I have questions for anyone who has ever purchased a home.

1. When did you purchase your first home?
2. Do you remember what the interest rate was at the time?
3. What was your motivation to buy a home back then? 

My twin sister Patty and I purchased our first home in our mid 20's. The newspaper clipping to the right, is the townhome we purchased in the early 80's as first time buyers when we relocated to Northern Virginia from Upstate New York.

Below is a graph from Money Cafe, that shows you what the current interest rates are doing. Believe it or not mortgage rates are at historically low rates.

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Find more information at Money Cafe

Bottom line, interest rates will rise and fall and yet throughout history people still buy and sell homes. Back in the 1980's we were waitresses making a minimum wage of $3.10 an hour plus tips and yet we knew we wanted our own home. We purchased for just under $100,000. We lived in that home for many wonderful years. Today even with the economy the way it has been, that home has more than doubled in price and the current market value is over $250,000! The reality is, if we had kept that home it would be paid off by now.But that's a whole other blog post!

At what interest rate did you buy your first home and what motivated you to purchase a home?

If you are thinking it is time to consider buying a home, the first step is to learn what your buying power is. Markita Aldridge-Woods of Westar Mortgage here in Lake Ridge Virginia has helped many of our clients with getting a home loan Read more here

                                                                Need Help?

 Don't hesitate to call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email 

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty,14029 Crossing Place,Woodbridge Virginia 22192. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's,

Yesterday I was assisting a home buyer who has set their sites on Lake Ridge Virginia as the place they want to buy a home, raise their family and build their lives for the next ten years or so. They have been receiving automatic alerts for all the homes coming on the market in the Lake Ridge, Old Bridge Estates, Crestridge and Westridge homes.

Out of pure frustration yesterday, on a conference call they both said...

 "Gosh where are all the newer homes in Lake Ridge, Virginia?"

We have our hearts set on a home with a big kitchen and sun-room across the rear of the home. We want it light and bright with granite and vaulted ceilings. We are ready to buy asap if we can find that house Peg.

My response."I know where you can find a home that has exactly what your are looking for. However you will need to adjust your search criteria. The reason, is because Lake Ridge, Virgina was primarily built back in the early 1980's and most of the homes have long surpassed the ten year old mark. " Some of the newer sections have what you are looking. The challenge every home buyer is facing right now is the lack of inventory. So, as soon as a home is listed you will need to act quickly to beat your competition. There are many home buyers waiting for nice homes to come on the market.

I could hear the fear as they said to me. "Peggy we need a home in a few months!"

I said not to worry, that is what I am hear to help you with.I explained the reasons you have chosen Lake Ridge, Virginia to begin with, are all still here. Lake Ridge is a well established, active planned community with five community pools,five elementary schools, a middle school and a high school, it has the Lake Ridge Park and The Occoquan Reservoir for your enjoyment as well as a dynamite management company located right on Old Bridge Road.We have three shopping centers Tacketts Mill,  Hedges Run, Dillingham Square, and The Glen that offer everything from Starbucks, the Giant, Safeway, Bloom, Gold's Gym, Hair Salons, Restaurants,Karate, Day Care and Banking.

Buyer "all true.."

Me- " if you are open to some coaching, I can help you find the home that have in mind. The answer was yes.

We're listening and we trust that you know the area, we do not...

Ok here are the steps:

1. I need your help. I need to know what you live in now, and what you don't like that about that situation.
2. I need to know what you really want. Write down a list of items you are not willing to compromise on.
3. Now write a list of what you are willing to compromise on.
4. Next I will want to check with a local lender to see if your situation has changed. Interest rates are down since we met earlier in the year." I would not want you to buy to little of a home, if for just $100.00 more a month you could have everything you want and need".
5. It is important to allow me to help you explore all your options so you do not feel as if you have to settle for a home.

Does this makes sense to you?

It is my job to help you the buyer, find what you are looking for. Over the past twenty years assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate needs in the local Prince William County Virginia market, I have never helped someone buy a home, who was unhappy with their choice. Buying a home is nothing to rush into. It is a process.

          23 Year Old Home                              5 Year Old Homes                                   15 Year Old Home

You the buyer need to look at homes in different area's so you know for sure what is right for you, your lifestyle and your commute.

Chances are very good if you allow me to help you two things will happen.

1. You may learn that their are many homes available that you did not have on your radar screen because you didn't know where they were.
2. You may find with my help, that many of the homes that are older than 15 or 20 years,in many cases have been updated and renovated to meet the tastes of today's buyer.

I promise you this. If you take the time necessary to look at all of your options based on my twenty years of selling real estate here in the Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Virginia area you will not be waisting your time. Real estate agents have tools available to them to be able to help you find the renovated homes,the homes with additions and the newer features you are looking for.

                                                  Do you need help finding your dream home?

 Don't hesitate to call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email 

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty,14029 Crossing Place,Woodbridge Virginia 22192. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's,

A new listing just came on the market in one of the most sought after communities in Lake Ridge Virginia known as Westridge Subdivision. The interesting thing about this home is the size. It is one of the largest homes built in Westridge. It is the Surrey Model built by Long Homes.  It features over 3540 finished square feet on the first two levels. You will immediately feel you have room for everything you own and then some.

This home is owned by a local Realtor. Now one thing for sure, when a Realtor puts their private home on the market, chances are.... it is going to show well.

This one, is a Show Stopper! 

From the moment you pull up to the stunning brick home and walk to the front door you will realize this home has been loved. The home is priced to sell at $569,900. The main level boasts hardwoods floors, a two story foyer,  a massive family room, a sun-room,  and the most beautiful kitchen with a big window overlooking the fenced back yard and deck. This is a wonderful home for entertaining.  Upstairs will delight the fusiest buyer. Large secondary bedrooms and as you can see below a very romantic master bedroom with luxury renovated master bath and a real wood burning fireplace!

Also special mention this home has an extremely long driveway. No worries if your family has several cars. There is plenty of room for all of them!

This home is list by Louise Stone of Jobin Realty however if you would like Buyer Agent representation, please don't hesitate to contract our office at Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty. Erick, myself and Lou all work as Buyers Agents. Don't hesitate to call 703-590-2252.

Not sure if the right house for you?Here is a list of the resale activity in the Westridge Subdivision since January 1st, 2010. View Here Clearly this home is priced to sell. I showed it to someone yesterday and it is lovely, however my clients wrote on something else. So, don't miss this wonderful opportunity in Westridge. Call me anytime, I live in the community and this one is easy to show.

                                       Don't hesitate to call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email 

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty,14029 Crossing Place,Woodbridge Virginia 22192. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's,

Well the news is in. Compared to many area's across the country the Northern Virginia seems to be holding up better than most.

All I can say, is inventory of homes to sell here in Prince William County Virginia is very low, so if you are thinking of selling a home, it may be a very good time to explore your options.

 Have questions? Need Help? Don't hesitate to call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email 

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty,14029 Crossing Place,Woodbridge Virginia 22192. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's,

When you are thinking of buying a home, does the thought of owning a new home cross your mind? Well, here in Prince William County, Virginia you have many options. New home builders are everywhere in every price range from small townhomes to luxury acreage homes. Some builders even have Immediate Inventory Homes. What are immediate delivery homes? These are homes that you can move into within 60 days or less!

Buying a new home can be so much fun. That said, you must keep in mind it is not just about falling in love with a pretty house. You must ask yourself:                                                     

• Will the community work for you?
• Do you have enough money for the Builders required earnest money deposit? 
• What options can I afford?
• What options should I consider for resale later on? 
• Does the lot matter?
• Would I be better to buy now so I can lock my interest rate?
• Will I have more options or better choices if I consider having a home built?
• When you buy a new home, you get to make all of those choices.

If you are saying I

Take a deep breathe and just know you've stumbled upon a real estate team who has worked the Prince William County Virginia area for the past twenty years.  All of us on the Erick and Companyteam used to work as new home sales managers for several builders through out the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Manassas area. We know the business inside and out and we can help you. In fact here is a video that Erick just did about why the foundation of the home is so important . This is a new custom home that could be yours by Christmas! It will have a three car garage, screened porch, main level master bedroom and top of the line construction. Call us for details. Remember, if you need help and you are thinking about buying a new home,  it doesn't cost you a penny to have a Realtor (A Buyers Agent)  represent you purchase your new home. Do you need a trusted adviser to help you make the right choices? Before you visit a new home, contact your local Realtor for help. 

Take a look at this beauty I saw the other day. It is ready to go in less than 30 days.

More information on this home. It is listed FOR SALEright now at Kahn's Crossing.

 Have questions? Need Help? Don't hesitate to call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email 

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty,14029 Crossing Place,Woodbridge Virginia 22192. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's,

I get this question a lot. With interest rates being historically low, so many folks have started dreaming out buying a larger home.  The very first step is to contact a local lender about your options. Markita Aldridge Woods of Westar Mortgage here in Lake Ridge, Virginia has written a very timely post on this exact subject.

This is some very good information.

If you have questions about selling your home, or what it takes to get it ready to sell please don't hesitate to contact me  

Via Markita Aldridge-Woods: "Your Woodbridge FHA/VA Lender" (WestStar Mortgage):

Terrylynn Harrell the broker owner of Exit 1st Choice Realty treated her top producing Realtors for the month of July, to a luncheon on The Odyssey on the Potomac. Top Producing Realtors were The Blackwelder Team ,Don Rattarre, John and Valarie Meyers, Luisa Rodriques, Marjorie Chacon. Also in attendance were our broker Terrylynn Harrell, associate broker Michael Adams, co-owner Russell Dillard and several strategic partners.

Unbelievably for most of us this was our first time on The Odyssey.  What we all chuckled about at lunch is that most of us are so busy handling the tasks of everyday, we forget to take time out to enjoy the Nations Capitol and all it has to offer. I for one was so bogged down with work and was grumbling this morning I had to much to do. That sentiment was shared by Valarie Meyers as well. However, I learned a valuable lesson today. Sometimes...Realtors need to schedule time for themselves.

It was a perfect day to be on the Potomac. The weather was gorgeous, the food delicious and that band on board that ship was fabulous!

Here is a slide show of our day on the water

Our broker Terrylynn always says folks "we work so that means we get to play hard!" She always has something up her sleeve. I was totally amazed recently at a office party when they broke out the Kkaraoke Machine!That is one thing I love about affiiating with Exit Realty, they Terrylynn goes out of her way to make sure her Realtors are happy and heading in the right direction.

Learn why both Erick Blackwelder and I switched to Exit Realty

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty,14029 Crossing Place,Woodbridge Virginia 22192. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's,

How do you go about looking for a home in today's real estate market?

Are you looking for the best deal?

Are you looking for an awesome neighborhood?

Are schools important to you?

What about neighborhood services?

How about the cost of utilities and lawn care and upkeep?

How will your lifestyle change based on the home you choose?

Both myself and Erick Blackwelder are committed to helping home buyers find the best home for their needs. If you think you need help and you don't want to sold. You really need help and guidance then please us at 703-590-2252 or contact me by email 

Today I read a very informative post written by Bruce Reichstein of Texas attached below. This is all excellent information for the Veteran who would like to buy a home using your VA Eligibility.

Locally here in the Northern Virginia area if you are on a PSC orders or maybe you are renting a home and are thinking now might be the time to buy since interest rates are so low. I would recommend  Markita Aldridge Woods of Westar Mortgage. Markita offers Veterans a Military Mortgage Rebate! Learn more here