Lake Ridge Virginia Real Estate Help For Sellers and Buyers

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. 

• Where is the best place for me to begin my search.
• How do I get pre-approved for a home loan?
• How much money do I need?
• How long does buying a home take take?
• Who can I talk to locally here in the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge Virginia area about buying?
• What is a Buyers Agent? Do I need one?
• Where can I buy, that I can afford?
• Can I just go look at some houses?

Local loan officer Markita Aldridge Woods of WestStar Mortgage here in Lake Ridge Virginia breaks down all the changes in the mortgage arena as we head into fall. FHA Loan limits ( the amount you can borrow with low down payment) has fallen from $729,750 to $625,000!

This is going to impact our Luxury Home Market here in Prince William County Virginia. If you are facing a job transfer or you have an upcoming move on the horizon. Give me a call 703-851-3085. Let's talk about your options.

The phone rang, it was a person relocating to the Prince William County Virginia area in a few weeks and they have been searching for a nice rental home in Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Lorton and Dumfries Virginia area. They  quickly realized nice rentals are hard to come and you need a bank loan just to pay for the first months rent, security deposit and pet deposit.  The caller said, it is so expensive here.  " In order to put in an application to try to rent a  little single family home, the agent  they talked to said they need certified checks for the application processing fee ( $50 each) then a  two thousand dollar certified check for the deposit and then another certified check for $2000 if we are approved for deposit and they need another certified check for $750 pet deposit for the two dogs! "

"Peggy...that's $4750.00 to get a rental. Why would anyone do that? Isn't it less expensive for me to at least consider buying a home instead of renting?"

I  answerd, well it depends on your situation and your ability to qualifiy.  The caller then said, that is  why I called you. I read your post about Is It Really True a VA Buyer Can Buy a Home No Money Down. Can we come talk with you. We're thinking it might be better to just try to  buy. I have a VA Loan that I have never used, we have very good credit and we just need help, we don't know the area at all. Then the caller said; "What I want to know is, can I do that is less than forty five days or so. We need to be in a home before the holidays. We also want to make sure we are in  Eastern Prince William County Virginia area that is close to I-95, Fort Belvoir and Quantico . My wife will be working up near the  Springfield Virginia area, and I will be working at Quantico Virginia."

I'm meeting with them this weekend. However, I wanted to share this with you all.

Let me show you a Rent Versus Buy example that may help you see the big picture! The calculations below our from the Realtors MRIS Database. The example below shows what the breakdown looks like when you are renting a home for $2000 a month. Another assumption in this example is I am working with the caller who is VA Eligible and can purchase with a Zero Down Payment and I am able to negotiate most closing costs for the buyer.

How is that possible? Here's the breakdown...

Don't let this one pass you by, if you are looking for a Single Level Rambler with three bedrooms, two full  baths, vaulted ceilings, skylights and two car garage. The perfect downsize home or starter home on a quiet cul-de-sac lot! Call Peggy James for more details... 703-851-3085.

      Have a question?  contact me by email 

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company  of Exit 1st Choice Realty, WoodbridgeVA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252(Office).Give us a call and we can "GET YOUR HOME SOLD FAST"to list your property for sale we service Woodbridge,  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Haymarket,Montclair, Dumfries, Quantico, Fort Belvior, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville, Garrisonville and Triangle area's.Basically all of Prince William County Virginia.

It was early August 2011,when the phone rang. A gentleman named Daniel, says "Peggy, I just read your article online called This Weeks Caller said.. I know I can buy a home using my VA Eligibility, however is it true I do not have to put any money down? Do you have a minute?"

Of course I said, how can I help you?

Daniel, explained that he is relocating from Norfolk Virginia to Northern Virginia, and he really needed a home for his family. He explained further that he, his wife, four children and brother-in-law need enough space to live under one roof. Not only that they had three cars between them.  So we talked a little bit. I learned they have been looking at homes online ( big homes, expensive homes) They were calling the listing agents and getting frustrated to learn the homes were under contract already or short sales that would mean a long, long wait. In talking with them, I learned they were not pre-approved for a home loan yet.

Folks...that is like going Grocery Shopping, and getting everything up on the conveyer belt and that cashier says that will be $103.00 please, and you realize you don't have your wallet! It is a waste of your time!

TFP ( tip from Peg) Get Pre-Approved for a home loan before you start looking for a home.

Fast forward . Daniel got pre-approved for a no money down home loan with a VA Loan Specialist Markita Aldridge Woods. There were many people he could talk with. He could call his bank, or credit union.  However, he chose Markita at WestStar Mortgage here in Lake Ridge Virginia because she writes a local mortgage blog called WoodbridgeVirginiaMortgageNews.  After speaking with Markita, he learned he now has a firm track to run on and will not be wasting any more time looking at homes his family could not afford

The very next day, Daniel received his Pre-Approval Letter. He now knew he could afford a single family home up to $300,000. I immediately set his up to start received alerts for any homes that came on the market in his price range.

The wish list for a $300,000 home was big:

• Four, preferably five bedrooms
• Two living room or family room areas
• At least three full baths would be great
• A home off the beaten path...someplace where the children could play safely without traffic
• Plenty of room for the families three cars
• A home in good condition that would pass a VA Appraisal Inspection
• A home where the seller would be willing to pay all of the buyers closing costs
• A home that would appraise
• A home that they could move into quickly
• A home where the wife could commute easily to Burke Virginia and the husband could get to the Fort Belvoir Virgina area
• If at all possible they wanted a three level home
• And in a perfect world they would love a two car garage

Guess What?  Lucky for the buyers a home dropped in price from $329,900 to $299,900 and because they had an alert set up we were the first buyers into to see that home and we wrote an offer and "THEY GOT THE HOUSE!"

 So in less than five weeks from the time he called he is now Under Contract!

Not only that the seller has agreed to pay his closing costs! Life is good....

Do you need help finding a home?  I can help you. Simply go to my website, search for a homes and SAVE your Search!

Are you thinking now might be a good time to sell your home?  Simply fill out this form and I will send your own personal market snapshot today.

       "I Know Woodbridge Virginia and surrounding the area's!"    

It was a review on my blog titled Thinking of selling or buyig a home soon do your research before you hire a Realtor.

The Comment:

You can't find a better realtor out there!!! Peggy is THE BEST

She is on top of the entire process and takes charge sometimes even from both sides, She is incredibly skilled and resourceful. She is able to read your needs and deliver more than what you expect. She makes the process personal, as it should be, because she knows she is dealing with your "home" (future or past) not just one more "house to be sold.

She is transparent, caring, professional, super dedicated to the point where she does not even blink if she  has to compromise her personal time to get things done (sometimes I wondered if she does have any personal time ever?!!!)  But most of all, she generates a relationship with her clients that make you feel you are dealing with someone from your own family.. and what else could you ask for, right? and to top it all, in the end... she becomes family!!!!

Peggy went above and beyond our expectations from the moment we welcomed her into our home to be sold to the minute we moved in to your new home (and her help did not end on that day, to the contrary, she continued to support us when problems aroused after we moved in). She sold our home in 25 days in a shaky market and she "sacrificed her personal life" and enabled us to find the home of our dreams on a day that she was supposed to be off because her husband was having surgery, and always with a great big beautiful smile and fun and witty personality, no matter what situation comes to play.

And then when the situation seems "IMPOSSIBLE"like ours was (because the home of our dreams wasalready with an offer, she goes at it head on and wins it, she know exactly what to do, what to say and how to get whatever is that you may need. She does "her" magic and accomplishes "your" dreams. She is the most wonderful realtor out there. Most of all she is a wonderful human being, one of those people that are rare in today’s society and one of those souls one is grateful to have met and hopeful to keep within your circle of close friends.

We are eternally grateful to you Peggy. Our lives have changed in such a wonderful way, thanks to you!!

Claudia and David

Note: I sat in awe of the rave review. It's true, I will turn myself inside out to help you attain your goals. It was nice for me to read what the experience was like, from a customers point of view.

"I knew the home and neighborhood was a great match, when a few days after settlement. I recieved the text with a photo of thier children playing on the trampoline out back of the new home with all the neighbor kids!"

As a full time Realtor I strive to make the home buying and home selling process fun, as stress free as humanly possible. Do you need my help? 

Read other related posts:

The Joys of Real Estate Turns Out Seven Year Old Ethan Has Been Inspired

The Real Estate Recovery and The Domino Closing

How I Market Sellers Homes For Sale In Lake Ridge VA

If you need a Realtor® who will work hard for you, someone that has over twenty years of experience, then don't hesitate to give me a call me at 703-851-3085.  Have a question?  contact me by email  

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company  ofExit 1st Choice Realty, WoodbridgeVA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252(Office).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, Garrisonville and Triangle area's.

We've added a brand new COOL iPhone and iPad search Tool to our website. Check it out on the front page of our website you will notie a Golden Colored Box...click on it.

Next you see this page that shows you what the app looks like on your iPhone.

Now watch as we explain Why You Will Not Be Able To Live Without This New MLS Listing Search Tool!

"We Know Woodbridge Virginia and surrounding area's! Do You Need Help?"  

                      Have a question? Let's talk contact me by email  or call 703-851-3085.

Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company  ofExit 1st Choice Realty, WoodbridgeVA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252(Office).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, Garrisonville and Triangle area's.