Wow, that's a loaded question and one that we get all the time. "The caller has been approved to purchase a home up to $650,000 with VA Financing. So you would think they would have a lot of choices, right? Well, not so in Fairfax County, Virginia and not when you consider what he is looking for and where."
The caller stated, they have looked at countless homes online and cannot seem to find the type of home they would like to live in. They were looking for a relatively short commute to Fort Belvior in Lorton Virginia, yet they wanted a newer home, with a half acre yard or more, and they would prefer a planned community atmosphere. Not to mention they strongly desired a neighborhood school.
Trust me that is a tall order close to Fort Belvior,Virginia. You can find many wonderful older homes built in the late 1970's and early 1980's. (see chart below) Some have been remodeled, some not. All have small rooms, and far less amenities that today's homes have. If you are willing to consider an older home, many boast nice landscaped lots. There are also new homes new home with luxury baths, big closets, spacious open floor-plans,however you will need to compromise on lot size and the planned community idea.
The callers says.."Peggy I have looked at so many homes online, are their any other options we are not looking at. Can you help us? "
I love when I get that question!
My first questions is where do you want to draw the line? Literally, I can show them on a map just how futile their search is. I can take them out of their misery and help them start dealing with the reality of what they want vesus what Fairfax County Virginia has to offer compared to just ten miles down the road in Prince William County, Virginia.
This was his reality! I shared with the caller, let do a map search by drawing a line on our Search For Homes Map Based Web Search below you can see you are really looking for a needle in a haystack!
Notice: You the buyer have the power to move the lines where ever you want on this Map Based Web Search to accomplish your goal. This helps you get a feel for our real estate market conditions. Don't hesitate to set up a custom search.
Click on the map above to see the results of this Active Search!
Now the next step is to save that search! Why? Because you will be updated by the MLS System when a homes status changes, of any price reductions and any and all new listings that enter the MLS Database that match your search criteria!" Never miss your dream home again."
Do you have questions? 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, Quantico, Fort Belvior, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville, Aquia Harbor, Garrisonville and Triangle area's .
Find out what's for sale today in Woodbridge Virginia Click here
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Just ask me peggy@erickandcompany.com
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Contact Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder of Erick and Company of Exit Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085(Peggy) 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,Gainesville, Garrisonville and Triangle area's.Basically all of Prince William County Virginia. Manassas Park, Haymarket,Montclair, Dumfries, Quantico, Fort Belvior, Occoquan, Dale City.
Sounds as though there is a market needing to be filled in the Ft Belvoir area; a smart builder or homeowner who can subdivide should be all over this need she is probably not the only one out there with this wish list.
Good luck with the buyers. I hope you will find a nice house for them.
Hi Edward, unfortunatley there is not much land near Ft.Belvior. That said, you are correct. In fact, I visited a new home builder just before Christmas less than two miles from the base. They have a small enclave of homes on postage stamp lots and they sold several homes this month for late spring, summer deliveries. For those who want an immediate move-in homes they may need to expand their search criteria to find a home.
Peggy, recently I saw an episode of House Hunter in Virginia and was shocked to find out how high properties are valued there. It is what it is and it's usually about supply and demand.
Hi Robin, yeah I saw that one as well just before Christmas. That was Frank Llosa from Frankly Realty here in Arlington Virginia. That show really showcased what is is like for home buyers who refuse to compromise on moving a few miles south. So many home buyers (especially relocating buyers and first time buyers) who do not know our real estate market have a vision in mind of what they want. However, their budget restraints really hold them back from getting what they really want. That is why, it is so important to explore all your options. One zip code to the left or right or even a few miles further South can make all the difference in the inventory. Ultimately, the buyer may compromise on size and lot. If they do, they will be happy knowing they looked at all of their options!
I just got this phone call from one of my buyers on IDX today. I'm not getting many homes sent to me... I told him, for the areas you selected and the price range, you won't. Gotta add more areas or increase the price range.
Hi Justin- True. It seems lately that many home buyers have this imaginary line they will not cross. Another clients comes to mind. He insisted on living in one geographical area and prided himself that he set up his search and he was going to wait until a home came on the market in his price range. It didn't happen. With gentle coaching, I was able to help find a wonderful home about a mile and a half from where he started his search. He closes on his home this week.
Buying a home is a process. Doing the same thing over and over hoping for a different result is crazy. A homebuyer must expand their search criteria, increase the price or compromise on size, lot or type of home .
Hi Justin- True. It seems lately that many home buyers have this imaginary line they will not cross. Another clients comes to mind. He insisted on living in one geographical area and prided himself that he set up his search and he was going to wait until a home came on the market in his price range. It didn't happen. With gentle coaching, I was able to help find a wonderful home about a mile and a half from where he started his search. He closes on his home this week.
Buying a home is a process. Doing the same thing over and over hoping for a different result is crazy. A homebuyer must expand their search criteria, increase the price or compromise on size, lot or type of home .
Hi Peggy,
That is amazing that the market has such little inventory in that area. I guess you do not have many foreclosures in that area. Yes, over the years I have seen approved buyers that do not change their search results and become stubborn. From a Realtors view point that has to feel futile because you are waiting for that perfect house to come on the market and it rarely does.