Good Morning Everyone, it's all good news this week as we head into a beautiful fall weekend here in the Prince William County Virginia. After several days of sunshine ( Thank God!) it seems, lots of good things are happening.    We were able to share with our purchasers who are in the process of buying 5557 Reagon Ct, in Woodbridge Viginia with a VA Zero Down Loan, that the VA Appraisal came in just above value! It was one month ago the miltary transferee's from North Carolina contacted me after reading my  LakeRidgeVirginiaRealEstateNews blog. They told me they needed a large home with a big yard and plenty of parking.After several days of house hunting, I was able to help them find a home that was perfect for them.  The title of that blog was Relocating Military Family Finds Single F... 10/07/2011

I don't know about you, however I am tired of hearing bad news about the real estate market. So I did a little research for you this morning. Did my blog title surprise you?  Well let me break the numbers down for you. The information below is taken directly from the MRIS database that Realtors use daily to help formulate a value when you are buying or selling a home in the 22192 zip code area. Currently today September 1st, 2011:   In the 22192 Zip Code area their are 77 Resale Single Family Homes Active For Sale. The breakdown................ Active Listings For Sale: Zero Single Family Homes priced under $200,000 ( that ship has sailed...!) 12  Single Family Homes priced between $200,000 and $300,000 21 Single Family Homes priced between $300,000 and $400,000 24 Single Family Homes p... 09/01/2011

Many of you who in live in the Lake Ridge Virginia area know Pat. She is a long time original owner in Westridge Subdivision. Well on Friday, her journey of selling her large Westridge home and downsizing to her smaller home was finally completed. She settled on her new home! This is the smile of woman who is very happy and tickled to be buying a brand new home! Now she gets to do all the fun stuff. Nest! Below is the home that Erick and Company sold for Pat just a few months ago. It was located at 12291 Tilney Ct, Woodbridge Virginia.  It was early in February 2011 when she had grown frustrated with trying to sell her lovely home in Westridge. She had been on the market for months with no offers. When she asked me if I could help her sell her home, I said "Of course I can sell your hom... 08/28/2011

It's time to break down the numbers. As a full time real estate professional, I have access to all the data anyone could ask for with regard to the real estate market condition, recent sales and activity. So I thought I would share what's really happening in the local Lake Ridge, Virginia area more precisely the 22192 zip code area. Stats are an important part of buying a home and selling a home. For example when I come to list your home I want to give you the seller a realistic view of "what's happening not only in your subdivision but the overall zip code area." This will help you understand the big picture. For example if you have a luxury home and you want to price it at $810,000, my recommendation based on the data would be "are you sure? If so you must be willing to sit on the mar... 08/10/2011

Have you ever wondered "what happening to home values in the Lake Ridge Virginia area?"You hear the news reports of double dip price reductions, yet you go through Lake Ridge on any given day and you see Sold Signs in your rear view mirror. Well let me show you.I just went back into the Realtors MLS Database to give you an idea of what our locat real esatate market is really like. The statistic's below is a snapshot of how many single family home are currently active, under contract or that have settled since March 1st, 2011.                         So what does this mean. It means the market is in a correction market. Days on market are coming down Many homeowners are getting 96% of List Price Buyers are still asking for closing costs. Most sellers are still assisting buyers with closi... 06/13/2011

    Brisk Rental Market, Positive Cash Flow, Less Than 30 Days To Rent Your Lake Ridge Virginia Home... This is the message I have been able to give several townhome owners in the past month. The rental market in the Lake Ridge Virginia area is quiet brisk. Many landlords are able to command a rental payment greater than their mortgage payment. People are seeking long term leases for two to three   years. Have you been dreaming of buying a larger home? Have you ever thought about renting your home?It might be worth exploring the possibilities. The BRAC has brought an influx of people to the area. Many of these folks own homes eslewhere they cannot sell This is the driving force in today's brisk rental market How much can you rent your townhome for? Call me, let's talk....   Here are the... 05/28/2011

People do business with people they Know, Like, and Trust. With that in mind, this week I am spotlighting a Realtor that I know, like, and trust to sell your Lake Ridge Home fast, Peggy James with Exit Realty is the Lake Ridge Real Estate Expert. Peggy is a tech savvy Agent. With her marketing, the world will know your Lake Ridge home is for sale!   Learn more about how to sell your home fast in Lake Ridge, VA, visit Peggy's blog at Lake Ridge Virginia Real Estate News. Here are some previous and current listings sold in Lake Ridge by Peggy James of Eric & Company: 12290 Pondwater Ct. 12437 Abbey Knoll 11937cottonmilldrive.canbyours.com Selling your home in Lake Ridge, VA? Peggy James is an agent you will Know, Like, and Trust.  Don't believe me see what others have to say about Peggy J... 05/20/2011

The reason I'm asking is other day while house-hunting in Westridge Subdivision in Lake Ridge Virginia, I visited a large luxury single family home on a gorgeous lot that remains unsold after almost two months on the market. I have to wonder how such a gorgeous home being rejected by the market? Is it? Or is a case that you just don't know that such a home is available? If you need a home with an in-law suite, this one benefits from daylight windows and access to the back yard. Imagine your parents could have their own private space and it is in your price range! No need to custom built or hire a contractor. The owners of this home have got you covered!  Are you ready to check it out? Matthew Ryan of Frankly Realty  has this one priced at $589,900. MLS#PW7542928 This home has over five ... 04/29/2011

 Estate Sale Scheduled For a Two Day Event Sells Out in Two Hours in Lake Ridge Virginia! Three weeks ago, our listing at 12291 Tilney Ct went Under Contract. Within a week the homeowner stated that she thought she might want to sell most of the things in her home since she was downsizing. So my contribution to help was,I wrote a blog post titled Estate Sale This Weekend in Lake Ridge Virginia and featured a Picasa photo show to give folks an idea of what was being sold.Since their was no time for a professional team to come in handle all this,we decided to try an assist the owner with the use of Facebook,Neighborhood Flyer's and by placing Ugly Yellow Signs throughout the neighborhood the evening before to get the message out to the local public. "The owner had a lot of help from neigh... 04/09/2011

Do you love treasure hunting? Well then, don't miss this sale. Local Lake Ridge Virginia homeowner is downsizing and has scheduled an Estate Sale this weekend. If you love antiques, you are not going to want to miss this sale! Take a look at some of the items for sale..   Addtional items that will be for sale, household goods, dishes, crystal, framed pictures, rugs, knicknacks, decorator items, shoes ( lots of shoes size 7..5) an anitque wedding gown. To many items to list. Where: 12291 Tilney Ct, Woodbridge, Virginia. 22192  Time: sale begins at 8 am sharp Directions: From I-95, take the Occoquan/Rt 123 Exit, turn left at 2nd light onto Old Bridge Rd, continue on through Lake Ridge Virginia ( about 5 miles) turn right on Westridge Drive. Follow to the end, then right on Knightsbridge D... 04/05/2011

Westridge Home Coming On The Market April 2011 You, My Gentle Readers, Get A Preview Two Weeks In Advance The Home Is In Move In Condition And The Koi In The Pond Are Ready To Greet You     03/28/2011

  Weeks before I list a home for a homeowner, it is my job to customize the marketing as to attract the perfect buyer. For example the home photographed above will be coming on the market in two weeks. This is the perfect for the hobbiest and nature lover. Especially if you love Koi Ponds. This home has two! Some of the fish are over ten years of age and are almost two feet long! I asked why the neighborhood Blue Heron has not scarfed them all up. The owner explained her pond is to deep. Currently the owners are getting the waterfall up and running, the house powerwashed and the spring yard cleanup done. All in preperation of putting their home on the market. What makes this home unique is, it is one of only thirty five Custom Homes in Westridge Subdivision. I'll bet you didn't know tha... 03/27/2011

If you have been searching the MLS for a like new townhouse, chances are you have not seen this one. It was most likely over your $250,000 pre-approved loan price tag you have. Well, not anymore! Best of all the seller is willing to pay closing costs! Below is a photo tour of the townhouse. The MLS # is PW7479735 The best part about this townhouse is the location! Website and Details Page-http://12437abbeyknollct.canbyours.com/ To see all homes for sale in Westridge Subdivision right now- CLICK HERE Do you need help? Don't hesitate to call me. My direct# is  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).If you are a homeowner who ... 12/29/2010

Lots of folks are pleasantly surprised to learn that Lake Ridge Virginia has many water view opportunities throughout the year. The only thing is they don't make them anymore! So if you are hoping and dreaming of owning a townhouse,condo or single family home in Lake Ridge Virginia with a water view, then you are going to need get signed up to be notified as soon as one comes on the market,. How do you do that?Simple.  Just go to our Search For Homes Link on our website. Search for Prince William County VA, key in 22192 zip code area and then key in water view or waterfront homes and your prince range. Now save your search! Now anytime a home comes on the market in the Lake Ridge Virginia area that has a water view or waterfront lot you will be notified. Call me if you need more informa... 11/25/2010

Everyone wants to know "How's The Market?" We've heard it's up, it's down, foreclosures and short sales are everywhere hurting the values. What's the real story? The real story is the market has been improving a bit in the Lake Ridge Virginia area.Enough so, that Healthy Listings are leading the pack in the townhouse inventory selection! Right now according the the Multiple Listing Service we have Now let me break this all down for you. In the second half of 2010 there have been 159 Townhouses Listed For Sale Or Sold Since June 1st,2010. 25 were Foreclosure Listings. ( 6 are Active heading into December.) 51 were Short Sale Opportunities. (15 are Active For Sale, 26 Are Under Contract and 10 have Settled) "83 Were Regular Owner/ Healthy Sales!" 27 are Active For sale, 15 Currently Under... 11/23/2010

Today, I am bringing you a post from a Washington DC agent- James Downing, who opens up a dialog about what is and what is not "Realistic Commute" around the Washington DC Area.   Pay close attention to the comments on the original post as there is great information from Realtors around the beltway who understand their realistic commute times from where they work. When relocating to the Northern Virginia or Prince William County Virginia area, or even from one county to the other. It is critical do take a test drive, and talk to others who are commuting from your desired neighborhood, to see if you can live with the time it takes to get to and from work.   Via James Downing - REALTOR®,GRI, ABR - DC Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage): So as I watch the early morning traf... 11/17/2010

Yesterday I was assisting a home buyer who has set their sites on Lake Ridge Virginia as the place they want to buy a home, raise their family and build their lives for the next ten years or so. They have been receiving automatic alerts for all the homes coming on the market in the Lake Ridge, Old Bridge Estates, Crestridge and Westridge homes. Out of pure frustration yesterday, on a conference call they both said...  "Gosh where are all the newer homes in Lake Ridge, Virginia?" We have our hearts set on a home with a big kitchen and sun-room across the rear of the home. We want it light and bright with granite and vaulted ceilings. We are ready to buy asap if we can find that house Peg. My response."I know where you can find a home that has exactly what your are looking for. However yo... 09/17/2010

New Insight After Dinner With A Real Estate Attorney Last Night New Real Estate Closing Documents Streamline The Process And Make It Easier For You To See The Numbers Title Insurance More Difficult To Obtain On Some Foreclosures I had dinner and a fine premium cigar with my favorite local settlement attorney last night.  He is Marc Wiltshire with RGS Title, Lake Ridge Office. Nice folks like you like Marc's style at closing; He is a gentleman in every way; He has a gift for making sense of complex, redundant documents; Marc is smooth and trustworthy. We also compared notes on the topic of obtaining title insurance (or not obtaining title insurance) for homes sold by sellers who had securitized home loans that were chopped up and sold in packages of mortgage backed securities (MBS). We h... 09/11/2010

  As a lender in Woodbridge, VA, most of my business comes from Realtor referral and I truly appreciate the confidence they place in me to help their clients and ultimately place their commissions in my hand.   Recently I had a nightmare transacation which could have gone much better with proper communication and understanding of the lending process by the agent. Although we made it to closing the unreasonable promises and contigencies told to the buyer, left me spent in the end. And it left the buyer with no true understanding of the buying process, several times the deal was dead and had to be revived with all the blame being placed in my lap.   With so many phases and contingencies in a real estate transaction it is always better for buyers, to work with an agent that has knowledge ... 08/23/2010

The 15,000 acres of this national park is truly a forest and it also has 21 miles of bicycle accessible roads. Twelve of them are paved and 9 miles are gravel fire roads. Mountain bikes are needed for the fire roads. 37 miles of hiking trails - a variety of skill levels and lengths are available Additionally, camping is a major park attraction. You can rent a cabin or pitch a tent and ride your bike or hike through the forest for several days. It is an economical way to enjoy several days" in the outside" and not spend a fortune on hotel or travel expense. My wife and I have camped in the "Forest" with Boy Scouts, Rotary Youth Leadership, Presyterian Church Groups and family camping. We are extremely fortunate to have this national park in Prince William County. My Team has 34 years ex... 08/04/2010