Woodbridge Virginia Real Estate News: May 2009

Woodbridge Virginia Short Sales Success Improves With Special Software

You Can Get A Fast Short Sale Approval And Save Your Finances From Disaster

We Have Software That Takes Your Hardship And Fills In Vital Documents Banks Need To Approve Your Sale

Five years ago, the term "short sale" was practically unknown.

First, market values for homes dropped 30+% since 2005.

Second, toxic loans have reset to sky-high rates and payments over the past two years, that bust the family budget.

The good intent for folks taking mortgages that reset in two years was the promise that two years of on-time mortgage payments, combined with anticipation that home values would keep rising, was the possibility of refinancing to a safer loan when the loans reset.

The road to disaster is paved with good intent.

A domino-effect is clogging the market with short sales that are difficult to obtain because too few banks do not have systems to process short sales.

Realtors had no systems for obtaining short sales.

So banks and Realtors have been creating the rules on the fly.

We Purchased Expensive New Software Creates Approvable Short Sale Packages

My team has enjoyed better than average success with short sales because we did deep research into the processes that create approvable short sale applications.

We found out that an approvable short sale package is comprised of numerous complex forms.

Well, we just paid big $$ to obtain software that creates approvable short sale packages quickly.

The software opens with a series of questions that creates a complete profile describing your situation.

Next, with just one mouse click, ALL the forms are automatically created, specific to your situation, in a package that is approvable by most banks.

We get you fast approval for your short sale, at terms that will price your home to sell, so you can get your home fast, for market value, and with the fewest hassles.

DISCLOSURE: Not all banks accept short sales.  Some banks just cannot accommodate short sales.

So call Peggy right now to find out whether or not your short sale will get approved by your bank: 703-851-3085, or send Peg an email, Peggy@ErickAndCompany.com

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. 

Great Realtors Are Great Colleagues Who Share Great Ideas To Help Nice Folks Like You

You Get Your Best Information When You Work The Best Agents

 Because We Share What Works

Today was a long, busy day, filled with deadlines, and vital actions.

We refreshed ourselves this evening with two hours of brainstorming with the Mateo Team, nice folks who do great work for folks in the Gainesville  Virginia area.  When nice folks like you call us for help buying or selling a home in Gainesville Virginia, we send them to Nelson and Tania Mateo.

Good News!

We captured five great systems that we put in place tonight that will help you buy a good home, or sell your home fast, and with the fewest hassles.

Nelson and Tania are so far above traditional real estate salespeople, because they give you cutting edge technology that empowers you to get the best value when you buy or sell a home.

 Here are photos of our team and the Mateo's clustered around the kitchen island, clicking and clacking our laptops, sharing the best and brightest ideas for you.    

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 Homes For Sale $400K-$800K A Good Value

Forget Foreclosures And Short Sales Hassles

Owners Are Listing Homes For Sale With Realtors In Pristine Condition And At Market Prices

Back in May, 2008, owner-occupied homes for sale in Woodbridge Virginia were scarce as home owners waited on the sidelines to see if market values would bounce back.

Some sellers HAVE TO list and sell their homes this year due to company transfers, career changes, folks retiring to Arizona, etc.

Owners are listing their homes AT market prices because they have accepted the fact that their home will not sell at a 2005 price.  You can get a FREE LIST of lovely owner-occupied homes for sale, with photos, addresses, and descriptions when you click the link at the end of this insightful blog post.

BUYERS: GO AFTER OWNER-OCCUPIED HOMES FIRST

If you do not have a home to sell, and you want to buy a home that is in pristine condition, you have lots of owner-occupied homes in model-home condition from which to choose.  When you get your FREE LIST of homes, study the listings, sift and sort, then drive by them on your own. 

When you see a home you want to see inside, you can get a no-hassle private showing, WITHOUT THE LISTING AGENT PRESENT TO PRESSURE YOU, OR ASK YOU ANNOYING QUESTIONS.

Sellers: Sell Your Home Fast, For A Great Price, With The Fewest Hassles And Move Up

If you HAVE a home to sell, know that Realtors are counseling their buyers to go for owner-occupied homes, not foreclosures, nor short sales.

Owner-occupied homes like yours sell faster because the buyer gets a lovely home, at a fair price, without the hassles associated with foreclosures or short sales.

You can get a FREE, over-the-net computerized market value for your present home by clicking a link at the end of this incredibly magnificent blog post.

Your home will sell fast, so you can move up to a bigger home at an affordable price.

Foreclosures Are Not Bargains

Foreclosures are typically in shabby shape, in need of paint and carpet just to make the house habitable.

Your owner-occupied home, that is clean, in good condition, and loved will attract buyers away from foreclosures.  Foreclosures will make your home SELL FASTER.

What about homes for sale by short sale?

Buying homes offered as short sales is risky, they take a LONG TIME to close, and seller's lender has the right to change the terms at the last minute, costing you time and hassle.

In summary, all you home buyers focus on owner-occupied homes for sale that are not pending short sale or foreclosure.  Stick with owner-occupied homes.  Avoid the short sales and stinky foreclosures.  CLICK HERE NOW for your FREE list of owner-occupied homes for sale $400-$800K around Woodbridge.

You can get a private tour of any home on the list, without the listing agent present to pressure you, or ask you annoying questions.  Call Patty at 703-590-2252 to arrange a time.

All you folks who want to sell your home, and move up to a larger home, your home will sell fast, for market value, and with fewest hassles. SELLERS CLICK HERE NOW to get a FREE, no-hassle, over-the-net value for your home today.

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.

Woodbridge Virginia Homes For Sale Are Selling Fast And For Top Dollar

Woodbridge Homes Sold Soared In April 2008, Contradicting Media Cry, "Real Estate In Free-Fall".

Monthly Home Sales Numbering 1,500-1,800 Through 2008 And 2009 Have Steadily Reduced "For Sale" Inventory From 7,000+ In January 2008 Down To Less Than 2,000 Homes For Sale In PW County.

I am juggling seven (7) buyer-clients actively searching for a home to buy right now. 

Five (5) of those families have made one or more offer on homes, offers that were ABOVE the list price, and all five families lost their respective bids to other folks who gave the sellers better offers.

Homes for sale are attracting 2,3,6,8, even 9 offers, even dirty forclosures that need paint and new carpet prior to occupancy.

So all five families whose offers were rejected are still in the hunt for a home.  Moreover, each family has learned, through hard knocks, to put their best foot forward, and make their FIRST offer their HIGHEST AND BEST OFFER.

Do you want to sell now and move up to a bigger home while prices are affordable?  You can get big, lovely homes at 2002 prices.

Will you get a 2005 top-of-the-market price for your present home?  No.  You'll get a 2002 price.

If you bought your home prior to 1999, a 2002 price will give you a handsome return on your money.

Drop me an email for a free, no-hassle, no-obligation computerized market value for your home in today's market.

"But Mr. Erick! Mr. Erick!!  How can this be???  All the TV news reporters say real estate sales are declining, that it's a buyers market.  Mr. Erick, the TV doesn't lie!"

Speaking as a trained journalist, I KNOW that the TV people love to sensationalize tragedy, and catastrophise.

Have you noticed how media outlets just LOVE the word "Crisis"?  They love to preface every story with the word "Crisis".  "Real Estate Crisis"; "Banking Crisis"; "Climate Crisis"; "Gasoline Crisis".

Bad news sells.

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

By TwitterButtons.com

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 Market Changes In Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, and Prince William County

You Can Sell Your Home Fast, And For Market Prices That Are Recovering

It's A Seller's Market In Northern Virginia Once Again

What is the definition of a Seller's Market? 

From my experience, I do not know anyone who can point to just ONE fact that defines a Seller's Market.

Here is just one sign that we turned the corner to a Seller's Market sometime over the past six months: There are more homes under contract in Lake Ridge than homes available for sale.

Yep, we have fewer homes for sale in Lake Ridge than homes under contract pending settlement.

Specifically, as of 7:28 AM today, we have 118 homes for sale in Lake Ridge, versus 201 homes under contract, pending settlement.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 95% of real estate transactions are done by 3% of active Realtors.

We who comprise the top-performing 3% of agents who do 95% of the business around the Washington area stay in touch via master-mind groups, email, and phone calls.

Each of us among the top 3% report multiple offers on homes in good condition; multiple offers frequently spark bidding wars that push contract prices above list prices.

By the way, Lake Ridge is not unique.

The statistics as reported in the Realtor's database show that inventory is low across Northern Virginia... sales exceed active listings... prices are edging up.

So, if you have been thinking about selling and moving up to a larger home, you have the opportunity to get a lovely move-up home $200K - $400K below the price YOU COULD NOT AFFORD in 2004.

Sure, you won't get the 2004 price for your present home when you sell to move up, but with FHA 3.5% down home loans available to you for homes up to $730,000, you don't need gobs of cash to move up.

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.

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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.

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How To Buy Investment Property In Woodbridge VA

How To Fund Your Woodbridge Real Estate Purchase

Find out why paying all cash for an investment property in Woodbridge could be a huge mistake.

Find out how to get "Investor Financing" for your investment properties.

Find out what happened to "Creative Financing".

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 Investment Property In Woodbridge VA

Owning Rental Property As An Investor

First In A Series Of Powerful Lessons For You To Find Out How You Can Invest In Woodbridge Virginia RealEstate

Helping 2,000+ families sell and buy homes around Woodbridge has made me a mini-celebrity in my community.

Folks have seen my mug on my moving van, and on grocery carts, and on yard signs, so I am frequently recognized while sniffing peaches in the produce isle, or searching for a special bolt at the hardware store.

Folks walk right up to me like they know me and say, "Hey Erick, got a question for you..."

It's nice to have strangers trust me enough to ask for help without hesitation.  So I am happy to answer their questions, if I can.  Or refer them to someone who can help them, like an attorney, or a lender, or another Realtor.

A common question this year has been along the lines of, "Erick, I want to invest in real estate, buy a house to rent, or get a steal-of-a-deal on a house that needs a little work, then flip it.  Can you help me?"

Well, some of you may not travel among my usual stores, or you may not feel comfortable talking to me in the shampoo aisle at a store.

So here is the first in a series of short video lessons about finding, funding, and profiting from investment property.

DISCLAIMER: The big ugly spot on my nose that looks like the remnants of a gigantic zit is actually a scab over a gouge from the paw of my big dog, "Wally", as he jumped in joy to see me last week.

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.

Good News And Bad News About Homes For Sale And Real Estate In Woodbridge

It's Official: The Buyer's Market Is Over, Finished, Kaput...

It's A Seller's Market Again...

For some of my Gentle Readers, this short post is good news, while other Gentle Readers will see it as not-so-good news, and the rest of you shall be horribly confused.

SELLING A HOME IN WOODBRIDGE AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA

If you own a home, and you wish to sell fast, for a market price, with the least hassle, you may dance the "Happy Dance" because we're back to a Seller's Market.  Good news!

You can sell your home fast, and with the least hassle, IF you price your home in line with current sales... current home values.

Nostalgic home owners, who remember 2005, when homes like yours were selling for a zillion dollars, the bad news is that market values today are generally 40%-50% below the peak of the market in 2005. 

So, take my friend, Sad Sam.  Sam bought his home in 1992 for $185,000.  In 2005, Sam's home could have sold for $780,000.  In 2009, homes like Sam's, in the same subdivision, same floorplan, are selling for $430,000.

Sad Sam is sad because he looks at the dark cloud behind the silver lining, crying, "If I sell now, I'll be losing $350,000!!  Woe is me." Sam is focusing on the difference in value between 2005 and 2009 by subtracting $430,000 from $780,000, and crying "Boo-Hoo" over the $350,000 change in value.

Happy Harry owns the house across the street from Sam.  Harry is happy because he too bought his house for $185,000 in 1992.  Harry gets happy when he compares the current market value of his home, $430,000 to the $185,000 price he paid in 1992, by subtracting $185,000 from $430,000, netting Harry a $245,000 gain, or "equity profit".  Harry sees the silver lining surrounding the cloud.

BUYING A HOME IN 2009 IN WOODBRIDGE AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Marty Miser has been waiting for the market to "hit bottom" so he can pounce on a house, buy it at the "bottom of the market".

Marty Miser refused to accept a fundamental fact of market-timing: We find out when the market hit bottom a year or two after the fact, when statistics about sales values come into focus with the help of 20/20 hindsight.

Marty Miser, and guys like Marty, tend to suffer from a personality disorder called "all or nothing", meaning, when they miss the "bottom of the market", they throw in the towel, give up, and quit.

Moreover, Marty Miser cops a resentment, and declares that he will not buy now, even though prices are 40%-50% below the peak of the boom in 2005.  What's he gonna do?  He declares that he shall rent for ten more years while the market values slowly rise to the NEXT market peak, wait for the NEXT "bubble to burst" and hope to buy a home in ten years during the NEXT Buyers Market.

Meanwhile, Sensible Sally is happy to get a nice home for 40%-50% below 2005 prices.  In fact, her "Dream Home" she could not afford in 2005 is now for sale at a price she can afford.  Sally gets a lovely home at a good value.

So, Sellers, who will you be?  Happy Harry or Sad Sam?

Buyers, who will you be? Sensible Sally or Marty Miser?

I've been through three booms and three market corrections.

My experience shows that Sensible Sally's and Happy Harry's always do well over time.

Sad Sam and Marty miser allow their ego and emotions to take stupid choices.

So who are you?

If you are Happy Harry or Sensible Sally, call me, I can help you.

If you are Marty Miser or Sad Sam, you are doomed to a miserable life.  Don't bother me.

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.