Woodbridge, VA

Over the past few days I've been on the house hunt with a great young couple relocating to Fort Belvoir this summer. Based on their price range we have been concentrating on properties in the Woodbridge area of Prince William County. The more listings we pulled, the more "flips" we found and a tour of ten of those over two days found some surprising differences.

Obviously the goal of a flip is to get a home ready, on the market and sold as quickly as possible. A few of the properties we toured are owned by the same investment group and you could instantly tell their style. The same paint color, the same appliances, the same carpet, I think you get the picture. We called them the Stepford Houses after the movie Stepford Wives. They looked good but when you started examining the details you found a number of flaws.

Some of them were little details. Missing molding around the engineered flooring, cheap fixtures and bad caulking in the bathrooms start to become more noticeable as you tour more homes. Very few of the properties had spent time on the outside of the property. Overgrown bushes, messy yards, dirty decks and leaning fences were common.

Then there were the homes that tried to WOW you with a kitchen that is straight out of HGTV (okay the Ikea showroom). Except as you look around the house you find they left the 1980's wooden stair railings, the 1990's wall mirrors in the hallways and ceiling fans that are covered with at least 5 years of dust. Painting seems to be the biggest issue that flippers seem to have. Certainly it is cheaper and easier to get out the spray gun and go to town. But painting over every electric outlet and light switch, is just sloppy work and devalues anything else you might have done.

The house we found and have a ratified contract on wasn't the fanciest of the bunch but the contractor had done a reasonable job on the both the inside and the outside of the home. It doesn't have granite and stainless steel appliances but it does have a power washed deck and a new fence! It does have new light fixtures that match and the paint job wasn't slapped on with the cheapest paint they could find. Will we find a few issues during the home inspection? I can see tell that they forget the GFCI switches in the kitchen and bathrooms during the remodel but overall this flipper spent money wisely. They didn't try to WOW you with a kitchen that doesn't fit with the style of the home or take the cheap way out with a spray gun. They took care of both the inside and the outside of the home and made it fit with the rest of the neighborhood.

So house flippers step back and take a look at your properties before you put them on the market. Just like every seller you need to take a look at your investment through a buyer's eye. The details matter and can be more important than the WOW factor when it comes to getting your home sold.

That's a great question Greg, thanks for asking? Let me share with you what I explained to Greg.

Traditionally the summer months are very slow. However this real estate market isn't like any market we've ever experienced.

In fact Chris Gordon of Channel 4 News called the other day,asking the same question, the media was working on a story, wanting to know if as a Realtor in the field, I'm seeing a shift or a change. I explained"you bet we are! The market has been trying to kick start for a few months now." So what do I think is the uunderlying reason homes are selling so fast?"

• The $8000 tax credit ends in less than 5 months!
• Interest rates have started to creep up and that changes a buyers Buying Power
• Less foreclosures are entering the market
• Buyers have become more realistic about putting in offers on Short Sale homes ( and are now willing to be patient)

Currently if you looking a home priced under $500,000 in Prince William County chances are very good you will be amoung many competing for the same home. Gone are the days when you would see a home on line, call a Realtor, go look at the house, wait a few days to "think about it" and then write a contract. If a buyer attempts that in today's market you will be a day late and a $ short every time. I wish I had better news especially if you've been sitting waiting to buy. As a Realtors it is ourmake the market, it's is our job to coach you on your options, and help you find a home that will meet your wants,needs and desires within your budget

Call me or email me and all of us at Erick and Company will help you get the home you've been dreaming of. Remember, you have until November 30th, 2009 to qualify for the $8000 Home Buyer Credit. What are you waiting for time is running out.

If you are a homeowner, now is a great time to think about selling. Actually if you do not have to rely on a bank for short sale approval, you may find yourself in a very good situation. Give me a call and let's see what's possible. I think you might be surprised at your options!

Call Peggy James today at 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) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

There are 6 "ACTIVE" Single Family homes for sale in the Marumsco Woods community of Woodbridge. These homes are priced from $85,000 up to $229,900. The Average Days on Market for these properties is 68 days. Currently, there are 34 Single Family homes in the Marumsco Woods community "UNDER CONTRACT". In addition, there are 3 Single Family homes available for rent at this time priced from $1,495 up to $1,695 per month. For SOLD statistics please contact me directly.

Are you interested in finding out how the real estate market has affected your area? Now you can get the latest market reports for your community just by clicking on the appropriate link. Bristow, Catharpin, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Manassas, Nokesville, Occoquan, Triangle, Woodbridge, and neighboring Manassas Park.

If you are not sure why it is advantageous to have a knowledgeable REALTOR® represent you and your family's needs, here is a great article to read Why Hire a Professional? You've heard the name mentioned many times before, perhaps read our advertisements, watched our commercials, or even have seen our balloon in the skies...click here to learn more About RE/MAX.

For Buyers:

Calculating how much you can afford
Your First Home
Start Your Home Search
Buying Services for Prince William County Homebuyers
Avoid Buyer Errors
Tips for a Smooth Home Purchase
A 1st Time Homebuyers Guide to buying a home in Virginia
Prince William County Home Listings
Connect All Your Home Services Online

Maybe you are interested in buying Raw Land for future development, Leasing or, Purchasing Commercial property for business purposes, if so...then you may want to read about the various zoning codes to determine which zoning code will work for you and your intended purposes. You can find the details for this important information by going to the following Prince William County Zoning Codes link.

For Sellers:

Sellers's Toolkit
Thinking of Selling? Get a Free Home Evaluation
Selling Your Home: Where to begin?
Tips for Selling a Home in Prince William County
Selecting the Right Selling Price
Want to Help Sell Your House: Get Lost!
Common Selling Mistakes
FREE REPORTS

Other Helpful Links:

About Virginia
Lifestyle
Home Improvement
Resource Reports
Prince William County Community Information
House and Home
Money and Finance
Stain Removal
Home and Garden
Moving Your Pets
Technology
Investment Real Estate
Real Estate Investing Tips
Commercial Real Estate News

About me:

I am a full-time real estate agent and Realtor®. I am very aggressive and put my clients needs above that of even my own. I am not married or have any children so I am usually available if you have any questions or concerns. I do take my profession very seriously and know that when my clients entrust me with their real estate needs, I need to do the best job I can for them so that they can get what they want in the time they want.

I do work exclusively by appointment, so if you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with me to discuss your real estate needs please click Schedule Appointment or call me today at (540) 272-9012.

My company and I have two professional offices supporting all of Prince William County. One is in Manassas, and the other is in Haymarket. Since I have clients all over the county I work out of both offices.

I am a Candidate Member of the CCIM Institute, Member of the National Association of Realtors®, Virginia Association of Realtors®, and the Greater Piedmont Area Association of Realtors®. I hold several real estate credentials; Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), e-PRO Internet Specialist, and Commercial Specialist. I have an Associates Degree in Electronics Engineering and a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.

Click here if you would like to learn more About Me or My Professional Services, visit My Website, read My Press Releases, My Letters to Congress, My Media Appearances, My Videos, or read just a few of the many Testimonials I have received.

"Helping You Get What You Want In The Time That You Want"

-Keith

RE/MAX Olympic Realty
15100 Washington Street
Haymarket, VA 20169
Office: (703) 530-2955, Ext. 6316
Cell: (540) 272-9012
Fax: (703) 891-9490
Email: kelliott@comcast.net
Website: ElliottForRealEstate.com
Blog: http://www.activerain.com/kelliott5264

Copyright© 2004-2009 by ElliottForRealEstate.com, formerly known as MyRealtorKeith.com, All Rights Reserved.

All Content, Intellectual Property, Graphics, Photographic Images, and HTML Source Code protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, published, reprinted or, otherwise distributed by any means without explicit permission. The Source for MLS data statistics provided herein were provided by the (MRIS) Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. Each RE/MAX Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

There are 7 "ACTIVE" Single Family homes for sale in the Marumsco Acres community of Woodbridge. These homes are priced from $135,500 up to $214,000. The Average Days on Market for these properties is 32 days. Currently, there are 15 Single Family homes in the Marumsco Acres community "UNDER CONTRACT". In addition, there are NO Single Family homes available for rent at this time. For SOLD statistics please contact me directly.

Are you interested in finding out how the real estate market has affected your area? Now you can get the latest market reports for your community just by clicking on the appropriate link. Bristow, Catharpin, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Manassas, Nokesville, Occoquan, Triangle, Woodbridge, and neighboring Manassas Park.

If you are not sure why it is advantageous to have a knowledgeable REALTOR® represent you and your family's needs, here is a great article to read Why Hire a Professional? You've heard the name mentioned many times before, perhaps read our advertisements, watched our commercials, or even have seen our balloon in the skies...click here to learn more About RE/MAX.

For Buyers:

Calculating how much you can afford
Your First Home
Start Your Home Search
Buying Services for Prince William County Homebuyers
Avoid Buyer Errors
Tips for a Smooth Home Purchase
A 1st Time Homebuyers Guide to buying a home in Virginia
Prince William County Home Listings
Connect All Your Home Services Online

Maybe you are interested in buying Raw Land for future development, Leasing or, Purchasing Commercial property for business purposes, if so...then you may want to read about the various zoning codes to determine which zoning code will work for you and your intended purposes. You can find the details for this important information by going to the following Prince William County Zoning Codes link.

For Sellers:

Sellers's Toolkit
Thinking of Selling? Get a Free Home Evaluation
Selling Your Home: Where to begin?
Tips for Selling a Home in Prince William County
Selecting the Right Selling Price
Want to Help Sell Your House: Get Lost!
Common Selling Mistakes
FREE REPORTS

Other Helpful Links:

About Virginia
Lifestyle
Home Improvement
Resource Reports
Prince William County Community Information
House and Home
Money and Finance
Stain Removal
Home and Garden
Moving Your Pets
Technology
Investment Real Estate
Real Estate Investing Tips
Commercial Real Estate News

About me:

I am a full-time real estate agent and Realtor®. I am very aggressive and put my clients needs above that of even my own. I am not married or have any children so I am usually available if you have any questions or concerns. I do take my profession very seriously and know that when my clients entrust me with their real estate needs, I need to do the best job I can for them so that they can get what they want in the time they want.

I do work exclusively by appointment, so if you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with me to discuss your real estate needs please click Schedule Appointment or call me today at (540) 272-9012.

My company and I have two professional offices supporting all of Prince William County. One is in Manassas, and the other is in Haymarket. Since I have clients all over the county I work out of both offices.

I am a Candidate Member of the CCIM Institute, Member of the National Association of Realtors®, Virginia Association of Realtors®, and the Greater Piedmont Area Association of Realtors®. I hold several real estate credentials; Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), e-PRO Internet Specialist, and Commercial Specialist. I have an Associates Degree in Electronics Engineering and a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.

Click here if you would like to learn more About Me or My Professional Services, visit My Website, read My Press Releases, My Letters to Congress, My Media Appearances, My Videos, or read just a few of the many Testimonials I have received.

"Helping You Get What You Want In The Time That You Want"

-Keith

RE/MAX Olympic Realty
15100 Washington Street
Haymarket, VA 20169
Office: (703) 530-2955, Ext. 6316
Cell: (540) 272-9012
Fax: (703) 891-9490
Email: kelliott@comcast.net
Website: ElliottForRealEstate.com
Blog: http://www.activerain.com/kelliott5264

Copyright© 2004-2009 by ElliottForRealEstate.com, formerly known as MyRealtorKeith.com, All Rights Reserved.

All Content, Intellectual Property, Graphics, Photographic Images, and HTML Source Code protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, published, reprinted or, otherwise distributed by any means without explicit permission. The Source for MLS data statistics provided herein were provided by the (MRIS) Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. Each RE/MAX Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

There are NO "ACTIVE" Single Family homes for sale in the Kelley Farm community of Woodbridge at this time. Currently, there are 2 Single Family homes in the Kelley Farm community "UNDER CONTRACT". In addition, there are NO Single Family homes available for rent at this time. For SOLD statistics please contact me directly.

Are you interested in finding out how the real estate market has affected your area? Now you can get the latest market reports for your community just by clicking on the appropriate link. Bristow, Catharpin, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Manassas, Nokesville, Occoquan, Triangle, Woodbridge, and neighboring Manassas Park.

If you are not sure why it is advantageous to have a knowledgeable REALTOR® represent you and your family's needs, here is a great article to read Why Hire a Professional? You've heard the name mentioned many times before, perhaps read our advertisements, watched our commercials, or even have seen our balloon in the skies...click here to learn more About RE/MAX.

For Buyers:

Calculating how much you can afford
Your First Home
Start Your Home Search
Buying Services for Prince William County Homebuyers
Avoid Buyer Errors
Tips for a Smooth Home Purchase
A 1st Time Homebuyers Guide to buying a home in Virginia
Prince William County Home Listings
Connect All Your Home Services Online

Maybe you are interested in buying Raw Land for future development, Leasing or, Purchasing Commercial property for business purposes, if so...then you may want to read about the various zoning codes to determine which zoning code will work for you and your intended purposes. You can find the details for this important information by going to the following Prince William County Zoning Codes link.

For Sellers:

Sellers's Toolkit
Thinking of Selling? Get a Free Home Evaluation
Selling Your Home: Where to begin?
Tips for Selling a Home in Prince William County
Selecting the Right Selling Price
Want to Help Sell Your House: Get Lost!
Common Selling Mistakes
FREE REPORTS

Other Helpful Links:

About Virginia
Lifestyle
Home Improvement
Resource Reports
Prince William County Community Information
House and Home
Money and Finance
Stain Removal
Home and Garden
Moving Your Pets
Technology
Investment Real Estate
Real Estate Investing Tips
Commercial Real Estate News

About me:

I am a full-time real estate agent and Realtor®. I am very aggressive and put my clients needs above that of even my own. I am not married or have any children so I am usually available if you have any questions or concerns. I do take my profession very seriously and know that when my clients entrust me with their real estate needs, I need to do the best job I can for them so that they can get what they want in the time they want.

I do work exclusively by appointment, so if you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with me to discuss your real estate needs please click Schedule Appointment or call me today at (540) 272-9012.

My company and I have two professional offices supporting all of Prince William County. One is in Manassas, and the other is in Haymarket. Since I have clients all over the county I work out of both offices.

I am a Candidate Member of the CCIM Institute, Member of the National Association of Realtors®, Virginia Association of Realtors®, and the Greater Piedmont Area Association of Realtors®. I hold several real estate credentials; Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), e-PRO Internet Specialist, and Commercial Specialist. I have an Associates Degree in Electronics Engineering and a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.

Click here if you would like to learn more About Me or My Professional Services, visit My Website, read My Press Releases, My Letters to Congress, My Media Appearances, My Videos, or read just a few of the many Testimonials I have received.

"Helping You Get What You Want In The Time That You Want"

-Keith

RE/MAX Olympic Realty
15100 Washington Street
Haymarket, VA 20169
Office: (703) 530-2955, Ext. 6316
Cell: (540) 272-9012
Fax: (703) 891-9490
Email: kelliott@comcast.net
Website: ElliottForRealEstate.com
Blog: http://www.activerain.com/kelliott5264

Copyright© 2004-2009 by ElliottForRealEstate.com, formerly known as MyRealtorKeith.com, All Rights Reserved.

All Content, Intellectual Property, Graphics, Photographic Images, and HTML Source Code protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, published, reprinted or, otherwise distributed by any means without explicit permission. The Source for MLS data statistics provided herein were provided by the (MRIS) Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. Each RE/MAX Office is Independently Owned and Operated.