to your home, thoroughly disinfect anything touched by floodwater. Sewage and chemicals can be transported by floodwater.


If you do have to leave your home, thoroughly check it's safe to re-enter before going in. Walk around the building checking for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you have any doubts, do not enter. Have a qualified building inspector make sure it is safe first.


Fire Safety and Prevention during Dry Spells


Many areas are experiencing one of the worst droughts in recent history, and have been devastated by multiple wildfires. There are a few simple precautions you can take to significantly reduce the risk of fire around your home.


First and foremost, clear your property of debris. Any material that has been building up - dead branches, dead grass, trash - should be removed and disposed of safely. Do not under any circumstances burn trash or start any kind of fire.


During a drought, it is not recommended that you start any kind of outdoor fire, including grilling. Check with your local authority to find out if there is a total burn ban in your area - a common precaution during prolonged drought.


Do not store fuel near your house. Make sure you keep any combustible materials safely contained and at least fifteen feet from your residence.


Keep your lawn well-watered and maintained - dead or dry grass is extremely combustible. Your lawn can act as a barrier against fire if treated properly.


Resources:


www.redcross.org


www.fema.gov


Author info: Torquil Dewar is the owner/operator of&nbsp;October Custom Publishing, LLC, based in Austin, Texas.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:21:32 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/alexandria-home-improvements-that-can-expand-your-pocketbook.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/alexandria-home-improvements-that-can-expand-your-pocketbook.html</link>
            <author>dave@zadareky.com (David Zadareky)</author>
            <title>Alexandria Home Improvements That Can Expand Your Pocketbook</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When you are planning on selling your Alexandria house, increasing your property value begins with home improvements. With the vast amount of properties for sale, buyers look for homes that are move-in ready, not homes that will cost them more pennies in the end.


From an article on the AOL Real Estate site, here are ways in which you can improve the value of your home to increase the lining of your pockets at the time of sale. 




Kitchen  A major selling point for any home begins in the kitchen. &nbsp;It can make or break a buyers decision. &nbsp;The appearance or structure can be crucial for the sale. Upgrading your kitchen does not have to cost you a fortune, however; simply replacing appliances, countertops, and flooring can improve the kitchens look and feel.


Front Entry Doors  Catching a buyers eye can allow for a successful home sale. Installing a beautiful door not only can improve energy costs, but can attract&nbsp; more buyers that drive by or can increase viewings of online listings. 


Siding  Improving the exterior of your Alexandria home can help ease the worries of a potential buyer. &nbsp;Improve your homes appearance by adding an appealing protective finish. &nbsp;Sprucing up the exterior by adding decorative elements can increase the buyers desire to purchase your home.


Windows - Installing new windows not only improves the look of the home, but can benefit both the seller and buyer.&nbsp; Sellers can earn tax credits and buyers can save on their monthly energy bill. &nbsp;Energy efficiency appeals to any home buyer that wants to save a penny or two. 


Decks  A good to way to add space and spend less money is by adding a deck onto your home. &nbsp;Choosing the right type of material, such as pressure treated wood, can help improve the amount of return on investment at the time of sale.


Attic  Converting an attic from storage to a useful living space can attract more buyers who are looking for more rooms that can accommodate their families. Buyers focus on the amount of bedrooms and baths when considering purchasing a home, so why not spruce up that attic.


Basement  A great appeal to large families is the finishing touches of a basement. &nbsp;Bring the basement alive by converting it to a game room, office, or even another bedroom for a family member. &nbsp;Adding excitement will increase the buyers desire to want to purchase your home.


Bathrooms  Another important section of the home that appeals to buyers is the bathroom. &nbsp;Spruce up the area by adding new fixtures, hardware that can allow for more space, and fixtures that appeal to the buyers eye. &nbsp;Bringing life to a bathroom can increase the desire to purchase any home in our Alexandria area.


Home Additions - Adding more space to a home not only can improve the look of the home, but it can add value to your home. &nbsp;Ways in which you can improve your home would be by expanding an existing room, adding an additional bathroom, another level to the home, or even expanding the size of the garage for additional uses. 


Backup Power  An important essential of a home is to have backup power. &nbsp;Buyers want the ease of comfort knowing there is backup plan when the power goes out. &nbsp;With the advancement of technology you no longer have to worry about hauling around a generator, you can have one professionally installed outside of your home. &nbsp;No more worries when the power goes off, as within seconds you will be enjoying the comfort of your home. 




Not only can you make these improvements, but you can also look at the interior design of your home. Most home buyers always look for comfortable neutral colors that will give them peace of mind.&nbsp; Completing your home improvements will be well worth it in the end when your home sells for a really great price. 


The Alexandria area boasts some of the loveliest neighborhoods in the country. If youre in the market to make a move in Northern Virginia, you owe it to yourself to work with an exceptional real estate team committed to Going Beyond Your Expectations. &nbsp;That team is RE/MAX Evolution &amp; David Zadareky.
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            <pubDate>Sat, 03 Sep 2011 14:00:17 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/the-upside-and-downside-of-alexandria-mortgage-life-insurance.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/the-upside-and-downside-of-alexandria-mortgage-life-insurance.html</link>
            <author>dave@zadareky.com (David Zadareky)</author>
            <title>The Upside and Downside of Alexandria Mortgage Life Insurance</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Thanks to mortgage life insurance, losing a loved one, while heartbreaking, does not have include the additional financial disaster many mourners face.


With the scares of our earthquake and hurricane, many of us here in Alexandria and the Greater DC Area have had the specter of death, however fleeting, pass through our minds. This can be positive, if such thoughts lead to planning for our families.


It is a wonderful thing that the quake did such little injury. If there had been a serious death toll, how many dependents of homeowners would not only have lost a parent, but several months later lose their house too?


Most Alexandria home buyers want to make sure their loved ones get to keep their home. One option is mortgage life insurance. But is it the best way to keep your family from being homeless?


Buyers may remember having to pay mortgage insurance when they bought their home, which is insurance that protects the lender from losing money on your house. Mortgage life insurance, however, protects your loved ones by paying off your mortgage if you die before the house is paid off.


Some great financial articles at SFGate on the San Francisco Chronicle web site, on the House Logic site and at Cash Money Life shed light on the pros and cons of mortgage life insurance. Two big draws to mortgage life insurance are:




You won't be turned down for health conditions or age, which often happens to those trying to buy regular life insurance.


If you do have a health condition, or are elderly enough that the lenders are wondering about how much of a risk you might be, buying the insurance may increase your chances of the loan being approved.




Amber Keefer, Demand Media for SFGate writes, &ldquo;If you are putting a down payment of less than 20 percent on a home, the lender will probably require that you take out a mortgage life insurance policy or else your application for a loan may be denied.&rdquo;


But Ryan Guina, of Cash Money Life, points out regular life insurance may be a better buy for most people. &ldquo;Overall, mortgage life insurance doesnt seem like a great idea for most people. You pay the same amount of money each month for a decreasing benefit and you have no control where the payout of the policy goes or how it is used.&rdquo;


G.M. Filisko, of House Logic, says, &ldquo;Mortgage life insurance isnt the only way to keep a roof over your familys head.&rdquo; &nbsp;Two other options are:




Standard term life insurance. Its economical and renewable and youre protecting your family no matter where you move.


Return of premium life insurance. Standard term life with a twist: Although a little more expensive, if you live beyond your term&mdash;usually 30 years&mdash;the company refunds all your premiums.




So which is it? How do we know if mortgage life insurance is right for us?


Guina says, &ldquo;That will depend upon the amount of your loan and the value of your house, your familys assets and your general health. In addition to these factors you must consider the term of your loan and the possibility that if you rewrite your mortgage or the bank sells you loan, youll have to rewrite the mortgage insurance policy as well.&rdquo;


And of course always read the fine print of several policies and weigh them with your family's financial needs before making a choice. Wise words for any of us here in Northern Virginia.


If youre in the market to buy or sell a home in Northern Virginia, you owe it to yourself to work with an exceptional real estate team committed to Going Beyond Your Expectations. That team is RE/MAX Evolution &amp; David Zadareky.
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            <pubDate>Sat, 27 Aug 2011 20:15:17 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/where-you-buy-can-trump-what-you-buy.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/where-you-buy-can-trump-what-you-buy.html</link>
            <author>dave@zadareky.com (David Zadareky)</author>
            <title>Where You Buy Can Trump What You Buy</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When buying a home in Alexandria or other areas, we naturally focus on the actual dwelling place, how much we like it and whether or not we can afford it.&nbsp; However, just as important as what we buy is where we buy it.&nbsp; Having a house we love in a neighborhood we hate is not the American Dream.


From an article on the MSN Real Estate site, here are five ways to make sure the location of your next home will make you as happy as the home itself.&nbsp;






Take a Long-Term Approach  Dont just think about your life right now; think about where youre headed.&nbsp; Are you planning a family?&nbsp; Youll feel more connected in a neighborhood with other young families.&nbsp; If youve recently lost a spouse, you might fare better in a place where you can easily get to a bookstore or coffee shop. Talk with people in your current situation about where they live and why they like it there.&nbsp; Alternatively, research places online through sites like Neighborhood Scout or City-data.com.






Check Your Facts  You might hear through the grapevine that a city such as Alexandria has great schools or a low crime rate, but you need to verify this before you choose.&nbsp; Is the area you want free of special taxes?&nbsp; Will there be a freeway going through your front yard in a year?&nbsp; Check city and county records for documents on everything from a communitys crime statistics to its financial standing.&nbsp; Take a tour of a local school and talk to the principal to see if it lives up to the hype.






Dont Ignore the Commute Time  Beautiful house, lovely Alexandria neighborhood.&nbsp; Too bad you never get to see it because you leave for work before sunrise and get home after sunset. &nbsp;In addition, the gas prices for a long commute could cut down on that disposable income.&nbsp; The traffic at 11:00 a.m. when you walk through the home will not be the same as at rush hour.&nbsp; Drive the route from your potential home to your job during the morning and evening commute time. &nbsp;If it takes 45 minutes or longer, think twice about buying. &nbsp;A recent study from Sweden says that relationships where one partner commutes longer than 45 minutes are 40% more likely to break up.






Talk to Your Potential Neighbors  Dont just drive through.&nbsp; Stop, get out, and strike up a conversation with folks active in the neighborhood. &nbsp;Walk around both morning and evening to see what goes on (or doesnt go on) and how comfortable you are with that.&nbsp; Look at the other houses.&nbsp; If you see lots of condos and older folks, this might not be a good neighborhood if youre starting a family.






Consider Services and Culture in the Area  Think about how you have fun. &nbsp;Is it fast food and bowling alleys or nightclubs and art galleries? &nbsp;You also dont want to have to drive miles to get the services you want. &nbsp;If possible, book a hotel near the neighborhood and spend a weekend checking things out the way a tourist would. &nbsp;Also, look for vacant buildings or half-finished construction work that could indicate the neighborhood may be declining.






Your house and your neighborhood are not two separate entities. &nbsp;They really go together to create the place youll call home for many years.&nbsp; Do your research to be sure youre happy with both before you make your final buying decision.


The Alexandria area boasts some of the loveliest neighborhoods in the country. If youre in the market to make a move in Northern Virginia, you owe it to yourself to work with an exceptional real estate team committed to Going Beyond Your Expectations. &nbsp;That team is RE/MAX Evolution &amp; David Zadareky.
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            <pubDate>Sat, 20 Aug 2011 14:02:01 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/to-buy-or-not-to-buywhen-is-the-question.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/to-buy-or-not-to-buywhen-is-the-question.html</link>
            <author>dave@zadareky.com (David Zadareky)</author>
            <title>To Buy or Not to Buy&hellip;WHEN is the Question</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
&ldquo;Is it the right time to buy?&rdquo; prospective home buyers in Alexandria may ask. For many the answer is &ldquo;Yes!&rdquo; In spite of (and even sometimes because of) these times of grim headlines and statistics, there are awesome prices for excellent homes here in Alexandria and the Greater DC Area.


No matter how great a deal is, however, wise buyers consider how financially ready they are for the commitment of a mortgage. Is now your time to buy? Ask yourself: How reliable is your income? What is your debt to income ratio? If these have good answers but you still are nervous, you can have more confidence home buying if you have:




A specific emergency fund set up to survive multiple months without income should there be a job loss or other disaster.


A monthly income that not only covers mortgage and living expenses but the other costs of homeownership  property tax, insurance and sometimes homeowner association dues.


Designated funds, or at least a plan, for the continual costs of upkeep, repairs and landscaping.




According to articles this month in both Daily Real Estate News and the Los Angeles Times, mortgage rates are extremely low while housing values have also dropped to be incredibly affordable. Yet some of those hesitating to buy are concerned about taking on a mortgage while the national economy seems questionable. Many buying Alexandria homes, however, look at statistics of previous years and realize these cycles happen and values will continue to go up and down.


If the investment factor is your main attraction to home buying, it is common knowledge that unless you plan to keep your home at least three (and maybe five) years, it is hard to get your money back out of it.


Not everybodys reasons to buy are about financial gain. Many of us place great value on:




A place where your kids (and pets!) can cut loose in the yard without any landlord getting mad about mangled rosebushes.


A place where you can paint the walls the way YOU want them painted.


A place where you can install the kind of stove the chef in your family has been longing for.


A place where no landlord is going to kick you out because he has to sell the place.


A place that you can pass on to your children as an inheritance&hellip; for them to either live in or sell according to their future needs.




Here are a few more perks to homeownership that many dont consider: Some employers and lenders give greater consideration to homeowners because they are considered more stable and reliable than renters. And&hellip; there are actually statistics that show more children of homeowners graduate from high school than those who are not home owners.


While owning a home is not a good-luck charm for job promotions, credit and successful children, we cant help but notice that all three require long term commitment to responsibilities, which is a major ingredient in home ownership.


We at Re/Max Evolution are committed for the long term to meeting the needs of Alexandria buyers and sellers. If youre in the market to make a move in Northern Virginia, you owe it to yourself to work with an exceptional real estate team committed to Going Beyond Your Expectations. That team is RE/MAX Evolution &amp; David Zadareky.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:23:08 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/other-reasons-to-refinance-your-alexandria-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/other-reasons-to-refinance-your-alexandria-home.html</link>
            <author>dave@zadareky.com (David Zadareky)</author>
            <title>Other Reasons to Refinance Your Alexandria Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Everyone wants to save money, and where your Alexandria mortgage is concerned the more savings the better. This is the primary reason most people refinance.&nbsp; 


But, according to Houselogic.com, there are at least five other good reasons to refinance, each with its own special benefit. Some pay off more quickly than others, but all can be helpful in the right circumstances.






Shorten Your Payment Years  By refinancing from a 30-year to a 15-year mortgage, you decrease your total interest amount because youre paying the loan off sooner, although your monthly payments do increase. Shorter-term loans often have lower interest rates as well.






Change Your Loan Type  An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) looks great when you first get it because interest rates are usually low.&nbsp; But you never know when those interest rates will spike and blow a hole in your budget.&nbsp; If interest rates drop, switch from an ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage.&nbsp; The rate might be a bit higher, but your monthly payment will stay the same for the life of your loan.






Extra Cash  Known as a cash-out mortgage refinance, this is a great way to turn your Alexandria homes equity into money for special needs; special being defined as something with long-term benefits such as college tuition or a major home improvement, not that little sports car youve always wanted. You only want to take on extra debt for a really good reason.






Debt Consolidation  Rolling a main mortgage and home equity debt into one loan means only one monthly payment to your lender&mdash;and its a lower amount than the two separate loan payments combined.






Gain Equilibrium After Divorce  Generally, only one party gets to keep the home, but sometimes both parties will be required to pay the mortgage. Refinancing in this case makes just the homeowner responsible for payments and the other party can walk away.






When refinancing for any of these reasons, do your homework. Check with your current lender about preferred rates or other deals. If youre not satisfied, investigate other lenders in your area and research online for even more options.&nbsp; No matter which option you choose, your budget will breathe a sigh of relief.


If youre in the market to make a move in Northern Virginia, you owe it to yourself to work with an exceptional real estate team committed to Going Beyond Your Expectations. That team is RE/MAX Evolution &amp; David Zadareky.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:46:05 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/benefits-of-a-big-down-payment-on-your-alexandria-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.saveafewthousand.com/blog/benefits-of-a-big-down-payment-on-your-alexandria-home.html</link>
            <author>dave@zadareky.com (David Zadareky)</author>
            <title>Benefits of a Big Down Payment on Your Alexandria Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
For many, the dream of home ownership requires financing. Generally this means a mortgage and a required down payment of 20% of the homes purchase price. In the end, your mortgage payment will be determined by how much you have saved for the down payment. While determining that amount can be tricky, patience in saving for a big down payment will prove to be beneficial.


Here are several reasons why you should save 20% or more for the down payment on your Alexandria home. 




Reasonable mortgage payments.By saving more money for your down payment you will be able to have mortgage payments that are manageable. As an added bonus, later down the road you will notice how you saved thousands in interest. 


A better interest rate. That big down payment on your Alexandria home will show lenders that you are a low risk for defaulting on your payment; therefore you may be offered a lower interest rate. 


You wont need mortgage insurance.By not having mortgage insurance you eliminate the need to protect the lender if the mortgage is not paid. Youll also avoid paying several thousand a year for mortgage insurance and wont have to pay the additional insurance premiums.


Youll be in a better position to sell.Real estate has its up and downs when it comes to the value of a home, and that big down payment can save you if you are ever in need of selling your Alexandria home. You will avoid being &ldquo;upside down&rdquo; or &ldquo;underwater&rdquo; (meaning that you owe more than the value of your home) which would make it harder to sell your home or make the mortgage payments.&nbsp; 


The equity can help you during a financial crisis. Unforeseen health problem or the loss of a job can hinder you from making your mortgage payment, but if the big down payment in your home provided you with enough equity to borrow against it you will be able to handle the financial crisis and still make the small mortgage payment. 




In all, the patience to save for a big down payment for your Alexandria home will prove a solid investment that will put you in a better position financially and possibly save you thousands of dollars over the years. 


If youre in the market to make a move in Northern Virginia, you owe it to yourself to work with an exceptional real estate team committed to Going Beyond Your Expectations. That team is RE/MAX Evolution &amp; David Zadareky.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:41:17 -0500</pubDate>
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