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!?

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

 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.

Home sales in Old Town Alexandria VA take a sharp dip in September.  Take a look at the interactive chart below and use your mouse to scroll over the points.  Continuing a four month downward trend, the number of homes sold in September totaled 34 units.  The spring real estate market in Old Town Alexandria was up in May with 67 homes sold.  The number of homes sold in June stayed the same at 67, but in July sales were down three units to 64, and in August sales were 57, and declined sharply in September to 34.

The median sales prices for homes in Old Town Alexandria VA was also down.  In September 2011, the median sales price was $518,500.  In August 2011, the median sales prices was $562,000.

Better news for homeowners looking to sell their Old Town Alexandria VA home is that the average days on market went down in September 2011 to 72.  This is significantly lower than the number of days on the market in August 2011, which was 114.

All work and no play will make life really dull.  But here in Alexandria VA, there are way too many things to do so 'dull' has no room in the vocabulary. 

Here's a print-friendly version of my October events calendar.  I hope to see you here in Alexandria VA this month!

 Fall 2011 Events And Things To Do - Farms And Pumpkin Patches For All To Enjoy

Are you wondering where to take the kids this fall for some pumpkin pickings?  There are so many places to visit for fall fun in and around Alexandria VA.  Here are a few and I hope to see you there!

Cox Farms:
 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville, Virginia (703) 830-4121One of the largest fall festivals in Virginia! Activities include unlimited hayrides, Giant slides, rope swings, farm animal feeding, pumpkin patch, live entertainment and much more.

Pumpkinville at Leesburg Animal Park:
 19270 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg, Virginia (703) 433-0002. The farm play area includes an Indian teepee, giant slides, a hay maze, unlimited hayrides, straw mountains, tot maze, rope swings, tractors to climb on, a large inflated firetruck slide, moon bounces, and much more.

Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Family Days
 Visit George Washington's estate and enjoy autumn activities including horse-drawn wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, a straw bale maze, early-American games, music and demonstrations.

Pumpkin Playground at Burke Nursery and Garden Center
 9401 Burke Road, Burke, Virginia (703) 323-1188
 Highlights include pirate and western-themed activities, Native American storytellers, slides, tumbling tubes, rope swings, A Monster Truck, mechanical rides, farm animals, clowns, magicians, musicians, Wobble Wagon rides and much more.

Old Mine Ranch
 17507 Mine Rd. Dumfries, Virginia (703) 441-1382. Through the month of October, enjoy pumpkin picking, hayrides, slides, petting farm, moonbounce and more.

Hollins Farms Orchard
 1524 Snowden Road Delaplane, Virginia (540) 592-3574
 One of the largest pumpkin patches in Northern Virginia. Pick a pumpkin, see farm animals and baby calves, take a pony ride, enjoy live music, hiking, and more.

So, where will you be heading this fall?

Even former first-time buyers face financial hardships and sometimes face the challenge of a short sale.  A short sale is when the homeowner owes more than what the home is worth, and must obtain the approval of the lender(s) to sell the home at market value.

One major benefit of working with VHDA is that you work directly with the VHDA representatives who are based out of Richmond, Virginia.  Each of the representatives has a direct phone number and email.  Unlike many large banks where you have to dial into a phone tree, and you may not speak to the same person each time, the VHDA representatives are responsive and appear to have the interest of the borrower in mind.

This listing in the Templeton at Alexandria located at 250 S. Reynolds Street, Unit #109 is a VHDA Short Sale and currently priced at $185,000.

Once an offer is submitted, the purchaser should allow 30-45 days for VHDA to approve the sale, and closing can take place with 30 days.

Any request for closing costs should be included in the purchase offer, and VHDA will consider the request.  For the homeowner, VHDA will not pursue a foreclosure as long as the homeowner is actively working with a qualified short sale agent to sell the home.

If you purchased a home with a VHDA loan and are having difficultly making the mortgage payments, contact me to see if you qualify for a short sale.

Alexandria VA Real Estate - Active Del Ray homebuyers are forced to continue their search for a one bedroom condo for sale.  Del Ray listing agent Tamara Inzunza has just sold another home.

316 Ashby Street Unit C has just sold for $185,000.  This Del Ray condo was move-in ready and received multiple offers in the current buyers market.  The property was on the market for less than a week before receiving an offer.

If you currently own a condo in Auburn Village and are thinking about selling, contact me for free market analysis.  If you are considering buying a home in Del Ray, use the links right here to help you with your search. 

Helpful Links - Auburn Village Photo Tour

Auburn Village Condos For Sale

Del Ray Condos For Sale

Old Town Alexandria Condos For Sale

This is a move-in ready short sale in Fairfax County's popular subdivision of Laurel Highlands.

With three bedrooms, three full baths, one half bath, hardwood floors, a luxurious master bedroom with customized walk-in closet, upper level laundry, and a finished walkout basement, you'll find no signs of distress here!

It's rare to find a short sale that is in impeccable condition with upgraded features, close to public transportation such as the Lorton Station VRE and the I-95 HOV lanes.  Currently offered at $425,000 be sure that you don't miss out on this Lorton VA short sale opportunity.

Tamara Inzunza a listing agent who specializes in Lorton VA short sales. If you currently own a home in Lorton, Virginia and are facing a financial hardship, you may qualify to sell your home as a short sale.

Alexandria VA Short Sale Listing Agent Markets With Video Tour | 1030 Anderson Street Alexandria VA 22312