The Eric Stewart Group Blog

Trusted resource for local and national real estate news and trending topics, and everything you need to know about the buying and selling process.

Eric Stewart

Eric Stewart started his real estate career in 1987 and each year he and his group sell over 150 homes in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The Eric Stewart Group has completed more than 3,000 real estate transactions, placing Eric in the top 1% of Realtors® in the nation. With a comprehensive approach to marketing and a knack for negotiation, the Eric Stewart Group has built a reputation of trust and tireless persistence throughout the area.

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Selling

Why Your Realtor Should Be Using A Centralized Showing Service

By: Eric Stewart
August 23rd, 2016

When putting your home on the market, you hope for as many showings as possible. The more showings, the more likely you will receive an offer or, in a best-case scenario, multiple offers. In addition, those showings should generate useful feedback regarding the offer price and appeal of the home. To make showings as easy as possible and to elicit feedback from potential buyers, you want to make sure your Realtor is using Centralized Showing Service (CSS), or a company that offers a similar service. What is CSS? Read on to find out.

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Property Prep | Selling

How Sellers Can Prepare For A Home Inspection

By: Eric Stewart
August 9th, 2016

One of the most common clauses in a residential real estate contract is the home inspection contingency. If included, a home buyer has a specific amount of time (typically 7-10 days after the contract is ratified) to have a licensed professional conduct a home inspection and to either negotiate for repairs or to back out of the contract if they do not like the results of inspection. If a seller knows what to look for, they can resolve many minor items before the home inspection occurs. While some items identified during the inspection might seem like minor issues individually, collectively, they could add up to major headaches, involving both time and money. So, read on to learn how to sellers can best prepare for a home inspection.

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Market Ready Guide!

Our Market Ready Guide provides strategic advice and useful tips to get top dollar for your house when the time comes to sell.

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INSIDER TIPS | Buy | Money

Avoid These 8 Common Home Buyer Mistakes

By: Eric Stewart
August 2nd, 2016

Let’s face it: Buying a home is a major investment. However, for many people it can end up being more expensive than it needs to be due to some costly mistakes. Here are eight blunders to avoid, and some helpful tips that could mean the difference between financial security and financial distress.

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INSIDER TIPS | Sell | Moving

How Selling A Home "As Is" Can Be Beneficial And Financially Rewarding

By: Eric Stewart
July 6th, 2016

Do you want less hassle when it comes time to sell your home? If so, you may want to think about selling your home “as is.” Selling “as is” simply means putting the property on the market in its current condition, with few or no improvements. Our NEW As Is Guide provides invaluable tips and suggestions on how to effectively sell your home "as is" while still getting an optimal price. Read on to learn the benefits of selling your home “as is” and how a correct pricing strategy could get you more money than you even anticipated.

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Buy | Moving

A Realtor's Perspective On How To Win Against Multiple Home Offers

By: Eric Stewart
June 29th, 2016

With inventory decreasing in the DC metro area, sellers are currently in the driver’s seat when it comes to selling their home. More buyers are finding themselves in multiple offer situations, especially in the $300,000 - $500,000 price point. In recent weeks, Robert Garcia, a Realtor® with the Eric Stewart Group of Long & Foster, represented three different buyer clients who all found themselves competing against other buyers. In each situation, Robert’s buyers came out on top. How did this happen? Read on to find out.

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Money | Selling

What Are The 6 Risks If You Price Your Home Too High?

By: Eric Stewart
June 23rd, 2016

One part art, one part science, determining the correct selling price of your home is no easy task. Yet, it is one of the most important factors to get right if you want a timely sale at an optimal price. Determining the best offer price should be dictated by the market. Some sellers may choose to ignore the market and start with a higher sales price, but to do so is risky, and a decision most people end up regretting. What are 6 risks that sellers may face if they overprice their home? Read on to find out.

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INSIDER TIPS | Selling

Should You Renovate Your Home Before You Sell?

By: Eric Stewart
June 8th, 2016

It’s the million-dollar question that every seller ponders. As a seller, should you undertake renovations in hopes of increasing your home's sales price? Because every property is different, some homeowners will need to spend money on their property to make a sale and others won’t. This depends not only on your property’s current condition, but the condition of your local real estate market as well. So, what is the deciding factor?

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Selling

What Is The Best Day To Put Your Home On The Market?

By: Eric Stewart
May 24th, 2016

The pictures have been taken, the house has been cleaned, the “for sale” sign is in the yard, and the lockbox is on the door. You are all set to have your home listed on the market. But, what is the best day to maximize your home’s exposure to potential buyers and to get the best price?

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Selling | Downsizing

What Are The Hottest Selling Items At Garage Sales?

By: Eric Stewart
May 12th, 2016

Are you in the midst of decluttering your home and have items that you no longer use or need, but may be of value to someone else? With the warmer weather upon us, now is a great time to hold a yard sale. Your cast-off may be someone else’s treasure. To help you get started, read on to discover the most in-demand items at garage and yard sales.

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Radio Show

How To Protect Your Home From A Wet Basement

By: Eric Stewart
April 27th, 2016

On a recent segment of Eric’s radio show, he spoke with attorney-at-law John Garza, who for the past 30 years has represented clients in general business litigation and real estate transactions. From a legal viewpoint, John shed light on the issue of wet basements and when flood insurance might be warranted. He also offered some advice on ways to prevent water infiltration and damage in your home.

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