Welcome to GardenCities!
Welcome to GardenCities! Thank you for stopping by! We don’t take it for granted that you are taking time out of your busy day to check out our website. We are a small local real estate business in Springfield, VA. Our passion is to serve people whatever their real estate needs might be and create stronger, kinder, and more sustainable communities on the way. Let’s be honest… the housing market in Fairfax County can be crazy! Surely, in one way or another, you have felt the pressure and frustration of high interest rates, lack of listings, and ever-rising home and rental prices. While we have no control over the housing market or the economy, we can control how we do business. This is why we want to start with a promise to you. When you choose to work with us, we promise to be honest and transparent. We will communicate frequently and promptly so you can have peace of mind and know exactly what is happening behind the scenes. When things get complicated and we hit bumps in the road, we will actively work to resolve the issue and get back on track quickly. We adhere to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and always have our client's best interests in mind. Real estate is far more complex than the average consumer realizes. We commit to continued education and implementation of the current industry standards and best practices. We have researched the topics on this blog to the best of our abilities. We aim to inform you so you can make the best possible real estate decision for you and your family. A part of our income will go directly to a good cause serving our community. Last but not least, we strive to conduct business following our seven core values Integrity Transparency Hard work Compassion Excellence Sustainability Generosity With gratitude, Grit Labocki Owner of GardenCities, LLC
Should You Sell Your House or Rent It Out?
When you’re ready to move, figuring out what to do with your house is a big decision. And today, more homeowners are considering renting their home instead of selling it. Recent data from Zillow shows about two-thirds (66%) of sellers thought about renting their home before listing, with nearly a third (28%) taking that possibility seriously. Compared to 2021, when fewer than half (47%) of homeowners considered renting before selling, it’s clear this trend is on the rise. So, should you sell your house and use the money toward your next home or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth? Let’s walk through some important questions to help you determine the right path for your financial and lifestyle goals. Is Your House a Good Fit for Renting? Before you decide what to do, it's important to think about if it would make a good rental in the first place. For instance, if you’re moving far away, managing ongoing maintenance could become a major hassle. Other factors to consider are if your neighborhood is ideal for rentals and if your house needs significant repairs before it’s ready for tenants. If any of these situations sound familiar, selling might be a more practical choice. Are You Ready for the Realities of Being a Landlord? Managing a rental property involves more than collecting monthly rent. It’s a commitment that can be time-consuming and challenging. For example, you may get maintenance calls at all hours of the day or discover damage that needs to be repaired before a new tenant moves in. There’s also the risk of tenants missing payments or breaking their lease, which can add unexpected stress and financial strain. As Redfin notes: “Landlords have to fix things like broken pipes, defunct HVAC systems, and structural damage, among other essential repairs. If you don't have a few thousand dollars on hand to take care of these repairs, you could end up in a bind.” Do You Understand the Costs? If you’re considering renting primarily for passive income, remember there are additional costs you should anticipate. As an article from Bankrate explains: Mortgage and Property Taxes: You still need to pay these expenses, even if the rent doesn’t cover all of it. Insurance: Landlord insurance typically costs about 25% more than regular home insurance, and it’s necessary to cover damages and injuries. Maintenance and Repairs: Plan to spend at least 1% of the home’s value annually, more if the house is older. Finding a Tenant: This involves advertising costs and potentially paying for background checks. Vacancies: If the property sits empty between tenants, you’ll lose rental income and have to cover the cost of the mortgage until you find a new tenant. Management and HOA Fees: A property manager can ease the burden, but typically charges about 10% of the rent. HOA fees are an additional cost too, if applicable. Bottom Line To sum it all up, selling or renting out your home is a personal decision. Let’s connect so you have a pro on your side to help you feel supported and informed as you make your decision.
The Majority of Veterans Are Unaware of a Key VA Loan Benefit
The Majority of Veterans Are Unaware of a Key VA Loan Benefit For over 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans achieve the dream of homeownership. But according to Veterans United, only 3 in 10 Veterans realize they may be able to buy a home without needing a down payment (see visual below): That’s why it’s so important for Veterans – and anyone who cares about a Veteran – to be aware of this valuable program. Knowing about the resources available can make the path to homeownership easier and keep life-changing plans from being put on hold. As Veterans United explains: “The ability to buy with 0% down is the signature advantage of this nearly 80-year-old benefit program. Eligible Veterans can buy as much house as they can afford, all without the need to spend years saving for a down payment.” The Advantages of VA Home Loans VA home loans are designed to make homeownership a reality for those who have served our country. These loans come with the following benefits according to the Department of Veterans Affairs: Options for No Down Payment: One of the biggest perks is that many Veterans can buy a home with no down payment at all, making it simpler to get started on your homebuying journey. Limited Closing Costs: With VA loans, there are limits on the types of closing costs Veterans have to pay. This helps keep more money in your pocket when you’re ready to finalize the sale. No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Unlike many other loan types, VA loans don’t require PMI, even with lower down payments. This means lower monthly payments, which adds up to big savings over time. Your team of expert real estate professionals, including a local agent and a trusted lender, are the best resource to understand all the options and advantages available to help you achieve your homebuying goals. Bottom Line Owning a home is a key part of the American Dream, and VA home loans are a powerful benefit for those who’ve served our country. Let’s connect to make sure you have everything you need to make confident decisions in the housing market.
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