June's Real Estate News, Home Tips & More!
Market Trends, Maintenance Must-Dos, Events, and Grill Considerations
June Market Update
The Washington D.C. metro area has seen an uptick in real estate transactions thanks to increased inventory. For three months straight, active listings have surpassed last year's numbers. By the end of April, there were 6,569 active listings, a 21.8% rise from April 2023.
New listings are adding more supply to the market, outpacing new pending sales. Despite this, home prices and the speed of sales have remained steady, posing challenges for buyers. Affordability issues might keep some buyers at bay this summer, as showing activity suggests a dip in demand.
However, buyers are still active, with closed sales up by 7.4% from last April and pending sales rising by 4.0%. This marks the first year-over-year increase in new pending sales since February 2022!
June Home Maintenance Checklist
Battle Mosquitoes: Dining outdoors is great until mosquitoes attack. Candles may help, but only if you're in the smoke. Insect repellent works but smells…icky. Try setting up a fan near your table; mosquitoes won't fly through the breeze. If you install a ceiling fan on a porch, ensure it's rated for outdoor use.
Remember to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Empty buckets, toys, or tarps that trap water. For birdbaths, change the water every five days to prevent mosquito eggs from maturing.
Clean Out The Garage: Set aside time to sort through boxes and clean up. Instead of just sorting items to keep, toss, or donate, create specific categories like things for friends, donations, and items to sell.
Test Outlets: Before using an electric weed cutter or barbecue rotisserie, test the GFCIs on your outdoor outlets, as well as those in the basement, garage, bathrooms, and kitchen.
To test a GFCI, plug in a lamp and turn it on. Press the “test” button; the “reset” button should pop out and the light should go off. Press “reset” to restore power. If the reset button doesn’t pop out, replace the GFCI. If the light stays on, the GFCI is improperly wired and needs an electrician.
Dates To Remember/ Celebrate
School’s out for the summer! Make sure these dates are on your radar —
Last Day Of School for Fairfax County, June 12th
Last Day Of School for Loudoun County, June 14th
Father’s Day, June 16th
Juneteenth, June 19th
Summer Solstice - 1st Day of Summer, June 21st
Shopping For A New Grill?
Whether you prefer charcoal, propane, pellet, or electric, here's how to choose one that suits your budget, space, and cooking preferences.
Grilling Styles: Do you barbecue daily or just on weekends? Are you cooking for a small group or a large gathering? What do you prefer to cook — steak, fish, or full meals? Are you into experimenting with recipes or keeping it simple with burgers? Do you like monitoring your grill or prefer setting a timer and walking away? These choices will help you decide between charcoal, gas, pellet, or griddle grills.
Budget: Grill prices range from $200 for basic charcoal models to $2,500 for high-end gas grills with WiFi. Pellet grills cost $900 to $1,100, electric grills $399 to $900, and griddles start around $350. A good propane grill can be found for $300 or less. Look for sales around the Fourth of July, and the end of summer.
Fuel: Grills use charcoal, gas, pellets, or electricity. Charcoal, gas, and pellets cost about $20 per tank or bag. Propane is cheap and easy to replace, but keep a spare tank handy. Pellets are easy to store and add a wood-fired flavor. Charcoal can be messy and intimidating. Gas grills emit fewer carbon emissions than charcoal. Electricity is the cleanest option.
Different Fuels, Different Results
Charcoal grills offer great flavor and flexibility but require skill to manage the fire. Propane grills are easy to use and provide consistent heat. Pellet grills offer consistent heat and a smoky flavor but need an electric auger. Electric grills are easy to use but typically smaller and less durable. Griddle grills cook a variety of foods without flare-ups but don't provide grill marks.
Space: Set your grill at least 5 feet from your home to avoid damage. For pellet or electric grills, ensure you have an outdoor electrical outlet. In places where charcoal and gas are prohibited, opt for an electric grill.
Size: Buy a grill 30% larger than you think you'll need to accommodate guests. For gas grills, aim for at least three burners for versatile cooking options.
Accessories: Use a grill mat to protect surfaces from sparks and grease. Propane users should consider a tank gauge. A digital thermometer is recommended for checking food temperatures. A generic grill cover is also essential!
Happy Grilling Season!
Have You Checked Your Home’s Value?
Here are 3 Reasons You Should Check Today!
🏡 Financial Planning: Understanding your home's value is crucial for effective financial planning. It helps you make informed decisions about refinancing, selling, or leveraging your home equity for other investments.
🏡 Market Trends: Regularly checking your home's value keeps you informed about real estate market trends in your area. This knowledge can be beneficial if you're considering buying or selling property in the future.
🏡 Peace of Mind: Simply put, knowing your home's value provides peace of mind. It allows you to feel more secure in your financial standing and better prepared for future financial decisions.
