Homeownership got you stressed out, wiped out, and plagued with despair?  If your dream of homeownership has left you mentally strained and financially drained, then maybe it is time to cut your losses and find a more favorable solution. With the many complex issues surrounding today's real estate market, finding the right solution can be quite overwhelming.

Maybe I can help...

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I have the unique skill sets needed to evaluate your housing dilemma and provide you with a favorable alternative.  Regardless of your current situation, I am committed to finding the solution that works best for you.  

For immediate consideration, contact me today. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to confidentially discuss the solution that is right for you.  This service is complimentary. 

Excessive inventory.  In recent years, the housing inventory has skyrocketed.  With the downfall of the economy and the steady influx of short sales and foreclosures, there is now an abundance of homes available for sale.  Today, supply exceeds demand. Overpricing your home in a market where supply exceeds demand is termed seller suicide!  Why sabotage your own sale?  Instead, price your home competitively giving you the best possible chance of getting it sold in a timely manner.

Buyer's Appraisal.  In order for the buyer to qualify for a mortgage loan, the buyer's lender must appraise your home.  If the appraised value is less than the sales price, the appraised value will equate to the maximum loan amount that the lender would be willing to approve.  In order for the buyer to secure a mortgage loan, the sales price must not exceed the appraised value.

No traffic.  The first week after placing your home on the market is a very crucial time.  This is the time to capture interested buyers.  If your home is overpriced, you are unlikely to receive any visitors.  Buyers will preview other homes in your neighborhood but skip yours. To ensure a steady flow of traffic to your home, price your home competitively.  Ultimately, this will increase your chances of receiving an offer from a ready, willing, and able buyer.

No offers.  If your home is overpriced, you are unlikely to receive an offer as buyers are not willing to pay more for your home than it is worth.  Rather, they will simply move on to the next property.  It is imperative that you price your home in accordance with the current market value to increase the possibility of generating an offer.

No sale.  Overpricing your home will ultimately end in no sale.  As previously stated, buyers are unwilling to pay more for your home than its current market value. Therefore, overpricing your home will only help to ensure that your real estate transaction will not end in a successful sale.

These words were spoken to me by a prospective client a few days ago.  As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)and one who is highly experienced in representing home buyers and sellers in the short sale process, I wanted to address the negative perception that still permeates the industry regarding short sales.

A short sale is the sale of property where the total amount of the seller's outstanding loan(s) exceeds the current market value of the home.  Short sales grew in popularity as a result of the downfall of the economy.  Initially, short sales were frowned upon because they symbolized the seller's inability to pay his or her mortgage debt.  Naturally, this became an embarrassing factor for many home owners.  Nonetheless, as the economy continued on a downward spiral, short sales became a method of survival.  Today, short sales are a way of life.

The perception of short sales has drastically changed throughout the real estate industry.  Long-gone are the days when short selling your home was something to be embarrassed and ashamed of.  In many cases, short selling is considered a smart decision.  When in doubt, just as a short sale expert like me!

To all prospective home sellers who are considering short selling your homes, there is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about.  Short sales have become a way of life and you need not feel ashamed to short sell your home.  Home owners short sell their homes for many reasons and you should feel comfortable in making this decision as well. 

If you are considering short selling your home in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the neighboring areas in northern VA, please contact me for assistance.  I would be happy to evaluate your circumstances and help determine if short selling your home is the best decision for you.

Are you looking for ways to reduce the cost of your daily commute in northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC?  If you are interested in a cheaper ride to work, then check out Ridematching and Ridesharing with Commuter Connections.  Through Ridematching and Ridesharing, Commuter Connections can instantly help you find a list of compatible carpool and vanpool partners who can help you save on the cost of your daily work commute.  You are free to join an existing carpool or vanpool or you can simply start your own.

For added convenience, Commuter Connections offers you a Guaranteed Ride Home when you carpool, vanpool, bicycle, walk or take any form of public transportation to work at least twice per week.  For unexpected emergencies or unscheduled overtime, you need not worry about your transportation home. Commuter Connections will provide you with a free taxi ride home or a rental car up to four times per year.

If you are looking for ways to reduce the cost of your daily commute in northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC, Commuter Connections may be the best solution for you.  To register for Commuter Connections, please visit www.commuterconnections.org.  For questions regarding the program, please call 1-800-745-RIDE.  Happy Commuting!

Are you interested in purchasing a garden style condo in Alexandria VA?  Garden style condos range from 1 - 4 floors and are very popular among prospective home buyers.  Although Alexandria also offers a wide selection of mid-rise and high-rise condos, if you are looking for a garden style condo in Alexandria you will not be disappointed.

Currently, there are 102 garden style condos available in Alexandria.  This list of condos includes 9 foreclosures and 13 short sales.  The 80 listings remaining are all regular sales.  This is great news for prospective home buyers!  With the limited number of foreclosures and short sales available, home buyers can expect to find a large selection of garden style condos available for occupancy in approximately 30 days.

If you are interested in buying a garden style condominium in Alexandria, now is the perfect time!  Interest rates remain at historic lows and there is plenty of inventory from which to choose. 

Feel free to browse my complete list of Alexandria garden style condos for sale now.  If you see something of interest and would like to request a showing, please contact me for assistance.

Prospective home buyers are usually eager to begin previewing homes for sale.  After months ofsearching online for the perfect home, many are anxious to begin their house hunting adventures.  To make the most of your house hunting endeavors, here are my top 5 things to do before heading out to preview homes for sale in your area.

Attend a buyer interview.  Meet with your real estate agent to discuss your housing needs.  In turn, your agent will discuss the housing market in your area and will thoroughly explain the home buying process so that you understand what to expect and when to expect it.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage loan.  Establish your purchasing power before you head out to preview active listings.  This will ensure that you maximize time spent by looking at only those homes that fit into your desired price range.  Looking at homes outside of your price range is an ineffective use of everyone's time including the seller.

Determine your desired location.  It is important to determine where you would like to live before heading out to preview homes. Your location should be narrowed down to a single city, neighborhood or subdivision.  The more definitive you are about your location, the more productive you will be in your house hunting adventures.

Commit to working with a single agent.  Now that you are ready to begin your house hunting activities, it is time to commit to working with an agent.  Working with an agent is very important as you will need someone to represent your interest during the sale.  In most cases, the fees for hiring a buyer's agent are paid by the seller.  Therefore, you should take advantage of this benefit by hiring an experienced real estate agent to protect your interest during the sale.

Ensure that all decision makers are available for showings.  The decision to purchase a home is often made by multiple decision makers.  All decision makers should be present during property previews.  This is very important as it is often difficult to coordinate schedules for a return visit to the property.  In addition, even in this difficult housing market some properties are receiving multiple offers, which means the decision to purchase must be made almost immediately.  To ensure that decisions can be made in a timely manner, please make certain that all decision makers are present when previewing homes for sale.

Over the past several years, we have witnessed the extreme rise and fall of housing prices throughout the metro area.  We have seen interest rates suspended at record lows and an inventory of houses plentiful enough to please the area's most selective buyers. 

It is January 2012, and condo prices in Kingstowne remain immensely affordable while interest rates continue at their lowest in years.  So what are you waiting for?  Now is the perfect time to purchase your next condo in Kingstowne.  Plus, you will love the new Kingstowne Shopping Center and all of the amenities and recreational facilities that Kingstowne has to offer.

For immediate consideration, I have attached a list of Kingstowne condos currently available for sale.  Kingstowne condo listings include single and multi-level condos and garage condos rich in architectural design.  If you have been looking for the perfect condo in Kingstowne, I am sure you will find a home that suits your needs. 

Feel free to browse the following list of Kingstowne condos for sale now.  If you have questions regarding the listings or would like to schedule a private tour, please contact me for assistance.  I am quite familiar with the Kingstowne area and would be delighted to show you around.

Chancery of Kingstowne

Essex House

Eton Square Condos

Island Creek Condos

Stratford Place at Kingstowne

Surrey at Manchester Lakes

Tiers of Manchester Lakes

Victoria Crossing


Interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia?  Contact me for assistance!  My expertise include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, divorce, and relocation.    
  

                         

Looking for an affordable place to call home this holiday season?  If you are looking for the perfect home at an affordable price, check out my latest list of condos, townhouses and single family homes currently available in Alexandria VA.  This list includes a rich selection of Alexandria homes all priced at $300,000 and under!  

If you have been thinking about buying a home in Alexandria, now is the time.  Interest rates remain at record lows and there are plenty of affordable homes from which to choose.  

So, why wait?  Check out my latest list of Alexandria condos, townhouses and single family homes priced at $300,000 and under now!  You just might find the home of your dreams right here.  If you see something you like and would like to schedule a showing, please contact me for assistance.

Alexandria condos under $300,000

Alexandria townhouses under $300,000

Alexandria single family homes under $300,000 

Currently, there are 98 active high-rise condo listings in Alexandria.  This list includes 10 foreclosures and 8 short sales.  The 80 listings remaining are all regular sales, which is great news for home buyers.  With the limited number of short sale and foreclosure listings available, home buyers can expect to find a large selection of high-rise condos available for occupancy in approximately 30 days! 

If you have been thinking about buying a high-rise condo in Alexandria, now is the time!  Interest rates remain at record lows and there is plenty of inventory from which to choose.  Feel free to browse my list of Alexandria high-rise condos now.  To request a showing, please contact me for assistance.

It is not uncommon for real estate agents to represent home sellers who are going through a divorce.  In fact, I have done so many times during my 10 year career as a real estate agent.  Given the sensitive nature of the transaction, it is often one that must be handled with extreme care as emotions can run high. 

If you are thinking of selling your home due to a divorce, it is important to understand the REALTOR'S® loyalty.  Is the REALTOR® working more favorably for you or your soon to be ex-spouse?  

Regardless of your marital circumstance, as long as the house is in the names of both parties, the REALTOR® represents the interest of both parties.  In other words, the REALTOR®represents the current owners of the house.  There is no separation of fiduciary duties and responsibilities in this case. Therefore, the agent works favorably and equally for both parties.

In addition, one party cannot influence the agent to make contractual decisions without the knowledge and consent of the other party as both signatures are required throughout the transaction. Further, the agent must treat both parties with the same level of honesty, care, and respect.  Any actions to the contrary is considered unethical and should be brought to the attention of the Broker-in-Charge.

If you are going through a divorce and would like to consult with a REALTOR® experienced in this capacity, please feel free to contact me for assistance.  Rest assured that any information shared will remain confidential.

Thinking of selling your home in Kingstowne VA? Do you know how much your home is worth and what similar homes are selling for in your neighborhood?  Knowing the value of your home can help you better prepare for your upcoming sale.  Whether you are looking to sell your condo, townhouse, or single family home in Kingstowne, you can quickly find what similar homes are selling for in your specific subdivision by clicking the links below. 

For your convenience, the information provided includes all Kingstowne condos, townhouses, and single family homes sold in the past six months.  You can easily find what similar homes in your area are selling for as each listing is alphabetized by street.  If you have questions regarding the list of homes sold, feel free to contact me.  Making an accurate assessment of your home's value is extremely important so please feel at ease in asking as many questions as you would like.

For a more detailed analysis of your Kingstowne home, please contact me for assistance.  I am happy to assess the value of your home at no cost to you.  To request my Free Home Evaluation, simply click the preceding link and complete the form on the right.  You will be contacted shortly afterwards. 

Recent Home Sales in Kingstowne (22315) - Homes Sold Since May 2011

Kingstowne Condos Sold

Kingstowne Townhouses Sold

Kingstowne Single Family Homes Sold

Active Listings in Kingstowne (22315) - Kingstowne Homes for Sale 

Kingstowne Condos for Sale

Kingstowne Townhouses for Sale

Kingstowne Single Family Homes for Sale

For many home sellers, attempting to sell a tenant-occupied home can be a difficult task.  While  some tenants are exceptionally helpful and willing to do everything possible to assist you in selling your home, many of them will not.  If you are thinking of selling your tenant-occupied home, check out my top 10 reasons not to list your home until the tenants are gone.

1. Tenants have no vested interest in the sale of your home.  Thus, it is of low priority to them.

2. Tenant-occupied homes are NEVER "show-ready" when prospective buyers arrive.

3. Buyers can be unforgiving.  If your home is not a show-place, agents must find another place to show.

4. Tenants are often uncooperative with agents, which can prolong the sale of your home.  

5. If showing your home is a difficult process, agents will simply move on to the next one.

6. Tenants often restrict access to the property, which makes it difficult for your home to receive adequate showings.

7. Tenants often restrict access to specific rooms in the house, which makes it difficult for buyers to make an informed decision.

8. Tenants often refuse to leave so that prospective buyers can preview the home in private.

9. Tenants often refuse access to the property for inspections.

10. Tenants are always eager to share their living experience, thoughts, and opinions of the home with prospective buyers.  What will they say about your home?

Interested in buying a short sale in Lorton?  As of October 28, 2011, there are 18 active short sale listings in Lorton VA.  Home prices range from $105,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath town home to $599,000 for a gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath single family home in Lorton Station. If you would like to own a home in Lorton at an affordable price, why not check out the latest list of short sales available now!  

To preview a complete list of short sales now available in Lorton, simply follow the link to browse Lorton VA short sales now.  If you have questions regarding the listings or would like to schedule a showing, feel free to email me or call 703-298-6546.

If you would like an updated list of short sales currently available in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas, just ask!  For addition information on how to purchase a short sale simply click the preceding link or contact me directly.

Browse Homes for Sale in Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Laurel Crest, Laurel Highlands and more!

Lorton is a charming community located just south of Springfield in northern Virginia's Fairfax County.  In recent years, Lorton VA real estate has undergone considerable growth and development making it the perfect place to buy your next condo, townhouse, or single family home.

Lorton homes for sale range from single and multi-level condominiums to a beautiful selection of luxury townhouses and single family homes.  If you are looking for your next dream home, Lorton has many upscale communities from which to choose.  One of Lorton's most prominent communities is Lorton Station.  Lorton Station is a 300 acre, planned community comprised of approximately 950 homes.  Lorton Station is just under a 30-minute drive to Washington, DC.  Lorton also houses the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter train station for ease of commuting to areas in and around Washington, DC.  The closest metro station to Lorton is the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station, which is less than 15 minutes away.

Other popular neighborhoods in Lorton include Laurel Hill, Laurel Crest, and Laurel Highlands.  If you are considering purchasing your next home in Lorton, you are certain to find an array of homes to suit your needs.  To browse a list of available homes in Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Laurel Crest, and Laurel Highlands, please click the preceding link.  To browse the complete list of homes available throughout the Lorton area, simply follow the links below.  

        Lorton homes for sale

        Lorton condos for sale

        Lorton townhouses for sale

        Lorton single family homes for sale 

For questions regarding the listings or to schedule a showing, please feel free to call, text, or email me for assistance.

• Alexandria Condos for Sale

In recent weeks, I have received several phone calls from prospective renters.  Many have stated that they rarely receive return phone calls when contacting real estate agents about the possibility of renting a property.  To assist in this process, I have compiled 5 easy steps that prospective tenants should follow.  These 5 steps are designed to increase the odds of getting a return call from a rental agent.  Simply follow these guidelines, be proactive in your approach, and you will be well on your way to securing your next rental.

1. Obtain a copy of your credit report.  Before contacting a real estate agent, you should first obtain a copy of your credit report.  You can request a copy of your credit report from any credit bureau.  You may also obtain a copy of your credit report from multiple online services such as freecreditreport.com.  When you are ready to make contact with an agent, be proactive in your approach.  Inform the agent that you have a copy of your credit report and be willing to share your credit history with the agent.  This demonstrates your commitment to the process, helps determine the likelihood of your application being accepted by a landlord, and increases your chances of working successfully with an agent.

2. Be financially prepared.  Before contacting a real estate agent, make sure you are financially prepared to move forward.  In most cases, tenants must pay the first month's rent, security deposit (equal to the first month's rent), pet deposit, and any required move-in fees.  Tenants should also be prepared to transfer all utilities and pay all associated utilities fees.

3. Focus on a single location.  Before contacting a real estate agent, you should narrow your focus to a single location.  This is extremely important!  Most real estate agents will not travel from city to city previewing rentals.  Therefore, you should narrow your focus to a single location (short radius, vicinity, or subdivision) that is desirable to you.  When contacting an agent, be proactive by assuring them that you have a single location in mind.

4. Be willing to do some of the "leg work" on your own.  Real estate agents are always happy to provide you with listings.  Once you identify a few properties of interest, drive to the neighborhoods to see if the locations meet your requirements.  Most rental agents will preview properties with you ONCE.  Therefore, you should be prepared to spend this time previewing properties that you are truly interested in.

5. Be willing to compensate your agent.  To secure an experienced rental agent, you should be prepared to compensate your agent for his or her time.  The compensation package for agents representing tenants is meager at best!  If you are looking for an experienced real estate agent to assist you in securing a rental, you should be prepared to compensate the agent accordingly.  
    

Are you or someone you know facing the possibility of foreclosure?  Here are seven ways to avoid foreclosure now.  

1. Reinstatement.  The homeowner pays the total amount owed to bring the mortgage payments current.  This includes all overdue payments as well as the current amount due.  To obtain lender approval for reinstatement, the homeowner must be able to demonstrate to the lender that funds are available for repayment and the amount in arrearage will be made current within a short time.  Some lenders will negotiate up to 24 months for reinstatement. 
    
2. Forebearance or Repayment Plan.  Through negotiations with the lender, the homeowner agrees to repay the amount in arrears over a specified period of time.
    
3. Loan Modification.  The homeowner successfully negotiates with the lender to obtain a lower monthly mortgage payment.  This can be done by modifying the interest rate and/or principal balance on the existing loan.
    
4. Short Refi.  The lender agrees to refinance the existing mortgage for less than what is currently owed on the property.  With so many homeowners "upside down" in their homes (property value is less than the total amount owed), now is a great time to negotiate a short refi. 
    
5. Short Sale.  With lender approval, the home is sold at an amount less than the payoff of the existing loan.  Today, short sales are now being approved for a variety of reasons under far less scrutiny.  In addition, many banks and lien holders are offering financial incentives up to $30,000 for a successful short sale transaction.  Find out if you qualify today.
    
6. Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA).  Homeowners who qualify for the HAFA Program can sell their homes under pre-approved short sale terms and receive a cash incentive of $3,000 for the purposes of relocating.
    
7. Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP).  Offered to eligible military employees and federal civilian employees under specific guidelines. The program offers homeowner assistance in private home sales, government home purchases, as well as other specific areas.

Kingstowne is one of Alexandria’s (Fairfax County) most popular housing communities. As a Kingstowne resident for nearly 15 years, I have witnessed tremendous growth and development throughout the Kingstowne area. Now with more than 5300 homes, several restaurants, a 227,359 square-foot shopping center, post office, car wash and a host of other amenities, Kingstowne is the perfect place to call home.

Picking Up the Pieces When Your Dreams of Homeownership Fall Apart! 

Homeownership has always been synonymous with “The American Dream.”  With the influx of flexible loan programs, interest only loans, and other mortgage lending options in recent years, many people have been able to achieve “The American Dream.”  But what happens when your dream of homeownership falls apart?  For many families, it is the beginning of an emotional roller coaster with varying periods of despair, avoidance, disillusion, acceptance, and hope.

So, how do you pick up the pieces when your dreams of homeownership fall apart?  You do so by holding fast to “acceptance without blame” and “hope for the future.”  I realize that accomplishing this is no small feat!  Therefore, I would like to extend an offer to assist you along the way.  Regardless of your homeownership status, I invite you to contact me to confidentially discuss the options available to you.  You are…by far…not alone as many homeowners are faced with the same types of scenarios. Therefore, please feel comfortable in contacting me for assistance and know that I will always have your best interest at heart!

Should You Google Your Neighbors?

Inspired by recent events, which I have chosen to reveal in limited details, I ponder the question …Should You Google Your Neighbors?  For most home buyers, getting to know your neighbors typically takes place after you have moved into your desired neighborhood.  However on several occasions, real estate agents and their buyer clients have held minimal conversations with various neighbors while previewing homes.

Chatting with community residents is a normal part of the house hunting process.  New buyers want information on the neighbor particulars and existing homeowners are interested in the new buyer.  But … how many times have REALTORS® and their buyer clients chatted with an existing homeowner and the conversation seemed a bit odd?  For many of us, this has probably happened on more than one occasion.  Perhaps you all discussed the occurrence once you returned to the car, shrugged it off, and continued your house hunting endeavors.

Now fast forward a few months ... 

The buyer clients have settled into their new home.  The REALTOR® has since contacted the buyers on a couple of occasions and all seemed well.  One day, the REALTOR® gets a phone call from the buyers.  Remember the neighbor you all chatted with a few months ago?  You know ... the one that seemed a bit odd.  Well as it turns out … the neighbor is a fugitive … on the run for 7 years for multiple felonies.  He was apprehended late last night!

In light of this scenario ... 

Should You Google Your Neighbors?  Of course in this case, it is unlikely that Google would have revealed the neighbor’s true identity because he gave a false name on the day you all met. However, a quick review of the tax records would have revealed that this “odd little neighbor” was not a verifiable homeowner!  

... Have You Googled Your Neighbors Lately? ...

1. Your home is an investment.  If you invested $1,000 in the stock market, would you monitor your return on investment (ROI)?  Your home should be treated with the same zeal. Your home is probably worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Therefore, you should monitor your housing investment just as you would your investment portfolio.
   
   
2. You should avoid over investing in your home.  Over investing in your home can be easily accomplished if you do not know your home’s value.  While home repairs and improvements are often warranted, you should avoid making improvements that add “nothing” to your existing property value.  You should also know that each time a property is sold in your neighborhood, the sale could negatively or positively affect the value of your home.  For example, if your home was last valued at $200,000 and your neighbor’s home (which is very similar to yours) just sold for $150,000, it is probably not a good idea to invest in granite countertops and stainless steel appliances as you would not receive an adequate return on your investment.  To avoid over investing in your home, find out how much your home is worth before making any improvements.
   
   
3. Your HELOC may be negatively affected.  If you currently have a home equity line of credit (HELOC) on your home, it may be suspended due to a decrease in your home’s value.  Knowing how much your home is worth along with a quick review of your HELOC can help you avoid any unpleasant circumstances.
   
   
4. Your home’s value may affect your ability to refinance. Homeowners often refinance their homes to pay for home repairs and renovations, unexpected medical expenses, bill consolidation, and other expenses.  However, existing market conditions and home sales may leave you void of this option as your home may lack sufficient equity to qualify for refinancing.  Knowing how much your home is worth can put you on the path to finding alternative solutions if refinancing is not an option for you.
   
   
5. You can have your home evaluated FREE.  Whether you are planning to sell your home now or sometime in the near or distant future, I am happy to evaluate and determine your home’s value at no cost to you.  Simply follow the link to request your free home evaluation today!                                                                          

Popular condo communities in Kingstowne include Carrdinal Place, Chancery of Kingstowne, Condo at Island Creek, Eton Square, Stratford Place, and the Tiers of Manchester Lakes (Tiers, Tiers II).  To browse a list of Kingstowne condos by subdivision, simply follow the preceding link for immediate access.

         

Buying a Home in Kingstowne?  Discover the Kingstowne Experience and Find Information on Kingstowne Real Estate and Homes for Sale Now!  

Kingstowne is a planned community of over 5300 homes in the Franconia-Springfield area of northern Virginia’s Fairfax County, zip code 22315.  Kingstowne is home to 712 condominiums, 2,799 town houses, 587 single family homes, and 1,213 apartment units.  When it comes to housing, Kingstowne has it all!  The community, well known for its modern, yet suburban atmosphere, includes a large selection of contemporary style condos, townhouses, and single family homes. Kingstowne condos include single and multi-level condos as well as luxury style, garage condos. Kingstowne townhouses include a large collection of traditional and contemporary style town homes along with an impressive selection of luxury style town homes. Single family homes in Kingstowne include a beautiful assortment of large, luxurious homes that are certain to please the select buyer.  If you are considering purchasing your next home in Kingstowne, you will not be disappointed! Search Kingstowne real estate and homes for sale now.

Living in Kingstowne.  Living in Kingstowne provides immediate access to home stores, department stores, restaurants, grocery stores, nail salons, two exercise facilities, a movie theater, post office, car wash, and other recreational facilities. Some of the stores you’ll find in Kingstowne include Kohls, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, World Market, Famous Footwear, Dress Barn, The Avenue, Ross, Safeway, and Giant Foods.  In addition, residents enjoy a full range of eateries including Bonefish Grill, Pasara Thai, Macaroni Grill, Panara Bread, Noodles & Company, Johnny Rockets, Chipotle, Shiro Japanese Steak House, King Street Blues, and Ruby Tuesday, to name a few. Kingstowne restaurants and stores are conveniently located within walking distance of area homes.

Public Transportation in Kingstowne.  For the busy commuter, Kingstowne offers easy access to Interstates 95, 395, and 495.  In addition, the community is centrally located within minutes of the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station and the Van Dorn Street Station, offering commuters easy access to Washington, DC and other regional employment centers.  For added convenience, Kingstowne offers easy access to several commuter buses. For additional information on public transportation access, please visit Washington Metro Area Transit Authority.  

Kingstowne Area Schools.  Kingstowne is located in the Fairfax County School District, the 11th largest school system in the nation.  Residents in and around the Kingstowne Community attend the following Fairfax County Schools:  Franconia Elementary, Lane Elementary, Island Creek Elementary, Hayfield Elementary, Rose Hill Elementary, Mark Twain Middle, Hayfield Middle, Hayfield High, and Edison High School.  For additional information on Kingstowne area schools, please visit Fairfax County Schools.  

If you are considering buying a home in Kingstowne, please contact me 703-298-6546 for assistance.  As a Kingstowne resident for nearly 15 years, I am thoroughly familiar with the area’s housing market, recreational facilities and events, as well as the rules and regulations governing the Kingstowne Community.  Contact me and begin your home search in Kingstowne today!  For immediate access to available homes in Kingstowne, simply click the link to search Kingstowne real estate and homes for sale now.

         

If you are considering buying a home in northern Virginia within the next 12 months, here are five important steps you need to take right now. 

1.      Establish a relationship with a real estate agent now.  That’s right!  Even if you are not planning to buy a home for several months, find a REALTOR® who is willing to work at your pace and begin building your relationship now.  This will afford you a tremendous opportunity to gain insight into the northern Virginia real estate market.  You can also feel comfortable asking questions and getting a timely response from a single source that you know and trust.  In addition, you will have immediate access to all the resources and tools needed to make your home search simple, easy, and convenient.  

2.      Evaluate your purchasing power now.  No, of course it’s not too early!  There is nothing more frustrating than planning to begin your house hunting activities in November and finding out in October that you do not qualify for the loan amount that you were expecting.  To avoid this unsavory experience, find out how much house you can afford now.  This process is quite simple!  Just ask your REALTOR® for assistance. 

3.      Know how much cash you need to close the deal.  This is a great time to evaluate your cash flow.  Yes, it is still a buyer’s market!  However, this does not guarantee that your entire closing costs will be paid by the sellers.  Even if the sellers agree to pay your closing costs in full, you still may need cash for your down payment, home inspection(s), home warranty, minor repairs, moving expenses, utilities, and so on.  To ensure that you have enough cash to close the deal, evaluate your cash flow now.  Your REALTOR® can guide you through this process quickly and easily.

4.      Understand the housing options available to you.  In the northern Virginia real estate market, there are multiple options available to most home buyers.  These options include regular home sales, short sales, foreclosures or REOs, HUD homes, FSBOs, new construction, and rent-with-option.  Find the housing option that’s right for you by consulting with your REALTOR®.  The purchase process and requirements vary for each of the home choices listed.  Begin working with a real estate agent today to find the choice that’s right for you. 

5.      Get to know your community of choice.  This is a great time to discover what community amenities are most important to you.  Are you most concerned about nearby schools, access to neighborhood shopping, recreational and exercise facilities, transportation access?   What aspects are most important to you in selecting your new housing community?  Regardless of your preferences, now is a great time to narrow down your selections and find the location and community that is right for you.  Search northern Virginia communities now.

If you are thinking of buying a home in northern Virginia within the next 12 months and would like to get started on these five important steps, please contact me for assistance!  Regardless of your timeframe, I am happy to share my knowledge of the real estate industry and help prepare you for your future home purchase. Why Wait?  These services are all complimentary! 

Feel free to contact me at 703-298-6546 or Lisa@LisaDunham and let’s get started today. Search northern VA homes for sale now.

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia and Maryland, please contact me for assistance. My specializations include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, relocation, and divorce.

Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ABR, ePRO 
Allison James Estates & Homes 
703-298-6546 (Mobile) 
Lisa@LisaDunham.com
www.LisaDunham.com



         

Thinking of buying a short sale in Alexandria, Lorton, or Woodbridge? Get the facts first! Here are a few things to consider before committing your time and resources to purchasing a short sale in northern Virginia.

What is a short sale?

The term "short sale" refers to the sale of property where the total of the seller's outstanding loan(s) exceeds the current market value of the home. Basically, the seller has no equity!

Is buying a short sale property a good investment?

The short sale process can be lengthy and time consuming. However, there are still many well-kept properties being sold as short sales. Often, the final sales price of a short sale property is less than that of other homes in the area. Therefore, if patience is your virtue, then buying a short sale property may be a very good deal for you.

Will sellers negotiate the price of a short sale property?

As with any home sale, the sales price is always negotiable. However, the seller's lien holder(s) must approve the final sales price before buyer and seller can proceed with the transaction.

Can I still get a home inspection when purchasing a short sale?

Absolutely! As the buyer, you are still entitled to various types of home inspections. However, most short sale properties are sold "as is" because the seller(s) is not financially able to make any repairs and the lien holder will not make repairs on behalf of the seller(s). Therefore, all repairs will “likely” be the responsibility of the home buyer if he or she decides to move forward with the sale after the inspections have been completed.

How long will it take to complete a short sale transaction?

Each short sale transaction is unique. Because each bank (lien holder) has its own approval process, this is usually where most of the time is expended. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks and even months. Although buyers have the option to walk away from a short sale at "practically" any time, keep in mind that purchasing a short sale property requires tremendous patience.

What is the buyer's first step in considering the purchase of a short sale?

The buyer's first step is to contact a REALTOR® who specializes in short sales. As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I have assisted many buyers and sellers in the short sale process. Using my expertise and experience in the short sale process, I will seamlessly guide you through the many ups and downs associated with purchasing a short sale property.

For an immediate appointment, please contact me at 703-298-6546. For additional information on short sales in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern VA or MD, please visit my website at www.LisaDunham.com.

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia and Maryland, please contact me for assistance. My specializations include first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, relocation, and divorce.

Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ABR, ePRO 
Allison James Estates & Homes 
703-298-6546 (Mobile) 
Lisa@LisaDunham.com 
www.LisaDunham.com

         

REALTORS® everywhere will likely agree that the perfect short sale client is not necessarily the buyer or seller who knows the market and understands that there are risks associated with a short sale transaction.  Rather, the perfect short sale client is the one who listens! … NOT ... to your former neighbor and resident carpooling expert, Joan, who sold her house six years ago … not to your co-worker and best friend, Bob, who lives in Washington, DC and you live in Walla Walla, Washington … and not to your childhood co-conspirator and closest confidant, Millie, who’s been renting Greenhouse Apt. #101 for nearly 12 years now.  The perfect short sale client is the home buyer or seller who listens to the professional real estate agent, who has undergone extensive training in how to efficiently and effectively facilitate a short sale transaction.  This distinctive group of real estate professionals can be easily recognized by the Blue Logo.

What's the Blue Logo?

The Blue Logo is the official designation of a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE).  A CDPE has invested his or her time and financial resources into obtaining a higher degree of knowledge and education needed to facilitate your short sale transaction.  A CDPE understands the unique facets of today’s real estate market and is intensely familiar with the options and solutions available to short sale home buyers and sellers today.  Further, a CDPE is proficient in negotiating with mortgage lenders, foreclosure attorneys, settlement agents, community associations, and other real estate professionals involved in the short sale transaction.   

Interested in buying a short sale property in Alexandria, Lorton, or Woodbridge ... OR... would like to discuss the possibility of short selling your Alexandria, Lorton, or Woodbridge home?  ... Sorry ... Joan, Bob, and Millie can’t help you!  Yes, I know they mean well and they all have your best interests at heart.  However, you need the knowledge, expertise, and experience of a CDPE.  Hire one today and rest assured that you have placed your real estate needs in the hands of a certified industry expert! For additional information or to schedule an appointment with a CDPE today, please visit my website at www.LisaDunham.com or contact me directly at 703-298-6546.