Tag Archives: homes for sale

Mobile Search Homes For Sale in Virginia

Now you have one more resource for searching the MLS. On my mobile site (SoldSurfer.com), you can find every single home for sale and all upcoming open houses directly from your mobile browser. There are big companies and Brokers who already have different apps and mobile websites but there’s good and bad aspects to each and few are as slick at searches as this one. I was anxious to get it up and running so while it’s fantastic at it’s core function, several enhancements will be coming soon.

The ability to search for homes in the DC Metropolitan area (Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia) is provided by the same state of the art company that provides the search function on my full site. It’s very fast and accurate.

Currently in place in order of importance to you, is the ability to:

  • Search for every listed home, regardless of broker
  • Search for all upcoming open houses (more available as you get closer to the weekend)
  • “Top Picks” which are the preformatted searches already created on my full site (e.g. All Burke Single Family $500K-$600K)
  • “Featured Listings” a detailed list of homes listed by me (by the way, I need more if you know of anyone interested in selling)
  • My contact data and the ability to push a button to call or email me if you have a question or just want to say “Hi!”

The ability to search for homes based on your physical location will be coming soon, so stay tuned! I’m rarely as excited as when I’ve got some great new tool or technology to share with people. This is so useful, I use it myself when I’m out with clients because it’s much faster than logging into the actual MLS to do a price or availability  check on a home we pass by.

Please let me know what you think and any other enhancements you’d like to see integrated into the new mobile site. you can find the site from your mobile phone at SoldSurfer.com or by scanning the QR code below.

Fairfax Station Home Selected as the Washington Post’s “House Of The Week”

I am so very happy that the Washington Post’s Real Estate section decided to use one of my listings as their House of the Week. Here is a link to The Washington Post article. The featured home is in the equestrian community of The English Hills Estate in Fairfax Station, which is in Fairfax County Virginia.

You can directly link to 10901 Henderson Rd as a “Featured Listing” and also see the posted video on YouTube.

I am thrilled to be selected for a several reasons.

  1. First and foremost, my sellers are getting their home seen by a far larger group of people than I could provide by my marketing efforts alone and who doesn’t love free advertising?
  2. It introduces me to that same group of people who, if I’m lucky, will read what other people think about me and hopefully, contact  me themselves for their home buying and selling needs.
  3. Finally, I place a huge amount of importance on driving people to this website for promotion of my clients homes and myself and I do everything I can to optimize my website placement on search engines. This Washington Post honor occurred yesterday and my website traffic has increased by more than 25 times the normal number after only one day.

So, thank you for checking out this grand and unique home in Fairfax Station, Virginia. If you are considering a move to our area, let me know and I will happily set up a private showing for you. While you’re on this site, feel free to search for everything in Fairfax Station or just create your own search from scratch. Registration is never required and the only time you’ll be asked for information is if you want me to know where to send something like Email Alerts which will automatically email new listings to you every day.

New Home Purchase in Northern Virginia

There’s nothing quite like a new home. You’ll be the very first person who’s ever lived there and you’ll know everything about the home since the day it was built. If you buy it before construction begins you’ll even know what it looks like under the drywall and you may have some input into it’s design. About half of my business is new home buyers and I’m often asked similar questions so thought I’d share them here.

  1. Are new home prices negotiable?
  2. Are there any incentives offered?
  3. Should I have a buyers agent on a new home too?
  4. Why do I need a buyers agent?
  5. Isn’t the new home sales rep an agent?
  6. If the builder isn’t paying a REALTOR, what happens to that money?
  7. What are the steps involved in a new home purchase?

1. Are new home prices negotiable or are they firm?

It depends on a variety of things. Once we get into the process and I can start asking some questions, I can help determine builder flexibility. I will say that generally, “spec homes” or homes that are already built on the speculation that a buyer will need a house quickly, are more negotiable than a house that needs to be built in today’s market. The builder usually puts in popular options and has a set price but they will entertain offers that are less than full price. “To be built” homes are negotiable with some builders and are completely set in stone with others.

2. Do builders offer any other incentives?

Usually there are incentives. They will offer either free upgrades or money you can use towards upgrades or closing cost help and they’ll usually offer another cash incentive to use their lender.

3. Can I work with a buyers agent on a new home too?

Not only can you work with a buyers agent, you’d be foolish not to. Especially an agent with new home sales experience. If we’ve written offers for other buyers in the same development that you’re interested in, we can even provide information about what the builder may accept. We also have unique insight into other aspects of the process.

4. Why do I need a buyers agent?

A buyers agent works in your best interests to get the best price and terms available for you. We’re also able to share with you both our experiences and the experiences of numerous buyers who’ve recently purchased new homes. Most people buy a new home once in a great while, we help people buy new homes several times each month. We know what the sales rep will say and can point out what he/she skims past or omits. Our service is invaluable.

5. Isn’t the new home sales rep an agent?

New home sales reps are not at all like real estate agents. They are more like new car salespeople. They have inventory and are selling a product. Career real estate agents have a skill set and what we sell is our expertise. We won’t sell you something if you’re not ready or if you change your mind. We’ll wait and keep in touch until you do need our knowledge and our expertise.

6. If the builder isn’t paying a REALTOR, can I have that money?

Reputable builders would never shoot themselves in the foot by trying to undercut a professional real estate agent. A vast majority of new home sales occur as a direct result of REALTORS. Builders are happy to spend money either on a commission for a real estate agent or on advertising. If someone comes in and asks to save money because they don’t have a REALTOR the builder will not only say no but they’ll probably negotiate less knowing they are working with someone who is not experienced. A real estate agents commission is a normal cost of doing business and the beneficiary is you!

7. What are the steps involved in a new home purchase?

  • I can’t express the importance of this enough, ALWAYS visit the new home site WITH your real estate agent… especially the first time you go. If you don’t, they may still let you have your agent but sometimes, you may not get to enjoy the benefit of having a buyers agent at all. The builders want us there initially so agency is understood (who represents whom).
  • Make an offer. This is usually done informally before paperwork is drawn up. We’ll lay out our what we want and we’ll be told, “well, I’ll bring it to the boss and see what they say” or “the builder never says no, they’ll say yes or counter with something that works for them” you get the idea. This is also the point at which you should start the loan process if you’ve decided to use the builders mortgage company. If you’ve decided to use your own lender, you should have already started the process before making an offer. Speaking with a lender is critical. You won’t know what to offer or how much cash you’ll need to close without doing this.
  • Write the offer. This is after you’ve come to an agreement verbally. A verbal agreement isn’t worth the paper it isn’t written on so you’ll want to make sure everything is signed. You’ll also have to put an earnest money deposit down which goes towards your down payment or closing costs.
  • Finish getting your loan if it’s not already finalized. Inspections. Depending on what stage of construction the home is in, you can opt to do a pre-drywall inspection. At a later point you’ll do another home inspection. You’ll have a final walk-through to see if anything still needs to be fixed and then you’ll go to settlement.

If you’re considering purchasing new construction, contact me. I’ll get a real estate agents version of the new home guide to you and we can start planning!

Burke, Virginia Town Homes For Sale

This post contains a live data link and will always display a current and accurate list of town homes for sale in Burke, Virginia! If you’re looking for all town homes, actively for sale (and some pending) in Burke, Virginia;  just click here.

Of these Burke homes, many have been reduced in price. Most are less than 90 days on the market but there are some at 200+. Homes shown are being sold by homeowners or banks as foreclosures. Some shown are offered for sale as short sales as well.

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Specify town homes in West Springfield, condos in Alexandria or single family homes in Clifton. You can set yourself up to receive any information in the entire Washington DC Metropolitan area. Define your choices to customize the updates you’ll receive and enjoy.

10901 Henderson Rd Fairfax Station, VA 22039

Custom Colonial with a Mediterranean flair and Contemporary styling

If you’ve been around the Fairfax Station area, you may recognize this unique home. From a distance, you can see the Spanish tiled roof line when passing by The English Hills Estate subdivision. It’s quietly set back off of and away from Henderson Rd with a long, clear view in either direction. Henderson Road is a Fairfax County scenic byway. Located between Fountainhead Regional Park and the Occoquan Reservoir, as well as Burke Lake Park which are only minutes away, this home is convenient for commuters and close to fun for the adventurer in you.

Located on 5.93 pastoral acres in Fairfax Station, this home boasts over 5,450 square feet of living space and is reminiscent of an Italian countryside villa that makes you feel many miles away from the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia. With 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 Baths, this exceptional residence affords plenty of room for living both inside and out and is graced by an abundance of striking design features that truly put it in a class by itself. Solid brick construction, clay-tiled roof, 4 fireplaces and professional landscaping are just some of the highlights that make this home so unique and unforgettable.

In addition to a two car garage, there’s extra portico space for more parking as well as a huge parking pad and circular driveway. Brand new windows, soaring ceilings, and updates throughout demonstrate that no detail has been overlooked here, while a shimmering pool and idyllic stone patio provide for a private entertaining oasis.

Ceramic tile flooring and a 2-story foyer usher you into this light-filled home with a dramatic spiraling staircase. To the right is a large, beautifully appointed office with gorgeous built-in shelving and arched windows. To the left, you’ll find the formal living room
accented by rich hardwood floors, arched windows, crisp crown molding, and an elegant gas fireplace. A pass-through
introduces a magnificent dining room boasting a towering ceiling and two-story arched Palladian windows with views of the back patio and sparkling in-ground pool.

The open gourmet kitchen is a chef’s delight with its antique white cabinetry, gleaming granite countertops, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, and expansive center island/breakfast bar. A distinctive brick arch, ceramic tile backsplash, and tiled flooring add an extra degree of style. The spacious, adjoining family room features a stone gas fireplace as the focal point of the room.

An elegant spiraling staircase ascends to a gorgeous open landing and then on to the grand master suite with a romantic gas fireplace and French doors overlooking the dining room, and views of the backyard and pool. Unwind after a long day in the sumptuous master bath with ceramic tile flooring, a luxurious 2-person tub, dual-sink granite vanities, and an invisible glass shower. An en suite plus three additional bright and cheerful bedrooms (including one with a tiled sitting room) share a hall bath.

It’s all fun and games on the walk-up lower level that includes a cozy family room with brick fireplace and an exotic granite wet bar all accented by plush wall-to-wall carpeting and recessed lighting. A spacious bedroom and adjoining bath makes for perfect private guest accommodations or can be used to suit the needs of your lifestyle.

This home sits amidst the Equestrian community on one of the loveliest scenic roads in the area and is only a stone’s throw away from miles of private horse trails, major commuter routes, shopping and numerous dining options. If you’re looking for an exceptional property built with grand style, warmth, and ultimate quality then you have found it. Welcome home!

 

Video will be coming over the next week or two, so please check back! There’s more information here … or feel free to contact me!




Cherrywood Square in Oakton, Virginia

Almost 2,500 square foot, three level town home has just been listed in Oakton, Virginia’s Cherrywood Square subdivision. The entire home is in excellent condition and kept that way but a very thoughtful owner but if I had to point to the stand out features, they would be the new kitchen and bathrooms.

The home is an end-unit and has a deck which overlooks the fenced backyard. The kitchen is open to the dining and family rooms. The lower level has the wood burning fireplace and wet bar. There’s lots of storage and the owner is allowing to convey the heavy duty  storage shelving.

 

 

The full listing and many more pictures can be viewed by clicking Featured Listings from the menu or the MLS’s version by clicking the Featured Listings widget on the right side of the Home page. The address is 2999 Borge Street in Oakton, Virginia 22124. If you drive by to see the neighborhood, there will soon be flyers in an outside box. The Flyer will also be a .pdf download from the first Featured Listings link shortly.

Convenient to 66, 50, 495 and Tysons Corner. Tucked away but centrally located.

Waterfront Home – Wessynton on Cunningham Dr in Alexandria, VA

This beautiful home has had a HUGE price reduction! It’s now priced at $998,000 which is well below market value. The owners of this contemporary home have had it completely remodeled. They knocked down some walls to open up the kitchen to the living room. The kitchen and bathrooms have been completely redone, they’ve re-configure other areas of the house to enhance the flow. The entire backside of the home has fantastic floor to ceiling windows that let in sunlight and views of the canal. Little Hunting Creek is where the owners keep their boat tied to the dock.

Open patio, separate deck, new roof, tank-less hot water heater, reverse osmosis water filter, patio, bathrooms & kitchen. Zoned sprinkler uses water from canal.

When you see this home, you will be blown away by the custom work and attention to detail. It feels very much like “home”. It’s located in the Wessynton subdivision of Alexandria. It’s secluded on a private cul de sac on the waterfront side of the street. Cunningham Drive in Wessynton is literally seconds/minutes away from George Washington’s Mt.Vernon Estate and Gardens! By car, it’s only minutes to  DC, Old Town, National Airport, Ft Belvoir, 95, 395, 495, the Fairfax County Parkway and the GW Parkway or just travel by water up and down Marylands Potomac  River (but not by car)!

The full listing and many more pictures can be viewed by clicking Featured Listings from the menu or the MLS’s version by clicking the Featured Listings widget on the right side of the Home page. The address is 3010 Cunningham Dr in Alexandria, Virginia 22309. If you drive by to see the neighborhood, there are flyers in an outside box. The Flyer is also a .pdf download from the first Featured Listings link.



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Northern Virginia and Maryland MLS – Automatic Email Updates

Prospective home buyers search for their next Northern Virginia or Maryland home online through a variety of web sites. Most are not current and they get their data updated every couple of days. Some have inaccurate data from months ago. You can be assured that most agents with an “IDX” service have up to the minute, MLS accuracy. Initially you’ll search for homes in the area and price range that interests you. If you don’t see anything, you’ll want to keep looking every day until the “right one” pops on the market. One way to do this is to start your fresh search every day, while another is to sign up to receive new homes as they are listed via email.

The primary job of real estate web sites is to connect with you. Some sites try to “collect” you and “sell” you back to a REALTOR for a fee. Some of those sites and even some REALTOR sites have a mandatory sign up before you can look at listings or ask you to sign up after you’ve seen a couple of “teaser” listings. These days, in my opinion, it doesn’t make sense to force anyone to sign up to see information or most people just go somewhere else. The only type of sign-up on this site is completely voluntary. If you want new listings “pushed” to your inbox automatically, you would have to provide an email for me to send them to.

On this site you may search Northern Virginia and Maryland MLS freely and without signing up unless you want to enable the email auto-updates. It’s my hope that you’ll find this site to be a valuable tool and when you decide to include a buyer agent in your home purchase process, you’ll think of me! I am the only person who will see your information and I will never share it with others. I don’t like spam either!

If you would like to enable the email auto-updates, click property search from the menu bar or just   Click Here!