Real Estate Information

Another Just Listed Pointe at Park Center Condo For Sale - 3306 Wyndham Circle #225

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Virginia Real Estate Market Stats Video for December 2011

Watch the video for Northern Virginia real estate market statistics as presented by RBIntel.

Some of the highlights:

• Pending sales were up 13.5% to 2,073 units
• Housing in 2011 strengthened organically--without divine intervention or government incentives
• Buyers were more active than sellers last years, active listing took a 22.2% dive from 10,051 in 2010 to 7,823 in 2011.
• Median sales price was practically dead on with 2010's median. The 2010 median sales price was $350,000, in 2011it dropped to $349,555.
• Month's supply of inventory, which shows the balance between supply and demand, went down to (18.2%) 3.1 months (5-6 months is considered balanced).
• We're technically in a seller's market...who knew!?

Happy New Year - 2012 Is Almost Here

Can you believe that the new year is almost here?  I hope 2011 was everything you wanted it to be and more.

I am thankful for all of the people who crossed my path this year, and to everyone who I was able to help.  My "wall of thanks" continues to grow in my office, and I've had to find a shoebox to store the cards, emails, and letters of thanks that my past clients have sent me.  There were a few days in 2011 where I really had to take a deep breath, scratch my head, and redo the game plan.  Those are the days when I look at those thank you notes and cards and get re-grounded, and get my head back in the game.

If you're viewing this post, it's because at some point you found me online, or someone told you to contact me about buying or selling a home.  Together, we are one of a million little pieces that will shape each other's lives in some way, big or small.  I continue to remain passionate about helping that first-time buyer find the perfect place, helping that seller prepare and get the best out of their investment when selling, and helping the financially distressed homeowner orchestrate a financial do-over with a short sale and avoid foreclosure.

From my heart to yours, I want to thank you for being a part of my real estate family, and I look forward to helping you reach your real estate goals in 2012.

All the best,
Tamara

Another Bucknell Manor Home Under Contract - Duplex at 6913 Kenyon Drive

This four-level renovated home is now under contract! This didn't come as a surprise since this home offered more than your average duplex.  With three generously sized bedrooms, three full baths, and a move-in condition, it's no wonder a buyer wants to make it home sweet home.  

See Also: Bucknell Manor Homes For Sale

See Also: Alexandria VA Duplexes For Sale

If you currently own a home in Bucknell Manor and are thinking about selling, click here for information on recent sales and an estimate what your home is currently worth.

Things To Do In Alexandria VA for December 2011 - Tamara's Event Calendar

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Alexandria VA.  Will you stop by one of the area's tree lighting ceremonies, go ice skating, or have breakfast with Santa?  There's no shortage of things to do this Holiday Season, so no matter if you've been naughty or nice, grab a loved one and enjoy the festivities this December.

Here's a link to the print-friendly version of the December 2011 things to do calendar.

Tam's Tuesday Tip for November 29 2011

I trust you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday and the time you spent with loved ones was memorable.

Were you one of the people creeping to the stores before Midnight?  Like me, your email inbox has been flooded with Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.  And according to news reports, it's actually been a record setter.  But what about real estate?  Are there ever any 'Black Friday' deals when it comes to buying houses?

Two of my buyers right now who would say so.  Scenario #1: My buyer found a 'steal of a deal' on an Alexandria VA foreclosure.  It was a 2BR/2BA condo in the building where he wants.  This home was priced to sell.  My buyer went out of town with the intention of submitting an offer upon his return.  Not only was the condo under contract, but so were four others out of the seven that we saw!  File this one under 'the one that got away'.  Scenario #2: My buyer found an Alexandria VA short sale condo that had already had multiple offers.  After submitting an offer, he was disappointed only to learn that the seller selected a cash offer that was lower.

Here in Northern Virginia, we have multiple cycles in our real estate market.  We have the traditional spring market, where historically sellers are able to get the most for their home, but that's also when buyers usually compete the most.  There's also the 'post-Father's Day market'.  This is the time after school ends and families take a vacation, then decide to beef up their home search in order to be settled in before school starts.  And finally, there's the holiday market.  That's the market that we are in now.  This is the market where you will most likely find 'HAVE TO SELL' sellers.  You'll also face some competition among other buyers because the market will include buyers who want to be in their homes before Thanksgiving, before Christmas, or before December 31 for tax purposes.

Home affordability is at an all time low in Northern Virginia.  Not only will your pre-approved dollar go farther than it's gone in the past five years, but with seller concessions (paid closing costs and home warranties), there are deals in place that will be contingent upon you closing before December 31. 

You may want to keep an eye out of the Fannie Mae foreclosures.  Did you know that you can purchase a Fannie Mae foreclosure with as little as $500?  

Click here for the newest foreclosures that have hit the market in Alexandria.

Open Houses In Bucknell Manor -
Sunday November 13 In Alexandria VA

If you're thinking about buying a home in the Greater Mount Vernon area of Alexandria VA, then be sure to stop by this Sunday, November 13 at 6913 Kenyon Drive.

This duplex has been completely renovated and offers three bedrooms and three full baths.

The list price is $290,000 which is actually more affordable than most Alexandria VA condos for sale that are under $300,000.  With no HOA fees and no rules, come and discover the benefits of duplex homeownership!

Alexandria VA 4 Level Duplex For Sale In Bucknell Manor -
 6913 Kenyon Drive

Rarely available four level duplex for sale in Bucknell Manor. Forget about the condos with the monthly fees, bring your pet and your bikes and enjoy the comforts of a duplex home. Located on a private dead-end street, this home offers four levels of comfort with three spacious bedrooms, three full baths, new paint, new carpet (hardwood underneath), and a complete renovation.

The kitchen has been improved with stainless steel appliances included gas stovetop cooking, built-in microwave (convection), dishwasher, and refrigerator with icemaker. The extended island offers extra countertop space and extra storage.

The upper level bedrooms have new windows, hardwood floors, and new closet doors.  The fourth level is the private master suite with sitting room and full bath!

Tam's Tuesday Tip for November 8 2011

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful fall day where the temperatures are expected to peak around 70 degrees.

The Alexandria VA real estate market is working at a resilient calm as well.  The numbers are in and overall the Alexandria VA market is holding steady.  The number of total sales in the City was up from 146 homes in September, to 154 homes in October.  More townhomes sold last month as well, we saw 53 townhomes sales in September, and in October there were 66 sales.  Alexandria condo sales were also up from 23 in September, to 26 in October.  The single-family homes were the only home type that saw a decline, going from 70 detached homes sold in September, to 62 in October.

What we're (active agents) seeing? Low inventory for sure.  If you're actively in the market for a new home have you noticed that it's slim pickens for the really good stuff?  Exactly what I'm seeing with my buyers too.  But if you currently own a townhome in the City or Fairfax County, the townhome market is pretty robust.  Sellers may want to reconsider waiting until the traditional spring market to list.  If your home has been well maintained and upgraded, your odds of selling at or close to your asking price are better when there's not a whole lot for buyers to choose from.

Midtown Alexandria Short Sale Now Under Contract - Unit 412

 Alexandria VA Short Sales - Our short sale listing in Midtown Alexandria Station is now under contract.  This was a one bedroom and den unit.  Don't worry, there are still other units for sale in Midtown, so there's still time for you to take advantage of resort styled amenities and being just across the street from the Huntington Metro.

With the wintry weather just around the corner, wouldn't it be nice to take advantage of garage parking?  At Midtown Alexandria, underground garage parking is available, so when Old Man Winter makes his arrival, you won't have to worry about shoveling snow.  Just leave your car parked in the garage (yes, and save gas!) and walk across the street to the metro station!

Midtown Alexandria is one of my favorite condominium communities to sell.  It's ideal for first-time buyers, empty nesters and scale down buyers, heavy travelers, and buyers who want to conveniences of Old Town Alexandria and City living, but at a lower price.

Tamara Inzunza is a Certified Distressed Property Expert, and Certified Default Resolution Specialist, specializing in foreclosure prevention solutions and helping homeowners in distress in Alexandria Virginia.