Helping You Home Real Estate team

Hank Aaron once said, “It took me seventeen years to get three thousand hits in baseball. It took one afternoon on the golf course.” I hope that’s as relatable to you as it is to me. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the similarities of golf and finding a home in this market. For most of us, it’s an exercise in patience and, if you’re like me on the links lately, great frustration.

You may shank a drive and not find anything at all. You may 3-putt an easy one and get outbid on an offer. You may get your ball stuck in a tree (true story) and have an offer fall through at the last minute.

But any great golfer will tell you, the one thing you can do right away to improve your game is to take intensive lessons. Immersing yourself with a professional is the fastest way to get on track and have success.

I think the same is true when you’re looking for a home in the Fairfax County area. At least, that’s the approach I take with my clients. A good golf coach is going to use years of experience to show you what you may be missing; they advocate for you and know what adjustments to make.

And while I’m no Tiger Woods, I have helped numerous clients get into their dream home – even in this rough market. I take the time to help my clients find their stroke. ⛳

If you're in the market, give me a call or text, my personal cell is (703) 608-0560.

- Matthew

P.S. If you happen to know a good golf coach in our area, I would not be opposed to an introduction.

6 Healthy Habits for Homeowners here in Fairfax County ✅
6. Do things in the right order.
Don't start house hunting without a pre-approval. Understand your price point and wants and needs before starting showings. When the correct steps are followed, buyers are less likely to miss out on a home they love and more likely to win against competing offers!

5. Hold every potential home with an open hand.

The homebuying process is such an emotional process! But that doesn't mean you go with what the heart wants all the time. To ensure the most positive buying experience, the best is to not set your heart on one home alone. That way, if you love a home, but your offer isn't selected or something comes up during the inspection process, you can let it go with confidence…and know you will find something better!

4. Seek advice from YOUR agent.

No other agent has gone on the home journey with you, so their "advice" lacks a lot of context and important details. Hire an agent you trust...and then trust them!

3. Perform maintenance tasks regularly.

Oftentimes, your home is the largest investment you have, so maintaining and improving the condition of your home is crucial. Just like your physical or mental health, your home needs maintenance daily, weekly, and monthly for long-term success.

2. Research renovations!

Be sure to research the pros and cons of renovations before starting the project! Yes, pouring time, energy, and money into your home is essential, but understand that every renovation won't necessarily add value to your home. It shouldn't stop you from making the changes you really want, but be aware of what renovations increase value...and which don't.

1. Be grateful

As the old saying goes, "Comparison is the thief of joy." Homes will come on the market that you may love. Friends may buy homes that you wish you had or sold their home for a better price. But your home holds memories. Owning property and a home is an amazing piece of the American Dream! And it's nothing to shrug off! So, be proud of what's yours, avoid comparison, and enjoy the memories and growth you experience with your own home.

- Matthew
(703) 608-0560

This beautiful home is only ~1 mile to Vienna Metro and ~1.5 miles to Dun Loring Metro Stations!
- 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,960 sq ft
- Located on a quiet cul-de-sac
- Gourmet eat-in kitchen with new granite counters
- Lower level has a huge family room with a fireplace
- Screened-in porch w/ stone tile floors and ceiling fan
- Overlooks the private yard and hardscaped patio!
- Newer roof, gutters, and newer furnace
- And much more

This home is priced at $900,000.

📌 9000 Greer Ct, Fairfax

- Matt

P.S. If you have any questions about this listing (or other homes for sale here in the greater Fairfax area), feel free to call (703) 608-0560.

We went out for pizza tonight in Centreville. FUN FACT: a pizza is a real-time pie chart of how much pizza you have left! Which got me thinking: what other statistics could I share using a pizza graph?

Enjoy these “pie charts” I made 😉

- Matthew

Bless this dehumidified air unto our bodies, and the hands of the AC techs who maintain it. And Lord, as temperatures approach 100+ degrees this week in Virginia, we pray for a divine hedge of protection over these miraculous vessels--unto which we are not worthy. For these conditioners of air, we pray that you might fill them with a double portion of freon. Yea, though we walk through the hot valleys with no shadow or shade, we will fear no humidity.

Amen.

"Some thoughts on the 4th of July"

It's not about the burgers
It's not about the beach
Today's about the lessons they won't learn if we don't teach

That freedom's always fragile
It's not in our DNA
We have to learn to love it so they grow up to do the same

It's more than just a day off
Spent with family and your friends
The Fourth's about what it means to be an American

So remember they're always watching
What you do, not what you say
Live a life that's worthy of this sacred holiday

We live in a world of modern-day miracles. But no matter how efficient things get, I believe you still have to work hard for what you want. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of working “smarter” when I can. But more often than not, I’ve found that “smart work” still requires hard work, too.

You still have to earn your blisters. Whether that’s from behind a computer screen, neck-deep in a greasy toolbox, or pulling weeds in a field so the crops will succeed.

After all, “American Made” isn’t just about where something is produced…but HOW something is produced.

It’s about having something worth fighting for.

It’s about making it through the hard times so you can appreciate the good ones.

It's recognizing that what you do today can make tomorrow better.

That’s why I’m thankful for folks here in Fairfax County who aren’t afraid to work hard and get their hands dirty.

It’s our small business owners, our church congregations, our schools, and our community programs that make Fairfax County a great place to live.

No matter how "high-tech" we get…that’s hard work. And it’s worth it.

Thank you, to everyone at Mt. Olympus Berry Farm and the Herndon Farmer's Market, for the reminder.

- Matt
(703) 608-0560

5 Things I Love About Being A Dad💜
1. My kids think I'm the smartest person in the world! They ask me everything... Why is the sky blue? How long does it take to get to the moon? Why is your hairline receding?
2. My kids make me feel like a kid again. I can act crazy, be goofy, and even dance with them.
3. Being a dad taught me what unconditional love is. You think you know, but until you see the way your children stare into your eyes you have no idea what unconditional love is.
4. I love watching them struggle and fail only to learn and succeed again later.
5. Zachary, Jeremy, and Emily teach me to slow down and be present! It's amazing how much enjoyment can be had just by having a conversation with them when I'm truly present.

I love being a dad!

One of my takeaways from our trip to Hawaii last year was my love of Acai Bowls. They are so delicious with all the combinations you can have and the colors are so vibrant that you can't help but smile. The BIG plus is that they are overall healthy for you and can fill you up the right amount.

So, it was a pleasant surprise to discover that we had an Acai Bowl spot right in the heart of Fairfax at Senberrry Bowls.

We now love coming here and grabbing an Acai Bowl loaded with fresh fruit toppings when we want a healthy treat. My favorite is the Brazilian Bowl, with granola, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, mango, pineapples, almond slices, and honey (Mmmmm)!

They also offer smoothies, coffee, and all types of breakfast, including Avocado Toast but I want to try all the Acai Bowls first.

If you are in the City of Fairfax, you've got to go check this place out and let me know which bowl you like best.

- Matt
(703) 608-0560

Hey Fairfax, know anyone who wants to cheer for the Cavaliers? www.WoodsonHighSchoolHomesList.com 🏠

I've hand-picked a special list of homes, all for sale right here in the Woodson High School District.

To get the report, visit: www.WoodsonHighSchoolHomesList.com 😊

- Matthew

P.S. If you have any questions about these homes (or other homes for sale here in the Fairfax area), feel free to text or call me...my number is (703) 608-0560.

Hey Fairfax, here's a list of homes with pools: www.FairfaxPoolHomesList.com

If you have any friends, family, or coworkers thinking about buying a home this year, please let them know!

These homes all have pools and are in the Fairfax area. Get the list here: www.FairfaxPoolHomesList.com

- Matthew

P.S. If you have any questions about these listings (or other homes for sale here in the area), feel free to call or text me... my personal cell is (703) 608-0560.

This is for the family who has to visit a headstone instead of a barbecue. For the children who’ll watch videos to hear their dad’s voice or flip through pictures to see their mom’s smile. This is for the American hero who gave their life for everything we hold dear here in Fairfax County.

These brave men and women gave up the chance to do things I often take for granted every day. Cutting the grass in my own yard. Grabbing breakfast at First Watch - Greenbriar Town Center. Getting tacos with my family at Taco Jalisco. Enjoying hiking with my kids at Great Falls Park.

So, I’ll do my best every day, but especially today, to appreciate and enjoy the freedoms they sacrificed everything for. Memorial Day is the ultimate reminder of what “boots on the ground” really means.

To those heroes, Thank You. 🇺🇸

- Matthew

Honest question. Do you prefer the burgers at Social Burger or The Burger Shack?

- Matt
(703) 608-0560

In 1999, someone at Pixar accidentally deleted all of Toy Story 2. The backup hadn't worked for a month. Executives were panicking. The movie was saved when someone on maternity leave revealed they had a copy of it saved on their home computer.

Here’s what happened:

“The Linux file server back in the day that they had was command-based. No graphical interface, and no mouse. You navigated by keyboard and commands. Most likely what happened was one of the IT guys ran a delete command with the intent to clean up a specific folder. But they accidentally ran it at the root of the file system. So once they hit enter, it began to recursively delete files akin to a worm eating its way out of an apple. By the time they unplugged the server, about 90% of the movie had been deleted.

“The backups had also been dead for weeks. So they began to panic.

“But the technical director had a backup with a PC at home since she had just given birth to her son. So they brought the PC back to the office and fired it up, and the movie was saved.”

So, a mom saved the day….“a tale as old as time.”

Hey Fairfax, we are on to May flowers! Here are 5 outdoor activities for May that I’ve put together. There's something here for everyone, and I'd highly recommend any of these events — you could even take a weekend and plan it so you can visit each one of these!

By the way, The Dr. Seuss Experience continues through June 30th (see my previous post in the comments for more info)

Spring Farm Day
Where: Herndon
When: May 6, 10AM-3PM
Cost: $10-$12
Walk in the Boots of a Real Farmer at Spring Farm Day! Explore what life is like on an operating farm with real sheep shearing and antique farm equipment demonstrations. Get hands-on experience and try milking cows and goats. Enjoy crafts, games, and an up-close introduction to the baby animals. One wagon ride included with each paid admission. Enjoy some true family fun on the farm at this annual event at Frying Pan Farm Park. Register at the Fairfax County Government
page.

Revolutionary War Weekend
Where: Mount Vernon, Alexandria
When: May 6-7
Cost: $21-$35
Step back in time as George Washington's Mount Vernon's serene 12-acre field transforms into a battleground as Continentals, Redcoats, and Hessians conduct military drills, perform cavalry demonstrations, and engage in 18th-century tacticals. Also, tour the 18th-century military encampments, and see the camp go about their daily lives following the army. Walk through a replica of General Washington's war tent, which served as the command center of the Continental Army.

Jurassic Encounter - Dino Adventure
Where: Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville
When: May 4-14
Cost: starts at $15
Feel the ROAR in northern Virginia at the Jurassic Encounter – Dino Adventure. It’s an amazing dinosaur walk-through adventure. Get up close and personal with over 50+ life-size animatronic and static dinosaurs. Enjoy digging for bones, the dino village, free photo ops, games, food, and more! It's a perfect outing for all dino enthusiasts, young and old.

Candytopia
Where: Tyson's Corner Center
When: April 28-May 31
Cost: $23-$30
Welcome to Candytopia! Where colossal candyfloss constructions meld with a tantalizing taffy twistedness. Explore the sprawling sanctuary of confectionery bliss and be transported to an imaginative wonderland with a one-of-a-kind, full sensory experience. This interactive art installation celebrates the vibrant colors and flavors of your favorite sugarcoated delights across over a dozen environments, from flying unicorn pigs to a marshmallow tsunami.

Memorial Day Weekend Activities
Multiple dates and locations
Memorial Day falls on May 29th this year, so there are several weekend events throughout northern Virginia. I can’t list them all (search your local area for more) but here are a few:

Rolling To Remember - For 35 years, hundreds of motorcycles descend upon our Nation's Capital, demanding full accountability for the lives who are still unaccounted for following the Vietnam War. Full itinerary on their website.

Ride of the Patriots to "Rolling To Remember" – City of Fairfax Government's annual event to also remember and honor those in uniform, who serve every day and put their lives at risk to protect in times of crisis. A police-escorted parade of motorcycles through Fairfax Boulevard.

Arlington National Cemetery – multiple ceremonies to observe at the Arlington National Cemetery, including flags for each headstone, wreath-laying ceremonies, the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown

One of the best assessments of the current real estate market...

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/housing-market-correction-running-fumes-134259863.html

"the housing markets continue to vary across markets and price tiers, but lower mortgage rates and low inventories have been helpful in providing the floor for prices where prices seemed to have nosedived following the mortgage rate surge,"

Hey Fairfax, here's a list of homes with pools: www.FairfaxPoolHomesList.com :)

If you have any friends, family, or coworkers thinking about buying a home this year, please let them know!

These homes all have pools and are in the Fairfax area.

Get the list here: www.FairfaxPoolHomesList.com

- Matthew

P.S. If you have any questions about these listings (or other homes for sale here in the area), feel free to call or text me... my personal cell is (703) 608-0560.

Moving to the Fairfax County area? Here’s what you need to know:

The best burger is at Social Burger.

The most delicious local pizza is at Tony's NY Pizza.

The best place to watch the sunset (and incoming aircrafts over the city) is at Gravelly Point. But don’t tell anyone! It’s our little secret.

The best sushi is at Sushi Prince.

The best place for recreation and to play some games is .

The best *value* if you want to live near the water is probably in the Observation Hill or Lincoln Park area.

The best place for Acai bowls is at Senberrry Bowls.

The best local ice cream is Woody's Ice Cream Shop.
Sugar Mama's Fairfax is also fantastic!

The best place for live entertainment is the Jammin' Java.

The most popular local grocery store here is probably .

Yes, Fairfax is cold and (sometimes) snowy in the winter, but it's absolutely beautiful in the fall with the foliage.

For locals reading this, any restaurants you absolutely recommend trying? What other suggestions would you have for people moving to the Fairfax County area?

- Matthew
(703) 608-0560

The importance of staging

Did you know? Eighty-one percent of buyer’s agents say staging helps their clients visualize life in a home. Learn more about the importance of staging in NAR’s new report. http://spr.ly/6182Oy5gu

A latte at De Clieu Coffee costs $3.75. Meanwhile, the median price of a home in the United States is around four hundred thousand dollars right now. That means if you skipped one coffee per day, you could save up enough cash to buy your dream house in....just over two hundred and ninety years.

This is why I think it's pretty dumb advice to tell people to skip out on simple luxuries to save for a house. The math just doesn't add up.

It's better to focus on the BIG things in your budget (car payment, always paying your credit card, student loans) than to worry too much about buying a coffee.
Sometimes the little things in life are what keep us sane, so we can have the discipline to make responsible decisions on the big things!

For the 2nd year in row I got to go on a mission trip with my church to Ensenada, Mexico to build homes for families in need through YUGO Ministries. It was another wonderful experience to go with my son in a team of 75 people (adults and youth students).

Built in just 4 days, it's a humble home — no running water or AC or bathroom, as we would expect in our area. But, tonight, 2 families sleep in a home with their own beds, in their own bedrooms, and feel the love of God.

I love helping families buy and sell their homes…but helping build a home for a family who needs it goes right at the top of my list of incredible moments.

Handing over the keys to the family is such a blessed experience. It became so real to me this year, when one of the mothers hugged me so hard that, without speaking a word, I felt her heart.

It's always a challenge to leave my business during the busiest time of year — but such a rewarding experience.

Thanks to those who supported us through finances or prayers. And thank you, God, for encouraging me to do this.

Help! I am on the lookout for homes. I have 8 families who are looking in the greater Fairfax (and Loudoun) County areas for a new home. Here’s what they’re looking for:

1. Centreville: Single-Family Home, 4 beds, 3 baths, up to $800k.

2. Fairfax, Vienna, Oakton, Centreville: 3+ beds, 2+ baths, townhome or single-family. Up to $800k.

3. Burke, West or North Springfield, Fairfax: 3 beds, 2+ baths, up to $650k.

4. Chantilly: single-family home, 4+ beds, 3 baths, up to $1.2M.

5. Mclean, Vienna: 3+ beds, 2+ baths, 2,500+ sq ft, townhome w/ 2 car garage. Up to $800k.

6. Vienna, Reston, Burke, Oakton, Falls Church: 3+ beds, 2+ baths. Prefer updated. Up to $750k.

7. Fairfax County area: single-family or townhome, 3+ beds, 2+ baths. Up to $550k.

8. Chantilly/South Riding: 3+ beds, 2+ baths townhome w/ 2 car garage. Up to $650k.

If you know anyone who is looking to sell a home like one of these, all of these families are excited to find a new home in the Fairfax (and Loudoun) County areas! 😉

- Matt

Here’s my number, if you know of any homes: (703) 608-0560

Eeek! Here are 5 common mistakes people make when buying a home. 😬
1. Location - You can change almost everything about a home, but you can't change the location. Think about how close (or far 😉) you want to be to work, family, friends, and schools.

2. Not enough bedrooms - Whether it's needing that extra space for a craft room or kids that will need their own room sooner than you expected, most people are in homes for at least 5-7 years. So, plan the number of bedrooms needed accordingly.

3. Not viewing enough homes - Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases in someone's life. Take a look at several homes with different layouts before making offers to be sure you love the flow of your new home.

4. Not staying within the budget - You are welcome to go find a long-lost rich uncle to help pitch in on your home to give you more options, but make sure you don't get a bigger payment than you can afford.

5. Worrying about simple improvements - Many new homebuyers want everything to be perfect in their new home the day they close. Remember, you can change most of the things you may not like. Paint, flooring, cupboards, bathrooms, etc., can all be remodeled to best work for your family.

- Matthew
(703) 608-0560

Hey Fairfax, the weather is warming up so here are 5 more outdoor activities for April that I’ve put together going on right now (or coming soon!). There's something here for everyone, and I'd highly recommend every single one of these events.

By the way, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is still going on until April 16th and The Grand Migration at NOVA Wild/Reston Zoo is going on until April 19th (see my previous post for more info on those).

Easter activities - multiple dates and locations. Easter falls on April 9th this year so there are several Easter events throughout northern Virginia in the beginning of April. I can’t list them all because we have so many, but here are a few:

- Egg-Streme Teen Egg Hunt on April 6 at 8pm at Historic Blenheim (3610 Blenheim Blvd). The challenge here is finding the eggs in the dark! Visit the Easter Bunny beginning at 7pm and enjoy different activities and yard games until the hunt begins. Ages 10-14 only. Participation is $5. More details are on the City of Fairfax Government page!

- Springtime "Egg-stravaganza" on Saturday, April 8, from 10-11:30am. Lake Fairfax Park is located at 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston. Some egg-cellent activities with games and learning experiences. Fees range from $7-$10 and more info is on the Fairfax County Park Authority page!

- Spring Egg Hunt at NOVA Parks Potomac Overlook. The event will run from April 4th-9th between 11am and 4pm and participation is $8. Open to kids of all ages!

Festival of Spring
Where: Burnside Farms, 11008 Kettle Run Rd, Nokesville, VA
When: April 4th-26th (estimated)
The Festival of Spring is a unique, magical event held at Virginia's Burnside Farms. With more than two million tulips and daffodils planted each year, you’ll find a little slice of Holland right here in Virginia.

Guests can walk through almost 8 acres of spring flowers, which include loads and loads of pick-your-own tulips. The festival will be held for 3 weeks in April and blooms last 3-4 weeks. Tickets are limited
and should be purchased online. Prices range from $19-$31+, depending on the day and time.

The Dr. Seuss Experience
Where: Tyson's Corner
When: April 7th-June 30th
An imaginative and interactive immersion into the wondrous world of Dr. Seuss at the Dr. Suess Experience. Watch the books come to life with Seuss-themed rides, staff in costumes representing iconic characters, bespoke merchandise, and incredible photo opportunities! Fun for all ages. There’s something for everyone. Admission range from $27-$34.

National Park Week
Where: multiple locations
When: April 22-30
Celebrate National Parks in Northern Virginia during National Park Week. The annual spring celebration of all that our wonderful national parks have to offer. The National Park Service will offer free entrance to all national parks on April 22, 2023, the first day of National Park Week to encourage people to visit. A few NPs in the area include Great Falls Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Prince William Forest Park, Shenandoah National Park, and Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

Taste of Vienna - Presented by the Vienna VFD and Taste of Annandale
Where: Vienna, VA, and Annandale, VA
When: April 29th
Both towns will have a “taste” day where you can walk around their festival with food trucks, food tents, live music, children's activities, and more. Entry is free and attendees will be able to purchase tastes from the individual vendors at or around $5.

Hey Fairfax, know anyone who wants to cheer for the Cavaliers? www.WoodsonHighSchoolHomesList.com

I've hand-picked a special list of homes, all for sale right here in the Woodson High School District.

To get the report, visit: www.WoodsonHighSchoolHomesList.com

- Matthew

P.S. If you have any questions about these homes (or other homes for sale here in the Fairfax area), feel free to text or call me...my number is (703) 608-0560.

Here’s the real question everyone is asking, but no one has the guts to talk about: Why would a homeowner give up their 3% interest rate to buy a new house with a 5.5% or 6% interest rate? Here are a couple of things most folks don’t realize:

1) Every market has an opportunity if you know how to find it. We think today’s interest rates are historical highs, but really we’ve just lived through a decade of historical LOWS. So while sub 3s are no more, there are certain strategies that can get you really close to that number again. For instance, a client recently closed on a home with a 2/1 buy down which got them from a 5.5% interest rate to a 3.5% rate even in this market!

2) You actually have a chance to find the house you WANT. Ever think you’d love to have an extra bedroom or bathroom…but you don’t really need it? It’s just a “want”? Well, homes are sitting a bit longer and sellers are willing to negotiate far more than they were just 18 months ago. Not only do you actually have time to do some research, but you have a much better chance of asking for a few concessions when you make an offer!

3) If you’ve owned a home since 2019, you’ve gained historic appreciation. In fact, a recent article stated that the home price index is up 40% from just 3 years ago. That means you have a lot of equity sitting in your home, making it easier to either buy down your interest rate or put more money down on your next home.

So if you’re a homeowner here in the Fairfax area and you’ve been wondering what your options are, give me a call – I’m happy to help however I can.

My personal cell is (703) 608-0560.

- Matthew