ONE MIGHT HAVE THOUGHT THAT THE AVERAGE LIST PRICE FOR HOMES LISTED IN JANUARY 2013 WOULD HAVE INCREASED WHEN COMPARED TO DECEMBER 2012.  Isn't that the headline news from the real estate prognosticators???  It appears that the average price for Single Family Detached homes offered for sale in January had an average price DECLINE.  Not just a decline, but a significant decline.  DECEMBER 2012 Status: ACTIVE LISTED FOR SALE IN DECEMBER 2012 (58 new listings)    List Price BR Baths FH HB DOM DOMP ACRES LotSqFt YrBlt   Min $249,000 2 1 1 0 36 36 0.03 1,307 1850 Max $2,900,000 7 9 6 3 70 243 13.09 570,200 2013 Avg $832,357 4 4 3 1 58 72 1.77 77,076 1997   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ JANUARY 2013 Status: ACTIVE LISTED FOR SALE IN JANUARY 2013... 02/09/2013

SPRING IS A STATE OF MIND!!! My ActiveRain post of yesterday morning is no longer just wishful thinking!!  JUST LOOK!!! Driving into my garage a while ago, I decided to take a look at the buib garden area (below).  I love this area of my yard.  It blossoms early every year and says, "SPRING IS HERE".   Hey, I don't care if it's February 8th.   Spring is quite often a state of mind.         WE KNOW WHAT IS COMING - BEAUTIFUL DAFFODILS IN MY BULB GARDEN. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 2.  FEBRUARY ADVENTURE . . .  It's almost MARCH.  Spring begins in March.  I can't wait.  This week I start the spring application of seeding, fertilizing and generally nurturing the many landscaped areas at my home.  The Daffodil garden is always a... 02/08/2013

How to drive in heavy ice and snow?  Can anyone really give practical operational advice to another about how to drive in snow and ice???  I don't believe so.  If someone were to be so foolish as to ask for my advice about how to drive in snow and ice, my advice would always be. . . .  One thing I do know. . .   It's snowing in Lovettsville VA now at 7:00 a.m.  SO, my advice for folks about driving in the snow and ice is. . . . . . DON'T. "But, we need. . . . . "  No, you do NOT!!!  Folks who think they must travel in snow and ice are beyond advice or solutions.  In fact, THEY ARE THE PROBLEM. Some of the "advice" I read about getting around in snow and ice really defies logic.  EXAMPLES: 1.  Have winter tires.  Who has more than one set of tires today??  "ALL WEATHER" tires have been t... 02/07/2013

"How much should I offer?"  That question is a lot more complicated than most home buyers would understand.  Why?? Because buyers, sellers and far too many agents are narrowly focused on PRICE, PRICE, PRICE. There is another methodology that is, IMO, far more effective and begins with the fact that THE LIST PRICE IS MERELY A SUGGESTION!! FOCUS ON THE BUYER'S FINANCIAL ABILITY TO CLOSE, PROPERTY VALUE and , YES - NEATNESS COUNTS !!  THE LIST PRICE IS MERELY A SUGGESTION.  STEP #1.  I always begin with a comprehensive analysis of the local active/sold market for the property location/type/features. To me, the list price is merely a suggestion.  Since we don't know the process by which the seller/agent arrived at their list price, I study a property for sale as though it had no price attac... 01/30/2013

Mr. Buyer:  "DO YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW ABOUT PROPERTY CONDITION?"If a consumer isn't prepared to pay for comprehensive property condition inspections, IMO, THEY ARE NOT READY FOR HOME OWNERSHIP!! An interesting article by Beverly Herdman this a.m. caused the little gray cells to move around.  Seller or Buyer responsible for well/septic/termite inspections? Seems to me that home buyers who would rely on the sellers for property condition disclosure or critical systems inspections would probably also rely on the accuracy of such information, often to their detriment. I practice in two states, MD and VA.  The two are worlds apart in terms of property condition and property condition disclosure. In Maryland, extensive property condition disclosure requirements often give rise to misleading... 01/22/2013

Inspired by Kathy Streib's post this morning, It's Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day! January 17th! AH!  Those New Year's Resolutions again.  Is it too late??  Have we failed for another year??? WAIT!!  The month is just past half way gone.  There are still 11 months and 14 days remaining.  HA!  When you're older than dirt, you don't make New YEAR's Resolutions.  You make New MONTH's Resolutions. Right now, I'm working on a New WEEK's Resolution. I marvel, not at the resolutions folks make, but the clear indication that they will fail when they have an OUTCOME RESOLUTION but no corresponding LIFESTYLE CHANGE RESOLUTION. Sadly, they have not usually considered the CHANGE in lifestyle that will have to take place before the goal of that resolution is remotely possible.  How often have we h... 01/16/2013

LOVETTSVILLE VIRGINIA MARKET REPORT - Homes SOLD in Lovettsville in December 2012.   Below find information to help home buyers understand the market for homes in Loudoun County Virginia. The average price of homes sold in Lovettsville in December 2012 was $676,900. Lovettsville is a very friendly small town in Northern Loudoun County, population about 2,000 active Home Market in Loudoun County.  Popular with home owners who work in the High-Tech corridor, Dulles Airport and MARC Train located in Brunswick, MD, just 2 miles from Lovettsville. The average list price in Lovettsville is $505,000 Call Lenn to tour homes for sale in Lovettsville, 800-711-7988. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SOLD in Lovettsville VA in December 2012. City Address         ... 01/03/2013

Well, it happened!  About an hour ago the snow started coming down.  Light at first, then slightly thicker, big flakes.  It's 32 degrees out now at 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 24, 2012.   Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.  Serving home buyers in Loudoun County, Virginia. 12/24/2012

I've been waiting for this day since about June 21st.   I love the sunlight.  It makes the world brighter and more cheerful.  It warms these old bones.  Showing Homes For Sale In The Dark?  When the days are longer and daylight extends to 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., I can show properties for sale.  I never thought it was safe to show property in the dark.  What's the cost of a broken ankle??  Besides, if a buyer likes a property in the dark, they'll want to come back in the daylight anyway.   In the dark, it's hard to find property addresses, work the keyboxes and generally do our job.  Outdoor Play.  If I didn't love to engage in an outdoor sport, I might not notice it so much.  However, it makes a big difference to try to spot a fast moving clay pigeon with the sunlight shining on the top of th... 12/19/2012

STANDARD FEATURES in new homes today offer many features that our buyers would once have been charged for. Attending a pre-settlement walk-through yesterday, I was reminded of one of the reasons new homes are leading the market in home sales in Loudoun County today.  Just look at some of the exciting features that are included in this new home in Lovettsville Virginia.  I see more and more of these wonderful features included at standard features today.      STYLISH FRONT DOOR.  Home buyers today are more likely than in past years to have a front door with style.  In past years, buyers would have to upgrade the front door after closing at a significant cost, especially if they couldn't do it themselves. DINING ROOM CHANDELIER. The chandelier shown above is lovely and a much improvement ... 12/19/2012

BUYING A NEW HOME IN LOVETTSVILLE VIRGINIA - An adventure for sure, especially if you're a first time home buyer.  We attended a Pre-settlement Meeting yesterday for the new home under construction in Lovettsville.  Settlement is Friday and the buyers are getting very nervous.  This I know from the number of e-mail the builder and I are receiving.  The Construction Superintendent was wonderful, patient and helpful and answered all of the buyers' many questions.  The buyers are excited and love their new home.  "How did it go, Lenn", you ask???  Well, when we were finished, I visited the site manager for the community and said, "Whatever you're paying Sean, it's not enough!".  He chuckled and agreed.  Oh sure, there are items on the "punch list", but nothing significant.  As I advised th... 12/18/2012

WHEN IS THE TIME TO COVER THE BUYER'S HOME INSPECTION MATTER WHEN BUYING A NEW HOME?? How often have you heard a new home sales agent advise a home buyer - "Oh, you don't need a home inspection, the county does it for you." WOW!  That is a RED FLAG.  Unless the buyer's agent has been living in a cave for the past 20 years, they'll know that the "county inspections" are for the purpose of approving a stage of construction so the builder can move on to the next stage of construction.  A county inspector may spend mere minutes inspecting before providing the "APPROVED" sticker.  Further, they are observing the construction for compliance, not quality control.  That's the builder's construction supervisor's job.  WHAT ABOUT HOME INSPECTIONS?  Many builders welcome home inspectors.  Many do ... 12/12/2012

Steps in buying a home in Loudoun County Virginia.  Hints from an experienced Loudoun County VA real estate agent. You've decided that you want to buy a home.  That apartment is getting small and your lease ends in 4 months.  You have selected the public school for your child to attend and that's where you want to buy. A local real estate agent can answer your questions.  What's next??  You have so many questions.  Sure, you've been surfing on the Internet for information.  It's not always clear which steps to take first.  Some advise getting pre-approved for a loan before looking at homes for sale.  We disagree simply because. . . . . Mortgage Companies are not all alike.  Different mortgage lenders often offer different loan types.  We've met a number of loan officers qualified in Lou... 12/11/2012

The folks at Bonnie's Country Kitchen in Lovettsville have the Christmas spirit.  THAT'S where I'm going to lunch with a friend tomorrow.  Bonnie's Country Kitchen 2 Berlin Pike 540-822-5285 Home Made Pork Barbecue, Fresh Crab Cakes Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner See Bonnie's MENU here. Right at the Lovettsville New Town Center.   Bonnie's Country Kitchen is on the North side of Berlin Turnpike facing the Lovettsville Town Center Park Homes in Lovettsville         Greentree Breakfast Nook   Greentree Dining Room   Greentree Exterior with Porch   Greentree Exterior with Porch 2   Greentree Foyer                           Greentree Foyer from 2nd Level   Greentree Garden Bath Separate Shower   Greentree Garden Bath Sink   Greentree Garden Bath Soaking Tub   Greentree Kitchen                  ... 12/10/2012

FUN IN THE TOWN PARK IN LOVETTSVILLE VIRGINIA Lovettsville is more than just lovely new and existing homes.  It's a wonderful community with our children in mind. The young and not so young playing football in the public field in the center of Lovettsville Town Center.   Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.  Serving home buyers in Maryland and Northern Virginia. WHEN EXPERIENCE COUNTS, home buyers will enjoy our many years of serving home buyers in Northern Virginia for over 25 years.  We provide buyers with . . . * Comprehensive home searches, * Personal tours of homes for sale,  * Comparative Market Analysis for homes under consideration,* Experienced financial analysis to help you understand different loan opportunities, * Personally manage home inspections, ... 12/04/2012

I was surprised to drive by a neighbor's home in Lovettsville today and, of all things. SANTA WAS THERE!!!  Santa and a few friends were probably testing the weather in Lovettsville.  HA!  Surprise Santa, it was a balmy 70 degrees in Lovettsville in Loudoun County today.  Relax Santa, you're in the right place, just a bit early. Go back to the North Pole and make a few more toys and then come back.  We'll be watching for you.         WE CAN SEE YOU SANTA!  COME ON OUT, THE WEATHER IS FINE!   I believe you might want to come back in about 3 weeks.    We'll be waiting.           Santa.  You have some unusual looking friends with you there.  Are you sure you're in the right place??? Santa.  No, No, No, you need Reindeer.  Those fellows will never make the trip round the world. It's 70 degr... 12/04/2012

ATTICS - A continuing source of misconceptions from home buyers, home owners, home sellers and, believe it or not, many agents.  Inspired by a wealth of information in a post this a.m. by Jay Markanich, my memory was awakened.  See:  Suffocation - When Attic Venting Is Blocked SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE.  Over the years, I've heard it all.  The worst and most often heard misconception about ATTICS is:  "There's a lot of storage room in the attic."  About STORAGE IN THE ATTIC.  I've lost count of the number of times, I've quietly dropped the hint to home buyers that, "Attics are not for storage.  They're for ventilation." How many times have you heard??? 1.  "We can just put some flooring up here over the insulation and use it for storage." 2.  "Sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Buyer, I can't get to th... 12/02/2012

The Lovettsville Fire & Rescue is an integral part of our community.  They are always open and on holidays almost always have a acheduled event for neighbors to visit and get to know the folks we rely on in case of emergency. Pancake Breakfast with Santa Claus! Sat. Dec 8th 20128:00am The wonderful Fire & Rescue Volunteers will be there WITH SANTA CLAUS. Kids can sit with Santa.  Folks can "arrange" for Santa to give a gift to their child by bringing the gift in the week before, wrapped with the child's full name.  Come on and join these wonderful community folks. The Firehouse is located on Berlin Turnpike just south of town.  You can't miss it.     For more events, see:  http://www.lovettsvillevfr.org/calendar.html?id=111897   Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 540-822-9907. 11/29/2012

BURIED OLL TANKS - Beware Of Liability Reuben Saltzman, in his fine article about How to spot a buried fuel oil tank offers good advice about buried fuel oil tanks.  In my area of Northern Virginia, I've had several of these tests performed by a local company.  In Virginia, disclosure cannot be relied upon for the existance or condition of a buried fuel oil tank.  AND AVOIDING LIABILITY FOR A LEAKING FUEL OIL TANK!!! In areas of MD and Northern Virginia, homes heated with fuel oil have reached an age where the risk of a leaking oil tank is not a matter of "IF" but "WHEN". 40 years or so is the beginning of end of the life expectancy of the average fuel oil tank.   It makes sense.  Condensation is the culprit since it causes rust in the tank that will eventually eat through a permit any ... 11/27/2012

NEW HOME BUILDER PUBLIC RELATIONS DOESN'T BEGIN AT THE SETTLEMENT TABLE. Would that all loan officers approached their job with the same philosophy as does George Souto.  Clearly, he understands the importance of good lender/buyer relationships.  SEE:  We Are In The Stress Relief Business I'm dealing with a loan officer now that appears to have one purpose in life, introducing stress into the daily life of the borrower.  Thankfully, the buyers copy me on all written communication with the loan officer and send any documents needed for my review.  Good thing too because some of the stressful problems have been introduced have been: *Loan type not consistent with the maximum loan amount permitted by that program.  *Delay with the loan lock putting the buyer at risk while floating.*Resista... 11/27/2012