Lake Ridge VA Real Estate News

Speechless Sunday: Mother Nature Was In A Bad Mood Yesterday, She Let Virginia Have It Big Time!

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:05:22 -0600

If you need help with snow removal. Try posting an ad on Craigslist in the Gigs Section. There is no cost to do this. We have done this before. The Gigs Section is found directly below the Jobs Section on Craigslist. Go to Labor and post you request.

Here are today's postings of Homeowners and Contractors posts. It Should Be A Beautiful Day, with a lot of work ahead for all of us. Stay safe and good luck everyone.

Have real estate questions? 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.

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

When A Big Snow Storm Hits, Chances Are It Will Be Easier To Reach Your Busy Local Realtor.

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:26:42 -0600

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 .

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

How To Use Craigslist To Find Help With Snow Removal. Go To The Gigs Section!

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:33:46 -0600

Just thought I would pass this tip on to you just in case you need a hand with snow removal with the upcoming snow storm.Back in December when we needed additional help, our family turned to Craigslist for help. A group of guys came to help do my sister's long driveway. The cost $80.00!

Local people who have skills(or this case the tools) post in on Craigslist. So check it out.This is the link to the Woodbridge Virginia Area Gigs Section on Craigslist. You will find it on the middle of the page down near the bottom.

The cost is FREE to post an ad

Post that you can help
Post if you need help

This will also work if you have a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle and can offer your services.

Note: this is a great way to make extra cash during a snow storm! If you have a plow, snow blower or a good strong back and shovels there are people who need your help.

Post an add today!

I hope this information helps someone who needs help or who just needs a way to make extra cash!

Opportunities are everywhere. When it time to buy or sell a home in Prince William County Virginia

Call Peggy James today 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) 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

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

Happy Home Child Learning Center in Woodbridge, VA

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:42:49 -0600

I just had to share this post with you this morning. My favorite loan officer Markita Aldridge-Woods of Westar Mortgage has written a wonderful heartfelt post about Happy Home Child Learning Centerhere in Woodbridge Virginia.

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

Are you looking to purchase a new home in Woodbridge, VA? While considering a new home, you need to consider new travel routes, commuter routes, and a new daycare or school for your children. Well no worries, Happy Home Child Learning Center, named one of Northern Virginia's Top 50 Daycare Centers by Northern Virginia Magazine, has opened a location in Woodbridge, VA. Deborah Tillman, the director and owner, offers affordable, loving childcare just seconds from Potomac Mills Mall commuter lots and I-95. Happy Home is open from 6 am to 7pm Monday through Friday.

As a new mother I was extremely worried about my child care situation. I previewed several daycares in the area but just did not get the "warm fuzzy feeling". I was so excited when I heard plans of HHCLC, which has two locations in Alexandria, was opening in Woodbridge,VA that I kept my children out of institutional daycare until the center opened. My two sons attend HHCLC and I am extremely pleased with the services. It is nothing like the peace of mind you have when you know your children are well taken care of while you are at work. The teachers are very receptive and attentive to my kids needs. My two year old is learning so much it's hard for me to keep up. We even had homework the last few days.

Happy Home is enrolling now and offering great rates for the first fifty parents. The ages range from 6 months to 5 years old. So while searching for your new home, don't worry about your childcare situation, just give Deborah Tillman a call at 703-494-1430 or visit Happy Home Child Learning Center located at 14330 Gideon Drive, Woodbridge,VA. I can't wait to hear what my son has to tell me today about his day at school.

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.

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

Find Woodbridge Virginia Active Homes For Sale...Photo's, Prices, Directions and More.

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:09:04 -0600

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

Port Royal Landing Near AP Hill Virginia Army Base Offers New Homes For Under $270,000!

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:59:49 -0600

If you have orders to AP Hill in Caroline County Virginia, then you have a golden opportunity to purchase a brand new home on a half acre lot just a few miles from the base under $250,000! The new homes are being built in Port Royal Landing, not far from the military base. This is a sidewalk community with street lamps and half acre lots. All homes are on well and septic and the builder is ready to built a home just for you and your family. Use your VA Elegibilty or FHA or Conventional Financing. Note: Builder has a special financing incentive for those who buy in February 2010. Call for details.

The Port Royal Landing Subdivision is a stones throw from the Rappahannock River and the Army Base. When you come for in-processing give us a call and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you. Actually Don Ratterree Jr, is an Exit 1st Choice Realty Realtor who is representing the builder and he has all the floor-plans and details from the builder at our office. He gave me an overview of the community just the other day. As of the other day, there were still fifteen homesites available. You can choose from several different models ranging in price from $180,000 up to $250,000!

Just imagine, you have the opportunity to be able to plan how your new life will be while you are at your new duty station here in Virginia.By choosing to have a new home built, you toss out all the fears of buying a money pit, you bypass all the misery of waiting for a short sale offer to be approved and you do not have to get into the bidding wars on dumpy foreclosures.This is also a great opportunity to reduce the commute time to and from work. So, let me ask you. What would life be like, if your family could have dinner all together every evening?

Just imagine the possibilities!

Here is more information about the Conway Model that has three bedrooms and two full bath with a two car garage! Click here to learn more about this wonderful home CLICK HERE

This map can be found on the AP Hill Army website.

Imagine being able to buy a brand new home this cute with three bedrooms and two full baths for under $190,000!For more information and a copy of floorplan on this home CLICK HERE

Learn more about the community and demographics and area's population by visiting City-data.com

Learn what is nearby this community find Neighborhood Services CLICK HERE

Learn what you BAH will be when you arrive CLICK HERE

Search ACTIVE HOMES for sale in and around the PORT ROYAL Virginia Area now SEARCH NOW

Search all ACTIVE HOMES for sale in and around the Fredricksburg VA area SEARCH NOW

Have a question? Call Peggy James today at 703-851-3085 or contact me by email .

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

Wordless Wednesday- All This Snow Makes Me Thankful I'll Be In Aruba Soon...

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:37:00 -0600

Have you ever been to Aruba? If so where did you stay? What is your favorite time of year?

Take a tour of Passions Beach Bar on Eagle Beach.

Have a question? Call Peggy James today at 703-851-3085 or contact me by email .

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

Lake Ridge VA Real Estate News: Who Knew Blogging On Active Rain Would Lead To This...

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:00:06 -0600

I've been asked by my broker Terrylynn Harrell of Exit 1st Choice in Woodbridge Virginia to teach a class for the agents on How To Blog For Business. A few months back at our Grand Opening Celebration, Terrylynn Harrell, Russell Dillard and Michael Adams, our associate broker as well as myself spoke about the upcoming classes.

More than 20 agents said they were interested in learning the the benefits of blogging. Little did I know 13 more agents joined Exit 1st Choice Realty last month  (learn why here), so the classes may be larger than I thought!

This is just one more of the benefits of Active Rain. Never in a million years would I have thought, I'd be in front of the class and teaching others. Of course Terrylynn Harrell is a smart cookie. She is not shy about asking an agent to step us and help others. That's really what I love about Exit Realty, the entire business model is about helping every agent do better. That's actually why Erick Blackwelder and I joined Exit Realty.



If you are a local Realtor here in the Prince William County VA Area and you would like to learn how to blog, contact me for class times and location.

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 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

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

Lake Ridge VA Real Estate News: Extra Closing Cost Help For HomeBuyers When You Buy A Fannie Mae Home!

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:57:36 -0600

If you are searching for a home in Prince William County VA, keep you eyes out for Fannie Mae Listings.

Fannie Mae for a limited time only is offer additional Closing Cost Assistance, if you close on a home by May 01,2010. Check out this news! Here is the memo

What does this mean to you? Well let's say you can quailify for a $300,000 home. This is how the program works: $300,000 x 3.5% = $10,500! That is how much closing cost assistance Fannie Mae will contribute to the purchase of the home. They have even reduced the amount you need to put down at time of contract! It's all great news. But it gets better:

Consider This:

Fannie Mae will help you pay the closing costs up to 3.5% so they will give you $10,500 at closing!
Or you can choose to get new Whirlpool Appliances or a combination of both up to $10,500 in this example.
Purchase must be complete by May 01, 2010.
But the best news is: If you are able to find a Fannie Mae home and get your contract ratified by April 30,2010. You also will be able to receive the Home Buyer Tax Credit so that is another $8000!

So let me ask you:"When is the last time someone offered to give you $18,500 to buy a home?"

The higher priced the home the better the closing cost incentive.

What are you waiting for?

Erick and Company scrubs the MLS Listings and locates all the Fannie Mae/Home Path homes for sale weekly in Prince William County VA, Stafford, And Fairfax County VA. Go to http://www.ErickandCompany.com to access the FREE LIST!

Do you need a proactive Buyer Agent who is going to help you find your home?

I'm only a phone call away 703-851-3085 or contact me by email .

Erick and Company is a local real estate company that services 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 Virginia area's . No matter whether you are relocating to the area, or transferring out we can help. Contact us for all your real estate questions and needs 703-590-2252.

Note: if you need help selling your home don't be shy I can help.

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

31 MLS Listings In Prince William County Virginia Today Are Approved Short Sales! Some Are Stunning!

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:20:08 -0600

Can you imagine if you were looking for a single family home priced between $400,000 and $500,000 in the Woodbridge, Manassas Virginia area on acreage and I sent you this listing (see slide show hereNEW APPROVED SHORT SALE !)

Well I sent listings to our working clients daily. They all know that I will hard for them to help them find their dream home. With the pace of the current market you need a Realtor who is proactive and who works full time helping your find your dream home.I take great pride in knowing the current market conditions as well as what the current inventory has to offer. Right now we are beginning to see more and more Approved Short Salelistings in and around the Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Manaassas and Dumfries area's. At Erick and Company we scrub the Multiple Listing Service for Approved Short Sales and then publish the list for you. You get instant access! Take a look at this weeks list.

Note:we also publish a Bank Owned Homes List, Waterfront Homes List and Regular Owner Homes List. This week in Prince William County Virginia, we are seeing more and more "Regular Owner" homes for sale. Imagine that, a house that is loved and lived in and smells good. One where a homeowner takes pride in the home they area selling. Just visit http://www.ErickandCompany.com to view all the lists.

Take a look at some of the homes I saw last week, while working with my buyer clients:

Here is a Waterfront Home I just visited Lake Front Home
Here is a new Bank Owned Homein Woodbridge this week. Sold As Is
Here is a sample of a "Regular Owner Home" that is currently available.Acreage ith in-ground pool!

Do you need a proactive Buyer Agent who is going to help you find your home?

I'm only a phone call away 703-851-3085 or contact me by email .

Note: if you need help selling your home by short sale don't be shy we have helped many local homeowner get short sale approval from their mortgage company. We are Realtors...we can help.

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

LakeRidgeVARealEstateNews: If You Have Been Thinking Of Selling Your Home. Start Packing!!!

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:32:28 -0600

Homes In Prince William County are now selling at a record pace. As more and more buyers enter the real estate market trying to benefit from the $8000 Home Buyer Credit before it expires on June 30, 2009, we are seeing a phenomenon that we have not seen in years.

Homes are selling at a record pace and most homes are getting multiple offers.

They only issue is, many home buyers are growing more and more tired of waiting game .Waiting for lenders to approve short sales for distressed homeowners, waiting for REO Companies to send paperwork, and buying homes "As Is" in less than good condition.

Home-buyers search online, find a house, go look, write an offer only to learn that they may not have an answer from the banks for weeks even months! Urrrgh!!!

Folks.... Home Buyers want a sure thing!

The other day I ran into an past client of mine. She said, they were thinking of buying a larger home. She seemed shocked when I stated that the market is very good right now and I could certainly sit down and discuss all her options. She said " do you mean it is possible for us to buy something larger and coordinate it so I don't have to do a temporary move somewhere. My answer was "Sure!" She was delighted and we set up an appointment to discuss all her questions.

I am finding many homeowners who are very surprised to learn that homes are selling quickly and that there is a very good potential for getting more than one offer to choose from. The last two homeowners I've met with over the weekend were just blown away at the possibilities that lie ahead! This is the part of being a Realtor that I really like. Helping people make lifestyle changes and coaching them on all their real estate options. That's my job! Need help?

What have you been dreaming of?

A larger master bath
A sun room
A single family home with a garage
An in ground pool
It's time to move to another state
It's time to retire
Another baby is on the way...
Move-up homes are not moving as fast and are priced rediculously low!

Just take a look at a few of the Stupid Low Priced Luxury Homes Available

You have the power to get your family top $ and to offer a quick decision to buyers.

Erick and Company has a systematic marketing system that will produce many offers for your review. This is a just a sample of how we market your home on the internet. The key to your success is to have Erick and Company help you design a plan that works for your family, deciding where you want to move next, timing and negotiating the best offer the market will bare.

Your sitting on golden opportunity to position yourself in front of the pent up demand of buyers we are currently seeing in the marketplace.

Is it time for a change? Only you know for sure...

What is it about your current home that you would like to change?
Is there something specific that your searching for?
Have you been dreaming of a Main Level Master Bedroom, an In-ground Pool, a three car garage?
Give us a call, you might be pleasantly surprised by what you hear
Just click here and tell us about your home and we'll crunch the numbers...

Have Questions?

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

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

The Power Of Active Rain. Have You Experienced It?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:43:42 -0600

So you might be wondering what is The Power Of Active Rain? Well The Power Of Active Rain is a way for Realtors, Loan Officers, Home Inspectors, Appraisers and even people in high places to connect and share information with consumers and other professionals. We can connect with folks as often as we like. Why is all this so important? Because Active Rain has the power to help us rise above the competition, and connect with consumers on a more personal level that just a stuffy, canned, traditional website platform.

What I love most about Active Rain is how fast a post I write with rich local key words winds up on the first page of an organic Google search. Blogging on Active Rain has the power to attract people from your local community to across the globe.

Here is an example: A gentleman contacted me after reading my blog here on Active Rain. He called and said. Peggy, I would like you to help me buy a home, the only challenge is I'm stationed in Iraq until spring. Can you help me?

Read what happened next .

Update:I just did his pre-drywall inspection the other day. His new home will be ready by mid March!

That is proof right there The Power Of Active Rain.I write about local real estate blog for consumers pertaining to what is happening in and around the Woodbridge Virginia area. Yet, The Power Of Active Rain reached someone across the globe!

That would have never happened with a local newspaper ad, a flyer or a post card! I recieve calls like this weekly,sometimes daily! It wasn't until I embraced The Power Of Active Rain,that things reallt started happening in my world.Business is great!

Let me share with you a local story.

I received a call from a local homeowner on December 2,2009. When I inquired how did she heard about me she said " I went to Google and searched sell my home Lake Ridge VAand I saw a few of the big companies such as We Buy Ugly Houses and Stagger Sites, next was LakeRidgeVARealEstateNews." I clicked on the link. That's when I found you. I found myself reading each post and then clicking on a video and saw photo's and recipes and information about a new restaurant that just opened down the street. Heck, I didn't even know about that, I was surprised. Peggy, I continued to do some research and looked at other Real Estate company sites, however what ultimately made me call you. You offered so much information and helpful tips on your site. I feel like I know you already! I feel confident you can help me sell my home. Can we meet?

Let me take a moment and break that down for you: When I type into Google - Sell My Home in Lake Ridge VA,this is how many results there are Results 1 - 10 of about 99,100 for sell my home lake ridge va. (results shown below)

NOTE: the results are just as dramatic in Yahoo, and Bing! The Power Of Active Rain is simply priceless. ( try it!!!)

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The top site highlighted in pink are the Paid Advertising Spots.

We Buy Ugly Houses® www.WeBuyUglyHouses.com Sell Today in a Buyers Market with The Original Home Buying Company!
Sell Your Homein 9 Days Fast Home Offer.com/Sell-Home-Fast Get an Offer in Hours. Any Area, Condition & Price Range- Visit Now!
Sell My Home www.HomeStagedDesigns.com Model-Like Homes Sell Faster. Home Staging for Vacant or Occupied

Search Results- This is the results just below that. To get these results you only need to BLOG on ACTIVE RAIN!

Lake Ridge VA Real Estate News Lake Ridge VA Real Estate News: Today's Inquiry " Can You Tell Me If My House Has ..... They could sell home for sure, it was in very good condition and ...
lakeridgevarealestatenews.com/ - Cached - Similar
Lake Ridge VA Real Estate News Peggy James- "Your Neighborhood Realtor" Serving Lake Ridge VAand Woodbridge VA. Exit 1st Choice Realty .... I wonder if I can sell my current home? ...
lakeridgevarealestatenews.com/.../home.../buying_a_new_home - Cached Show more results from lakeridgevarealestatenews.com
Peggy James- "Your Neighborhood Realtor" Serving Lake Ridge VA and ...it's time to buy or sellin the Woodbridge,Lake Ridge Virginia area, you have many ... Thank for all your help with buying my home. I'd be lost without you! ...
activerain.com/peggyjames - Cached - Similar
Local business results for sell my home near Lake Ridge, VA

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Here is the result of that call. I met the homeowner three days later. She hired me to list, market and sell her home for top $. I listed the home for $239,900 and wrote a post in Active Rain and we received multiple offers all over $250,000!

A year and a half ago before I embraced The Power Of Active Rain. Before that I would have never received the opportunity to really help this Lake Ridge, Virginia homeowner who needed to sell. I was lost in a see of Realtors using traditional outdate methods. My point is, The Power Of Active Rain has allowed me to have a voice and a presence in my local real estate market,to share with consumers that when you hire Peggy James of Erick and Company, myself as well as my partner Erick Blackwelder we be there to help you get the RESULTS your desire.

Lake Ridge, Virginia is a small planned urban development twenty miles South of Washington DC. There are thousands of Realtors who service this area located between Quantico Marine Base and Ft. Belvior Army Post. It is known as a bedroom community for those traveling into the Pentagon, the Navy Base and Ft Meyers as well as commuting into DC daily,.That said, not many Realtors here have embraced The Power Of Active Rain. Many still use traditional website advertising and print ads. Only those Realtors who are on the cutting edge of technology who understand The Power Of Active Rain, Twitter, Truila, Facebook, Linkedin and other social networking sites are surviving the current real estate market, we aren't just surviving we are thriving. It is no wonder over 172,000 professionals have joined Active Rain!

Realtors like Lisa Udy Of Logan Utah come to mind. Lisa is an Ambassador for Active Rain and she helps spread the word to small town Realtors like Grace Idaho Real Estate Agents. This is a real estate company called Idaho/Utah High Country Real Estate located in Soda Springs, Id. I bet you've never heard of it. Neither have I, but that is exactly The Power Of Active Rain! It is a very small town. However, no matter how small the town or population many have computers and will search the Internet for informaition. These Realtors have the ability to attract many home buyers who are looking for a change of pace, a new place to call home. No matter it that is from across town or across the globe! That's The Power Of Active Rain .

What agents are learning all across the country is that, with more than 70% of consumers turning to the Internet to find answers to their questions. If you are not utilizing The Power of Active Rain as one of your pillars of your business you are doing a huge disservice for yourself as well as your clients.2010 is going to be an amazing year. I look forward to assisting as many homeowners and home buyers looking for help in the Woodbridge Virginia area.

If you are thinking or Buying or Selling A Home give me a call, I will be delighted to my knowledge to work for you and help you with all your real estate needs.

Don't hesitate to give me a call 703-851-3085 or contact me by email .

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

The Woodbridge Virginia Real Estate Market Has Turned A Corner...."48% Of Available Resale Inventory Is....

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:16:32 -0600

"48% of the Current Available Resale Inventory in Woodbridge Virginia FOR SALE this week, is owned by "Regular Owners!" This is the first time we have seen this happen since the days of 2005 and 2006. This is great news for everyone.

So let me repeat that " Right now the Woodbridge Virginia Real Estate Market has more "Regular Owner" homes for sale than Short Sales and Foreclosures! "

What is a Regular Owner Listing: these are homes that are not being sold by short sale, they are not in foreclosure and in most cased they are occupied homes that smell good, look good and where Realtors are once again back to good old fashion real estate. We list a sellers home for sale, buyer agent brings the listing agent an offer, then we go into negotiations, then ratfication, then inspections and then settlement. The process of buying and selling a home in a normal market is between 30 and 45 days from start to finish.

Take a look, here is snapshot of the Woodbridge Virginia real estate market today:

227 Homes have gone Under Contract in the past 30 days!
16 Homes Have Settled in the past 30 days!
There are only 279 Active Homes For Sale in Woodbridge today.
- 48% of those are Regular Owner Resale Homes!
- 32% of the Homes Currently For Sale are Short Sales
- 15% of the current inventory are Foreclosed/Bank Owned Homes.

"Ahh...I feel a wonderful sense of calm thinking that the market may be heading back into a normal market soon."

For the past few years the Woodbridge Virginia real estate market had been driven by abandoned foreclosure and sellers needing to sell by Short Sale because they owed more on their home than it was worth.

All I can say is "it's about time! It has been a long grueling three years for all the homeowners who did not want to compete against foreclosures and short sales. We're not totally out of the woods yet, however we are heading in the right direction.

This is awesome news, not only for sellers but for buyers as well.

Sellers will not be competing against as many foreclosed and distress sales.I recently wrote a post about how the Prince William County Virginia real estate market is suffering from a lack of inventory.
And home buyers in the market right now have a very good chance of finding a home that can settle by Jun3 30th, 2009. Just remember you must be Under Contract by 4/30/2010 in order to secure the Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Are you curious what homes are available right now in the market place? Well at Erick and Company we break it down on our website to Regular Owner Sales, Approved Short Sales and Foreclosure Opportunities. You pick which list you want, just click on the blue box below.

If you are thinking or Buying or Selling A Home give me a call, I will be delighted to my knowledge to work for you and help you with all your real estate needs.

Don't hesitate to give me a call 703-851-3085 or contact me by email .

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

Lake Ridge VA Real Estate News: Today's Inquiry " Can You Tell Me If My House Has Gained In Value Since I Purchased It In 2008?"

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:04:31 -0600

This morning email inquiry is from a past client who purchased a townhome in Lake Ridge Virginia in 2008. She had two very important questions.

Has the value of her townhome gone up any?
Since interest rates are lower now, is it possible for her to refinance to a lower rate?

The answer is Yes and Yes!

I love when a good plan comes together! You see I assisted this young lady buy her first home back in July of 2008. The home was purchased for $159,900 and it had an unfinished basement at the time. Currently there are several under contract and that have just sold for $180,000 and above. Those in good condition and remodeled ( like my clients) with three finished levels are nearing the $200,000 price range!

So I sent her a Market Snapshot. This is a detailed report of the current market value of her home with photo's and data showing her what the list price was, what the home ultimately sold for and how much closing costs did the seller pay. This report also let's her know, how her home compares to those that have sold most recently.

Realtors call this a CMA ( Comparative Market Anaylsis)

I also sent here information on how she can take advantage of the lower rates using a programed specifically designed for those homeowners who have an FHA Loan. It is called an FHA Streamline Refinance. This is a program that simply lowers your interest rate. Click on the following line to learn more about the requirements needed to do a FHA Streamline Refiance Program.

My recommendation is to call Markita Aldridge-Woods at Westar Mortgage. She is a local loan officer who can coach you on all of your options with regard to a refinance.

Have a question about the value of your home ?

Call 703-851-3085 or contact me by email if you need assistance.

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 .

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.

Do Rooms Look Better When Photographed With A Wide Angle Lense?

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:05:05 -0600

Thanks to my new puppy Wes, I learned first hand that they do.

Ah the joys of having a new puppy!

Little Wes jumped up and snagged my Sony Cyber Shot camera as it was charging!Yup you guessed...it broke. It's past it's extended warranty and the cost to fix it was cost prohibitive.

Darn the luck...

So I have thought about buying a wide angle camera for sometime now. I decided to buy the Nikon CoolPix 10.0 Megapixel with a wide angle lens. I paid $199.00 at Best Buy. The only thing I do not like about this camera is the fact it uses rechargeable batteries, other than that it is awesome! So I am looking forward to showcases my sellers home with my new wide angle camera.

Here are a few photo's I had of my personal home on my computer from a year or so ago. I stood in the same place and used the wide angle lens camera. Look at the difference in the photo's. ( not the furniture, how much of the room and features you can see!)

Picture taken a few years back.

Look at how much of the room you can see from standing in the same location of the foyer!

Ceilings, corners and wall to wall.

Here is another awesome example. Both photo's were taken with a flash.

Previous Camera I owned

This photo was taken with the wide angle lens and a flash.

Look how much brighter the room is and how much of the room you can see.

Actually I believe little Wes, did me a huge favor! I can't wait to use this camera on my next listing appointment. Just know that I am a Realtor who is always striving to showcase my sellers homes the best way possible and always striving to remain ahead of the curve with marketing idea's to bring you top $.

Erick and Company can sell your home fast. Let's sit down, let's crunch the numbers and see what's possible. Curious What Your Home Is Worth? Call me 703-851-3085 or or contact me by email .

Erick and Company services 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 . Note: if you need help selling your home by short sale we can help.

Note from Peggy: you do not have to be a member of Active Rain to comment. Please feel free to comment. Ask questions, share your experience on the topic.