Home Owner Tips: Keeping Cool in the Summertime

A few simple things can make a big impact on the feel of your home.
 

• It's probably time to change your air filter again. Help your AC function it's best, if you don't have pets, don't spend the extra money on fancy filters. The basic store brand ones will do the trick, and are easier for your unit to pump air through. 
• Ceiling fans have a Summer setting. Your fans have a switch on them that changes the direction the blades spin. One direction will push air down (for use in the Summer) and the other direction will push air up (use this in Winter). It's easy to forget to change the direction for the proper season. 
• Give your vents a taste of freedom! None of the vents in your home should be covered or blocked by anything – doing that makes your heating and cooling work overtime. 
• Invest in a smart or programmable thermostat. Automating the temperature changes in your home can make sure you have it at the appropriate level - to save you time and money. Research shows that a smart thermostat may be the way to go here. 

Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Update

Regional Market Update: The DC regional housing market continues to see strong sales activity.  Regional sales activity is at it's highest level in nine years, and the median prices for all types of homes in most sectors of the region continue along a slow and steady rise. 

NOVA Market Update: Northern VA home prices remain stable. Arlington and Alexandria saw 3.9% and 3.0 % increases from this time last year. Fairfax County saw a slight decrease (0.3%) in median sales price but a significant increase in sales (19.3%).  

Rate Update: Interest rates are rising. Good news in our economy has been steady for long enough that we are starting to see the rates increase as predicted. For example: 30-year fixed rates recently rose to 4.09% from 4.04%. While they are going up, do keep in mind that rates are still historically low making this a good time to buy.