There are many foreclosures on the market and it is important if you are a novice investor, not to be enticed by price alone. Below you will find a few tips to keep in mind if you are thinking about purchasing a foreclosure home as a rental:
Understand the local market including the demand for rental real estate; a Realtor can be a wealth of information about the trends of the local market
Have a plan when purchasing an investment property which should include the length of time the property will be in your possession and the monthly cost; purchasing a home based on a low price and emotions is never a good idea
Evaluate your budget for the list of possible defects requiring costly repairs
Consider the final outcome of the investment property; determine how long you plan to hold onto the property
As a new investor, exercising due diligence and calculating the upfront costs (taxes, vacancy cost, general upkeep, etc.) on your investment property will save you from purchasing a cash drain.
Provided by: Teresa Jones teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com Prudential Carruthers REALTORS 400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office) 703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free) http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/
INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS
To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!
This beautiful seven bedrooms, eight baths estate sits on two(+) acres will impress those with the most discriminating taste!
This magnificent home of grand elegance & exquisite artistry is equally suited for entertaining royalty, diplomats, or sharing intimate moments with friends & family.
Homes for Sale in Historic Old Town Alexandria - List Price $5,000,000+
From specialty shops & boutiques to fine restaurant dining, come live in the history of Old Town Alexandria, VA
Below are the finest luxury properties in historic Old Town Alexandria for those who demand a lifestyle without compromise. To request more information or to schedule your private appointment, please contact me at teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com.
Unlike an automobile, you can't test drive a home before you purchase it. You have to base your decision on other factors such as layout, condition and much more. And, of course, the seller is obligated to disclose the property's condition that may alert you to issues such as previous mold, defective water heater or leaky roof. Yet, that still doesn't always paint the entire picture. Here are six questions you should consider asking the seller to gain additional insight about the prospective home before you make a final decision.
1. Why is the seller selling the house?
This question may help you evaluate the "real value" of the property. Is there something about the house the seller does not like? If so, you may be able to adjust the purchase offer accordingly.
2. How much did the seller pay for the home?
In some instances, the answer to this question may help you negotiate a better deal. However, it is important to remember that the purchase price is influenced by several factors, like the current market value and any improvements the seller may have made to the home. The original purchase price might not have anything to do with the current value of the house.
3. What does the seller like most and least about the property?
By asking the seller what he or she likes most and least about the property, you might get some interesting information. In a few cases, what a seller likes the most about a home might actually be something the buyer is looking to avoid. For example, if the seller describes his house as being in a "happening neighborhood," the buyer might consider this a negative factor because the area may be too noisy or busy for his or her taste.
4. Has the seller had any problems with the home in the past?
It is also a good idea to ask the seller if he or she has had any problems with the home while living there. Has the seller had problems with a leakage from the upstairs bedroom in the past? If so, even if the leak has been corrected, the floor and walls around the bathroom might have been damaged. You should check that these items were repaired properly.
5. Are there any nuisances?
Use this question to find out about barking dogs, heavy airplane traffic or even planned changes to the community, such as a planned street widening. This may give you insight on why the seller is really moving.
6. How are the public schools in the area?
Because the value of a community is usually greatly influenced by the public schools in the area, finding out the buyer's perception can give you some insight about the quality of the area's schools.
Knowing all you can about a prospective home will help you make a more informed decision as well as offer. Your real estate professional can be a great resource in helping you get your key questions answered and give you advice on how to evaluate your findings.
Provided by: Teresa Jones teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com Prudential Carruthers REALTORS 400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office) 703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free) http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/
INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS
To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
In Northern Virginia, including Loudoun and Prince William counties, for the week ending Thursday, May 28, 2009, the total inventory of foreclosures and bank-owned properties dropped another 12% compared to the previous week - from 185 to 162. This was the 21st consecutive week showing a decrease in the inventory of these types of properties.
The total inventory of fixer-uppers decreased by 5% from 187 to 178.
Provided by: Teresa Jones teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com Prudential Carruthers REALTORS 400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office) 703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free) http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/
INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS
To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!
Teresa Jones | Prudential Carruthers REALTORS | 202-510-3833
906 S WASHINGTON ST #212, Alexandria, VA
Own Your Quiet Retreat * Renovated Elegant Pied-à-terre * Metro Bus Outside Your Door * Metro Rail Within Blocks
Studio/1BA Condo
offered at $239,000
Year Built
1941
Sq Footage
451
Bedrooms
Studio
Bathrooms
1 full, 0 partial
Floors
1
Parking
1 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size
75,839 sqft
HOA/Maint
$166 per month
DESCRIPTION
Renovated Elegant Pied-à-terre * Own Your Quiet Retreat
This Beautifully Renovated Condo Opens To The Shade Trees And Many Attractions Of Historic Old Town. With Its Great Natural Light, Featured Are Hardwood Floors, Crown Molding, And A Kitchen That Boasts Stainless Steel Appliances & Granite Counter Tops. Metro Bus Outside Your Door; Metro Rail Within Blocks, Along With An Easy Commute To DC Or To The Airport. Cats/Dogs Allowed.
RESTAURANTS/SHOPS ACROSS THE STREET
*Perk Up Coffee Shop *Restaurant: Southside 815 *Restaurant: *Faccia Luna Pizzeria *Williams-Sonoma *Ace Old Town Hardware **Balducci’s gourmet grocery **Restaurant: Farrah Olivia **7-11 (two block over**)
FOR SALE: $239,000
For more details, contact teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com / 202-510-3833.
Directions: From KING Street, go S. on S. WASHINGTON Street to Bldg 906. From 495, take Exit 177A. Take US 1 North, right on Franklin Street, right on S. Washington to 906 on Left. From GW Parkway N, go through Old Town, stay straight to 906 S Wash.
The key to an easy move is careful planning. There are many action items that need to be taken prior to the move all the way up to the actual day the first box is loaded on the moving truck. Take time to write down and organize the decisions and activities that will need to be accomplished prior to the move such as securing a mover and changing your address. Ideally, you should try to break up the tasks over a two-month period. By doing so, you won't overload your schedule, plus it can save you time and money. To get you started, consider using the checklist below as a guide.
Eight Weeks Prior
• Get estimates from at least three professional movers. If you are going to do it yourself, get estimates on rental trucks.
• Decide which furniture and household goods you'll be taking, which needs to be disposed and which needs to be replaced.
• If you will be moving to a new city, contact the Chamber of Commerce of that town for a new residence packet.
Six Weeks Prior
• Inventory your possessions besides furniture - kitchenware, decorative items, electronics, apparel and so on.
• Complete a change of address form with the post office. This can be easily done online at www.MoversGuide.com for a minimal cost of $1. Make sure you notify organizations, credit cards companies, and publications to which you subscribe of your new address, too.
• Obtain copies of all medical, dental, legal, accounting and veterinarian records.
• If children are changing schools, arrange for transfer of educational records.
• Itemize moving-related costs with the mover including packing, loading, special charges and insurance.
Four Weeks Prior
• Make arrangements for packing your belongings. If you will be using professionals, schedule with the company for packing to take place a day or two before the move. If you will handle packing on your own, purchase adequate boxes, packing materials and tape.
• Arrange for short-term or long-term storage if needed.
• Make travel arrangements for pets including necessary medical records, immunizations, medication and so on.
Three Weeks Prior
• Begin packing items you won't need immediately or that will go into storage.
• Contact utilities on both ends of the move to order termination or turn-on for occupancy date.
• Confirm travel arrangements for family and pets.
Two Weeks Prior
• Terminate newspaper and other delivery services.
• If necessary, arrange and confirm new bank accounts and local services in your new neighborhood.
One Week Prior
• Gather important papers, records, and valuables for protected shipment to new home or safe deposit box.
• Obtain any prescription medications needed for the next few weeks.
Day Before or Actual Moving Day
• Defrost refrigerator/freezer and give away all perishable food.
• Keep a box marked "Last Box Packed/First Box Unpacked" for tools, flashlights, first aid kit and so on. On moving day, this should be the last box placed on the truck.
• Pack items to carry with you such as valuables, financial records, personal papers and so on.
• Give the movers a telephone number and address to reach you.
To be sure, a detailed action plan can get your move well down the road before you ever depart to your new destination.
Provided by: Teresa Jones teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com Prudential Carruthers REALTORS 400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office) 703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free) http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/
INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS
To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!
Prudential Carruthers REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Finding a great neighborhood is important because it can have an impact on your lifestyle. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), safety, community amenities, transportation and other conveniences all play their part and can impact your home's value.
Rather than relying on second hand information from Internet websites, below are suggestions to get information directly from the best sources:
• Make a List of the Amenities That Are Important to You >> List the stores, churches, and health clubs you frequently visit and note the activities (movies, golfing, etc.) you engage in regularly. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you're considering to engage in your most common activities.
• Note the School District Academic Achievements >> For the latest information and statistical snapshot on graduation rates and academic achievements of Virginia state public schools, please visit https://p1pe.doe.virginia.gov/reportcard/. Even if you do not have children, a home in a good school district will be easier to sell in the future.
• Check Crime >> Ask the police department for neighborhood crime statistics that include the level of crime, but also the type (burglaries, armed robberies, etc.). Also request information on any trends of increasing or decreasing crime and the location of crime.
• Consider Resale Value >> As your local real estate agent, I can give you information about price trends, inventories, selling times and other information that can indicate how well your home's value will increase.
• Visit Several Neighborhoods >> When visiting your desired neighborhoods, look for tidy, well maintained homes, quiet streets and other indicators of neighborhood stability. Also search for vacant businesses and homes and be sure to chat with the people you encounter for additional insight.
Source: RealtyTimes
Provided by: Teresa Jones teresa.jones@prudentialcarruthers.com Prudential Carruthers REALTORS 400 N. Washington Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 202.510.3833 (Direct) | 703.836.1464 (Office) 703.836.5864 (Fax) | 800.799.1464 (Toll free) http://teresa.jones.pcragent.com/
INTEGRITY * SERVICE * RESULTS
To get started on finding your dream home, call or email me today!
"...Belle View was awarded the 2009 Community of the Year Award in part due to the "green-friendly" environment that pervades the entire community, as well as the openness of the budget process, the Ad-Hoc Emergency Preparedness Committee's emergency procedure manual, strength of the Covenants Committee's procedures for resolving disputes, welcome package for new residents, annual reserve review, and the community's communication tools including its newsletter and Web site were also criteria that were highly rated. Additional criteria cited include community activities such as the Spring and Fall Yard Sales, the Halloween Party, Movie Night at the Pool, the Tree Lighting Party, and the Doggie Dip. The Neighborhood Watch Committee's work was also highlighted for developing close ties with the local police and creating an environment in which neighbors look out for neighbors.
The Green Association of the Year award was based on several criteria including the changes made in roof colors for replacement roofs; recycling program; sediment control and improved drainage; call for plant diversity and native plants; replacement of PVC piping where necessary; the addition of CFA lights in basements, hallways, and crawl spaces; and the multi-year asbestos removal program..."
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Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Walk-in closet
securing a mover and changing your address. Ideally, you should try to break up the tasks over a two-month period. By doing so, you won't overload your schedule, plus it can save you time and money. To get you started, consider using the checklist below as a guide.
Committee's procedures for resolving disputes, welcome package for new residents, annual reserve review, and the community's communication tools including its newsletter and Web site were also criteria that were highly rated. Additional criteria cited include community activities such as the Spring and Fall Yard Sales, the Halloween Party, Movie Night at the Pool, the Tree Lighting Party, and the Doggie Dip. The Neighborhood Watch Committee's work was also highlighted for developing close ties with the local police and creating an environment in which neighbors look out for neighbors.
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