Lake Ridge VA Real Estate News

Today is a good day, it is my 55th birthday and I am taking part of the day off. Imagine that?

I will not be celebrating alone. You see I am an identical twin. My twin sister Patty Blackwelder and I work together everyday in our family real estate teamhere in Woodbridge Virginia.  True!

Patty's husband is Erick Blackwelder my partner and Patty is our office manager/administrative assistant. She keeps both Erick  and I on task daily.  We formed a family real estate team back in the 90's when Erick realized he preferred working with buyers and he knew I was a full time agent, however I loved working with sellers. It was a match made in heaven and we have been very successful for decades assisting buyers and sellers in the Prince William County Virginia area.  Patty and I were thrilled to be working side by side again. Throughout our lives we have worked together and we live less than two miles apart. Interesting as well,  we share many of the same friends. 

Can you tell who's who?

 A true sign that you are old: When all your photo's when you were little are wrinkled or in black and white!

We've always toyed with using this marketing campaign.

 "Behind Every Good Man Is A Good Woman, Erick Blackwelder Has Two!"

Give us a call if you need real estate help. We are a family team that works hard for you.

Call or Contact Peggy James- Realtor® - Exit 1st Choice Realty ...  Click here to Contact Peggy Now Visit Our Website: www.erickandcompany.com Erick And Company-Exit First Choice Realty  14029 Crossing Place, Woodbridge, VA 22192 My Direct #(703) 851-3085 or Office # (703)590-2252 Get directions  Write a review More information »

This home is located off the beaten path of the Spotsylvania Parkway off RT 208in a quiet subdivision.So if you have PCS orders to AP Hill or Quantico this may be a home you want to put on your list of homes to see.  Currently it is not ready to show, however it will be in a few weeks. That said, the owner knowsthere are many people transferring to the area and they use spring break as the time to house hunt. This is a unique home that lends itself well to large extended families or those who need a mother-in law suite or even for roommates who would love to live in a big home yet have complete separate living quarters.

Note- the photo's I took show the condition of it this week. The new carpet was just installed, it has been freshly painted and now the contractors are working to put on the final touches to get it ready for a new tenant.

Take a photo tour VIEW HERE

This home features:

• Two Seperate Living Spaces
• Three bedrooms, two baths, huge great room and sunroom on upper level
• Three bedrooms, living room, kitchen and breakfast room, and a full bath on the lower level
• Each level has a washer/dryer
• Each level has thier own entrances
• This home would be perfect for  a roomate situation where each wants their own private space or for someone who needs a mother-in law situation or an extended family situation.
• Fenced rear yard and huge locked storage room on rear of home
• Quiet Cul-de-sac lot
• Tenant pays all ultilities
• Owner will require full credit check, one month rent up front for deposit and first month rent when they approve your rental application.
• Owners say they prefer a long term lease 24-36 months
• Pets ( case by case basis)
• Owner is asking $2100 a month for this huge home.

To Contact the owner please CLICK HERE

That's right folks. Normally you may play phone tag with you busy Realtor as they are in the field doing what they do best, helping people buy and sell real estate. However when a massive snow storm hits...nobody moves. Not even your Realtor.

                                                                                                     So this weekend is the perfect opportunity to pick up the phone and call.

If you have been thinking of selling your home or buying one this spring and you have questions or concerns about the process. Chances are excellent your local Realtor will have plenty of time to talk with you. Most full time Realtors have computers at home and can access the MLS System to be able to answer your questions, send you a market snapshot of what's selling, what's not and what opportunities are available to you. Planning ahead is the key to success when buying or selling real estate.

So when cabin fever strikes this weekend. "Instead of turning on the TV and watching old reruns, or giving into baking a big batch of homemade cookies. Pick up the phone and call your Local Realtor and use this snow storm wisely.

Spring Market is just around the corner and whether you are a buyer or a homeowner getting ready to sell, this is the perfect time to call your local Realtor. Both Erick Blackwelder and I will be available for you this weekend. 

 Don't be shy, I'm only a phone call away.  

Have a question? Call Peggy James today 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. 

Why Stafford?  Because Stafford Virginia, is centrally located between Fredericksburg and Woodbridge Virginia. If you have visions of finding that Virginia Plantation feel you've been dreaming of, the home below is just one of the amazing homes on the market Actively For Sale right now in the Stafford Virginia area, just south of the base. The other day I took a drive to take a look at the homes in this price range. I saw homes with barns and pastures, and homes on stunning acreage lots with amazing privacy. Some of the homes are less than five miles from I-95 and close to all the shopping area's that make life easy. You'll feel like your in the country, yet close enough to work, so that your home for dinner!

Many of the homes boast acreage lots, especially in the $450,000 and up price range. I took a drive to go see this one. The lot captivated me from the photo. When I drove up to the home, it was exactly as photographed. I first noticed it on FranklyMLS.com.  What is FranklyMLS? Well in my humble opinion, it is by far the best real time consumer based websites to search for homes. Don't take my word for it, take a look at the site. This site allows the consumer to view the real time MLS database and any comments made by Buyer Agents who have viewed the properties.

"FranklyMLS is a powerful Internet tool for you the consumer to use free of charge with no sign up required  so you can  gain access to homes listed for sale regardless who what agency has them listed for sale!" Let me show you. I just went on the website and asked for acreage homes in Stafford priced between $350,000 and $600,000 take a look at the results, the home above is just one of the many homes for sale...take a look- VIEW NOW 

Ok, now lets talk about your VA LOAN.Did you know here in Virginia a Veteran can purchase a home with Zero Down Financing up to $729,900. Well that is, if you qualify.Before you arrive it is extremely important to get pre-approved for a home loan ( you can do that right here) that way you know exactly what your buying power is. The next step is to align yourself with a Realtors® whom you can trust that knows the area, the inventory, the market conditions, how to negotiate when using a VA Loan and a Realtors® who will work for you as your  Buyer Agent.  A Buyer Agent works for you and only you! The next thing you need to consider is your time line. If you can wait to have a home built, great. Keep in mind here in Virginia,builders have two years to build your home. Normally it takes less than four or five months, however if there was a strike or any other unforeseen issue, the builder by law has two years to complete your home. I used to work for a builder locally for many years, I can coach you on your options.

Here some more great news for you! The Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended, most will be able to get an $8000 tax credit and for those of you who own another home elsewhere, you may be able to secure a $6500 tax credit! Read More Here.

Why would you choose me to help you? Because there are only a few Realtors® who work in Prince William County Virginia area, who have spent the money to be able to access homes in the Stafford, Virginia Area.  Most Prince William County agents would refer you to another Realtors® in Stafford County to help you, this can slow your house hunting time down. Having another agent get up to speed on your wants, needs and desires. Erick and Company understands your time is  valuable, and because of that we have the tools and the knowledge and the commitment to help you no matter where you find a home your fall in love with!

If you are looking for a smooth door to door move, and coaching every step of the way, give us a call. We have helped hundreds of families relocated to the area. 

"Relax You'll Be Treated Like Family!"

Relocating is suppose to be a fun, exciting time...we can help make that happen for you.

Do You Need Our Help? Call 703-590-2252 Today.

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, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville, Aquia Harbor, Garrisonville and Triangle area's . 
                                
        

There is a community in Manassas called Blooms Crossing that seems to be all a buzz these days. The community was constructed in the early 90's and features Single Family homes large and small as well as townhomes, elevator condo's and and huge sense of community. Take  a drive up Manassas Drive towards General Ridge Golf of Manassas Park Elementary and you will begin to see why everyone is fighting to get into Blooms Crossing. The yards are pristine, the grounds well groomed and it's a sidewalk community.
The not uncommon to see the bicycle police riding down the main drag.

For example this home photographed below was build by Miller and Smith. This is Primrose....this community oozes the charm of yesteryear! Picket fenced yard, and just the most charming street scape's. This appears the kind of neighborhood that is very close knit.

Then there are several styles of townhomes. Garage townhomes, townhomes with triple bumpouts and some range in size of 2300 sq feet or larger.

You'll love the wide boulevard type streets. On any given evening you will find kids riding bikes, or people walking the dogs or just chatting with neighbors in the front yards. Take a drive, I think you'll be surprised.

This is a mid range home in Blooms Crossing, some can run as small as 2000 square feet on the first two level up to 3600 square feet on the first two levels. This community has seen it's fair share of Short Sale and Foreclosures homes this year. I have shown homes that are in awesome move in condition to homes like the one here that needs a lot of TLC. Blooms Crossing area just a half mile from the Manassas VRE Station. So if you are searching for a lifestyle where the kids go to neighborhood schools, where there is abundant shopping nearby, where you have easy access to the Prince William Parkway and the VRE Station to get into to DC daily...then take a drive.

Nearby is Signal Hill Park...again the Prince William County park authority does an amazing job keeping with the grounds. You feel like your in the country however there are services all around.

The  Manassas Park VRE Station is just around the corner. Living in Blooms Crossing is all about creating a lifestyle that works for you and your family. Take a look at the VRE Scheduleto see if it would line up with your work schedule. If it does, you might want to explore your buying opportunities in Blooms Crossing. It's a gem of a community hidden back off Liberia drive behind the huge Wallmart Shopping area. Don't forget to visit the Manassas Friends and Visitors website

Don't forget to visit two of the local hot spots. Tony's Pizza and Nathan's Dairy Bar. I recently wrote a post about both. They are just five minutes from Blooms Crossing. Trust me you will become a regular!

Now that you've learned more about Blooms Crossing, would you like to see what homes are For Sale?Well just click on this link Homes Currently For Sale In Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park Virginia. 

.                                         What kind of home are you searching for?

 Call the office 703-590-2252  or contact me by email and tell me what your searching for, chances are we know where it is or we can set you up on an alert system that will alert you when your dream home comes on the market! This is a Free Home Finder Service we offer our clients.  

Did you know we scrub the Realtor MLS Database Weekly for Foreclosure Homes? GET INSTANT ACCESS.  

Would you like to search for homes in your price range right now in the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Manassas Virginia area? Just follow this link   ---   SEARCH WOODBRIDGE AREA HOMES NOW.

      Have a great day, let me know if you need anything  

Peggy James direct # 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) 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 

What I found interesting about the article is that several communities in the Northern Virginia area made the list of Top 25!  Leesburg, Centerville, and  Franconia Virginia made the list. However little Lake ,Virginia is mentioned as a possible contender to becoming a new Reloville!  What's a Reloville?

Here is a snippet of the article:

Prominent new Relovilles will pop up in sleepy old towns like Castle Rock, Col., and Gaithersburg, Md., and others in desolate prairies like Frisco and Flower Mound, outside Dallas. They will sprout from just about anywhere with cheap land, exits off Interstate highways and an international airport providing quick access to the global economy.

But likely contenders include those just behind the top 25 in the Reloville weightings. They are Duluth, Ga., Colorado Springs, Colo., Gilbert, Ariz., Oakton, Va., Sugar Land, Texas, Carmel, Ind., Issaqua, Wash., Chandler, Ariz., Fort Collins, Col., Bentonville, Ark., Wildwood, Mo., Lake Ridge, Va., Chantilly, Va., Olathe, Kan., Corinth, Texas, Sammamish, Wash., Southlake, Texas, Germantown, Md., Coppel, Texas, Leawood, Kan., Brentwood, Tenn., Wyndham, Va., Ellicott City, Md., Eden Prairie, Minn., and Naperville, Ill.

To read the entire article Read More  here.                       
                                        

There is even a new book on the subject Next Stop, Reloville.written by By Peter T. Kilborn

Here's  a copy of the Press Release Click on the book cover to order your copy.

When it's time to relocate if you or someone you know is thinking of exploring what Prince William County, Virginia has to offer just know that I have lived and worked in Lake Ridge Virgina area,  for over 25 years. It's a great community and one that I proud to be a Neighborhood Realtor of. Don't hesitate to call and ask questions. Call me or contact me by email and tell me what your looking for, we'll set up your home search alerts right away. 

 Did you know we scrub the MLS Database Weekly for Foreclosure Homes? GET INSTANT ACCESS.  

Would you like to search for homes in your price range right now in the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Manassas Virginia area? Just follow this link   ---  SEARCH WOODBRIDGE AREA HOMES NOW.

               Have Questions About Real Estate?  

          Call Peggy James today at 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) 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 

This week, I've been working with a client who lives in Washington DC and has decided that  he wanted to relocate the Prince William County Virginia Area. The Lake Ridge  VA area, seemed to be the nicest and closest affordable area near I-95. He hadn't been to this part of the Northern Virginia area before so he needed a good overview to be sure he was making the right decision. In his case since he lived in Washington DC ,he was accustom to walking many places, the walk factor  for his new home was very important to him. 

Walk Factor: a home that was close to community schools, shopping centers, commuter options, the car repair shop  and fast foods. ( he's a guy!)  

Like most buyers he had some sense of the area, by searching the Internet for clues, and schools, and home prices.  He had a good idea of what he want,needed and desired.  Then the next step was to find someone who knew the area well, who could  help him find what he was looking for. The challenge was he had previously been working with a Realtor who lived several counties away. The house hunting experience did not  go well and that resulted in a severed relationship. The person did not know the area, the traffic patterns or the neighborhoods. All they went on was price. So my client went Online specifically looking for a Lake Ridge Virginia, Top Producing Realtor.  When he called,  I shared with  him, I've been living in the Lake Ridge Virginia area for 25 years and I've been a Realtor here for 18 of those 25 years. My name is Peggy James, and I work with Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

Right from the beginning he was very open about what he wanted.  I love that in a client! It makes it so much easier for me to help. We started working immediately to find  him, his new home.The challenge is and always has been for anyone relocating to any area, to match up what you've seen online,to how you really want to live. I personally find that, to be the most interesting part about being a Realtor. Ninety percent of being a good Realtor is being a good listener. Be able to decipher and guide people systematically to the home that will match up with the one that is in their  journal, their mind, their dreams! 

It's the age old comparison-does your Apple match up to our Oranges? A well planned house hunt and an open dialog will help you figure all of  that out. Look for a Realtor who has lived in an area where you plan to relocate, make sure they know the area well, and they are willing to take the time to help you find your new home. 

My personal take on this is: "Finding a home  in a new town is like planning the trip  to the Grand Canyon. I'm not kidding! " Have you ever tried to plan a vacation to the Grand Canyon? LOL...it's exhausting! I've been doing that Online  myself and let me tell you it can be overwhelming.  There are  so many websites to choose from, so many choices, so many people who claim they can help you. After awhile, looking at hotel after hotel and website after website, all I want to do is SHUT OFF THE COMPUTER! Urrrgh....

What I  really want is a real person, who knows the area well to show me around.  Someone who will treat me like a family member in from out of town, I want them to help me save money, and to help me get to where I want to go in the shortest amount of time for the least amount of money." Is that to much to ask?"  

That's all that my relocating buyer wanted. He commented on how different the house hunt experience was with Erick and Company compared to his previous attempt. He loved the email alerts we sent him daily in his price range, he loved  how organized and how helpful all of us were. He really appreciated learning all the shortcuts around town that only the locals know! Guess what...he's thrilled. He found his home and soon will be a new Lake Ridge resident.

                         No Matter Whether Your Moving Across Town or Across The Country

                                                               "Relax You Will Be Treated Like Family!"
  

                                                                  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
  

Erick and Company is now providing custom searches for    buyers. Click on a link below to test it out. If you're tired of      searching and finding homes that do not meet your needs, you will love this. 

Welcome To Our Custom Search Pages

We have activated Custom Searches to save you time when searching for a home in and around the Lake Ridge-Woodbridge Area.

 Look only at the homes that meet your needs! 

 Click on the link under the photo, the Real Time Active Homes On MLS will appear.

 

Luxury Homes	Waterview Homes
Golf Course Homes	Homes Under $300,000
Townhomes Under $400K	Click Here For Your List
Search Fairfax Virginia Single Family Homes	CLICK HERE
Do You Have Questions?	Ask Here

    Don't forget to visit Erick or Peggy's Local Blogs to learn more about Woodbridge Virginia and surrounding Eastern Prince William communities..

 

 Need more information?  

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