Lake Ridge Virginia Real Estate Help For Sellers and Buyers

"So You Are Moving To The Northern Virginia Area and You Want To Find an Affordable Place To Live"

I have been assisting home buyers relocating to the area for over two decades. Yup, I started my real estate career in 1991. I was a New Home Sales manager for NV Homes at the time. I sold everything from condo's, townhouses and luxury single family homes in the five years I worked there. However,  New Homes sales were is a massive slump and I needed to make a living, so I jumped into the residential real estate market and never looked back.

Back then we always sat down with clients in our office for what we called the Initial Interview. Upon your arrival we would sit down in front of a big map of the Beltway around Washington DC and explain in great detail what you could find where, how long it would take to get to work. From there we would head to the computer to look at the MLS. Back in those days consumers did not have access to MLS Listings.

Link to map 

Fast forward to 2011. How do you best plan your move to the Northern Virginia area when you want to find an affordable place to live.

1. Get pre-approved. The most stressful thing to do is look at homes on the internet, fall in love only to learn you can't have it. That's like going grocery shopping without your wallet. A big waste of  your time! Marita Aldridge Woods or Tom Halfpap are local loan offices who offer Conventional, FHA or VA Financing. Learn what you don't want to do! Watch.
2. Make sure you align yourself with a local Buyers Agent here in Northern Virginia who will start sending you MLS Listings that match what you are looking for. For example this is what we do for our clients. Search for homes right now. Learn how to set up that MLS search watch this video I did to show you how to do it!
3. Talk to your Realtor of choice. Share with them what you want, what you need and what your lifestyle is like or what you want it to be like. We can't help you if we do not know. Just call us, we don't bite, in fact you might just learn that we are a Family Real Estate Team that really cares.
4. Schedule your househunt. The very best way to find your new home is to come to Virginia for 3-5 days and do a househunt. Your Realtor can help you figure out your timing. Here in Virginia you can contract for a home and be moving in thirty to fourty five days. Unless of course you fall in love with a Short Sale home, then it is anyones guess. ( typically 3-6 months) Now, if you are considering a new home. Just know that builders build by contract and require a hefty contract deposit ( in many cases up to $10,000) and delivery times are anywhere from 90 to 120 days from contract ratification. So it pays to start early if you are relocating to Northern Virginia.
5. The next step..."Relax You Will Be Treated Like Family!" You have stumbed onto a family real estate team that has been together for twenty years serving home buyers and sellers. We know the area well, have help hundreds of families relocate here.

Our office is located in one of the most affordable area's and centerally located in Woodbridge Virginia right off I-95 next to three hotels and many places to eat and shop. Perfect for those relocating. The last thing you want to be doing in the Northern Virginia area is waisting precious house hunting time stuck in the traffic around the Washington Beltway. Align yourself with Realtors who understand your time is valuable and you have a goal to accomplish while here in the Northern Virginia area.  Click here for more details.

• Courtyard Marriott
• Holiday Inn Express
• Residence Inn
• Other Hotels

 Other related posts

Visual Snapshot of Home Values Around The Beltway

What you need to know about buying a new home

Buying in Fairfax County Versus Prince William County VA

Do You Have PCS Orders to Quantico?

Learn more about VA Financing and Getting a Loan

      Do need real estate help?Please don't hesitate to contact me by email  or call 703-851-3085.

Contact Peggy Jamesor Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. 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 . 
                                
         

Searching for homes on the Internet can be so infuriating. So many times you know exactly where you want to live, however none of the websites allow you to actually pin point that area. Well, problem solved!

Here at Erick and Company we understand and want to help you as much as we can. Not only can you search the map by drawing lines around the streets your interested in, this tool allows you to visualize exactly what the current inventory is. Imagine the power of this tool, if you know the boundry lines for the school district you want to live in. Try it, you will love it!

This is powerful information for both home buyers and homeowners.

Why homeowners?  Let's think about this a minute. Let's say, you are thinking of selling your home in the near future. Wouldn't you like to know exactly"what's happening with home values in and around your neighborhood?" 

Watch this video tutorial on how this news system can work for you.

PS: this works for any area, just expand the map to the County, City or Neighborhood you are interested in. Save Your Search so the system can keep you up to date on what's happening in real estate in your neighborhood.

Remember if you or anyone you know needs real estate help here in Prince William County Virginia. Just remember, I'm only a phone call away!   Call me direct at  703-851-3085 or contact me by email  

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 . 
                                
         

Take a look at the Stats:

Recovery is slowly happening...

The following video message that explains "What's Happening in Real the local Northern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax and Prince William County area's Click Here

The above information was provided by RBIntel.com

This news is good news for both home owners who want to sell and for home buyers who are ready to buy. Let's talk. Erick and I will be able to coach you on all the options available to you!

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

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 . 
                                
         

 *****Beginning October 19th, 2010 ****

I saw this new post online the other day and thought it might be of interest to those of you who commute to work everyday to Alexandria Virginia,.How many times have you said to yourself, " There has to be an easier way to get to work!". Well starting on October 19th, 2010 you wish is coming true. There is a new slug line from Woodbridge, Virginia directly to Alexandria Virginia.

                                  Notice:Flyer image is from the official Slug-Lines.com website

Now before you say, "I just don't see myself slugging to work. Keep in mind this is a FREE commuting option for you. Yes, I said FREE!" You pick up the ride at the Woodbridge Virginia VRE Station off Rt 1 near Belmont Bay and your ride takes you to  Eisenhower Ave Metro or to the King Street VRE/Metro station..

More on Slugging to work in the DC Area from Woodbridge Virginia and surrounding communities:

•   Did You Ever Think You'd Grow Up To Be A Slug?
•   Video on the streets on how slugging works
•   Talk with other commuters The Slug-Lines message board

Don't hesitate to call if you need real estate assistance

Call 703-851-3085 or contact me by email 

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 . 
                                
        

Simple. Interview a few and ask them what tools they use in their real estate business to get things done in today's world.

Why? Well, back in the old days ( just ten years ago) all a  good Realtor really needed was was gas in the car, a yellow pad, a lockbox key and the heart and passion to sell real estate. Those days are gone.Everything is done by the speed of lighting ....

New Tools of today's busy Top Producing Realtors:

• Smart Phone- our real estate team carries iPhones 
• Does the Realtor Text? In today's real estate market (this is a great tool for helping buyers and sellers. Buyers can even access info on a home by a text code!)
• Wide Angle Lens Camera- especially if you are a listing agent -read more
• Flip Video Camera-has so many amazing uses
• Laptop to carry from place to place
• Thumb Drives -used for virtual tours, photo's and forms
• High Speed Printer, Scanner and Copier
• Color Printer
• Home Office for immediate access to what is needed
• DocuSign-this is the ability to have buyers and sellers sign forms digitally
• Marketing Plans- ask them to show you what they will do when they list your home.
• Systems. Our team uses a contact manager system to keep everything organized
• Desktop to act as a server at home
• SupraKeysto access homes in Stafford, Fredricksburg
• Sentrikeys to access homes in Prince William and Fairfax County
• Facebook page and Erick and Company has it's own fan page
• Active Rain membership
• Does the Realtor use video? Erick and Company has a YouTube.com video library
• Picasa Photo Album- This is where I showcase homes I've listed and visited View It Now
• Google the Realtor's you are interviewing. Do you like what you see? Chances are buyers will as well.
• Do they have a Local Real Estate Blog. Check out mine: LakeRidgeVARealEstateNews.com
• A Website ErickandCompany.com a place to find local information and service providers, as well as MLS Listings,and information about Erick and Peg.

So here's a TFP: Tip From Peg

Home Buyers-  When it's time to select a Realtor to help you find the home of your dreams, ask them how they work. Are they able to respond to your questions via text? Can they send you a photo in a few minutes a home that has none? What if you are at work, can they send you information by email so that you can respond the way you work?

Home Owners:When it is time to sell, make sure to ask questions, interview a few Realtors and ask how they work? Are they old school or new?  "Will the Realtors just place a sign in the yard, a lockbox on the door and pray it will sell?" Fair Warning, if you want top $ for your home, make sure you hire a real estate professional who has the ability to broadcast the information that your home is for sale to capture the most potential buyers as possible. 

Do you have questions? 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

Well it is about time!

Take a look at the Home Sale Statistic's for the Prince William County Virginia Area for March. These stats are from MRIS. Days on market are way down. Most people who are buying homes are using financing. FHA Loans, VA Loans and Conventinal Loans. The stats show that in March 89 homes purchased were purchased with CASH! Notice that 38 homes were sold by Assumption.

 If you or someone you know needs real estate help in Prince William County Virginia, 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. 

Today's message is all about the Revised Home Buyer Tax Credit.

As a local Realtor it is my job to help you the consumer with this information as well as help you with all of your real estate questions. You can trust that if I do not know the answer, I will research it and find out. The real estate market is getting better every day and with the help of this credit, both home buyers and sellers will benefit. In reference to the new $6500 Move-up/Repeat Buyer Tax Credit, many of you have questions.

There is a website that post the Frequently Asked Questions about the $6500 Move-up, Repeat Home Buyers Tax Credit. Learn More Here

For those of you who are First Time Buyers, check out the Frequent Asked Questions and Answers for the $8000 Home Buyers Tax Credit. Read More Here

When it's time to Buy, Sell or Relocate in Prince William County Virginia, don't hesitate to give me a call, I can help you. I've lived and worked as a Realtor in this area for decades.

Call 703-851-3085 or contact me by email 

    Search for homes right now...Click on the box below

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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 serivce  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's  
                
                
        

Dale City Virginia - Where Is It, And What's The Community Like?

Dale City is about 25 miles South of DC. It's doesn't have a downtown like Old Town Manassas or Occoquan. It's not even a Home Owners Association Community. It was built before huge planned sub-divisions with amenities became the norm.Dale City is made up of dozens of neighborhoods. Dale City was started way back in the 70's by Cecil Hyton after the post war housing boom, and back then the homes were modest starter homes and small townhomes.  Today there are more than 60,000 residents and over  20,000 homes in Dale City!

It's not the Dale City most folks remember..it's changed and in a good way.

What I find most  interesting about Dale City, Virginia is, as the community was built and streets formed they were added alphabetically.( such as Ashdale, Birchdale, CherryDale and so on, all the way to Hoadly Rd where they are now building new homes in the Q Sections! I'm not sure if Cecil Hylton had that vision or master plan sketched out on a note pad way back then or if it just happened. I've lived in this area for 25 years and I've never learned that little piece of information. If someone knows, please comment below and tell us about the things you like about living there.          

From the air, I understand the community is fashioned a grid like system. Dale Blvd is the main artery which runs from I-95 (Dale City Exit) to Hoadly Rd. From beginning to end the distance is about seven miles. Whenever I have clients in the car, "I always say,if you get lost in Dale City, just get yourself onto a street that ends with Dale and you will wind up on main road. Then just decide if you need to go east or west!"

Did you know that if you Google Dale City, Virginia there is a wikipedia definition for it?  

Single Family Homes range in size from starter homes of 1400 sq ft up to 5000 sq ft in the Estate Series. Price ranges start at $150,000 and go up to $500,000. Search Active Homes For Sale Now  

Townhome neighborhoods range from older townhomes in the low $100,000 to large garage townhomes that boast 2400 sq ft up to $300,000.  Search Active Homes For Sale in Dale City Now

The heart of Dale City is at the corner of Minnieville Rd and Dale Blvd. There you will find four strip shopping centers, one in every direction. Potomac Mills Mall is less than five miles away. At the far end of Dale Blvd, where you find the newest built homes you will find The Boys and Girls Club and Skate Nation, as well as the Mapledale Shopping Center and then the new Food Lion Shopping Center and Harris Teeter Shopping Center on Hoadly Rd.

Some folks remember Dale City as the place with the little houses. There are still lots of little houses and many have been purchased by investors and refurbished and we are seeing neighborhoods change. The community boasts over 20,000 homes and more than 63,000 people. Take a drive one day down the Prince William Parkway, and turn left on Hoadly Rd and be prepared to see lots of affordable homes that are less than five years old! They offer high ceilings, many with luxury baths and big flat yards. Dale City is well known for larger lot sizes. Better yet, if you are someone who just hates home owners associations rules and regulations, then relax most of Dale City does not have an HOA! So if you really want to keep you boat in the driveway...you can.

 
View Larger Map

Give Erick and Company a call if you are thinking about Buying a home. We know the area well and can save you time, money and a lot of stress in finding your new home!

We look forward to working with you. Have a great day.

We Can Help. Call 702-590-2252

or contact me by email

 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 
      
                
                
         

Take a look at the latest graphs from Zillow.comregarding the current state of the Woodbridge Virginia Real Estate Market.  At the top   under the words Homes Increasing in Value use you mouse to shift between the 1 year, 5 year and 10 year graph. 

Woodbridge Real Estate Statistics

Homes for sale in Woodbridge

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Home Buyers: If you have been waiting to time the market and buy at the bottom, you missed it, however it's not to late to start your search for a home. Visit ErickSellsHomes.com

Homeowners:If you are wondering what you could sell your home for, give me a call. I live and work in the Eastern Prince William County Virginia area. The great news for you is demand is high, inventory is low...this means you have a great chance of selling over the next few months

When it's time to Buy or Sell, give me a call at 703-590-2252 or contact me by email 

    Search for homes right now...Click on the box below

e  

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 serivce  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's  
                
                
        

Every day, all of us at Erick and Company work with home buyers who are searching for a home here in Prince William County Virginia. No matter whether you are relocating from another state or moving across town, everyone faces the same situation. That is, trying to find a home that you like, that you qualify for and one that is available. Most of you are in shock, when you the begin the process of looking for a home and  learn that the market is not only brisk , it is also extremely challenging!

Most home buyers think any home on the market is fair game. When you start searching online or you see a sign in the front yard of a home you like, you get frustrated when you learn it actually has several offers on it. If that isn't frustrating enough, after talking with a local Realtor you then learn that not every home is available to every home buyer, no matter if you are pre-approved or not. Not today!

The Reason:  The current Real Estate Market Conditions Offers Mutiple Types Of Sellers.

No FHA Loan Flips:-these homes are available only to Buyers with VA Eligibility, Conventional Home Loan Buyers and Buyers with CASH! These homes are typically under $300,000 and they are truly amazing homes that have totally been renovated. They will feature granite, stainless appliances, hardwood flooring, new carpet and new baths! Truly a joy for the lucky buyer who wins the bid on one of these homes! Let me know if this is what you are looking for.

Fannie Mae Foreclosure Listings: these listings are tricky. Fannie Mae requires the listing remain on the market 5 Days for Non-investor and 15 Days for Investors. It doesn't matter if you see and make an offer on day one and offer full price or over list. They will not entertain offers until the time line up. Listing Agents are getting hammered with multiple offers and phone calls.

Bank Owned Homes/Foreclosed Homes: these homes sell quick. The buyer that offers the bank the Best Terms with the least amount of contingencies will win. This is where experience can help you draft a winning offer.

Short Sales-these homes look awesome and typically are priced at market or below. The challenge with buying a short sale is the wait time. Also you must remain flexible on the terms. Just because you and the seller agree to sales price and terms does not mean the bank who holds their loan will agree. Call me for details, we can help you navigate the short sale world. We also scrub the MLS data base daily for Approved Short Sales. For a FREE List  of this weeks Approved Short sale click here

For Sale By Owner- many of these sellers are trying to save money by not having a Realtor represent them. Also in most cases they are listed over the market. Most For Sale By Owners homeowners will allow for a buyer to have a Buyer Agent. This does not cost you the buyer one penny for representation. The worst thing you can do is fall in love with a home, negotiate with the seller only to learn that the appraisal came in tens of thousands to low.

Regular Owner Listings: this is a home that is occupied by the current owner and who have enough equity to be able to sell without compromise. More and more are coming on the market daily. Many of these homes can settle within 30-45 days! Realtors refer to these as normal real estate sale.

So your success will depend on your Realtor. A Realtor can scour the MLS Database quickly and check with each listing agent on the availability of a home you are interested in. A local Realtor can save you a lot of time and heartache when finding a home.

Still find that hard to believe. Then ...let me show you how BRISK the market is. Here is my favorite consumer based Multiple Listing Search site for consumers. The following link is a snapshot. Every listing that is crossed out gives you a sense of how fast paced the market is here in Prince William County Virginia click here to view-  FranklyMLS.com . Half of the homes currently on the market for sale are Under Contract! If you have a pre-approved for a home loan of $350,000 or more, you will have a much easier time finding a home. Home buyers with a pre-approval under $300,000, the market is quickly moving away from you. Inventory is low and the pace is Brisk!   

This is why, it is critical to your success that you align yourself with a Realtor who works everyday in the area that you are searching for. If you don't want to be running like the Hamster in the cage, just running your legs off day after day,week after week waisting time, contact us.

Call today 703-590-2252

Or you can get started right now.We can actually customize MLS Listing Alerts for you. This way you tell us once what you are looking for, and we will have our system send you alerts when a home comes on the market that matches what you say you want! You can get them daily, or weekly. You choose! Feel free to contact me by email   and tell me what your looking for, or just give me a call 703-851-3085.

      How Can We Help You Today?

  Search for homes right now

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 serivce  Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's