As the leaves begin to change and a crisp breeze fills the air, there's no better way to celebrate fall than with a trip to a local pumpkin patch. Whether you're searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve, looking to enjoy some family-friendly activities, or simply want to take in the beauty of the season, our community has some incredible pumpkin patches to explore. From hayrides and corn mazes to cozy farm markets, this guide will help you discover the best spots to make the most of your autumn adventure. So grab your flannel, a warm drink, and get ready for some festive fall fun!

A recent survey found that more than half (52%) of American homeowners have a renovation project planned this year. If you’re among them, you know that embarking on home improvements can be both exciting and daunting. According to the survey, the median renovation budget is around $15,000, so you're probably investing a significant amount—and you'll want to ensure your project’s success.

One of the most critical decisions you'll make is choosing the right contractor to bring your vision to life. However, many homeowners fall into common pitfalls during this process, leading to stress, financial strain, and subpar results. 

In this guide, we'll explore seven mistakes to avoid when hiring a contractor to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

With home prices and rates still relatively high, securing a mortgage can feel daunting––even to the most experienced borrowers. But don't let that deter you: If other homebuyers' experiences are any indication, odds are you'll eventually find a home loan that works well for you. 

In fact, most U.S. homeowners say they're satisfied with the mortgage they received, according to a recent Bankrate survey. The vast majority of the surveyed homeowners (69%) said they'd buy their current home again if they had a do-over.

Whether you’re putting your home on the market in a few weeks or a few years, strategic upgrades can make all the difference. But you don't have to embark on a major remodel to make a significant improvement.

Even minor updates can have a big impact on your home’s aesthetic, and certain renovations can even boost its future sale price.

From curb appeal to interior updates, here are seven weekend projects that will enhance your home’s current charm and long-term value.

Last December, when the Federal Reserve projected a series of benchmark rate cuts in the coming year, some analysts speculated that mortgage rates—which had recently peaked near 8%—would fall closer to 6% by mid-2024.1,2,3 Unfortunately, persistent inflation has delayed the central bank’s timeline and kept the average 30-year mortgage rate hovering around 7% so far this year.2

Not long ago, home sellers were in their heyday, as historically-low mortgage rates triggered a real estate buying frenzy. However, the Federal Reserve shut down the party when it began raising interest rates last year. Now, it’s not as simple to sell a home. While pandemic-era homebuyers were racing the clock—trying to lock in a low mortgage rate and gain a foothold in the market—current buyers are more discerning. Higher prices and mortgage rates have pushed their limits of affordability, leading them to prioritize cost, condition, and overall value. The reality is, home inventory remains low, so most properties will still sell with some basic prep, the right price, and a good real estate agent. But owners who go the extra mile are more likely to sell faster and for a higher amount.

Join us for our annual Shredding For Hunger - Free Community Drive-In Shredding event on Saturday, September 14th 2024 from 10am-1pm. We will be raising donations for Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) to help combat hunger in Arlington. Simply drive up with your documents to be shredded, pop your trunk & we'll do the rest! Non-perishable food or monetary donations requested for AFAC.

In the intricate dance of the ever-changing housing market, timing is paramount. You might cherish your current interest rate, but what if your home no longer suits your lifestyle? You're not alone. A staggering 82% of homeowners share your sentiment, according to a recent survey. It’s been over three years since interest rates hit an all-time low in January 2021. As we know, much can change in three years – marriages, births, retirements, and more, leading many to feel they've outgrown their homes or are ready to downsize. But letting go of a low-interest rate can be difficult, especially considering current rates. Six months ago, interest rates peaked at 8%, leaving many homeowners feeling trapped. However, the landscape is shifting. We’re witnessing a welcome, albeit slow, decline in interest rates, currently averaging in the high sixes. Economist Mark Zandi predicts rates will dip below six percent by year's end. But what does this mean for homeowners contemplating a change?

For most homeowners, comprehensive home insurance coverage is crucial for financial security—but massive rate increases can turn a once-affordable home into a financial burden. They can also pose a serious challenge for sellers. A home insurance policy is typically required to get a mortgage, and, in some hard-hit regions, we’re seeing sales fall through or homes sit on the market because insurance policies are unattainable or too expensive.

But don’t panic! While these broader trends may be out of your control, there’s still plenty you can do to save. Here are our top six strategies to slash insurance premiums while maintaining the protection you need.

Renovating versus moving: it's a dilemma many homeowners face when they feel the need for change in their living space. Each option comes with its own set of pros and cons, and weighing these factors is crucial in making the right decision for you and your family. Let's delve deeper into the considerations when it comes to renovating versus moving.

In the ever-evolving realm of real estate, staying abreast of the latest trends and shifts is essential for both buyers and sellers. As we continue into 2024, the landscape of the housing market reflects a dynamic interplay of factors, from fluctuating mortgage rates to evolving demographic patterns. Despite the challenges posed by low inventory and high mortgage rates in recent times, the desire to be closer to family emerges as a compelling motivator driving residential relocations.

This month, Ann Wilson Homes celebrates the remarkable milestone of 20 years in business! In the fast-paced world of real estate, where trends shift and markets evolve quickly, finding a realtor who has not just survived - but thrived - in the industry for two decades is a rarity. As we mark this exciting milestone, we are grateful for each of our clients' trust in us to help them buy or sell their home and/or to take great care of their family and friends when they send us a referral. Our wonderful clients have made our longevity in the real estate world a pleasure!

It's finally fall and the holidays are fast approaching! Looking for safe, family-friendly fall activities this October? Look no further! These outdoor pumpkin patches, fall markets and festivals around Northern Virginia are sure to make the whole family happy!

Join us for our annual Shredding For Hunger | Free Community Drive-In Shredding event on Saturday, October 14th from 10am-1pm. We will be raising donations for Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) to help combat hunger in Arlington. Simply drive up with your documents to be shredded, pop your trunk & we'll do the rest! Non-perishable food or monetary donations requested for AFAC.

Aging in place means staying in your own home as you get older instead of moving to assisted living, a nursing home or other type of long-term care facility. It's an appealing choice for seniors who want to maintain their current lifestyle and level of independence. Some seniors can age in place alone, while others may need some support, such as a visiting aide or live-in caregiver.

In this month’s blog, I am sharing with you some positive news about the real estate market. When it comes to understanding how the real estate market is performing, it's important to have well-researched information from legitimate sources. Here are some facts and expert projections to bear in mind on the real state of the current real estate market.

We are thrilled to announce we have again won multiple real estate industry awards from some of our favorite local and national publications including Washingtonian Best Real Estate Team, Arlington Magazine Top Producer, Real Trend's America's Best Real Estate Professionals, Virginia Living Top Real Estate All-Stars & Northern Virginia Magazine Top Producing Real Estate Team. What a year! We are, as always, grateful for our wonderful clients and the continued support of our business!

We have some exciting news to share with you. This time, we’re the ones making the move! We’re proud to announce we’ve joined the Arlington office of Century 21 New Millennium. While this won’t change much for you as our client, we feel this move will help us better serve you throughout any real estate transactions and beyond.

If you're looking for where to catch some fireworks this 4th of July, look no further! Here are some of our favorite spots to see firework displays around Northern Virginia. We hope you and your families have a fun, safe holiday!

For many people, buying their first home is a time of many different emotions. Exhilaration, pride and anxiety are just some of the feelings that the soon-to-be homeowner may have as they take on this major lifechanging event.

For new buyers, there is often one other emotion they may feel if their real estate agent has not prepared them ahead of time – sticker shock. Besides a mortgage, down payment and commissions, there are many other costs that are required as well as unexpected costs that may arise.

Moving can be stressful at any age but can be even more difficult as a senior. A lot of our clients are looking for more space for their growing families or perhaps their ‘forever home’, but many clients we help each year are doing the opposite. Making the decision to downsize your family home can be a really hard decision, whether you are moving in with family, into an assisted living community, or just into a smaller home it can be a big change that comes with a lot of emotion.

State of the 2023 Real Estate Market