Welcome Friends to Your New Home With a Backyard BBQ

Posted on May 23, 2013 by admin

With summer just around the corner, now is a great time to start planning that perfect outdoor party to show off your new home. By using these easy tips, your guests will enjoy a fantastic day—and you’ll enjoy some much deserved bragging rights.

Timing – Take a look at the upcoming weather forecast and make sure everyone will be comfortable outside. Also, consider when your home’s landscaping will be in bloom to look its best!

Food & Drinks – Make sure to have a variety of food choices, have plenty of appetizers, and choose drinks that are refreshing in warm weather.

Seating – If outdoor furniture won’t seat everyone, consider opening up kitchen or dining areas. It’s a great way to invite people in to see the rest of your new home.

Haven’t found that perfect home yet? Find the ideal place and move by summer at BrookfieldDC.com.

 

 

 

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Going Solo? You’re Not Alone.

Posted on May 14, 2013 by admin

Buying a new home on your own can feel a little intimidating, but don’t worry—you’re in great company. Solo buyers made up one quarter of all real estate purchases in the U.S. last year, and twice as many single women bought homes as did single men—let’s hear it for the ladies! To help our solo buyers out there, here are seven strategies that can help take the anxiety out of buying that first home.

1. Get a handle on finances. Understand your expenses and know how much you can safely spend before you begin shopping.

2. Come in under budget. Purchase a home slightly below what you can afford, so you have a financial cushion.

3. Use an agent you trust. Your agent may become someone you really depend on. Get referrals and spend time interviewing candidates.

4. Have back up. Enlist a family member or friend to help in the search to help give you added confidence in your decision process.

5. Stay flexible. Be open to compromise. You can always renovate or trade up later.

6. Be ready to get out. If you feel too pressured or can’t decide, step away and start looking for your new home again when you feel more comfortable.

7. Get a roommate. Single buyers often bring in a roommate. Many times, their rent will cover the majority of your mortgage payment!

Do you have any more great tips to share? Leave us a comment, then check out BrookfieldDC.com to find the perfect new place.

 

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Take the Stress Out of Searching for a New Home

Posted on May 3, 2013 by admin

Does the thought of looking for a new home seem a little overwhelming? Don’t even know where to start? Here are some great house-hunting tips that can help make finding that perfect home less stressful—and more fun.

1. Make a list. Save yourself hours of shopping by deciding on what features are most important to you and your family—such as price, location and school district.

2. Do your research. Go online or watch the news for market trends, home prices and neighborhood statistics.

3. Get pre-approved. Don’t guess at how much you can afford to spend. Make a trip to your lender and get a full assessment of your finances for an accurate budget.

4. Keep a record. Touring models and open houses can get confusing. Take notes and even pictures at each home you visit to keep track of which one works best for you.

5. Be prepared to make an offer. Review a sample purchase contract ahead of time, so you’re familiar with it when you find “the one.”

Ready to get started? We have just the place… BrookfieldDC.com.

 

 

 

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Make a True Fresh Start This Spring

Posted on April 5, 2013 by admin

Spring forward…spring cleaning…why not spring into a new home??

They say Spring is time for a fresh start, a clean slate. At Brookfield Homes we couldn’t agree more! And what better way to make a fresh start than by finally getting into that new home? You’ve been thinking about it. Watching the market. Waiting for the right time. Getting the kids through the school year, holidays, practices…

But, as Winter gives way to Spring and Spring to Summer…and Summer vacation; as the Northern Virginia housing market continues to strengthen, there’s really never been a better time to say “out with the old, in with the new.” New home, that is.

Just think, if you purchased one of Brookfield’s move-in-now homes, you could finally have the home you want—the home that your family needs—all in plenty of time before the new school year.

It really is that simple. We’ve got quite a selection to choose from, too. Take a look!

 

Some eye candy of our available Move-In Now Homes.

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Going Underground with HGTV for Some Great Basement Design Ideas

Posted on April 3, 2013 by admin

When it comes to the basement, we’ve found that many buyers would love their space to be finished before they move in rather than dealing with the hassle and expense of finishing it later on. For many buyers, though, trying to come up with a design plan when faced with a full, unfinished basement—all possibility and potential—can be a touch overwhelming.

Are you looking to create a man cave? A wine cellar or workout area? A space for the kids? Or do you need a multi-functional space to meet a variety of needs at once?

Decisions, decisions.

Luckily, the nice people over at HGTV have assembled some killer ideas to help turn your basement into a true extension of your living space in this Basement Remodeling feature.

Interested the hassle-free approach? Hop on over to BrookfieldDC.com and sign up for special pricing and promotions for your favorite community—hint hint: we’re offering free finished basement rec rooms at many of our communities.

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Why Groundhogs Shouldn’t Be Allowed to Predict the Weather

Posted on March 28, 2013 by admin

Every year on February 2nd, we celebrate Groundhog Day. And every year, Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his hole after a long winter’s rest—if he sees his shadow, 6 more weeks of winter; if he doesn’t, early spring. Or so the tradition goes.

This year, Phil indicated that we should expect an early Spring. I’m no meteorologist, but judging from the snow blanketing the ground in this, the last week of March, I’d say Phil was a bit off his game this year.

So, what’s keeping our hands and minds occupied while we anxiously await Spring? Quite a lot, actually!

The outdoorsy-types around the office have been at Saranac at Lake Manassas, enjoying the view of the water as they offer tours of the community’s final phase—gorgeous, wooded homesites!

As for Phil, well, better luck next year!

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Find Hidden Opportunity in a Low-Inventory Market

Posted on March 26, 2013 by admin

If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ve probably heard the news reports that home inventories are down—there are less homes for sale, making competition tough for the best homes and top locations. Despite increased competition, now is still a great time to buy a home. Interest rates are extremely low. Home prices, though on the rise, are still far from the record highs reached during the housing boom 8 years ago.

So, how do you find the home you want and still get a great deal in a low-inventory market? Here are a few tips:

  1. Buy New – Our favorites option, building a brand new home means you get to choose your homesite, customize your homeplan, and customize the features, fit and finishes in your home so you get what you want, where you want it—minus the bidding wars and worry.
    Click here to browse our homes and communities
  2. Make a Stand-Out Offer – No time to build? Get a leg up by making your offer as strong as possible. Do your homework to find out what might tip things in your favor. Get pre-qualified and do everything you can to remove any contingencies from your offer. Some buyers even send a handwritten letter to add a special touch.
  3. Consider Renovating – Finding a fixer-upper in your desired neighborhood and tackling renovation projects on your own, or with the help of a contractor, could be a great way to save money and personalize your home to best suit your needs.

For more helpful homebuying information and tips, including help setting a budget, moving tips and more, check out the Resources section of our website.

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Be Green & Save Money at Home with These 5 Easy Tips

Posted on March 20, 2013 by admin

With all the talk of “being green” these days, figuring out where to start can be tough. Skip the guesswork with these 5 incredibly easy tips:

1.    Change the light bulbs. They may cost more upfront, but the long-term savings you’ll get from switching to compact fluorescents (CFLs) more than makes up for it. Not to mention the environmental impact.

2.    Switch to energy-efficient appliances. Look for the official ENERGY STAR® logo to quickly spot energy-saving appliances.

3.    Take advantage of timers. Nowadays there are timers for everything—lights, heating/ac—so use ‘em! Your wallet will thank you.

4.    Repurpose whenever possible. Get creative with this one. Once you start looking, you’ll find all kinds of new uses for things in your home.

5.    Recycle. No excuses. It sounds obvious because it is! Recycling is easier than ever. Many areas even allow mixed recycling—so long “sorting,” hello “saving.”

Click here for more awesome green savings tips from House Beautiful. And be sure to check out all the ways you can go green and save with Brookfield Blue from Brookfield Homes.

 

 

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Six Smart Tips for New Homebuyers

Posted on March 7, 2013 by admin

You’ve dotted your I’s and crossed your T’s and you’re ready to invest in a new home. Follow these six smart tips and you’ll be home sweet home before you know it.

Before you go out shopping…

1. Check (and double check) your credit report for potential errors. Correct any errors you find with each of the major credit bureaus.

2. Get pre-qualified. Contact your bank to determine just how much new home you can afford. This will give you a good sense of how much wiggle-room you have when it’s time to make an offer.

3. Save, and then save some more. Buying a home is more than just the purchase price—keep in mind upfront costs such as down payment, taxes and insurance escrow, and closing costs.

Ok, so you’ve found the one—now what?

4. Secure financing. You’re pre-qualified. Now it’s time to get the actual numbers and paperwork finalized.

5. Make an offer like you mean it. Avoiding potentially offensive “low-ball” offers will let the seller know you’re serious and will help avoid tedious back and forth.

6. Check under the hood. No matter what the age or condition of the home you’re interested in, invest in a professional home inspection to identify any potential issues or repairs before you buy. The upfront cost now could save you thousands down the road.

For more great tips and resources, stop by BrookfieldDC.com today. Oh, and while you’re there check out our new homes and communities.  We’ve got quiet a nice selection to share.

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New Community Now Open in Bristow, VA!

Posted on March 4, 2013 by admin

Location, convenience, and a sense of community—you shouldn’t have to choose just one. That’s why we pulled out all the stops when designing Avendale in Bristow, Virginia.

You’ll fall in love with the lush, wooded landscape and charming artisan-style architecture of Avendale. The meandering walking trails, covered picnic pavilion, and playground add to the family-friendly neighborhood appeal. What about area amenities, you ask? Not to worry—the Bristow Center Shoppes are right nearby, in addition to several recreation centers.

Avendale in Prince WIlliam CountyBack on the home front, the community will feature our popular Heritage collections. We also have a BRAND NEW collection, the Heirloom series, stay tuned for more details. Inspired by the classically designed homes of New England, the Heirloom collection puts a fresh spin on nostalgic Americana styling.

Contact us for more details about this exciting new community.

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