Lake Ridge Virginia Real Estate Help For Sellers and Buyers: January 2011

                                            For more information and to view photos of this home visit

MLS#PW7514670

 Peggy What's My Home Worth Right Now?

                            Need real estate help? Feel free to contact me by email  or call 703-851-3085  

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office).If you are a homeowner who has a home to sell, we have  buyers ready and waiting for nice homes to come on the market. Give us a call and we can "GET YOUR HOME SOLD FAST" to list your property for sale we service  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Haymarket,Montclair, Dumfries, Quantico, Fort Belvior, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville, Aquia Harbor, Garrisonville and Triangle area's . 
                                
         

After a failed attempt at selling this homeowner called Erick and Company just before the holidays. The owner needed help. Her home was previously under contract however the offer fell through and that left her exposed paying on the mortgage. Fast forward. The holidays came and went. The house was listed at $256,999. I suggested right after the New Year that I really thought that the price needed to be under $250,000.

I made the change and within a two weeks time offers started rolling in. The owners had three bona-fide contracts in writing!

The townhouse will be heading to settlement in less than thirty days!

When it is time to sell, give Erick and Company a call at 703-590-2252

Peggy What's My Home Worth Right Now?

Need real estate help? Feel free to contact me by email  or call 703-851-3085  

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office).If you are a homeowner who has a home to sell, we have  buyers ready and waiting for nice homes to come on the market. Give us a call and we can "GET YOUR HOME SOLD FAST" to list your property for sale we service  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Haymarket,Montclair, Dumfries, Quantico, Fort Belvior, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville, Aquia Harbor, Garrisonville and Triangle area's . 
                                
         

While others prefer to dwell on the horror's of the snowstorm that hit the Woodbridge Virginia area. I prefer to look at the beauty of Mother Natures display. This photo was taken last night around 10 pm during the Nor'easter

                      Need real estate help? Feel free to contact me by email  or call 703-851-3085  

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office).If you are a homeowner who has a home to sell, we have  buyers ready and waiting for nice homes to come on the market. Give us a call and we can "GET YOUR HOME SOLD FAST" to list your property for sale we service  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Haymarket,Montclair, Dumfries, Quantico, Fort Belvior, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville, Aquia Harbor, Garrisonville and Triangle area's . 
                                
         

Last night we had a really bad snow storm move through the area. It was about nine pm, I had taken my real estate hat off, and had just sat down to watch American Idol and ZAP- total darkness. Bummer!!!

But wait....my iPhone was working.  So I jumped one facebook and wow...watching the LIVE FEED on what was happening to all my friends on facebook was shocking. To read post after post at  how long it was taking to get home amde me very thankful that both my husband and I, work and live in our community!  It is was also comforting to learn that many communities across the region were with out power, not just our neighborhood. 

On facebook I follow the Woodbridge Patch. This is where I can find up to the minute reporting in our community.

Last night during the storm a local driver reported on Woodbridge Patch that Smoketown Rd was backed up:

Smoketown Road is all backed up. People can't get up the hill under the power lines as they try to head towards Old Bridge Road. We took Minniville to Elm Farm Road, Pennington, Russell Road, Smoketown to Old Bridge - with no problems. Good Luck

There is always something about the area that you can use. Such as this one one on Woodbridge Patch  this morning:

VRE Fredericksburg line plagued with problems this morning:
Train #306 delayed 120 minutes due to switch/signal problems
Train #310 cancelled due to mechanical problems. Passengers Transferred to Train #312
Train #312 delayed 45 minutes due to switch/singal problems, but may get longer as it picks up Train #310 passengers. ... See More

People can complain alll they want about technology. However,this was one night I was ever so glad to have my iPhone and to be connected on facebook!

                                      Feel free to contact me by email  or call 703-851-3085  

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office).If you are a homeowner who has a home to sell, we have  buyers ready and waiting for nice homes to come on the market. Give us a call and we can "GET YOUR HOME SOLD FAST" to list your property for sale we service  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Haymarket,Montclair, Dumfries, Quantico, Fort Belvior, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville, Aquia Harbor, Garrisonville and Triangle area's . 
                                
         

"If I were to recap this past week I would say it feels like deja vu. This has been one of those weeks in real estate that reminds me of 2002."

Yes, I said it, 2002!!! That's the year I remember getting into multiple offer situations on house after house after house. Back then we told home buyers if they were serious about finding a home, to take off in the middle of the week to house hunt so you get the jump on the weekend buyers. ( the current market conditions feel very similar....)

• This week, I've has escalation clauses on offers. This is where home-buyers add a clause to an offer that says, I will raise my offer by $1001.00 over the best bona fide offer seller receives, not to exceed $5005.00. Buyer Agents use this tactic to help buyers win offers.
• I've had to turn away offers ( I really feel bad when that happens.) However only one buyer and one Buyer Agent wins
• My partner,Erick has written several offers for one relocating couple. Just when they get their offer ready to submit, it seems others buyers are right their waiting to pounce and then we all get into a multiple offer situation.
• They are in the $355,000 to $450,000 price range.
• I was helping another couple who were thinking they wanted to buy a home, however when they saw so much activity fighting for the same home they wanted in Lake Terrapin, they decided to wait.

More than likley this trend is going to continue since interest rates are low, inventory is low and we are heading into the busy spring market. Get pre-approved before you start looking. If you really like the house and do not want to loose it, now is no time to play games with a seller. Put your best offer on paper, the current market conditions suggest you may get get into a multiple offer situation, if you offer is low,  your offer could be rejected.

NOTE: If you or someone you know is ready to sell their home...learn the Top Ten Reasons to list your home with Erick and Company learn more here

                                          Have questions? Feel free to contact me by email  or call 703-851-3085  

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office).If you are a homeowner who has a home to sell, we have  buyers ready and waiting for nice homes to come on the market. Give us a call and we can "GET YOUR HOME SOLD FAST" to list your property for sale we service  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Haymarket,Montclair, Dumfries, Quantico, Fort Belvior, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville, Aquia Harbor, Garrisonville and Triangle area's . 
                                
         

When you call a Realtor® to list your home, it is important to ask them what are the Top Ten Reasons you should list with them.

When I am asked that question this is what I share with homeowners about the Erick and Company team.

1. We work Full Time and we are in the trenches of the market 24/7. Listen to Erick's Market Update
2. We are Experienced Local Realtors® that are Tech Savvy .We use the latest technology to help you get your home sold.We use Text, iPhones and Video to communicate with home buyers here and relocating to the area.
3. We are a family real estate team. When you hire us, you get two Realtors® for the price of one!
4. We use the Internet to market your home.We use Craigslist, Google, Yahoo, Bing, Erick and Company and Exit 1st Choice Realty to sell your home fast. Why? 94% of Home-buyers begin their search for homes online! Don't you want your home to be found?
5. We write local real estate blogs to attract home buyers. Visit LakeRidgeVARealEstateNews.com and and WoodbridgeVirginiaRealEstateNews.com
6. We use Youtube video's and virtual tours to showcase your home and your neighborhood.
7. Every Seller gets their own private Website similar to the one 12291 Tilney Ct Is For Sale
8. We send you updates on marketing via email and call you weekly to update you on recent activity on your home, new competition, status changes and feedback from buyers who cross your threshold.
9. We are Top Producing Realtors® in the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge area. When other Realtors® are looking for part time work, we continue to get homes Sold. We SOLD over 8 Million Dollars of real estate in 2010.
10. We advertise your home to attract relocating buyers. Click on the ad below for a sample. 

We make sure that buyers know what's near your home, where the schools are, and give them all the information they need to make an informed decision. See sample below

We are coaching buyers daily to show them that the Prince William County Virginia real estate market is improving read more here

We ARE NOT the kind of agents who just to place the sign in the yard, the lockbox on the front door and put your listing in MLS and Pray That It Sells!

We work hard for you.

When Results Count...Count On Erick and Company!

                                                  Feel free to contact me by email  or call 703-851-3085  

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office).If you are a homeowner who has a home to sell, we have  buyers ready and waiting for nice homes to come on the market. Give us a call and we can "GET YOUR HOME SOLD FAST" to list your property for sale we service  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Haymarket,Montclair, Dumfries, Quantico, Fort Belvior, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville, Aquia Harbor, Garrisonville and Triangle area's . 
                                
         

This home located at 12291 Tilney Court is located in the custom home section of the Westridge Subdivision. Westridge was designed as the move-up subdivision for Lake Ridge Virginia residence. It has remained one of the most popular planned communities to live in for decades. Westridge Subdivision is a mixed use community with many amenities. Westridge Elementary School, Two Community Pools, The Waves Swim Team, Five Miles of walking trails, public utilities,sidewalks and curb and gutter streets. 

Westridge is a beautiful community throughout, however as  soon as you turn onto Tilney Court, you will instantly sense the difference compared to the track built homes you past along the way. All of the homes in this section of Westridge  are custom built and each are uniquely different.All boast heavily wooded lots. Now what makes this home so rare in the market place is that it is an acreage home on public utilities! This one even has a dual zoned HVAC System and warm gas heat!

The home is listed for $600,000. The Seller is extremely flexible on delivery date. Immediate Occupancy, Delayed Settlement, Seller Rent Back. Tell us what you need and lets see if the seller can accommodate you, so that you can own this stunning home!

Showing begin on Thursday  January 20th 2011.

For more information pertaining to schools, what's nearby, community information, payment information read more here

Now take a look at the commute to work daily View Directions Here

Need proof the home located in Westridge Subdivision is Lake Ridge Virginia is a great buy? Take a look

Fairfax Station Virginia is just seven miles from Prince William County Virginia View Homes For Sale in Fairfax Station Here

Lorton Virginia is another popular place to look for homes near Fort Belvior View Lorton Detached Luxury Homes For Sale

Mount VernonVirginia is just outside Fort Belvior's gates View Mount Vernon Homes For Sale

 Feel free to contact me by email  or call 703-851-3085  

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office).If you are a homeowner who has a home to sell, we have  buyers ready and waiting for nice homes to come on the market. Give us a call and we can "GET YOUR HOME SOLD FAST" to list your property for sale we service  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Haymarket,Montclair, Dumfries, Quantico, Fort Belvior, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville, Aquia Harbor, Garrisonville and Triangle area's . 
                                
         

Yesterday, while showing homes to several different people everywhere we went, their were other buyers in front of us or behind us. It comes as no surprise to Realtors however it was an eye opener for the prospective buyers we ran into yesterday. Even the new home subdivisions were very busy.

Late in the afternoon, I met up with customers who wanted to see a resale home being offered as a short sale. 

What I found interesting is, the home had No Sign, No Lockbox, No Photos and  it was Call Owner for Access Only Showing. I took my clients at four in the afternoon on Martin Lurther Kings Birthday since they had off. As we entered the home,  we were greeted by the homeowners son, and he said, please take a look. As we headed to the kitchen the doorbell rang. Another couple with a Realtor was right behind us. As we were retreating from the upper level, in walks another couple with their Realtor with another set of hopeful purchasers right behind her.

Moral of the story:

Never assume that just because a house has no photos online that no one will look at it. This home was priced significantly under market based on recent comparable sales. This happens because the Listing Agent is trying to find the best price for his seller. The higher the price gets bid up, the less the loss for the seller. It is a strategy. Remember the homeowner only needs one offer to go to the bank to begin the short sale process. The bank will do an appraisal and may return a counter to what the seller and buyer agreed to. That is why a purchaser considering buying a short sale home, must be flexible on price and terms. It's not yours and you cannot proceed to settlement until the sellers lender agrees to give the seller a short sale approval letter.

Tip From Peg-If you are looking for a home in the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dumfries Virginia area close to I-95 for commuting to Washington DC, The Pentagon,Fort Belvior and Quantico then you need to be prepared.

• Get pre-approved for a home loan start here
• Plan your house hunt early- Call to get on the schedule 703-590-2252
• Search MLS and Save Your Search to get updates daily on "what's happening and new listings" Start Here
• Have a list of what you will compromise on and what you won't
• Be prepared for multiple offer situations-I'm not kidding...it's happening again.
• Remember if you are looking at a short sale chances are good most will be sold in "as is condition" and it could take several months for a short sale to be approved. If you are flexible buyer, a short sale is a good option.

  Have a real estate question? Need help finding or selling a home? 

 Feel free to contact me by email  or call 703-851-3085  

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office).If you are a homeowner who has a home to sell, we have  buyers ready and waiting for nice homes to come on the market. Give us a call and we can "GET YOUR HOME SOLD FAST" to list your property for sale we service  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Haymarket,Montclair, Dumfries, Quantico, Fort Belvior, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville, Aquia Harbor, Garrisonville and Triangle area's . 
                                
         

I have to bite my tongue when I get the caller that says " I want a great deal!" We all want a great deal, it is part of our DNA. Who wants to pay top $ for anything? Do you really think home buyers back in 2005 ( myself included ) really wanted to get into bidding wars for the home that was the one? I'll speak for everyone....NO!

I thought maybe a the visual graph could help those folks who are getting ready to purchase a home, understand what is happening here in the Prince William County Virginia area. Our market bottomed in 2008 and has been recovering. All sellers ( including banks) use this information to prince homes. Just like home buyers do not like to pay top dollar, sellers ( including banks ) do not want to sell the home for less than Fair Market Value. 

Move your mouse over the 1yr,2yr,5yr,10 yr to see what has happened to home values over the years here. 

Woodbridge Real Estate Statistics

More about Woodbridge real estate

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TIP: Tip From Peg 

Do your homework. Be firm on what you want in a home. Know what you will compromise on and what you won't. Align yourself with a Realtor who knows the inventory and the neighborhoods well. Decide whether you want to get the best price or best terms..As prices increase, and inventory remains low, the chances that you could get caught up in the emotional process of buying is likely.

Have a real estate question?

 Need help finding or selling a home? 

 Feel free to contact me by email  or call 703-851-3085  

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office).If you are a homeowner who has a home to sell, we have  buyers ready and waiting for nice homes to come on the market. Give us a call and we can "GET YOUR HOME SOLD FAST" to list your property for sale we service  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Haymarket,Montclair, Dumfries, Quantico, Fort Belvior, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville, Aquia Harbor, Garrisonville and Triangle area's . 
                                
         

  Have a real estate question? Need help finding or selling a home? 

 Feel free to contact me by email  or call 703-851-3085  

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office).If you are a homeowner who has a home to sell, we have  buyers ready and waiting for nice homes to come on the market. Give us a call and we can "GET YOUR HOME SOLD FAST" to list your property for sale we service  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Haymarket,Montclair, Dumfries, Quantico, Fort Belvior, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville, Aquia Harbor, Garrisonville and Triangle area's .