We'll be behind bars for "GOOD" so PLEASE HELP BAIL US OUT! We'll be at The Dock at Lansdowne in Lansdowne, Virginia on Tuesday December 8th between 9am and 9pm. Your donations are our keys to freedom!
Together we'll help grow the Loudoun Women's Resource Center which in turn will be helping to build stronger families and communities in Loudoun County! Thank you for making a difference!

Please come out to visit us and learn more about Loudoun Women's Resource Center.

Our mission is to Encourage, Enrich, and Empower women with information and resources to build stronger families and communities within Loudoun County.

It is my time to give back....  Loudoun Women's Resource Center

Raising my children for the last 21 years, working for a major airline for close to 30 years,  and changing careers in mid-life has not been easy. I am able to relate to the people living in my community who are hurting.  The people living in Loudoun county, the riches county in the nation, need help!                 

               "In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal.
In every heart, there is the power to do it. " - Marianne Williamson

I am proud to be among a group of professionals who want to provide a place for women and families to get the help they need. Loudoun Women's Resource Center is a newly,formed not- for- profit organization whose focus and mission is:

 "to Encourage, Enrich, and Empower women with information and resources to build stronger families and communities within Loudoun County.

We have five areas of emphasis:

• Financial - financial planning workshops
• Family - family centered activities/relationships
• Physical - personal/group training/nutrition
• Emotional - self esteem workshops
• Spiritual - yoga and meditation classes

Our next fundraiser, slated in December, will be held at Clyde's in the Broadlands.  Please come to check out our "Jail." You will find some of Loudoun's most notorious folks in jail and needing to be "bailed-out."

All donations will go to WRC.

Our very first fundraiser was held in October where you could...

Enjoy The Dock's delicious fare ("One Bite and You're Hooked!") and help us raise the necessary funds for WRC at the same time. Meet the WRC Board members and find out more about the Loudoun Women's Resource Center.

We thank The Dockfor being the first business to donate space for our meetings and contribute to our very first fundraiser event.

There is so much bad press; one minute you hear prices are stabilizing, then just today the news-worthy bleep was that we have record numbers of foreclosures happening.  We don't see the record numbers here!

I know what my buyers are experiencing in our area and what a number of us who attended the Freddie Mac Real REO seminar (HOMESTEPS) which Long & Foster offered to us at our headquarters in Chantilly. Across Northern Virginia we are all experiencing a low inventory in some price ranges, bidding wars on REOS and Short Sales, and prices becoming more balanced, sometimes even going up.

 I was certainly glad I gave my time to attend this informational seminar.  I know I will be investigating and asking sellers if they have a Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae loan. 

If you are finding it difficult to make your mortgage payments or feel you might be heading down a scary place toward short selling or foreclosure, go here first and then to your lender. The best information you can gather is from your lender.  Freddie Mac has a great site which has tips and information you need.

Does Freddie Mac Own Your Loan?

Your mortgage servicer will be able to tell you if Freddie Mac owns your loan. You may also use their secured look-up tool:

• Does Freddie Mac Own Your Mortgage?

Have These Documents Ready! 

     Gather your paperwork before you do anything.  Have your questions ready.

 Have you had a recent hardship?  Have you lost your job or have your pay substantially reduced?  Has your interest readjusted.  Has your neighborhood seen home values fall which would prevent you from selling or refinancing?

Here are some questions  HomeSteps has provided and are worth asking your lender to answer:

 "Questions to ask:

• How much time is the lender willing to give you to complete a work-out?
• What are your obligations under the work-out package?
• What are the specifics? Be sure to ask what is due and when.
• Will a foreclosure sale of your property be put on hold while your lender looks at the possibility of a workout package?"

Another great video which I found on Freddie Mac's website. .  There is even a calculation and toolkit page. 

What if you want to buy Freddie Mac owned property?

                                  If you are thinking about buying a short sale or REO(bank owned property), know what to expect!  You must sit down with your agent and discuss strategies, especially time-lines, and your specific goals.  It is not as easy as you think and many regular resale properties can get you the same deals, without all the stress and anxiety.  Prepare yourself.  I have tried to give my clients who are thinking about purchasing a Short Sale or REO the pros and cons.  I always warn them about what to expect, but most of the time, they really don't get the picture until they dive right in and are bedoming so stressed from not hearing from the 3rd party or from having  lost several REO contracts in a bidding war..

There is always a price to pay.  Like my mom said, "you don't get anything for nothing!!

It is in your best interest to be a good consumer and compare lenders and mortgage brokers products and interest rates when thinking about a home purchase.  Many of my buyers are fearful to have their credit pulled too many times. 

Too many credit inquiries can negatively affect your credit score, but you can control the damage. And, credit inquires make up a relatively small part of your credit score.

This topic and more information can be found in my October Newsletter.

The article in my newsletter written by Dian Hymer addresses these concerns.

"For example, the FICO credit score from Fair Isaac Corp. that is widely used by mortgage companies for qualifying borrowers uses five types of information to calculate a credit score. Each type counts as a percentage of the total credit score. They are: payment history (35 percent); amounts owed (30 percent); length of credit history (15 percent); new credit (10 percent); and types of credit in use (10 percent). Credit inquiries fall into the "new credit" category, which accounts for less than 10 percent of your credit score.

Only voluntary inquiries are taken into account, such as the inquiries made at your request when you shop loan rates. Loan agents usually need to know your credit score before they can quote you an interest rate."

The FICO credit-scoring model ignores all mortgage inquiries made within the last 30 days, so they will have no impact on your credit score, "

Please feel free to contact me for more information and to sign up for my Newsletters.

This is one of the greatest times in history to buy a home...

Good Inventory, and up to $8,000 first-time buyer's tax incentives.  First-time buyer's tax incentive questions, email me.

Pitfall #1  Check you Credit Score and make sure all information is correct.  Find out more informationon  how to improve your credit score. Your credit score is one of the most important factors used to decide whether you will qualify for a major loan.  Check your credit for free at all three repositories.

Pitfall #2  Failing to work with an Accredited Buyer's Agent, a professional Realtor with the designation ABR.  Buyers who are not represented by his/her own agent is like a defendant tries to represent himself in court. Would you ever consider defending yourself on trial?  Home buying is one of the most important financial decisions you ever make.  You need a great team, a great agent, great lender, home inspector, settlement attorney, etc.

Pitfall#3 Choose a the best mortgage which meets your individual financial requirements. Look at interest rates,discount points, and terms.

Pitfall #4  Choose a good lender and get a Pre-approval letter before you begin.                                                        Many folks want to go home shopping the same way they go grocery and clothes shopping.  They start by looking before they know how much they can afford.  It is imperative to get a pre-approval letter, know your limits and begin by looking at home in the correct price range which meet your requirements.  many buyers do not think through the process and begin by either looking at homes which are far beyond what they can  afford; they think that in a Buyer's Market, they can make a "low-ball" offer and get the seller to agree.  Even in a Buyer's Market, the seller's agent will have given the owners a pretty good look at what has recently sold The CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) is usually the best means to determine Market Value .

Pitfall #5  Check out the Home, ALL aspects of the home.  Remember you are not simply buying a structure, you are buying a neighborhood, school system, and location.  Think about whether or not you enjoy a sun-filled kitchen in the morning, or one that has a view with afternoon sun.  We built our present home to have our Master bedroom in the back, facing trees, not the street.  After all, our teenagers can sleep through anything, we can't!  Barking dogs, neighborhood lawns, etc all need to be check out.  Take different routes and side streets, and visit on the weekends to see how it looks when everyone is home or on weekdays when the traffic can be intolerable.

Pitfall#6  GET A HOME INSPECTIONand do a final walk-through.  Ask questions and make sure you understand what repairs if necessary are covered in the contract, what items are negotiable.  Are doorbells required to be working, Dampers in fireplaces, missing window screens, fog in double-pained windows- know what is covered as a condition of the contract.

Pitfall#7 Closing Documents. Review the HUD and compare it to your Good Faith Estimate.  You are responsible for placing your name on the dotted line.  Make sure you understand what you are signing.

I have always wanted to do this Haunted Buffer Dinner at the Green Tree Restaurant, but never had a chance since my daughters were off trick-or-treating while my husband and I remained home to welcome our halloween guests.

This event, according to reports, is "not recommended for the faint of heart!  It, supposedly, is the scarest tour in the D.C. area.

               It begins with the Cornfield Maze, just outside of Leesburg on Route 15 North.  The largest and most legendary maze in the world!  Normal admission is $10, free under 5 years of age. 

You will then drive yourself to the Green Tree Restaurant, which originally opened in the 18th century. here, you will be offerd a menu which reflects recipes listed in historic letters and diaries from the National Archives and the Library of Congress.  For this particular evening tour, you will be served Robert's Delight.  Who is Robert, you ask?  From all accounts, he delighted in this very dish some 200 years ago. I guess you will need to go on the tour to find out! 

                                                                 Mysteries and ghost stories suround this town...

                             The disappearance of Geoffrey Smythe's children at the haunted shcool housemakes this tour most exciting as well as frightening.  if it sounds like it is too much to handle, i suggest you hremain at home!

Other Northern Virginia halloweeen Fun can be found by visiting                                                     Virginia is for Lovers                                                  Below is a list they have compiled. 

Markham - Thru Oct 31- Stribling Orchard Applefest offers not only apples, but beginning in September, all sizes and shapes of pumpkins, too! Relax, bring a picnic, and enjoy our breath-taking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Midland - Thru Nov 7 - Cows-N-Corn Corn Maze Adventure and Dairy Farm is a working 300 cow, 1800 acre dairy farm. October features a corn maze adventure and family haunted hayride!

Centreville - Sep 19 - Nov 8 - Cox Farms Fall Festival - Five giant slides, hayrides, rope swings, farm animals & their babies, CORNundrum© cornfield adventure, apples & cider, food, entertainment ... over 90 acres of fun!

 We at Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. in Leesburg feel so fortunate to be the  the first  Real Estate Broker to be given the opportunity to preview the Village at Leesburg.

The Villages at Leesburg is very impressive and something that I think will make Leesburg proud.  The architecture and well thought out walk-ways, parking, and landscape are quite impressive. 

 Great Advertisment...

                                                    "LIVE & PLAY"

                                                          "Welcome home to urban convenience and custom comforts."

Who would have thought Leesburg would attract this type of lifestyle.  I am certainly glad it has!  You will be quite impressed.

Sorry it was a gloomy day, but you can imagine the area if it were a sunny afternoon.

The office space is something you definitely want to consider if you are looking to open a business in Leesburg. size ranges from 3,300-10,00 sq ft.  Upscale and designed to attract retailers and office tenants looking for "a signature" business location, you must consider this location.  Contact me  for pricing and more information.

                              The retail space is anchored by Wegman's and LA Fitness.  According to their marketing division, retailers will find the exposure  and accessibility of  Route 7 ,  the 125,000 consumers within a five-mile radius, and  the average income of $120,000+ something to capitalize on when making a decision to move here.  70,000+ cars pass by this location each day..wow what exposure especially  if you can be seen for Route 7.

Thinking of moving into the area, presently, the Village at Leesburg is offering 355 luxury residential  apartments.  These are NOT your normal rentals.  Yes they are a bit more expensive, but the appeal of working and living in this area will not go unnoticed and will capture your heart.  

                                 The Metropolitan Apartments are oh so elegant!!!  They are right when they describe them  as being designed for comfort... graceful balconies, custom cabinetry, wonderful urban views ,and all with a new and vibrate lifestyle to go along.   I was able to snap a few photos; take a look at the 9" ceilings, huge balcony, and designer kitchen.

   Lookout Leesburg! 

The buzz about Wegman's opening in Leesburg  is everywhere. 

                                     Opening When:  November 8th. 

                                I was shopping in their Sterling store this past  Sunday.  At the check out counter, I overheard a customer ask, when is your store opening in Leesburg?  She is from Round Hill, and like myself, makes weekly excuses to go to Sterling, just to shop at Wegman's.

                                               You must check out their videos.  I made both their featured dishes Sunday, one to enjoy that evening, the other for a good home cooked meal during the week.  

Other stores will be opening after the new year. Rumor has it, we might even get a first class movie theatre, too!                              

 For more information about commercial or residential real estate,  please stop by and see me at our

office at 508 E. Market Street, Leesburg, VA.

or call me at 703.618.1218.  School information, local & community links, and search the MLS visit my website.  "This Spots For You!!

I thought I would try my hand at a video showing how beautiful the views are in Waterford Creek.  There are great opporunities to build your custom estate home here.  Several lots are Bank owned, others are being built by Carr Homes.

Hopefully you will enjoy my short little video about Waterford Creek.  I must admit, my time is not spent on videography, but it is spent on assisting my buyers and sells with their "special spot to call home."

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Just want to pass this information to everyone that  September 26th is Safety Saturday.  This is a fantastic site.  The local Lowes Stores are helping to kick off Fire Safety Month with The Home Safety Council® (HSC)  to help you make the most of Fire Safety

I was in a hotel fire years ago.  We never think it can happen to us.

Please check out Home Safety Council's Safety Guide.

Even though I was not in my home, but was a guest at a major hotel, I think you will find the subject matter very important and something worth thinking and discussing with your family.
Because of my past career as a flight attendant, I found myself staying in hotels all over the world. I am lucky that I was trained in hotel fire safety and what we should do if we found ourselves in our room when a hotel fire occurs.


The very first thing you should always do after checking into your room is look for the nearest exit. I happen to do so that day. I retired early that evening and was awaken about 1:30 am by a faint knock on my door. As I turned over to go back to sleep, I smelled a faint odor of smoke. Of course, I did what most people would do; I got up and looked outside my door. The heavy black smoke took me by such surprise. In the distance, I heard someone say, "everyone is out!"

                   I WAS NOT OUT! I grabbed my robe and started to crawl toward what I remember to be the exit. The sign I had remembered seeing earlier was blurred. I was somewhat disoriented and confused. After all, I had just been awakened only seconds before and could not believe this wasn't a dream!  A pilot who was staying near by  knocked on doors as he made his way to the exit. Thank God, I heard the knock, I never heard the fire alarm!!

I reached the fire stairs and yelled to anyone who was there, "I'm here." The fireman below yelled for me to keep coming. I did escape unharmed, but the memory still haunts me today- it has been over 20 years ago. The fire was discovered to be electrical and in the elevator shaft.

Now for some advice...
Always check for your nearest exit.
Take hotel keys with you in case you must find refuge and return to your room.

        First test the door before opening to see if it is HOT! If it is, do not open it. ( it is better to use the back of your hands making sure not to burn your fingers.)  

Begin to fill bath tub with water. Soak towels and place under the door so as to block any smoke.

                  Always call 911 and let them know where you are, your room and floor number.

I am not the expert on hotel fires, but if this gets more discussion about fire safety, I am all for it. Most people are so excited to be on vacation, they never think about hotel fires.

By the way, I have had many times my good night's sleep was disturbed by fire alarms. I always take them seriously.

Now I am a professional Realtor- Homes are my specialty. I want to keep my firends and clients safe and happy.

Tanya Spotts
Long & Foster Realtors, Inc.
www.This SpotsForYou.com
Tanya.Spotts@LNF.com

The weather has been fantastic and this body surely needs to get back into the swing of things.  One of the biggest pleasures I get is biking on the W&OD and ending either at Trail's End Cycling Company in Purcellville or, when time permits, I continue to Leesburg or Ashburn.

        Now that summer is ending, we all need to focus on getting back to a more balanced life.  I like to take time after work and get on my 15 year old bike, get closer to nature, and improve my health.  What better way than heading to the bike trail.  I find the best place for me to begin is Hamilton Station Road.  By the way, I had a wonderful young man, Ian, who showed me one of the newest cruising bike- Glob Carmel.  I will be getting one of those real soon.

parking is easy, just off the road and next to the bike path.   I have the choice of going east to Leesburg or west to Purcellville.

Heading to Leesburg isn't quite as busy as it is to Purcellville; I do enjoy seeing friends walking their dogs, children and parents spending time together, and other benefits of living near the small town of Purcellville.

Magnolia's, one of the premier restaurants in Loudoun County, had their outside dining area open which is located along the path. The Jamaican style, steel band music could be heard coming from the patio.  My peddling seemed to keep the fun-loving beat going as I approached Trail's End Cycling Company.  

   I remembered being at a party a few weeks ago where several of my lady friends mentioned the Yogatime Studio  located upstairs from the cycling shop.  I stopped by to get the schedule for the "hot yoga" classes that everyone keeps talking about here in Purcellville.

Hope to see you on the W&OD, Magnolia's, or Yogotime.