Selling your house and saying goodbye to the home that you lived in can be a very emotional experience for a lot of homeowners.

If you have lived in your home for a long time, you probably made many unforgettable memories with your family, friends and loved ones that it will be hard to let go of when the time comes to move. Whether you realize it or not, you have an emotional attachment to this home, and as you think about moving, you can be overcome with feelings of sadness and hesitancy.

I would like to introduce you to the three transition methods I use with my clients to help ease their minds about their upcoming move.

1. Make Memories Before You Leave

Begin by taking pictures of your home inside and out, even before you begin the moving and packing process. Every crayon scribble, crooked picture and misplaced sock is a sign of a well-loved and well-lived home.

Take photos with your favorite neighbors and caption them with their names and dates. Hopefully you will keep in touch after the move, but you will never have the same kind of relationship when you no longer live next door to each other. You can also say goodbye to your favorite cashier at the local grocery store, or the pharmacist who always refills your prescriptions. It helps create closure for you and it makes them feel like you’ve noticed their hard work over the years.

Have dinner one last time at your favorite restaurant if you are moving very far away and take a commemorative photo. Write down your usual order on the back so that you can always remember your times spent there.

2. Take Something with You

Just because you are leaving doesn’t mean you can’t take something with you! Create a memory box of items around your yard. Leaves from the trees, presses of the flowers from your garden or a watercolor sketch of what your home looked like in full bloom. Many talented artists can create works of art based on your old home that you can display in your new one.

As long as you remove them before your home goes on the market, you can replace certain fixtures in your home and bring them along with you to your new one. For example, I had clients that loved the specialty billiard light fixture they kept over their pool table. They removed the fixture and put it into their new house and replaced it with something less unique for the new buyers.

Make sure you do replace anything you take with you though, otherwise the market value of your home will go down.

3. Look Toward the Future

Instead of dwelling on the past, look toward the future! Focus more on the upside of where you are going and the wonderful opportunities that your new home will provide you. You can do a Google search on the new area where you will be moving to and find new restaurants you want to try, new stores to shop at, as well as look up your kid’s new schools.

Look into local classes at the community center or Facebook events that are coming up in your town so that you can meet the people in your new neighborhood. There is something exciting about a fresh start and new opportunities to find new things to love.

Saying goodbye to your home can be difficult, but there is always a reason to be hopeful and optimistic about where you are going. A trusted Realtor can help guide you through the process.

Jean Beatty is a licensed real estate agent in VA, MD, and DC with McEnearney Associates Realtors® in McLean, VA. If you would like more information on selling or buying in today’s complex market, contact Jean at 301-641-4149 or visit her website JeanBeatty.com.

Take a look at our website for all of our listings available throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Don’t miss a post! Get the latest local guides and neighborhood news straight to your inbox!

We’re in the Dog Days of Summer. Even in this heat, a dog’s love is never wavering. Mine have certainly made my life whole and have made my home a happy (albeit 80% chaotic) place! I moved earlier this year, and it’s taken quite a bit of time for my dogs to adjust.

Whether you are a new or seasoned homeowner, the stress of moving is always there. That stress doesn’t go unnoticed by your four-legged family members. In preparation for National Dog Day (Aug. 26), I wanted to provide you a few tips for making a move a little less overwhelming for you and your dog(s).

Bring in moving supplies early on. Make a couple of boxes and leave them out for your pup to start to sniff and recognize. When I moved, I threw a few treats into an empty box to make the “intruder” more friendly and fun! In my experience, dogs can get anxious with the new scent, schedule and disruption to their space. Prepping them with enough time can make the amount of time you have left in your current place more enjoyable.

Head over your new neighborhood and walk around. Let your dog get used to the new smells and sounds. And, hopefully, meet a new neighbor or two! It’s less overwhelming to them if they can sniff out the new spot and then return home to their comfort zone. It will make the transition of moving that much easier.

Update your vet records and change your address on your dog’s microchip (if applicable). In case your pup is the wandering kind, it would be a good idea to tell your vet the new address sooner rather than later. If you’re looking for vet recommendations for your new neighborhood, check out the local Nextdoor page, or you may find a neighborhood pet page on Facebook.

Organize a playdate or make a doggy daycare appointment on the day of the move. Less stress and your dog can have fun! They’ll also be really tired when they go to the new place.

Set up your pup’s own special space in the new house before bringing them home. Make their crate or put together their special spot with all their favorite blankets, toys, and maybe even a treat or two.

Stick with some of your original, familiar furniture. Even though you may need a new sofa or a new chair, it’ll help your dog — and your wallet — feel more at ease.

Keep the routine. When you move to the new home, try to stick to the same times of feeding and walking. Don’t be discouraged if they don’t sleep well, aren’t eating or just aren’t feeling their regular self. It’s a lot to adjust to!

If you and your pup are looking to make a move, please give me a call!

As a fifth generation Realtor and the granddaughter of an architect and builder, Sallie has deep roots in real estate. She is passionate for the charm, history and architecture of Alexandria and its surrounding communities. If you would like more information on selling or buying in today’s complex market, contact Sallie today at 703-798-4666 or visit her website SallieSeiy.com.

Don’t miss a post! Get the latest local guides and neighborhood news straight to your inbox!

Many of my buyer clients ask what title insurance is, and why they may need to purchase it at the time of closing on their new home.

Simply put, title insurance is an insurance policy that protects you against loss due to an unknown defect in title or an interest in your home. (Real estate title is a legal document stating you are the rightful owner.) It’s a one-time payment; the cost is about 1% of the home’s value, and if you need to make a claim, there is no deductible to pay. Additionally, it covers you for the entire time you own the home. Claims from previous owners or their heirs, judgments against prior owners or permanent easements from utility companies can be extremely costly to the new buyer!

Most common uses of title insurance:

1. Judgment against the prior owner: If the title search didn’t find the judgment or if a new judgment has been issued against the previous owner and the court indexes aren’t updated, a judge can order a lien be put on the home, which you could be responsible for paying. The most common example is a lien put on the property due to costly unpaid medical bills the prior owner has incurred.

2. Easement on the property: Title insurance protects against easements/rights of way that are not recorded properly and can diminish your property value. For example, a cable company could have a permanent easement on your land and have the right to dig large trenches in your yard. If you have title insurance, the company will send you a sum of money based on the purchase price and the type of easement.

What if I chose not to purchase title insurance and an issue arises?

1. You can hire an attorney to help you clear the lien in court and correct the title on your home. Most attorneys charge a $10,000 retainer for such a service.

2. You can simply pay the lien, which can be extremely expensive, and you would still be responsible for clearing/correcting the title at the courthouse.

About 90% of buyers elect to purchase an Owner’s Title Policy to protect them against the risks of an issue arising, and title insurance companies are paying $100 million per year in title insurance claims.

If you have further questions, please reach out to me.

Lynn Cooper is a licensed REALTOR in Virginia with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Whether buying or selling, Lynn is 100% committed to her clients before, during, and after the transaction. Connect with Lynn at 202-489-7894, lcooper@mcnearney.com.

Take a look at our website for all of our listings available throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Don’t miss a post! Get the latest local guides and neighborhood news straight to your inbox!

One of the best things I discovered during the pandemic was “Ted Lasso” on Apple TV+, and I know I wasn’t the only one who connected with the sheer positivity that permeates each and every episode.

For the uninitiated, “Ted Lasso” is about an American football coach who is drafted to lead a ragtag U.K. football club (what Americans call soccer) and find a path to victory amid monumental challenges. It’s a classic fish-out-of-water trope that completely rises above expectations to deliver what viewers needed most in a time of doubt, loss and fear: a reason to hope and dream of bigger things.

I think about Ted Lasso, the leader, as I speak with people who are thinking about starting a new career in real estate or who are seasoned agents looking to elevate their business goals. In anticipation of the release of the second season of this delightful show (July 23!), here are a few of the parallels between sports and the competitive world of real estate and the lessons you can learn from Coach Lasso:

1. Be ready to step outside your comfort zone

When Ted Lasso arrives in the U.K., he has to learn not only a new sport but a new “language,” culture and rhythm. Even if you’ve had experience buying, selling or renting your own home, being the one in charge of ensuring the transaction goes smoothly for your clients is a whole new world.

Now, you are expected to know contractual language clearly enough to explain it accurately to others. Now, you are a part of a network of professionals who are each the CEO of their own startup companies, each with their approach to real estate and each with their own expectations of you. Now, you are an independent contractor who doesn’t necessarily have office hours or a “boss” to report to on a daily basis, but you have clients who deserve constant attention, other agents who are calling you for information at all times of the day and a brokerage that is invested in your success. AND, you have to manage your family, friends and business contacts in the process.

Be prepared for a steep learning curve and look for leaders who will help support you. There’s an oft-repeated statistic that 87% of new agents will be out of real estate by their fifth year. If you are taking the risk to embark on a challenging new path, make sure you identify brokerages with strong training, mentoring and coaching programs that are as invested in your career as you are.

2. Know yourself but also get to know others

One of the most endearing traits of Ted Lasso is his ability to connect with others, chiefly by leveling the field — he knows his skills and limitations and is not ashamed to own both — and by letting people know that he values them and what they bring to the table.

As a Realtor® you will meet many people who have a different approach to a transaction, whether that is a competing agent in a sale, a power-player client or a colleague who moves in the same circles you do. Take the time to know the people with whom you are interacting, and you will be rewarded greatly!

There are many books that will help you identify personality types and negotiation styles (some are listed at MCEReads on Amazon) that will help you understand motivation and sidestep potential roadblocks to a smooth deal. It’s also an important skill because real estate is a business built on RELATIONSHIPS. If you can’t find a way to connect with people, to listen to them and to hear them, it is going to be harder to build your business through trust and referrals, and you might strongly consider a different career path. Which leads to…

3. Surround yourself with people you want to work with

Ted Lasso can appear to cynics like he’s a happy-go-lucky doofus who isn’t really good at what he does. He ignores them. Instead, he stays focused on the people he knows will listen to him and help lead others to the successful outcome they all want.

While many agents do build their business via purchased leads — people you don’t already have a relationship with but have been identified by algorithms or a direct brokerage inquiry to be in the market to buy or sell a home — it takes a lot more work to get those leads to the “know-like-trust” client stage than the people you have already been interacting with on a personal and professional level.

When I was an active agent, I used this mantra: “I only want to work with people who want to work with me.” It sounds easy, but when you are new and hustling for every lead you can uncover, it pays to focus on those people ready to hire you as their trusted advisor in their real estate goals. This means developing a comprehensive Sphere of Influence (SOI) of contacts who will become the foundation of your business and refer new clients to you. Your SOI starts with a list of all the people you know — family, friends, former coworkers, those in your social and civic circles, your doctor/dentist/hairstylist/mechanic, your parenting groups, the list goes on! — and their contact information. You can then work with your Broker or mentor to categorize those groups into sections that will yield different approaches to outreach, marketing and referral requests. The important thing to remember is that each person on this list is someone you would want to have a relationship with even if you weren’t a Realtor®. As you build your business, you want to ensure that the people who are with you are cheering you on!

As you develop your skills and knowledge about real estate, you’ll have many wins and losses (and maybe even a few draws). Both Ted Lasso and I want you to take away from the experience is to BELIEVE: in the value of others as much as yourself, that you need a good team standing behind you if you’re going to get anywhere and that a positive mental attitude will get you further than you can imagine.

To join the winning team of McEnearney Associates — or just to talk about your favorite Ted Lasso moments — call me at 703-615-0876 and visit us at JoinMcEnearney.com.

Take a look at our website for all of our listings available throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Don’t miss a post! Get the latest local guides and neighborhood news straight to your inbox!

This question comes up very frequently. Even in a hot “seller’s market,” like the one we are in now, sellers still want to put their best foot forward to ensure that their home will receive the best offer. Like most real estate decisions, it really depends on what works for each individual. Here are a few things to consider with your Realtor when you are deciding on your moving timeline.

First, do you have somewhere else to go?

Most sellers don’t have a new home yet when they decide to sell. In a seller’s market, many sellers choose to sell FIRST, then find a new home. Unless you are in the rare position of owning multiple homes, it’s typical to not have a place to move into quite yet. Many sellers prefer to have the sale on their home agreed upon before looking for a new home to move into.

Once there is a contract on your home for sale, it puts you in a much more competitive and financially stable position for your future purchase. Sellers can even negotiate a rent-back period with the buyers, allowing them to stay in their home past settlement while they find that next new home. Rent-back periods can be for a week or even up to 60 days after settlement. This is a great option to allow a seller the time they need to identify a new home and move.

Another consideration: Do you have a place for your things to go?

If you are downsizing, you can begin to pare down belongings and make space in your home long before the sale process. While it’s great to be that organized, most sellers are on a much shorter timeline. Did you know your Realtor can help by providing names of trusted vendors to provide an array of services that include packing, hauling, off-site estate sale services and more?

Not everyone is downsizing. Many people move because they need more space — maybe you need a new home office or an extra bedroom. Maybe you’re not planning on getting rid of a lot or anything at all. When this is the case, is it even possible to live in a home that’s on the market? Of course it is.

Whatever your situation is, I strongly advise leaning heavily on your Realtor. My team brings in a stager to work with sellers, whether they are living in their home or selling it vacant. A lot of people don’t know this, but stagers will work with what you ALREADY have! Sometimes it’s as simple as rearranging a few armchairs, replacing a painting with a mirror or clearing counters. Regardless of how they do it, your Realtor should be able to walk you through how to live in your home — without looking like you actually live in it!

It almost goes without saying that another consideration on a lot of folks’ minds nowadays is COVID. Some are still understandably uncomfortable with strangers in their home and want to do everything they can to avoid exposure. Many sellers I’ve worked with are opting to leave their home for just a few days or the weekend. In a lot of ways, this is the best of both worlds. No extra moving — just extra relaxation (and someone making your bed for you!).

There are a number of local hotels that offer great rates for locals to have a nice little “staycation” in their own hometown, and some even allow dogs! Personally, I think that this is a great way to treat yourself, especially since sellers work so hard to get their home ready. If you are expecting a lot of activity the first few days on market, staying in a hotel is a nice way to sit back and let your Realtor take care of the appointments.

Of course, not all sellers live in the home they are selling. If you are selling a property that you are currently renting out, you may not have the option to put it on the market when it’s vacant. If this is the case, it is important to stay in close contact with your tenants so they will cooperate when the time comes to take photos or make showing appointments. You may even want to offer the tenant a few days away at an Airbnb to allow for lots of showings. Make sure that your Realtor is in touch with the tenants as well, so all parties involved remain on the same page at all stages.

In all honesty, staying or leaving is fine with a little work. If you leave or temporarily put things in storage, there is the potential that you will be moving twice — once into the temporary digs and again when you’ve found the new place. If you choose to stay, there is the possibility that you will have to leave — a lot — for showings, and many find the pressure of keeping things picked up and “show ready” to be daunting. If kids or pets are in the picture, it can be exponentially harder.

This is a decision that is important to really think through and discuss with your Realtor. Like most big changes in life, moving can come with a certain amount of stress, but if you’re working with the right professionals, those stresses should be greatly reduced, and you will soon be on your way to a wonderful new home.

Hope Peele is a licensed real estate agent with McEnearney Associates, Inc. She and her mother, Kim Peele, are The Peele Group serving Virginia and D.C. They are dedicated to helping clients through the challenges of buying or selling a home.

Take a look at our website for all of our listings available throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Don’t miss a post! Get the latest local guides and neighborhood news straight to your inbox!

If you are a first-time home buyer, the idea of purchasing a home may feel daunting. A sense of permanence seems to be attached to every home purchase. At the end of the day though, you have to live somewhere.

The earlier that you buy your first home, the better. You are going to be paying to live wherever you live so you might as well put your money into an investment that will likely grow in value over the years. When you purchase a home, you are not just paying the mortgage, but building equity.

I have developed three questions to help my buyers determine whether they are ready to buy their first home.

1. How long do I plan to live here?

Renting makes the most sense when you are only planning to stay in the area for the short term, or if you are new to the area and unsure of where you want to live. If you think you are going to be in the area for longer than a year, you should probably take the plunge and purchase a home. Since interest rates are still so low, there has never been a better time to buy even if you only plan on staying in your house for a few years.

2. Do you have a steady job?

Nowadays, a steady job doesn’t necessarily mean working from 9 to 5. As long as you can show the mortgage lender that you have a reliable income, then you should be able to apply for a loan. Only a mortgage lender can say what size loan you are qualified for, but you won’t know what that is until you ask.

3. Do you have a little bit of savings?

The biggest misconception that first-time homebuyers have is that you need a 20% down payment to buy your first home. While this might be true to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, some conventional loans will allow you to purchase with a 3% down payment. The PMI will then be incorporated into your monthly loan payment.

Even though some loans only require 3% down, it is good to have a little bit of money in savings or in investments that can be liquidated so that you can pay for closing costs, moving fees and new furniture when you move into your new home.

If you answered “yes” to these three questions, it might be time to reach out to a Realtor and see what options are out there. Home ownership can be a very rewarding experience. After all, there’s no place like home!

Jean Beatty is a licensed real estate agent in VA, MD, and DC with McEnearney Associates Realtors® in McLean, VA. If you would like more information on selling or buying in today’s complex market, contact Jean at 301-641-4149 or visit her website JeanBeatty.com.

Take a look at our website for all of our listings available throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Don’t miss a post! Get the latest local guides and neighborhood news straight to your inbox!