What’s cheaper, renting or buying a home in the Loudoun and Fairfax County area? This is a common question asked by many prospective homebuyers. The answer to the question really depends a lot on the buyers( or your) goals. Recently, Tulia rated the Washington DC area as a 12 on a sale of 1-35 as being cheaper to buy then to rent. Another similar report by Inman news recent reported that in 74% of cities nationwide buying is cheaper then renting. Washington DC area was one of the … [Read more...]
Where are all the Foreclosures!!!
April 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
"The economy is in a free fall"; "people are losing their houses by the bushel"; "unemployment is at record highs etc, etc, etc". You would think with these types of headlines there would be foreclosed homes on every block! Right??? Not if you are looking for foreclosures in the Northern Virginia area more specifically in the Loudoun and Fairfax county areas. If you are lucky enough to find a foreclosed home don’t be surprised to see multiple offers all above asking price. So, if … [Read more...]
5 Things You Must Know Before You Get A Reverse Mortgage!
October 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment
In early 2000 I started hearing stories about this great loan program that allows you to borrow your homes equity without ever having to pay back the money you borrowed. Sounds too good to be true… yep it didn’t pass my smell test either. The program is called a Reverse Mortgage and lenders are lining up spokesmen by the dozen to sell it. Before you run out and start calling your a lender for one of these loans here are 5 things you should consider first: 1. Compound Interest: Have you … [Read more...]
Why Buy Title Insurance When Buying Your Next Home
October 7, 2010 By 2 Comments
Did you buy your last home without Title Insurance? Many homeowners think to themselves, “great another junk fee” when faced with the line item for Title Insurance at closing. After all, Title insurance can sometimes add several hundred or even thousand dollars to the bottom-line of a settlement. My clients almost without exception ask me at closing if they should buy this sometimes expense policy. After all, what are the chances that an American Indian tribe, or a long lost relative, or … [Read more...]
Where are the Best Schools?
August 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
“Where are the best schools” is an often-asked question when sellers move into a new area. Having your neighborhood feed into the “the best school” is important for both your children and your wallet! I have found strong demand for homes that feed into the better schools. When a Realtor is asked by a buyer where the top schools are in the area most Realtors will point clients to the Internet (aka wild west of information). Agents do not do because they don’t know where the schools are … [Read more...]
Chuck Rifae Associate Broker PenFed Realty Group 571-207-6390 Entrepreneur, Real Estate Broker, Avid runner, and soccer dad! 
