Virginia Real Estate Blog: March 2010

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!

For those homebuyers considering a purchase with an FHA loan, I have received the following notice from my lender, JD Scott at Monarch Mortgage.  Please note that these changes may impact you!  Contact JD on 757 961 0648 (or your lender) for additional information.

What's Changing?

If you or someone you know is considering an FHA loan, some of these changes may affect you. Here's a clear, concise rundown of the major changes and what they mean:

1. Increased mortgage insurance. The mortgage insurance premium (referred to as private mortgage insurance by many people) will be increased from 1.75% to 2.25%. This change will add some cost to purchasing a home, but will not overburden consumers since the mortgage insurance is paid over the life of the loan, rather than upfront at closing. This change will become effective on April 5, 2010.

2. New down payment and credit score requirements. According to the new policy, homebuyers who have a credit score of at least 580 may still be able to purchase a home with 3.5% down, but those with credit scores of less than 580 will be required to put down at least 10%. This change is designed to help the FHA balance its risk, while still providing affordable down payments for consumers with a history of good credit and responsibility.

3. Reduced seller concession. Basically, this change means that the person selling the home will now only be able to offer the homebuyer 3% to help defray closing costs, as opposed to 6% under the previous policy.

If you are ready to starting looking for a new home, I can help!   Looking to buy or sell a home in Fredericksburg area?  Call me to learn more about Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, or other areas around Quantico!