Lake Ridge Virginia Real Estate Help For Sellers and Buyers: January 2009

Information Prince William County Buyers Need To Know

Last Saturday I was working with a Buyer who was pre-approved and could afford to buy a home priced up to $150,000.

So I gave the buyer a list of homes to look through for the upcoming house hunt . When she arrived she had a few more that she had found on Craigslist and Online.   You see, there was one particular home  that caught the Buyers interest.

The home was a single family home in Dale City.  This is how the home appeared Online.

CLICK ON THE VIRTUAL TOUR TO SEE WHY SHE WAS SO INTERESTED. WOULDN'T YOU BE?
Home was listed by Samson Realty LLC  for the Auction House Kazork
Now here's the challenge when you the consumer searches Online.  When you search for home on sites like Realtor.com, Trulia and Zillow or even on the agents own website, this is what happens. These are the comment my client saw.
Remarks:  BANK-OWNED - This is a BARGAIN house. Take a closer look at the large rooms;the potentials for a summer relaxation around the inground pool; heated, etched design ceramic tile in family room & in two bedrooms; plant window in kitchen, replacement windows; multi-function rooms on lower level. Lots of house for the $$$.
Directions:
I-95 to Exit 156 to Dale Blvd to left @ Delaney Rd - Kirkdale Dr. is the 3rd street on the left.Go to 4917 the house on the left

However this is what a Realtor can see on the same house: Notice the Comments are far different.

BANK-OWNED FORECLOSURE REO - NOT A S-H-O-R-T S-A-L-E! 4% to BUYER'S BROKER. Buyer to pay $160 fee to 3rd party. For information or to make offers, go to www.kazork.com or call Kazork at 619-255-0928, ext. 775. Property is Limited Service Listing all offers are to be made to Seller's assignee Kazork, Inc. No utilities are on at the house

Why is that?

That's because Listing Agents want you the buyer to call.If you called on that house, the agent would make a full  commission based on the information presented on the Auction house website. And in this case, there was a bonus to the agent. Now even if you didn't like the house  the Listing Agent is hoping they will be able to find you another house.  It's business and how real estate is done.

That's why you should always have a Buyer Agent who represents you and only you in a Real Estate Transaction here in Virginia. Alawys ask for representation.

Ok...so on with the house hunt.My client looked at the house and was over the moon with excitement. As for me, being an experienced Buyer Agent in Prince William County, " I knew there was no chance that home would sell for $150,000." However my client has  just started tip toeing into the buying process, and just thought for sure she could get it for $150,000. When I cautioned her on the fact this was the starting bid and it was already at the top of her budget it went on deaf ears.  I remember hearing But Peggy " It's in my price range!" The conversation went on between us. I stated that this home is a clear example of pricing a home extremely low to create a BUZZ and to get buyers into a Bidding War. My client wasn't trusting what I was saying. The good news I've been down this road a few times and I always do what I can to help the buyer through the process.

.Buying a home in today's market is not Purchasing 101.  Today's buyers are presented with unfair challenges like mold, and houses that have no heat, no water and need thousands of dollars of repairs especially in the lower price ranges. House Hunting helps you the buyer get a feel for the market and what is available in your price range. Not until you walk into a house, will you know if it's right for you.

Well, out of all the houses we looked at on Saturday, this house above was a standout to the Buyer.

• It was twice as large as any house on the market                                       
• It was updated in many area's
• It was clearly a STEAL 

So would like to see what happened????  

The Winning Bid Was>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>	$262,000      Offer Submission Period Ended  Waiting For Contract
Listing Price Online was only -MRIS said $150,000	$140,000
End Time:	1/28/2009 2:00:00 PM PST  Offer Period is Over
Offers Submitted:	47  View Offers
High Offer Agent:	MIRWAIS ABBASI CLASSIC REALTY

By Sunday the 25th there were 9 bids. Three competing people. This Online Auction was just like an EBAY Auction...the closer it got to the close of bidding a flurry of bids appeared. In all this home had 47 Bids!

It went for $112,000 more than my client could afford. This is not the norm since this home was priced so low. Now look at what the conditions of the purchase:

THIS PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD AS-IS.

If your buyer is not planning to occupy this asset (is an investor only), the maximum seller's credits allowed on this property is 2%, no matter what the contract states. This is an FNMA requirement.

No contingencies will be accepted except for financing and inspection. Your offer should reflect all credits and repairs, etc. that your buyer is requesting; you may enter these in the "Total Credits" field when you submit your offer.

Earnest money deposit must be at least 1% of the purchase price, or $1,000, whichever is higher.

Offers are made AS-IS with no contingencies, except for the standard financing contingency. All repair costs, closing costs, and other costs should be reflected in the offer price submitted by you. The offer you submit online is deemed to be your net offer.

Any inspections, including but not limited to Septic, Termite, Pest, Water/Well, Natural Hazard Zone, Mold and Home Inspections will be at the sole expense of Buyer.

Buyer may at its sole expense and election, obtain a home warranty plan. Buyer will pay for all transfer fees associated with the sale of Property. Escrows to close within 30-days.

All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed

The Moral of this story.   If you are pre-approved to buy a home, make sure you leave yourself room for a bidding war when searching for properties.  Bidding wars are happening everyday in Prince William County homes priced under $400,00. 

Opportunities Are Everywhere...We Can Help You Find Your Dream Home.

 Erick Blackwelder or Peggy JamesExit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 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, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

 

 

 

Every week we are commited to publishing the up to date weekly Foreclosures Lists for our clients.

Click on the banner below to access Foreclosures On MLS this week.

 

We work as Buyers Agents- Give us a call if you would like to SNAG one of these homes!

Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James  of Erick And Company/Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 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, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

 

Peggy James- Your Neighborhood Realtor

 Old Bridge Estates In Lake Ridge Virginia

Old Bridge Estatesis just one of many subdivisions that saddle up to Lake Ridge Virginia. Old Estates is situated between Old Bridge Road and Cavalier Drive. As you travel through Lake Ridge Virginia you would turn onto Smoketown Rd to access Old Bridge Estates. The community is made up of smaller single family homes, large and small townhomes as well as larger single family homes.

Prices in Old Bridge Estates can range from the low $100,000 for townhomes up to the upper $500,000 for the larger single family homes. Old Bridge Estates has it's own Home Owners Association, Out door Pool Complex and Tennis Ct. This is a sidewalk community with curb and gutter.  If you would like to check out school information for this community or access our School Boundry Search Map for Prince William County schools visit the Prince William County Schools Website Old Bridge Estates is serviced by the following schools.

Springwoods ES	703-590-9874
Woodbridge MS	703-494-3181
Gar-Field HS	703-730-7000

I took a drive early today, and hears what I would show you if you were coming on a house hunting trip or if you've never been to Old Bridge Estates. It's important to know what the homes in the community look like, to know if it will meet your expectations. Let's take a look..

If you would like to know what homes are currently on the market today in Old Bridge Estates just follow this link to real time MLS Information. If you would like to see any of these homes, please don't hesitate to call us. Erick Blackwelder and I have been assisting buyers and sellers in Lake Ridge for decades, we know the area really well.

For more information about Old Bridge Estates you can check out the Old Bridge Estates Community Management website

Erick and Company- When Results Count and you need to Buy or Sell a home you can count on us. 

Do you have any questions? Call Peggy Direct at 703-851-3085

 Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James  of Erick And Company/Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 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, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

 

 

 

 Just outside the Lake Ridge limits is a neighboring community called Westridge. Westridge is a mixed use community made up of Custom Homes, Mid Range Single Family Homes, Townhomes large and small and Condo's.

Westridge homes were built back in the later 80's however they have all the features that you are looking for and many have been updated throughout the years.  These homes feature:

• wooded homesites
• luxury baths
• kitchens and family rooms across the rear of the home
• sidewalks
• walkout basements
• flat yards
• all of the single family homes have two car garages
• fireplaces
• gas heat
• vaulted ceilings in many models
• and then we have the Custom Homes off Tilney Ct.
• single family homes lot sizes range from one quarter to several acres. 

So where is Westridge? The google map below shows you where it is, and here is the Westridge Map you can print to keep in your car.

 
View Larger Map
 

 

 

I live is Westridge and "what I like best is all the services that Lake Ridge Virginia has to offer, Westridge residents benefit from. Local Grocery Stores, Restaurants, Gas Stations, Communter Options and so much more. Westridge also has an active home owners association. We have an awesome Swim Team called The Waves and a Club House for entertaining. Two pools one designated just for adults!

If you would like to be notified of any homes that come on the market in Westridge, please let us know.  Homes here do sell fast.  If you are a homeowner who is thinking of selling soon, hire us! Erick and Company has consistantly good market or bad helped sellers Sell. Regardless of market conditions all homes sell with marketing, pricing and team work. Just remember when you need Results...call Erick and Company and start packing.

                                      Do you have any questions? Call Peggy Direct at 703-851-3085

 Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James  of Erick And Company/Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 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, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

 

 Owners Will Allow A Long Term Lease

FOR RENT -Only $2200.00 per month. This is an investment property that belongs to long time past customers of ours. They have owned this home for a decade. Since the last renters left the owners have given it a face lift. Now it's just as good as new inside. Are you looking for a nice rental? Then take a drive out to Riverview Estates just off Davis Ford Rd and take a look at this home sitting on top of a hill on a lovely wooded acreage lot. Follow the link below for address information and to schedule appointment to see it.

• Owners requesting Non-Smokers
• Pets Considered On A Case By Case Basis ( non-refundable pet deposit applies)
• Long Term Lease Is Ok ( 2, 3 even 4 years!)
• One Months Security Deposit Upon Application
• First Months Rent Before Move-in
• Monthly Rent Only $2200.00

 

Click Here If You Would Like To Schedule Appointment To See This Home

 

Don't hesitate To Call Us  703-590-2252. 

 Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James  of Erick And Company/Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 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, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

 

Short Sales Are Flooding The Market Right Now                  

I've mentioned in recent posts the market has picked up in Lake Ridge Virginia and surrounding subdivisions. Today I want to show you what's happened since the New Year.

 In 20 days in the 22192 zip code area 26 townhomes have gone Under Contract!

That may seem like a lot and it is, however we still have 123 more buying opportunities on the market right now in the Lake Ridge/Woodbridge Virginia area. 

As exciting as that sounds, I need to caution you. Before you start House Hunting in the Lake Ridge Virginia or Woodbridge area you must be pre-approved. Many of the banks are dropping prices ridiculously low to entice multiple bids. I can show you MLS right now - listing after listing that say they are Active yet in the Realtor comment section they say -No More Bids or Multiple Offers Being Reviewed By Bank or Offer Accept Waiting For Bank Final Approval. Effectively these homes are not longer available to you.  So, that's why you need a good Realtor to help you. That's another reason you need to be pre-approved. If we can see home prices are being bid up to higher amounts, then you may need to look at lower priced homes in order to be able to successfully get your offer accepted. Do you know how much mortgage you can afford? We have local lenders who can help you determine your buying power. Get pre-approved today.

Here is a visual Breakdown of what the inventory looks like on paper.

 

•  4 Townhomes Priced Under $100,000 in 22192
• 16 Townhomes Priced Between $100,000 and $120,000
• 18 Townhomes Priced Between $120,000 and $150,000
• 14 Townhomes Priced Between $150,000 and $175,000
• 20 Townhomes Priced Between $175,000 and $200,000
• 11 Townhomes Priced Between $200,000 and $225,000
• 11 Townhomes Priced Between $225,000 and $250,000
• 20 Townhomes Priced Between $250,000 and $300,000
•   8 Townhomes Priced over $300,000 in 22192

Would you like to see the homes?

I thought you would! Here is the list of all Active Townhomes on the MLS Database This Morning and here is a break down by subdivision. Click on the Subdivision that interests you to view the current Active Inventory For Sale this week.

• Townhomes Available in Westridge Subdivision
• Townhomes Available in Old Bridge Estates Subdivision
• Townhomes Available in Lake Ridge Subdivision
• Townhomes Available in Ridgeleigh Section of Lake Ridge
• Townhomes Available in Rolling Brook-Riverview Section of Lake Ridge Virginia
• Townhomes Available in Rollingwood Village Subdivision
• Townhomes Available in The Glen Subdivision
• Townhomes Available in County Center and Reids Prospect Subdivisions

 

Many of the homes offered for sale right now are listed as Short Sales. These are pre-foreclosure homes. If you would like more information on How To Buy A Short Sale Home Read More Here.

Are you in the market for a townhouse?  Let us know what your looking for.

Just call 703-590-2252

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty,14029 Crossing Way, Woodbridge VA 22192.VA. 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

  

 Buyers Are Out In Numbers In Woodbridge-Lake Ridge Virginia Neighborhoods

Currently we have several clients we are assisting." Each are trying to find homes priced between $100,000 and $200,000 in the townhouse market in the local Woodbridge, Lake Ridge Virginia area. Let me just share with this sector of the real estate market is Hot! Hot! Hot!"

Especially the closer you get to Lake Ridge, Virginia.If you are thinking of buying and you find out you are only pre-approved for $100,000 to $200,000. You will need to have an agressive Realtor who is proactive and who will help you secure one of these properties before they are all gone. Don't wait to long...homes are selling fast. Read my last report Woodbridge Virginia Home Sales Off To A Brisk Start

Yesterday, when I was house hunting with one of my clients, eleven other people were in the same house when we were.To make matters even more challenging the bank was installing carpet into the home. That poor contractor...he likely near had a coronary! You see the bank did not want to miss the opportunity to get that town home SOLD on this long four day weekend. Every home I went to yesterday, other agents were in front of me or behind me. It's a busy weekend!

"When this is all over you will see many homes will have gone under contract in Woodbridge VA area neighborhoods in the month of January."

A new trend I saw yesterday and today on some of the low end townhomes  that have been sitting around awhile, the banks have gone in and painted and installed new carpet. Bravo...it's about time. Homes that have sat on the market for a half a year or more... now are finally getting fix up. That's not the norm...I've only run across a few over the past month. However when we find them they go fast.

Yesterday, we were in a bank owned home that still had not been trashed out.That means all of the things the owner left behind, are still in the home. The bank will not dispose of the items and the agent stated it will be the buyes responsibility to do so. "there goes the clause in the contract that says the home will be broom clean and free of clutter and debris."  Again, that's not the norm...however Realtors and Buyers are encountering these situations daily.

Another home didn't have a door lock, so it was secured with a pad lock screwed right into the door jam and the front door. NICE! Now the buyer has to buy a new front door as well. Another had a gaping hole in the living room ceiling and the kitchen cabinets were destroyed from water and the ceramic tile counter tops had collapsed! Urrrgh!!

How do you the buyer get to avoid homes like this and not waste your time. Ah...there is a secret weapon online.There is a website where Realtors can comment on homes they've been in and where you the consumer can read the feedback. Not only that you can tell how many people are interested in the home that you want! Notice all the homes crossed out have offers. The ones highlighted in Blue means a Buyer Agent has submitted feedback. The ones with a little * next to the list price is a Short Sale. All the others are still active as of yesterday! Call me if you see something you like, I work as a Buyer Agent here in Lake Ridge, Woodbridge Virginia. Click on the home you like, go to the bottom to see if any agents have commented on it! That's also where you will see how many people have saved it "as a favorite-one they want to see!"Check it out   You are going to LOVE THIS SITE!

Note if you are looking for homes priced between $200,000 and $350,000 there is a bit more inventory this weekend.  Shopping for Luxury Townhomes with a garage or garages...is like being a  kid in a CANDY STORE!  Call us for a list of best buys in the market right now.

Why would I share this with you? Because it's an amazing tool to help you find your new home and I'm a Realtor that believes in sharing and helping every buyer find the right home for them. Not just a good deal...but the home that will be right for years to come.

What kind of home are you looking for? Chances are I know right where it is, I've been working the Lake Ridge, Woodbridge Virginia real estate market for decades and know the inventory well. Call me..don't be shy...

       Direct Line- 703-851-3085  

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty,14029 Crossing Way, Woodbridge VA 22192.VA. 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

  

Every morning when I wake up and sign onto my computer, I get an update of every house that has come on the market, received an offer or that is now officially under contract. I'm a Realtor.

When I get a call from a buyer who is looking at home online and they request information about it. It breaks my heart when I have to say " I'm sorry that home has an offer." You can imagine the disappointment. The next comment is typcially. How can that be, it was posted on Craigslist today. Welcome to the world of advertising! 

Did you know that Realtors can advertise properties to find new buyers? Well they can.That's why you need a Buyer Agent to help you find your home.

Let me share with you what's really happening in the Woodbridge Virginia real estate market right now.

It's not uncommon these days to see a home come on the market and have multiple offers.

What happens to you the consumer is you only get to see the Consumer Remarks published on Realtor websites and craigslist etc.. Realtors get to see the REALTOR REMARKS in MLS. It's the norm these days for us to see comments in the MLS that say "Multiple Offers Pending" or "Bank Reviewing Multiple Offers". Many of the short sale home listings say "offer pending bank approval."

That's the biggest frustration most buyers have in the real estate market right now is finding a avenue where they can get correct up to date information, so they don't waist hours online looking a homes that are already have offers.

Select me as your Realtor and I will set you up on a customized search list for exactly what you are looking for. That way anytime a home is entered into the MLS Database by any Realtor, you will be notified. This is just one of the services we offer our clients. We know your busy and you only want to see the homes that you can see yourself living in.

If you would like this time saving solution just contact me

 The Question Begs To Be Asked. Have we hit bottom? 

It's difficult to say, however if you've been driving neighborhoods lately you can see a lot of Sold Signs in the rear view mirror.

Let me share with you what I can see on the MLS Database. I pride myself on knowing the market and keeping my finger on the pulse of what is happening. Folks...typically January is slow. That is not the case this year..real estate is booming in Woodbridge! Forget what you are hearing from the media. They are not in the trenches like we are.

If you've been thinking it's time to buy...don't wait to long. Hind Sight is always 20/20.

 

With the $7500 Buyer Tax Incentive, low interest rates and lots of homes to choose from, many buyers have jumped into the market. I'm seeing a lot of Verterans who  now looking at buying. If you have VA Eligibility you can buy a home with ZERO DOWN Financing. If you do not have VA Eligibility, most people can qualify for FHA Financing.  No Down Payment Loans are basically gone, however FHA only requires three and a half percent of the sales price as a down payment.

Let me put that into perspective for you. If you are looking at a $365,000 home like the one below, you will only need $13,000 to buy a home like this! WOW! Did I say WOW?

 Now use this mortgage calculator to figure out the payment. 

Every price point is seeing brisk activity in Woodbridge Virginia

Here are the stats I pulled last night just for the Woodbridge Virginia area. Just to give you an idea of what's happening.

All Of The Available Detached Homes In Woodbridge Virginia

$50,000 - $100,000 Only 25 Homes Available -the average sales price is $90,913

$100,000 -$200,000 There are 301 Active Homes For Sale- Average List Price $153,000

$200,000-$300,000 There are 125 Active Homes For Sale -Average List Price $254,000

$300,000-$500,000 There are 120 Active Homes For Sale- Average List Price $383,000

$500,000- and up-   There are 35 Active Homes For Sale- Average List Price $673,000

All Of The Available Townhomes In Woodbirdge Virginia

$50,000- $100,000   There are 95 Active Homes For Sale- Average List Price $86,000

$100,000-$200,000   There are 226 Active Homes For Sale -Average List Price is $148,000

$200,000- $300,000  There are 113 Active Homes For Sale- Average List Price is $244,000

All Of The Available Condo's In Woodbridge Virginia

There are 61 Condo Active For Sale on the market with an Average List Price of $150,000

 

Here's is the real news. Currently there  are:                                                      

418    Detached Homes Under Contract In Woodbridge Virginia

307    Townhomes  Under Contract In Woodbridge Virginia

   0     Condo's are Under Contract in Woodbridge Virginia

So the market has gone down...really down, yet some Woodbridge Neighborhoods are seeing quicker contracts, less assistance from sellers when there are multiple offers and many of the offers submitted are being countered by Banks.

So what do you think? Are you going to be the one looking in the rear view mirror saying " oh wait, that one has a Sold Sign on it. " or are you going to be the person that says " I found this Real Estate Group called Erick and Company and Erick and Peggy helped us get a great buy on home in Woodbridge Virginia. Actually you should call then..they  were awesome!"

"Relax We'll Treat You Like Family!"
  

703-590-2252

Contact Peggy Jamesor Erick Blackwelder of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty,14029 Crossing Way, Woodbridge VA 22192.VA. 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

 

Just Listed Bank Owned Home In Dale City

Bank Will Entertain An Offer!

Price under $174,315

  Everyday Bank Owned Homes Come On The Market Get Your FREE List of Local Foreclosures

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty,14029 Crossing Way, Woodbridge VA 22192.VA. 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

     

He Spent Days Narrowing His Search For Homes He Liked..So Why Was He So Frustrated!

Yesterday I was out with a buyer who was very interested in seeing and hopefully putting an offer in on a Bank Owned Home in the Woodbridge VA area. He thought for sure it would be in his words a "no brain er!" He came into my office with a list of home he wanted to see. I asked him to sit down to share with me what kind of home he wanted. He said, Peggy, I've spend hours online and I have narrowed my search down to these six homes.

 I just want to LOOK at these. When I inquired how he determined what homes he wanted to see, he said "well I've based it on the biggest house for the money. I'm looking for the best deal! You see he was pre-approved and ready to rock and roll.

• He has the money buring a hole in his pocket.
• He has the excitement of any first time buyer
• He had visions is his mind of what he would see just inside the front door of each home
• He had done all his research and was sure he wanted a single family home.

As we toured the homes throughout Dale City VA, the older section of Woodbridge VA and a few in the Lake Ridge Virginia  area. I heard things like. "You've got to be kidding me...I wouldn't let my dog live here" to "why are these homes so cold, how am I suppose to get a good feel for the house when I don't even know it the heat works" to "Peg, are there any move in ready bank owned homes?"  I said there sure are...however you need to grab them quick! 

Buying a home today is not always about getting the cheapest price. Are there deals out there? "Most definitely." What I'm saving is, full time Realtors like myself who are familiar with current inventory and local neighborhoods can help you find the home that you want and need.The best way for me or any other Realtor to help you is to be able to sit down with you and take some time to talk with you about your wants, needs and desires pertaining to a home. We need to know what's important to you. Share with us what you like about where you live now, what you hate about and would like to change, and what features you really need in a home. Sometimes we will know exactly where that house is!

The moral of this story... 

You have a choice.You can spend hours online late at night searching for homes only to find out that the home  you've fallen in love with online is deplorable inside or worse doesn't have the features you need. Even worse you find out multiple offers have been submitted to the bank and if you bid high enough you can buy that home. The one that does not meet your needs or your lifestyle. 

Choice number two. Save yourself the heartache and stress and call us.

As Realtors we have access to the latest information on every listing in the MLS however as Local Real Estate experts in our field we know the market really well and will know exactly what the floorplans look like, and where you can find the home you are looking for. When you look at homes on line you are basically looking at advertisements. What Listing Agents want you the consumer to see. The reason it's best for you to align yourself with a Buyer Agent is because we can access real time information about homes currently on the market.  That's how we help you the buyer get information.

                                                               

 

Here at Erick and Company we have staff members who will set up your search criteria into the MLS Database and based on your Search Criteria you will get automatic email updates as homes that match your search are entered in the MLS by any Realtor! We work full time for you! If this sounds like something you would like, then here's how you get started sign up for Email Alerts on our website.

We also have custom searches set up on our website for Woodbridge VA Luxury Homes, Condo's, Mid Range Single Family Homes, Townhomes, and Golf Course Homes. Check out our website HERE 

Erick and Company of Exit Realty..a real estate team that works hard for you!

 

Do you need real estate help? Don't be shy...I'm only a phone call away!

      Peggy Direct- 703-851-3085  

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty,14029 Crossing Way, Woodbridge VA 22192.VA. 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

  

   Google Peggy James Lake Ridge Virginia