Lake Ridge Virginia Real Estate Help For Sellers and Buyers

Just yesterday, a Lake Ridge Virginia homeowner asked me when the real estate market was going to improve enough that he could sell. Turns out his perception of the real estate market was skewed a bit. He just assumed the local real estate market conditions were bad since he keeps seeing those yellow signs in the median strip on weekends advertising Lake Ridge Foreclosures.

Imagine his surprise when I said, currently there are only 16 Foreclosures For Sale in all of the 22192 zip code area.

Turns out, I uncovered that not only could he sell, he could sell for a profit. I think is one person who slept well last night just my dog CJ.

Needless to say, he was so relieved.

That is just one more example of never assume. While you are stressing and worring, you just might  learn that home values are up enough that you can sell. Just maybe the dream you have had rolling around in the back of your mind....can be put into action.

Learn what your home is worth- contact me and I will do a quick market snapshot for you.

People ask me all the time "how do I find real estate foreclosure homes in the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge Virginia area." My answer is simple, we can sign you up to receive automatic alerts. Then every time a new foreclosure MLS Listing is entered into the Realtors multiple listing service, you get notified even before I do. It's that simple. So share with me what you are looking for and I will immediately set up your custom search.

Currently today 1/12/2012 the Woodbridge Virginia area has over fifty(50) active foreclosure homes for sale.  The lowest price condo townhouse at $63,000 and the highest is a brick front NVR built single family home in Dawson Landing with over 3200 finished square feet and a three car garage offered at $449,000! So there are some deals out there. 

Things you need to know:

• All foreclosures, bank owned homes are sold "as is"
• In some cases utilities are not on and further damage is being done- "Sumps not on, pipes freeze, vandalism" It's happens.
• Buying a foreclosure home is not for the faint at heart. Many will require at minimum new flooring, a fresh coat of paint, sometimes new appliances and drywall repair. ( many are missing appliances and wall speakers)
• Banks typically have done the appraisal process and know the fair market value of the property. In many cases we see homes that were previously under contract pending short sale approval at a lower price, only to learn that sale fell apart, the bank foreclosed and now the home is being sold for more.

So that brings me to the next point. If you are a flexible patient buyer, making an offer on a short sale home may be the way to go. Short Sales handled by experienced short sale agents typically go to settlement. A short sale can take up to six months for the homeowner/seller to acquire short sale approval from their bank. That said, these homes in many cases have someone still living in the homes. The homes are still sold "as is", you are less likely to run into catastrophic issues after settlement. ( at least that has been my experience.)

Now, if you are relocating the area, or you want a move-in ready home you will need to start early this year. Why? Resale inventory is very low here in the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge and Manassas Virginia area. In fact it is worse in Alexandria. This week I have been assisting buyers who are looking for a single family home priced between $350,000 and $500,000 and let me tell you the selection is dismal at best. They are in shock! Worse, they put an offer in on a property and another buyer won the bid. It happens.

Just a quick reminder to any of my readers who are thinking they may want to buy a New Home this year. There are so many builders and floor-plans and communities to choose from now that new home builders have secured many amazing lots as the economy was in the tank.

This is all good news for you all. But, please remember when you visit a New Home Model and you go inside and they have you sign that "registration form". When you do, you give up the right to have Buyer Agent Representation if you do not name your REALTOR® at that point.

Why- Builders are just like For Sale By Owners. The person working on site in most cases is not a licensed REALTOR®. They work for the builder and the builder alone.

I used to work as a New Homes Sales Manager. What you need to know, is there is no cost for you to have a REALTOR® representing you. I will not only help you, I will be able to coach you on your options. When and if things get a little stressful between you and the builder,throughout the building process, you will always have representation and an advocate working to help you.

So call me and share with me what you are looking for. I will in return send you a stack of my cards. That way if you are out and about and happen to stroll into a builders model, just hand them my card. The sales person will immediately take you as a serious prospect, someone who has all their ducks in a row and they be less likely to interrogate you for information. You will find that the process all of sudden becomes"let's see what home style fits your wants and needs the best"  versus, the twenty questions about where you live, how much do you make, how soon before you want to buy...and so on...and so forth.

Early this year we had buyer clients who fell in love with a home, however they did not get their offer in fast enough. They never got up to bat so to speak.They were so upset. They finally found a large home in their pre-approved price range of $200,000 or less. The reason they were smitten with this home is it had a big flat fenced rear yard. Now, they would have to keep looking...

Fast forward a few months. The buyers were receiving email alerts from our automatic home finder system everyday. One day, the home they lost out on, had just been updated in MLS as actively For Sale once again!

As you can imagine...they were thrilled. This time they did not waste any time. We helped them put together a winning offer and the sellers agreed to sell it to them! This is a perfect example of why it is so important to have a plan in place when you are searching for a new place to call home. If you would like to save time and a lot of stress...go to our website ErickandCompany.com search for homes in your desired price range and then save your search. It's that easy...when other homes come on the market that match what you are a searching for, you will know before I even know! Then call me...and let's go see it.

The tough part is the home was being sold by HAP Short Sale. The process was long and tedious, that said because the buyers remained patient and flexible, the result is they have a new place to call home. So a big congratulations goes out to Marshall and Kishawna!  Erick and I are thrilled for you two! 

Happy New Year, and best wishes in your new home! 

You are not alone..so many have made that promise to themselves over the years. When the clock strikes twelve and the New Year rings in,  you will  be dreaming of a new place to call home? You know who you are, you collect decorator magazines, watch  HGTV, and thrive on the dream, the goal. This year, you say to yourself...I'm going to move.

If that is where your mind is at, then what I want to know first is, what is it that you are dreaming of. The photo's below are of some of the homes I had the pleasure of showing and selling. I specialize in selling homes ( for buyers and sellers) in Lake Ridge, Woodbridge and Manassas Virginia. No matter whether it is a luxury acreage home or a home in a neighborhood with sidewalks and a community pool or a open concept townhouse, I know where the homes are that you might have in mind. If I don't I will find it. You might just be surprised to learn that a new home will fit your needs. It will all depend on your timeframe, your budget and your needs.

Maybe you are looking for a big flat yard, like mine.

Of a home with a water-view...

Or a Golf Course View?

How about a two story family room

Maybe you are searching for a luxury townhouse with an open concept.

No matter what type of home you are dreaming of

In the meantime... these are the steps you can take to get yourself ready to buy a home in 2012.

Step #1 is to get pre-approved for a home loan. Not sure how to do that? Well it is simple, you can contact one of the local lenders that we trust start here

Step #2 is to sign up to receive alerts for the type of home you are hoping to find in your price range. This one step can save you a lot of heartache, time and money! It's simple to do. If you want you can call me and share with me what you need and want and I will set one up for you. Then every-time a home comes on the market that fits what you have in mind, you will be notified by our system. It's automatic. You will never, ever say " I didn't know that home came up for sale!" You'll know first. Simply go to my website http://LakeRidgeVAHomesForSale.com and search for homes. Simply save your search! It's that simple.

Step #3 call me if you have questions about any of the homes. Direct #-703-851-3085

Step #4. This is the fun part....where you start to look at homes and really get serious about finding your dream home.

Now for those of you who own a home and you thinking, gosh it is time to sell. Then the steps are simple. Let's talk about your options. Here are the Top Ten Reasons to List with Erick and Company. 

Choosing a place to call home most often comes down to lifestyle. Sure you may fall in love with a fantastic remodeled home, however if you cannot see yourself living in the neighborhood...then it doesn't matter what the home looks like or has to offer on the inside. I've seen happen a lot in the past few years. Home buyers shopping Online, are totally convinced the house they have fallen in love with is THE ONE! Only to discover when we go out to look at it, and they say " I love the inside...but, I'm not crazy about the drive to the house, or where it is located in relation to their work or the highway etc...

Only you know for sure what you need, want and desire in a neighborhood and a home. They both go hand in hand. A good real estate agent can help guide you and coach you and help you find the right home for you.

So when you are thinking of buying a home in the local Prince William County Virginia area, how do you know what subdivision you might want to consider? Well, as full time local real estate agents in the Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Manassas Virginia area, we get to see most if not all of the local subdivisions.

The types of neighborhoods in the Prince William County Virginia vary. We have big subdivisions, enclaves of homes with small home owners associations,  acreage homes with no HOA and planned communities with sidewalks, and community pools and we also have mixed use communities with condo's, townhouses and a wide selection of single family homes. So how do you choose?

"When it comes to finding your new home, the last thing you want to have happen is you settle on a home and then you learn later, that their was a community you would have liked even more...if you had only known about it."

So that is why Erick and myself video tape the local neighborhoods for buyers relocating to the area. So you can get a feel for what how the neighborhoods look, and feel. If you are not familiar with the area, it is always best to choose a local real estate expert who not only knows the area well, but also knows the inventory and market conditions well. 

Click on any of the links below to take a tour with Erick or myself as we tour local subdivisions for you. When you are ready to buy, the first thing you need to do is get pre-approved for a home loan. Then call us for an appoitment so we can meet with you and get a feel for what you are looking for. Email me

A tour through Westridge Subdivision- a planned use community with  an elementary school, community pools. Condo's and townhouses under $250,000 and single family homes from $400,000 to $850,000.

A tour of Old Bridge Estates- a planned use community just off Old Bridge Rd in Lake Ridge Virginia. Most homes were built by NV Homes, Pulte, Ryan and Carr. Townhomes start at under $200,000 and single family homes range in price from $290,000 - $550,000.

A tour of Port Potomac- Port Potomac is one of the largest, and newest subdivisions in Woodbridge Virginia near the new Wegman's off Optiz Blvd.

A tour of River Oaks - Dumfries Virginia. This subdivision is a mixed use of townhomes and single family homes. This community is a located between Fort Belvior VA and Quantico Virginia with easy access to I-95.

A tour of Eagles Pointe- this is the newest community in the Woodbridge Virginia area. New homes, resale homes, townhomes and single family homes ranging in price from $400,000 up to $650,000.

A tour of Hunters Ridge- Hunters Ridge is located off the Prince William Parkway between Woodbridge Virginia and Manassas Virginia. Local Realtors call this are Middle County. This is an acreage community and the lots and homes are gorgeous. Prices range from $480,000 to over $600,000 in this community. This community just had a foreclosure home with a 3 Car Garage and Pool show up on the market for under $500,000! Price reflected the condition...but the home went under contract in 8 days!

A tour of Belmont Bay- Belmont Bay is a mixed use community on the shores of the Potomac River. It is a beautiful community with a golf course, marina and stunning homesites. Choose from Golf Villa's, Luxury high rise condo's with water-views, townhomes or a single family home.

A tour of Reids Prospect- Reid's Prospect has two builders Ryan Homes and Ryland Homes. This is a mixed use community of town homes, and single family homes. It is located on the Prince William Parkway just outside of Lake Ridge Virginia, near the McCort Building. Prices range from $290,000 to over $500,000.

A tour of Meadowbrook Woods- Meadowbrook Woods is a wonderful community located between Woodbridge Virginia and Manassas Virginia. This is a curb and gutter and sidewalk community featuring luxury single family homes on half acre lots. Prices range from $450,000 to $700,000.

A tour of Cannon Bluff Estates- custom built acreage homes by Mike Garcia construction. Currently there are three new homes under construction in this community. Several lots still available including the rambler on the corner that is ready for immediate delivery starting at $699,900 and up.

A tour of White Oak Estates- this is a well kept secret in the Woodbridge Virginia area. If you didn't know where it was, you would drive right past it. If you have champagne taste on a beer budget, you are going to love this community! Stone fronts, side load garages, most homes boast over 2800 square feet on the first two levels. Quarter acre lots, well maintained. You get a lot of house for the money here. Near Harris Teeter on Hoadly Rd.

A tour of Manassas Park and the VRE Station- If you need to commute to DC daily, then do not overlook The Blooms Crossing subdivision! This is the best kept secret in Prince William County Virginia. Several of our customers who purchased here are now "Raving Fan's of this community" With shopping and community schools, and the VRE close by, this makes Blooms Crossing a sought after subdivision. 

 Woodbridge Virginia Home Buyer Was Shocked To Learn She Was Talking To a REALTOR® in Idaho!

 What's shocking about that?

Well she was calling about a home that she saw ONLINE, that was here in Woodbridge, Virginia in the 22192 zip code area where she wanted to live. Best of all the home was in her price range. When she gave me the address, and I checked the Realtor Multiple Listing Database,the home was not listed. She said, since she had not been able to find homes in her price range except for the site she had landed on. The only way she could get the information was to register as a user. So she did, however she pulled a screen shot before she did. ( see below!)

 That is when she was connect to the Idaho REALTOR®!

Long story short the Idaho agent was very confused and said he would find a local REALTOR® to help her. So the Idaho REALTOR® used Google to find a local 22192 Woodbridge Virginia REALTOR® and then he called me and referred her to me. The only thing he had was the first name and phone # for the young lady along with the property address she was calling about. However when he spoke with her, he had no clue where the home was and had no infomation about the home for her. "How could he, he is not a local real estate professional!

Worse when he talked with me, he has acquired very little information about the caller who needed the information. What a waist of time for the consumer!  As if that wasn't bad enough, now I need to call the young lady and explain that the home she called about is

•  Not on the market
•  Has not been on the market since 2008
•  The tax record shows the owners still lives in the home and the home so far has not transferred to a bank
• Worse, the fair market value for every home sold on the street that she was calling about have sold for anywhere between $250,000 and $350,000 depending on the lot and location.

What was her price range? Look back up to the screen shot she saved. It was $74,900!
The first step this prospective buyer needs to take is to meet with a local loan office and learn what her buying power is. Once she has that, it is like a winning the lottery. Now she can begin to shop.

Folks...it is critical for you to know. When it is time to buy a home, search for a local REALTOR® who knows the area well, who can put you in contact with a local lender or bank and who can help you every step of the way. Buying a home is a huge decision. Be wary of these sites that make you register before they will allow you to see properties. Like the old saying goes " If it seems to good to be true....it probably is."

It's time to stop looking at homes! Why, because it is a huge waste of your time....

1. When your significant other trusts you enough to narrow the search.
2. When they clear their schedule to go see the top contenders.
3. When you have a list of their wants and needs and things they are willing to compromise on for the right house.
4. When your signifigant other is interested and invested in the process.