Mike Smith's Blog

Posted on 04/11/2021

Financial Planning: What is the Estate Tax?

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay If you anticipate that you will inherit an estate at some point or if you plan to leave your estate to an heir, it is important to plan for the potential tax implications of that transfer. The federal estate tax is one aspect to consider. Depending on the value of the estate,...

Financial Planning

Tax Planning Tips

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Posted on 04/04/2021

When a Seller Becomes a Lender in Virginia

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay During the last recession, many people were forced into foreclosure. A foreclosure stays on your credit report for a minimum of seven years and six months. If you filed for bankruptcy during the time your home was in foreclosure, that bankruptcy could stay on your credit report for up to 10 years. Since...

Posted on 03/28/2021

Buying a Vacation Home May Be a Realistic Goal

Generally speaking, taking a family vacation can "recharge your battery," give you a new lease on life, and enable you to get back to work with a renewed sense of purpose. That's the ideal scenario when everything falls into place. However, if you're one of those families that are always looking for a new place to explore every year,...

Buying A Second Home

Buying A Vacation Home

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Posted on 03/26/2021

SPRINGFIELD, VA Real Estate Market Update 3/26/2021

Click here to view SPRINGFIELD, VA blog post which has information on the constantly changing market...

Posted on 03/21/2021

Finances: Are You Ready to Buy a House?

Photo by Fizkes via Shutterstock Few things are more exciting than buying a house and making it your home. Knowing when it’s the right time to buy derives from your personal circumstances, but some external elements and market realities affect when it’s right to buy too. Here are some of the things that can affect your decision to...

Buyer Tips

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Posted on 03/14/2021

What Does It Take to Buy a Home?

The process of finding and purchasing your dream house may prove to be difficult, regardless of whether you are an experienced or first-time homebuyer. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to avoid hurdles as you navigate the homebuying journey. Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you quickly discover a quality home at an...

Buying A Home

Buyer Tips

Posted on 03/07/2021

Time to Remove that Wood Paneling?

Photo by Prawny via Pixabay Circa 1965, having beautiful wood paneling was the envy of the neighborhood. It was like bringing the outdoors in. But 50-60 years later, it usually just makes a room seem dark and dated unless you live in a log cabin. In most cases, you can remove the paneling and paint the drywall underneath....

Posted on 02/28/2021

How to Help Prevent Water Damage

Photo by Steve Buissinne via Pixabay Some leaks are obvious -- coming home to a soggy rug or soaked floor is a pretty good indicator that you have some plumbing trouble -- but others are more discreet and can lead to a costly water bill and home damage if you don't catch them. Mold and mildew can develop...

Posted on 03/25/2021

Video Tour - 9517 Farmview Court, Fairfax, VA 22032

Gorgeous Renovated 4BR, 2BA Brick Home w/Carport in Highly Desirable Old Creek Estates*Old Creek Elementary, Frost Middle, Woodson High* Cozy Front Porch, Rear Deck, Screened in Porch & Patio on over 1/3 Acre professionally landscaped Cul-De-Sac lot. Many new & newer updates in this picture perfect home* Gourmet Kitchen with Granite countertops, Granite backsplash, Tremendous cabinet space, Hardwood Floors and table sized breakfast area with Bay Window* Seperate Anderson doors from Living Room & Dining Room Leading to entertaining private deck & screen porch overlooking large rear yard*Fresh paint*Recessed...

Posted on 03/25/2021

9517 Farmview Court, Fairfax, VA 22032 is now new to the market!

Gorgeous Renovated 4BR, 2BA Brick Home w/Carport in Highly Desirable Old Creek Estates*Old Creek Elementary, Frost Middle, Woodson High* Cozy Front Porch, Rear Deck, Screened in Porch & Patio on over 1/3 Acre professionally landscaped Cul-De-Sac lot. Many new & newer updates in this picture perfect home* Gourmet Kitchen with Granite countertops, Granite backsplash, Tremendous cabinet space, Hardwood Floors and table sized breakfast area with Bay Window* Seperate Anderson doors from Living Room & Dining Room Leading to entertaining private deck & screen porch overlooking large rear yard*Fresh paint*Recessed...

Posted on 03/15/2021

Another Property Rented - 6807 Ontario Street, Springfield, VA 22152

Posted on 03/02/2021

Another Property Sold - 42951 Tara Court, Ashburn, VA 20147