Alexandria, VA

What If…What If…What If...

02-13-12

Amanda S. Davidson: Real Estate Agent in Alexandria, VA

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Office: (703) 431-3755

Mobile: (703) 431-3755

For me, there’s always that split second I question my judgment when sticking to my guns for a pre-approval letter before showing houses. I don’t know why I do that, shame on me, I know better but, there’s always that little voice that says what if? What if they really are serious about buying? What if you just missed out because you require a pre-approval letter before showing? Shhhhh!!! Quiet little voice.

I think the voice pops up because I’m an optimist but, even optimists need to be real. A customer on my website that I have been emailing with for a couple weeks requested to see a house this weekend. I replied to the email requesting saying I’d be happy to show the house but, first I’d need his preapproval letter and if he didn’t have one I’d be happy to suggest lenders he could talk to. After that sentence I explained why pre-approvals are so important.

The email I got back wasn’t very nice and one sentence in particular raised an Helping Clients eyebrow “At this stage, I am just viewing this property and any other property which you may show me. As and when a choice is made, we shall discuss the prequalification until then your job is to open doors and let me in houses not pry into my financial business.” OUCH! Well…I’m a consultant not a doorman but, I won’t take it personal. I responded again and explained that I don’t show to anyone that hasn’t been pre-approved and went into detail about why I don’t. To date I’ve had no response nor have I contacted him again.

I thought about it the next day and had a what if I missed out moment…fortunately that didn’t last very long. The truth is I know I didn’t miss out – a serious buyer may not be familiar with the process but, they want to learn and get your advice on how to proceed. Judging by the email this gentleman probably had no use for me and if we had met I don’t think it would have been a good match. My time is valuable and I want to spend it on CLIENTS that value my expertise and want my help.

5 Reasons To Get Pre-Approved

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Tribute to Fallen EMT at Fire Station 206 in Alexandria

02-10-12

AJ Heidmann ~CRS, CDPE, ABR~Arlington/Alexandria, VA

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Office: (703) 525-1900

Mobile: (703) 474-1260

Fire Station 206 in the Alexandria Real Estate Market

This is the scene at Fire Station 206 at the intersection of Seminary Road & N Pickett St in the City of Alexandria, which is located just around the corner from our home. The ambulance draped in black, along with flowers and a photo are all in tribute to Paramedic Joshua Weissman, who passed away on Thursday after suffering injuries in the line of duty the previous evening.

Joshua Wiessman Photo

According to the Fire Department and numerous news sources, Weissman's EMT unit was responding to a car fire in the HOV lane near the intersection of I-395 and Glebe Road around 6:30 pm on Wednesday. Because the HOV lanes had shifted to a Southbound flow and Station 206 is located south of the scene, the vehicle was in the Northbound local lanes when it came upon the fire. In attempting to reach the vehicle, Weissman attempted to cross gap between the two roadways of roughly 3 feet, but instead fell 20 feet to the rocky creek below. He was rescued from the Four Mile Run and taken via Medivac to Washington Hospital Center where he succumbed to his injuries. He is survived by his wife Rebecca.

Unfortunately, I did not notice this last night as I drove past last night on the way home, but when I took my son to preschool this morning it was unmistakable. It is a vivid reminder of the risks associates with the choice to serve others when they are the most in need. To Joshua's wife, we keep you in our thoughts & prayers at this most troubling of times.

As a side note and remberance of the summer, there is a fantastic open house at this station with a real fire house for the kids... and every year I have to drag my son away from it. If the fantastic members of the firehouse let him have his way, he would flood Seminary Valley and run up one heck of a water bill.

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February is American Heart Month

02-10-12

Amanda S. Davidson

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Office: (703) 431-3755

Mobile: (703) 431-3755

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. February is a month all about the heart but, most people associate it with Valentine’s Day not, heart disease. This February make sure you spread the love about American Heart Month.

Occasionally Cake, a local cake shop in Alexandria is joining the cause and today, February 10, 2012 offering Valentine themed treats for order through February 11, 2012. 10% of each purchase will be donated to the American Heart Association to further research on the disease. The only catch is you have to wear red when placing your order and when you do they’ll also hand you a FREE cupcake.

Occasionally Cake

Wearing red anytime during February marks your support for American Heart Month so doesn’t just limit your support to visiting Occasionally Cake.

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Rented! Gone in a Flash! 8451 Byers Drive, Alexandria

02-09-12

Gina Tufano

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Office: (703) 574-3478

Mobile: (703) 973-0632

It didn't take long for this awesome Skyview Park townhome to find it's tenants! If you were considering this home but missed out, don't worry. We have access to plenty of others that will make you just as happy! Give us a call today at 703-574-3478 and let us unlock the possibilities!

Gina M. Tufano | Keller Williams Realty Loudoun Gateway | (703) 574-3478

8451 Byers Dr, Alexandria, VA

Fabulous Rental in Skyview Park!

3BR/2+2BA Townhouse

$2,100/month

Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 2 partial
Sq Footage	1,600
Parking	None
Pet Policy	Conditional
Deposit	$2,100

DESCRIPTION

Fabulous Rental in Skyview Park!

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

- Air conditioning	- Central heat	- Walk-in closet
- Living room	- Bonus/Rec room	- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Washer
- Dryer	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Playground

LEASE TERMS

12 to 24 months
$2,100 deposit
Pets considered on case-by-case basis, with $500 deposit
Sorry, no smokers

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Welcome home	Garage townhome
Entrance	Living room
Kitchen	Bath 1
Bath 2	Rec room
Laundry area	Community gazebo
Community trails

Contact info:

Gina M. Tufano

Keller Williams Realty Loudoun Gateway

(703) 574-3478

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Feb 7, 2012, 7:25am PST

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Home Buying Tips: Your Loan Officer Matters

02-08-12

Amanda S. Davidson

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Office: (703) 431-3755

Mobile: (703) 431-3755

Making a selection for a lender is just as important as selecting your real estate agent. You NEED someone you can trust, someone reliable and someone that understands deadlines and values them.

Often time’s agents have loan officers they consistently work with and recommend to their clients but, sometimes that advice isn’t heeded and a “stranger” takes on the financing portion of the puzzle. There is a reason agents recommend loan officers to clients. Why would agents recommend someone who hasn’t “wowed” them in the past? We wouldn’t – that would be a horrible reflection on us. We have a history with them and a rapport…we trust them and know they get the job done and are going to treat our clients right. Better yet, if something is going off track we know they’re there to guide you and that we’re top priority.

The last time I checked someone I’ve never worked with before at (insert big name lender here) doesn’t care who I am and chances are they don’t care who you are either. We’re a case number and I’m not going to have that loan officers home, office, and cell phone number to be able to talk to them. Missing a closing deadline can be costly, particularly on bank owned properties and on regular sales it can have a chain reaction if the seller’s are simultaneously purchasing a new home. I can guarantee you they aren’t going to be happy if closing is delayed because your lender doesn’t have his ducks in a row.

Outside of your agents recommendations do your homework. Google the loan officers they suggested, look them up on Facebook and talk to them, maybe even meet them in person before selecting who you want to work with. Yes, buying a house and obtaining financing are stressful but, having the right professionals working for you can reduce that stress immensely.

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