Archive for April, 2008
Beware Of Hidden Housing Issues
April 17th, 2008 categories: For Homeowners, Sellers
Many of the homes now under contract are being sold by the bank. As I mentioned earlier, the banks are not huge fans of addendum’s such as home inspections since most of them are being sold in their “AS IS” condition.
Being the diligent buyer you are, this is not an option. So what do you do? You get a home inspection for informational purposes only. If you find items that you aren’t willing to deal with you walk, if you still can, or try to work something out with the bank.
Here is a great video on some major issues to look out for during a home inspection. Even if you are hiring an inspector these will help you ask some great questions.
Sellers this is a great video for things to look out for. If you know of things that would scare away buyers it is best to address them before they scare away your future buyer.
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Farmwell Hunt’s Sales Comparison: Ashburn Towhomes Are Selling!
April 16th, 2008 categories: Ashburn, Farmwell Hunt, Market Statistics
Yesterday we discussed the Ashburn community of Farmwell Hunt.
There is no new construction in Farmwell Hunt so lets take a look at how well the resales are going. If you haven’t noticed from driving around lately there are UNDER CONTRACT signs everywhere! Homes around the 400k range and below are selling quickly thanks to great rates being offered through FHA financing.
Check out Farmwell Hunts stats from the last 120 days….
Townhomes:
Active: 1 ($379,000)
Under Contract: 4 (Average Price $354,950)
Sold: 3 (Average Sold Price $394,666)
Rented: Only 1! (Average Community Price $1950)
Single Family Detached:
Active: 6 (Average Price $685,600)
Under Contract: 1 ($595,000)
Sold: 2 (Average Sold Price $645,000)
If you would like a list of Farmwell Hunt or Ashburn properties emailed to you please contact me.
Stats are provided by MRIS. All information is deemed reliable but should be verified for accuracy.
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Community Of The Week: Farmwell Hunt
April 15th, 2008 categories: Ashburn, Community Of The Week, Farmwell Hunt
Tuesdays are all about great communities!
After living in Florida I have a fascination with with waterfront properties. There aren’t many communities in Ashburn that offer this option so the ones that do have my attention. Today, lets highlight Farmwell Hunt.
Farmwell Hunt is a Toll Brothers community that was built in 1996. The community has 576 homes spread out over 202 acres. 234 of the units are town homes. I have included a few townhome photos in this weeks slide show. Farmwell Hunt boasts extensive walking trails, beautiful trees, a tot lot, clubhouse, tennis courts, and a community pool. The HOA fee runs around $80 a month.
The location of Farmwell Hunt is perfect for a quick commute. The community is lodged directly between easy access roads. West of the community is Ashburn Rd., North of it is Farwell Rd., East is Ashburn Village Blvd., and just south of it is Shellhorn Rd.
Schools:
Elementary: Mill Run Elementary
Middle: Farmwell Station Middle School
High: Broad Run High School
If you are relocating to the area I am a Cartus and USAA Affinity Service Certified Agent.
If you are interested in viewing Farmwell Hunt homes contact me here.
Related Articles:
Community Of The Week: Ashburn Village
Community Of The Week: BIG BRAMBLETON
Not All News Is Bad!: Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling Neighborhood Stats
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What To Expect When Dealing With The Bank On Bank-Owned Properties
April 14th, 2008 categories: Short Sales & Foreclosures
There is a lot of confusion right now for buyers in knowing what to expect when placing an offer on a bank owned property. When banks place a home on the market they usually set their price according to a BPO (Brokers Price Opinion) given to them by a cooperating agent that is listing the home. If you have done your homework and the home is priced to sell compared to other homes for sale in the neighborhood then the home will usually sell very quickly. Here are a few things to remember when considering a bank owned property.
It is important to understand:
1. Bank Owned Properties priced well will usually get more than one offer within 2 weeks. The quicker your offer comes in the better.
2. The price will usually reflect the deep discounts that you are looking for so don’t expect a huge discount from the asking price if it is already priced well.
3. The Bank is not emotionally attached to the property. If the numbers work for them, you have a good chance. If not, you are wasting your time because some one will pay for the place.
4. The bank wants to wrap the deal up quickly. Settlements over 30 days out and with multiple contingencies like home inspections and sell of home are not favorably looked upon.
5. Banks will usually respond within a work week of an offer.
If you are looking for a list of bank-owned properties for sale in Ashburn, Sterling, Cascades, River Creek, Lansdowne, or other Northern VA areas contact me. I will be happy to email you over a list.
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Worst MLS Photo Of The Week: The Flux Capacitor
April 11th, 2008 categories: Worst MLS Photos
Here they are… this weeks worst mls photos.
I am not sure what this is. It may be apart of the flux capacitor but it doesn’t make me comfortable about the electricity in the house.
Is this an indoor hard sale? “Honey, look how spacious this living room is. Lets make sure we see this one!”
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
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Loudoun County 2008 Property Tax Increase
April 10th, 2008 categories: Local Issues, Loudoun County
Since the property values assessed by the county have declined, Loudoun county decided to make it up by increasing our tax rate to $1.14 per $100 of the assessed value. This increase will affect the average home owner by an average of $308! Oh how I love big government. Sorry, I can’t help myself at times for having an opinion.
Interested in knowing where all of that $1.14 goes?
$.69 ………… Schools
$.132………… Public Safety
$.133………… Other County Agencies
$.154………… Debt Services
$.025……….. Capital Projects
$.006……….. Comprehensive Services Act
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I Am A Relocation Specialist!
April 9th, 2008 categories: Real Estate News
I wanted to let you know that I am a now certified as a Relocation Specialist for:
Cartus Affinity (CNAS)
USAA (United States Auto Insurance)
HES (Home Event Services)
Cartus is the largest relocation company in the world. Therefore, if you are a member, or affiliate of one of these divisions and are looking to relocate to the Loudoun/ Fairfax area or out of the area feel free to contact me direct or ask your relocation department that you would like to work with me as your Realtor.
HES Relocation services many large companies such as Navy Federal Credit Union, and Chase Mortgage, AOL, and MANY more.
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New Construction Cutbacks
April 9th, 2008 categories: New Construction
Here is NVAR’s prediction on the cut backs of new construction through the next year.
Before you read too closely in to this and assume that builders are going to begin giving homes away, it is important that you understand that when you see this chart and hear the news say that builders are struggling, they are are referring to national statistics.
If you have spent much time in Loudoun County you will notice that there are are still new projects popping up all of the time. Builders have adjusted their prices here and for the most part are doing okay. I am not in denial that some have struggled, so we can discuss that in a later post.
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE
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Housing Predictions Through 2009
April 9th, 2008 categories: Market Statistics
Check out this housing prediction from NVAR on for the next year.
Click Image To Enlarge
Search Northern VA Homes For Sale
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Community Of The Week: Ashburn Village
April 8th, 2008 categories: Ashburn Village, Community Of The Week
On Tuesdays I highlight new communities throughout the area. The only problem is that some of the best developments in Ashburn are not brand new.
This week, lets highlight an older community in Ashburn; Ashburn Village. If you are new to discovering Ashburn, you should know that what we consider an older community really means that it has been around for a little more than 10 years. Ashburn Village was opened for development in 1987. The community is spread over 1500 acres with 5,000 housing units and over 15,000 residents!
Your first time driving in to the area, there is a high probability that Ashburn Village was the first neighborhood you saw. You noticed the large sign and huge flags off of route 7.
Housing:
Ashburn Village contains some of the most diverse living options in the area. It offers apartments, condos (Lakeshore), Townhomes, Single Family Homes of all sizes, and a 55+ community. Many of the residents back to water.
Schools:
Elementary: Ashburn Elementary School, Dominion Trail Elementary School
Middle: Farmwell Station Middle School
High School: (Just South of Ashburn Village) Broad Run High School
What sets Ashburn Village apart from other communities is that it offers the best amenities around. Ashburn Village has four recreation centers, four pools (1 indoor), 4 large ponds, and extensive walking trails throughout the community.
What Ashburn Village offers that no other community in the area can compete with is the Ashburn Village Sports Pavilion. This is the communities largest recreation center with a full size gym, work out facility, on-site nursery, racquetball courts, indoor pool, weight rooms, seasonally enclosed tennis courts, and fitness classes being taught. It is one of Virginia’s largest community-based recreation facilities.
This is all included in the price of your monthly HOA which runs around $100 depending where you live in the Village. If you have never seen the Ashburn Village Sports Pavilion I encourage you to take a tour. You can pay to use the facilities if you are not a resident.
Shopping:
Ashburn Village has a large and well kept community shopping center with the staple store being Giant. The shopping also includes an aray of restaurants from Indian to fast food. You will also find the local Dairy Queen, Blockbuster, Starbucks, Hallmark, UPS, Ashburn Tire and Auto, the dry cleaners, etc…
On the north side of the Village now called Ashbrook Commons there is a Harris Teeter shopping center. To the direct south of the village you will find the Bloom shopping center.
If you are considering purchasing or selling a home in Ashburn Village you can contact me here. If you are relocating to the area, I am a relocation expert with Cartus Relocation and USAA Relocation.
Search for homes in Ashburn Village by clicking here.
Related Articles:
Ashburn VA: A Suburb Of Small Cities
Not All News Is Bad!: Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling Neighborhood Stats
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