Bill Thomas Featured Realtor Of The Week

THE BILL THOMAS TEAM:
Bill believes that one of the keys to success, both for himself and his clients, is a continually updated education. He takes many classes and seminars to increase his effectiveness and has earned one of the real estate industry?s most prestigious professional designations: GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute). Nationall recognized, these designations are earned through a rigorous course of study as well as demonstrated professional experience. In addition, both Bill and Trudy attend the National Association of Realtors Convention annually in order to receive the most up-to-date information and services available to the real estate industry. They are both Relocation Specialist and have been E-Certified indicating that they are qualified in Internet Assisted Marketing. Consistently outstanding in his field, Bill has received numerous awards in recognition of his exemplary performance on behalf of clients. He ranks in the Top 2% nationally.They are prior members of the Circle of Excellence and the Million Dollar Club.

Bill and Trudy have closed Millions of Dollars in real estate transactions over the years. Bill and Trudy have diverse backgrounds that are aimed at a single goal: your real estate success! Bill is a native of Loudoun County and has lived in the area all his life. He holds a BS degree in Business with a Real Estate Minor from Virginia Commonwealth University and made his first and only career choice. Trudy came to Loudoun County from Ohio in 1977. She holds a BS degree in Education from Ohio State University and taught first grade for 18 years, part of that time in the local area.

My Views On The Current Real Estate Market Conditions:

The cause of the country's dilemma has been discussed and the finger pointing continues. But, what is the proposed bailout going to do for us. Answer: it should begin to restore the buyer's confidence. Regardless our employment, or status in the food chain, we have become conscious of our decisions and purchases. Our economy is more fragile than we would want to believe. When is going to get better? Answer: it will take time, maybe 18 months or longer, we will have to be patient. The Northern Virginia Real Estate market has been mostly insulated from the downturns over the past 4 decades. Starting in 2001 we had a very heated market!

During this period we saw house prices increase 96%! As a result, we are back to home sales with prices common to 2003. Most feel we are in the bottom of the correction cycle, and I agree. One indication is the available inventory of approximately 2000 homes. We sell approximately 500 homes per month. (This is a four month supply). Most experts say that's a healthy market. I have many buyers, who are waiting for "something to happen" that will cause them to get off the fence and purchase. Mortgage rates remain around 6%.There are many great bargains for first time buyers, or investors.

It's all about the buyer's confidence. Answer: if you have a secured job it's a great time to buy your first home, or an investment. Call your trusted Realtor for advice and council today. Don't miss this great opportunity! Bill is a native of Loudoun County. His real estate career started in 1973 in Leesburg. He became a broker in 1978, owned a real estate company, developed land, built homes, townhouses and apartments. Questions in this difficult market, call one who has survived the difficult times and still enjoys the business.

Bill knows the Loudoun County Real Estate Market and his office is located in Leesburg. Contact Bill Today for all of your Real Estate needs!

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

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

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!

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