Virginia Real Estate Blog

People often ask "how is the market these days?" I think it is doing great and see improvements in many areas. In particular, I see market improvements in Cannon Ridge, Fredericksburg VA.  This neighborhood of colonial style homes on quarter acre lots is well-located for Fredericksburg and Stafford County activities.  Just take a look...

•·        Close to Leeland Station VRE

•·        Short distance to old town Fredericksburg

•·        Easy access to I95 and Route 1

•·        Easy drive to Dahlgren

PLUS:  2 neighborhood shopping centers with grocery stores, restaurants, services, and more

EVEN BETTER NEWS is the market for Cannon Ridge has really improved.

Consider this: in the past 6 months EIGHT homes have been listed for sale. Of these, FIVE homes have sold after just 22 days on the market (on average) and TWO additional are under contract!  Just for context, during the same period last year, SIX homes were listed, but only THREE homes sold and with an average days on market of 30 days.

Check out some of the statistics below. Note that the average List Price AND importantly, the AVERAGE SALE PRICED have INCREASED by more than $20,000! 

If you are interested in learning more about homes in the area, including Cannon Ridge, contact me! I am happy to help!

Northrop Grumman Relocating to Virginia!  That was the announcmend dated April 23rd on the Northrop Grumman website.  

Northrop Grumman Selects Virginia for New Corporate Office

Northrop Grumman, which had been seeking a location in DC, Maryland or Virginia, has selected a site for its headquarters in Fairfax County, relatively close to its existing facility in Tysons Corner.

I think this is good news for the area - bringing jobs and of course, people who need to buy a house in Virginia!   Also, Virginia is a great place to live with so much happening and many things to love! 

Welcome to Virginia!

The organizers of Green Drinks Fredericksburg have invited Dan Smolen to discuss Tailoring the Green Suit at its next event-taking place 6 p.m. April 22nd, 2010-at The Otter House in Olde Towne Fredericksburg, Va. From this morning's news release:

Green Drinks is all about conversations for conservation. A loose coalition of Fredericksburg area businesses and conservation groups are teaming up to provide a forum for people to network with other individuals interested in the environment. Every last Thursday of the month at 6 p.m., Green Drinks will meet at The Otter House, 1005 Princess Anne Street.

Green Drinks is an international movement with similar events in 63 other countries and all 50 states. Local groups set up their own events, but all have a common code: meet monthly, agenda free, run responsibly and anyone can come. With a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, government and business, people have found employment, made friends, developed new ideas, done deals and had moments of serendipity. There will be a speaker for 15 minutes, but most of the time is devoted to individuals making connections.

Launch Date: April 22, 2010 (40th anniversary of Earth Day)
Time: 6pm
Where: Otter House, 1005 Princess Anne Street
Speaker: Dan Smolen, author of Tailoring the Green Suit: Empowering Yourself for an Executive Career in the New Green Economy.

Sometimes you just have to see those places where the Gorgeous Gardens showcase gorgeous houses. I am really looking forward to just that event tomorrow at the Virginia Garden Week sponsored by the Rappahannock Valley Garden Club.

One of the houses on tour is the LITTLE WHIM. It is the first time this home has been on the garden tour and I am looking forward to seeing it.  The garden tour website has the following information on LITTLE WHIM. 

" Greek Revival home with strong Victorian influences dates to 1852. A heart-shaped drive lined with cherry trees leads to a pillared double-portico porch, serving as the entrance. The landscape contains several old specimens including enormous boxwoods and a black walnut tree, all more than 60 years old. Union General Ambrose Burnside reportedly commandeered this property during the Battle of Fredericksburg.

Inside, architectural interest abounds with plaster ceiling medallions, double-swing kitchen doors with copper hinges, and four impressive pocket doors. The stately house retains original historic glass in its windows featuring unusual mullions, a staircase with extensive wood carvings and original heart-pine flooring. Displayed throughout the interior are pieces from the owners’ collection of antiques, including an elaborate sideboard believed to have been salvaged from a shipwreck in the Potomac. Open for the first time for Historic Garden Week. Dr. and Mrs. James B. Schwartz, owners. "

Here is a photo of Little Whim from WHITE OAK ROAD (sorry for the quality - the cell phone camera needs improving still!)

This magnificent home is in the terrific Fredericksburg VA area known as White Oak. Or Falmouth, or Fredericksburg!  Anyway, there are lots of beautiful homes with gorgeous gardens for sale in the Falmouth and Fredericksburg area and I am happy to help you find one for yourself and your family! 

One neighborhood close by is Leeland Station - close to VRE, Close to Shopping. A great location! Check out homes for sale in Leeland Station!

Yes, I know I have moved to Fredericksburg, but I still hear about great houses for sale elsewhere, including this Norfolk - Larchmont -house for sale.  If you are moving to the Hampton Roads area and are starting your home search - Check this one out! 

It is a wonderful cape cod in a terrific family area of Norfolk. Larchmont is centrally located in the west side of Norfolk.  You will love the commute to Old Dominion, Norfolk Naval Base, Joint Forces Command, Downtown Norfolk, and just about anywhere in the Seven Cities of Hampton Roads!

Here is the REALTORs description:  LIGHT, BRIGHT HOME W/GLEAMING HARDWOOD FLRS, BRAND NEW REMODELED KITCHEN, ALL NEW APPLIANCES, PRIVATE FULLY FENCED BACKYARD ON QUIET STREET IN ESTEEMED LARCHMONT. LARGE MASTER SUITE W/FULL BATH, UNFINISHED BONUS ROOM/ATTIC CAN BE FINISHED FOR ADD'L BDRM. FRESHLY PAINTED THROUGHOUT. MINT CONDITION.

I really could not agree more - this house is in mint condition, well loved by the current owners and ready for you!  Did you see the note about the remodeled kitchen???  It is gorgeous!

So... if you are searching for a home in Norfolk... Search here!!!   JUST FOUND OUT YOU ARE MOVING TO NORFOLK or HAMPTON ROADS?  CONTACT ME!  I will help you find a Great REALTOR to assist in your search (I would do it myself, but I am no longer in the area!  ;-(  

Coincidentally, I have received TWO questions this week on Lease purchase Agreements for existing homes. Since I didn't know as much I would like about this option I decided to have a go at learning a bit more.

A Lease Purchase can be one of those creative home selling strategies that might work in a slow market. Auctions is another. In either case, both the seller and the potential buyer need to understand what is going on with the situation. Let me state here, a lease-option is a different animal from a Lease-Purchase Agreement. The primary difference being the level of commitment on the behalf of the potential buyer. A lease-option is a property lease with an added option to buy it, which the tenant is not obligated to purchase. Only after the tenant chooses to exercise the option is a sales contract initiated/negotiated.

A lease-purchase, on the other hand, is already a purchase that is simply waiting for some term or condition to be met before the sale closes on a pre-determined date (and as negotiated at the outset).

So what are advantages of this arrangement? For the seller, they will have stronger assurance that the home is sold and can collect the lease amount to pay for the mortgage rather leaving the house vacant. The seller may also be more comfortable with this arrangement than a straight rental as the tenant are also the purchasers and, in theory, would care for the property they are buying!

For the buyer, this option give them the change to occupy the home before they would otherwise be able to with a simple sale. Also the monthly payment should include a small portion that ends up being returned to them as down payment assistance or debt payoff. Overall, the agreement can be tricky and anyone considering this option should seek guidance from a qualified attorney, discuss it with the lender, and be sure they get all their questions answered, whether they are the seller or the potential buyer!

Want to learn more, Consider this information Via Christopher and Stephanie Somers - Realtors - Philadelphia Real Estate (Owner - RE/MAX Access):

What a gorgeous weather week we are predicted to have in Fredericksburg VA! !  Temperatures in the 80s is a welcome change from the snow and cold of February. Perfect timing to think about your curb appeal

Thinking about selling your home this spring / summer? Use this wonderful weather to work on your curb appeal.  The first impression is a lasting impression so that means your front yard and entry way should be tip-top!  Consider the following...

1. MULCH! Spruce up your front beds with some colorful annuals and mulch. It will make the house look neat and clean and cared for.

2. MOW! Keep the grass trimmed and the sidewalk edged. Again, neat and clean signifies cared for!

4. MAT! Invest a few dollars in a new front door mat or entry rug. Same story - neat and clean signifies cared for! 

Think you need to make bigger changes? Call me first! I am happy to help your prioritize your To Do list to get your home ready to sell! 

If you are looking for homes for sale near VRE, the Virginia Railway Express, you should consider the excellent options close to the Leland Station in South Stafford.  Neighborhoods such as Hickory Ridge, Leeland Station, Claiborne, and Northridge all offer homes in about a mile of the station. Imagine the convenience of being able to walk to the station!

These homes near the VRE in South Stafford are primarily newer construction. Leeland Station offers homes under 10 years of age on lots that average about .3 acres. This is a great yard size for families with pets and children and since most offer basements, storage is great! 

This neighborhood has so many features - you will be thrilled!  Jogging trails, reserved common areas, quality construction of homes, a clubhouse, plus walking distance to Conway elementary school (new in 2006!) and the VRE make this a great community. 

Another benefit is the great access to shopping. Not only is it convenient to downtown Fredericksburg,  it is just minutes from  the Bloom grocery store, multiple restaurants,  and the other things you want easy access to (churches, hair salons, video store, dry cleaners, and more).

Click the table below for the most recent listings in Leeland Station!

If you like outdoor activities, this is the place not only for homes for sale near VRE, but also homes for sale near parks in South Stafford County.  State parks within a short distance offer so much for the residents of the neighborhood.  Saint Clair Brooks Memorial Park is a short distance on Butler Road. It offers softball and baseball diamonds, a youth league football field, tennis and basketball courts, picnic shelters and hiking trails. To take advantage of the Rappahannock River and all its beauty is easy when you live in Leeland Station. Old Mill Park and River Road Park and City of Fredericksburg Parks which are just minutes away. They offer playgrounds, picnic shelters, and access to the river.

If you can't tell - I am a fan of this area!  Let me show you why!

Bethany Phillips, Realtor,

RE/MAX Cornerston Realty

www.bethanyphillips.com

www.vaecoagent.com

540 361 1977 and DIRECT 757 353 2142

Or email me at Bethany at vaecoagent.com

Governor Bob McDonnell announced a new round of rebates under the Federal Program for energy Efficiency improvements.  This time about $6.5 million will be available to make existing homes and businesses more energy efficient.  Energy efficiency improvements include upgrading heating and air conditioning equipment, adding insulation, replacing leaky windows, and other improvements to existing homes and businesses that reduce energy consumption and utility costs. 

Rebates for 20 percent of the costs of qualifying energy conserving products and services, up to $2,000 are available to homeowners.  Commercial consumers are eligible for 20 percent of their costs, up to $4,000. Home and business owners also can qualify for an additional $250 for an energy audit. (Click here to read more.)

I understand the first round "sold out" in 3 weeks, so don't delay! 

Reserve a Rebate:  https://epm.virginiainteractive.org/eerebate/

List of eligible products and services:  Energy Efficiency Measures Requirements

Looking for a home with energy efficiency or other Green imporvements in Virginia?  I can help you find one! 

So who out there doesn't want to save money?  Raise your hand... Hmmm.. I don' see any hands...

No surprise... With the current economic situation, I think we are all considering ways we can save money, especially in our homes. I for one, had one of the highest heating bills I have had in ages. Of course it as significantly colder this winter than other years in recent memories... so where am I going with this?

Just a quick and gentle reminder that if you are considering a home improvement project this spring, be sure to take into account the long term return on your investment.  Don't just look for the least expensive solution for today.  Look for the solution that will serve your wallet, and the earth, the most effectively in the long term.

I was recently looking for some direction in this area and came across a great website I had not previously visited.  Sponsored by the US Green Building Counsel and the American Society for Interior Designers, the website offers terrific strategies and case studies for your remodeling project.  It is ReGREEN.com.  If you don't want to stare at the computer screen, they offer the residential remodeling guide in PDF!

Happy environmentally friendly (and wallet friendly) remodeling!