636 15TH ST S #1 ARLINGTON VA 22202 OPEN HOUSE

OPEN HOUSE Sunday March 14th 1pm -4pm

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NORTHERN VIRGINIA REAL ESTATE

ARLINGTON VIRGINIA REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE

ARLINGTON VIRGINIA: 636 15TH ST S #1 ARLINGTON VA 22202

Advertised Subdivision: SOUTHAMPTON

Presented By: Esther M Kelly of Long And Foster Vienna Virginia

Offered At: 504,900

MLS ID# AR7261478 – ARLINGTON

Just Listed 3 BR, 2.5 BA Southampton Condo by Pentagon City METRO. Interior unit has been renovated and upgraded, terrific living room with fireplace and walk out patio, new wood floors throughout, new appliances, new HVAC and water heater, nothing to be done just move in. Seller is willing to leave furnishing if buyer desires. You will not be disappointed. Low monthly fee. 1 BLOCK FROM METRO

DIRECTIONS: Across from Pentagon City Metro and Costco, From Rt , west on 15th street and enter community between S. Fern Street and S. Hayes

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Schedule An Appointment 202 344 0455

Esther M Kelly

Long And Foster Vienna Virginia

309 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180

Northern Virginia Real Estate Times

FIXED VS. ARM’S? IS IT WORTH IT?

FIXED VS. ARM’S?  IS IT WORTH IT?

Make no mistake, Adjustable Rate Mortgage yields are at the lowest point in history.  A 5 year fixed rate is as low as 3.75% w/out points, or 3.375% with a 1 point buy down.  When one compares this to the 4.875% no point fixed rate, it would seem to be an attractive alternative due to the lower monthly payment.  The ARM programs are endorsed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the FHA, so they must be safe programs, unlike their unwanted cousins from the Sub-Prime world, right?

First, what happens when the fixed period expires?  All ARM’s have a constant called a Margin, which is added to a stated Index to determine what the rate would be upon the first change and then for each subsequent change, either every 6 months or once a year..  All ARM’s have Caps, which may show as 5/2/5 for a Conventionally funded ARM…5% MAX increase for the first change in rate, 2% for each subsequent change, and a 5% lifetime cap.  A typical Margin is 2%, but some Mortgage lenders will increase the Margin to make more profit (READ THE FINE PRINT).  Today, the LIBOR Index (London Interbank Offered Rate) is .861.  If you had an ARM maturing today, off a base rate of 5%, and if your program allows for it, your rate would drop to 2.861%, unless there is a floor set of 2% below the start rate, which would then give you a rate of 3%.  Still sound attractive?

One considering this product needs to look both at the historical movements in the LIBOR and Treasury Indexes, with a strong eye on our future economic climate.  Our last significant housing down turn began  in 1994.  In December of that year, the Treasury Index was 6.75%.  Skip forward to December of 2006, the Index was 5.25%, and then to early 2009, 4%. The next question would then be “What are the chances that my index will go up in 5 years?”  To many of us in the industry, that is a given.  The Fed has kept rates low to better stimulate lending.  It is only a matter of time before they once again begin to raise rates to help hold off inflation, which will raise these Indexes.  If you were to only use the recent high in 2009 of 4%, and assuming your rate would change at that index, you would then have a rate of 6.00% until the next change, which could continue to go up (or down), depending on the current market environment.

Example: $300,000 loan amount, 4.875% fixed rate, P/I (principle and interest) payment $1,587.  Drop the rate to 3.75% for a 5/1 ARM, the payment is now $1,383, a savings of $204 per month, or $12,240 for the 5 year period before any potential change.  Are you saving this money monthly, or spending it?  Now, assume that your rate would jump 2% on the first change to 5.75%.  Your new P/I payment would be $1,750, an increase of $163.  IF your rate would fully adjust to 8.75% (5% max above the start rate), your P/I payment would stand at $2,360.  Some will tell you “Don’t worry, you can always refinance later, but still enjoy the savings today”.  NEVER rely on this, as others did when they first purchased in 2001-2005, only to find out they now lack the equity to do so, could no longer afford the mortgage payment, and ended up facing a foreclosure.  Scary?  Yes.  Is the savings worth it?  Maybe.  Does 4.875% fixed give you enough piece of mind to offset the monthly savings?  That is dependent upon the individual.

ARM’s are a financial decision that should not be taken lightly, and should NEVER be used to qualify someone for a larger  house without first looking at all potential negatives with the positives.  Buying a home is a finacial decision, as is the loan program one chooses.  Always put the financing program first and before the property, and have all your options explained to you before you begin the home search.  An educated buyer means less stress at the beginning, and less chance of losing their home in the future due to a poor choice in mortgage programs.

John Engel

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.

6611 Jeffereson Street Suite 302

Haymarket Virginia 20169

703 283 2351

17 DONNA CT FRONT ROYAL VA 22630

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NORTHERN VIRGINIA REAL ESTATE

WARRENTON VIRGINIA REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE

FRONT ROYAL VIRGINIA: 17 DONNA CT FRONT ROYAL VA 22630

Advertised Subdivision: SHEN FARMS RIVER VIEW

Presented By: Vicky Chrisner of Keller Williams Realty Leesburg Virginia

Offered At: $225,000

MLS ID# WR7275408

Like new Cedar Chalet in mountainside community near Shen River. Good Rt 50 Commuter location. Great as a weekend home or primary residence. Cedar siding, front & rear decks, full bsmt, cath ceilings, gas fireplace, wood floors, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar and alarm system. This Home Offers Two Bedrooms & Two Baths

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Schedule An Appointment: 703 728 5766

Vicky Chrisner

Keller Williams Realty Leesburg Virginia

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Northern Virginia Real Estate Times

Foreclosures Nationwide vs Foreclosures In Northern Virginia

More often the not when the media releases a story it makes it seem that the story effects the entire nation.  No other industry can relate to this better then the real estate industry.  CNBC announced today that Realty Trac a company that monitors foreclosures throughout the nation released its latest findings this morning.  Read The Press Release.  In their press release they state that US Foreclosure activity decreased by 2% in February. This was based on their number of 308,524 Properties during the month of February.  This is a 6% increase in foreclosures then in February, 2009.  Still it marks the lowest increase in Foreclosures in 4 years.

So what does this really mean for Northern Virginia and the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market? Here is what we think at the Northern Virginia Real Estate Times.   While it is true that many areas throughout the United States are faced with record numbers of Foreclosure properties, Northern Virginia is faced with low inventory levels which include Foreclosures, Short Sales, as well as Traditional Sales.  While we do have foreclosures currently on the market, and more coming on the market now and into the forseeable future, we are currently able to absorb most of the impact caused by foreclosures in any real estate market.

Prince William County for example was one of the hardest hit counties in Northern Virginia when it came to foreclosures.  Today Prince William County still has foreclosures just as every county in Northern Virginia does, however, they to are seeing low levels of housing inventory today.

Dont let what you hear in the media effect your decision when it comes to Listing Your Northern Virginia Home For Sale, or Buying a Home in Northern Virginia.  If  you are considering Buying or Selling A Home in Northern Virginia contact a few Real Estate Agents that know the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market and live in Northern Virginia. This is what they do. Hear what they have to say and then make an educated decision.

Northern Virginia Real Estate Times

Mortgage Apps Increase, Refis Down, Purchases Up 5.7% This Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 10, 2010) — The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) today released its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending March 5, 2010.  The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 0.5 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier.  On an unadjusted basis, the Index increased 1.2 percent compared with the previous week.The Refinance Index decreased 1.5 percent the previous week and the seasonally adjusted Purchase Index increased 5.7 percent from one week earlier.  The unadjusted Purchase Index increased 7.2 percent compared with the previous week and was 10.7 percent lower than the same week one year ago.

The four week moving average for the seasonally adjusted Market Index is up 0.8 percent.  The four week moving average is up 0.7 percent for the seasonally adjusted Purchase Index, while this average is up 1.0 percent for the Refinance Index.

The refinance share of mortgage activity decreased to 67.2 percent of total applications from 69.1 percent the previous week. The refinance share is at its lowest level since it was 66.1 percent in October 2009. The adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share of activity increased to 5.1 percent from 4.8 percent of total applications from the previous week. This is the highest ARM share since November 2009 when it was 5.3 percent.

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to 5.01 percent from 4.95 percent, with points decreasing to 0.82 from 0.99 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent loan-to-value (LTV) ratio loans.

The average contract interest rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to 4.32 percent from 4.27 percent, with points decreasing to 0.88 from 1.36 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans.

The average contract interest rate for one-year ARMs increased to 6.80 percent from 6.77 percent, with points increasing to 0.3 from 0.29 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent LTV loans.

Northern Virginia Real Estate Times

Franklin Park Arts Center

Call for Entries: “Out of the Ordinary” Creative Challenge and Forthcoming Exhibition at Franklin Park Arts Center

(Purcellville, VA) – Regional artists and craftspeople in all media are invited to participate in Out of the Ordinary, a creative challenge exhibition sponsored by Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center in collaboration with WebFabrics of Purcellville.

Out of the Ordinary will feature creative works that use all or part of a “fat quarter” (18 x 22” rectangle of fabric) donated by WebFabrics. Any media is eligible and encouraged. The only condition is that a fat quarter from WebFabrics must be used in the piece. Fabric may be manipulated, shredded, coiled, braided, glued, painted, etc. and any other materials (paper, wire, paper maché, etc.) may be used along with the fat quarter. A cash prize of $300.00 will be awarded for Best in Show and a complete set of fat quarters in 360 colors from the Collection of Hoffman Bali Batiks (an $800.00 value donated by WebFabrics) will be awarded to the Most Innovative Work.

Interested artists and craftspeople may find details and registration information at WebFabrics, online under “Exhibitions” at www.franklinparkartscenter.org or by calling 540-338-7973. The deadline to register for the challenge, pay the $5.00 entry fee and pick up a fat quarter of fabric is May 31, 2010. Challenge pieces may be submitted to Franklin Park Arts Center June 28-30^th.

Out of the Ordinary will be on display in the Gallery at Franklin Park Arts Center from July

5–31, 2010. Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the success of Franklin Park Arts Center

Why You Should List Your Northern Virginia Home For Sale Now

Northern Virginia has survived the Blizzard of 2010.  Spring is quickly approaching and you hear from Real Estate Agents all over Northern Virginia that the time to List your Northern Virginia Home For Sale is now!  But is this true? or are they just trying to drum up business for themselves?

We at the Northern Virginia Real Estate Times agree with local Northern Virginia Real Estate Agents that say the time to List your Northern Virginia Home For Sale is now, and we will give you reasons why we agree with them.

Top 5  Reasons Why You Should List Your Northern Virginia Home For Sale Now:

1) Inventory Levels: Inventory Levels in parts of Northern Virginia and Washington DC are at all time lows.  This means less competition and a better chance that you will get multiple offers and receive the offer that is close to your asking price, provided you have priced your home well to begin with.

2) First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit: The government extended this program through the end of April, 201o.  Whether they extend the deadline or not is anyone’s guess.  Home Buyers who plan to take advantage of the tax credit and haven’t yet will have to move quickly in order to close prior to the deadline.  This gives you the opportunity to get your Northern Virginia Home Sold if you have priced it correctly.

3) Move Up Buyers & The Expanded Tax Credit: The government expanded the Home Buyer Tax Credit to current home owners when they extended the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit.  However, this to is scheduled to expire at the end of April, 2010 as well.  Whether they will extend this program yet again is anyone’s guess, but why take the chance that they might not.

4) Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS): The government is set to discontinue buying Mortgage Backed Securities at the end of March, 2010.  Whether they extend this program again is anyone’s guess.  As long as they continue to buy them chances are they Fed will not raise interest rates although anything is possible. If interest rates rise this could prevent some buyers from being able to qualify and purchase a home.

5) Interest Rates: Interest Rates are at all time lows.  The 30 year Fixed Rate is at 5%.  People have been spoiled with these rates and take them for granted.  Chances are they will begin to rise soon after the government ends their program of buying Mortgage Backed Securities.  If this happens potential Home Buyers who didn’t take advantage of these rates may not qualify and lock themselves out of the market.

The time to List your Northern Virginia Home For Sale is now.  Contact a local Northern Virginia Real Estate Agent today to discuss Listing your Northern Virginia Home For Sale.  Be sure to tell them to advertise your Northern Virginia Home in the Northern Virginia Real Estate Times until it sells.  This will give your Northern Virginia Home the marketing exposure it deserves!

Northern Virginia Real Estate Times

Gina Tufano Remax Select Properties Sterling Virginia

This is our Tenth edition of our “Agent Spotlight” segment.  We would like to introduce Gina Tufano Of Remax Select Properties Sterling Virginia to our 20,000 daily readers as our 10th Northern Virginia Real Estate Agent this year.

Q  How long have you been a Realtor?

As long as I can remember….I was licensed in 1996 and have been working the Northern Virginia market ever since.

Q What designations do you have?

CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert)

SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist)

e-Pro (Certification for Internet Professionalism)

ASP (Accredited Staging Professional)

SFR (Short Sale Foreclosure Resource)

GREEN (Environmental Real Estate Designation)

Q What are your thoughts with regards to the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market now and into 2010?

A The market presents us with many investment opportunities – not quick flips and easy money like during the boom times; but long term appreciation and positive cash flow for investments.  The low interest rates, tax incentives and stable prices lead to a real estate trifecta! We are slowly recovering, although our foundation still needs to be reinforced.

Q What Associations are you with?

NAR (National Association of Realtors)

VAR (Virginia Association of Realtors)

NVAR (Northern Virginia Association of Realtors)

WCR (Women’s Council of Realtors)

REAC (Real Estate Action Council)

Q Do you work with Buyers, Sellers, or Both?

A Just this year I began working with Jennifer Johnson, an exclusive buyer’s agent, so that I can focus more on sellers.  However, I still do both

Q In which states to you hold a Real Estate license?

A Virginia – the Old Dominion state

Q What areas of Northern Virginia do you serve?

A Primarily Loudoun and Fairfax Counties – although I have done quite a bit in Frederick and Prince William as well.

Gina M Tufano

Ask Gina & Company

RE/MAX Select Properties, Inc.

20 Pidgeon Hill Dr #201, Sterling, VA 20165

Visit Our Website

Email Me

703-574-3478

Northern Virginia Real Estate Times

DLS Construction Group

Hi there! Today I would like to talk to you about home inspections. Are you a realtor who needs or is looking for a home inspector?  Well I would like to say that you have found what your looking for. In my opinion a contractor is the best home inspector you could possibly ask for. All perspective home buyers and realtors should look at using Class A Licensed Contractors’ for all their home inspection needs. The reason I say this is because anyone can print a business card that says they are a “home inspector“. There are courses available to become a home inspector, but they are not required to become a licensed contractor. Given the environment of the housing market, are you really sure you can trust who you are dealing with and what you are buying? Maybe you were told the inspector was trained or maybe a home inspector said he/she was trained. Trained to do what exactly? That’s the real question you should be asking? You need to ask this person a few thinks like… have you ever worked in construction, do you know the building codes? What if repairs need to be made, does this person know the “true” costs for those repairs? Well, I think not. Yea sure they may have an idea and blow a bunch of smoke to make it sound good. But if you had a Class A Contractor working on your side, then that person is going to be able to tell you the “true” cost of repairs and possibly give you a verbal estimate to have the repairs completed.  My husband and I recommend that you get at least 3 estimates and choose the one that is right for you, because using a reputable contractor is the safe route to take. A Class A licensed contractor will  know the in’s and outs of a house better than a person who has never held a construction job. Plus you will get the added benefit of looking up their License with the State to verify their license status. Also, in the State of Virginia all licensed Contractors need to have insurance, this should put your mind at ease with the person you are dealing with. We offer Home Inspection services to all our clients. Please give us a call for all your housing needs, whether your looking to sell, and need repairs before you market you home Or  maybe your happy where you are and are looking to remodel or expand your home in some way? All our Estimates are FREE. We are available 7 days a week to meet all your housing needs. Thank you for choosing DLS Construction Group LLC

DLS Construction Group LLC
P.O. box 503
Bristow, VA 20136
(703) 396-8781 - main

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Northern Virginia Real Estate Times

I would like to take a moment to introduce myself.  My name is Stephen Leiby, Editor In Chief Of The Northern Virginia Real Estate Times.  I have been a licensed real estate agent now for just over five years now. I have lived in Northern Virginia now for over 15 years.  Originally from New York City, NY, before I got into Real Estate, I was an Operations Manager for an IT Firm maintaining Airport and Airline Networks throughout the North Eastern portion of the United States.  I have a degree in Business Management, as well as a degree in Computer Science, and Information Technology with an emphasis in Networking & Microcomputer Architecture & Design.

As a Real Estate Agent I incorporated my computer background with my real estate business in order to grow my business.  I have learned what works and doesn’t work as far as using SEO or Search Engine Optimization, SEM or Search Engine Marketing, and Social Media to grow my real estate business.  I have also used traditional marketing such as mailers, home buyer magazines, and traditional newspapers to market both myself and my clients listings.  As a real estate agent you know that it can become quite expensive to market a single home.

For over a year now I have been developing what is now the Northern Virginia Real Estate Times.  In the Four short months that we have been a licensed newspaper with the Virginia State Corporate Commission and in the Town Of Leesburg Virginia I have watched the Northern Virginia Real Estate Times grow in readership to nearly 20,000 readers a day. I have also seen our Fans that follow us on Facebook grow to nearly 900. I am truly excited about this and would like to thank all of our followers and readers alike.

As I transform from real estate agent and focus on just being the Editor In Chief of the Northern Virginia Real Estate Times , My Business will be focused on Building your Business.  I will not stop at just making advertising in the Northern Virginia Real Estate Times the most affordable advertising.  I will continue to work with our advertisers to make it the most effective advertising.

There are many Real Estate Agents, Loan Officers, Staging Companies, Appraisers, Home Builders, Developers, Home Inspectors, and other Home Service Professionals that are great at what they do.  However, they may not be at technically savvy as they need to be in order to generate more business.  With over 85% of Home Buyers searching the internet first to look at homes, and consumers looking for loans and home service and home improvement professionals, not being able to be found on the internet, or use social media tools to build your business can be the difference of whether or not you stay in business.

My goal isn’t just to get you to advertise with us, but rather teach you what I have learned as a real estate agent or Home Service Professional and help you build your business and compete with your competition. That’s why I will be happy to speak at any Realtor Association in Northern Virginia or Brokerage and in layman’s terms explain how to use search engine optimization, social media, and search engine marketing to help you and your business succeed!

Northern Virginia Real Estate Times

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