Tag Archives: personal

Most Expensive Home Sale in South Run

 

I’m very excited to have sold a home in South Run in a very short amount of time. I wish I could take all the credit by pointing out my mad skills as a real estate agent and aggressive marketing but the sellers share in the success. They insisted on a higher price than I would have liked but they did have an exceptionally fine home to sell. Despite the opinion of real estate agents in general, we do not KNOW for sure what’s going to happen. Market knowledge and past experience guide us but there is no absolute certainty. One of my weaknesses and strengths is trusting my clients. Not the wild “I want to win the lottery” dream price but when they are well thought out have a rationale, I’m fine sharing my opinion but still shooting for their goal.

We listed the home for $62,000 higher than any other recent comparable sold home and got a full price offer within two days of actually listing the house for sale. We did have a couple of weeks to pre-market the home online, get professional photographs taken and a video completed, which can be seen here.

If you live in South Run you should know that now there’s such a great comp and more coming, that your home may be worth more. I think this sale is the highest price home sale in the South Run subdivision in the last six or seven years! Since this home went under contract, even the conservative agents who normally work in South Run have started listing homes much higher than they have in the past. One at just under $900K and another at $914K (and some change). The market has been booming for the last year or so and it’s fantastic to see it in the price range I seem to find myself in these days!

Market Snapshot

Address Status ListPrice ClosePrice CloseDate SellerSubsidy
SOUTH PARK CIR ACTIVE 675000
LAKETREE CT ACTIVE 897448
SOUTH VALLEY DR ACTIVE 775000
LAKETREE DR CNTG/NO KO 914950
REACH DR CONTRACT 699950 7/17/2012
SOUTH VIEW CT CONTRACT 834800 6/27/2012
SOUTH PARK CIR CONTRACT 784950 6/22/2012
LAKETREE DR SOLD 937500 937500 6/21/2012 0
PARK POINT CT SOLD 675000 640000 6/1/2012 0
SOUTH REACH DR SOLD 849900 824000 6/1/2012 3000
WILDERNESS WAY SOLD 805000 781000 5/15/2012 0
SHADY SLOPE CT SOLD 874950 875000 5/14/2012 0
RUSTLE RIDGE CT SOLD 795000 795000 5/11/2012 1600
ROLLING RIDGE DR SOLD 849950 820000 5/4/2012 0
ROCKY RAVINE DR SOLD 824950 795000 5/1/2012 0
VALLEY DR S SOLD 849900 840000 4/30/2012 0
LAKETREE DR SOLD 879950 862500 4/27/2012 500

 

South Run is in a very popular subdivision in Fairfax Station.  South Run residents have easy access to the trails surrounding Burke Lake. The Schools are Sangster Elementary and Lake Braddock Secondary School. If you’d like to see what else is available in Fairfax Station, click the following link: http://blog.fairfaxcountyvirginiahomes.com/fairfax-station-real-estate/ If you need a real estate agent to list your Fairfax County home or need a buyers agent for your next purchase, please consider me. I would value and honor your trust!

 

 

Information Possibly Overlooked By Home Buyers

(a.k.a. stating the obvious)

YES, I work there too!
I just got an email from buyers who have decided to look in a different area than the one they instructed me to help them with. They went on to say that they’ve initiated a relationship with a different agent. Because they didn’t share this new direction with me, I had no idea they decided to look in Woodbridge. They mistakenly thought that I only worked in Burke and in order to look in Woodbridge, they would need a Woodbridge agent. I work in Woodbridge!!!  Woodbridge is only 10 minutes away after all! This is one of the reasons being a real estate agent can be such a difficult profession. It’s hard to earn a living when you work free of charge. We don’t earn one penny until we go to settlement after helping you purchase or sell your home.

Consumers can be educated but may also be overwhelmed. I once heard a story about an agent losing a listing to a 2′nd agent, when asked why they decided to hire the 2′nd agent, the seller said “The agent told me he would put it in the MLS” … Every single real estate agent puts their listings in the MLS but the losing agent didn’t say that specifically and it changed the outcome.

Drawing from one of my recent transactions, here is an example of a good experience. I listed a home in Alexandria and gave a little bit of a break on the commission with the understanding that they would let me help them buy a home just over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Maryland. During the listing period and subsequent sale, they had a change of heart and decided to buy in Charlottesville, Virginia. I had never been there and would’ve been hard pressed to find it on a map but these folks knew the deal and trusted me to help them find a home. We went on a couple of house hunting trips (a two hour drive from Burke) before we found the perfect home. I quickly learned about the house and neighborhood and we were able to negotiate an excellent deal. These clients have allowed me to help them sell two homes and buy two others in Virginia. They honor me with their trust and loyalty and I value them greatly.

With computers and GPS, the days of the “neighborhood specialist” who only works in one subdivision are a thing of the past. I’ve helped people buy and sell homes all over Northern Virginia and Maryland. These days, most of my business is in Fairfax County, Arlington and Alexandria but I’ve sold homes in Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Purcellville, Leesburg, Poolesville, Crofton, Annapolis, Columbia, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Mt Airy… everywhere! Once we find a house of interest, that’s when I become highly knowledgeable about that specific house and neighborhood and truly become, “The Neighborhood Specialist”. If I can drive there and access information through the use of technology, I happily work there!

Below are screenshots of many of my listings and sales. Pictured first is most of Northern Virginia

Next, just a couple more that didn’t fit on the above screenshot

and finally, where I started so many years ago with Shannon and Luchs in Maryland and I still list and sell several each year.

RE/MAX Marketplace Facts

I’m a big “the agent is the most important factor” kind of guy but these facts are impressive…

  • RE/MAX Allegiance is the World’s Number One Selling RE/MAX Company
  • RE/MAX Associates average more sales than other real estate agents.
  • RE/MAX Associates have more real estate sales experience than other real estate agents.
  • RE/MAX has the most productive sales force in real estate.
  • Billions of dollars have been spent promoting the RE/MAX brand and agents.
  • RE/MAX is the most recognized name in real estate.
  • No name in real estate is better known than RE/MAX.
  • RE/MAX dominated national TV advertising in 2011, reaching more viewers than all other real estate brands combined.
  • RE/MAX dominates national real estate TV advertising.
  • When consumers find real estate online, “remax” is the most used search term among real estate brokerages.
  • remax.com is the most visited real estate franchise Web site.
  • RE/MAX is in more countries than any other real estate brand.
  • RE/MAX agents make up less than 2 percent of real estate agents, but account for more than 12 percent of all agents’ sales.
  • RE/MAX offers support and services not available at other real estate companies.
  • RE/MAX leads the industry in professional designations.
  • RE/MAX has helped millions of families buy or sell a home.
  • Each year, RE/MAX agents help hundreds of thousands of families buy or sell a home.

To the above list I would add:

  • RE/MAX Allegiance is the largest RE/MAX franchise on the planet.
  • and Roy Kohn is the best real estate agent on the planet – (OK… I made the stuff up about me but I am an excellent REALTOR)

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.

My New Real Estate Assistant

After nursing my iPhone along for 3 years (including a screen replacement) I’ve finally upgraded  to the market leading, Android phone. I must say, after almost 10 years of Windows devices, the iPhone was by far, the best phone I ever owned but… I’m one to long for more. Since I’m stuck with AT&T (unlimited data plan) I was considering the Infuse but as soon as they started selling it, I heard about the upcoming Galaxy S2 which was supposed to be released May of 2011. After a couple of let downs and many months later, it finally hit the stores October 2′nd.

My initial impressions? I think this is now the best phone I’ve ever had! Excellent user interface and great online functionality. I can access our MLS easily and can access all of my files with Dropbox. I can create, view and edit documents with QuickOffice. I can access, create and edit blog and social media posts. It has a fantastic camera and I’ll be “filming” my next neighborhood or home video tour with it

If I have something to complain about it would be the battery. The iPhone holds a charge longer and is much quicker to recharge. The Galaxy S2 has to be “tweaked” to extend battery life and if empty takes 3-4 hours to fully recharge.

I’m enjoying my new real estate “assistant” to help me with my marketing and home sales. I am very pleased to be living in this time and I fully embrace all the changes that technology brings.

 

 

Real Estate Agent Gadgets and Technology

Note… Despite what you are about to read, I don’t think of myself as a HUGE computer geek and I hope you won’t either. I like the outside and exercise and all of that :) This is a very general overview but I’m happy to go into specifics one on one or in a future post (if requested).

Real estate agents and technology are a perfect pairing. With an MLS that spans the entire DC Metro area and GPS, it’s much easier to be a neighborhood “expert” anywhere we feel like going (provided we’re licensed in the state). The graphic to your right shows the places I’ve sold homes in. The red star is where I live and the blue stars are my farthest sales. So for me, a one and a half hour drive in any direction is comfortable. (UPDATE: I just sold a home in Charlottesville which is off the shown map to the Southwest)
Next to the Multiple Listing Service, the technology real estate agents employ varies agent by agent. I’ll list my most often used technologies and gadgets and some similar alternatives. They aren’t REALTOR specific so you may find them useful too!
Phone/PDA/Tablet: About 12 years ago, I started with a Philips Nino which was a Windows based handheld PDA, which means I was an early adopter. Since then, I’ve owned the Cassiopeia E105 and E115, A Dell Axim and an HTC Tilt. All were problematic. The best PDA/Phone I’ve ever owned is the iPhone I use now but it’s 3 years old and on it’s last leg. Being a big kid, I always want to have the next big thing so I’m taking a chance with the Samsung Galaxy S II when it finally gets released on September 18′th after what seems like forever. The entire world has this phone except for the USA.
I own and use the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 which has all but replaced my laptop. I really like it but the battery doesn’t last as long as the iPads. It also doesn’t have as many tablet specific apps but that should change soon since Android is working towards taking the dominant position away from Apple as they have with mobile phones. However, for someone new to the tablet form factor, I don’t think you could do better than Apples iPad.
CMS (Contact Management System) or CRM (Customer Relationship Manager): I’ve tried dozens. In the end, I use Highrise at http://37signals.com/ Close runners up: http://www.oprius.com/ and http://www.pipelinedeals.com/ TopProducer is the number one REALTOR specific program but tiny compared to what most people prefer. (All my opinion… don’t get mad at me)
Note taking: I use apps as a “catch all” for getting things done. They either get done or transition to my Highrise tasks. I use http://evernote.com/ which is always in sync. It doesn’t matter if I’m using a laptop, a smartphone or a tablet, everything is available. I’m using Evernote to draft this blog post. Once completed, I’ll copy and paste into http://www.notetab.com/ to strip any formatting and then copy and paste into my WordPress blog. Close runner up: http://springpadit.com
Document Sharing: Even though I’m a Google fan and I should like http://box.net/ , I like https://www.dropbox.com/ which lets me drag and drop files into a normal looking folder and it’s synchronized on the web and with all devices. I keep all documents there for active clients until the deal closes so that I can access them instantly from anywhere.
Sharing information with clients: Evernote, Springpad and Dropbox allow you to share share things with specific people but I tend to use Backpack from http://37signals.com/ . The information I share are things like a Pre-Settlement Checklist, A list of Utility Companies for the move or a list of client specific files/documents.
DocuSign: Is a great way to get things singed and initialed when buyers or sellers are out of town.
Photography: I always have professional photographs taken for new listings. Those photos go on the MLS, my web site, Flickr and either youtube, Vimeo or Animoto (all great products).
Website: I’ve designed websites in the past and they did well on search engines but troubleshooting website problems doesn’t pay my mortgage so… My Website is a Dakno site. on my site are two WordPress blogs that look just like my primary site. I have a blog and a photo blog.
Mobile website: Coming within weeks! People access websites with their mobile device 4 times more than at a desktop so I have to offer that experience for todays homebuyer/homeseller. Property specific QR codes for yard signs so people can scan and view a property slideshow based on their location is critical. Giving people the opportunity to search for homes as they drive around neighborhoods is the best way to meet their needs.
Social media: I have both personal and business Facebook accounts, LinkedIn, Twitter and Google Plus. I secretly hope Facebook goes the way of MySpace. I LOVE Google Plus! Between Google Plus and Twitter, I’m a happy camper :)
I am always looking for the next best thing. I do waste some time trying things that don’t work out but I am always increasing my base of knowledge and I’m more satisfied with my ultimate choices because of that time spent. My father always said that one way to make good decisions is to first make bad ones (he wasn’t referring to technology). I think the greatest thing to ever happen to my business with regards to technology is Web 2.0 which eliminates the need for software. Now let’s get working on Transporters and laser guns!

Cottontail Pool in West Springfield’s Orange Hunt Estates

Cottontail Swim and Racquet Club is a member-owned pool and tennis court facility serving communities in and around West Springfield and Burke. Surrounded by Fairfax County parkland and the homes of Orange Hunt Estates, the pool is nestled on 3 wooded acres. Families from the Sangster, Orange Hunt, Cherry Run, and Hunt Valley school districts can be found at Cottontail.

There are lots of fantastic community pools but I only belong to one. Last night we spent some time at a “Raft Night” and I started thinking how nice we have it at Cottontail.

Thanks to a handful of people on the social commity, we enjoy many events not only during the pool season but also throughout the year. Some events include:

  • Annual Pig Roast: This years roast had live music!
  • Memorial Day Picnic
  • Thursday Night Raft Parties: last night’s had a food truck from Austin Grill in Springfield
  • TGIF’s
  • Cottontailgate:  On any given weekend, at the pool parking lot we tailgate and watch either College or Pro Football
  • Annual Chili CookOff:  Usually held Mid-October
  • Halloween Trunk or Treat: Held at the pool parking which gives the kids an opportunity to show off their costumes and reap in more candy in a safe environment. Awards for the Best Jack O’ Lantern and Costume
  • Adult only steak dinners
  • Water Shooter Night
  • Open Grill Nights

My family and I enjoy Cottontail pool and we have been and will be, members for years. Discover our pool or one near your home, it’s a wonderful opportunity for friendship and memories.

Google Plus versus Facebook in Real Estate

I always sign up as early as I can to participate in the new online offerings that I think may be helpful or “cool” for personal and/or real estate use to promote business and self.

I am very excited about the new Google Plus site. I signed up early to receive an invitation but finally ended up getting one through a link from a facebook friend… (ironic).

Google Plus has a beautiful user interface. I read that a former Macintosh designer was given free reign in the design and he/she did a fantastic job. There are also additional or easier ways to interface with people in your circles (friends).

The only difficulty I’ve had and it’s my own fault, is not fully understanding the Google contacts. I’ve always used other contact management systems where one contact may have 3 email addresses. Google shows three different contacts for the same person, each with a different email address. I’m certain that once I use it for awhile and learn a little, that will cease to be obscure.

Google seems to have a great batting average. Occasionally things don’t succeed (Google Buzz) while most things climb quickly, like smartphones. Google sells more Android phones than Apple sells iPhones. Could Facebook become the next MySpace while Google rises to the top?

If you want to find me on Google Plus, simply visit gplus.to/roykohn

Springfield Virginia’s RE/MAX Award Luncheon

Tuesday April 5′th, 2011 I attended an awards luncheon in Springfield, VA in Fairfax County and received an award from Charlie Bengel, Jr., CEO of RE/MAX Allegiance. In 2010, I earned enough income to be in RE/MAX’s 100% Club. I just missed the Platinum Club by a couple of sales so… if you know anyone thinking about buying or selling a home in 2011…

RE/MAX has 5 club levels.

  • Executive Club
  • 100% Club
  • Platinum Club
  • Chairman’s Club
  • Diamond Club

For 2011… Platinum Club is the goal! Diamond Club would be fantastic but I just switched from my old Broker to RE/MAX two years ago. I’m happy to climb the ladder. For my partial year in 2009 I earned the Executive Club, for my full year in 2010 I earned the 100% Club and for 2011 I’d like to earn the Platinum Club award.

I’m not thrilled with my picture but I’m happy with the award :)    Thank you Mr. Bengel and RE/MAX Allegiance!

April 5′th also has another important meaning to me. My wonderful wife Stephanie’s birthday is April 5′th! She was working so I felt fine going to the award luncheon.

 

West Springfield Virginia Real Estate Web Site

Throughout the years I’ve had several web sites. My last site, http://www.westspringfieldvirginiahomes.com/ ranked well on search engines quickly because the url and content was very focused but I was always torn. Much of my business is in the West Springfield, Burke and Fairfax Station area but I comfortably list and sell homes and help people as a buyers agent all over Northern Virginia and Maryland. A couple of months ago I started http://FairfaxCountyVirginiaHomes.com and it is now my permanent online home. The url is still area specific to benefit my SEO (Search Engine Optimization) but it’s a little more inclusive than just West Springfield. Fairfax County is in the url but I work in Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Prince William, Loudoun, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Anne Arundel, Howard…

I have a keen interest in my web presence and try hard to stay in the top 10 results of a Google search. As content is added this site will rank in the top ten. Referrals are a very important and highly valued source of business for me but meeting new people through my web site is also critically important. How do I nurture my web site? I try to write interesting posts and provide good and helpful content. I try to incorporate geographical references in my titles whenever possible and I post links on Twitter, Facebook, Military By Owner and Craigslist when sharing articles or new listings.

If you’re a real estate agent looking for an online solution to promote listings and self, I have many thoughts and I’m very familiar with several providers and/or technologies. Feel free to contact me if you’d like to discuss them.