Lake Ridge VA Real Estate News

Custom Built Mike Garcia Home On A Five Acre Lot In Manassas Virginia Just Released For Sale...

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:56:59 -0400

Just Listed by Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty- Custom Built Home On 5 Acres

This stunning custom home boasts a brick front, side load garage, three finished levels, a screened gazebo,deck across the rear of the home as well as hard scape walkways and a Koi pond. The home may have a Manassas address however it is located between Manassas and Woodbridge just off the Prince William Parkway. Not quite as far as Liberia Avenue. So this home is a good fit for anyone who travels to the Dulles Cooridor or the into Washington DC for work dailiy.

Children go to: Osbourne Park High School, Parkside Middle School and Signal Hill Elementary School

"This is the home and lot you have been waiting for.If you take a drive to this home, you will fall in love!"

Here is a quick glimpse of what you can expect to find inside...

From the moment you walk up to the front door you'll feel as if you have found a true treasure. And you have! Very few people get to own a Mike Garcia custom built home, however this is your chance. Mike Garcia has won many awards for his outstanding quality and workmanship. His designs have won seven Finest For Family Living Awards.

Wait until step into the massive foyer! This is a true center hall colonial with a dining room on one side of foyer and living room on the other. Look up and you will see a bridge that floats between foyer and family room on the rear of the home. The stone fireplace will draw you inside. There is a main level den on your left, half bath and to the right is the expansive breakfast room and kitchen. Head out to the deck or to the laundry room and garage area. The floor-plan is wonderful. Upstairs you will find four large bedrooms and the master will not disappoint you in the least. Head down to the basement and you will find a rec room, den, full bath and french doors that lead out to the rear yard. Stroll out to the Koi pond or relax in the screened gazebo or head on up to the shed to grab your gardening tools. This home is in immaculate condition.

For more information about this home click here or to make an appointment to see this 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

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

This Week's Caller Asked: "Peggy, is it true New Home Builders and Sellers do not take contingent contracts?"

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:06:48 -0400

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:

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.
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.
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

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

Eastern Prince William County Virginia Offers Some Amazing Acreage Communities..

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:01:43 -0400

When relocating to the Northern Virginia area, many people say they want to be close to DC. That can be for commuting reasons and/or for social reasons. However it doesn't take long to figure out if you are looking for a home with a little land your going to have to head South or West of the beltway around Washington DC to get it.

Over the years we have always made a practice to sit down with relocating buyers and show them the big map on the wall in our office to help them get a feel for where they are, and where thier $ will buy them the most house. It has always been critical before you start looking at homes to get pre-apprpoved by a loan office or bank representative to find out what your buying power is. After that you would typically meet with myself of Erick Blackwelder my partner and team leader.This appointment is called the initial interview.

"Initial meetings really help us learn about you and you learn about us and what we know. If you can devote a little time with us, then I promise you that you will not be waisting your time, in fact this type of meeting with a Realtor can actually save you time and money." Share with us the lifestyle you have in mind, paint the picture of the scenerio for your family. Before we're done, we will sit down with you on the Realtors MLS computer and input exactly what you are looking for. First we start with your preferred commuting distance, and if we do not find anything suitable, then it's time to re-evaluate. We talk about your options.

a) wait for a home to come on the market in your target area

b) expand your boundaries for a commute time

c) check with your lender to see if you have any room to increase your target price point

By going through this exercise on the commputer you quickly begin to see what is possible and what is not. One thing I know for sure is you will come away from that meeting with a great understanding of our market and how you've chosen the right real estate agents to help you. We know the Prince William County Virginia area very well. We all live and work here.

Today, Erick is highlighting two acreage communities off the Prince William Parkway located between Manassas and Woodbridge Virginia. Hunter's Ridge and Heron Bend.

Both neighborhoods are located in what we locals refer to as Middle County. This is the area between Hoadly Rd and Liberia avenue on the Prince William Parkway. Community to the Dulles Area is one turn on Liberia and one turn onto Rt 28 starting out to Dulles. Or to the Pentagon/DC area take the Prince William Parkway to I-95 and head on up to Ft. Belvior, the Pentagon, Ft. Meyers and The District of Columbia.

Watch as Erick Blackwelder takes you on a driving tour or Hunters Ridge just off the Prince William Parkway

And now Erick Blackwelder takes you on a short tour of the Heron Bend neighborhood.

There are so many more acreage communities nearby such as Bear Creek, Deer Valley, River Falls On the Occoquan,Cannon Bluff, Cannon Bluff Estates, Woodmont, Running Creek,The Cloisters,Hampton Grove,Fox Mill,Malvern Chase,and Springvale Estates and occasionally Westridge and Meadowbrook Woods will have an acreage home come on the market. Tell us what your looking for an we will help you find it!

Do you need an experienced Buyer Agent to help you? Just call 703-590-2252 or contact me by email

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

Local Berry Farms and Farmers Markets offer a wide variety of local fruits. Oh My Look What Mom Made..

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:29:57 -0400

My mother had picked a huge bucket of local blackberries at the Westmorland Berry Farm and she had some peaches. She decided to toss them in togther and the result was the most amazing Berry Cobbler.No matter what function you bring this to, people will rave! Add a spoon-full of ice cream along side. Yum!

Right now is a the perfect time to pick up local Peaches and Blackberries from your local Farmers Market.

She used this simple recipe and the results were the Rave at the BBQ!

                                             QUICK PEACH COBBLER

Place in shallow baking dish 5 or 6 cups of sliced fresh peaches. Mix together with a fork 'till crumbly and sprinkle over peaches the following ingredients:

1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg                              -

This will be a bit sticky so break it up a bit if necessary

Melt 1/3 cup butter and pour over top, sprinkle with cinnamon according to your taste. Bake at 375*F for about 45 minutes. Serve with milk, whipped cream or ice cream.

COOKS NOTE: I mixed blackberries and early peaches this time. You can use anything you like and there is no need to sweeten the fruit in advance. The later, firmer peaches work lots better since they hold up so well. Leave the dish uncovered to keep the top crispy.

Here is a list of all the local Farmers Markets in throughout Prince William County Virginia and surrounding area's read more

Or go pick your own at the Westmorland Berry Farm!

Enjoy..

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

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

What's Happening To Home Values In Westridge Subdivision in Lake Ridge Virginia?

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:40:28 -0400

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

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

Have You Ever Wondered If You Quailify For FHA Financing?

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:14:30 -0400

If you are thinking of buying a home in the Prince William County Virginia area, may I suggest you talk to Markita Aldridge Woods of Westar Mortgage. She has helped several of my buyer clients over the past few years.

In fact here is a very good article Markita wrote regarding many questions home buyers have about buying a home. In this post she answers the Top 10 Questions she gets from home buyers who are getting ready to purchase.

Via Markita Aldridge-Woods: "Your Woodbridge FHA/VA Lender" (WestStar Mortgage):

My Top Ten FHA Loan Questions in Woodbridge, VA

Since FHA Loans are very popular right now I want to share the top ten questions that I am most frequently asked by clients considering purchasing a home.

1. What is a FHA Loan?

A FHA Loan is a federally insured loan that allows lenders to approve home loans with low down payments, low closing costs, and less strict credit guidelines.



2. Who is eligible for FHA Loan?

Although many first time buyers utilize FHA Loans, anyone looking to purchase a home as a primary residence that does not currently have a FHA Loan is eligible. (If you already have a FHA loan you have to meet a certain standard which are addressed in one of the questions below.)

3. What is the credit score requirement?

FHA does not have a minimum credit score requirement, but the lenders do. Right now our minimum is a 620 middle score. If you are a few points shy don’t worry I can help.

4. What is the low down payment?

The low down payment for FHA loans is 3.5% of the sales price

Quick example: Sale Price = $300,000 Down payment = ($300,000 x 3.5%)

                                             Total = $10,500

The down payment can be a gift from family, a nonprofit agency, or your employer.If you are a first time buyer in Virginia we have a special program to help finance the down payment (Income restrictions do apply, please call 703-497-3936 or email FHA/VA Lender for more details).

5. I just started my credit and job, can I have a “cosigner” with FHA loans?

     Yes you can have a family member cosign as a “non-occupying co- borrower” like Mom, Dad, or even Grandma…..

6. What are the FHA Loan Limits?

    In the Washington DC Metro Area the loan limit is $729,250 for FHA Loans.

7. I bought a home before with a FHA Loan and I still own the house.Can I purchase another home with a FHA Loan?

    Unfortunately, no you cannot, unless your job has relocated you to a different area at least 100 miles from your property that is financed with a FHA loan.

8. I had a bankruptcy can I buy a home using FHA?

     Yes, you can as mentioned earlier, the FHA credit guidelines are less strict, and you only need two years from bankruptcy discharge with re-established credit to be eligible for FHA financing.

9. What if the house is a foreclosure and needs some repairs, can I use a FHA Loan?

     Yes you can purchase and repair the property with the FHA 203(k) loan.

10. What are the major differences, between FHA and conventional lo

     Credit score requirements, lower down payment, and monthly mortgage insurance (this may be changing soon, though)



If FHA is not a good fit for you, I will work hard to answer your questions, and find the best program for your needs.

Now feel comfortable getting started with our short online application or give your Woodbridge FHA/VA Lender a call (703-497-3936) .



Markita Aldridge-Woods of WestStar Mortgage, Inc. Contact me via email or call me direct at 703-497-3936 for answers to your questions about mortgage financing. Or get pre-approved today to purchase your home.

I service Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dale City, Fairfax, Stafford, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, Quantico, Ft. Belvoir, and the Virginia surrounding areas.

We offer FHA, VA, VHDA,USDA, and Conventional financing.

(WestStar Mortgage Inc. is licensed by the Virginia State Corporation Commission and License No. MC-1875)

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

Do You Have Dreams Of Living Near The Water? Have You Considered Belmont Bay, Occouqan Or Woodbridge Virginia?

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:08:28 -0400

Have you ever dreamed of owning a waterfront home? Well the Prince William County Virginia area offers several very nice options. Occoquan Virginia being one area and Belmont Bay is also a beautiful community offering condo living, townhome living as well as single family homes. Take a look as my partner Erick Blackwelder of Erick and Company takes a Sunday drive. Sunday's is typically his day off and you can see that in real estate, Realtors are almost always doing something real estate related.

Take a look at what's avaialble right now in the Woodbridge Virginia area Waterfront Homes
Take a look at all the Luxury High End Waterfront Living opportunities in Virginia ACTIVE FOR SALE
Are you looking for a particular style home or lot? Please let us know and we will alert you when it becomes available. Just share with us what you are looking for CLICK HERE

Our entire real estate team at Erick and Company has been assisting buyers and sellers in the Prince William County Virginia are for decades, we know the area and the market well. Don't hesitate to give us a call if you have questions.

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

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

Learn How The High End Luxury Home Market Is Holding Up In Prince William County Virginia

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:26:40 -0400

Over the past few weeks I have been working with several high end buyers searching for homes in the Prince William County Virginia area. With that in mind, I thought you might like to learn how the current Prince William County Virginia luxury home market is holding up in the first half of 2010.

A quick snapshot shows that there are currently 142 resale luxury homes actively being marketed For Sale in the Prince William County Virginia MLS area. Of the 142 listings, there are only 10 short sales and 2 bank owned property. Does that surprise you?

The luxury market in our area is defined as $550,000 and above. The highest priced listing is $2.9million and there are 24 active homes for sale over a Million Dollars. The average size of the luxury priced home is about 3800 taxable square feet however many of the high end homes will be upwards of 5500 on the fist two levels and many have full basements. You can find luxury high end homes for sale all over the Prince William County Virginia area. We have a variety of communities to choose from. Find golf course communities, waterfront communities, equestrian communities as well acreage communities. Let me break them down for you. Feel free to click on the link provide this will show you each Luxury Home For Sale in that area.

23 in the Woodbridge Virginia Area-this includes communities such as River Falls and Occoquan

18 in Manassas- Most are in the Middle County Area offering acreage lots.

21 in Gainesville- Communities such as Lake Manassas, and Virginia Oaks top the list

25 in Nokesville- Most the available homes boast ten acre lots!

49 in Haymarket- Communities such as Dominion Valley, Piedmont, Thunder Oak and Evergreen Farms

5 in Catharpin- Communities such as Green Gables and Forest Hills

Since January 1st 2010, 158 luxury homes have gone Under Contract! 27 were short sales,16 were foreclosures. The highest priced home to sell in the past six months was in Woodbridge Virginia for $1.4 million in River Falls On The Occoquan!

Last year Prince William County Virginia had 134 luxury resale homes sell in the first half of the year. So this year is ahead of last year by 24 units. This does not include any new homes builders. Average days on market for homes sold is approximately 92 days. Of course that all depends on price, condition and the marketing. In the lower end of the luxury market $550.000 to $650,000 range homes are selling much faster than average. In many cases less than 30 days!

Are you looking for a particular style home or lot? Please let us know and we will alert you when it becomes available. Just share with us what you are looking for CLICK HERE

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

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

When Selling Your Home...It Takes More Than A Lockbox, A Sign And Placing The Home In MLS.

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:50:56 -0400

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

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

This Week's Caller Said: "Peggy, I want to buy a home, however I'm afraid the Prince William County Virginia Real Estate prices will go down again."

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:03:49 -0400

I knew the caller could tell I had a smile on my face and a chuckle in my voice. I shared with the caller, I wish I had a Chrystal Ball to be able to tell you what is going to happen, but I don't. What I can share with you, is what has happened to past clients that all of us at Erick and Company have assisted over the past two years when buying a home in the Eastern Prince William County Virginia area.

The caller said; " I'm sure that the houses are worth about the same as when they purchased."

I said, wrong! Let me share with you just a few that come to the top of mind.

Example #1: Pulte Townhome located in the heart of Lake Ridge Virginia.

First Time Buyer Buys A Foreclosure Home.

Back in September 2008, a first time buyers was looking for a starter townhome in Lake Ridge, Virginia. The one that really caught their eye was located within walking distance to shopping,schools, the pool and fantasy play ground.

This was a Fannie Mae Foreclosure home purchased for $159,900. Homes like this if in good condition and updated today sell for $170,000 up to $190,000 Link to comps

Purchased for $159,900 current market value $190,000 =$30,100 Gross Equity

********************************************************************************

Example #2. Thousand Oaks Townhome in Lake Ridge Virginia

We assisted a military veteran who wanted to buy using his VA Eligibility. The best home for him in his price range at the time was a dreaded short sale home priced at $171,500. We contracted in December 2008. It was a Countrywide Short Sale and the process was a painful one. Long and drawn out. However he finally settled in June 2009. Even though it was a grueling way to buy his first home. I am happy to inform him that it was worth every painful moment. Homes like this end unit sell for anywhere from $199,000 to $215,000. Take a look click here

Purchased: $171,500 -Current Value $210,000= $38,500 Gross Equity

***********************************************************************************

Example #3. Renters bypass townhome ownership, and jump into single family ownership.

This was a single family home we helped a purchaser buy in Meadowbrook Woods. They were renting a townhome in the Westridge Subdivision of Lake Ridge and were ready to jump into home ownership. The home they liked needed a little TLC and some updating. Other that that, it was a quality built NV Home with a great floorplan in a quiet neighborhood located between Woodbridge and Manassas. The best news is they purchased the home with their VA Eligibility. They secured a fixed rate VA Zero Down Loan to buy and the seller paid most of their closing costs. The result are outstanding!

Purchased for $449,000 in June 2009, currently homes with similar floor-plans in the community are selling on average for $525,000 and higher!

That is an $76,000 Gain In One Year...Take a look at the comps

The caller was jazzed and said. I need to get pre-approved for a home loan can you help me? That I did and they will soon be ready to begin their search for the perfect place to call home.

What are you waiting for?

Interest Rates are historically low, and homes prices are still being offered at deep discounts. Many new home builders are offering incentives and sellers are offering to pay your closing costs. Erick and Company has Erick, Luis and myself who are standing by ready to assist you to help you find your dream home.

Share with us what you are looking for. Feel free to call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email

Did you know you can sign up to receive MLS listings daily? Never miss your dream home. Start Here

Do you have a home to sell before you can buy your move-up home. No problem, we can help Click Here For More Information

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

What's Happening In Prince William County VA Real Estate? Well, The Most Recent Market Watch Update Shows...

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:09:25 -0400

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

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

Summer is Here and The Local Dale City Farmers Market is Open Every Sunday Morning..

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:01:30 -0400

One thing I love about summer is heading to the local Farmer's Market. Since I live in Lake Ridge Virginia, the closet one to me on the weekend is located off Dale Blvd between Minnieville Rd and Hillendale Rd in the commuter parking lot.( see Google Map below)

This particular farmers market has been open for years and people flock to this place in droves. So come early! You'll find,fresh local produce, plants, honey's and jams, kettle corn, flowers and as well as homemade bake goods. There is something for everyone.

For

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

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

Selling Your Woodbridge Virginia Home Is Easy When You Call Erick and Company

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 06:59:25 -0400

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

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

Wordless Wednesday- A Serious Case Of Summertime Blues Already

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:42:08 -0400

I've been bitten by the Summertime Blues Bug. This is my first attempt at growing hydrangeas. When I purchased three hydrangeas at the local Lowes, they were pink. During that time, I met a woman while showing homes in the Kingstowne area of Alexandria, Virginia last year. I admired her huge ( I mean huge) hydrangea bush. When I ask what fertilizer she used, she said I just feed it "used coffee grounds".

She said every thirty days or so, I toss some wet coffee grounds around the roots...that's it!

Well I tried it. This little hydrenga is twice the size of the others and it has already turned blue in less than one year!

Who knew?

Do you have questions? Call me 703-851-3085 or contact me by email

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.

How Do You Find A Good Local Realtor Who Can Help You Sell or Buy A Home?

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 07:25:50 -0400

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

Search Immediate Delivery Homes, Foreclosure Deals, Approved Short Sales, Vacant Homes, Just Listed Homes, Just Reduced Homes, New Homes even For Sale By Owner Homes listed on the MLS Begin Here

The views expressed herein are my personal views and do not reflect the views of Exit 1st Choice Realty.