Kevin Carr - Keller Williams Realty Featured Realtor Of The Week 11-21-08

KEVIN M CARR
Keller Williams Realty Leesburg
Today's market offers opportunities and challenges for buyers, sellers and the real estate agent. Everyone is becoming familiar with the terms short sale and foreclosures. These transactions can be trying for all parties involved. It is important to let the clients know that these transactions are quite different from the traditional sale. It requires additional time to educate the client. I have learned the timing discussing the process helps the client to set reasonable expectations. In turn , this reduces the stress these transactions can cause.

The current market offers opportunity for the first time home buyer, investors and individuals relocating to the area. Prices have dropped to near 2003 levels and this has created affordability for many who were previously priced out of the market. But as a realtor we must guide the clients through the new real estate landscape.

I am a seasoned financial executive for over 20 years with Fortune 500 companies. My role allowed me to effectively negotiate and execute contracts and manage the implementation of the transaction. These skills have proven invaluable when working with my clients
I have lived in Connecticut, New York and California prior to moving to Loudoun County four years ago. II am married and we have four children. Two have moved for careers in New York City. I am active in my local church and serve on the alumni admission board for Georgetown University.

My goals as a realtor is to build a relationship with my clients that is build on trust and honest, timely and open communication. We work together to establish goals and timelines that reflect the clients' needs as well as current market conditions. I want the purchase/sale to be a win win.

Kevin Carr: Keller Williams Realty, Leesburg - 703 * 637 * 0610

Woodgrove High School Is A Reality

Here is an example of your County and Town Government working together. Sure it only took Eight Long years and thousands of taxpayer dollars for lawyers and litigation between the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and the Town of Purcellville, but the point is that an agreement was reached. In other words they did their job. Lets all stand up and offer a big round of applause for all parties. Meanwhile the public, that is the residents of the Town Of Purcellville, as well as the residents of Loudoun County, Virginia have been left in limbo. Western Loudoun County Has ONE High School for which students from towns and communities throughout western Loudoun County are bussed to. The halls of Loudoun Valley High School are filled to capacity with students. Whether or not the actual physical location of a new High School should or should not be located in said town, in this case Fields Farm in the Town Of Purcellville is a mute point. Loudoun County has needed an additional High School in western Loudoun for years now. Woodgrove High School is scheduled to open in 2010 and will be located next to Mountain View Elementary School. However, in order for this to happen it will mean that all parties to include Loudoun County Public Schools the Loudoun County Board of Supervisiors and the Town of Purcellville will have to work together, and this time even more closely to clear up any remaining issues in order for this to come to fruition.

One reasson a board member said this agreement between all parties came about was that they were out of time! And that because they were out of time it motivated all parties to look for a resolution. I like to think it was the heat from the public that motivated their ability to come to a decision.

Stop wasting our tax dollars on senseless litigation then come back and tell us the Budget for Loudoun County has Shortfalls and now we will have to rasie property taxes in Loudoun County and probably the Town of Purcellville will raise their Town Taxes as well.

There is a growing concern over Short Sales and Forclosures already. If you raise property taxes more you are surely going to end up with even more people unable to pay their mortgage and thus create more Foreclosures. This means less tax dollars for you the County and the Town. How about trying to scale back and be fiscally responsible?

Real Estate In Northern Virginia - You Have Questions? We have Answers!

The Northern Virginia Real Estate Group, Keller Williams Realty is happy to announce the launch of its latest technological website or in this case a Forum this Friday. The Name of the Forum says it all!

REAL ESTATE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Here visitors to the site can post their questions in categories such as, but not limited to:

Buying A Home In Northern Virginia
Selling A Home In Northern Virginia
Real Estate Market Conditions In Northern Virginia
First Time Home Buyers
Short Sales
Foreclosures
Mortgage and Lending Questions
Home De'cor
Public and Private Schools in Northern Virginia
Government Affairs and Issues in Northern Virginia
Relocating To Northern Virginia
Home Inspections
Home Assessments
Home Appraisals
Property Management
Brokers Opens
Open Houses
Curb Appeal
Northern Virginia Community Events and Entertainment
Pre-qualifications
Pre-Approval

Just To name a Few Oh And Did We Mention you can Chat Live With Us?If you are a Keller Williams Realty Agent in Northern Virginia or more specifically Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Clarke County, Frederick County, Fauquier County, Prince William County, Arlington County, or Alexandria Virginia, and would like to participate in answering questions that people may have in the above categories please contact us

Appraisals VS Assessments and What's The Difference?

Once again Vicky Chrisner, the Real Estate Whisperer has written yet another wonderful article to educate home buyers and home sellers alike.


There is a difference between "appraisals" and "assessments" although the words are commonly used interchangeably. A educated consumer knows the differences:

Assessments

• Completed using an automated valuation program.
• Generally done once per year.
• Used to determine real estate taxes.
• Should be within a margin of error of +/- 10%.

Appraisals

• Done by licensed appraiser who looks at the home, and comps.
• Values property "real time" (as of the date of the report).
• Used to support sales prices or loan amounts.
• Should be as close to Fair Market Value as possible.

To read The Real Estate Whisperers entire article on this subject click on the link

Profile: Round Hill Virginia Real Estate - 20141

Round Hill Virginia, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains was incorporated in 1900. The Town Of Round Hill is located in Western Loudoun County Virginia
The Town Of Round Hill gets its name from the 910 foot high hill located 2 miles from the center of town. To look at the gallery of Historic Round Hill Photos click on the link. Round Hill Virginia has many communities from which to call home.

The Villages Of Round Hill
Lake Point Village
West Lake Village
Greenwood Commons
Upper Lakes Village
Hillwood Estates
Fallswood
Stoneleigh
Round Hill West
Creekside At Round Hill
and many more.

Round Hill Elementary School is the only Loudoun County Public School currently that resides in the Town of Round Hill. Not all children that live in will go to Round Hill VirginiaRound Hill Elementary.

Residents of the town could also see their children go to Mountain View Elementary School located just 3 mile away in Purcellville Virginia. If you have children in middle school chances are they will go to either Blue Ridge Middle School or Harmony Intermediate School depending on their grade level. Finally if you have children that are of High School age, your children will go to Loudoun Valley High School located in Purcellville Virginia. A new High School for Western Loudoun County was just approved to be built. Woodgrove High School will also be located in Purcellville Virginia.

Below are community Links of Homes Currently For Sale in Round Hill Virginia


Round Hill Virginia Real Estate

Round Hill Virginia Real Estate 20141

Round Hill

Highlands

Highlands Of Round Hill

Stoneleigh

Darling Acres

Light Ridge Manor

Woodlands At Round Hill

Ridgeview Estates

The Orchards Of Round Hill

Hillwood Oaks

Lake Point

Lake Point Round Hill

Blue Ridge Summit

Harwood

Airmont

Brookdale Farms

Hamlets Of Blue Ridge

Lodge Land Farms

White Hall Farm

Mountain Valley

FitzPatrick

If you are considering Buying or Selling A Home in Round Hill Virginia. You want a real estate agent that knows the communities of Round Hill Virginia. You need a Round Hill Real Estate Agent.

Cheryl Carte - Keller Williams Realty Realtor Of The Week - 11-14- 08

Cheryl Carte - Keller Williams Realty Leesburg Virginia - Loudoun County

I have lived in Loudoun County for 34 years. I attended Broad Run High School in the days we referred to it as Corn Field High!

After attending WVU, I married and returned to Good Ole' Loudoun to raise a family. During the past 34 years I've gone from raising 4 wonderful kids, 28, 26, 23 & 21 on a 30 acre working farm in Western Loudoun to residing with my husband, Tim ( Agent Support ) and my Jack Russel, Dordy as empty Nester's in the great town of Purcellville. I devoted 13 years to working with Loudoun County Public Schools, now to Real Estate!

I've seen our Market turn over 3 times, from Double Digit Interest Rates to Over Inflated Home Prices but we Always Bounce Back. We are fortunate to live in an area of diversity with high turn around. Our greatest asset is Our Location to the Highest Ranking Government in this World and no matter what the Stock Market or Retail Market does we will always have the Greatest Job Opportunities Offered.

The time to buy is Now! Whether it's an Investment or Home Sweet Home, the Market is Ripe & Ready for Harvest.

The Carte Blanche Team is Here to Share Our Knowledge & Experience with YOU.

As a Purchaser we offer our services at no cost to you.

As a Seller our Team is ready to help get the most valve out of your property with Aggressive Marketing & Realistic Goals.

THE CARTE BLANCHE TEAM Strives to Treat Each & Every Client With The Utmost Integrity & Respect, Maintaining Honesty & Displaying Hard Core Values To Insure A smooth Transaction

Going Once Going Twice Sold!

What Should Buyers Know About Auctions? Vicky Chrisner aka " The Real Estate Whisperer" is a Certified Auction Specialist. Here is what she has to say about Auctions!

Auctions are just one more tool, which can be good for both buyers and seller in today's market. As they are being used with increasing frequency, I get more and more questions... and I hear potential buyers saying things that they assume but which are completely wrong. Sadly, I also hear inaccuracies about auctions and intimidation with the auction process, even from real estate agents.

So, as a Certified Auction Specialist, and an agent who works with both buyers and sellers, I thought I should make an effort to educate the public on the process. As it is a large topic, I will attempt to share what I know through a series of posts...which are intended to educate buyers, sellers and the general public.


Our first post is "Auctions, Part 1: Where is the Auction Held?" . By understanding where the auction is, you automatically know certain things about how the auction will be promoted and run. To read the first part of Vicky's series click on the link above. Vicky Chrisner is a real estate agent working for Keller Williams Realty in the Leesburg Virginia office

Heidi Vargas - Keller Williams Realty Realtor Of The Week - 11 -07-08

Hi, I'm Heidi Vargas a Resident of Northern VALoudoun County/Leesburg for 8. I relocated after graduating from the University of South Florida. I'm an enthusiastic, passionate, and consistent Top Producer for the last 7 years AND was for 12 years and Rookie of the Year in my first!

My commitment is to provide a higher level of values, standards and services. I strive to deliver beyond my clients expectations, resulting in world-class service and referability.

Some quotes from clients:
"...She focuses on details, without losing site of the big picture. She's innovative but also realistic. She accurately reads the market, and knows the value of homes..."
"...Heidi was professional, honest, caring, and always available. She was determined to sell our previous home in a poor market, and extremely supportive with finding a home in the area that we craved on a budget that we could afford..."

Whether you are a first time buyer or an experienced investor, you will find useful information about how to choose the "right" property, making an offer, negotiating, financing, mortgage rates, moving, and everything involved in making an informed real estate decision in todays market.

My Thoughts On The Current Market:

Ever Wonder What To Do...Should I Listen to the Media?? Should I Listen to the Blogs?? Do I have Enough Money to Buy a Home in the Current Market Conditions?????

Get the Facts From The Experts!!! NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY...and I know that you have probably think I'm saying that becuase this is my business.....well, it's partly true :)

HOWEVER, the Government has made it so that you CAN buy...with the new guidelines within FHA lending, VHDA, Mortgage Companies Incentives to close by the end of the year and MOST of all the $7,500 Tax Credit for 1st Time Home Buyers!

FOR INVESTORS...you can get the deal of your life on some properties!!

There are plenty of homes out there, you just have to take the plunge. You don't know what is going to happen next year with the lending guidelines, so if you are considering it...JUST DO IT!! So as I said in the begining...Get The Facts!

For more information and a FREE NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION on Selling your current home or purchasing a Home....Please contact Heidi at Heidi Vargas and Associates

Heidi Vargas and her team know both the Loudoun County Real Estate Market and Fairfax County Real Estate Market

Call Us: 703 637 0610

Profile: Purcellville Virginia Real Estate 20132

Purcellville Virginia is an incorporated Town in Western Loudoun County Virginia. Purcellville is one of the largest western Loudoun Towns with a population of around 16,ooo. There are currently 4 Elementary Schools, Lincoln, Emerick, Hillsboro, and Moutain View. There is one Middle school Blue Ridge Middle, and currently one High School, Loudoun Valley High, althouh a second high school may be coming. Purcellville has its own newspaper called the Purcellville Gazette. Purcellville has a variety of restaurants as well from fast food to fine dinig restaurants such as Magnolias and The Grill. There are currently two grocery stores located in the heart of town, with a third on the way. Purcellville is only twelve miles from Down Town Leesburg. Purcellville offers a variety of home types from town houses to estate homes. If you are considering Buying or Selling a home in Purcellville Virginia take a look at the neighborhood links and home prices below. When you are ready to Buy or Sell a Home in Purcellvile Virginia, contact Keller Williams Realty and the Northern Virginia Real Estate Group.

Purcellville Virginia

Old Dominion Valley

Hirst Farm

Giles

James Land

Wright Farm

Village Case

Locust Grove

Purcellville

Fieldstone Farm

Willowin Farm

CramerChestnut Hills

Oak Knoll Farms

Farmington On The Green

Catoctin Meadows

Wheatland Estates

Silcott Meadow

Kingsbridge Manor

Villages Of Purcellville

Main Street Village

Lincoln Acres

Philomont

Browns Farm

Wellington

Ashley Springs

Between Hills

Zylstra

Hunt Country Estates

Salem Farms

Cortland Square

Buying Or Selling A Home in Loudoun County Virginia?

Whether you are in the market to BUY a HOME in Loudoun County, or are considering Selling or Listing your Loudoun County Home, are you sure that you have seen every home in Loudoun County that matches your family's personal criteria. Are you sure that your Loudoun Home is getting the Marketing exsposure it deserves? With over 75% of all homebuyers searching the world wide web first in searching for their new home, internet marketing is more important then ever. Whether you are looking to Buy or Sell a Home in Loudoun County Virginia, there is no better place to search for a home, or have your home shown as a Featured Property when you list your Loudoun County Home For Sale with us then our website. The name says it all





Call Loudoun County Home - Because our website focuses exclusively on Loudoun County, those who visit our website are there specifically looking for Real Estate in Loudoun County Virginia. For the month of October we had over 6,020 visitors.

Featured Properties Graph - October

Our current Listings received nearly 1600 viewings! Oh sure our listings are on all the usual websites like Realtor.com, homesdatabase, etc, etc, but because our website is specific to Loudoun County and it's Real Estate Market, we can ensure you will find your new home or if you are selling a home with us an additional 1600 people viewing your home doesnt hurt in this market!

Want to View what homes are currently FOR SALE in Loudoun County by NEIGHBORHOOD? We invite you to visit our Loudoun County Blog. On the left hand side of the blog you will find every city, town and village, along with every corresponding neighborhood in them. Just click on a neighborhood link and see what homes are currently FOR SALE there.

2008 - 51st Annual Leesburg Halloween Parade

On Friday Night in the Town Of Leesburg Virginia, the 51st Annual Leesburg, VA Halloween Parade took place. There were people lined up 5 deep throughout the parade route. Each year the Real Estate Agents of Keller Williams Realty Leesburg participate in the parade with a float. This year I believe the agents who participated in building the float, out did themselves. We also had several agents walk with the float throughout the parade route passing out candy. Those who either participated in building the float or participating in the parade itself were:

Rick Cockrill our Fearless Team Leader, Tipper Williams, Jay Thomas, Helen Ganster, Cheryl Eaches, Rudi Mattens, Mercedes Baltuano, Vicky Chrisner, Lucy DeButts, Dean Megginson, AKA The Nova Home Guy, Andrea Falzarano her husband and 3 dogs. Also attending was Mike Bradford of Old American Title.

Special Thanks To: J & H Market located in Leesburg, Virginia - 703 771 - 4274 For donating the Pumpkins, Mums, and Squash that compleyed our float. Please patronize our friends. We really appreciate their donation.

Are You Ready To Call Louodun County Home? Then Click on the Float to visit our website!

Loudoun County Real Estate - Average VS Median Sales Prices

Above Are Charts Showing:(1) Average VS Median Sales Price In Loudoun County Virginia(2) The Median Sales Price In Loudoun County Virginia(3) Average Sales Price In Loudoun County VirginiaThese Numbers are only through September 2008 of this year
Whether you are currently Listing your home For Sale, or are considering selling your home in Loudoun County, Virginia, take a look at these charts

Loudoun County Market Data And Sales Trend

Sales Transactions Through September 2008

Shannon Casper - Keller Williams Realty Realtor Of The Week - 10-31-08

As a native of Northern Virginia, my family has lived in Fairfax County and Loudoun County. My husband and I were drawn to Western Loudoun County because of the natural beauty of the countryside. The Communities we have been blessed to live in have enriched the lives of our family. My husband and I have five children. I cannot think of anywhere else I would want to raise them. We have served our communities in PTA's, Scouting, Coaching and in various positions in our Church. My family is my greatest and most important gift. I feel extraordinary blessed to be a resident of Loudoun County.
My husband and I started our investment in real estate 15 years ago when we were young married couple finishing college. We started with the purchase of a small bungalow style home. We spent almost four years renovating our little home. We sold that small bungalow for twice what we paid! Since that time we have purchased other homes, land and invested in our own personally investment properties. Real Estate has historically been a fiscally sound investment. If I did not believe in investing in real estate I would not be a Professional Real Estate Agent today.
I began my career working for a large new home builder in Fairfax County. This was a great experience and has helped me understand new home construction from the buyer and builders perspective. I also spent many years working as a paralegal. Understanding contracts is a critical part of real estate. All of my experience has helped me become the Real Estate Professional I am today. I am a Top Producing Agent with Keller Williams Realty. I am a member of the National Association of Realtors and a member of Dulles Area Association of Realtors.
Current Market Conditions:The current market conditions create some serious challenges for the real estate industry. If you purchased your home within the past four years you are among the many home owners who may owe more than their homes current value. The important thing to remember is that the real estate market will recover! If you do not need to sell your home, wait it out. Now would be a great time to make do some updates or remodeling. Doing this will help your home be more marketable when the market rebounds.
The silver lining to our current market conditions is that we now have affordable housing in the Washington Metropolitan Area! If you are a first time homeowner, investor, are currently renting, or are ready to move up, now is a great time to buy! Interest rates are great! Home prices are great! And there is ample inventory to find the home of your choice. If you are considering a move, call me and I would be happy to assist you with your next big move!
Shannon CasperBringing Families Home.Email Shannon Casper