Restaurant Week in Alexandria VA
Restaurant Week in Alexandria is January 13 -22, 2012. This 10-day event offers Alexandria residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of tantalizing cuisines prepared specifically for the occasion. Participating restaurants will offer an assortment of delicious foods and distinctive treats to showcase the wide range of culinary expertise offered throughout the city.
If you are a connoisseur of the culinary arts or simply have an appreciation for fine foods, you do not want to miss this mouthwatering event. Patrons may choose to dine on a $35 Prix-Fixe Three Course Dinner or $35 Dinner For Two. Feast and Enjoy!
Homeownership Got You Stressed Out?
Homeownership got you stressed out, wiped out, and plagued with despair? If your dream of homeownership has left you mentally strained and financially drained, then maybe it is time to cut your losses and find a more favorable solution. With the many complex issues surrounding today's real estate market, finding the right solution can be quite overwhelming.
Maybe I can help...
As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I have the unique skill sets needed to evaluate your housing dilemma and provide you with a favorable alternative. Regardless of your current situation, I am committed to finding the solution that works best for you.
For immediate consideration, contact me today. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to confidentially discuss the solution that is right for you. This service is complimentary.
Top 5 Reasons Not To Over Price Your Home
Excessive inventory. In recent years, the housing inventory has skyrocketed. With the downfall of the economy and the steady influx of short sales and foreclosures, there is now an abundance of homes available for sale. Today, supply exceeds demand. Overpricing your home in a market where supply exceeds demand is termed seller suicide! Why sabotage your own sale? Instead, price your home competitively giving you the best possible chance of getting it sold in a timely manner.
Buyer's Appraisal. In order for the buyer to qualify for a mortgage loan, the buyer's lender must appraise your home. If the appraised value is less than the sales price, the appraised value will equate to the maximum loan amount that the lender would be willing to approve. In order for the buyer to secure a mortgage loan, the sales price must not exceed the appraised value.
No traffic. The first week after placing your home on the market is a very crucial time. This is the time to capture interested buyers. If your home is overpriced, you are unlikely to receive any visitors. Buyers will preview other homes in your neighborhood but skip yours. To ensure a steady flow of traffic to your home, price your home competitively. Ultimately, this will increase your chances of receiving an offer from a ready, willing, and able buyer.
No offers. If your home is overpriced, you are unlikely to receive an offer as buyers are not willing to pay more for your home than it is worth. Rather, they will simply move on to the next property. It is imperative that you price your home in accordance with the current market value to increase the possibility of generating an offer.
No sale. Overpricing your home will ultimately end in no sale. As previously stated, buyers are unwilling to pay more for your home than its current market value. Therefore, overpricing your home will only help to ensure that your real estate transaction will not end in a successful sale.
I Am Too Embarrassed To Do A Short Sale
These words were spoken to me by a prospective client a few days ago. As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) and one who is highly experienced in representing home buyers and sellers in the short sale process, I wanted to address the negative perception that still permeates the industry regarding short sales.
A short sale is the sale of property where the total amount of the seller's outstanding loan(s) exceeds the current market value of the home. Short sales grew in popularity as a result of the downfall of the economy. Initially, short sales were frowned upon because they symbolized the seller's inability to pay his or her mortgage debt. Naturally, this became an embarrassing factor for many home owners. Nonetheless, as the economy continued on a downward spiral, short sales became a method of survival. Today, short sales are a way of life.
The perception of short sales has drastically changed throughout the real estate industry. Long-gone are the days when short selling your home was something to be embarrassed and ashamed of. In many cases, short selling is considered a smart decision. When in doubt, just as a short sale expert like me!
To all prospective home sellers who are considering short selling your homes, there is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. Short sales have become a way of life and you need not feel ashamed to short sell your home. Home owners short sell their homes for many reasons and you should feel comfortable in making this decision as well.
If you are considering short selling your home in Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the neighboring areas in northern VA, please contact me for assistance. I would be happy to evaluate your circumstances and help determine if short selling your home is the best decision for you.
How to Reduce the Cost of Your Daily Work Commute
Are you looking for ways to reduce the cost of your daily commute in northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC? If you are interested in a cheaper ride to work, then check out Ridematching and Ridesharing with Commuter Connections. Through Ridematching and Ridesharing, Commuter Connections can instantly help you find a list of compatible carpool and vanpool partners who can help you save on the cost of your daily work commute. You are free to join an existing carpool or vanpool or you can simply start your own.
For added convenience, Commuter Connections offers you a Guaranteed Ride Home when you carpool, vanpool, bicycle, walk or take any form of public transportation to work at least twice per week. For unexpected emergencies or unscheduled overtime, you need not worry about your transportation home. Commuter Connections will provide you with a free taxi ride home or a rental car up to four times per year.
If you are looking for ways to reduce the cost of your daily commute in northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC, Commuter Connections may be the best solution for you. To register for Commuter Connections, please visit www.commuterconnections.org. For questions regarding the program, please call 1-800-745-RIDE. Happy Commuting!
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Real estate consultant assisting home buyers and sellers in Kingstowne, Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge and surrounding areas. Experienced in Short Sales and Foreclosures. Licensed in VA and MD.
Lisa Dunham is an Associate Broker and REALTOR® providing professional real estate services to home buyers and sellers in northern Virginia and Maryland. Lisa has nearly 10 years experience assisting an array of clients with northern Virginia real estate and northern Virginia homes for sale. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or seller or a seasoned real estate investor, Lisa has the skills and expertise needed to successfully facilitate your next real estate transaction. Her primary areas of service include Kingstowne, Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge, and surrounding areas. She also services Prince George's County, Maryland. Lisa has listed and sold a variety of homes ranging from single unit condominiums and town homes to luxurious single family homes. If you are considering buying or selling your next home in northern Virginia or Maryland, Lisa would be happy to facilitate your next home sale or purchase. Her credentials and accomplishments include:
Short Sales and Foreclosures: As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Lisa Dunham has the unique skills and qualifications needed to assist today's home buyers and sellers with the purchase and sale of short sale and foreclosed properties. If you have been thinking of buying a short sale or foreclosure or if you would like to confidentially discuss the possibility of selling your home as a short sale to avoid foreclosure, please contact Lisa Dunham for an immediate appointment. Rest assured that any information shared will remain confidential and will only be used for purposes intended. For additional information on short sales and foreclosures, please visit her website at www.LisaDunham.com or contact Lisa directly at 703-298-6546, Lisa@LisaDunham.com. You may also visit the following links:
Personal Commitment and Dedication: As with every real estate transaction, Lisa's first commitment to her clients is customer service. When selecting Lisa Dunham as your REALTOR®, you have her personal assurance that your needs and desires are her primary concern. She will guide you through every phase of your real estate transaction by providing you with the resources and tools needed to make well-informed decisions. Lisa takes the business of real estate very seriously and knows that you are equally as serious in selecting an agent to facilitate your home sale or purchase. When working with Lisa, you can rest assured that you are working with a REALTOR® with both a personal and professional interest in the success of your real estate transaction. Your success...is indeed Lisa's success!
Search condos, townhouses, and single family homes in Kingstowne, Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge VA now!
Kingstowne VA Real Estate and Homes for Sale: Kingstowne is a planned community of over 5300 homes in the Franconia-Springfield area of Northern Virginia’s Fairfax County, just outside the Capital Beltway circling Washington, D.C. For the busy commuter, Kingstowne offers easy access to Interstates 95, 395, and 495. In addition, the community is centrally located within minutes of the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station and the Van Dorn Street Station, offering commuters easy access to Washington, DC and other regional employment centers.
Kingstowne has a variety of condos, townhouses, and single family homes available for the consumer. When it comes to housing, Kingstowne has it all! If you are interested in buying a condo, town home, or single family home in Kingstowne, VA, you will not be disappointed! Presently, the Kingstowne Community is home to 712 Condominiums, 2,799 Town Houses, 587 Single Family Homes, and 1,213 Apartment Units. The community, well known for its modern, yet suburban atmosphere, largely consists of young professionals and the “everyday” family. Living in Kingstowne provides immediate access to department stores, home stores, restaurants, grocery stores, nail salons, exercise facilities, a movie theater, postal facility, car wash, and other recreational facilities. If you would like to browse houses for sale in Kingstowne, simply click the link to search Kingstowne VA Homes for Sale now! Please contact Lisa Dunham, 703-298-6546, if you have questions regarding the listings.
Alexandria VA Real Estate and Homes for Sale: Alexandria is a culturally rich and independent city in northern Virginia. The city is known for its wide range of elegance and sophistication in the design of various condominiums, town homes, and single family homes in the area. In fact, Alexandria condos, townhouses, and single family homes offer unique distinctions largely based on the city's prime location. Alexandria is strategically located on the west bank of the Potomac River, six miles south of downtown Washington, DC. This area of Alexandria is known as the City of Alexandria. Other areas of Alexandria located just outside of Alexandria City limits, fall under the jurisdiction of Fairfax County. Both the City of Alexandria and Alexandria (Fairfax County) allow for easy access to Interstates 95, 295, 395, and 495. Access to Metrorail, Metrobus, and other forms of public transportation are also available throughout the Alexandria area. If you have been thinking about buying a home in Alexandria, you can expect an atmosphere of chic-elegance surrounded by a culturally focused, down-home feel. Go ahead ... browse Alexandria VA condos, townhouses, and single family homes now!
The historic center of Alexandria is commonly known as Old Town. It is a major draw for tourists and for local individuals seeking afternoon and evening entertainment. Alexandria landmarks include the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, which is also known as the Masonic Temple, Gadsby's Tavern, the Little Theatre, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Robert E. Lee's childhood home known as the John Carlyle House, and Market Square. Market Square was once the site of the second-largest slave market in the United States. Today it contains a large fountain and extensive landscaping, as well as a farmers' market on Saturday mornings.
Alexandria is largely populated by business professionals working in the federal civil service, the U.S. military, or for one of the many private companies, which contract to provide services to the federal government. One of Alexandria's largest employers is the U.S. Department of Defense. Others include the Institute for Defense Analyses and the Center for Naval Analyses. In 2005, the United States Patent and Trademark Office moved 7,100 employees from 18 separate buildings in nearby Crystal City into a new headquarters complex in Old Town Alexandria. If you would like to search the MLS for houses for sale in Alexandria, simply click the link to search Alexandria VA Homes for Sale now! Contact Lisa Dunham, 703-298-6546, for questions regarding the listings.
Lorton VA Real Estate and Homes for Sale: Lorton is a charming community located just south of Springfield in Fairfax County, VA. Considerable growth and development has taken place in Lorton during the last few years, making it the perfect place to buy your next home. Lorton offers a variety of condominiums, townhouses, and single family home. You will find a tasteful selection of homes for sale in Lorton VA. One of Lorton's most prominent communities is Lorton Station. Lorton Station is a 300 acre, planned community comprised of 950 homes. Lorton Station is just under a 30 minute drive to Washington, DC and also houses the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter train station on site.
Gunston Plaza Shopping Center is now the largest shopping center in the vicinity. The plaza includes a medical clinic, space for several business offices, a senior citizen's center, and a number of shops and the post office. Potomac Mills Mall, the largest outlet mall in the area, is located just south of Lorton in Woodbridge. Springfield Mall is also located in close proximity to the Lorton area. Library services in the area have expanded from bookmobile service to a store front library and now to a 10,000 square foot building. The Lorton Heritage Society has developed the Lorton History Garden on the library's south side.
Lorton has three main parks and one golf course. Occoquan Regional Park, offers batting cages, picnic shelters, boating, waling trails, ball fields and fishing; Pohick Bay Regional Park offers boating, picnicking, pool trails and camping facilities; and Sandy Run Regional Park is a typical roadside park. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Golf Course is a beautiful 18-hole golf course that is open to the public. Also located nearby is the South Run Recreation Center which hosts racquetball, handball, squash, room rental, indoor swimming pool and weight room. Some of Lorton’s historic landmarks include Gunston Hall, George Mason's Home on Pohick Bay; Pohick Church with George Washington's box; Belvoir, George Fairfax's home, now Fort Belvoir Army Corps of Engineer base; and Cranford Church on Mason Neck. Woodlawn Plantation and Mt. Vernon, George Washington's Home on the Potomac River lie just to the North by Rt. 1. The town of Occoquan is to the south off Route 123, Ox Road. Interested in exploring the housing selections in Lorton, click the link to search Lorton VA Homes for Sale now! For questions regarding any of the property listings, please contact Lisa Dunham, 703-298-6546.
Woodbridge VA Real Estate and Homes for Sale: Woodbridge is located in Prince William County 22 miles south of Washington, DC. Prince William County is one of northern Virginia's prime real estate areas. Woodbridge is a collection of suburban communities that offer a wide range housing choices. You will love the location and selection of condos, town homes, and single family homes in Woodbridge, VA. Dale City, one of the first communities planned and built by Hilton, is an extremely affordable area. Lake Ridge ranges from starter homes to dream houses on the water. The south side of Woodbridge is properly known as River Oaks, where housing for every income can be found. The quaint, historic little town of Occoquan is also included in the Woodbridge area, and is a treasure trove of over 100 shops, historic sites and walking trails along the river. Woodbridge is also home to Potomac Mills Mall, which features over 225 well-known retail outlets and mainline stores.
Prince William County is rich in history and full of promise for the future. The third largest county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, its desirable location has attracted a highly educated work force, and it is home to a host of nationally recognized schools. A healthy, pro-business environment and attitude by the county's elected officials make it a prime place to live.
Woodbridge is a typical suburban city in that many of its residents are employed in nearby Washington DC. Prince William County Parkway is probably the most important roadway in the city as it connects the city to I-95 and runs right through the middle of Woodbridge. Route 234 is also described as an 'outer beltway' connecting the Interstate 95 corridor and Route 1 to points west and north and ultimately terminating at Interstate 66. Route 234, also known as Dumfries Road, is being widened from 2 lanes to 4 to accommodate residential development in the southern part of Prince William County. Search Woodbridge VA Homes for Sale Now! Feel free to contact Lisa Dunham, 703-298-6546, for questions the listings.
Interested in buying or selling a home in Kingstowne, Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or surrounding areas?Search northern VA real estate and homes for sale in Kingstowne, Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge now!
For a more personal experience, contact Lisa Dunham at (703) 298-6546 (Tel) or Lisa@LisaDunham.com. You may also visit her website at www.LisaDunham.com.
"MS. DUNHAM EXCEEDED HERSELF..."
"My husband and I would like to express our enormous appreciation for the efforts and dedication of Lisa Dunham. We recently purchased our first home, thanks to her exceptional hard work and efficient customer service. As first time home-buyers, this process can be overwhelming and confusing, however, Lisa went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and to answer any and all of our questions in a timely manner. Ms. Dunham exceeded herself in order to organize and assist us with learning how the home-buying process works. We could not be more pleased with Lisa's performance surrounding her responsiveness to us. We feel that we have been treated in a timely, professional and thorough manner. We will highly recommend RE/MAX Allegiance and the personal services of Lisa Dunham to our friends and family and continue to feel confident that we can use Lisa as a resource for ourselves in the future."
Drew & Lisa Tilley, Fairfax, VA
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"I REFER EVERYONE I KNOW... TO LISA."
"The process of buying a home can be a confusing and scary process to someone who has never done it before. I didn't know what to expect when I began my search almost two years ago. Having an experienced and friendly real estate agent helped me immensely during the process. Lisa gave me guidance and provided unbiased advise during my home search. She didn't feel like an agent by the time I closed on my home, she felt like a friend...a big sis even. I refer everyone I know who doesn't already have a realtor to Lisa. I liked how she knew my likes and dislikes after we spent only a couple of hours together. If you are seeking attentiveness, honesty and experience, Lisa Dunham is the one!"
Kimberly Roye, Upper Marlboro, MD
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"SHE WORKED WITH ME UNTIL THE VERY END ..."
"As a first time home buyer, I was completely in the dark about purchasing a home. Lisa made my first time home buying experience smooth and enjoyable! She worked with me until the very end and helped me find a home that I love, within my price range (and that can be a pretty difficult task). Lisa was recommended to me by one of my closest friends and I will recommend her to others looking to purchase a home, because of my fantastic home buying experience."
Stacey Greene, Bowie, MD
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"THERE WERE NEVER ANY SURPRISES..."
"Ms. Dunham always conducted herself in a professional manner including always being punctual, courteous, and going the extra-mile for me. There were never any surprises as she always walked me through what was going to happen next. Even after the closing/settlement, she was still right with me and continued to assist during some minor issues with the seller's real estate agent."
Ben Powers, Lorton, VA
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"THERE'S NO OTHER REALTOR FOR ME!!!!!"
"I enjoyed working with Lisa from the first meeting on. Her honesty, directness and integrity were carried through during my entire process of selling my old home and the purchase of my new home...and this was done ALL in one week!!!! My entire family and I really appreciated her strategic advice, guidance with forms, and "to-do" reminders. From the beginning, she calmly and carefully answered any and all questions, ensuring I understood all the details of both transactions. Lisa also helped me weigh the pros and cons of the various options that were involved; resulting in an unbelievable experience. THERE'S NO OTHER REALTOR FOR ME!!!!!"
Debi Rose, Alexandria, VA
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"WITH LISA ... IT WAS A WALK IN THE PARK!"
"As a first time homebuyer I was intimidated by making such a big decision, but with Lisa's exceptional leadership and guidance it was a "walk in the park. Lisa explained the process from A-Z, she was extremely knowledgeable, patient and easy to work with. Her attention to detail prevented me from making any critical mistakes; and without hesitation I would highly recommend her services as a Realtor to all my friends looking to sell or purchase a home in the future."
Peggy Blakeney, Woodbridge, VA
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"YOU ARE TRULY A #1 REALTOR!"
"Your professionalism as a Realtor is none like I have worked with before. Your dedication and patience are highly respected. You never gave up until I was happy with my home selection process. You are truly a #1 Realtor! I look forward to working with you again in the future. Thank you for helping me."
Sonia Smith, Chantilly, VA
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