Tam’s Tuesday Tip – What Makes You Click

Please join me in helping my future sellers.  Will you tell me, “What Makes You Click?” when you’re looking at Alexandria VA homes for sale online?  Inquiring sellers really want to know.  Watch my quick video below and comment here or on my Facebook page.

The first 10 comments, names will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to the Cheesecake Factory.

                               

Alexandria VA Real Estate – Are There Any Black Friday Deals?

Undoubtedly 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?

I’m working with a couple of buyers right now who would say so.  Scenario #1: My buyer found a ’steal of a deal’ on a 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 a 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?  Here are the newest foreclosures that have hit the market in Alexandria, are you ready to go house shopping yet?

 

Bucknell Manor Duplexes and Homes For Sale

Just Listed in Bucknell Manor – The four level duplexes are rarely available, so Alexandria VA listing agent Tamara Inzunza is ecstatic about the debut of this pristine renovation.  This home has been redone in preparation for today’s buyer.  Starting with the living space, this home includes three bedrooms and three full baths.

The fourth level (some may call it a loft) is dedicated to the master suite. There is a sitting room, closet, bedroom, and a full bath.  The bathroom includes new flooring, light fixtures, ceramic tile surround in the shower, toilet, and cabinet sink.  There is also new berber carpet in the master bedroom, but don’t worry, the original hardwood floors are in place underneath.

On the third level, there are two bedrooms with shining hardwood floors, new windows, and closet doors.  The full bath is in the hallway and this provides the perfect fit for a roommate situation.

The main level includes a beautiful kitchen with stainless steel appliances and oversized island.  The appliances include a built-in microwave/convection oven, gas stovetop, dishwasher, and refrigerator with icemaker.  The kitchen provides for added countertop space and storage.

The abundance of space continues to the lower level with a recreation room, full bath, and utility room with front loading washer and dryer.  The basement is walkup level, and the backyard is fenced.  Off the kitchen is a door to the back that will lead you onto the elevated deck.

This home is ideal for buyers who have pets and need yard space, but also for those who may have been considering comparable Alexandria VA condos for sale.  With this duplex, there is no monthly association fee!  Without this added monthly expense, you will increase your buying power.

See Also: All Bucknell Manor Homes For Sale

See Also: Sell My Bucknell Manor Home

Other homes I’ve recently sold in Bucknell Manor:

• 6509 Cavalier Drive (Detached home)
• 6933 Westhampton Drive (Duplex)

Alexandria VA Short Sales – Gone and Back Again |
Midtown Alexandria Condo Reduced Price

 One buyer’s cold feet means one more opportunity to purchase an Alexandria VA short sale.  My listing at Midtown Alexandria Station Condos, Unit 412 was off the market, but now it’s back on needs a buyer.  That means you have another chance to own this one bedroom + den home with a covered garage parking space. It’s move in ready, and building amenities include:

• 24-hour concierge
• internet cafe with complimentary coffee and tea
• one bedroom guest suite that can be rented
• fitness center
• massage room
• outdoor pool
• outdoor kitchen area with grill
• secure building

Here is a photo tour of the amenities of Midtown Alexandria Station condos:

 

Whether you’re commuting to work, or are out and about checking out the cool things to do, wouldn’t it be nice to leave your car parked in the garage and walk across the street to the Huntington metro? Enjoy dinner and a movie just one stop away at the AMC Theature and restaurants at Eisehower Avenue metro, or visit the historic sites in Old Town Alexandria just two stops away at the King Street metro.  Call me at 703-623-8759 to take a look at this lovely unit today.

If you are an Alexandria VA homeowner and you are facing a financial hardship, please contact me to discuss your options to avoid foreclosure.  As a short sale specialist, I can help you determine what’s your best course of action.

Del Ray Real Estate Market Report Alexandria VA -
September 2011

How many homes sold in the Del Ray area during the month of September 2011? Remember that the Del Ray area covers zip codes 22301 and 22305.  So let’s start with the zip code of 22301.  Take a look at the interactive chart below and use your mouse to roll over the different points.  In September 2011, there were 13 homes that sold in the Del Ray zip code of 22301, this was down from 17 homes that sold, both in the months of July and August.

In the zip code of 22305, sales were up two units from 10 in August, to 12 in September.

How did the two zip codes compare when it comes to the median sales price? In the Del Ray zip code of 22301, the median sales price increased from $525,000 in August 2011 to $680,000 in September.  In the Del Ray zip code of 22305, the median sales price also increased from $388,500 in August 2011 to $542,500 in September 2011.  Some home sellers in Del Ray saw a decrease in the average days on market.  In 22305, the time it took to sell a home in Del Ray went from 48 days in August 2011, down to 41 days in September. However, in 22301, homes stayed on the market longer, going from 47 in August 2011, to a whopping 98 days in September.

If you are thinking about selling your home in Del Ray, please call me at 703-623-8759.  If you’re thinking about buying a home in Del Ray, here are the newest listings to hit the market:

Alexandria VA Bank Owned Homes and Foreclosures

Alexandria VA real estate consists of traditional equity sales, and distressed sales such as bank owned (or REO) homes, pre-foreclosure sales, and short sales.  As an Alexandria VA short sale listing agent, I am very familiar with how foreclosures and short sales work.  Distressed sales in Alexandria VA peaked in March 2011 with the 39 total sales (21 short sales and 18 bank owned properties).  As of June 2011, the number of distressed sales in Alexandria VA (City) was down to 23 (14 short sales and 9 bank owned properties). To see specifics on Alexandria VA foreclosures and short sales by month, scroll or mouse over the points in the interactive chart below.

If you want to know how to buy a foreclosure in Alexandria VA, then you’re in the right place.  As a buyer agent, I help by facilitating your mortgage approval with a local lender, helping you get specific and listening to your search criteria, showing you available Alexandria VA foreclosure homes for sale, and negotiating your purchase contract.  Because many buyers are looking for a home at a steep discount, you’ll likely be competiting against other buyer and cash investors.

Just like Alexandria VA foreclosures, short sales are also a target for homebuyers looking for a bargain.   With short sales, the homeowner is selling the property at a loss, so the bank will want to sell the home as close to market value as possible.  You’ll have the benefit of my experience as a short sale listing agent on your side.  I’ll provide you with insight on what banks expect from buyers when it comes to the purchase offer.

To receive listings of Alexandria VA foreclosures and short sales directly to your inbox, please click here.

 

 

Alexandria VA $7500 First-Time Buyer Grant Program
Available After Tax Credit Expires

There’s a new grant program that allows Alexandria VA homebuyers to earn up to $7500 toward down payment and closing costs for the purchase of a new home.  Cindy Small of Union Mortgage Group shares some information about the $7500 First-Time Buyer Grant Program.

We’ve prepared a financing scenario to show you how the $7500 grant money can be used on the purchase of a home with a list price of $272,500.  My listing at 6933 Westhampton Drive in Alexandria can be purchased for a monthly payment of less than $2000.  Click here for the mortgage payment breakdown and financing details.

This program can be used for all Alexandria VA home types including condos, townhomes, and single-family detached homes for sale as long as you qualify.

For more information call me at 703-623-8759 and let’s see if you can benefit from this program.

Past Client Gifts Settlement Guide For Alexandria VA Homebuyers

Auburn Village Real Estate And Condos For Sale In Alexandria VA – 13A Auburn Court

Del Ray real estate and condos for sale in Alexandria, VA.  Another beautiful move-in ready ground floor unit in Auburn Village just listed for $190,000 at 13A Auburn Court. The sought after location with the rear patio off the kitchen.

Gleaming hardwood floors, and lots of sunshine will greet you as you walk into this home.  The kitchen has ceramic tile flooring, white cabinet and countertops, and a bar.

The oversized living room has space for your dining and the windows open up to the meticulously maintained courtyard grounds.  The bathroom also has ceramic tile flooring and shower surround.  The master bedroom faces rear and also welcomes an abundance of natural light. 

Enjoy the convenience of the Del Ray location, including being walking distance to the shops on Mount Vernon Avenue, the Potomac Yard shopping center with Target, Best Buy, movie theatre, grocery, and restaurants.  The home is less than 10 minutes to Washington DC, and Washington’s Reagan National Airport.  The low monthly condo fee of $187 includes water, exterior maintenance, and common grounds.

Helpful Links – Auburn Village Photo Tour

Auburn Village Condos For Sale

Del Ray Condos For Sale

Old Town Alexandria Condos For Sale

Alexandria VA Short Sales – Olde Mill Condos at Fort Belvoir

Alexandria Va Short Sales – 8608 Shadwell Drive, #47, Alexandria VA 22309. Great opportunity for a first-time buyer or investor to own this 2BR/2BA top floor condo just a stone’s throw to Fort Belvior. Private views from the rear balcony, wood-burning fireplace, master bedroom with private full bath and walk-in closet, washer/dryer, and assigned parking space.  There’s also plenty of visitor parking spaces.

Great location for military, around the corner from Fort Belvoir, and close to GW Parkway. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and dining nearby along the Route 1 Corridor, or 15 minutes to Kingstowne via Fairfax County Parkway.

This home is a short sale and requires third party approval.