October 4th is World Habitat Day, a day designated to bring attention to the dire need for affordable and adequate housing for all. Habitat for Humanity will be contributing to the cause by hosting the 27th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. This year, the Carters will work alongside volunteers in Washington D.C.; Baltimore and Annapolis Md.; Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn.; and Birmingham, Ala. to build, rehabilitate and improve 86 homes.
How can you contribute?
Advocate: Join a rally, write an elected politician, or start a petition. Make your voice count!
Fundraise: Hold a fundraiser to benefit a non-profit such as Habitat for Humanity, an organization that supports the mission of World Habitat Day. Fundraising not only generates much needed funds but also raises awareness.
Educate: Organize a public awareness event that illustrates the plight of so many and highlights solutions to the problem such as better or additional shelters.
No matter how you chose to commemorate the day, be sure to raise your voice for one of the most basic human needs - the need for shelter!
For more information please visit: http://worldhabitatdaynews.org/
Ask Gina & Company is proud to support the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity chapter and World Habitat Day!
Contact Gina Tufano, Jennifer Johnson, or Cathy Laakso today for all of your real estate needs. Visit Loudoun County Real Estate or email info@ask-gina.com.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
What type of lockbox does your agent use and why does it matter?
There are 3 possible types of lockboxes available in our area and which one your agent uses on your home does make an impact. Find out the pros and cons of each and decide which is best for you.
- Combination: The least expensive of the 3, it is available in any home improvement store and not exclusive to Realtors. This lockbox is similar to a school locker or bicycle lock. It is typically opened and secured to your home with one code. This means that every time the box is opened to retrieve the key, it is also susceptible to being removed from the door. Because it is not an electronic device, the box is able to be opened 24 hours a day without the ability to turn off at night for security or during a time when the homeowner cannot be disturbed (migraine, sleeping infant, illness, etc). When this type of access is provided to agents, it cannot be tracked to determine who was in the house and when. Access is also available to anyone with the code and is not restricted to agents only.
- Sentrilock: Sentrilock is an electronic box available only through Northern Virginia Board of Realtors. Most properties east of Leesburg use this type of access device. Sentrilock requires agents to use a key card to gain access to the property along with their personal pin number. This key expires daily and must be updated through a card reader in order to be used. Each time the key card is used to open a box, an email is generated to the listing agent letting them know the details of entry (time, agent, property, contact information). This increases both security for the homeowner and the ability to gather feedback from showings. Access to remove the key and remove the box are NOT the same, so the lockbox can only be removed by the listing agent. Another feature of this lockbox is that it does not allow access at night and allows the homeowner the ability to place a 90 minute Do Not Disturb on the box if their house is not able to be shown at that time.
- Supra: A Supra box is also an electronic lockbox that is available only through the Dulles Area Association of Realtors. Most properties Leesburg and west use this box. It uses a key system that is updated automatically and wirelessly each evening. Access to the box is wireless and requires a pin number. When the box is opened, a message is sent to the listing agent instantly that allows them to know who is in the house. Like the Sentrilock, a Supra box cannot be removed the same way the key is accessed which increases security. Although Supra does not have the Do Not Disturb feature, it is able to be programmed to not allow access at night – another security benefit.
Ask Gina & Company uses both versions of the electronic lockboxes. Working in primarily Fairfax and Loudoun County, we are active in BOTH Realtor associations: Northern Virginia Association of Realtors and Dulles Area Association of Realtors. We maintain keys and lockboxes for both systems and will use the one that is right for your home based on the region. For homes in Ashburn/Leesburg/Purcellville, this means having BOTH the Sentrilock and the Supra box on your home to allow all of the active agents access to your property while still maintaining the highest security possible.
For more information about real estate in Northern Virginia, please give us a call at 703-574-3478 or email info@ask-gina.com
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Affordable housing help is here!
Affordable housing help is here!
In the face of the recent economic crisis, we all find ourselves struggling with financial woes. For some of us, the effect is minor and we don’t go out to dinner as often as we used to; but, for others, the effect is much more profound. For those of us who’ve lost a job, or taken a reduction in hours or pay, it is just no longer possible to pay the steep mortgage/rent payment which was so easily affordable a year or two ago. The possibility of being without a home is a terrible reality to be faced with, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. While you may not know about them, there are some services out there designed to help people struggling with these situations. Though you may not be able to stay in your current home, you could qualify for affordable rental and homeownership opportunities.
The Loudoun County Affordable Dwelling Unit program is available to those who meet income, credit and homeownership status eligibility requirements with priority given to applicants who currently live and work in the county. There are different branches of the program, depending on your intention to rent or purchase a property. The purchase program enables eligible first time homebuyers, with moderate income, the opportunity to purchase a newly constructed or resale ADU townhouse or condominium. There is also a rental program available for eligible non-homeowners which provides the opportunity to rent an apartment, from a participating apartment complex, at a rent below that of similar units at the complex. Though the purchase program is currently still accepting new applications, the rental program will begin screening new applicants and scheduling intake sessions on January 03, 2011. For more information regarding any of the above programs or if you’d like to be screened for the Affordable Dwelling Unit Rental or Purchase Programs, you can contact the Affordable Dwelling Unit Screener at 703-737-8043, or visit them on the web, at www.loudoun.gov/adu.
If you are not a resident of Loudoun County, you can visit http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov or http://www.vhda.com for more information on services provided through the state of Virginia. You can also visit your county's website to see what options they offer. Ask Gina & Company wants all Americans to experience the joy of owning or renting a home and we are here to help. If you are struggling to make your payments or looking to take advantage of the low interest rates in Loudoun County, contact us today! Call Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson today at 703-574-3478 or email at info@ask-gina.com
In the face of the recent economic crisis, we all find ourselves struggling with financial woes. For some of us, the effect is minor and we don’t go out to dinner as often as we used to; but, for others, the effect is much more profound. For those of us who’ve lost a job, or taken a reduction in hours or pay, it is just no longer possible to pay the steep mortgage/rent payment which was so easily affordable a year or two ago. The possibility of being without a home is a terrible reality to be faced with, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. While you may not know about them, there are some services out there designed to help people struggling with these situations. Though you may not be able to stay in your current home, you could qualify for affordable rental and homeownership opportunities.
The Loudoun County Affordable Dwelling Unit program is available to those who meet income, credit and homeownership status eligibility requirements with priority given to applicants who currently live and work in the county. There are different branches of the program, depending on your intention to rent or purchase a property. The purchase program enables eligible first time homebuyers, with moderate income, the opportunity to purchase a newly constructed or resale ADU townhouse or condominium. There is also a rental program available for eligible non-homeowners which provides the opportunity to rent an apartment, from a participating apartment complex, at a rent below that of similar units at the complex. Though the purchase program is currently still accepting new applications, the rental program will begin screening new applicants and scheduling intake sessions on January 03, 2011. For more information regarding any of the above programs or if you’d like to be screened for the Affordable Dwelling Unit Rental or Purchase Programs, you can contact the Affordable Dwelling Unit Screener at 703-737-8043, or visit them on the web, at www.loudoun.gov/adu.
If you are not a resident of Loudoun County, you can visit http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov or http://www.vhda.com for more information on services provided through the state of Virginia. You can also visit your county's website to see what options they offer. Ask Gina & Company wants all Americans to experience the joy of owning or renting a home and we are here to help. If you are struggling to make your payments or looking to take advantage of the low interest rates in Loudoun County, contact us today! Call Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson today at 703-574-3478 or email at info@ask-gina.com
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Your friend Credit.
Remember when you were younger, and you had an imaginary friend? Of course you do, but you’ve grown up since then, and no longer believe in imaginary friends……but you should. Every adult has an imaginary friend, whether they know it or not. He is a deciding factor in most of our major decisions; he decides what kind of car you’ll drive, how often you’ll go shopping, and most importantly, what kind of home you’ll live in. Still can’t figure out who he is? Well, he’s Credit, and he can be your best friend, but you have to take care of him.
Always watch out for your friend’s welfare. Check your credit report by contacting all 3 of the major credit bureaus (Experian, Transunion, and Equifax). Monitoring your credit will ensure that any discrepancies can be removed or corrected as soon as possible.
Just like a “real” friend, this one also gets upset when you cancel or miss your dates. Late and missed payments cannot be removed, but they can be counteracted. Even if you have to take money from a down payment fund, get those bills current!
Don’t cut off communications with your friend! While not having to worry about your friend might seem like a good idea, eradicating your credit can actually be detrimental to your score. Instead, pay down the balances, and then keep them current. Being able to show a long history of credit management can make all the difference when applying for a loan.
Lastly, make sure your friend isn’t running with a bad crowd! While opening a new card with a lower interest rate, and then transferring your balances may seem like a good idea, it’s not. Opening new accounts when trying to make a major purchase is one of the worst things you can do.
There are many factors that come into play when buying a home, and while the above steps don’t guarantee you’ll qualify for the home of your dreams, they do ensure that you’re on the right path. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The only way to have a friend is to be one”. To see if it’s the right time for you to buy or sell your home, contact Ask Gina & Company at 703-574-3478 or email info@ask-gina.com.
Always watch out for your friend’s welfare. Check your credit report by contacting all 3 of the major credit bureaus (Experian, Transunion, and Equifax). Monitoring your credit will ensure that any discrepancies can be removed or corrected as soon as possible.
Just like a “real” friend, this one also gets upset when you cancel or miss your dates. Late and missed payments cannot be removed, but they can be counteracted. Even if you have to take money from a down payment fund, get those bills current!
Don’t cut off communications with your friend! While not having to worry about your friend might seem like a good idea, eradicating your credit can actually be detrimental to your score. Instead, pay down the balances, and then keep them current. Being able to show a long history of credit management can make all the difference when applying for a loan.
Lastly, make sure your friend isn’t running with a bad crowd! While opening a new card with a lower interest rate, and then transferring your balances may seem like a good idea, it’s not. Opening new accounts when trying to make a major purchase is one of the worst things you can do.
There are many factors that come into play when buying a home, and while the above steps don’t guarantee you’ll qualify for the home of your dreams, they do ensure that you’re on the right path. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The only way to have a friend is to be one”. To see if it’s the right time for you to buy or sell your home, contact Ask Gina & Company at 703-574-3478 or email info@ask-gina.com.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Preparing your home for Autumn
Every year it happens: The sun begins to set a bit earlier, the winds start to blow a little cooler, and before you even know it, fall is here. It’s time for football, apple cider, pumpkin patches, and hay rides. Though it may not sound like the most enjoyable activity, it’s also a great time to prepare your home for the fall. The following tips will guide you on what needs to be done and will leave you with a lot less work come spring!
Clean out your rain gutters. This is often a task that is neglected, but it is well worth your time; clogged rain gutters can lead to leaks in your roof, standing water that can crack your foundation, and a myriad of other, often expensive, problems. To clean your gutters simply use a high pressure hose and then use a trowel to wash away any remaining debris. Give your gutters one final spray and you are done!
Gather your pots and planters. Many of us use flowers and plants to accent our home in the spring and summer. When fall arrives, it is important to get rid of any dirt or debris, thoroughly clean out your pots and planters, and store them in a safe, dry place. By doing this you will save money in the spring by reusing the items you already have.
Get out the rake. Leaves can strangle your lawn so it is important to rake them up and dispose of them. Rebuilding a lawn is costly and time consuming so take this preventative measure and get raking!
Weed and feed your lawn. Spraying weed killer in the fall is great because the weeds will store the poison in their roots and help prevent them from sprouting in the spring. Fertilize your lawn during this time and you will see root growth and a greener, healthier grass come spring.
Take care of your tools. Once you are done with your rake, shovel, and hoe, it is important to clean them well and store them properly so they stay in tip top condition. Garden tools are an investment and you want them to last many years to come!
Follow these steps and then relax! When spring comes you will be 5 steps ahead of the game!
Looking for some tips to prepare your home for sale? Contact Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson of Ask Gina & Company at 703-574-3478 or info@ask-gina.com.
Clean out your rain gutters. This is often a task that is neglected, but it is well worth your time; clogged rain gutters can lead to leaks in your roof, standing water that can crack your foundation, and a myriad of other, often expensive, problems. To clean your gutters simply use a high pressure hose and then use a trowel to wash away any remaining debris. Give your gutters one final spray and you are done!
Gather your pots and planters. Many of us use flowers and plants to accent our home in the spring and summer. When fall arrives, it is important to get rid of any dirt or debris, thoroughly clean out your pots and planters, and store them in a safe, dry place. By doing this you will save money in the spring by reusing the items you already have.
Get out the rake. Leaves can strangle your lawn so it is important to rake them up and dispose of them. Rebuilding a lawn is costly and time consuming so take this preventative measure and get raking!
Weed and feed your lawn. Spraying weed killer in the fall is great because the weeds will store the poison in their roots and help prevent them from sprouting in the spring. Fertilize your lawn during this time and you will see root growth and a greener, healthier grass come spring.
Take care of your tools. Once you are done with your rake, shovel, and hoe, it is important to clean them well and store them properly so they stay in tip top condition. Garden tools are an investment and you want them to last many years to come!
Follow these steps and then relax! When spring comes you will be 5 steps ahead of the game!
Looking for some tips to prepare your home for sale? Contact Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson of Ask Gina & Company at 703-574-3478 or info@ask-gina.com.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Back to school safety
Phew! The first day of school has now come and gone, and we should all give ourselves a pat on the back! The kids, and our sanity, have made it through the summer! Take a deep breath, relax for a minute, and get ready for phase 2- getting them safely through another school year! Along with reviewing homework, going to parent nights, and the other various activities our children are involved in, we all constantly worry about their general safety. While the guidelines below aren’t intended to be a comprehensive guide, they are some helpful tips for safely surviving the school year!
Walking/Biking to school: Have children avoid fields, back alleys, and less traveled areas. Check out the Family Watchdog website and know of any sexual predators that may live along the route your children will be taking. Have a neighbor with kids? Implement the buddy system! If your new students will be riding bikes or scooters to school be sure they know and understand all traffic laws and wear the appropriate accessories such as a helmets.
Home alone: Sometimes we just can’t be there when our children arrive home from school but we can give them the knowledge of what to do once they are there. Establish a check-in time daily in which your children call to let you know they arrived safely. Instruct them to lock the doors and keep them locked. Make sure they know how to respond in any emergency that may arise such as a fire or storm.
Be healthy: Take the time to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol. Not sure how to approach the subject? Check out Time to Talk, a website that gives you the tips your need to hit home this important topic!
With a little bit of planning and conversation we can ensure that our kids will be emptying our wallets again next year when Back to School time rolls around again!
Ask Gina & Company wishes you a happy and safe school year! Looking to move into the Loudoun County school system? Call Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson today @ 703-574-3478, or email at info@ask-gina.com
Walking/Biking to school: Have children avoid fields, back alleys, and less traveled areas. Check out the Family Watchdog website and know of any sexual predators that may live along the route your children will be taking. Have a neighbor with kids? Implement the buddy system! If your new students will be riding bikes or scooters to school be sure they know and understand all traffic laws and wear the appropriate accessories such as a helmets.
Home alone: Sometimes we just can’t be there when our children arrive home from school but we can give them the knowledge of what to do once they are there. Establish a check-in time daily in which your children call to let you know they arrived safely. Instruct them to lock the doors and keep them locked. Make sure they know how to respond in any emergency that may arise such as a fire or storm.
Be healthy: Take the time to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol. Not sure how to approach the subject? Check out Time to Talk, a website that gives you the tips your need to hit home this important topic!
With a little bit of planning and conversation we can ensure that our kids will be emptying our wallets again next year when Back to School time rolls around again!
Ask Gina & Company wishes you a happy and safe school year! Looking to move into the Loudoun County school system? Call Gina Tufano and Jennifer Johnson today @ 703-574-3478, or email at info@ask-gina.com
Friday, September 3, 2010
ASK GINA AND COMPANY WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBER
Ask Gina & Company, a full service real estate team servicing Loudoun and Fairfax County, is pleased to announce Cathy Laakso has joined the Ask Gina team at Keller Williams Realty Loudoun Gateway. “We are thrilled that Cathy has decided to come aboard! Her energy, passion, and love of people compliment our business model perfectly,” explained Gina Tufano, team leader.
Laakso, a resident of Loudoun County for over 10 years, is eager to put her knowledge and love for the area to good use. “I appreciate where I live and I love to help others discover all that Northern Virginia has to offer.” In addition to being a real estate agent, Laakso holds a degree in Interior Design and is the proud mother to two young women currently attending the University of Tennessee and a teenage son who attends Briar Woods High School in Ashburn, VA.
To contact Cathy and the Ask Gina & Company team, please call (703) 574-3478 or email info@ask-gina.com
Laakso, a resident of Loudoun County for over 10 years, is eager to put her knowledge and love for the area to good use. “I appreciate where I live and I love to help others discover all that Northern Virginia has to offer.” In addition to being a real estate agent, Laakso holds a degree in Interior Design and is the proud mother to two young women currently attending the University of Tennessee and a teenage son who attends Briar Woods High School in Ashburn, VA.
To contact Cathy and the Ask Gina & Company team, please call (703) 574-3478 or email info@ask-gina.com
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