FINE NEST AUGUST 2021 NEWSLETTER

8/13/2021

Whoo-wee! Has it been HOT!

For the last real month of summer, societal tradition seems to dictate that summer must end with a bang. Whether that means penciling in one final blowout vacation or simply soaking in more sun by the pool side, it's always a little bittersweet parting with summer.

For us at Fine Nest, summers end means wrapping up the busy spring/summer market and preparing for the fall real estate market. For others, it may mean preparing for the upcoming school year and getting back into more regimented schedules. Whatever summers end might mean for you, Fine Nest has included some fun End of Summer activities and ideas that just might make it into your end of summer itineraries.

Fine Nest gladly provides the most up-to-date real estate information and local resources we hope are useful to you and your loved ones as we continue to navigate this unusual time.

The Latest News

August Market Metrics Report

New Listings Could Be On Their Way!

If you haven't heard by now, the CDC's Eviction Moratorium officially ended on July 31, 2021. However, just a few days later the CDC enacted a new Eviction Moratorium that primarily targets areas hit with high levels of community COVID-19 transmissions. This new Eviction Moratorium is set to expire on October 3, 2021, giving some renters more time to either collect payment or find new housing.

For those still carrying mortgages, the mortgage forbearance program extending homeowners forbearance enrollment window isn't due to expire until September 30, 2021, giving homeowners more time to organize their finances as well. Despite the upcoming end of the federal mortgage forbearance program, this doesn't necessarily spell bad news for homeowners. According to fortune.com, the end of the federally backed mortgage relief programs could spell an uptick in listings across the nation as the 1.75 million borrowers enrolled in the forbearance program decide what to do next. The good news about all of this? A housing crash isn't in the forecast. Home equities have risen substantially over the last year and a half. Mortgage companies have also been offering relief services to homeowners to avoid financial crisis. With these options, many home owners finding themselves unable to financially afford their mortgages are more likely to either refinance or sell their homes at or above what they bought them for as opposed to foreclosing. Only time will tell if this market prediction will come to fruition in the coming months. Read more about it HERE.

Condo Listings are Trending!

Considering buying a condo? Buyers have their fair share of options with the recent rise in condo listings across MD and NOVA. While condominiums aren't always the most prioritized properties for buyers, they certainly have a robust list of perks when it comes to amenities, location, lower utility costs, affordability, and overall maintenance. Don't miss your opportunity to snag a condo in one of MD or NOVAs highly sought after areas!

As reflected by the decreased number of New Listings and Pendings from June to July, the local housing market has seen a bit of a slow down. We’ve gathered that it is likely due to the ability to go on vacation for the first time in more than a year since the start of the pandemic. If you’ve been on the fence as a buyer, the competition has definitely decreased a bit and it might be a great time to snag a deal before everyone returns for the Fall Back to School routine.

Back to School Preparation with Kathryn!

Kathryn from her "Do it On a Dime" YouTube Channel is back at it again! Take a trip to Walmart and Dollar Tree where Karthryn lays out the best deals for school supplies from both stores. Want name brand #2 pencils at a fractions of the cost? Go to Dollar Tree! Want a sweet deal on composition notebooks? Go to Walmart! Tips like these and so much more are included in her Dollar Tree vs. Walmart Jackpot Back to School organization Video!

Cummins Falls in Tennessee

If you're looking for a minimally crowded and beautiful spot to spend a 3 day weekend, then look no further than Cummins Falls, TN. A popular spot for the locals, this swimming hole is nestled on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River. Just an 8 hour drive from NOVA, you can spend the night at Old Mill Camp and take the short hike to Cummins Falls where you can cool off in one of Tennessee's natural hidden gems.

August Home Maintenance Checklist

It's that time of year again. Fall is on the horizon, and for all you early birds out there, August is the perfect month to start prepping your home for the colder weather.

Clear your Gutters

Beat the fall rain by getting those gutters cleared ahead of time

Inspect your Roof

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Having regular roof inspections is the best way to prevent any unwanted roof leaks.

Maintain your Furnace

Just like we recommended having your AC checked in preparation for spring and summer. It's always best to do the same for your furnace in preparation for fall and winter.

End of Summer Activities List

Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale

August 15-16, Alexandria, VA
Join Alexandria's deal-grabbing tradition where dozens of independent boutiques sell their merchandise at discounted prices
Find our more HERE

Best Summer Hiking Trails in VIRGINIA and MARYLAND

Squeeze in one more day of hiking before the end of summer by visiting any one of the VA or MD hiking locations linked above!

Maryland's Greenbelt Labor Day Festival

September 3-6, Greenbelt, MD
Celebrate the upcoming 3 day weekend while enjoying rides, games, and much more at the MD Greenbelt Labor Day Festival!
Find out more HERE

Last Minute August Veggie Planting

If you still want to be a part of the 2021 gardening season, there's still time to plant some veggies that will be ready to eat by the Fall. Leafy greens like Speckled Trout Lettuce, Rainbow Chard, and Red Russian Kale are all great for late summer planting. Get the full list of August crops HERE.