Hi J43!!
Cameron Station is a really great community. There are a lot of condos for sale there now and some at really lower than normal prices; esp. the ones in the newest building there, which is very pretty inside with nice ammenities. Who knows where interest rates will be in the future, but everyone says "higher". And you won't have the recent tax credit for buyers, which just got extended. Why not go ahead now and connect with a Realtor locally in Alexandria who knows that market and who can sit down with you, start discussing purchase options, and who can point you in the right direction? There's no time like a few months before to start working with and selecting your Buyer Agent, so that you have representation when you are ready and who can help you through the process and to understand what your options are. Then go out and start looking and get automatic listings sent to you.

I'm here in Alexandria and have been for many years. Happy to help you and there are a lot of great realtors right here in town within short distance of Cameron Station. If I can help you give me a call or email me delaine@lnf.com or if you want more info or floor plans on Cameron Station models.


Delaine Campbell, REALTOR
Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR)
Certified Residential Specisalist (CRS)
Long and Foster Realtors
400 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 518-8740

Alexandria is an area where I don't work too often. But, I did want to pass along the info in this blog which may help you understand the current market and changes expected between now and spring 2010.

J43,

You have recieved some great answers. If you have not already done so, I highly recommend you contact a Realtor. Purchasing a home is a huge investment and you should have the proper representation. A realtor can get your questions answered, provide you detailed property data and create a buying strategy to narrow your search which will save you time and money.

I do not work this area, but let me know if you need name of some great Realors.

Good luck,
Chris

I don't know what the predictions then will be. It is a spring market, BRAC is moving to Fort Belvoir and close by Seminary Road area............so it may be that prices go up. I would be glad to send you automatic e mails (you don't have to talk to me unless you want to) if you like. Have you gotten yourself approved so that you know what you can afford -- including the condo fee? If not, perhaps I can give you 3 lenders to talk to. But I would suggest you run your own credit report and give them the score so that they don't lower it by checking it until you are ready to buy,,,,,,

PS: My daughter lives in Cameron Station too and we have been happy with her selection.

Dear J43,
Cameron Station is a terrific community. There are several units in there that might work for you that are currently active. Would you like me to send you the full listings so you can peruse them? Of course inventory opens up in the spring as you know so we will likely see quite a few more properties come on the market then. What we don't know is whether the rates will stay where they are and whether or not sellers will continue to pay closing costs upwards of 3% (and or the possibility of the first time buyer tax extension). It's a bit of a crystal ball question at this point! I do have a unit coming up there sometime in the spring (my clients are planning to upsize to a house in Del Ray) so I would be happy to keep you in the loop these next few months. Please don't hesitate to contact me at nicky@cbmove.com or on my cell phone at 703-201-3318. Also, my website is up to the minute MLS so it's quite a bit more effective and accurate than most of the larger national sites out there. Feel free to create your own searches there with absolutely no obligation. (with respect to privacy I do not contact clients unless they want to be contacted). Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Nicky McDonnell

There are already places there and that's a nice area. You can always get sellers to pay for things. And also if they extend and increase the tax credit. I am just out Duke St from this complex and have investor rental in there which is doing well. There are a lot for sale now and good buys on the condo; esp. the new construction. Some short sales forthcoming. Call if you want more info or email.

Delaine Campbell
703 518 8740
Long and Foster Realtors
delaine@lnf.com

Hi J43

Based on your criteria and location I expect it will be possible to find a unit meeting your criteria sometime in March/April 2010. I am including a link here with homes recently sold, under contract or on the market meeting your general criteria though I did take the price to $365K as I figure you can always offer.

Click the following URL to see the listings:
http://mrislistings.mris.com/Matrix/Public/Portal.aspx?k=775…

An important question regarding your lease, does it expire at the end of April or later. So many sales can take months to go from contract to settement. I had a sale last month that took 6 months. Of course not all take that long but it is a factor to consider. Could you go month to month come the end of April?

I would be happy to discuss it with you further at your convenience.

Kathy Stark
Weichert, Realtors
703-201-9656
kathystark@msn.com