There are so many things that make Lake Ridge Virginia a nice place to live. Great neighborhoods, and a community filled with amenities, schools, shopping and restaurants. We also have a fabulous garden center called Lake Ridge Nursery. Not only is this place one of the nicest garden centers around it has truly one of the best impulse gift store around! It is located at 3705 Old Bridge Rd, in Lake Ridge Virginia. If you need a little  "RETAIL THERAPY" this is the place to go!

You know the kind of store I'm talking about. The kind of gift store ,that when you walk in, you feel as if your on vacation in some quaint little town somewhere. Your senses come alive from all the scents as your eyes dart from floor to ceiling at all the wonderful gifts and items we all want. This gift store is all that and more. Even before you walk in the door as you meander up to the door there are seasonal plants, yard art and even a cat who will great you at the door.

Things you will find inside: 

• Seasonal Items 
  • • Vera Bradley
  • John Madeiros Jewelry Collections     
  • Troll Beads
  • Tymes-Home Fragrances with essential oils and botanical extracts
  • Toffee Creations
  • Fresh Flowers
  • Gift items for home, family and friends
  • The shop is jammed packed!
  • 

 

This weekend Lake Ridge Nursery is having a Wine Tasting

 Ingleside Vineyards

will be there  Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009  from 1 pm - 4 pm

and Toffee Creations will be there as well.

It's an OPEN HOUSE.

Stop in and join in the fun!
 

As the seasons change one by one, you can count on Lake Ridge Nursery to embrace each season to it's fullest. If you haven't stopped in, just treat yourself.

 A Local Lender You Can Trust in Woodbridge, Virginia

As a Realtor people ask me all the time. "where should I get my mortgage?" There are many places to consider getting a home loan. However, my knee jerk reaction is always consult a Mortgage Loan Officer with experience.

A good solid recommendation in the Woodbridge Virginia  area is  Tom Halfpap of  SunTrust Mortgage. His office is centerally located at the Potomac Mills Shopping Area. You truly cannot go wrong with Tom, he has been doing business in the area for a very long time. He has never let me or my clients down. 

You can get Approved right online. Just CLICK HERE to be directed to his website. Or if you are not comfortable with doing it Online, you can contact Tom by calling his office. Information is provided below. No matter whether you are looking for a No Money Down VA Loan, a Low Down Payment FHA  or Conventional Loan for a Luxury Home, Tom can help. Give him a call today . 

Tom Halfpap
(703) 492-5055 Office
(866) 487-8569 Ext 5055 Toll Free Office
(703) 494-1484 Fax
(202) 716-6052 Cell
14560 Potomac Mills Road
Woodbridge, VA 22192
E-Mail:  thomas.halfpap@suntrust.com 
                   

Then when you've  got your financing in order, let's talk. That's when the fun part happens.Having a pre-approved loan gives you real buying power.

Give me a call when your ready! 

                                                                                       703-851-3085

                                                             or contact me by email 

 Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's 
      
                
                
         

Here's some news First Time Buyers Can Use!

Getting Married Soon?  Did you know that you can open a SunTrust Bridal Registry Account at your local SunTrust Branch. 

These accounts are for FHA Loans only and only friends and family members can contribute to your bridal registry. Imagine being able to tell friends and family you have registered with SunTrust and all the money they contribute to that fund can be used by you to buy your home!

Add that to the Home Buyer Tax Credit and well, it appears you will be off to a fantastic start! If this sounds exciting....then trust me you are going to have so much fun looking for your new home!

• Step #1: Get started right now visit anyone of these local SunTrust Bank locations in Lake Ridge, Montclair, Dale City, Woodbridge, Dumfries and Montclair Virginia!
• Step #2. Next it's time to start planning. Get  pre-approved  for a home loan. That way you know what your buying power is. Tom Halfpap is a well known loan office in the area and he can help you get pre-approved for a home loan. Get it in writing and your ready for step three. 
• Step #3. "Let's sit down and figure out what your options are. I've helped many newly weds figure out where to begin their lives. The fun part of looking for home starts after you have done Steps #1 and #2."

                                                                      Give me a call when your ready!

                                                                                       703-851-3085

                                                             or contact me by email

 Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's 
      
                
                
         

Lots of things have changed over the years, and the last thing we want consumers to be, is in the dark about Real Estate. From today forward, you can now have full control of what you want to see, what you are looking for and learning "what's happening in your  neighborhood." With the power of a new system for consumers called "Listing Book" you are no longer in the dark about real estate!

    Check out this new system  
                
                
         

If you are thinking of Buying or Selling or Relocaing to the area, gives us a call we can help.

We're a family real estate team. "Relax you'll be treated like family!"

 Call 702-590-2252

    or contact me by email 

Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's 

Whenever people call and say they are relocating to the area, and they first begin the conversation with "I've heard commuting and getting around can be a real bear. So,I don't want a long commute. "

That's a great starting point. If you were here in my office we would sit down in front of a map and discuss the length of commute you can expect as we get further away from your respective base or workplace. Once you have determined the search peramiters( distance, features and ammenities), we begin looking at what homes are in your price range. Just know that Realtors have the ability with the Realtors MRIS Database system to be able to focus your search on the exact type of home you are looking for.

However since you are most likely sitting in your home far away right now, let me help you out.

So let's assume just for today, you told me you wanted to buy a single family home with at least three bedrooms, two and half baths and if it had hardwood floors that would be awesome.

Well,I learned a long time ago that a photo is worth a thousand words. So how about two today!

The above photo is of an Active Home For Sale by a Bank, listed by Exit 1st Choice Realty in Alexandria Virginia. The asking price is $314,900. It has four bedrooms, hardwood floors and plenty of room. It looks better inside here, take a look. However keep in mind that REO Properties, Bank Foreclosures and Auction Homes are always sold "AS IS".This home will give you a close commute, however is it the lifestyle you had in mind? Only you know for sure if you have what it takes to transform this sleeper into a home with great street appeal. If that is you, let't talk, it's available!

Now let's look at what a you can buy twenty miles down the road in Prince William County Virginia.  Granted your commute will be longer, however this home affords you many other luxuries such as cul-de-sac tree lined streets, a community elementary school and charming street appeal.Located fourteen miles south of Ft. Belvior and about seven miles north of Quantico Marine Base.

This home is located in a quiet sub-divsion in Montclair. It is larger than it appears Read More Here

Do you need help? I've been a Realtor for over 17 years. I know the area well and can save you not only a lot of time, I can help alivate your stressers. Curious about what other homes are currently on the market?

Check out others 

If you are thinking about buying or selling in Prince William County Virginia.

Remember it doesn't cost you a penny more to work with an experienced Realtor who will go the extra mile to help you and coach you on all your options.

 Have a great day.

We Can Help. Call 702-590-2252

or contact me by email

 Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's 
      
                
                
         

Just in time for Christmas! That's right, it's that time of year when we all begin to ponder "what would I like for Christmas?" Well, take a look at this little charmer. Darling homes like this do not come on the market here in Prince William County Virginia very often, however when they do we get lots of calls on them.

Question?

Did your heart just skip a beat when you saw this photo? Great! Then wait until you see the inside, this darling home offers a great lifesytle in a great community.

The home is located in Montclair Virginia, just outside of Woodbridge Virginia limits. To give you a more landmarks it is a few miles from Potomac Mills Mall and located between Quanitco Marine Base and Ft. Belvior in Lorton. This home was  built by Fairfield Homes and it's a Williamsburg Series Design. The home has three bedrooms, two and half baths, hardwood floors, wood burning fireplace,formal living spaces, a lovely screened in porch and within walkind distance to the community elementary school. Montclair Virginia is a golf course community and has it's own private Lake. Pontoon Boats, Swimming and Fishing are allowed. Montclair is a sought after established communtiy with plenty of Commuter Options  to DC. Van Pool, Car Pool, Park and Ride or Slugging to DC.

Best of all it is only $249,900! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

VA No Money Down OK. FHA Financing Ok.

There is no reason in this price range that you have to compromise with a Condo or a Townhouse!

Not with today's rates and home prices. This is just one of the cute homes available in the under $300,000 price range in Woodbridge, Lake Ridge and Montclair area's.

Check out others

Contact Peggy James Today for more information on how you can own this home by Christmas!

If you are thinking about buying or selling your home in Prince William County Virginia.

Remember it doesn't cost you a penny more to work with an experienced Realtor who will go the extra mile to help you and coach you on all your options.

 Have a great day.

We Can Help. Call 702-590-2252

or contact me by email

 Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's 
      
                
                
         

This is a question that was asked of me yesterday.

Peggy, we are looking to buy a home around $400,000 and we've heard that we might be able to make a low-ball offer, since this price point in the marketplace has been slower. "My question is are Banks and Sellers accepting low ball offers in Prince William County VA?"

My answer: "I have been working in that price range all year and  tracking the sales. The answer to that question is, it depends."

I wish I had a better answer. As a Realtor,  it is my job to help you the buyer (or seller if the case may be) to coach you on all your options. When someone calls me or hires me as their agent to help them, I research the data, share with you the recent sales and comparable homes and from there help you determine what your next move should be. 

Both Buyers and Sellers are facing challenges. If you are thinking of buying a home you need to have a experienced Realtor who will take you behind the scene to help you structure an offer that is in line with market conditions. What I mean is they sit down with you at the MRIS computer and show you ( no smoke and mirrors) they show you, exactly what has happened with that property address, what neighborhood homes have recently sold for and what terms the buyers got! For those of you getting ready to Sell we do the same thing. It's vital that you the seller know what the competition is, what you neighbors sold for and what the condition of the home was like. This save everyone time, energy and a lot of stress.

Please understand, Realtors do not make the market.We interpret market conditions and help you make informed decisions based on what is available, what is under contract and what has sold and settled in the past 90 days. That's how an offer price is determined. It's heavy weighted on supply and demand. Remember, unless you present an all cash offer your lender will order an appraisal.

The appraiser is who ultimately determines what the Fair Market Value of a home is.

The chart below is a snapshot of homes that have SOLD and SETTLED in Woodbridge Virginia since January 2009 between $350,000 to $500,000 price range.Early this year things were slow in this price range and homes settled lower than list price.

As you can see from this chart below, those days have come and gone and for the most part homes are selling for ask price or just a tad lower. You must keep in mind that if a home enters the market as a Foreclosed Property, the Bank has a solid idea of what the house is worth. The home has been through a series of steps before it made it to the open market. In many cases we are seeing Foreclosed Homes go for ask price, however I speak from experience.In order to win in a bidding war, you may have to be qualified for more than list price to actually make a solid winning offer. Be willing to pay the higher price if the home appraisers. If it does not chances are good the Bank will roll the sales price back to the fair market appraised value.

If you have questions, just pick up the phone and call Erick Blackwelder or myself at 703-590-2252.

We're here to help you.

This Chart Represents Homes Sold and Settled In And Around Woodbridge Virginia Since January 2009.

Note:date taken directly from MRIS

If you are thinking about buying or selling your home in Prince William County Virginia.

Remember it doesn't cost you a penny more to work with an experienced Realtor who will go the extra mile to help you and coach you on all your options.

 Have a great day.

We Can Help. Call 702-590-2252

or contact me by email

 Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's 
      
                
                
         

When I first got into real estate that was when Lake Ridge VA was just beginning to be built. I remember visiting Dale City and thinking I don't want to drive that far. It seemed so far away back then. The main access road was I-95 and or head down Route 1 to Woodbridge and turn right when you get to Dale Blvd.  

Well over the years Dale City grew up and matured into clusters of neighborhoods, shopping centers with lots of services for the entire eight mile stretch down Dale Blvd. There are several commuter lots, commuters to DC can use car pool, ride the bus or slug. The Rippon Landing VRE Station is another option for those heading to DC. Shopping Centers are sprinkled throughout the community and there are several was to get to Dale City. You can use Hoadly Rd, Ridgefield Rd, Hillendale Rd, Minnieville Rd or Gideon. They all lead to Dale City VA! 

When Wegman's anchored a store in  Dale City, that also helped bring more folk to the area. If you have been considering buying a home, and you are looking for a home an affordable single family homes chances are very good you will find it in the 22193 zip code area. You can get a lot of house for the money in the Dale City and surrounding communities! I recently wrote a post called Dale City Virginia Has A Something For Every Buyers Budget.  where I explain where Dale City VA is, and what it is like.

Market Report Snapshot Of Dale City Virginia

Currently in Dale City this month there are 69 Single Family Homes For Sale - Check Them Out

There are only 15 Townhomes Actively For Sale. Search For Active Townhomes For Sale Now

Now look at these stats!

394 Homes Are Under Contract Pending Settlement!

233  Detached Homes Have Settled Since June 2009

 65   Townhomes Have Settled Since June 2009.

NOTE: Veteran Buyers if you are relocating to the area, because of your VA Elegibility you have access to some of the best Remodeled Flip in the market Read More Here

If you own a home in Dale City Virginia, and you have been thinking of selling your home. Now is a great time to do it. Demand is High, Inventory is low. Let's talk. Erick and Company can help you Sell Your Home Fast  Learn more here

We look forward to working with you. Have a great day.

We Can Help. Call 702-590-2252

or contact me by email

 Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office) to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Gainesville area's 
      
                
                
         

Rumors are flying, the media is talking.  Nelson Mateo one of Exit 1st Choice Realty agents posted this message this morning. I thought my readers would like to know "What's Happening with the $8000 Tax Credit Extension"

When the phone rang and Michael said,” Peggy, we are getting the run around and I think we need your help. We’ve wanted to buy, however we don’t have a lot of time and we don’t have a lot of money. We want to buy with a Zero Down Payment. Is that possible?

My response was of course it’s possible. Tell me your story.

“Well, we are relocating and I’ll be honest we have been wasting precious time looking around with a Realtor who we were referred to, however she is showing us homes, that I wouldn’t let my dog live in. She doesn’t know the market to well, and well she’s very timid and quiet. I need a go-getter. I need a house quickly. We were surfing the net and saw that you wrote about Quick Move in Homes and Approved Short Sales, can you tell me more? We don’t want to get involved with a short sale purchase, we hear banks homes are getting multiple offers and well, and to be frank, we don’t want to get into any bidding wars.”

So all of you who are reading this right now, know me by now. The first question I asked is, are you pre-approved for a loan? What he said next was priceless.” Peggy, I am the best case scenario for a Realtor, I have a pre-approved VA Loan, I can closes quickly and I’m motivated.” He was very confident!.

So we agreed to meet the next day. This is the interview process. They brought the pre-approval letter to show me they were ready to move ahead. They had severed the relationship with the other Realtor. What I shared with them was my experience and negotiating skills. I explained I’ve lived in the Woodbridge, Virginia area for the past twenty-five years. That means that I can also save them a lot of time. I have extensive new homes sales background where I had to shop the competition so I can look at a house from the street and know the floor plan inside. That can save you the buyer countless days in the car, if you share with me what you are looking for.

They were looking for tree lined streets, three to four bedrooms homes with garages and they didn’t want a dump. They wanted something they could be proud of. They were a young couple just starting out in the world and wanted a home that would grow with their family.

Here’s the great news for military families relocating to Prince William County VA right now. You have an extreme competitive edge over FHA Buyers (those who do not have VA Eligibility)

We are seeing a phenomenon right now in the market. Investors have purchased homes from the banks at rock bottom pricing and they completely renovate these homes from top to bottom with everything you could want. All new appliances, granite counters, new baths, new flooring, some have new decks, and many have new HVAC Equipment. The bad news for investors because they financed them with FHA Financing there is a 91 day Seasoning Rule. The house cannot be resold for 91 days to any FHA Buyer! 

DING, DING, DING…JACKPOT, JACKPOT,JACKPOT!!!!! 

Take a look at what I was able to show them on this one day house hunt. By the end of the day they were thrilled and placed an offer on one of the homes. This was a home owned by an Investor and they made a solid offer and offered to close in less than thirty days. It’s a win—win for both.

Mission Accomplished. 

Before they left, Michael said. Wow, this is what I’m talking about. Thank you Peggy!

    Do you need help fiinding a home? Call me share your story.
                                           I'm sure I can help you. 

Direct 703-851-3085 or Office: 703-590-2252

      or contact me by email     

If you are Buying, Selling or Relocating to Prince William County VA and need help from professional REALTORS®, give us a call or visit Erick and Company's website. You can also Google Peggy James or Erick Blackwelder  of Erick and Company of Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Call 703-851-3085 (Peggy) or 703-590-2252 (Office).We service Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Manassas, Manassas Park, Montclair,Quantico, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, and Gainesville