Lake Ridge VA Real Estate News

Yesterday, someone asked me a question and I thought maybe I would help explain this to you as well.

My response:Yes for the most part, that is true, at least here  in the Prince William County Virginia area.

Caller:"Well how the heck do we sell our home? We can't move the kids, the dog, and everything we own into storage! How do other people do it? We want to take advantage of the low interest rates and  it has become very clear that we can get an awesome home. But I don't know how people do it. Can you help us?."

My response: It would be my pleasure!

For you who don't know what a contingent contract is.

Contingent Contract: this is where you purchase a home contingent upon the sale of your home. Once your home settles you then can settle on the next home.

Currently here in Prince William County Virginia,Builders and Local Homeowners are not interested in taking Contingent Contracts.

Why?

Several Reasons:

1. New Home Builders will not begin constructionuntil your home is Under Contract. However it takes 120 days or longer to build your new home depending on the lots available. So that could mean a temporary move. Coordination is key.
2. If you fall in love with a Short Sale home,homeowners typically will not entertain a contingent contract even though it could take 3 to 8 months for the third party ( the bank to approve the sellers short sale).The reason is you the buyers must be prepared to close when the approval is granted otherwise the seller could go straight to foreclosure. Most sellers in a short sale situation typically will not take that risk.
3. Bank Owned Homes/Foreclosure Homes: Banks are not in the business of owning real estate. Time is money to them. Banks prefer to close within 30-45 days. Competition is still brisk since Foreclosure/Bank Owned homes sell for up to ten percent less than Fair Market Value.

The homeowners I spoke with yesterday felt as if their hands were tied. However with some good coaching and explaining all their options we can help them design a plan to help them attain their goals. No matter whether you are downsizing, relocating or just moving to a larger more functional home Erick and Company can help you.

How?

Step 1.  We suggest you talk with a loan officer to learn what your buying power is.

Step 2.  Make sure you ask if you can qualify for both the new home payment until your home sells.

Step 3. If you cannot rent or qualify for holding your home or renting it. Then it is time to list your home for sale. Don't panic...we have ways to help you attain your goals.

a.) We can can add a clause that home sale is contingent upon sellers Finding Home of Choice. This will give you typically 7-10 days to find a house after all parties hammer out the terms of the offer.

b.) We can add a clause into the MLS System that states seller will need a a Post Occupancy Agreementfor up to 60 days. This clause allows you the seller to remain in your home as a tenant for up to 30/60 days depending on what you need to settle on your new residence.

All of this may feel overwhelming to you.I know. However an experienced Realtor such as myself have assisted many homeowners with the coordination a selling and buying. It is what we do. We help, we coach, we solve your real estate challenges. We have tools, knowledge, skill and the ability to make your dreams a reality. All you have to do is pick up the phone and start asking questions and all of at Erick and Company will help you every step of the way.

If you need help just call me or contact me by email 

If you live in Westridge, chances are you've seen a lot of For Sale Signs this year. In the first half of 2010, there have been thirty one homes listed for sale so far. Let me break that down for you since Westridge offers both single family homes and townhome living. There were seventeen townhomes listed and fourteen single family homes. So I'm sure your wondering how does all this activity affect my homes value. Just send me a quick email and I will send you back a quick snapshot of your homes value.

However in the meantime, let me break it down for you. Since January 2010 this has been the single family home activity.

Take a look at the actuall home listing and sold here

.

Now let me show you the townhome stats. Currently there are eight buying opportunities if you are looking for a large townhome in the Lake Ridge Virginia area. Three are active Foreclosure listing and two are being sold by short sale the other three are healthy (regular owner) listings.

Take a look at what homes are actively For Sale right now and those that were successfully sold in the first half of 2010. Click here.

So let me break down this information for you.

The best news is the average time to sell your Westridge home is 30 days!

The Single Family Home Market Remains Healthy Only 1 Foreclosure and 0 Short Sale Listings!

Twelve of the thirty three townhomes were distress sale.

I know Westridge, I live and work in the community.Don't hesitate to call me. 

Do you have questions about the value of your home? Call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email 

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

Today's post is about how marketing matters when selling your home. Some people think all that's needed is a For Sale sign in the front yard, a lockbox on the front door and then just place the home in MLS. Occasionally, homeowners and Realtors get lucky, however for the most part it takes a lot of work.

So how does a Realtor go about finding that buyer that will love your home as much as you do. Let me explain. Play Video

Let me share with you, how I work hard for homeowners who need to sell. Remember, you will benefit more on the bottom line it you choose  to hire a Realtor who knows your community well. Make sure you hire an experienced Realtor who will be able to master all of the hurdles on the way to settlement.

 Below are just a few examples of how Erick and Company will market your home and get it sold fast.

Then I will make sure to Blog about your home similar to this. When readers find homes on the Internet especially on a blog post, they should feel they are getting more information that just looking at a MLS Listing online. This is the place where I can showcase your home in a more personal way.

We also use Business Card Stickers to promote your home

Not only that we market with Text to allow prospective home buyers to access information about your home instantly.No matter whether they just drove by your home or they picked up a flyer in the house, they can access information about your home in seconds. Price, Photo's, bedrooms and baths Go ahead punch in the code above to see how this works.

Start by typing #79564 into the To section of the text area, now type 76860 and the information will be sent to instantly!

You the seller never have to worry that a buyer is not able to learn how much your home is, or just drives a way assuming the price is to high.

These are just a few ways that Erick and Company helps sellers sell fast in today's real estate market. We have many more and our tool box is full. 

 When you need Results, Count on Erick and Company

                                                                              How can we help you today?

                       Do you have questions about the value of your home? Call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email 

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

 Good News For Local Homeowners Who Are Ready To Sell

The most recent numbers are in for May 2010.

• Acute Housing Shortage
• Seller Activity Did Not Outpace Buyer Activity.
• Sellers Benefiting-  Having To Pay Less Incentives
• Days On Market Way Down

Have you been dreaming about selling your current home and buying a new one? Oh my goodness, can I show you some jaw dropping gorgeous homes that you could only dream about years ago. What are you waiting for. Interest rates are historically low. I purchased my first townhome in Springfield for fourteen percent in 1984!  Today's rates are ridiculously low. They won't stay this low forever. Call me let's talk about your options.  

Do you need help selling your home? Call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email

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

Over the past month Erick and Company has assisted so many Homeowners in the Woodbridge Virginia area sell their homes.  These are just a few that have recently settled and moved. Each of the homes was different and faced it's own set of challenges. However no matter what the challenge our real estate team has the experience to coach you on all of your options.  Just know that when it is time to sell your home, it is important to choose a Realtor who will see it through to a successful result."You need more than a Realtor who places a sign in the front yard, a lockbox on the door and then prays your home will sell." Learn how to choose a good Realtor and what you should be looking for. No matter whether you are relocating to a new area, downsizing or you need to sell your home by Short Sale our family real estate team is ready to help you attain your goals.

Don't wait.  Inventory is low and  buyers are searching for nice homes to buy because interest rates are the lowest they have been in sixty years ( read more here)

 When you need Results, Count on Erick and Company

How can we help you today?

                       Do you have questions about the value of your home? Call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email 

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

Good News for all Prince William County Residents who are thinking,now might be a good time to sell. You're right!

• Average Days on market  for homes listed is down!
• Median Sales Price is up!
• Average Sales Price is up!
• Inventory is low..

Don't hesitate to call me at 703-851-3085 or just simply click here to email me your questions.

Do you need help selling your home? Call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email

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

                             Wachovia Bank Has Wonderful Systems In Place To Approve Short Sales.

When it comes to short sales most Realtors across the country will tell you, they are time consuming and frustrating. With a little luck and a lot of determination your short sale might  be approved in three to four months.

However mention the words Wachovia Bank and many Realtors ( including me) breathe a sigh of relief.

Helping homeowners who have a Wachovia Mortgage and who need help selling by short sale is a very streamlined process. Currently I am working with Wachovia Bank for a local Woodbridge Virginia homeowner. This has been a dream transaction so far. Read more

Why?

Because the Wachovia Bank employee's are empowered to answer questions, solve problems and they even check up weekly to see what the Realtor needs to get the short sale closed on time!

This week the bank representative called and offered the seller $2500 more at the settlement table if they can close beforeJune 29th, 2010.  So the distressed homeowner will receive a total of $5000 at the settlement table. I don't I need to tell you that everyone, the title company, the Realtors, the Loan Officer, the Buyer and Seller are working together to make that happen by June 29th.

Do you need help?

If you have a home in the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dumfries, Triangle, or Manassas Area's that you need to sell we can help you.  Erick and Company has been helping homeowner for almost two decades here in Eastern Prince William County Virginia.

Don't hesitate to call me at 703-851-3085 or just simply click here to email me your questions.

Do you need help selling your home? Call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email

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

Today's post is to alert anyone who owns a condominium and who is thinking of selling. Please contact a Realtor as soon as possible. The new rules imposed by the FHA, is drastically changing the way condominiums are sold. No more than 10% of the units in a complex can be owned by investors, no more than 15% of unit owners can be delinquent on condo dues just to name two that have a huge impact on how condos are now sold!

Why?

Well, if a condo complex has either one of the two situations noted above, then the only way a condo unit can be SOLD is with a cash investor or a conventional loan. This has the potential to really impact the time it takes to sell your condo and the value.  The more cash buyers...could mean the investor ratio's tips to the scale...then what?

Check th FHA Approved Condo list click here . If you condo complex is there, that is great, however not a guarantee that your condo complex meets the new requirements. Call your Condo Management Company and ask to be sure.

Do you need  help selling your condo? 

Call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email

To access this weeks FREE lists of Foreclosures, Approved Short Sales and Immediate Delivery Homes  just visit Erick and Company.com.

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

Today's post is just to recognize and thank Wachovia Short Sale department for being so proactive! 

Listed and Under Contract at Fair Market Value of $349,000

"The experience in dealing with Wachovia Short Sale department is the polar opposite of Bank of America or SunTrust Bank."

I've been assisting homeowners in Prince William County Virginia, with selling by Short Sale for sometime now. By far, Wachovia Bank  has been the best to work with. 

What is it that makes the experience so different? On the Realtors end..this is what happened:

•  As soon as I submitted the short sale request. A representative called to confirm it was received!
•  Next a representative called to say, they had everything they needed!
•  The following week they called to say, the homeowner just may qualify for the HAFA Program
•  They sent the paperwork they needed signed by Fed-x the next day!
•  Seller signed an sent back everything in the paid envelope.
•  One week later we had our answer. Determination was no on HAFA
•  The file was then submitted for Short Sale Approval. You will have it within 72 hours
•  Friday, I received a call on my cell phone...Short Sale Approval is expect Monday
•  They called to confirm my correct fax number.

                         

Now that is Customer Service!  Thank you to everyone who is working at Wachovia Short Sale Department! 

Do you need help selling your home? Call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email

To access this weeks FREE lists of Foreclosures, Approved Short Sales and Immediate Delivery Homes  just visit Erick and Company.com.

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

"I found this little expression drawn on the back of a bedroom door in a Vacant Short Sale....."

This little expression made me pause. It made me think back to a blog post I read and saved last year on Neil Garfields LivingLies Weblog titled Children Of The Financial Holocaust.  It appears, Neil gets it!

Selling by Short Sale is hard on everyone especially the youngest victims. If you need help, you're falling behind, don't know what to do....just pick up the phone and call me.  I can't promise I can change your situation, however I can assit you in deciding what your options are. There are always options.  I've been working as a full time Woodbridge, Virginia Realtor for decades.

     Do You Have Questions?  You Can Reach me direct at 703-851-3085 or  contact me by email . 

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