Here Comes Loudoun’s Slice Of The Pie
January 5th, 2009 categories: Loudoun County
It’s not that a little government money wouldn’t help us out in Loudoun County with the foreclosure issue…. Or, anywhere else for that matter.
It is just that it wasn’t the lack of it that got us in to this mess. So, throwing 2 million tax payers dollars at the foreclosure issue isn’t going to solve much.
HUD allocated nearly 4 BILLION dollars to areas hard hit by the housing crisis to assist with declining home prices and our current foreclosure problems. The money is part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The original idea for the money was to be used to “purchase foreclosed homes at a discount and to rehabilitate or redevelop them in order to respond to rising foreclosures and falling home values.” (from hud.gov)
This sounds great until you understand what areas are receiving. Loudoun County is developing an application for an award of 2 million dollars. Here me out…Of all the places slammed by foreclosures, I don’t presume to think that Loudoun should top the list. In fact, in the big picture we arent’ doing too bad. My concern is simply that there is little a county like ours could really do with 2 million dollars that would effect much.
The current economic and foreclosure problem is bigger than me and our government. However, I tend to believe that we could have spent a little more time pondering how to to spend 4 Billion dollars than slicing it up so small between every county that within a matter of months no one even can account for its benifits.
The Usage Of The Funds
“Neighborhood Stabilization Program strategies may include purchasing and rehabilitating abandoned and foreclosed homes for resale or redevelopment; establishing financing mechanisms for low and moderate income home buyers, providing affordable rental units, addressing supportive and special needs housing, or establishing land banks. Projects in keeping with neighborhood character or that retain the existing neighborhood’s fabric will be emphasized. (from loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=2498)”
DC Real Estate: Top 5 Markets To Rebound
Loudoun County Home Sale Statistics For November/ December
Tags: loudoun economic recovery act, loudoun foreclosure help, loudoun neighborhood stabalization program
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Looking Back On Loudoun In 2008
December 31st, 2008 categories: Loudoun County
As I write this post, there is only a little more than five hours left in 2008.
Before we celebrate what can be in 2009, lets take a few minutes to recall some events that Loudoun County will always remember about 2008…
- March 14 - Purcellville Turns 100 Years Old.
- March 27- “Abusive Driver Fees” are repealed in VA.
- March/ Current - Supervisors agree to reconsider Broadlands new hospital application from 2002.
- June- Loudoun Sheriff’s Office agrees to have officers trained to enforce immigration laws.
- September- County says that it faces a $176 million budget shortfall next year.
- September 14- Leesburg turns 250 years old!
- November 4- Loudoun voters vote democratic the first time since 1964.
- December 3- The Dulles rail project gains approval from the FTA.
(events taken from the Loudoun Times Mirror Front Page- 12/31/08 photo by Jonathan Bunn)
Many will only remember 2008 as a year of falling home stock values, foreclosures, and elections. However, history can most accurately be judged from a distance. Who knows, this current shaking of our economy could turn out to be the best thing for our country in the long run. I am an idealist.
Happy New Year!
Tags: 2008 loudoun events
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The Chase At Belmont Country Club in Ashburn VA
December 30th, 2008 categories: Belmont Country Club, Community Of The Week, New Construction
You can’t be a real estate fan in Ashburn and not know Toll Brothers.
Whether you are looking at condos or luxury estate homes, they have made it, or are making it in Ashburn. Their elite signature series of homes can be found at a community which is a part of Belmont Country Club, but is outside of the gate called “The Chase At Belmont Country Club.”
This community boasts some of the largest homes in Ashburn with square footage only beginning with 4-5000 square on two levels. Currently Toll Brothers is finishing the lower level of the home as an incentive to purchase (this could change). There are homes in this community with over 8,000 square feet!
A Few Highlights…
- 10 foot ceilings on the main level
- 5 models left to choose from
- 1/2 acre lots
- 3 or 4 side load car garage
- Prices starting in the low 900k’s. There is currently a quick move home for $884,803!
If you are interested in viewing or receiving more information on The Chase At Belmont Country Club or any other Loudoun Community please let me know.
Other Popular Communities
Parkgrove At Broadlands; Loudoun’s New Luxury Home Community
Community Of The Week: Lansdowne On The Potomac
All information is deemed reliable but should be verified for accuracy. I represent purchasers not Toll Brothers and their incentives and prices are likely to change at any time. The photos of the homes on this post are not being offered for sale.
Tags: , ashburn luxury homes, loudoun luxury homes, the chase at belmont country club
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What Kind Of Market Is This?
December 29th, 2008 categories: opinion
One of the greatest thing that I am constantly reminded of is that I know very little and that there is a lot more to learn.
I lost the opportunity to sell a home this year when competing with another agent because the other agent had been in the business for 20 years. The sellers wanted someone who had been through these tough times before. It didn’t seem to matter that during the current market situation I had sold over 4 times the amount of homes as my competition (sorry, I can be a poor loser). I understand their concern.
I know a lot of agents who have been in the business of selling homes for over 20 years and have been very successful. They have shared with me that the current market conditions are the most difficult and unique times they have worked through.
Writing this blog has forced me to stay on top of the current market conditions more than anything else. However, I have to say that I spend much of my time asking questions for clients and seeing the standard procedures of real estate practice changing often.
Is this a buyers market? Well, if that means a buyer can get a good deal with a good rate…. YES… Resoundingly YES.
HOWEVER, are buyers finding so many homes available that they can afford to take their time… NO. There are so few good homes available that require little repair. We are also seeing competing offers like never before.
Is this a sellers market? Well, SORTA. With inventory being this low the answer is yes, but so few sellers have enough equity to take advantage of it, so we aren’t really seeing the affects of it. So, I can’t give it a hearty yes.
The moral of the story… These are unique times. Challenging, but opportunities are there… To buy and sell. To learn and grow. I am thankful.
Tags: 2009 real estate market, is this a buyers market, is this a sellers market, what type of market are we in?
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Why You Can Be Happy You Live In The DC Area
December 19th, 2008 categories: Market Statistics, Real Estate News
During the great depression job growth was at an all time low.
Though the past couple of years have been more difficult than many of us can remember, I propose that things aren’t too bad in this area (the DC metro area). Job growth in the overall economy was down 0.8% compared to last year. However, the DC area had job growth that was up 1.2% over the previous year!
This would help confirm why this area is considered by FORBES as one of the top 5 real estate markets to rebound the quickest.
Click here to read the article.
Tags: dc job growth, loudoun job growth
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Loudoun County Home Sale Statistics For November/ December
December 17th, 2008 categories: Market Statistics
Below is a chart of Loudoun’s home sale stats for the month of November.
The good news…
- The inventory is continuing to decrease.
- The amount of new listings coming available half of what they where in April.
- Pending sales remain high.
I truly feel that the local Loudoun market is showing signs of stability. We simply need the overall market and economy to redeem itself so that prices can begin to increase.
DC Real Estate: Top 5 Markets To Rebound
all information is deemed reliable but should be verified for accuracy.
Tags: loudoun county november december home sale stats, loudoun home sales stats
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DC Real Estate: Top 5 Markets To Rebound
December 15th, 2008 categories: Real Estate News
If you have been looking for some encouragement for our local market… here is something you will like.
Forbes.com has named DC as one of the top 5 real estate markets to make a rebound the quickest.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
Tags: loudoun county market prediction, loudoun county real estate market
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Loudoun Christmas Lights
December 15th, 2008 categories: For Fun, Local Events
One of the best parts of Christmas is looking at the festive lights.
I have found a few homes that I took night photos to share with you. If you are looking for a great street of lights, be sure to check out E Juniper St. in Sterling.
* it takes a few seconds to load *
The Perfect Storm For Loudoun Buyers
Tags: ashburn christmas lights, loudoun christmas lights, sterling christmas lights.
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Funny MLS Photos: Important Features
December 12th, 2008 categories: Worst MLS Photos
It has been a while since I have posted these… but I couldn’t resist sharing these.
Does this seriously say 1995? Oh My…..
Is this really a selling feature? Are you expecting a home not to have this?
Tags: bad mls photos, ugly mls photos
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Loudoun Is Pregnant….the World Trade Center
December 11th, 2008 categories: Local Issues, Loudoun County
It is a little easy to forget about this great news with all that is going on in our economy… but come on! This baby has to be the most exciting thing to happen localy for some time. Loudoun has been chosen as the site for the next World Trade Center soon to be called Loudoun One.
photo credit- loudounone.com
Loudoun One will be located between Loudoun County Parkway and Ashburn Village Blvd. off of Route 7. The project has already begun and is being developed by a local developer; Miller and Smith. Loudoun One will be the home of large international companies, upscale restaurants, a park, movie theatre, shops, and residential living.
The latest development to the project has been the completion of Marblehead Drive and Steuart W. Weller Elementary School. Loudoun One will also be connecting Russel Branch Parkway from Loudoun County Parkway to Ashburn Village Blvd. and assisting with the road work that will easy traffic and current junction of Ashburn Village Blvd and Route 7.
To find out more information on Loudoun One and see site plans of the projects click here.
Dulles VA… Location, Location, Location
Relocating To The Dulles Area?
Tags: loudoun county world trade center, loudoun one
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