Woodbridge Virginia Real Estate News: October 2009

Real Estate News About Woodbridge Virginia

List Of Homes For Sale Around Woodbridge With Granite Kitchens And Luxury Baths

Get Your List Of Homes For Sale Right Now With One Mouse Click

Pictures Of Woodbridge Foreclosures Too

You can get a list of prime homes for sale right now, in and around Woodbridge Virgina with photos, virtual tours, addresses, maps, and descriptions.  CLICK HERE NOW for today's list of fine homes for sale around Woodbridge.

TODAY'S PRIME PICK OF THE DAY.  COUNTRY ESTATE HOME LOADED WITH FEATURES.

The dining room is small, but you should see the 20-seat home theater, gourmet kitchen, luxury master suite with fireplace in sitting room.  The Grand Ballroom is an exact replica of the East Room in the White House.

Did this post tickle your curiosity?  CLICK HERE to send your question.  Answers shall be sent by email ONLY, unless you specifically ask for phone call.

You can get computerized, automatic, customized FREE ALERTS by email when new listings of homes that fit your wish-list are posted on the Realtor's MLS.  You'll find out about the newest listings before most Realtors know about them.

That way you'll know when your dream home hits the market.

.

Opportunities Are Everywhere...We Can Help You Find Your Dream Home.

Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-590-2252  list your property for sale or to  purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

Equal Housing Opportunity

President Lyndon Johnson lead a vigorous campaign through the halls of Congress that lead to Fair Housing legislation.  The Republican Party members in Congress backed Fair Housing, while most of the congressional Democrat Party members opposed Fair Housing.  Johnson, a Democrat, worked the phones day and night, calling congressional Democrats, calling in favors that persuaded enough Democrats to cross party lines and vote for Fair Housing, and against their party leaders. 

Real Estate News About Woodbridge Virginia

Economic Summary From The Past Week Proves Economy Is In Solid Recovery Mode

Woodbridge Homes Selling As New Inventory Hits The FOR SALE List Daily

Many thanks to my pal, David Soleyman at Prospect Mortgage for sharing this report with you and me.

Existing home sales rose 9.4% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.57 million units from 5.1 million units in August. The increase was largely due to the tax incentive for first-time homebuyers.

According to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs index, retail sales rose 0.2% in the week ending October 17. On a year-over-year basis, retailers saw sales increase by 2.8%, the best showing in a year.

The producer price index, which tracks wholesale prices, rose 0.6% in September, following a 1.7% increase in August.

The Commerce Department reported that the combined construction of new single-family homes and apartments in September increased 0.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 590,000 units.

The index of leading economic indicators - designed to forecast economic activity in the next three to six months - rose 1% in September after a revised 0.4% gain in August. It was the sixth straight monthly increase and marks the largest six-month gain in 26 years.

Did this post tickle your curiosity?  CLICK HERE to send your question.  Answers shall be sent by email ONLY, unless you specifically ask for phone call.

You can get computerized, automatic, customized FREE ALERTS by email when new listings of homes that fit your wish-list are posted on the Realtor's MLS.  You'll find out about the newest listings before most Realtors know about them.

That way you'll know when your dream home hits the market.

Opportunities Are Everywhere...We Can Help You Find Your Dream Home.

Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-590-2252  list your property for sale or to  purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

President Lyndon Johnson lead a vigorous campaign through the halls of Congress that lead to Fair Housing legislation.  The Republican Party members in Congress backed Fair Housing, while most of the congressional Democrat Party members opposed Fair Housing.  Johnson, a Democrat, worked the phones day and night, calling congressional Democrats, calling in favors that persuaded enough Democrats to cross party lines and vote for Fair Housing, and against their party leaders. 

Today Is "Open Line Call Day While Erick's Goofing Off"  His cell phone is 703-677-1120.

This Is The Day When You Can Get A Smart Fella On The Phone And Ask ANY QUESTION About Real Estate And Homes In Woodbridge.

 

You Can Call Erick Any Time Today On His Cell Phone And Find Out What You Want To Know About Selling Or Buying Something In Woodbridge, or Dumfries, Manassas, Gainesville, Haymarket or Nokesville.

You Can Get Erick On The Phone Today And Talk About Anything Real Estate:
* What's Your Home Gonna Sell For Right Now
* Sell Now, Or Wait
* What Can You Buy Now
* Where Are The Good Deals, And Where Are The Bad Deals

BEWARE: He'll Probably Be Watchin' Football On TV While You're Talkin'.  He Might Hoot And Yell At The TV.  Could you send over a platter of Buffalo Chicken Wings?

Give Erick A Call At 703-677-1120

Erick May Be Puffing A Fine Premium Cigar In The Hot Tub, Watching Football, While He Gives You The Inside Scoop.  (It's a GUY THING to smoke a stogee in the hot tub and watch football)

Sunny Sundays In The Fall Are Great!

Did this post tickle your curiosity?  CLICK HERE to send your question.  Answers shall be sent by email ONLY, unless you specifically ask for phone call.

You can get computerized, automatic, customized FREE ALERTS by email when new listings of homes that fit your wish-list are posted on the Realtor's MLS.  You'll find out about the newest listings before most Realtors know about them.

That way you'll know when your dream home hits the market.

Opportunities Are Everywhere...We Can Help You Find Your Dream Home.

Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-590-2252  list your property for sale or to  purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

You Want To Know What Your Home Is Worth Right Now In Today's Market

You Found Out That Zillow Is Not Accurate

You Found Out That Zillow Values Are Way Below True Market Values

You Do Not Want To Talk To A Realtor Who May Pressure You Or Ask You Annoying Questions

You can get a FREE computerized evaluation of your home's market value in today's market without talking to a Realtor who might pressure you with their "sales pitch".

You just want the numbers.

CLICK HERE NOW then fill in the form with your name, your address, and your email. 

NOTE: the form shows a field for your phone number, with a "*" by it, indicating "mandatory field". 

If you WANT a follow up call, enter your phone number; if you DO NOT WANT a follow up call, just put a string of "9's" in the fields.

Did this post tickle your curiosity?  CLICK HERE to send your question.  Answers shall be sent by email ONLY, unless you specifically ask for phone call.

You can get computerized, automatic, customized FREE ALERTS by email when new listings of homes that fit your wish-list are posted on the Realtor's MLS.  You'll find out about the newest listings before most Realtors know about them.

That way you'll know when your dream home hits the market.

Opportunities Are Everywhere...We Can Help You Find Your Dream Home.

Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-590-2252  list your property for sale or to  purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

Equal Housing Opportunity

President Lyndon Johnson lead a vigorous campaign through the halls of Congress that lead to Fair Housing legislation.  The Republican Party members in Congress backed Fair Housing, while most of the congressional Democrat Party members opposed Fair Housing.  Johnson, a Democrat, worked the phones day and night, calling congressional Democrats, calling in favors that persuaded enough Democrats to cross party lines and vote for Fair Housing, and against their party leaders. 

Woodbridge Virginia Real Estate News About Homes For Sale And Homes Selling In Woodbridge

Woodbridge VA Home Shopper Loses Bid For $200,000 Home To $275,000 Cash Offer

Woodbridge Homes First Time Buyer Homes For Sale Sell Fast And For Prices Way Over List Price

Monday, October 19, 2009
George was referred to me by happy clients who worked with me to buy their first home.

George is single, with a substantial income, so he wants to make tax-deductible mortgage payments instead of rent payments and higher income taxes.

George has bid over the list prices of three homes so far, and lost-out to other bidders who offered more money than did George.

The inventory of typical first-time buyers homes, homes priced under $350,000, is way down, close to zero. George is battling other buyers each time a new listing hits the market under $250,000.  4-12 bidders for each home for sale under $350,000 is NORMAL.

The $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit sunset date is coming fast.  George is heck-bent on buying a house before the tax credit expires.

A bank-owned, foreclosed, 3 bedroom, 3 bath ranch style home with a 2-car garage popped up for sale in Lake Ridge on Friday, priced well at $200,000.

The home was priced especially well when compared to similar homes that SOLD in the same area in the past 120 days.

One similar home list priced at $210,000 SOLD for $220,000; the other similar home list priced at $200,000, and SOLD for $215,000.

George set an appointment to write an offer at my office on Saturday.

I know the listing agent, Glen, the agent who has the house listed for sale on behalf of the bank.  Glen and I are not pals nor buddies, we're colleagues who have cooperated on the sale of other homes over many years.

I called Glen to find out when the bank would review bids on the house; are there any bids on the table right now?

Glen is a straight-shooter who doesn't bluff or play games. 

When I called Glen last Friday, October 16, the house had been listed in the MLS 9 hours, and no bids were on the table.  The bank would review offers today, Monday, October 19 to choose the best offer.

Glen gave me the courtesy of a voice mail message later that night, to let me know that 2 solid, bona fide offers hit the table late Friday. 

The higher offer of the two was $275,000, ALL CASH, with no appraisal required.

I sent an email to George right away, knowing he always checks email the moment he rolls out of bed in the morning.

No need for us to meet to write an offer that day.  George was knocked out of the running.

Why?

First, George is qualified to buy up to $250,000, with an FHA 3.5% down-payment loan, so he did not have the buying power to compete.

Second, pretend for a moment George offered more than $275,000.  The deal would not fly.

Why?

Folks using bank financing to buy a home get the protection of an appraisal, so they don't buy an overpriced house.  The bank financing the purchase does not want an overpriced piece of collateral.

George's bank appraiser would value the house for the bank loan according to the recent, comparable sales... somewhere $215,000 - $220,000.

Pretend for a moment that George won the bid with a $285,000 offer, but the house appraised for $220,000.  Instantly, the sale process stops while George and the seller negotiate new terms; first, the bank could lower the sale price to the appraised value; second, if George had a big pile of cash, he could add a $65,000 down payment on top of the $220,000 loan; or third, if the parties cannot come to terms, the contract would become void, George would lose the deal, get his deposit back, and the bank would call the dude who offered $275,000 all-cash.

In reality, the bank selling the house already knows that the $275,000 all-cash offer, with no appraisal required is the offer to take.  The bank knows that a buyer using bank financing couldn't come close to beating an all cash offer.

Did this post tickle your curiosity?  CLICK HERE to send your question.  Answers shall be sent by email ONLY, unless you specifically ask for phone call.

You can get computerized, automatic, customized FREE ALERTS by email when new listings of homes that fit your wish-list are posted on the Realtor's MLS.  You'll find out about the newest listings before most Realtors know about them.

That way you'll know when your dream home hits the market.

Opportunities Are Everywhere...We Can Help You Find Your Dream Home.

Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-590-2252  list your property for sale or to  purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

Real Estate News For Woodbridge Manassas Bristow Dumfries Haymarket Gainesville

Fannie Mae Owned Home Listing Threatens Realtors With Trespassing Prosecution For Showing Home

Another Example Of Fannie Freddie HUD Home Sale Prevention Program

You can get automatic, computerized daily updated listings by email when you choose to have my team working for you as your Buyer Agent.

Whilst scanning the REMARKS in listings of homes that entered the market over the past 24 hours this morning, I found a stunning threat pointed at agents who might show the home.

The REMARKS field in a home listings gives the listing agents six LONG (6) lines in which we may BRAG about the house with compelling comments that are supposed to give agents and buyers motivation to drop what they're doing, and run see the house.

The REMARKS field in a listing is where the listing agent may tell all the good stuff about the house.

Who in their right mind would use the REMARKS section to chase you and me away?

Fannie Mae.

Here are the REMARKS that Fannie Mae required the listing agent to insert in the listing of a Fannie-owned property for sale:

"Entry into home is unauthorized by Seller without signed disclosure & release form. Entering home w/o signed form is trespassing. Contact listing agent for form."

Are you clowns really threatening to prosecute agents for trespassing if they don't sign a government form prior to showing the house???

Well Fannie, I shall not show that house to anyone. 

Moreover, it's highly likely that my colleagues might pass that house by.

I'll be shocked if that house gets ANY SHOWINGS WHATSOEVER! 

There are plenty of other homes for sale that are easy to show, with sellers and agents who make it as easy as possible for me to show their home.  

In all my 20+ years helping folks sell and buy homes, I've seen awesome remarks, and I've seen stupid remarks with spelling errors and bad grammar.

Just when I thought I'd seen every sort of stupid stuff in listings, along comes another one that is among the most stupid ever known to mankind.

Another fine example of stupid stuff that happens when government bureaucrats stick their noses into the private business sector.

Government involvement in the private sector has failed every time it's been tried.

Hey Fannie, you do your thing, and let your listing agents sell your houses for you!

Did this post tickle your curiosity?  CLICK HERE to send your question.  Answers shall be sent by email ONLY, unless you specifically ask for phone call.

You can get computerized, automatic, customized FREE ALERTS by email when new listings of homes that fit your wish-list are posted on the Realtor's MLS.  You'll find out about the newest listings before most Realtors know about them.

That way you'll know when your dream home hits the market.

Opportunities Are Everywhere...We Can Help You Find Your Dream Home.

Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-590-2252  list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

Equal Housing Opportunity

President Lyndon Johnson lead a vigorous campaign through the halls of Congress that lead to Fair Housing legislation.  The Republican Party members in Congress backed Fair Housing, while most of the congressional Democrat Party members opposed Fair Housing.  Johnson, a Democrat, worked the phones day and night, calling congressional Democrats, calling in favors that persuaded enough Democrats to cross party lines and vote for Fair Housing, and against their party leaders. 

Martin Briley Attracts Widespread Construction Of Office Buildings Across Prince William County

You Could Soon Work And Live In Prince William County

Martin Briley, Executive Director Of Economic Development Is Selling Prince William To Businesses

Companies Moving To PWC To Cut Costs, Improve Facilities, And Give Employees Shortest Commute

Gentle Regular Readers... you know that this noble scribe frequently pens long, rambling, verbose posts that COULD have been compressed into a simple, concise paragraph.

My skilled staff of top-notch pros tell me that my occasional video clips in this blog give folks the quick and concise facts worth knowing.

So, my crack team of real estate experts in the adjacent photo convinced me to be kind to you with a short video clip, instead of a rambling post.

Did this post tickle your curiosity?  CLICK HERE to send your question.  Answers shall be sent by email ONLY, unless you specifically ask for phone call.

You can get computerized, automatic, customized FREE ALERTS by email when new listings of homes that fit your wish-list are posted on the Realtor's MLS.  You'll find out about the newest listings before most Realtors know about them.

That way you'll know when your dream home hits the market.

Opportunities Are Everywhere...We Can Help You Find Your Dream Home.

Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-590-2252  list your property for sale or to  purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

Equal Housing Opportunity

President Lyndon Johnson lead a vigorous campaign through the halls of Congress that lead to Fair Housing legislation.  The Republican Party members in Congress backed Fair Housing, while most of the congressional Democrat Party members opposed Fair Housing.  Johnson, a Democrat, worked the phones day and night, calling congressional Democrats, calling in favors that persuaded enough Democrats to cross party lines and vote for Fair Housing, and against their party leaders.

Woodbridge VA And Prince William County Real Estate News

Rapid Home Sales To First Time Buyers Have Added 3,000 New Students To County Schools

County School System Hiring More Teachers To Keep Up With Home Sales To Families With Children

NEWS REPORT ABOUT 3,000 NEW STUDENTS FROM CHANNEL 7 WJLA TV WEBSITE

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - It was a big surprise for Prince William County (web | news) schools. The district had to hire extra teachers because of an unexpected jump in enrollment.

Jennifer Vydareny discovered Prince William's school population spike firsthand on the first day of school. Her first grader, Maya, was squeezed into a class of 26 -- until a new teacher was hired and she moved into a small classroom that was once the guidance counselor's office. Now Maya's in a class of ten.

"It was too enticing to pass up, ten children to one teacher," Vydareny said.

Even in the worst of times, during the county's crackdown on illegal immigration and the foreclosure crisis, Prince William's schools grew -- but not quite like this. Last year, at its worst, just more than a thousand new students enrolled. That number has nearly tripled this year.

According to Associate Superintendent Keith Imon, enrollment is up "2,999 over the previous year."

That's about a four percent growth rate. It's crowded, say school officials, but not a crisis just yet.

"At different grade levels there are different caps that are reached and once we reach those caps we have to open other classrooms," Imon said.

The enrollment growth, as always, is tied to Prince William's real estate market.

"We are burning through inventory at an incredible rate," said Lee Odems, with the Prince William Association of Realtors

The indication is all those new students are coming from new families buying up homes that are now much more affordable because foreclosures and short sales brought the prices down...

"I do believe that we're in a position now that people will want to come here and we will continue to grow," Odems said.

A year ago, there were about 5,600 houses on the market in Prince William County. Now there is about half that number.

Did this post tickle your curiosity?  CLICK HERE to send your question.  Answers shall be sent by email ONLY, unless you specifically ask for phone call.

You can get computerized, automatic, customized FREE ALERTS by email when new listings of homes that fit your wish-list are posted on the Realtor's MLS.  You'll find out about the newest listings before most Realtors know about them.

That way you'll know when your dream home hits the market.

Opportunities Are Everywhere...We Can Help You Find Your Dream Home.

Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-590-2252  list your property for sale or to  purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

President Lyndon Johnson lead a vigorous campaign through the halls of Congress that lead to Fair Housing legislation.  The Republican Party members in Congress backed Fair Housing, while most of the congressional Democrat Party members opposed Fair Housing.  Johnson, a Democrat, worked the phones day and night, calling congressional Democrats, calling in favors that persuaded enough Democrats to cross party lines and vote for Fair Housing, and against their party leaders. 

Real Estate - Real Answers

Compelling Real Estate Seminar On Line That May Surprise You Or Even Shock You

"I was a skeptic when I signed up for the Exit webinar.  I'm glad I did.  I've bought and sold three homes.  But today's real estate market is so different.  Glad I did.  - Joseph M., Dumfries VA

"Dad told me how to dicker and bargain down the price when I said I would buy a home.  Dad kept saying the sellers always get less than what they priced the house.  When I found out that nice homes around Woodbridge, Dumfries, and Manassas were selling ABOVE the list price I tried to explain it all to Dad, but he told me the agents are telling lies so they get a bigger commission.  So I got Dad to sit down with me to watch the exit web show so he could see what I meant."  Justin R, Woodbridge, VA 

Join Tami Bonnell, President of the US Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International, for an informative, live webinar addressing the most common issues concerning you, the buying and selling public, as you weather today's stormy real estate market.  

If you're thinking of buying, selling or investing in real estate, you owe it to yourself to get the facts from a veteran real estate expert.

Webinars are held monthly at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm ET.  The subjects change every month so be sure to register for the series. 

No obligation.  No baloney.  No sales pitch.  Just straight talk from a sought-after, compelling teacher. 

Ms Bonnell's real estate career spans more than 25 years during which she was instrumental in building three major brands.

Ms Bonnell has been featured several times in major industry publications, including Real Estate Magazine, Bay State REALTOR® and Frog Pond Communications.

She is a much sought-after international speaker, addressing thousands at events such as RISMedia's Leadership Conference in NY, Inman News Conference in San Francisco and the Top 500 Power Brokers at The National Association of REALTORS® Convention.  

Since becoming President of the US Organization for EXIT Realty Corp. International, her focus is on growth and profitability for Regions, Brokers and Agents.

Register for a session now by clicking a date below:

 

    Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration with information you need to join the Webinar.

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

  Click here to listen to a recording of "Real Estate Statistics Frequently Asked Questions" 

Did this post tickle your curiosity?  CLICK HERE to send your question.  Answers shall be sent by email ONLY, unless you specifically ask for phone call.

You can get computerized, automatic, customized FREE ALERTS by email when new listings of homes that fit your wish-list are posted on the Realtor's MLS.  You'll find out about the newest listings before most Realtors know about them.

That way you'll know when your dream home hits the market.

Opportunities Are Everywhere...We Can Help You Find Your Dream Home.

Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-590-2252  list your property for sale or to  purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

Buying And Selling Homes In Woodbridge VA At MARKET PRICES

Home Buyers Won't Even Look At An Overpriced House

Homes For Sale In Woodbridge Have Three Prices; 1. The Price The Seller Wants; 2. The Price The Buyers Will Pay; 3. And The Price That Trumps 1 and 2 Is The Value The Bank Gets From The Appraiser

Over the course of my career, I have been the bearer of tough news for my listing clients many times.  I don't ever relish the thought of sharing bad news with anyone, but I must admit that my skills in this area have improved dramatically with experience.

Home values are higher than 2003 values, but lower than 2005 values.

You want top-dollar for your house when you sell.

What is top-dollar right now in 2009?

You may be tempted to say, "I want top-dollar, just like the guy up the street got in 2005 who sold his house for $850,000". 

Unless you've been in a coma for four years, it's highly likely that you know home values have declined from peak values the market would bear in 2005.

Here is what you can expect to get from me or any other agent who has sold homes for a living, through rising markets, falling markets, and flat markets.

Here are five things things you can expect from me when you interview me or Peggy to sell your house:

1. Lay The Cards On The Table.  Sometimes, it's best to just spit it out, then deal with the explanation.  When I see you for a listing appointment, and I know that the home is worth substantially less than what you were hoping for, you and I have nothing to gain by beating around the bush.  Together, we'll get review MLS records and tax records out on the table so you can see what buyers are offering, and see what your neighbors are getting for their homes in 2009.  When you accept the facts and figures, you and I can set a price and value that will get your house SOLD for 2009 top-dollar.  If you cannot accept the 2009 market facts, you may expect me to make a quick exit. 

2. You Will Get Realistic Coaching From Peggy Me. "Mr and Mrs Seller, I fully realize this is not what you were hoping to see and hear".  "The market doesn't care about your hopes and dreams."   

3. " Mr Erick, YOUR OPINION About The Value For Our Home Is Too Low."   Hey folks, in my opinion, your home is worth $15Billion, but the market doesn't care about my opinon or your opinion.  When you see the report showing recent SOLD values for homes like yours, in your area, you are getting FACTS from database of SOLD homes, NOT my opinion of value.  When you see the report of recent sales and values I show you, keep in mind that you are seeing a report created with the same methods as an appraiser would. 

4. Your Home Actually Has THREE (3) Different Values Right Now.   The price YOU want for your house; the price a buyer is willing to pay, and the value the appraiser reports to the bank that is loaning the buyer the money.  Golly, you could overprice your house and, to your delight, you get a full-price offer from a buyer.  Remember this, the mortgage melt-down was partially blamed on appraisers.  Appraisers and appraisals are scrutinized like never before.  When the appraiser's report shows your house value right now is $20,000 below the contract price you got from the buyer, you have two ugly options: Lower the contract price to the appraised value and move forward, OR the buyer walks away.

5. You May Find An Agent Who Will List Your Overpriced House, But That Cannot Change Market Value.  Don't ever choose an agent based exclusively on price.  "Erick/Peggy, we interviewed you and two other agents.  We're going with Joe Blow from XYZ Realty because he said he could get us (stupid-high price) for our house.  He said he could get that price for us."  Okay, I accept that, just know that Joe will be back in two weeks for a price reduction.  Inside our industry agents call that trick Joe pulled on you, "Buying the listing."  No, Joe is not buying your house, he's just telling you what you want to hear.

I hope that this is helpful for you.  I am known with my past clients as being direct and honest, without being blunt.  There is a fine art to communicating effectively.  Hopefully, these tips will give you a leg up on your competition.

Did this post tickle your curiosity?  CLICK HERE to send your question.  Answers shall be sent by email ONLY, unless you specifically ask for phone call.

You can get computerized, automatic, customized FREE ALERTS by email when new listings of homes that fit your wish-list are posted on the Realtor's MLS.  You'll find out about the newest listings before most Realtors know about them.

That way you'll know when your dream home hits the market.

Opportunities Are Everywhere...We Can Help You Find Your Dream Home.

Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-590-2252  list your property for sale or to  purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.

President Lyndon Johnson lead a vigorous campaign through the halls of Congress that lead to Fair Housing legislation.  The Republican Party members in Congress backed Fair Housing, while most of the congressional Democrat Party members opposed Fair Housing.  Johnson, a Democrat, worked the phones day and night, calling congressional Democrats, calling in favors that persuaded enough Democrats to cross party lines and vote for Fair Housing, and against their party leaders.