Pat's Relocation Blog

AND WHAT IS HARDSHIP?

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:00:20 -0600

This is a good list for those who are considering a short sale to review in Prince William County (VA) as well. There is more than one hardship that a bank will look at and despite the myths some lenders WILL look at a short sale hardship even when the owner has not missed a payment.

Talk to your lender about your specific situation to see what they have to say.

Via John Occhi, ePRO, Hemet-San Jacinto CA Real Estate, 951-443-6259 (Allison James Estate and Homes):

Short Sales are dominating the listing side of the MLS in the Hemet - San Jacinto Valley, CA and are starting to show up more and more in the SOLD MLS listings as well.

The common denominator of all of these short sales is that the homeowner has experienced a hardship that prevents them from keeping up with the mortgage on their real estate.

Many Hemet - San Jacinto homeowners may feel like times are tough - but not really have what the banks may consider to be a legitimate hardship. So to help those in need, lets take a look at what the banks will typically allow as a hardship, when considering a short sale:

Illness

Loss of Job

Reduced Income

Failed Business

Job Relocation

Death of Spouse or C0-Borrower

Death

Incarceration

Divorce

Marital Separation

Military Duty

Reduced Income

Medical Bills

Damage to Property (natural disaster or unnatural)

There are of course other legitimate hardships and with proper documentation they will also be considered by most lenders.

The key to any hardship is the documentation. When presenting your case to the bank, make sure that your letter is short and sweet - they do not want a novel, they just want the facts...and they want documents to back up your situation. Think of your hardship letter that will help you avoid foreclosure with a short sale as a biography, or an outline of this segment of your life...complete with footnotes and exhibits.

When preparing your hardship letter, make certain that you separate fiction from fact. The best hardship letters break the homeowners situation down into three easy to follow phases...the problem that occurred....how it effects the homeowner...and what the homeowner hopes to accomplish in the future. Past Present and Future are the three points that need to be covered.

Until Next Time, Have a Blessed Day,

John Occhi, ePRO & Five Star Certified REO REALTOR®
www.JohnOcchi.Com
Hemet - San Jacinto Valley, CA
The Excellence in Real Estate Team @
Allison James Estates & Homes
2281 W. Esplande Ave, #102-B
Next to "Starbucks"
San Jacinto CA 92582
(951) 654-5550

This blog and the contents written here is the intellectual property of John Occhi, Hemet - San Jacinto Valley REALTOR® in the South West Riverside County region of the Inland Empire of Southern California. The views and opinions expressed are just that - views and opinions of John Occhi and those who comment. Please note that I am not an attorney or a tax professional and any time I discuss either topic, I suggest you consult with the proper professional for relevant assistance.

This blog is part of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, which is a social network highlighting the best of Web 2.0. Information is provided with the intent of educating and assisting home owners, home sellers, home buyers and real estate investors with information the can be used to make better real estate decisions.

I am proud to be a full time REALTOR® who is proud to be a contributing member of the ActiveRain community.

How to Winterize your Pets ... Holiday Tips for Pet Owners

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:40:21 -0600

Today one of my neighbors came home with a new puppy. As we chatted about puppy tips I remembered this post with great tips for keeping pets safe during the holiday season.

Via Joan Whitebook, ABR,e-Pro,CEBA Southern New Hampshire (Buyer's Option Realty Services):

   The holidays can be a stressful time for both humans and their pets.

Get your pet ready for the holidays and for winter.

- Don't use glass ornaments. They may break and cut a your pet's feet and mouth.

- No edible ornaments. Your dog or cat may knock the tree over in an attempt to grab them.

- Whether your tree is live or ornamental, both kinds of needles are sharp and indigestible.

- Keep the tree in a room that can be blocked off or have a barrier so the pets cannot get to the tree..

-Tinsel is dangerous -- so if used, keep it up high. It may obstruct circulation and, if swallowed, block the intestines.

- Chocolate and alcohol are toxic for pets. Keep eggnog, sweet treats and other seasonal goodies out of reach.

     Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are pet poisons! Keep them out of reach!

     Inspect all holiday gifts for dogs or cats to ensure they are safe and not toxic. Items such as vinyl, plastic and small rawhide sticks may be dangerous.

     Keep lights away from lower tree branches. They may get very hot and burn dogs, cats (or toddlers)

     Be careful with electic cords. Pets may chew them -- or they can get shocked or electrocuted.

WINTER CONCERNS

WINTER COLD CAN BE HARMFUL TO YOUR PETS                                         Carley

Never leave your pet outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind-chill makes the air colder than actual temperature readings.

Check on your pet's body temperature and limit time outdoors.

Provide adequate shelter. Keep your dog or cat warm, dry and away from drafts.

If you gave an outdoor kennel... place blankets and pads on floors and/or in a plastic swimming pool for shelter and warmth.

Be Careful walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, ponds or rivers. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured (so could you).

Groom your pet regularly. A well-groomed coat keeps your pet insulated. Short and/or coarse haired dogs and short haired cats may get extra cold so consider a sweater or coat.

Long-haired dogs should have their nails clipped to ease snow removal and the cleaning of feet. Musher's wax is one product that safely and effectively coats the dogs pads, protecting them from ice, cold and cracking.

Blow-dry or towel dry your pet if the pet gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean their paws.

Don't leave your dog or cat alone in a car. It gets too cold and carbon monoxide from an engine left running is dangerous.

Careful with rock salt; it may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your pet's feet after a walk.

Provide plenty of water. Your dog or cat is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer.   Remember snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.

Frostbite is a winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on ears, tail and feet, don't leave your dog or cat outdoors for too long.

Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your pet. Keep portable heaters out of reach and make sure screens are in front of the fireplace.

WINTER EXERCISE - STRESS REDUCTION

The stressful holiday season is NOT the best time to start training your pet.

Puppies, dogs, kittens and cats get stressed during the holidays. Allow them time-outs if you cannot supervise interactions between visitors and your pet.

Pets need to be exercised regularly for optimum health and well-being.

Just like humans, dogs need to be "conditioned" for specific sports or winter exercise. Be sure to have your pet do a warmup.



Different breeds are better coated for harsh winter weather. Short coated breeds, need protection!

If you have an energetic pet but it is too cold to be outside, consider a healthy outlet like indoor dog sports/agility - or indoor play with your cat.

To alleviate winter boredom around the home, create games that simulate outdoor activity. What does your dog or cat enjoy doing: digging, chewing, chasing things down? Hide a biscuit or favorite toy or find a local indoor agility facility.

Tips /photos- compliments of Dog Talk & Thera Pet LLC with permission.

________________________

Disclaimer:   Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice. Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author. Buyer's Option Realty Services, Janet White owner/broker. Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, all rights reserved.Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, all rights reserved. Copyrights :How to Winterize your Pets ... Holiday Tips for Pet Owners"

Tips adapted with permission from DogTalk & TheraPet LLC - do not copy or adapt without permission from Dog Talk & Thera Pet LLC/ RIP Eli -- we miss you.

Woodbridge VA-Santa Trains Are Ready to Roll

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:48:09 -0600

I stopped by the Woodbridge Station last year when the train was loading. Kids and parents were having a great time. This year I'll be there to drop off some unwrapped toys for the annual Marine Toys for Tots Drive.

All Aboard!

Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):

Mark your calendars now for the annual Operation Lifesaver Santa Trains pulling out of Fredericksburg, Woodbridge, Manassas and Burke Centre on December 12^h.

With the appropriate names of Santa's reindeer these special VRE trains head out of stations for a one hour ride with plenty of surprises for the little ones. Tickets for the train cost $5.00 and MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE at the following locations:

Fredericksburg
Visitors Center
706 Caroline Street
Monday-Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm
(540) 373-1776

Woodbridge VRE Station
Coffee Club Cafe
Monday-Friday:
5:15am - 12:00noon and 3:00p - 8:00p
Saturday: 8:00a - 2:00p
Sunday: 8:30a - 12:00noon

Burke
Supervisor Sharon Bulova's Office
9002 Burke Lake Road
Monday-Friday: 9:00a-4:30p
(703) 425-9300

Manassas
Manassas Visitors Center
9431 West Street (Manassas VRE Depot)
Monday-Sunday: 9:00a-5:00p
(703) 361-6599

In conjunction with the Santa Express Trains the Marine Corps will be collecting for the annual Toys for Tots Campaign as well. Please consider bringing an unwrapped toy for a less fortunate child to enjoy this holiday season.

Braemar Residents: Time to Get Those Holiday Decorations Up

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:02:24 -0600

Nothing like a little holiday decorating competion to get the creative juices flowing. If you live in Braemar get out your extension cords and rev up the generators!

Via Chris Ann Cleland, GRI (Long & Foster, Gainesville, VA):

If you are a resident of Bristow, Virginia's community of Braemar, then you may want to participate in the holiday home decoration contest. It's all about decorating the front facing exterior of your home with holidays lights and decorations.

Volunteers throughout each sub-association of Braemar will be coming the neighborhood on the evenings of December 12th & 13th to choose winners in the following categories:

GRISWOLD (Most Outrageous)

TRADITIONAL (a.k.a. Home Sweet Home)

BEST OVERALL

There will be winners chosen in each Braemar subassociation, in each of the three categories. You've only got to December 12th & 13th to get the decorations up. Better get moving!
Chris Ann Cleland, Realtor- Licensed in Virginia, GRI & Short Sale Specialist. Affiliated with Long & Foster, 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155. To contact Chris Ann, call 703-402-0037 or email chrisann@LNF.com.

Military Relocation-Another Northern Virginia Military Family Makes A Move

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:34:19 -0600

Under Contract

The military owners of this terrific Kings Park home are packing and heading overseas. If you are thinking of listing your home in Springfield or any of the other great Northern Virginia neighborhoods give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213.

Photo Gallery

Living Room	Kitchen
Kitchne	Eating Space	Master Bedroom
Recreation Room	Screened Porch

Description

UNDER CONTRACT

If you have been waiting for just the right home then your wait is over. Nestled in the trees on a quiet corner lot in Kings Park this Cape Cod three level home offers plenty of space for your family and proximity to shopping,
commuting and recreation.

When you enter you notice the formal living with hardwood floors and wood burning fireplace. The updated kitchen offers 42” maple cabinets, new appliances and room for your table. Step out to the screened in porch and fenced backyard. The first floor also features a master suite with walk-in closet, dual vanities and bath.

The top level features three additional bedrooms and an updated bathroom.
The lower level features a nice size recreation room with recessed lights, laundry room and additional space which could be converted to more finished living space.

This home is ready for you to move in and enjoy. Take advantage of the extension of the first time homebuyers tax credit. This nice home won’t last long!

Features

Bedrooms:	4
Bathrooms:	2
Year Built:	1965
Subdivision:	Kings Park
Lot Size:	1/4 acre
School District:	Lake Braddock
Square Footage:	2000
Agent Name:	Cindy Jones
Broker:	RE/MAX Allegiance
MLS #:	FX7199099

Location

5500 Kempton Drive Springfield VA 22151

vFlyer Id: 2933480

Springfield VA- Hang Your Crown in This Terrific New Kings Park Listing

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:18:04 -0600

Don't miss your chance to take advantage of the extended $8000 tax credit to buy this great home in the Kings Park neighborhood of Springfield. Perfectly situated for military families who are stationed at Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon or any of the Military District of Washington locations.

Call Cindy Jones at 703-346-2213 to schedule your viewing.

Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):

Coming this weekend in Kings Park in Springfield (VA) a remodeled King model situated on a quiet corner lot. The former two small main level bedrooms have been combined into a master suite with huge walk-in closet, extra vanity and updated bath. Enjoy the completely remodeled kitchen with new cabinents, counters and appliances. Upstairs are three bedrooms and a remodeled bath. The lower level has a recreation room and huge storage area. Hardwood floors throughout the main and upper level of the home.

This terrific home will be priced at $389,000. Get your checkbooks ready!

Read more about the Kings Park neighborhood:

It isn't hard to figure out what the developer of the first Kings Park was planning when they laid out the plan for the community and the homes. With one look at the street names Thames, Victoria, Trafalgar and Cromwell among others you might think you have made a trip back to England. Then when you add the names of the five original models; King, Queen, Princess, Duke and Duchess, you realize absolutely there is a royal connection!

Our family bought our very first home in Kings Park in 1981. Having just returned from five years overseas we were anxious to settle down for awhile and having grown up in Springfield it was an easy choice to make the original Kings Park the place to buy our first "real home." We were attracted to the neighborhood due to the mature trees, green space parks, community pools and easy commuting to our jobs. With the gentle slope of our 1/3 acre lot we were able to set up a zip line between the top of the back yard and the back fence which became a neighborhood hangout for the under 5 age group!

Since the neighborhood was first built over 40 years ago it has been popular with military families looking for easy access to the Pentagon or Fort Belvoir. Children attend schools in the Lake Braddock School Pyramid and both Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University are close by. Public bus transportation, a VRE station and slug lines are easy to get to from anywhere in the neighborhood. Homeowners can walk to the Kings Park Shopping Center and even the Kings Park Library branch of the Fairfax County Library System.

When you want to take a break you walk or ride your bike through two different "back" entrances to Lake Accotink or for anyone who likes the challenge of dirt biking the nearby trails through Wakefield Park are considered some of the best in the area. Wakefield Park is also the location for the Audrey Moore Recreation Center where you will find an indoor pool and popular fitness center. During the summer Lake Accotink Park hosts free Friday night summertime concerts which are an absolute hit with everyone. Music ranges through swing, jazz, pop and rock. If you haven't seen your neighbors for a few days chances are you will find them there with a picnic basket and folding chairs

If you are interested in learning more about Northern Virginia Relocation, local neighborhoods or things to do give the Cindy Jones team a call at 703-346-2213. No hassle, no pressure, just straight talk about whether now is the right time for you to buy a home in Kings Park or any Springfield (VA) neighborhood.

A Hint of Color to Brighten Up a Dreary Prince William County Day

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:00:33 -0600

It seems we have had an endless series of dreary fall weather. Hoped when I woke up this morning that the sun would be shining. Instead I had to take a walk in the Occoquan Nature Reserve and look for a little bit of color to brighten up the day.

Honestly This Could Be the Strangest Design Idea Ever

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:18:13 -0500

I don't want to violate copyright by posting the picture of this strange architectural design so you will have to follow the link.

Integrated Countertop Staircase

I'm sure that someone thought this was a good idea but using your kitchen counter everyday as a stair tread? Certainly we could come up with a list of reasons why this is a bad idea. No offense to the architect and designers but this won't show up on any of my future home design plans.

Dumfries (VA)-Spend a Night in a Haunted Museum

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:01:22 -0500

Once a year residents of Prince William County have the opportunity to spend the night in the Weems-Bott Museum and wait for the ghosts to appear. This is not a staged event but a chance for ghost watchers to see if a ghost appears during the night. Some have called the Weems-Bott Museum the most haunted house in Dumfries. Make your reservations by calling 703-221-.2218

Every Friday and Saturday night in October, 9:00 pm - 6:00 am, Weems-Botts Museum, Dumfries. $50 per person, no one under 16 without a guardian. Free Parking. *RESERVATIONS REQUIRED*

Model Home Furniture Sale in Gainesville's Heritage Hunt

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:36:55 -0500

It's that time again. Another great Amazing Grace Model Home Funiture Sale. This one is in Heritage Hunt in Gainseville.

Both Chris Ann Cleland and Cindy Jones are on the "insiders" list and hear about the sales before they are published to the public.

Don't miss it.

Via Chris Ann Cleland, GRI (Long & Foster, Gainesville, VA):

Don't miss the model home furniture sale in Gainesville's Heritage Hunt on October 31, 2009. This is a one day only sale, starting at 9am and ending at 2pm. Buy designer selected furniture, art and accessories from this Key West Style Condo plus more from another condo. Cash and Checks Only, ID required.

Directions to Heritage Hunt in Gainesville (for those unfamiliar) are as follows:

Take Route 66 West to Exit 43B (Route 29 North.) At the exit, bear left. At the traffic light cross Rt. 29 Lee Hwy onto Heathcote Blvd. Turn right at first traffic light at Heritage Hunt Dr. Sign in with the gate guard. Follow the Lennar signs to the condo models, first building on the right. Parking is in front of the building both condo buildings. The sale is in unit 103.

For more information on this sale, or to get on the email list for Model Home Furniture Sales all over the metro area, email Amazing Grace at amazingraceinc@gmail.com.

Chris Ann Cleland, Realtor- Licensed in Virginia, GRI & Short Sale Specialist. Affiliated with Long & Foster, 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155. To contact Chris Ann, call 703-402-0037 or email chrisann@LNF.com.

Don't Forget Virginia Energy Star Weekend Starts TODAY

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:08:51 -0500

If you've been looking to upgrade your appliances (to be more energy-efficient), here is some great news for you.

This coming weekend in Virginia, Energy Star Appliances and WaterSense Qualified products will be exempt from Virginia Sales Tac. Products must be for non-commerical use and cost less than $2500.

Per the Virginia Department of Tax Site:

"The exempt Energy Star items include dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, air conditioners, ceiling fans, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and programmable thermostats that carry the Energy Star designation."

This is a great opportunity to upgrade your appliances and save a few dollars in the process.

Speehless Sunday-Just Hanging Out at The Beach with Some Friends

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:23:26 -0500

Some folks say they go to the beach in North Carolina for years and never see the Wild Horses of Corolla. We took our 4 wheel drive down to the beach, pulled out our picnic table and evening cocktail and soon this crew came wandering out of the hills.

A few minutes later another group and then a Stallion came out as well. The horses are protected and since they are wild you can not feed them or try to lure them closer to you otherwise you might incur a heft fine. It is thought that the horses are decendants of Spanish horses which escaped when the Spanish landed iin the area in the 16th century.

No matter how they got to the dunes of the Outer Banks they are a wonderful sight to see as the sun is setting.

Clip Art Users-Have You Checked out the Upgrades?

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:03:16 -0500

If you are a subscriber to www.iclipart.com and haven't logged in recently go take a look.

They have done some nice upgrades to the site and they've added some terrific new graphics.

The new menu on the left hand side of the screen makes it easier to narrow down your choices. Some of the new 3D graphics are quite eye catching. Some of the graphics themselves might inspire a blog post or two.

The subscription rates are reasonable and you know when you use graphics from a site such as www.iclipart.com that you won't have any copyright issues.

Virginia Energy Star Tax Rebate Weekend October 9-12th

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:26:00 -0500

If you've been looking to upgrade your appliances (to be more energy-efficient), here is some great news for you.

This coming weekend in Virginia, Energy Star Appliances and WaterSense Qualified products will be exempt from Virginia Sales Tac. Products must be for non-commerical use and cost less than $2500.

This is a great opportunity to upgrade your appliances and save a few dollars in the process.

Lorton-Art, Wine and All that Jazz October 3-4th

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:50:54 -0500

Make sure you have marked your calendars for this weekends Art, Wine and All that Jazz event at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center.

Festival Hours:

Saturday from 11am-9PM
Sunday from 12-8PM

Enjoy wine tastings from a variety of Virginia and North Carolina vineyards as well as a line-up of Jazz musicans and of course the terrific artists who are a part of the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center.

You can read all of the details of the event on the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center.

Hope to see you there!

I Need Your Help. Your Reward? Great Blogs With Great Info. REBlogworld/Blogworld Expo In Las Vegas!

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:36:05 -0500

Looks like Matt is on a mission. I'm glad to lend him a helping hand. However if he wins I want him to put a dollar in a slot machine for me and give it a pull.

Via Matt Stigliano (RE/MAX Access):

photo courtesy of nodomain1

I love blogging.

You may have noticed before, but it's a fact, I love to blog about real estate. It's good for my business, but I actually find it enjoyable too. In that vein, I would like to make it to this year's Blogworld and New Media Expo (including REBlogworld). Of course, these things cost money and there are expenses...blah blah blah. However, Alltop is sponsoring a contest to allow 3 lucky winners to attend this year's event.

I entered, but I need your help. First of all, I misread a rule, which has seriously put me behind the curve. I thought I was doing okay, but realized that the rule was rather specific and I needed to get moving - so I turn to you, the ActiveRain community for help.

The grand prize for the contest is entrance to the conference as well as hotel accommodations. With those two paid for, I can deal with the flights and food for the three days. I need to win this. Imagine how many blogs I'll churn out when I get back with all the new info I've acquired. Think of me as your Blogworld corespondent. I will report back to you - all you have to do is get me to the top! I don't know what it will take to get me there (I don't even know who's in the lead), but with the power of the ActiveRain and Twitter community, I'm willing to bet (Las Vegas - get it?) that I can win this!

Imagine how this will benefit the ActiveRain community as well! Having the power of 160K+ members pushing to help me accomplish this goal will certainly make people think that ActiveRain is the place to be.

Here's what I need:

First, reblog this post if you can. By spreading the word, there will be more opportunity for more people to act upon it. Put it in every category you can think of and make sure everyone of ActiveRain's members see it! I could care less about the points gained from the reblogs, so ActiveRain can pull the points - this is about getting me to Blogworld and REBlogworld.

Second, you need to retweet the information necessary in order for me to be counted. Visit MyAlltop page and at the bottom you will see a "retweet" button:

Click the retweet button. Click it whenever you have a few free seconds. Tell your friends to click it. Please don't sit there and click it 100 times in a row. I don't want to get the boot for "stuffing the ballot box." The contest ends at 8:00 am Pacific Time on October 1, 2009, so I need your clicks up until then. Let's get as many as we can and show everyone the power of ActiveRain, get me to Vegas, and let me bring back and share all that I have learned!

Please use the retweet button and have everyone you know retweet it too! This would be huge for me and I appreciate all the help I can get!
All content ©2008-2009 by Matt Stigliano, Realtor® unless otherwise noted.

Matt Stigliano, Realtor®

RE/MAX Access

(210) 646-HOME

www.RErockstar.com

"Your all access pass to San Antonio real estate."

Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook.

Springfield (VA)-Check out the Fairfax County Recreation Centers

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:24:10 -0500

It doesn’t matter if you are young or old you can always find something to do at one of the nine Fairfax County Recreation Centers.

Want to take a class? Then check out the “Aerobics to Zoom” list of course available.

Want to work out? The each of the recreation centers offers you full work out facilities and many offer personal trainers if you need a little extra help. Want to swim? Each of the centers offers an indoor swimming pool.

Springfield (VA) is home to two of the recreation Centers; Audrey Moore & South Run.

Follow these links to find out more information on each of the Fairfax County Recreation Centers:

Audrey Moore RECenter
Cub Run RECenter
George Washington RECenter
Lee District RECenter
Mount Vernon RECenter
Oak Marr RECenter
Providence RECenter
Spring Hill RECenter
South Run RECenter

Springfield (VA) High School Pyramids forSpringfield Virginia

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:18:30 -0500

For anyone looking to buy a home in Springfield Virginia you will hear the term "school pyramid" used to describe the schools that feed into the four local high schools.

West Springfield, Robert E. Lee, South County Secondary School and Lake Braddock Secondary School are the four high schools at the top of the pyramid for children living in Springfield neighborhoods. There are multiple elementary schools that feed each of these schools. There are also elementary schools in the Burke Centre community that also feed to Lake Braddock and South County as well.

The following chart shows you the current schools assigned to each the top schools in the pyramid.

West Springfield HS Pryamid	Robert E Lee HS Pryamid	South County SS Pryamid	Lake Braddock SS

Washington Irving MS	Francis Scott Key MS	South County MS	Lake Braddock MS
Cardinal Forest ES	Crestwood ES	Newington Forest ES	Kings Park ES
Hunt Valley ES	Forsestdale ES		Sangster ES
Keene Mill ES	Garfield ES
Orange Hunt ES	Lynbrook ES
Rolling Valley ES	Saratoga ES
West Springfield ES	Springfield Estate ES

Lake Braddock and South County both have middle schools as part of their "campus" and do not have a separate feeder middle school. Detailed information about each of the schools can be found on the Fairfax County Schools site. You can also input the address of the Springfield property you are considering purchasing and find out which school is associated with that address.

If you are interested in learning more about homes for sale in Springfield call the Cindy Jones team of RE/MAX Allegiance a call at 703-346-2213. Cindy has a unique perspective on Springfield having grown up in the area and owned homes in every zip code. Let her knowledge of the area work for you

Springfield (VA) Cardinal Forest Condomiuniums Standing the Test of Time

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:08:43 -0500

Cardinal Forest today retains some of the same feel that it did in the 1970's when the neighborhood was first converting to condominiums from rental units. Still welcoming newlyweds, military families and retirees the community has matured and maintained its charm. Buyers and owners can say thank you to a diligent homeowners association which makes sure that the neighborhood has been well taken care of over the years.

Buyers may be surprised when they drive through the neighborhood at the wide variety of condominiums available in the Cardinal Forest neighborhood. There are one, two & three bedroom single level units, two level townhouses and a 2100 square foot three level townhouse as well. There are a total of 68 buildings and 1050 units that make up the neighborhood. The condominium fee in Cardinal Forest includes everything but your "plug ins" and whatever internet/cable/phone bundle you may choose.

Owners can walk to the Giant, Whole Foods, Starbucks and the Washington Sports Club, all within a mile. If you are commuting to DC or the Pentagon you are only a short step out your front door to catch the 18G express bus. The Springfield metro is 15 minutes away and if Fort Belvoir is your destination you can be at Tulley Gate within 30 minutes. Cardinal Forest also shares the back gate entrance to Lake Accotink Park, one of Fairfax Counties lake front parks along with the Charlestown neighborhood.

If a move to Springfield VA or anywhere in Northern Virginia is in your future give the Cindy Jones team at call at 703-346-2213. Having owned, lived and sold homes in every zip code in Springfield there is a good chance we can give you the straight scoop on many of our terrific neighborhoods. Our approach is no hassle, no pressure just a chance to meet and talk about whether buying a home is the right choice for you in today's market.

Gainesville, VA: Model Home Furniture Sale in Morris Farm

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:03:41 -0500

Wonder how you are going to furnish all those rooms in your new home? Take advantage of the great sale on Model Home furniture this weekend in Gainesville.

Via Chris Ann Cleland, GRI (Long & Foster, Gainesville, VA):

Gainesville, VA: Model home furniture sale in Morris Farm, September 26th & 27th.

Amazing Grace is at it again! This time, there will be two fully decorated models, a partial model and one garage full of desks. Dates and times as follows:

Saturday, September 26, 2009, 10am-4pm

Sunday, September 27, 2009, 10am-2pm

The models hosting the sale are located at the addresses below:

8916 Song Sparrow Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155

8857 Yellowhammer Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155

As per all Amazing Grace Model Home Furniture Sales, this is a cash/check and carry event.

To get to the Morris Farm subdivision, exit Route 29 S to Gainesville from Route 66. Take a left on Linton Hall Road. Follow 2 miles and make a right onto Rollins Ford Rd. Yellowhammer is right off of Rollins Ford.

Lake Ridge-Fall Has Arrived and So Has Fall Fun

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:13:03 -0500

The last few days in Lake Ridge have been a reminder that fall weather is on the way.

The fall activity calendar has been published by the Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Association.

Residents can enjoy the following events throughout the coming months.

Lake Ridge Yard Sale
September 26
12530 Oakwood Dr (Parking Lot)
8 AM to Noon

Fall Festival
October 31
12298 Cotton Mill Dr
10 AM to 2 PM

Wine Country Bus Trip
November 14
9:30 am to 7 PM

Turkey Trot 5K Walk and 10K Run
12350 Oakwood Dr
Hilly course for all ages and levels

For more information on these events and other happenings in Lake Ridge head to the Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Website.

If you want to make Lake Ridge your home then give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. Check out our current listings in Lake Ridge.

Springfield (VA)-Preparing for the Influx to the New NGA Facility

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:05:05 -0500

It was announced today that some agencies in leased space in Arlington will be given until 2014 to make the move to Fort Belvoir. The infrastructure work will not slow down as eventually the 20,000 plus personnel will desend on the area.

Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):

The evidence of the BRAC deadline for development and movement of personnel is starting to take shape in the Fort Belvoir area. Not only can you drive through the main post and see the changes but outside the gates local neighborhoods can see the impact as well.

Two of the most visible projects in Springfield include the extension of the Fairfax County Parkway along Rolling Road and Fullerton Roads and the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) building. The final leg of the Fairfax County Parkway has been on the books for years waiting funding. The push to ease the impact of 8500 personnel headed to the new National Geospatial Intelligence Agency building at the old Engineering Proving Grounds in Springfield has made the road a reality.

Now as you exit the parkway at Rolling Road instead of seeing the woods and fences that hid the grounds from sight you see the long stretch of future roadway and the dust from earthmovers. Utility lines along Rolling Road by the Saratoga neighborhood are being moved in anticipation of the widening of the roadway there as well. The new NGA building is a little harder to spot but you can see it emerging from the tree tops off of Fullerton Road.

Now that the road work is well underway some nearby neighborhoods are starting to realize that what they though would never happen is indeed true as shown in this
Fox 5 News Clip.

Though only a small portion of the new jobs coming to the area due to BRAC are from outside our region, there are transferees coming and they are looking in neighborhoods close to Fort Belvoir. If you find yourself coming to the Fort Belvoir area as part of the BRAC changes or with PCS orders give the Cindy Jones Team a call at 703-346-2213. We understand the stress of relocation and are ready to help you make a smooth transition to Fort Belvoir and the surrounding areas.

Will There Be Another Glut of Foreclosures on the Horizon?

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:58:12 -0500

Most agents are thinking foreclosures will be what dominates 2010 but Chris Ann Clelland has a great take on our future and it is short sales.

We are seeing more short sales make it to closing and even a few banks who respond in a reasonable time frame!

Via Chris Ann Cleland, GRI (Long & Foster, Gainesville, VA):

Will there be another glut of foreclosures on the horizon? If you watch news programs that predict market activity, they certainly are predicting more foreclosures hitting the market. A wave of Option ARMS are going to reset soon, and that means plenty of home owners who were making interest only payments, or partial interest only payments, will be facing increased payments as their mortgage adjusts to principal AND interest, amortized over whatever period of time is left on their 30 year loans. Scary thought.

The properties that are secured by these Option Arms may never make it to market as foreclosures. Why? Because many markets, like my own have been educating the public in Short Sales. Knowing that they could avoid foreclosure, save a huge credit hit, and work with the bank to sell their home before it is repossessed, why on earth would a homeowner let a property go to foreclosure?

Even home owners that declare bankruptcy can sell their homes in short sales. The two are not mutually exclusive.

Short sales hold benefits for both the sellers and the mortgage holder(s). The benefit to a seller, particularly those that hold security clearances with government agencies, is avoiding foreclosure and a large hit to the credit that comes with foreclosure. The benefit for the bank is that they save thousands of dollars in legal fees, and lost time on the market, by not having to repossess the property.

So if you are waiting for another round of foreclosures to hit the market, don't be too surprised when you see the market hit with a glut of short sales instead.

Northern Virginia's Definition of Short Sale Approval

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 06:44:23 -0500

This is a great concise post on what constitutes a short sale approval!

Via Chris Ann Cleland, GRI (Long & Foster, Gainesville, VA):

Northern Virginia's definition of short sale approval generally boils down to the following sentence:

Approval by lienholder(s) to accept the net proceeds from the sale of the the home as full payment for the underlying debt.

This sentence may be worded slightly different in the various versions of the short sale contingency addendums ciculating in the Northern Virginia market, but the message is the same. The definition revolves around two important phrases: NET PROCEEDS and FULL PAYMENT.

More and more lienholders are asking for additional money from the short sale sellers in the forms of cash contribution or a promissory note. If a lienholder has written a short sale approval letter accepting the terms of a short sale contract, and are asking the sellers to repay $15,000 over 10 years as part of the approval letter, is that short sale approval?

The answer is NO.

The above scenario means the lienholder is NOT accepting the proceeds of the sale as payment in full for the loan. They are seeking additional money. When this scenario pops up, the short sale approval contingency has not been removed.

Why is this so important? A short sale seller is not contractually obligated to accept any terms that do not have the lien holders taking the net proceeds of the sale as payment in full for their loan(s).

If you are thinking of selling your home in a short sale situation, or thinking of buying one, it is important to know the contract contingency on which your sale will be dependent. More importantly, it is critical that the Realtor you hire to represent know the contingency inside and out.

Chris Ann Cleland, Realtor (Licensed in Virginia), Short Sale Specialist

703-402-0037, chrisann@LNF.com

Shipping Out From Northern Virginia? Check to See if You Qualify for HAP

Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:35:23 -0500

We are fortunate to be working with a number of Fort Belvoir families who qualify for the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP).

If you have PCS orders and need solid advise from an agent who is working with families in your same situation give Cindy Jones a call at 703-346-2213. Let her personal knowledge of military relocation and her professional expertise with the HAP program to work for you.

Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):

Military families stationed at Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon, Quantico and other Military District of Washington installations who purchased a home prior to July 1, 2006 may find that Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) may offer some relief if you have upcoming PCS orders to move.

This week I have listed two homes for sale with families applying for HAP benefits. The official guidelines for the program are expecting to be released within the next 10-14 days and already the counselors for our area indicate they have over 1500 applications waiting. One of the requirements for application for HAP beneits is to be actively marketing your home for sale.

The HAP program is aimed towards helping:

Active Duty Military Personnel with PCS orders who are upside down on their mortgage
Wounded soldiers who must relocate due to medical conditions (wounded after 9/1/2001)
Surviving Spouses (death of military member after 9/1/2001)

According to the Homeowners Assistance Program information the Department of Defense (Dod) will reimburse the covered groups up to 95% of their loss if their homes was purchased prior to July 1 2006. Each covered group may have different percentages covered which the final regulations will outline.

If you live in Northern Virginia and you are anticipating PCS orders this summer and you qualify for HAP, now is the time to start gathering your documents. You may call the HAP Field Office for our area (located in Savannah) at 800-861-8144 for additional information but you may find that due to the volume of calls that you might not be able to speak to a counselor at this time.

If you are looking for an agent to market your home who is already working with families applying for HAP benefits give the Cindy Jones team a call at 703-346-2213.

Download information on how to apply for the HAP program.