On Sunday, September 7th, the United States Treasury Department announced the government takeover of mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. These two private corporations were created by the federal government decades ago to make mortgage loans less expensive. In recent months, Freddie Mac and Fannie have funded more than two thirds of U.S. home loans. However, the soft real estate market coupled with high-risk sub-prime mortgages issued over the past few years have made the stability of these two organizations uncertain. In July, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulsen asked Congress to authorize the takeover if the two were unable to show that they were making progress in stabilizing their financial situations.
Effective immediately, the U.S. Government will begin to acquire stock in the two companies and they have guaranteed their debt up to $100 billion for each company. The government also replaced the leadership of each company with respected financial experts who will be responsible to the taxpayers and whose primary task will be to shore up the mortgage markets thus helping the housing market to stabilize. It is generally agreed that the economic slowdown will not be reversed until the housing market adjustment is complete.
The Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae crisis has had a profound effect on homebuyers. Mortgages had become harder to secure and the costs associated with securing a home loan have been rising. The government has already issued "Hope Bonds" to lower mortgage costs. The government intervention will also include the purchase of securities backed by current and new mortgages initially up to $5 billion. This injection of cash will lower the interest rates and allow potential buyers to once again shop the mortgage market and secure a fixed rate mortgage at more reasonable rates and costs. The banks, which have been guaranteeing the high-risk mortgages, will also be assisted by Congressional actions to shore up the financial sector directly.
While the U.S. taxpayers will be once again paying the cost of this bailout in the short-term, hopefully the long-term payoff is a restoration of the American Dream and the stability of our most important investment - our homes. Market analysts, elected officials, mortgage brokers, potential buyers, and your Buyer's Agent will continue to watch the progress being made.
On Saturday, September 27th the Citizens to Serve Stafford organization will sponsor its annual Salute to Stafford Day. This much anticipated annual family event began in 1991 and celebrates the history, talents, and culture that make Stafford so special. All proceeds will benefit the United Way.
The event will be held at the Community Center, 29 Stafford Avenue, just one block from the county administration building and will run from 10am to 3pm. Organizers have planned for local musicians, artists, crafters, folk dancers, the Blue Sky puppets, face painting and a children's international costume parade. The Parks and Recreation Department has arranged for food and ice cream vendors to be on hand as well as two moon bounces for the kids at a cost of $2 per child. Local descendants of the Potowamak Indian Tribe will construct a traditional Long House in the Community Center quadrangle and they will demonstrate the lifestyles of their ancestors who lived in Stafford before the European settlers arrived in the 17th Century. In addition, local businessman James Marshall will display his impressive collection of Native American artifacts and fossils collected throughout Stafford.
Those attending this year's event will also have the opportunity to dunk any one of six county officials who have volunteered to take a turn in the splash tank. For just fifty cents you will get one toss or three tries for one dollar.
Any children who wish to participate in the parade, planned for 2pm, may do so by contacting Hartwood Commissioner Ruth Carlone by phone 540-752-2323 or by email at menagerie7t@aol.com or just show up no later than 1:45pm in your international costume. Crafters who wish to set up a booth at the event may also contact Commissioner Carlone. The fee to reserve the space is $30 for indoors and $15 for outdoors.
There is no more important investment you will make than purchasing your home. Finding the right floor plan with the perfect number of bedrooms and bathrooms and maybe even an in-law suite or a home office with plenty of natural light is only half the job that your buyer's agent will help you accomplish. Buyers in Northern Virginia have many options and opportunities as they begin this important process. So the first question they must ask themselves is, "Why should we live in Stafford County?"
Stafford County is midway between the Washington, DC metropolitan area and the Richmond, VA metropolitan area. Despite its growth and achievements Stafford County remains a local community of families and businesses. Over 124,000 citizens call Stafford County home and enjoy the many amenities that Stafford has to offer. Over 65% of the 277 square miles of the county remain untouched forest land. More than 1,000 acres of the county is designated as local, regional, state and national park land. The county offers 5 marinas, 2 public fishing lakes, 188 athletic fields and 3 golf courses. The Rappahannock which flows along the southern boundary of the county has been designated as a State Scenic River and offers abundant wildlife habitats and recreational opportunities.
Stafford County is also rich with American history. Civil war soldiers from both the North and the South marched through the fields and fought at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Chatam Manor, the Union headquarters during the battle, is still open to visitors. Ferry Farm, the boyhood home of George Washington is located in Fredericksburg and is open to the public. Today Ferry Farm is an active archeological site with new and exciting discoveries being made every year. In July, 2008 archeologists discovered the site of the original Washington family home.
As proud as Stafford is of its history, it is equally proud of its future. New school construction and strict academic and social guidelines are ensuring a quality education for our children. A new regional airport opened in 2001 provides safe and convenient access to the area and allows new businesses to flourish. The county unemployment rate is less than half the national average and the median household income is more than 60% higher than the national average. All of this points to a great future for the county and a great place to call home.
Irene Morales Ward, Northern Virginia Real Estate
The Stafford County Public School System will be holding 5 public meetings over the next few weeks to discuss the funding issues facing the school system. According to the schools website these meetings "offer citizens a rare opportunity to learn about the value and importance of strong and effective public education and how it is funded." The meetings, called "Funding A Place Called School" will be held at Colonial Forge High School at 550 Courthouse Rd from 7-8:30pm on September 11th and 18th and October 2nd, 9th and 16th.
Don't miss one of these opportunities to take a close look at this important issue, hear from the school leaders on their plans and ask any questions that you may have.
On September 2nd over 26,500 students across Stafford County will return to their classrooms to begin the new academic year. Stafford County is the second fastest growing county in the Commonwealth of Virginia but it maintains its family-oriented suburban community feel and its commitment to educational excellence. Over 82% of those graduating from Stafford County schools plan to continue their education beyond high school. The Stafford County School Board has adopted a strict enforcement policy for its Code of Conduct. This policy contributes to a safe and encouraging learning environment for all students from kindergarten through high school.
The school system continues to improve its facilities and build new, state of the art schools to accommodate the ever changing needs of the population. This year the county will open the new Shirley C. Heim Middle School on Telegraph Road in Stafford. There had been a heated debate early in 2008 over whether or not it would be best to have it remain closed. Amidst the county's budget woes associated with the economy and slow-down in the housing market, the School Board voted 6-1 to open the school as planned. This $27M project is just the latest example of the commitment of Stafford County to the education of our children.
The Stafford Education Foundation, a non-profit organization working directly with the school system, supports teachers, staff members and students by providing student scholarships and grants to students who exemplify excellence, instructional enrichment by providing grants for unique equipment, instructional materials or learning experiences, professional skills enhancement and development and employee recognition programs. This unique organization provides an additional resource to the staff and students throughout the Stafford system.
As the kids go back to school please remember to watch out for the children around the school buses as well as those who walk the neighborhoods to get to school each day. Remember to keep your sidewalks clear of hazards (and temptations) and your pets fenced in or inside to help keep the kids and pets, safe. Have a great school year!
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Northern Virginia Real Estate Information and Market Trends - See All Active Listings in Northern Virginia MLS - NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Honesty, Integrity & Unsurpassed Customer Service Guaranteed
Working primarily as a referral agent, my main motivation is to be able to provide you the highest possible level of service as you look to buy or sell your home in the Northern Virginia Real Estate market. You should be so impressed with your service that you will feel compelled to refer me to your family, friends and colleagues. Our time together is always well spent meeting your specific needs because my time and effort is not spent looking endlessly to generate more business.
As an Accredited Buyer's Agent, the buyer's criteria becomes paramount during the homebuying process. Your needs will never be compromised because Dual Agency is not something I participate in. This is a distinguishing characteristic from many in the industry and I stand firm in the belief that no client in a transaction (whether a buyer or a seller) should be without 100% representation. You deserve all the loyalty and attention from an agent who will always have only your best interests in mind.
Keeping in mind that Northern Virginia is a highly transient area, I am always privvy to sales reports and market analysis of all the surrounding counties from Alexandria/Arlington to as far south as Orange County and from east on the Potomac River to the Shenandoah and West Virginia border (and all points in between!). Between the military, corporate, and government relocations, having an agent working to provide you with the latest statistical information and market trends is imperative to a successful sale or purchase.
Also, as an e-Pro, finding you homes and communicating that to you becomes increasingly efficient, as does marketing properties for sale. Using exceptional photography for virtual tours, staging all listings, and incorporating "out of the box" methods to generate the largest number of buyer leads while Marketing Your Property For Sale, I can save you time, money and frustration.
Start your Search for Northern Virginia Homes now!
Vickie Pittman - BB&T Mortgage - Vickie's relentless efforts to find her clients the very best program, rates, and terms for home loans make her the best choice for all your financing and refinancing needs. Contact Vickie today at VPittman@BBandT.com if you are interested in finding out what your options are before you go shopping for a home.
This is an incredible area to live in! Enjoy an assortment of waterfront, equestrian, and golf communities - or perhaps a quiet farm in The Plains - or enjoy the city life - or perhaps you would like to enjoy the rich history surrounding the City of Fredericksburg - Either way, you will never run out of Fun Things To Do In Northern Virginia. From the hustle and bustle of Old Town Alexandria with its charming row houses, eclectic shopping and close proximity to DC to the magestic Shenandoah River and Blue Ridge Mountains, you will never be without options.
If you're relocating here because of a corporate or military relocation, there are exceptional links and resources available to help you get started. Everything from cost adjustment, local parks and recreation, utility information, local resources, comprehensive county plans, school information, and much, much more.
"I plan to pass on Irene Morales Ward's name on to everyone I know. She is the best. Look no further! Without a doubt you will find it to be a positive home buying experience!"
- T. Schick
"Buying a home is not only scary but can be overwhelming...especially when it is your first home. When I decided I wanted to buy a place on my own, I really wanted to work with someone that I could trust and that I felt would look out for my best interest, not just for a pretty commission. My sister had worked with Irene before and had been so impressed that she recommended her.
From the moment that I spoke with Irene, I knew she was the one for me. She was intelligent and kind, knew her stuff, but wasn't condescending and she was really ready to help... even though for my first home, it was only a condo. We began to look and she was extremely patient and took the time to walk through the buying process with me, truly wanting to make sure that my needs were met and my concerns were eased. Additionally, she was diligent in her looking. I never had to worry about finding places to look at because she was always on the ball with options. She made the whole home buying experience one that was pleasant when it easily could have been frightening.
When I got married and we decided to buy our second home, there was no question that Irene would be our real estate agent again. Bottom line is, she is an honest person, a good person and a hard working person who really cares about what her clients want and will not think twice about going the extra mile to get it. Who wouldn't want that?"
- K.D. Suddeth
“You took care of us from cradle-to-grave. You began working with us in Italy through constant email contact and lined up a multitude of homes for us to tour as soon as we arrived back in the States. You guided us through every step of the process from contract negotiations to final walk-through and closing. Your knowledge of the local area and housing market is impressive. We were all over the map in trying to decide where to buy a house and you steered us in the right direction. We got the house and land that we were looking for and we love the area! You went above and beyond our expectations. We couldn't have done it without you! Thanks so much for your help!”
- V & J Krieger
"First, I would like to say, I really admire you as a woman and as a salesperson. Over the years I have had many dealings with Realtors and you are by far the friendliest and most honest Realtor I have ever met. Usually, I do not encounter someone that truly cares and really works for his or her money. Personally, I was dealing with a difficult situation, as you know and under extreme pressure to find a place. Instead, you found my home. In fact, this was the first that I was to be on my own with my very on home. You can not imagine how happy you made me the day you told me it was mine.
I am truly pleased with my home and admit this move has made me even more independent and stronger as a person. Anytime I hear that someone is looking for a realtor, I always mention my experience and gladly give your name. If someone is looking for a GREAT REALTOR that is friendly, honest and listens, I will always recommend that they call you."
- S. Pelleschi
“Being in the military and moving to a new and unfamiliar area on short notice, my wife and I were very apprehensive about one of life’s biggest decisions—the purchase of a home. Irene put our minds at ease and made the entire experience very enjoyable. She showed us houses that fit our needs and budget and didn’t waste our time. She took the time to explain everything to us, which was very important to us as first time homebuyers. Irene never steered us wrong and to this day we couldn’t be happier with our home."
- Cpt R N Bakazan
“What my husband and I liked about Irene was her knowledge of the area and the market. She was very familiar with all the neighborhoods in which we were interested. She also knew what the competitive asking prices for homes were and which ones were overpriced. We also liked her attention to what we were looking for in a home. She figured out what we wanted and would visit potential homes to let us know whether it was worth our time to view or not.
We were very happy with Irene as our realtor and would recommend her to anyone looking for homes in the Prince William, Stafford, Fredericksburg, and King George area."
- E & B Bilko
Well, I really don’t know where to start. My fiancé and I were in the market for a house. We wanted to find something in the county, not too expensive and in a good/decent area. We had no idea where to begin. I guess God listened to our prayers and sent Irene to help us. Irene made the process look and feel so easy that we could not believe it. We told her what we wanted in reference to location, price, and size. She worked day and night looking for the place we wanted. She sent us listings everyday - at least twice at day - with houses that had just been put on the market. She handled everything with professionalism, courtesy, and always had a positive attitude. She made us feel special. Irene made our dream come true.
- L & S Pena
A Seller's Appreciation
Irene worked with us to sell a piece of property during the winter, not traditionally the best time to sell a home. Yet she made it come together and work beautifully and it happened in rapid time. I am grateful for her kindness, her work ethic, her attention to detail and incredible professionalism. I hope to recommend her to friends needing a realtor and in the future will work with her again. She sets the bar on customer service and results. It has been a privilege establishing a working relationship with Irene.
- R. Phelps
Irene used her vast knowledge of the area and current market to get the best price for our home. With her resourcefulness, the home sold in less than a month in a market where homes were remaining listed for easily two months. We would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking to jump into the market.
- J & K Randall
We used Irene to buy our home and the experience was first rate all the way. A few years later when we had to sell our home, I wasn't worried knowing I had Irene on my side. She handled all aspects of the selling process in a professional, timely, and effective way. The virtual tour and marketing plan she implemented were outstanding and made the difference in making a quick sale.
Irene made us feel like we were her only clients, and she was always there for us. Having Irene on our side alleviated so much of the worry and the stress that comes along with selling your home. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell a home - it will be the smartest decision you'll make.
- Capt R N Bakazan, USAF
"Bill and I are FINALLY celebrating the sale of our house. Although we were hoping for this outcome, we were also preparing for the worst, so when this REALLY happened it came as a big relief, as you can imagine...And thank you very very much for helping us get to this point and for all the hard work you've put in. I think your innovative and attractive marketing of our house was no small part of the reason why we attracted prospective buyers..."
- C. Pak
"Irene Morales Ward is truly a home-seeker's gem!! When Kenny and I first began looking for our second home, we really didn't know what style house we preferred. Irene listened so intently and paid so much attention that within the time it took to send us a few listings via email and see four or five homes, she knew exactly what it was we were looking for; even before we knew. After seeing several more homes and not finding one we were in love with, Irene discovered a small, new neighborhood with just a couple of lots left to build on. There was one left with a floor plan that had every single detail we had hoped for in our next home. It was not even listed for sale yet! It felt like forever before the house was built and we moved in, but it is everything we wanted, and on top of that we gained a great new friend! We absolutely recommend Irene to everyone we know looking to buy or sell a home."
- K & J Randall
Dear Mr. Alexandra (RE/MAX Absolute Broker/Owner),
I am writing to you regarding the exceptional services of one of your agents, Irene Morales Ward.
Earlier this summer, my company offered me a position in the Falls Church, Virginia area, and my wife and I agreed to the transfer. As an Atlanta native and a New Jersey transplant living in Georgia, we were, naturally, very nervous about even attempting a home search in Northern Virginia!
We began the process by searching for listings online and one home in particular caught our eye. When we contacted the listing agent, Irene, we received an immediate response from her with details about the home along with questions about our search. Emails began to fly back and forth, and soon enough I realized that I couldn't type as fast as I could talk! After the introductory conversation with Irene, I hung up the phone and realized at once that my wife and I had really taken a step in the right direction. Irene's kind manner and openness put us at ease right away and her willingness to accommodate us in our long distance search pointed to her compliant nature.
After only one whirlwind weekend and sixty two houses in the Fredericksburg area, we were exhausted and our heads were spinning, but Irene managed to keep us on the right path. Her tireless enthusiasm in helping us with our search was really what kept us going and thanks to her accommodating personality, we left Virginia that weekend with a possible new home in mind.
We are in the bidding process and we could not be happier with our choice, but more importantly, we feel that it was our choice of agent that brought us to our happy final decision. Irene guided us through the buying process with endless patience and understanding and with the knowledge that comes along with someone who really believes in her own motto: Honesty, Integrity and Unsurpassed Customer Service. That is, without question, the service that Irene provided us with during our home search.
I can only hope that all of your agents are as skilled and compassionate as Irene. She carries herself with great aplomb and I am exceedingly grateful that we will have her as a community resource and neighbor. Irene will be highly recommended by us to our new friends and neighbors, as she embodies what I believe a true real estate agent should be: knowledgeable, patient, understanding, indulging, accepting, and truly a wonderful individual.
- T & O Hooper
Once again thank you for all of your help and patience with me through the "house process", I couldn't have asked for anyone better to work with. - K McIlvoy
You've been working like a trouper on this deal, and Janice and I really appreciate it. We both agree that you're the first RE agent we've ever worked with who seemed like she actually deserved the fees she would be getting and had our best interest at heart....We will definitely recommend you to anyone who asks, and If we decide to look for a home in the future, we'll look you up.... We highly recommend beginning and ending your real estate agent search with Irene Morales. We met Irene via our Internet house searches approximately a year ago this Fall. She immediately sold herself as keenly desiring our business. She wanted to find us a house. Ultimately, nine months later, that's exactly what occurred, and we became happy homeowners. What kept us, sometimes doggedly, communicating with Irene, and, her in return, pressing us to bracket where we wanted to live, fine tune our house desires, etc, was Irene's absolute promptness with her replies. By responding with emails, virtually no matter the time, especially with us living at the time in Okinawa, Japan, Irene eliminated much of our concerns about anything on her end. Meaning, she kept us fully equipped to think and make decisions without having to wait for our real estate agent to find the required information or answers to questions. Unlike other agents we encountered, Irene did not BS us-ever. She did not provide fluffy answers, paint rosy pictures (unless it WAS a rosy picture), or burden us with distorted "on the other hand" explanations. She was always to the point and concise which, in our minds, translated into a business-like approach that met our needs. Further, Irene's demonstrated an excellent knowledge of local real estate markets, the entire home buying process from searching to Closing, and an absolute willingness to educate us on the entire process. We highly recommend using Irene's services and we intend to do so in the future. Many, many thanks for all your hard work to get us in a HOUSE! We are sooo happy here even with the clutter & dust from 3 year old boxes! Thank you for always keeping on your toes to ensure we were treated fairly, got a good deal, etc. We really appreciated the gifts as well - the kids LOVED their toys - helped since most of theirs are on a boat in the Pacific! We got to know Irene when we sold our house in Fredericksburg in 2005. We then moved to Okinawa, Japan for three years. When the time and the orders came to relocate back to the Quantico area, Irene was the FIRST person we called (except for our mothers, of COURSE!) Hi Irene,
We were hugely impressed with, and highly satisfied by, Irene Morales Ward's diligence, experience, professionalism and insight in house-hunting on our behalf. Our association with her began on the Internet, months before we were able to come to the US from South Africa. Irene made a point of carefully evaluating our requirements and selecting properties she felt we might like to see, and sending online links to us by email. When we finally did reach the States, she spent hours taking us to properties and advising us on the advantages or disadvantages of the various prospects. And when did decide to make an offer, she helped guide us through the legal and financial minefields. We wholeheartedly recommend her services to prospective home-buyers in the suburbs and counties of the Washington DC area. - Signed, Peter Honey and Mallory Saleson
- Col K & Mrs. J. Blakely
Take care and
Semper Fidelis,
Mike and Liz Cirillo
- M & L Cirollo, USMC
Keep in touch!
- M & A Kaminski, USMC
We were anxious to see what was available in our price range and how much the Stafford area had changed in the three years we were overseas. Within hours of our first email (even with the 13 hour time difference) Irene had a profile ready for us to fill out with our wants, needs, and desires so she could best match us with a home. Again, within a few days, we had listing after listing after listing at which to look. She was very HONEST with us on good deals, bad deals, reputable builders, risky neighborhoods, etc.
We were also so impressed with her knowledge on home mortgage loans and how the changing economy and our personal finances would all factor into our future home ownership. We returned to the states in June of 2008 and Irene set aside an entire week for us, to basically be at our beck and call. She took us to every house we wanted to see and then some, making special arrangements to get us into new construction as well.
When we finally decided on a home to purchase, she came through for us, making sure we were getting the "best" deal possible. We were dealing with a "newer" realtor on the seller's end and Irene was very careful to make sure we had our home inspection done correctly and that ALL the contingencies were met on time and per contract. Going the extra mile is a cliche but EXACTLY how I would describe Irene. We recommend her to all our military friends moving in and out of the area. Overall, her honesty and integrity are beyond reproach. Thank you very much.
- Mike & Alyssa Kaminski, USMC
Everything is going great! We are almost finished moving in, most of our stuff is still in boxes but we got all the rooms we need done. The movers broke some stuff, but that's normal. My mom is still with us, helping us out with the kids until October. My new job is great, I can't complain. But thank you very much for helping us out in this very confusing process, you were very great and helpful.
- Brandon & Veronica Haas, USMC & PWCPD
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