Thursday, December 18, 2008

Northern Virginia Real Estate - Homebuyers - Fed Lowers Rates Again.

Attention Home Buyers in the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market. It is a great time to Buy! Sure you hear that from Agents all the time. I will back up my words now. The Fed has cut rates once again. You can get a 30 year fixed rate Mortgage for 5.19%. The last time rates were this low was 37 years ago back in April, 1971. So if you are in the market to buy a home in Northern Virginia, be it Loudoun County Real Estate, Fairfax County Real Estate, Fauquier County Real Estate, or Prince William County Real Estate, contact the Northern Virginia Real Estate Group of Keller Williams Realty. From Contract To Close we are with you every step of the way.

Keller Williams Realty Realtor Of The Week - Mike Dean



Mike Dean




Michael Dean

circa 2008








The Journey: After traveling around the world and settling in northern Virginia about 17 years ago Michael finally bought a home. The home was
located in a quiet neighborhood with tree lined streets that exploded with popcorn blossoms in the spring time. He realized what the home buying experience was all about and soon learned the joy of home ownership. This was actually the beginning of Michael's real estate career although he didn't know it at the time. Fast forward a few years and Michael now works in the real estate industry as a consultant providing only the best services to his clients.

Services: Buying or selling a home is not as easy as you might think. Oh sure, you hear stories about what a great deal someone made or how fast the house down the street sold but let's face it the majority of people will only go through this process about twice in a life time. Every year new regulations, new forms, and new real estate laws are written to change the industry and protect the public. It's a good thing continuing education requirements keep the knowledge fresh and remind agents how important the public trust is to our business model.

Training: Michael brings an extensive background in technology, communications, and customer service to the real estate industry. He holds a Masters degree in Business Administration, a Bachelors degree in Computer Science and the following real estate related designations: Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI), Senior Housing Specialists (SHS), Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), and Certified Internet Professional (ePRO). Exceptional training, customer service, and the skilled professionals at Keller Williams Realty offer you the best possible combination for success.

Specialists: Working with real estate investors is a specialty for Michael. He is always looking for investment grade commercial property in emerging markets and the right business partners or angel investor group. The second area of expertise is active adult communities in the northern Virginia area. With over 15 communities to choose from he can find the right one to fit your lifestyle Mike Dean is a Keller Williams Realty Agent working out of the Leesburg, VA office in Loudoun County. Mike Dean knows the Loudoun County Real Estate Market.


Mike Dean is a Keller Williams Realty Agent working out of the Leesburg, VA office in Loudoun County. Mike Dean knows the Loudoun County Real Estate Market.


Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Mr. Bill The Real Estate Agent - Going To A Title Company's Office For Settlement!

If Mr. Bill were a Real Estate Agent, I think this would sum up his day while going to the Title Company's Office the Day of a Settlement. Click On The Title of this Post We've all had days like this . Not to mention Settlements :)

Got Home Owners Insurance?

I Hope This Guy's Home Owners Insurance Covers this

Gingerbread House

Fed Cuts Key Rate To Record Low

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve entered a new era on Tuesday, lowering its benchmark interest rate virtually to zero and declaring that it would now fight the recession by pumping out vast amounts of money to businesses and consumers through an expanding array of new lending programs.

Going further than expected, the central bank cut its target for the overnight federal funds rate to a range of zero to 0.25 percent and brought the United States to the zero-rate policies that Japan used for years in its own fight against deflation
Cllick on the Title Link to see the chart and link to read the entire story

This is the rate in which banks charge each other when they lend money to one another. The problem has been that they are very hesitant about lending any money to one another, which in turn effects businesses mostly.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Loudoun County Real Estate Sales Trends


Loudoun County Real Estate Sales Trends November, 2008

Note that the average Days On Market is down. The amount of Active Listings is lower compared to October 2008.



2008 Loudoun County Monthly Sales Statistics

Month
Residential Units Sold
Average Sales Price Median Price
Average Days on Market
Active Listings
New Listings This Month
New Pendings This Month
Average S/P as a Percentage of L/P
January 216 $431,811 $370,000 123 3234 943 379 90.97%
February 264 $426,442 $374,950 120 3321 878 420 90.14%
March 350 $408,114 $358,225 124 3427 1007 533 88.53%
April 423 $393,135 $350,000 112 3574 1083 668 90.92%
May 511 $398,041 $351,000 119 3486 978 648 91.57%
June 553 $418,038 $359,000 98 3343 864 631 91.80%
July 519 $400,134 $350,000 109 3109 785 581 92.00%
August 528 $367,149 $335,000 103 2903 681 584 92.15%
September 451 $362,360 $320,000 97 2793 664 486 92.22%
October 379
$374,141
$310,000
90
2691
704
422 93.26%
November 317 $355,235 $305,000
91 2505
513
394 91.59%
December
Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. :: Last Updated on 11/9/2008


Monday, December 8, 2008

Keller Williams Realty Featured Realtor Of The Week - Bill Thomas


THE BILL THOMAS TEAM:
Bill believes that one of the keys to success, both for himself and his clients, is a continually updated education. He takes many classes and seminars to increase his effectiveness and has earned one of the real estate industry?s most prestigious professional designations: GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute). Nationall recognized, these designations are earned through a rigorous course of study as well as demonstrated professional experience. In addition, both Bill and Trudy attend the National Association of Realtors Convention annually in order to receive the most up-to-date information and services available to the real estate industry. They are both Relocation Specialist and have been E-Certified indicating that they are qualified in Internet Assisted Marketing. Consistently outstanding in his field, Bill has received numerous awards in recognition of his exemplary performance on behalf of clients. He ranks in the Top 2% nationally.

They are prior members of the Circle of Excellence and the Million Dollar Club. Bill and Trudy have closed Millions of Dollars in real estate transactions over the years. Bill and Trudy have diverse backgrounds that are aimed at a single goal: your real estate success! Bill is a native of Loudoun County and has lived in the area all his life. He holds a BS degree in Business with a Real Estate Minor from Virginia Commonwealth University and made his first and only career choice. Trudy came to Loudoun County from Ohio in 1977. She holds a BS degree in Education from Ohio State University and taught first grade for 18 years, part of that time in the local area.

My Views On The Current Real Estate Market Conditions:

The cause of the country's dilemma has been discussed and the finger pointing continues. But, what is the proposed bailout going to do for us. Answer: it should begin to restore the buyer's confidence. Regardless our employment, or status in the food chain, we have become conscious of our decisions and purchases. Our economy is more fragile than we would want to believe.

When is going to get better? Answer: it will take time, maybe 18 months or longer, we will have to be patient. The Northern Virginia Real Estate market has been mostly insulated from the downturns over the past 4 decades. Starting in 2001 we had a very heated market!

During this period we saw house prices increase 96%! As a result, we are back to home sales with prices common to 2003. Most feel we are in the bottom of the correction cycle, and I agree. One indication is the available inventory of approximately 2000 homes. We sell approximately 500 homes per month. (This is a four month supply). Most experts say that's a healthy market. I have many buyers, who are waiting for "something to happen" that will cause them to get off the fence and purchase. Mortgage rates remain around 6%.

There are many great bargains for first time buyers, or investors. It's all about the buyer's confidence. Answer: if you have a secured job it's a great time to buy your first home, or an investment. Call your trusted Realtor for advice and council today. Don't miss this great opportunity! Bill is a native of Loudoun County. His real estate career started in 1973 in Leesburg. He became a broker in 1978, owned a real estate company, developed land, built homes, townhouses and apartments. Questions in this difficult market, call one who has survived the difficult times and still enjoys the business.

Bill knows the Loudoun County Real Estate Market and his office is located in Leesburg. Contact Bill Today for all of your Real Estate needs!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Keller Williams Realty Leesburg Community Outreach Program - Coat Drive To Benefit the Salvation Army

As the seasons have changed again and winter is upon us The Keller Williams Realty Community Outreach Program is holding a Coat Drive to benefit the Salvation Army. We would like to invite you to donate.

Collection Dates: December 5th, 2008 - December 19th, 2008

Please Drop Off Your Donations at our Office located at:

Keller Williams Realty, Leesburg
50 Catoctin Circle NE
Suite 101
Leesburg, VA 20176

Call Us For Directions: 703 669 0099

Keller Williams Realty would like to wish you Happy Holidays and thank you for your donations

KW Holiday Food Drive - Loudoun Interfaith Relief Program

Once again we find ourselves in the Holiday Season. Keller Williams Realty is holding a Food Drive, Community Outreach Program to benefit the Loudoun Interfaith Relief Program. We invite you to donate whatever you can.

We are collecting donations starting December 5th, 2008 through December 19th, 2008.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Please drop off your donations at our office.

50 Catoctin Circle
Suite 101
Leesburg, VA 20176

Thank you for your Donations

Need Directions? Call Us! 703 669 0099