Brian Whritenour

The debate rages on in real estate, does the consumer want one stop shopping? I think some valid arguments can be made to support either side of the argument. However, on a beautiful Friday morning, I just received a kudos letter for my team here at CB Leesburg. Always a great way to finish the work week. The neat thing about this deal, it was the perfect storm of one stop shopping. The buyer agent was matched up with the client through our relocation services, the seller was represented by a fellow CB Leesburg agent. The home was protected by an AHS Home Warranty. The purchaser used CB Home Loans and Mid-Atlantic Settlement Services. The result, an extremely satisfied client.

To make things even better, the client had previously worked unsuccessfully with another real estate organization in efforts to buy a home and had questioned whether he would even give Realtors in general another shot at representing his interests. Glad to add that our client now has a new measure by which he sets his expectations of professionalism in the real estate industry. Thanks to our client, John for sharing. Thanks to Larry Thomas, Carlos Myers and our mortgage/title/warranty partners for winning the day. -Brian

Wow, the spring market is really in full swing (as evidence by the gap between blog posts). Lots of exciting stuff taking place.

This Monday, several members of the CB Leesburg team mingled with Coldwell Banker's elite agents in Washington DC as we watched the Phillies take it to our hometown Nationals on opening day. What a way to spend the day, blue skies, warm weather, five luxury boxes filled with CB staff and leadership hosting our 2009 award winners. Today we continue the celebration locally, as we enjoy a recognition lunch for our CB Leesburg team at Clyde's in Ashburn.

Congratulations to all participating:

Shirley Bumgarner - NVAR Multi-Million $ Club

Sandy Fletcher - DAAR Honory Society

Leslie Wilson - DAAR Honory Society

Carlos Myers - Home Team Spirit Award

Shannon Lauterstein - Home Team Spirit Award

Diane Northern - International President's Club

Mike O'Hara - International President's Club

Patrick McCabe - International President's Circle, #1 in Units, Volume, & GCI for 2009

While we have taken pause this week to recognize our accomplishments, it is clearly a time to recognize the old saying, "No rest for the wicked." Some pretty big things are taking place in real estate. In just a couple short weeks, the opportunity for homebuyers to participate in the well publicized tax credit comes to an end. This weekend is national open house weekend. Additionally, the federal government has stopped the purchase of mortgage backed securities. This week, we also saw the introduction of the Home Afford­able Fore­clo­sure Alter­na­tives Pro­gram of the Fed­eral Gov­ern­ment (HAFA). The pur­pose of HAFA is to stream­line, the short sale process. All this adds up to some pretty exciting times in real estate.

Many of these recent changes have left sellers feeling as though some air has been let out of the balloon. With the continued goal of staying one step ahead of the market, Coldwell Banker announces the launch of our Buyer Bonus program on May 1st, running through July 31st. Participating CB sellers will be offering a 3% closing cost credit, up to $8,000 for purchasers who sign an offer before July 31, 2010. Imagine that, a real estate company keeping the market momentum alive for our sellers while giving back to buyers. More about this win-win program to come. Curious to learn more about the market or the happenings mentioned above, stop in to CB Leesburg any time or give us a call at 703-771-8888. -Brian

So it has been a while since our last blog posting, but we now have the standard default excuse in Northern Virginia that we've been snowed in again. While the best the local TW stations could come up with was "Super Storm 2010." I think my new favorite is "Snow-verkill."

In the spirit of winter fun, CB Leesburg is at it again. This time we are preparing to host the 1st Annual CB Leesburg Charity Skate Event. CB Leesburg is teaming up with the Ashburn Ice House, as well as several other great sponsors to host this exciting afternoon of family fun to benefit those in need. Here are the particulars:


Saturday, March 20, 2010 5 pm-6:30 pm
Ashburn Ice House, 21595 Smiths Switch Rd, Ashburn VA 20147

Tickets:
$10 tickets admit 4, including Skate Rental Additional admissions $3/each Admission tickets good for 1 drawing entry. Additional tickets can be purchased at event

Raffles:
Each entrance ticket valid for 1 raffle entry. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased.
Prizes include:
- 1 week of Free Tuition at 20 area KinderCare Learning Centers
- Lunch or Dinner at Tuscarora Mill Restaurant in Leesburg
- $100 American Express Gift Card from Mid-Atlantic Title
- 10th Anniversary Canvas Bag Ashburn Ice House
- Other Great Prizes
Duck Toss to win a Blue Ray DVD Player sponsored by Ron Tinschert of Coldwell Banker Home Loans

For More Information Call 703-771-8888

Proceeds will benefit The Good Shepherd Alliance for the Loudoun Homeless and the Loudoun Abused Women's and Children's Shelter

There are Families Who are Struggling to Provide a Meal for Their Children
or Provide Them with Toys for the Holiday.
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Leesburg and
The Leesburg & Ashburn Locations of KinderCare
Are Proud to Again Participate in the

Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Drive

Food Drive Benefiting Interfaith Relief a Local Food Bank

Loudoun Community Holiday Coalition
Toys for Tots Drive-Drop off
Through December 11th (New Unwrapped Toys)
Non-Perishable Food Items-Drop off
Through December 21st
Most Needed Items
Canned Meat (tuna or chicken)
100% Fruit Juice
Cereal, Canned Fruits
Chef Boyardee Pop top variety Drop Off Location:
545-A East Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
703-771-8888


Community Holiday Coalition - Neighbors Helping Neighbors Collecting Blankets, Glovesand Hats for Seniors and Children.
Through December 9th
KinderCare Locations
Ashburn Locations
44051 Ashburn Shopping Plaza 43323 Railstop Terrace
43599 Golden Meadow Circle 43083 Waxpool Road
And
60 Plaza Street, Leesburg
Drop off Any Items
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Yesterday at CB Leesburg we had one of the best working sessions we've ever had. Top Producing agent, Patrick "Red" McCabe lead the first in a series of coaching sessions titled, "The Story of Me."

The session proved to be very inspiring and motivational, while focusing on our core values and competencies as Realtors. Three simple questions provided over an hour of active and insightful dialogue among the group.

It was just this simple . . .

Why are you here?
What is the story you hold about yourself?
What is my goal?

What a great session and special thanks to Patrick for leading the event. As a former corporate all star and CEO, Patrick's leadership skills really surfaced in this event. It was evident as there was considerable buzz around the office afterward.

I think we're on to something good here and I'm already looking forward to next month's session. -Brian