Archive for March, 2008
Not All News Is Bad!: Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling Neighborhood Stats
March 19th, 2008 categories: Loudoun County, Market Statistics
There is a lot negative information out there concerning the real estate market. But after researching specific neighborhoods in Loudoun County today I was encouraged to see that things are looking up for sales this month. I have seen more activity over the last month that I have in a long while, and I am not the only one.
Here are the neighborhood stats for some the most popular neighborhoods in Loudoun County including: Ashburn Village, Ashburn Farm, Belmont Country Club, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, South Riding, Cascades, and Countryside.
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These stats have been put together by me and taken from MRIS.com. The stats do not include condos or some new home sales. All information is deemed reliable but should be verified for accuracy.
If you are looking to purchase a home in Ashburn, Cascades, Broadlands, Brambleton, Belmont, River Creek, Lansdowne, or Countryside I am a full time Realtor and would be happy to assist you. Feel free to contact me here.
To search for homes for sale in Northern VA click here.
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Grenata Preserve: Community Of The Week
March 18th, 2008 categories: Community Of The Week, New Construction
There are not a lot of communities that compare with the luxury of Grenata Preserve in Loudoun County.
With lots ranging from around 3-6 acres, there are 2 builders that make up the community; Edgemore Homes and Creighton Homes. If you are looking for anything less than luxury and to pay less than a Million you are looking in the wrong area.
However, if you are model home hunter who just loves to see incredible homes, this one is hard to beat.
Grenata Preserve can be found off of Evergreen Mills Rd. in Leesburg close to Route 15 South, and the Toll Road. Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy.
If you are an international investor or are relocating to the area under CARTUS RELOCATION NETWORK (the largest relo company in the world) I would be more than happy to assist you.
To search for homes in Northern VA click here.
If you are looking for a Realtor who sales homes in Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, or Arlington County you can contact me here.
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SIX Great Reasons To Relocate To Northern VA
March 17th, 2008 categories: Buyers
The Northern VA, DC metro areas offers something for everyone.
Here are the top 6 reasons you will love living in Northern VA.
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Beautiful Weather And 4 Changing Seasons.
Northern VA has fewer natural disasters than most places in the US, and the weather remains fairly mild throughout the year. During the winter we will see a few snowstorms with freezing rain. The spring and fall are beautiful with the changing of colors, cherry blossoms, and the comfortable temperatures. Here is a link to the average temperatures in the area.
2. Located In A Very Central Part Of The East Coast.
In Northern VA, within a few hours driving you have complete access to some of the best day trips around. Popular locations include: DC, Outer Banks, VA Beach, The Eastern Shore, New York City, Delaware, Annapolis, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and the Shenandoah Mountains.
3. JOBS, JOBS, JOBS
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Downtown Leesburg: The Charm Of Loudoun
March 15th, 2008 categories: Community Of The Week, Down Town Leesburg
Leesburg, VA in my opinion is the most charming part of Loudoun County.
If you are from outside the area, downtown Leesburg would resemble the charm of Georgetown in DC. In fact, Leesburg in the beginning was once called “George Town” by Nicholas Minor. Minor was a land and tavern owner in the original land we now call Leesburg. If you happen to be a history buff, there is more than enough to learn about Leesburg. A great start would be what is posted on Wikipedia.
There is so much that goes on in Leesburg that I plan to write on soon. In the time being, here are a few great photos of downtown Leesburg that I was able to take this week.
Enjoy…
The best pies around: Mom’s Apple Pie
Shopping Galore
St. James Episcopal Church
More shopping
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Loudoun & Fairfax Weekend Events
March 14th, 2008 categories: Local Events
Great Local Weekend Events!
LOUDOUN COUNTY
The Easter Passion Play
Saturday, March 15th at 3PM. Sunday the 16th (rain date).
Where: Franklin Park Performing Arts Center in Purcellville.
- The play has been put together by a group of community churches. The event is FREE (donations accepted). Will include live props, animals, and a large cast that will be hosted outside.
More can be found out at www.loudounpassionplay.org
FAIRFAX
Trace Adkins with special guest- Bill Engvail (commedian)
Sunday Night, March 16 at 7:30pm
George Mason Patriot Center
Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmastercom.
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4 Ways To Guarantee That Your Home Doesn’t Sale
March 13th, 2008 categories: For Homeowners, Sellers
On the first date, you have 1 objective (most of you). To get the second second date.
There are some obvious things you would not do on the first date. Things like talking about how much you loved your X, sharing with your date your gas or snoring problem, open the door only for yourself, or point to and start laughing about a small piece of food on the other persons face. You may decide that you do not want another date with this person. However, when it comes to selling your home, you probably don’t care who buys it. As long as it gets sold.
Since you want your house sold, there are some things that you should never do. In fact if you do them, there is a good chance that you will not be getting another date/showing of your house.
Here are 4 ways to guarantee that your home will not be sold:
4. Smoke inside of your home or cook Curry with the windows down on a continual basis. It will not matter how nice your home shows if it smells so bad that people cannot think normally. I have had clients overlook homes that show better than others because of strong odors and the work it will require to get rid of the smell.
3. Try selling your home with filthy or rude tenants living there. This is a tough one. It is hard to force a tenant to live as if they are selling thier own home. I had a listing once where the tenant would leave the house with his hair all over the bathroom, clothes everywhere… you get the point. I actually feel that it is best to wait until they move out to put the home on the market. Remember, the longer it sits with dirty tenants the more “days on market” it shows and the lower your price will go. It’s better to pay the mortgage for a couple of months with no one living there if possible.
2. Leave the house with all of the lights off and windows shut. Listen, there are a couple of things that owners can’t change easily when they buy. One of them is SPACE. If you have it- show it. Dark homes look smaller. If you know someone is coming to your house to view it, do yourself a favor and turn ALL of the lights on. If it is day time, also open ALL the blinds. People like brightness and it will make your home appear more spacious.
DRUM ROLL……. AND THE NUMBER ONE THING YOU CAN DO TO KILL YOUR CHANCE OF SELLING YOUR HOME IS……
1. Stay home while it is being shown to give a tour. Listen. We know you like YOUR house. But you being at home while a Realtor is showing it to their clients will only cause the buyer to feel VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. Buyers don’t care what you did to your house on their first visit. If you want them to see something new you put in, put a sign on it. Buyers need to feel like they can go through your closets, cabinets, etc… Remember, you want to get rid of the home. Who cares if they go through your stuff? Would you want to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and not be able to know the details of what you are buying?
So…. Do not give tours. Leave. If you have a baby asleep… then let the Realtor know ahead of time and stay with the baby. Worse case scenario… Go for a walk outside. Do Not Stay Home!
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Loudoun County February Home Sales Stats
March 12th, 2008 categories: Loudoun County, Market Statistics
I attempt every Wednesday to keep you up to date with market stats. This week I am covering Loudoun County market stats.
I found these stats to be pretty encouraging since I am a Loudoun resident.
A few good notes:
- There was an increase in home sales this month!
- The days on market have continued to decline.
- There was an increase in active listings. This is obviously not good. However, a large percentage of these listings are in a stage of foreclosure. We have to get through them before this market completely heals itself.
- There were fewer new listings this month. Less supply* More demand*
- There was a 10% increase in contracts (pending sales)!
Hang in there Loudoun. We are going to ride this thing out!
To search for homes in Loudoun County click here.
If you are looking for a Realtor who sales homes in Loudoun County in the Ashburn, Sterling, Cascades, Leesburg, Purcellville, Round Hill, Hamilton areas you can contact me here.
If you like what you are reading and would like to receive articles I post, sign up in the right hand corner of the page. You can cancel any time.
Related Articles:
The Numbers: Loudoun County Statistics
Fairfax and Arlington January 08 Statistics
Stats were taken from the Dulles Association of Realtors. All information is deemed reliable but should be verified for accuracy. Stats do not include listings not uploaded in to MRIS.
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Community Of The Week: BIG BRAMBLETON
March 11th, 2008 categories: Brambleton, Community Of The Week, New Construction
Every Tuesday I discuss new communities.
Today, lets discuss one of the best neighborhoods in Ashburn: BRAMBLETON. If you are moving or relocating to the area, Brambleton is worthy of your attention. No matter how often I go through it, which is a lot, I am amazed by the continual work and upgrades going on.
Past And Present
The community will be build across 2,000 acres of land and when finished should have 6,200 housing units. The brain behind the project was Soave Enterprises. In April 2007 at the Northern VA Building Industry Event, Brambleton was named the “Community Of The Year.” Brambleton was also the first community in the states to have Verizon FIOS at homes within the community. Even better, it is apart of the low HOA fee, which also includes 4 pools, tot-lots, walking paths, parks, ponds, tennis and basketball courts,and more. Oh, by the way, Brambleton golf course is across the street.
Currently there are 6 award-winning builders within the community.
- Miller and Smith (A Local Builder)
- Centex
- Gulick Group
- Beazer
- Stanley Martin
- Winchester Homes
These builders have everything from luxury condos, town homes, attached singles, single family homes, and luxury estate singles. There is a re-sale market also available in Brambleton with some great homes. Though Loudoun County has struggled the last couple of years in sales, Brambleton at times has actually seen an increase in the amount of sales within the community.
Whats So Great?
When speaking with Brambleton residents they say that, ”the beauty of the town is that everything you need is right here”. Brambleton is close to everything. It is very close to the Toll Road, Loudoun County Parkway, Belmont Ridge Road, Evergreen Mills Road, Route 50, 7, 28, and possibly the future stop of the Dulles Metro!
Do you have kids? Don’t worry, some of Loudoun’s best schools are in walking distance!
What residents and non-residence love the most about Brambleton has to be “Brambleton Town Center.” It is an amenity in and of itself. This is not your average grocery store with a few shops. This town center has tons of shopping and it is still growing. A few stores to mention:
- Caribou Coffee, California Tortilla, Nicks Corner Grill, Cold Stone Creamery, Froots
- Barnes and Nobles (coming), Go Bananas, The Papery (coming)
- The Next Step, Annalee’s Formals
- Chevy Chase Bank, Harris Teeter, UPS, A&A Music
- MANY MORE
If you are a guy that can’t handle all the shopping like myself, you can knock out a few hours at the new stadium seating 16 screen Fox Cinemas! Be careful or you may find yourself napping on the reclining leather seats instead. To be honest, I can’t imagine driving to Sterling for another movie any longer after watching one at Fox.
If you are interested in finding out more about Brambleton, check out their website.
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Other Great Communities:
Community Of The Week: Winsbury Of Arcola
New Windermere Community In Ashburn
Community Of The Week: Waterford Ridge
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A Great First Time Buyer Option
March 10th, 2008 categories: Buyers
I had a dinner the other night with a friend who has been wanting to buy for a long time.
They, like many buyers that have been waiting for a while and were frustrated with all of the hoopla that has been going on that is making it more difficult to buy at this time. We now have homes that are affordable, but restrictions are making it hard for them to get in.
I want to let you in on a great program that could really help you at as a first time buyer. It is called an… Read the rest of this entry »
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Loudoun and Fairfax Events
March 8th, 2008 categories: Local Events
Looking for something to do in this Weekend?
Have you ever heard of Andrew McKnight? If you haven’t, don’t miss out on hearing him tonight, March 8th at:
At Jammin’ Java
227 Maple Ave. East, Vienna, VA
Andrew is a contemporary musician and poetic story teller. More information can be found at: http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/events/1133/
Looking for a local photography group?
The Loudoun County Photography Club meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at Cascades Library. They have speakers, field trips, workshops, and exhibitions for FREE!
Check out www.loudounphotoclub.com
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