Melissa T

Hi, I like the websites http://www.greatschools.net and http://www.schooldigger.com ... there are others, but I check these first. The first of these doesn't have an official rating from the site, but the parents give it an overall 3 out of 5 stars. Comments note it is underrated, "not good but not bad", lot of activities, etc. One person said that it has started to improve since the current principal came on board, etc. - Mon Aug 4 2008, 17:02

I guess I'm an annoying superficial buyer, but I definitely knew the types of countertops in each of the homes I was considering. I have a theory that buyers need one "wow" to take away from your home - maybe it's that sunroom you added, or the amazing master bathroom or the stone fireplace ... but I cared about kitchens (size, countertops, counter space, light), and I think most buyers do care. I'd probably suggest doing something with your countertops, not necessarily granite, and do what you can with the cabinets (paint and new hardware - the hardware is one of those easy investments that can make buyers stop and look). - Fri Aug 1 2008, 15:13

I recently saw some economic predictions on specific markets (I can't remember the source, probably something like AOL Money or *something* like that) and it did predict overall declines for the DC market for next year. That being the case, there are definitely parts doing better and worse. McLean 22101 seems to be suddenly creeping back up; a lot of Fairfax County still seems robust as far as I can tell - these suburbs in Fairfax may have declined, but are still very pricey! As much as it pains me to say this, Manassas was hit hard, but parts of Haymarket (not all) fared much better. If you have really found a great location (check schools even if you don't have children), then you may as well bite the bullet and buy now. Everything will even out anyhow - interest rates may/will likely rise, and you will have to pay the money to a landlord if you don't purchase. If you are looking at a location where the slope is going straight down, then I would think twice ... - Fri Aug 1 2008, 15:03