Stephen's Blog

Getting ready for the weekend

Stephen Adams (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:14:10 -0500

Well well well. The week goes by so fast. Now enter the weekend. Oh yes, get ready for the Open House this Sunday! Oops. It is sooo easy to get caught up during the week calling clients and customers (potential clients), sending and returning e-mails, networking, running errands while out grabbing a bite to eat, researching the local market, playing with son in evening, communicating daily "happenings" with wife, catching some sleep, losing sleep...

Wow. Now it's Friday night, Toastmasters in the morning, getting computer fine-tuned in the afternoon, watching son while wife tries to have a life with friends later on, church Sunday morning....and then....and then....Open House, 2-4, 2-5 if busy. Please come see this incredible house!

Oh yes, did you know that I put together all of the material after midnight on Friday? Ahhh, the life of a Realtor. Okay, some day soon, I will have assistants helping me. It's part of my goals and dreams. However, at least I get to perfect what I think is important in putting on a successful Open House. That way, I can guide others later on down the road.

5000 and counting and learning

Stephen Adams (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:58:15 -0500

Today, as I prepare to go show several properties this afternoon, I'd like to steal a moment to thank ActiveRain for its purpose and existence. Believe me, I have learned that the more I have learned, the less I know. Over and over and over.

It always has given me the utmost in satisfaction to be able to help guide, educate and negotiate for my clients and keeping their best interest in mind. As much as I have been able to provide my clients a top customer service experience throughout each and every one of my transactions, I have always walked away having learned just one more "tidbit" through experience that makes me a more valuable Realtor and Consultant.

Likewise, in my busy schedule, and whether it's in the afternoon or in the middle of the morning, everytime that I get on Active Rain, I am quite pleased with the free expert advise from many of my fellow Agents that have gone through experiences that helped me be aware of things (an extremely vague word for the plethora of events, contigencies, showings, voided contracts, etc....) that can come up during any transaction. I am grateful to have the training, continuing education, inspiration from my fellow agents both here with Keller Williams and others, but I seemingly never can get enough. Hence, thank you Active Rain. I have learned that we can learn from other people's triumphs and mistakes.

I have only been a member for 4 or 5 months here in 2008 and I still feel like a "newbie" in many ways. And in many ways, many of you, as well as myself, are acutely aware that I still am. And that's okay. Because as of today, it looks like my "points" with Active Rain will now go over 5,000! Thank you AR. BTW - Congrats also to ActiveRain for hitting the big 100,000 in membership. I believe that I predicted personally to Bob Stewart via e-mail that this was going to be the week for AR to hit the magic 100,000.

No more DPA - Are you kidding me?

Stephen Adams (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:03:06 -0500

It is coming to our attention that "DPA's" - Seller Funded Down-Payment Assistance programs could very well be "outlawed" by Congress. I am going to keep this blog both brief and for fellow Realtors others in the Real Estate community as well as the public because I know that there thousands of you out there feel quite strongly about the issue on both sides of the fence. Feel free to add to this blog everyone's "justification" for the existence or the eradication of these programs. We need to start a real dialogue - fast.

For the record, it is my understanding that the "high number of defaults and foreclosures" are "3 times as likely to occur" by people who used these programs 2,3 AND 4 YEARS AGO. Folks, a LOT has changed over the last year, esp. since August when both the Financial and Credit world literally imploded (according to and thanks to Mass Media). Lending standards have tightened considerably. It seems that FHA is basing it's own potential insolvency (conveniently at the same time that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae need infusions of billions to survive) on a 2005 report of foreclosures. There are also, by the way, very responsible people in this country who haven't lost their homes and utilized the same programs like Ameridream and Nehemiah.

Which brings me to my own position and I would love to create a dialogue between all of us. Whether it was Speculators, Investors (both amateur and pro), historically low interest rates, Builders, greed created from cocktail stories of "instant equity" and that little sin called envy...whatever it was, the truth is that between 2000 and the middle of 2005 many, MANY cities, neighborhoods and homes throughout the country experienced, not just Appreciation (double-digit in some years) but a mass feeling and comfort of instant wealth. Though we all intuitively knew that "what comes up must come down", most of the rest of the world watched with "baited breath" just how high perceived values of properties would go. Seasoned Agents have seen it before, just not on the scale of this past phenomenon.

Yes, prices have come down...a lot in many of these same places. However, many people, good people, with good credit are still priced out of the market. Sometimes, the only way for people to get in a house (these rates won't last forever) is through the use of these same DPA programs. And so, you say, they should "stay in apartments, with relatives, etc., save money for a down payment". You say, "been there, done that". Perhaps so, but I'm not walking in any other set of shoes but my own, but I do know this...Every situation is different. I am a human being and I have seen my own set of struggles AND accomplishments. Everyone has a story. Many people (good people. intelligent people) have been enticed into all sorts of financial agreements and arrangements that they will be paying for for many years. The inventory of homes is extremely high in many of the places I am speaking of. But more buyers are finally getting off of the proverbial fence. And yet foreclosures still abound. We are in the business of helping people to buy and sell homes. If I were to address certain members of Congress - both in the Senate and the House, I would ask the following question, "Are you there to be part of the solution or part of the problem?"

Attention Buyers...Motivations and Myths (Part 1 of 2)

Stephen Adams (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:47:47 -0500

This portion provides you 3 common myths buyers have in a buyers market. I would like to provide what I call the Top 13 Reasons people are motivated to buy a home. I also provide you with 3 common myths buyers have in a buyers market. Motivations Top 13 Reasons People are motivated to buy a Home

1. Relocation – A buyer might be relocating, due to work or other changes

2. Dissatisfaction – The neighborhood has changed “for the worse,” living with in-laws or other family, too far from schools or work, in run down or high-rent properties

3. Positive life changes – marriage, baby, promotion

4. Negative life changes – death in the family, divorce

5. New job or promotion – relocating, moving up or moving closer to the job

6. Lost job or income – buyer has to sell their current home and downsize

7. Second Home – for retirement or vacation

8. Retirement – need to sell current home and downsize

9. Previous home sold – highly motivated to have stable shelter for family

10. Inheritance or new money (lottery, stocks, etc) – first home, move up buyer

11. Lease ending – may be ready to own home, build equity and future nest egg

12. Investment – looking for additional income stream and/or tax write-offs

13. Move up buyers – ready to move to a better home, closer to work, better school or district

Myths

Most Home Buyers (or even potential buyers) must wrestle with 3 key myths:

Myth 1 – “I can take my time, because I have ALL of these choices of homes on the market.”

Reality – The truth is buyers do not have time to wait and decide on the best properties, because demand for the best properties is always high and the best properties sell fast and sell at or close to full market value in every market.

Result – Buyers who wait will end up with second tier (2nd, 3rd best on list, etc.) homes.

Myth 2 – “Prices or Interest Rates may go down even further”

Reality – Increases in interest rates can and do negate decreases in purchase price. On the other hand, rates could drop further, increasing your purchase power.

Result – Your monthly bottom line could either increase or decrease. What is the unknown worth to you?

Myth 3 – “There are no benefits to signing a buyer representation agreement.”

Reality – If you sign an agreement, you are assured of a 100% commitment from the agent. I am not only your Realtor and Consultant, but your Ambassador, your advocate.

Result – You have someone else looking for and after you and your family’s best interest and with the ability to negotiate on your behalf, a professional, fiduciary relationship of genuine trust with someone (not just an order taker or chauffer) and another set of eyes scanning the inventory based on your needs and wants.

Stephen Adams is a Realtor and Consultant with Keller Williams Realty in Leesburg. He is a member of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce His web-site is www.NewPhaseRealty.com “Guiding Your New Phase of Living” E-mail address Stephen@NewPhaseRealty.com Office address – 50 Catoctin Cir, NE #101, Leesburg, VA 20176 Office phone # 703-669-0099 Direct# 703-608-0090 Fax # 703-669-4104

Attention Buyers...or Prospective Buyers (Part 2 of 2)

Stephen Adams (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:44:31 -0500

Funny thing about timing. Sometimes we’re on, sometimes we’re off. When it comes to real estate, regardless of the choices and consequences, some of us made money and some of us lost money. As if watching the rising temperatures, price of gas, food and basic commodities wasn’t enough to be concerned with, many of you are stressing out trying to figure out “if it really is the time” to get out there and buy a house. Before answering that, let’s see what David Reed, author of Mortgage 101 and Mortgage Confidential, has to say about “The Best Time to Lock in Your Rate,”

“What do you think about rates … should I lock in now or wait to see if they fall further?” Think I’ve been asked that a time or two over the past 18 years? You better believe it. It’s a good question—one that goes through every single buyer’s head at some stage. A quoted interest rate is no good unless you’ve confirmed, in writing, that your loan is indeed “locked,” or guaranteed for a designated period of time. You need to be proactive with your locked rate as well and don’t assume that your loan officer already locked you in.

In fact, your loan officer shouldn’t lock in your rate without your specific instructions. If it was locked in and rates went down you’d be pretty mad, wouldn’t you? While neither real estate agents nor loan officers are in the business of predicting the future, it’s still possible to make a prudent choice in the face of uncertainty. Would you rather lock in your rate and watch rates fall or not lock in your rate and see rates go up? If you decided to lock and rates go down, you’ve secured the market rate that you were happy with. But if rates went up and you didn’t lock, you’d be paying for that mistake for the rest of the loan. There is an even worse possible scenario: After not locking in your rate, rates shoot up and you no longer qualify for the loan.

So it’s important to ask yourself: “Which way would I rather be wrong?” If you are comfortable with the rate you’ve been quoted, talk to your real estate agent about the possible consequences of waiting to lock it in.”

So I know this: As I mention in part 1 of this series, the housing market is moving - buyers are still buying, and sellers are still selling. As of the writing of this article, and according to the MLS, at this time on June 9th 2008, at 11:30 P.M. in Loudoun County, there are still over 3,000 homes, townhomes, condos, etc. for sale on the market (and that’s not incl. new homes not listed, FSBO’s, etc.). There are over 1,000 homes that are Under Contract or Under Contract with contingencies with and without Kick-out clauses. 500 properties have sold in the last 30 days that the MRIS knows of. Of those, only 72 were Foreclosures, REO’s or Short Sales. According to my trusty HP 10bII calculator, those “deals and steals” accounted for less than 15% of all homes sold in Loudoun County – again, just in the last 30 days. Evidently, this is the time to buy for quite a few folks ‘out here in these parts’.

Hospital Stay Drained My Creativity

Stephen Adams (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:43:51 -0500

Okay, almost 2 weeks ago, my 13-month old son was med-evac'd by helicopter from a close hospital to one about 35 miles away that had a PICU (Pediatrician's Intensive Care Unit). He was in really bad shape with enough difficulty that they had to funnel 70% helium with 30% oxygen through him for over a day to get the O2 circulating through his body. His "oxygenation" had gone down to 65%. He was released after a 10 day stay. During that time, I thought very little about work other than "this is going to put me way behind." But do you know what?

I didn't care

I had literally ratified a contract earlier that very morning that my son started turning purple by the time I had got him to the pediatrician's office (because we didn't know, I'd never been through this, it didn't seem that bad the day before, etc.). Exactly one week later to the day, we had to void the same contract because there were way too many issues with the house. And do you know what?

I didn't care

My wife would stay 2 nights, I would stay one because I insisted she take breaks. The only thing that was important was for my beautiful son to stay alive and get well. Even though I have an extremely supportive staff at the office, I lost the drive to try to make the deal work and to make money. I couldn't even think of what my next topic would be to continue my seeming ever slow progress on perfecting my "blogabilities." And do you know what?

I didn't care

My son is still weak but home with us now. He is gradually getting better. I am slowly able to concentrate on work again. I can see how the more you blog, the better you get at it. Since I won 3rd place on the recent "Give it your best shot " contest for us "Newbies," and literally since the day after that happened my son's life was in jeopardy in a way that makes me breathe a large sigh of relief whenever I think about it, my level of participation on Active Rain has wained. I thought about and realized what's most important in my life. Then I thought about my "standing" with these points we earn and priorities on AR and blogging, But do you know what?

I didn't care

My son is home again.

That is what is most important.

Once things are back in order, I'll be back. Meanwhile, and hear this - Just because I'm a little behind, I will not allow myself to get discouraged, and in spite of what life sometimes offers me. Better days are ahead. And do you know why?

Because I do care.

Fannie Mae, Keys To Recovery - Great News!

Stephen Adams (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 18 May 2008 23:45:29 -0500

I wanted to provide you with some great news that surely should add some hope in the air and put a few more thousand families a little bit closer to homeownership. Many of you might recall last December, when virtually all of Northern Virginia (and over ½ of the country), had been declared as being in a “Declining Market.” This had been a point of contention for many consumer groups, including the National Association of Realtors, because both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac initiated a “Maximum Financing Policy” in these markets that required most buyers to come up with at least a 10 percent down-payment. That killed a lot of potential deals. This policy even affected those with a sterling credit score.

As of June 1, 2008, as little as 3 percent down-payments may be made on conventional, conforming mortgages if you use the Desktop Underwriter, automated underwriting system, throughout all of the United States. This, in conjunction with Fannie Mae’s patented “Community Seconds” that allows a borrower to take a 2nd trust up to 105% backed by a state or local housing agency or an employer; as well as Fannie Mae’s patented “My Community Mortgage” permitting down-payment assistance from gifts or grants, should provide further solutions to our current dilemma of affordability.

Let’s take a portion of Fannie Mae’s Media Release to drive home my point, “Since the housing correction began, Fannie Mae has expanded its mortgage guaranty business to serve the market's urgent need for stability, liquidity and affordability. The company also undertook steps to help protect borrowers, manage the increased credit risk in the market, and fortify the company's capital position. Among these steps, the company has continued to assess and establish new pricing, eligibility and underwriting criteria for its business that more accurately reflect the current risks in the housing market and guard against the potential for foreclosure.”

Over the last year, but especially since last August, the entire Housing and Financial World has struggled to make sense and get out of a few years’ worth of unwise lending practices. What I have just described to you is not a panacea to the current credit crisis. Rather, it merely is the next phase of a behemoth undertaking by one part of the jigsaw puzzle that will ultimately help to get all of us through the current housing predicament. This is not a perfect fix; undoubtedly there will be credit score requirements, more expensive PMI (property mortgage insurance) if you take out more than 80%, other possible obstacles. However, the glass half full is my perception of choice. The question for us to ask is – “Is it part of the problem, or part of the solution?” Something is better than nothing.

Loudoun County Rebuilding Together

Stephen Adams (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:24:03 -0500

For the sixteenth consecutive year, the Dulles Area Association of REALTORS^® (DAAR) sponsored a Loudoun County Rebuilding Together/Christmas in April project to help an area family make improvements to their home.

More than 30 volunteers donated one day on Saturday, April 26^th, to rehabilitate the home of a family in need. “REALTORS^®, clients and their affiliates worked side by side to make a difference and bring some joy into the life of a local family.” according to Sue Puleo, volunteer coordinator of the project. This year’s project took place at a home near Bluemont, Virginia.

REALTORS^®, DAAR Affiliate members and local area businesses landscaped, installed handicap accessible bathroom fixtures, made kitchen and porch repairs, and cleaned up a home in Loudoun County. DAAR extends a special thank you to project captain Kirk Arant of Arant Construction in Sterling and Mike Furr of F&L Plumbing Services in Leesburg for donating many of the skilled hours.

“REALTORS^® care about making their communities strong and vibrant,” said Candice Bower, 2008 DAAR Chairman of the Board. “Rebuilding Together is just one example of REALTORS^®making positive contributions together for their community.”

Loudoun County Rebuilding Together (www.rebuildingtogether.org) formerly Christmas in April, is a non-profit volunteer organization that works in partnership with local sponsors and volunteer groups to repair and renovate the homes of low-income elderly, disabled, and families with children. There is no cost to qualified homeowners for the services provided. Since 1991, they have repaired and rehabilitated nearly 225 homes in the Loudoun County area.

Founded in 1962, the Dulles Area Association of REALTORS® is the voice of over 1,500 real estate professionals in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may only be used by those real estate professionals who subscribe to the REALTOR® organization’s strict Code of Ethics, and who are members of the National, State and Local REALTOR® organization. Visit DAAR online at www.dullesarea.com.

To Short Sale or Not...Just Let Go

Stephen Adams (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:38:51 -0500

Looking at the current housing market and the plight of so many people everywhere, many people and institutions have serious, potentially life-altering decisions they either have to make, or could be faced with soon enough. What I’m talking about is the possibility of people who have to sell and are upside down in their mortgages. Do you continue to struggle to make payments on a mortgage that you can no longer afford? Do you let the house simply go into foreclosure so that the house goes back to the bank? How about a Short-Sale, where the home gets sold for less than what is owed on it and the bank (usually the 1^st lien holder) writes off the difference and the second lien-holder gets minimal compensation (usually one or two thousand)? This strategy is becoming more talked about, though it can take several months for a deal to close after the highest offer. Many are realizing that unless you have skipped several payments, the banks won’t talk to you. This can really affect your credit for years. But like most of us, you don’t want to ruin your credit.

Some states have seen many people simply walk away from their homes after living several months without paying, vacate and only to send the keys back to the bank later, which is and will be destructive to their credit. But the owners feel they have no option.

Even the Wall Street Journal acknowledges the difficulty everyone involved in the short sale transaction must sometimes go through in these potentially time-consuming moves.

The banks aren’t in the business of holding real estate for many reasons. Yet “they want to work with the homeowner.” I am reminded of a lesson in “Letting Go” I learned many years ago: In Africa, many tribes consider monkey a delicacy. In order to catch them, the hunters will dig holes just big enough for a monkey to stick its hand into. They will put bait into the bottom of it for them to entice the monkey to reach in and grab it. What happens, is when they try to pull it out with their bunched up fist is that they get stuck and hence, caught.

I see this as the perfect metaphor for what banks are doing to many homeowners. They say they want to work with those struggling to make payments, yet are reluctant to change the terms of loans because of the staggering losses (from thousands of loans) incurred by investors holding these notes. Yet to go through the entire foreclosure process on average costs the lender (and local government) $40,000-$60,000 (legal fees, upkeep, taxes, repairs, etc). Then when the home is finally sold in a “declining” market, the bank looses even more money. Then, as values decline more homes and other banks’ loans go “upside down.” So both sides essentially get caught. And to top it off, according to much mainstream media, Bloomberg and even a recent article in the Washington Post (4-23-08) lenders are swamped with requests to modify loan terms. And the cycle continues. However, there is hope...awareness is half the battle, lenders and the government are attempting to connect the dots.

What is the next move? If you think that your home loan is going to get out of control, by all means, call an attorney and then your lender and try to work something out. Be persistent. It is most assuredly in the best interest of all banks and communities nationwide to salvage a defaulting loan. This too shall pass.

Looking at the Numbers, 04/18/08

Stephen Adams (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:16:20 -0500

Okay, let’s live in the moment. There is much talk of a recession in the news. Most of us at least feel the pinch every time we go to the gas station to get gas, or go to the grocery store and pay $5.00 for a gallon of milk, $2.50 for a loaf of bread. Then at some point the discussion goes to the “economy”, and ultimately real estate. The national media can be informative but...Anyway; I’m not going to go there. “Is it the right time to buy?” “Am I going to lose money?” The government is seriously revamping its FHA program through various Lenders and Banks, along with new dollar limits. Consult one that you trust, or I can recommend you a few. What’s happening locally is what needs to be told, and you decide for yourself.

By now most of you realize that it is and always has been in the best interest of the National Association of Realtors and its members to be a bit more optimistic than the media, to say the least. After all, most of us are just trying to make an honest living. The current mortgage and financial crisis this country is facing has been, is and will continue to affect us at least for a bit longer (recall the Big Picture). Again, a house is more than just an [nest egg] investment.

When I’m not watching my son, helping a client, networking, singing in our church choir, etc., my computer is on. As a matter of fact it is usually on, and I go to the MLS system...a lot. Yes, everyday. So I decided to give you a glimpse of an early spring day in Loudoun County, VA [“declining”] real estate market right here in the middle of April 2008, according to the Metropolitan Regional Information System (MRIS):

1. There are 3,091 Active properties currently listed for sale (not rent, though some might be both, in which case it’s here).

A. This does not include For Sale By Owner’s (FSBO’s), though some with Limited Service agreements with Agents are included.

B. This also doesn’t include many new homes, as new home developers aren’t obligated to include their entire inventory in the MRIS.

2. There are currently an additional 879 properties either under Contract, Contract with a Kick Out (pending a contingency), or Contract without a Kick out clause (pending contingency doesn’t void the contract).

A. The ever-popular Days on Market (DOMP) for these many properties under contract varies quite large...0-910 Days on Market, and everything in between..

B. The prices range from anywhere from $100,000 - $3,565,000.

3. 167 Homes have indeed SOLD in the last 17 days.

So what’s my point? Buyers are still buying and sellers are still selling. Yes, in many cases the banks are making the final decision (foreclosure, short sale), but certainly not all. It just means that more people are coming to the “meeting of the minds,” regarding price, terms and condition. Not to sound like a broken record, but there are some really fantastic homes out there. It seems that many are being picked up.

Stephen Adams is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in Leesburg, VA

His web-site, which also has access to the MRIS, is www.NewPhaseRealty.com

Allow Me To Introduce Myself

Stephen Adams (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:41:46 -0500

Hello everyone! This is my first blog on Active Rain, ever. My name is Stephen Adams, and I'm typing with one finger as my son is sleeping on my other arm. I am a stay at home Dad as my wife teaches our future generation for 4th grade. I live in Leesburg, Virginia and recently attended the VAR BloggerCon event a few weeks ago. I believe you can find a small portion of it on the Zebra Talk Radio Show. Many thanks to John Novak and Brian Block for inviting me, and to John for getting Bob Stewart to get me signed up. I have been trying whenever I can to learn how this blog forum works.

I am new at this, but know that it is the way of the future for people to get to know me, and especially on a limited budget, and to learn more about Real Estate in the real world. Having a child (finally) at 38 (commitment takes longer for some:) is a Blessing, but/and time-consuming. Before he arrived I did a lot more face-to-face networking, and so hopefully this medium of the blog could be quite helpful (okay, my intuition tells me).

I have been fortunate enough to begin blogging for one of the local newspapers' web-site (www.Loudountimes.com) over the last few months to "get my feet wet." Though I am grateful for it, that platform is a bit limiting, evidently I still have much to catch up on. As my web-site alludes, I too have "new phases of reality" (no pun intended) to go through. I say that because my web-site is www.NewPhaseRealty.com Welcome to the 21st century! Don't be surprised or bored if I occasionally put some of those entries in as well, so that I can direct potential clients to one (like it seems some of you do). I've tried to learn the protocol of AR in-between family responsibilities, so please bear with me for perhaps a few posting mistakes. I am open to constructive feedback.

Though much of the following information can be found on my profile, I thought that I would include some of it so you wouldn't have to click somewhere else. By the way, did I forget to mention that I officially became licensed to practice Real Estate in May of 2005. If you are aware of the timing of the market and when cracks in the foundation of our business began to reveal themselves, I would like to say one thing....I'm still here. Here goes:

Stephen Adams understands the complexities of life transitions. With an extensive background as a customer service specialist, Stephen and his team of resourceful professionals are confident in their ability to ease the effect of an often stressful process with the client’s best interests in mind. Stephen envisions a different kind of Real Estate service dynamic where each customer is consulted with on a level which acknowledges individual needs and concerns.

Stephen’s entrance into real estate was founded on a strong commitment towards retaining his personal values within his life’s work. In the midst of a highly competitive industry, New Phase Realty was created on a foundation of partnership and empathy with the clients’ experiences. Stephen and his team consider it an honor to be your complete real estate resource on the journey to buying or selling a home.

Stephen has access to the most comprehensive training in the industry including classes through Keller Williams Realty as well as Walter Sanford, Mike Ferry and Rick Barnes seminars. New Phase Realty is also backed by Stephen’s active involvement in community issues as a member of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce. Being informed through attendance at regular local hearings on such issues as transportation and growth issues, last year’s Affordable Housing Summit, Virtual Commercial Tour of Loudoun, Economic Development meetings in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties, members of New Phase benefit from resources which keep them posted on the County’s growth and trends of the shifting market.

Stephen is an active member of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce. A member of the National Association of Realtors, the Virginia Association of Realtors and the Dulles Area Association of Realtors, Stephen Adams rounds out his local activities and participating in local lead share and other networking groups.

Originally from Houston, Stephen earned his Bachelor’s in history. Making the move to Northern Virginia, he and his wife Catherine settled in Loudoun County. The couple have been active locally and appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding area while understanding the impact of people’s efforts on building a community. Stephen has been a member of the Loudoun Symphonic Winds Community Band for over 5 years, playing the French horn. He and his family also enjoy traveling, reading and watching films together. They share a strong belief in the bond of positive family experiences. They also have a beautiful 1 year old son.

Stephen’s vision is to offer his clients the best of what he and his team represent as caring, committed professionals. Their gift to the client is a smooth transitional experience within the next phase of life…at home.