Real Estate News

Average Price Per Sq. Foot - Reston Homes

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:41:45 -0500

Week ending September 30, 2009

There were some changes with price per square foot with y-o-y (year over year) for the week ending September 30, 2009.

1 bedrooms – change from +0.8% to -4.2%
2 bedrooms – change from -0.8% to +2.1%
3 bedrooms – change from +3.4% to +8.0%
4 bedrooms – change from -2.4% to -8.3%
All properties – change from -1.2% to +0.8%

Reston Recently Sold Homes

click graphs for full reports
Source Trulia.com

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia

All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Limited consent to preprint or republish this report may be posted, reprinted, emailed or faxed as long as the copyright and credit reflect "Courtesy of Jennifer V-E Johnson and WashMetroHomes.com."

Courtesy of Jennifer V-E Johnson, Reston Expert and www.WashMetroHomes.com

Average Listing Price & Number of Listings - Reston Homes

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:11:09 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

Week ending September 30, 2009

Reston Summary
The average listing price for Reston homes for sale on Trulia was $478,174 for the week ending Sep 30, which represents an increase of 0%, or $123, compared to the prior week and an increase of 0.8%, or $3,588, compared to the week ending Sep 09. Average price per square foot for Reston VA was $249, an increase of 0.8% compared to the same period last year.

There were some changes with average listing prices and number of listings w-o-w (week over week) for the week ending September 30, 2009.

1 bedrooms – change from +1.0% to +0.8%
2 bedrooms – change from -2.3% to -3.2%
3 bedrooms – change from +6.8% to +2.7%
4 bedrooms – change from -0.6% to -2.9%
All properties – change from +2.1% to 0.0%

Reston Homes For Sale

click graphs for full reports
Source Trulia.com

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia

Median Sales Price & Number of Sales - Reston Homes

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:37:35 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

Week ending September 30, 2009

Reston Summary
The median sales price for homes in Reston VA for Jul 09 to Sep 09 was $342,000. This represents a decline of 6.3%, or $23,000, compared to the prior quarter and an increase of 0.6% compared to the prior year. Sales prices have depreciated 6.2% over the last 5 years in Reston.

There were some changes with median sales prices and number of sales with y-o-y (year over year) for the week ending September 30, 2009.

1 bedrooms - change from -2.9% to -5.5%
2 bedrooms – change from 0.0% to +5.8%
3 bedrooms – change from -5.5% to +1.4%
4 bedrooms – change from -13.0% to -13.5%
All properties – change from -5.8% to +0.6%

Reston Recently Sold Homes

click graphs for full reports Source Trulia.com

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia

Reston – Average Price Per Sq. Foot

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:58:16 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

Week ending September 27, 2009

There were some changes with price per square foot with y-o-y (year over year) for the week ending September 27, 2009.

1 bedrooms – increase of +0.4%
2 bedrooms – no change
3 bedrooms – increase of +2.6%
4 bedrooms – decrease of -1.6%
All properties – no change

Reston Recently Sold Homes

Source Trulia.com

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia

Reston – Median Sales Price & Number of Sales

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:23:29 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

Week ending September 27, 2009

Reston Summary
The median sales price for homes in Reston VA for Jun 09 to Aug 09 was $349,885. This represents a decline of 4.2%, or $15,365, compared to the prior quarter and a decrease of 5.8% compared to the prior year. Sales prices have depreciated 4.1% over the last 5 years in Reston.

The average listing price for Reston homes for sale on Trulia was $478,051 for the week ending Sep 23, which represents an increase of 2.1%, or $9,760, compared to the prior week and an increase of 2.3%, or $10,715, compared to the week ending Sep 02. Average price per square foot for Reston VA was $248, a decrease of 1.2% compared to the same period last year.

There were some changes with median sales prices and number of sales with y-o-y (year over year) for the week ending September 27, 2009.

1 bedrooms - change from -5.7% to -2.9%
2 bedrooms – increase from 3.8% to 0.0%
3 bedrooms – no change
4 bedrooms – change from -16.9% to -13.0%
All properties – change from -6.1% to -5.8%

Reston Recently Sold Homes

Source Trulia.com

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia

Reston – Average Listing Price & Number of Listings

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:14:39 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

Week ending September 23, 2009

There were some changes with average listing prices and number of listings w-o-w (week over week) for the week ending September 23, 2009.

1 bedrooms – change from -6.8% to +1.0%
2 bedrooms – change from -1.0% to -2.3%
3 bedrooms – change from +0.3% to +6.8%
4 bedrooms – change from +1.4% to -0.6%
All properties – change from -1.3% to +2.1%

Reston Homes For Sale

Source Trulia.com

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia

Average Price Per Sq. Foot (week ending September 20, 2009)

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:43:16 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

Week ending September 20, 2009

Reston Recently Sold Homes

There were some changes with price per square foot with y-o-y (year over year) for the week ending September 20, 2009.

1 bedrooms – change from +0.4% to 0.0%
2 bedrooms – change from -3.3% to -2.4%
3 bedrooms – change from +2.6% to +3.4%
4 bedrooms – change from -1.6% to -2.8%
All properties – no change

Source Trulia.com

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia

Average Listing Price & Number of Listings (week ending September 20, 2009

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:27:04 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

Week ending September 20, 2009

Reston Homes For Sale

There were some changes with average listing prices and number of listings w-o-w (week over week) for the week ending September 20, 2009.

1 bedrooms – change from -4.6% to -6.8%
2 bedrooms – change from +2.0% to -1.0%
3 bedrooms – change from +3.6% to +0.3%
4 bedrooms – change from -4.9% to +1.4%
All properties – change from +1.6% to -1.3%

Source Trulia.com

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia

Median Sales Price & Number of Sales (week ending September 20, 2009)

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:08:12 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

Week ending September 20, 2009
Reston Summary
The median sales price for homes in Reston VA for Jun 09 to Aug 09 was $349,000. This represents a decline of 4.4%, or $16,250, compared to the prior quarter and a decrease of 6.1% compared to the prior year. Sales prices have depreciated 4.4% over the last 5 years in Reston.

The average listing price for Reston homes for sale on Trulia was $468,291 for the week ending Sep 16, which represents a decline of 1.3%, or $6,295, compared to the prior week and an increase of 0.8%, or $3,874, compared to the week ending Aug 26. Average price per square foot for Reston VA was $246, a decrease of 2% compared to the same period last year.

Reston Recently Sold Homes

There were some changes with median sales prices and number of sales with y-o-y (year over year) for the week ending September 20, 2009.

1 bedrooms - change from -2.9% to -5.7%
2 bedrooms – increase from -5.3% to -3.8%
3 bedrooms – change from -4.1% up to -5.5%
4 bedrooms – change from -9.1% to -16.9%
All properties – no changes reflected

Source Trulia.com

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia

Reston – Median Sales Price & Number of Sales (week ending September 13, 2009)

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:39:00 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

Week ending September 13, 2009
Reston Summary
The median sales price for homes in Reston VA for Jun 09 to Aug 09 was $349,000. This represents a decline of 4.4%, or $16,250, compared to the prior quarter and a decrease of 6.1% compared to the prior year. Sales prices have depreciated 4.4% over the last 5 years in Reston.

The average listing price for Reston homes for sale on Trulia was $474,586 for the week ending Sep 09, which represents an increase of 1.6%, or $7,250, compared to the prior week and an increase of 0.2%, or $965, compared to the week ending Aug 19. Average price per square foot for Reston VA was $246, a decrease of 2% compared to the same period last year.

Reston Recently Sold Homes

There were some changes with median sales prices and number of sales with y-o-y (year over year) for the week ending September 13, 2009.

1 bedrooms - decrease from -5.7% down to -2.9%
2 bedrooms – increase from -3.8% up to -5.3%
3 bedrooms – increase from -4.0% up to -4.1%
4 bedrooms – increase of from -7.5% up to -9.1%
All properties – no changes reflected

Source Trulia.com

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia

Reston – Average Listing Price & Number of Listings (week ending September 13, 2009)

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:34:21 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

Week ending September 13, 2009

Reston Homes For Sale

There were some changes with average listing prices and number of listings w-o-w (week over week) for the week ending September 13, 2009.

1 bedrooms – decrease of -4.6%
2 bedrooms – increase of +2.0%
3 bedrooms – increase of +3.6%
4 bedrooms – decrease of -4.9%
All properties – increase of +1.6%

Source Trulia.com

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia click here

Reston – Average Price Per Sq. Foot (week ending September 13, 2009)

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:30:15 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

Week ending September 13, 2009

Reston Recently Sold Homes

There were some changes with price per square foot with y-o-y (year over year) for the week ending September 13, 2009.

1 bedrooms – increase of +0.4%
2 bedrooms – no change
3 bedrooms – increase of +2.6%
4 bedrooms – decrease of -1.6%
All properties – no change

Source Trulia.com

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia click here

Reston Companies

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:49:39 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

According to Manta, there are approximately 3,803 companies in Reston, Virginia. Below is a partial list of companies in major sectors. For the complete list of companies or mor informationa about a company click here.

There are several major companies with offices/branches, including one Government Agency which include: Accenture, Apple, Google, Rolls Royce and US Geological Survey (USGS).

Accenture made the 2009 CNN Money 100 Best Companies list. There were also 9 additional companies within a 15 mile radius of Reston that also made the 2009 CNN Money 100 Best Companies list.

SECTOR	# of Companies
Associations & Non Profits	191
Building & Construction	126
E-Commerce & IT Outsourcing	160
Educational Services	82
Financial	162
Government	59
Healthcare	339
Information Technology	109
Insurance	33
Legal	95
Printing & Publishing	130
Telecommunications & Wireless	121

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia click here

Reston Schools

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:42:52 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

There are ten (10) elementary schools, one (1) middle school and one (1) high school in Reston, Virginia. All schools located in Reston are part of Fairfax County Public Schools. For more information on school boundaries click here.

Many of the schools in Reston have a unique history about the school, how the school got its name, facts and one school has a famous former student.

Elementary Schools

Buzz Aldrin Elementary School
Neil Armstrong Elementary School
A. Scott Crossfield Elementary School
Dogwood Elementary School
Forest Edge Elementary School for Communication & Technology
Fox Mill Elementary School
Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences
Lake Anne Elementary School
Sunrise Valley Elementary School
Terraset Elementary School

Middle Schools

Langston Hughes

High Schools

South Lakes High School

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia click here

Reston Lakes

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:55:55 -0500

By Reston Expert, Jennifer V-E Johnson

There are four (4) artificial lakes in Reston, Virginia. Unlike the other four (4) lakes that are all located in Reston, the fifth lake, Lake Fairfax is only partially located in Reston.

Each lake is surrounded by homes, townhouses and/or condominiums and a near by shopping centerat two of the lakes. There are also bike paths that run near or along the lakes.

Lake Newport and Lake Audubon are the only lakes that don't have a shopping center nearby or a created lake front. Instead you will find only grass and/or gravel and not a wood or concrete dock like the other lakes in Reston.

Lake Anne was the the first lake created in Reston and Lake Newport was the last lake created.

Lake Anne
Lake Audubon
Lake Thoreau
Lake Newport
Lake Fairfax (Fairfax County)

For more information about Living in Reston, Virginia click here

Tips On How To Protect Your Credit When Purchasing Real Estate

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:28:45 -0500

Protect your credit when purchasing real estate. With credit being harder to obtain, your credit score can affect your interest rate and be used to determine if you are "credit worthy," by a Lender, Landlord or Employer, to name a few.

If you are professional Real Estate Investor this could mean the difference between 80% financing and 65% financing. Your credit worthiness can also affect where you live, what type of job you have or can get, how much your car payment is, how much your rent or mortgage payment is, it can even affect the amount you pay monthly for car insurance.

Often times, your bad decisions can cost you as much as $500 more for a mortgage payment and/or higher interests on credit cards. It can even cause you to not qualify for various types of credit.

Avoid common reporting errors on your credit report. Are you a male that is a Junior and your Father is a Senior? It is not uncommon that a creditor reports the information of the father [Senior] instead of that of the Son [Junior].

It is also not uncommon if siblings with similar names, initials and the same creditors have errors as well. This happened when I was purchasing my first home. My sister and I have the same initials, our social security numbers are off by a few digits and we had accounts with many of the same companies.

With the new laws passed and theft of consumer credit information on the rise, there are now numerous ways to monitor your credit. You have the right to see your credit report and it is not hopeless to improve your credit score. However, it will just take some time and effort on your part.

The first step is to obtain a copy of your credit report. You can accomplish this by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. The ONLY official site that will allow you to request your free credit report. Depending upon where you reside in the United States, the law states that you are entitled to one free credit report a year. If you desire to know your credit score, usually you will have to pay a fee for your scores.

If you are planning on purchasing an home or investment property within the next three to six months, it is best to pull your credit versus having Mortgage Planner or Loan Officer pull your credit. Your inquiry for your credit report WILL NOT show up on your credit report. Too many inquires sometimes implies you are shopping around or trying to apply for a lot of credit at one time. Either way, neither scenario is good.

Below are some tips for maximizing your credit:

If you are a Real Estate Investor, consider buying several investment properties in cycles of 30 to 45 days. This will limit the amount of times your credit is pulled.
Place a fraud alert or an alert system on your credit file so you do not have a inexperienced Loan Officer pulling your credit several times in a week's time which could lower your score as much as 20 to 30 points. This could make the difference between being an A paper borrower and a sub-prime borrower.
ALWAYS request that your Mortgage Planner or Loan Officer provide you with an "Authorization to Pull Credit" form, this will add a layer of protection to ensure your credit is being pulled with your knowledge and will also limit the amount of times it is being pulled.
Never give your social security number over the phone until you have verified that the Mortgage Planner or Loan Officer is a qualified professional.
Pull your credit yourself every 6 to 12 months to check for any errors or possible fraud. This will save time when you are ready to purchase home or investment property.
Consider paying for credit protection so you do not incur costly legal fees to clear your name and your credit.

All is not lost with regards to your credit. Time spent in the beginning will pay off in the long run because you will be more informed of any possible issues.

About the Author
Jennifer V-E Johnson is from Reston, Virginia and has lived in the Washington Metro Area since 1982. She earned a degree from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

All information deemed to reliable but not guaranteed. This article in whole or any part thereof may not be copied in any format without written permission of Jennifer V-E Johnson.

VA Real Estate Broker, Stone Ridge, Loudoun County, - Firm License (#0226 021519) and Individual License (#0225 083246)

Circulated by WashMetroHomes.com

VA Homes Foreclosure Report - ending August 31, 2009

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:57:07 -0500

Our VA Homes Foreclosures Report - ending August 31, 2009 is now available and may viewed at http://www.washmetrohomes.com/portal/foreclosure_reports/Virginia_Foreclosures_ends_083109.pdf

We hope our Foreclosure Reports help save you time, money and help you focus on the specific area and type of property you are interested in. We invest a considerable amount of time, and energy to locate every potential real estate investment opportunity for your portfolio.

Our Foreclosure Reports are published weekly and varies by county for Virginia and Maryland so check back frequently. If you have questions or would like more information about a property you may email us at jennifer@washmetrohomes.com.

For more information on how to purchase foreclosures view our blog on Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.washmetrohomes.com/articles/faq-buying-foreclosures.html

Provided by Jennifer V-E Johnson of WashMetroHomes.com © 2009 - 2010. All Rights Reserved. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This report may not be posted, reprinted, email or faxed without the consent of the Author in writing. Virginia Real Estate Broker, Jennifer V-E Johnson, Stone Ridge, Virginia, Loudoun County.

VA Homes Foreclosure Report - ending August 18, 2009

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:32:03 -0500

Our VA Homes Foreclosures Report - ending August 18, 2009 is now available and may viewed at http://www.washmetrohomes.com/portal/ - under "Foreclosure Reports."

For more information on how to purchase foreclosures view our blog on Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.washmetrohomes.com/articles/faq-buying-foreclosures.html

Provided by Jennifer V-E Johnson of WashMetroHomes.com © 2009 All Rights Reserved. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Virginia Real Estate Broker, Jennifer V-E Johnson, Stone Ridge, Virginia, Loudoun County

Applying for Loan Modification to Avoid Foreclosure? Need Help?

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:08:47 -0500

Freddie Mac recently posted a video on YouTube to inform delinquent Borrowers on what financial documents and paperwork they should have prior to calling their Mortgage Company also known as Mortgage Servicer. By providing your Mortgage Company with the necessary paperwork, it can cut down on the time needed to determine eligibility for Loan Modification under President Obama's Making Home Affordable Program or one of Freddie Mac’s workout initiatives.

The video, “Stop Foreclosure: Documents Your Lender Needs to Help You,” is available in English and Spanish on Freddie Mac’s channel on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/FreddieMacWeb.

The documents listed below can cut the time your Mortgage Company needs to better understand your financial situation, determine eligibility for possible workout and process your application. If you are not sure, you may want to call and obtain a list of the documents needed before you call your Mortgage Company.

Your most recent mortgage statement
Pay stubs or other documents that show your monthly pre-tax income
Your most recent tax return
Mortgage statement(s) for second loan or home equity line of credit
Your most current balances and monthly payment amounts for accounts including: credit cards, car loans, student loans and any other debt
Short, detailed explanation of your financial hardship that caused your mortage delinquency (loss of job, reduction in pay, divorce/separation, death, etc.)

For more information on President Obama's Making Home Affordable program, visit Making Home Affordable - English or En Espanol - Making Home Affordable . In 1970, Freddie Mac was established by Congress to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the nation's residential mortgage markets.
Don’t wait call or check today!

About the Author Jennifer V-E Johnson is from Reston, Virginia and has lived in the Washington Metro Area since 1982. She earned a degree from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
All information deemed to reliable but not guaranteed. This article in whole or any part thereof may not be copied in any format without written permission of Jennifer V-E Johnson.
VA Real Estate Broker, Stone Ridge, Loudoun County, - Firm License (#0226 021519) and Individual License (#0225 083246)

Circulated by WashMetroHomes

Information, A Homebuyer’s Best Friend

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:49:40 -0500

In the past decade, it seems that many prospective home buyers have toiled over studying the housing markets, the mortgage rates and even the stock market. All these elements fall outside a buyer’s control. However, there is always one reliable source of information a prospective home buyer can count on -- the home inspection.

HouseMaster, the most experienced home inspection franchise, notes that too many home buyers are still unaware of the importance of a thorough and proper home inspection. They spend months researching neighborhoods and mortgage providers, but the home inspection often becomes an afterthought when they make an offer on a prospective home.

Kathleen Kuhn, HouseMaster president and CEO, says “Buyers should take the time to research home inspection providers because there is a difference in training and qualifications. The information on an inspection report can influence the final price of the home and help a buyer shape realistic expectations for the home once they move in. So a good home inspector is a critical component in the process.”

Buyers should not balk at the idea of a home inspection that takes two hours or more, depending on the size of the home. This is the average time needed to review all the major elements of a home, and it’s the ideal time for a well-trained home inspector to show prospective homeowners how to locate and operate some key components. This is the time when buyers get a “backstage” tour of how the home works.

A buyer who is prepared with the right information, the right frame of mind, and a little patience can usually find a suitable property in any market. So if you’re time to become a homeowner, do the research and make the move.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at http://www.housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither DBR Franchising, LLC nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances. © Copyright 2008 DBR. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.

Circulated by http://www.washmetrohomes.com/

National Outreach Campaign for Homeowners Launched by Obama Administration

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:40:55 -0500

Homeownerships events are occurring throughout the US. Homeowners can learn more about how avoid foreclosure and get immediate help with Loan Servicing Representatives and Local Housing Counselors. The events are being sponsored by State, County, Local and Federal Governments. There is also an opportunity for Homeowners to obtain information on budgeting and money management skills. For more information (http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/pr_05262009.html)

The list below show events through the end of August 2009. Check the website for the complete list (http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/homeowner_events.html)

Featured Events

Date	Sponsor	Location
July 24	Making Home Affordable	Las Vegas, NV
July 25	Making Home Affordable	Las Vegas, NV
July 31	Making Home Affordable	Phoenix, AZ
August 1	Making Home Affordable	Phoenix, AZ

Additional Events

Date	Sponsor	City	State
Every Tuesday	Centro Campesino Farmworker Center	Florida City	FL
7/24/2009	Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco	Seattle	WA
7/25/2009	Inland Empire Economic Recovery Corporation	San Bernardino	CA
7/25/2009	Florida Department of Financial Services & CFO Alex Sink	Naples	FL
7/25/2009	Reynoldstown Revitalization Corporation	Atlanta	GA
7/25/2009	Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco	Tacoma	WA
7/26/2009	The Resurrection Project and The Alliance - Bilingual	Chicago	IL
7/28/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Carson	CA
7/28/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Los Angeles	CA
7/28/2009	PHONE-A-THON - Kentucky Housing - Protect My Kentucky Home	Kentucky	KY
7/29/2009	NID Housing Counseling Agency	Oakland	CA
7/30/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Los Angeles	CA
7/30/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Pacoima	CA
8/1/2009	NID Housing Counseling Agency	Oakland	CA
8/1/2009	Del Norte NDC and The Alliance - Bilingual	Denver	CO
8/1/2009	Wealth Watchers Inc	Jacksonville	FL
8/1/2009	CCCS - Sarasota County	Sarasota	FL
8/1/2009	US Senator Charles Schumer - NYS Banking Dept	Buffalo	NY
8/1/2009	Dane County Foreclosure Prevention Task Force	Madison	WI
8/4/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Carson	CA
8/4/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Los Angeles	CA
8/4/2009	Reynoldstown Revitalization Corporation	Atlanta	GA
8/5/2009	NID Housing Counseling Agency	Oakland	CA
8/5/2009	Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council, Inc.	Georgetown	DE
8/5/2009	City of Chicago - Bilingual	Chicago	IL
8/6/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Los Angeles	CA
8/6/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Pacoima	CA
8/6/2009	Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council, Inc.	Wilmington	DE
8/8/2009	Inland Empire Economic Recovery Corporation	Lake Elsinore	CA
8/8/2009	Florida Department of Financial Services & CFO Alex Sink	Deltona	FL
8/11/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Carson	CA
8/11/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Los Angeles	CA
8/12/2009	NID Housing Counseling Agency	Oakland	CA
8/12/2009	The Unity Council	Oakland	CA
8/12/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services	South Los Angeles	CA
8/13/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Los Angeles	CA
8/13/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Pacoima	CA
8/15/2009	NID Housing Counseling Agency	Oakland	CA
8/15/2009	Washoe County Senior Services Senior Law Project - Spanish Only	Reno	NV
8/15/2009	Washoe County Senior Services Senior Law Project	Reno	NV
8/15/2009	Opportunity, Inc.	Camp Hill	PA
8/18/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Carson	CA
8/18/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Los Angeles	CA
8/19/2009	NID Housing Counseling Agency	Oakland	CA
8/19/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services	Van Nuys	CA
8/20/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Los Angeles	CA
8/20/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Pacoima	CA
8/22/2009	Reynoldstown Revitalization Corporation	Atlanta	GA
8/25/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Carson	CA
8/25/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Los Angeles	CA
8/26/2009	NID Housing Counseling Agency	Oakland	CA
8/26/2009	The Unity Council	Oakland	CA
8/26/2009	Washoe County Senior Services Senior Law Project	Reno	NV
8/27/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Los Angeles	CA
8/27/2009	Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services - Bilingual	Pacoima	CA

Circulated by WashMetroHomes

Government Program/Information for Homeowners Struggling to Pay the Mortgage

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:28:07 -0500

The Obama Administration has launched many new initiatives to assist homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgage. Below is a list of websites with valuable information. Before you consider working with an Attorney, Loss Mitigator or filing for bankruptcy check out these links.

http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/

http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/refinance_eligibility.html

http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/modification_eligibility.html

https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/

http://loanlookup.fanniemae.com/loanlookup/

http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/understanding_statement.html

http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/borrower-faqs.html

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Improve Your Property Value Quickly and For Less Money

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:17:48 -0500

If you are looking to sell your home, there are several ways to improve your property value quickly and for less money. Cosmetic changes is one of the most common, these are changes that deal more with the esthetics and updating your home.

Paint - One of the easiest ways to dramatically change the look of your home in a matter of hours. If you aren't sure of what color(s) you want to use when painting, many stores like Lowes or Home Depot have paint samples and color schemes available for free. Some paint brands have small samples for sale so you can paint an area and see the actual color on the wall instead of viewing a paper sample. Consider selecting colors that appeal to the masses rather than personal preference such as blues or reds.

Repairs - Look for items that are obvious that need repair. Consider fixing those items first, since a potential Buyer may try to offer less because those items need repair. These repairs include things including but not limited to: caulking, popped nails, nail holes, burned out light bulbs and good old fashioned dirt and grime.

Front Door - The front door is often overlooked when considering repairs for your home. It is one of the first items a potential Buyer will see when considering buying your home. If the door has faded paint from the sun, consider a fresh coat of paint. You may also consider a planter on the front step to add some warmth to the entrance of your home.

Landscaping - Who wants to consider buying a home that doesn't have curb appeal. You want potential Buyers to arrive in front of your home and to want to see the inside and not run in the other direction because the yard and bushes are overgrown. This does not mean you have to spend thousands of dollars. However, some fresh mulch and/or new flowers can instantly add an updated look. See if your local Community/County offers free mulch or look in the classifieds for companies or private citizens offering FREE mulch. If you do have money to spend, consider having a professional Landscaper/Designer create a new visual plan to add/remove bushes, tress and flowers. If you do decide to plant trees, be strategic. Plant trees that will provide shade in the Summer and provide a buffer in the Winter from the wind.

Flooring floors - - Does your home have a hidden gem, like hardwood floors underneath the carpet? Many older homes built in the 1940s to 1960s have hardwood floors underneath the carpet. Not sure? Pick a corner to pull up the carpet and see if you have a gem hiding underneath. You may also find slate or tile underneath your carpet or vinyl. As always if you are not sure how to check consult a professional.

New Kitchens and/or Bathrooms - Kitchens and bathrooms are without a doubt the two areas that provide the most ROI (return on investment). Kitchens are often the central gathering place for families to gather and entertain. Bathrooms are important to have updated sinks, tubs, faucets and cabinets. If you are on a budget consider changing the hardware or changing the color of the cabinets. Changing the countertops and/or the colors of the walls can instantly change the look.

Odors/Smells - When you first walk into your home can you tell if there are pets of if you smoke in your home? One inexpensive trick to remove odors from your home is white vinegar. Poor about two (2) cups of white vinegar in a bowl and set it out on the stove, on top of the refrigerator or on the counter top. In a few days, the vinegar will evaporate and it normally eliminates most odors in the home. For stronger odors, you may have to repeat this several times. Another inexpensive trick is to change the air filters in your home. If you have pets and the smell is more prominent you may consider shampooing the carpets. You may also consider having your vents cleaned by a professional.

BONUS - Upgrade Your Tenants - If your home is an investment property, having the right tenants is KEY. Buyers looking for a property with tenants are looking for model tenants. Tenants who are late on their rent or that don't keep a clean home are less desirable. If a potential Buyer sees a Tenant that is low maintenance, your property becomes more attractive. Do your homework, find the demographic that will pay top dollar rent.

As always if you are unsure how to complete the work consult a professional. Often times, a professional will charge nothing or a nominal fee to provide an estimate for the work to be completed. Remember, improving minor items in your home in the end can mean more money in your pocket when you sell. Each repair/change may vary, so do your homework.

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Air Conditioning 101

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:53:51 -0500

Most residential air conditioning systems are electric compressor-cycle systems. This type system includes the basic window or through-the-wall unit, as well as central (whole house) air conditioning systems. Central air conditioning systems are typically either packaged units, which have all major components in one housing (similar to a room-style unit), or split systems, which have a portion of the system in a cabinet outdoors and a blower and other components in an indoor air handler cabinet or within the basic cabinet of a furnace.

Regardless of the style of the system, the basic components and method of operation are similar for all electric compression-cycle systems. The major elements are an evaporator coil, a condenser coil, fans to circulate air over both coils, tubing to carry a refrigerant between the two coils, a compressor to move the refrigerant through the system, and a metering device to regulate the rate of refrigerant flow.

Air conditioning systems use several basic principles of physics to remove heat from within a house: (1) a refrigerant absorbs heat when it changes from a liquid to a gas; (2) a refrigerant releases heat when it changes from a gas to a liquid; and (3) heat moves from a medium at a high temperature to a medium at a lower temperature.

As the liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion device into the evaporator it expands to a gas. At the same time, it absorbs heat from the household air, which is forced by the air handler fan through the evaporator coil. As this heat transfer takes place, the temperature of the household air becomes noticeably cooler and is forced through air ducts to the rooms of the house. The refrigerant, which vaporizes into a gas in the evaporator, is pulled through the tubing into the compressor where it is compressed to a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This gaseous refrigerant then passes into the condenser coil where it gives up heat to the relatively cooler outdoor air, which is forced across the coil by second fan. In the process, the refrigerant condenses back to a liquid and is ready to begin another cycle.

One other issue to consider is that an air conditioning system not only removes heat from the air, but it also dehumidifies the air. For comfort cooling, a balance of temperature and humidity must be maintained. This means that the unit must be sized properly so that it runs long enough to dehumidify the air before the thermostat temperature settings are satisfied. An oversized system in a hot, humid climate will not maintain the proper comfort level, as the air will be cooled before a reasonable humidity level is attained.

Adequate airflow is important for the proper operation of an air conditioning system. Dirty filters and blocked or improperly positioned air inlets (returns) and outlets (supply registers) will result in imbalanced air distribution and uneven cooling. At least one return needs to be positioned near the ceiling.

Central air conditioning systems do not require a burdensome amount of maintenance, but some basic attention is required if the unit's maximum economic life span is to be achieved. The first major element that may require replacement is usually the compressor. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive component of the system. Manufactures typically provide five-year warranties on the original compressor, but with system maintenance most compressors will last well beyond that period.

An annual check and servicing of all central air conditioning systems by a qualified HVAC service company is recommended. In addition, to help attain the maximum comfort and trouble-free service life for their system, homeowners are also advised to following these maintenance and operation guidelines:

Reset dampers for air conditioning at the start of the cooling season. A damper adjustment is required only if there are separate ducts for the cool air and if the return has both a ceiling and floor register.
Check to make sure all supply outlets and returns are free from obstructions and dust.
Clean and/or replace air filters monthly (in season). Service the electronic air cleaner if you have one.
Check to make sure the condensate drain extending from the evaporator area is draining freely. If there is an overflow pan under the unit, as is the case in many attic installations, be sure the pan is clean and the condensate drain open. If your unit has a condensate pump, keep it clean and working.
Find a comfortable setting above 78 degrees F and don't change it. Consider installing a programmable or set-back thermostat.
Make sure all ducts that pass through hot areas such as attics, garages and crawlspaces are insulated.
Minimize heat gain and hot air infiltration by providing adequate attic insulation and weather-stripping at windows and doors.
Make sure there is adequate attic ventilation.
Never operate a house air conditioning system when the outside temperature is below 60 degrees F.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither DBR Franchising, LLC nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances. © Copyright 2008 DBR. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.

Courtesy of http://www.washmetrohomes.com/

Fairfax County - Twitter Elite (jenniferve)

Jennifer V-E Johnson dba WashMetroHomes.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:16:31 -0500

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Follow me on twitter.com for real estate news and updates. I joined the "Twitter Elite" at #10 for Fairfax County, Virginia (the richest county in the nation) entering the ranks of a Social Media Expert!

Courtesy of http://www.washmetrohomes.com/