Wendy Powers's Blog

Lansdowne, Virginia Listing - Immaculate Home -Like Buying New - $550,000

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 09:46:24 -0700

Wendy Powers | Realty Direct | (703) 963-6212

43643 Hartshire Ter, Leesburg, VA

OPEN HOUSE 6/24 1-4

3BR/3+1BA Single Family House

offered at $550,000

Year Built	2004
Sq Footage	4,651
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	4,356 sqft
HOA/Maint	$289 per month

DESCRIPTION

Immaculate luxurious home in Lansdowne. Shows like a model! Gourmet kitchen with corian countertops, cooktop, wall oven, hardwood floors; family room with gas fireplace, columns, and beautiful open floorplan; large dining room with crown molding; gorgeous foyer with hardwood floors; large separate study; spacious rec room with walkout; large master bedroom with sitting room and much more!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Attic	- Basement	- Bonus/Rec room
- Dining room	- Family room	- Laundry room
- Library	- Living room	- Master bath
- Storage space	- Walk-in closet	- Dishwasher
- Dryer	- Freezer	- Garbage disposal
- Microwave	- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven
- Washer	- Fenced yard	- Air conditioning
- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Garage - Attached
- Off-street parking	- Fireplace	- Hardwood floor

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Off-street parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Attached Home

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

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Photo 7	Photo 8
Photo 9	Photo 10
Photo 11	Photo 12
Photo 13	Photo 14
Photo 15	Photo 16
Photo 17	Photo 18

Contact info:

Wendy Powers

Realty Direct

(703) 963-6212

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Jun 28, 2012, 7:57am PDT

Ashburn Virginia Boasts a Beautiful Golf Community called Belmont Country Club

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:07:30 -0700

Belmont Country Club is beautiful golf course community within Ashburn Virginia. It is beautifull maintained with a wonderful golf club house and a wonderful pool house. It has attached homes to large mansions within it. It is a Toll Brothers Community and has an elegant look to each home.

There are some homes outside the gated community which include condos, townhomes, and single family homes. It is a community close to shopping - Wegmans, Restaurants and Route 7. The HOA is very proactive about ensuring the elegance of the community is upheld which is a plus for most.

Belmont Country Club is a dream for golfers.

Loudoun County: Lansdowne in Leesburg, Virginia

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:00:13 -0700

Lansdowne is a community in Leesburg, Virginia just south of the Potomac River and north of Route 7. It has homes from townhomes to large single family homes (4000-6000 SQFT) on about .5-1 acres. Community has a nice community center with indoor and outdoor pool. Kayaking on Goose Creek - on the west of the community. Trails throughout. Large park within it. Nice retail strip with Harris Teeter, upscale restaurants and more. There is a wonderful golf course that meanders the community and it also has medical facilities and a hospital at the east of the community.

Lansdowne in Leesburg, Virginia is a nice maintained community with nature built in just right. It has a home for anyone and even condos within walking distance of everything.

Mclean, Virginia - Langley Forest

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 22:40:45 -0700

Langley Forest is a small community off Georgetown Pike inside the beltway. The lots in Langley forest range mostly from .5 acres to 2/3 acreas. Many people have sold their homes to builders and the builders have built some very large new homes in that area. Different builds, different styles, but overall very nice homes and beautiful lots.

Builders over there include Artisan, ANV, Monarch, and many more custom builders. There are some great opportunities for homes in Langley Forest. Most lots have beautiful trees and nice serene and private lots.

Langley Forest is a nice place to get a large lot in Mclean around $1-2 Million and build a very gorgeous home or visit some of the news home for sale.

Mclean Virginia: Small Town in the Beltway

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 22:25:37 -0700

Mclean Virginia is like a small town community nestled within the city. Most of the restaurants are family type restaurants with a lot of history. The Mclean Community Center has arts, shows, and many activities for the community. There are many smaller subdivisions within the community such as Dominion Gardens, Langley Forest, Timberley, Mclean Hamlet, and many more. The communities besides the newer ones are not so clearly recognizable. They all kind of blend together for the most part but the Mclean community is very nice, location is superb and within about 30 minutes of all major areas around the Beltway.

For 4th of July, the area celebrates a big community celebration at the Langley high school which is really nice. We have the Mclean Fair in the spring which is really nice for all residents. Looking for a beautiful new home or an older home with character, Mclean has it.

Fairfax County: Additions verse Tear Down

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:30:09 -0700

A lot of people are wondering - do I start over or do I just add on... It is a hard question, sometimes tax records do not provide a higher evaluation sometimes - so less taxes, but for resale, their would definitely be a deduction as compared to a new home.

However, additions can be easier to approve with county/city if you stay within a certain amount of disturb lot area. So, what to do....Have to decide what is important - larger loan or smaller loan? It is a research project and a matter of practicality.

Some people believe build for equity...but with a loan you really pay for that equity plan unless you sell the home quick... So, another factor in that equation.

For more assistance or discussion, attend one of my investor seminars.

Fairfax County and Mclean: Dominion Gardens/Churchill School District

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:17:59 -0700

Lately, in Fairfax County builders are watching over every listing or home that enters the market or does not enter the market. They are looking to tear down and rebuild. This is also try for Oakton, Oak Hill, Vienna, etc - the build process is really lucrative to small builders and large builders who offer a custom slant.

So, if you have a seller in Fairfax County - do not be surprise if a builder is writing on your listing.

Fairfax County and Loudoun County: HUD Home Inspection Process

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:13:02 -0700

HUD Contracts allow for 15 day inspection periods. However, some agents fail to read the details. The details state that you have to get approval to turn on utilities and for the inspection. Approval forms have to be submitted typically to the FSM or as indicated. Then you wait up to 48 hours for approval. So, if you are in a hurry, plan accordingly and set your client's expectations.

For agents in Fairfax County and Loudoun County, most of the approval is done by Innotion.com, but double check your contract ratification email. Sometimes finding the utility companies is not easy. So, make sure to see what is the lead time for turning them on and off. The utilities and winterization/dewinterization, if required, will be at the cost of the client.

Who does them is also part of the process. So, make sure to read this very carefully and start planning as soon as you win the bid.

I have used My Plumber for dewinterization and I have been happy with them and their costs. There are so many others who do this and no I am not making anything off telling you about them.

Remember Fairfax and Loudoun County agents

Fairfax County HUD Broker - FREE HUD Training for Agents, Consumers and Others

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:36:04 -0700

I am a HUD listing broker and I would like to share with you information about the new HUD processes and changes.

FREE HUD Training (edit/delete) Want to learn more about the new processes and things to watch out for. Come to my FREE webinar on HUD and Buying Homes from HUD. * Learn about types of HUD homes. * Purchase time frames. * Offers and Bidding * and Much More Here is the link for March 23 from 1-2 p.m. = Webinar.

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/944285968

It is open to all agents, consumers, brokers to come.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, MCLEAN - VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, WASHINGTON DC HUD CERTIFIED BROKER

Thanks Wendy

Fairfax County and Mclean School Information: GreatSchools.com

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:22:12 -0700

If you need Fairfax County or any county/city such as Mclean, go to Greatschools.com. You can get test scores, parent reviews and more to help you decide which school district is best for you and your children. It provides lists and proximity information, too.

However, to be sure which schools service your home in Fairfax County it is best to contact the local zoning board for verification. Things change every year and you can never be sure until you check.

Fairfax County and Loudoun County: No Inventory - Need More Homes on the Market

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:18:46 -0700

Fairfax and Loudoun County and really allow around the Beltway...we need to add those homes less than $550K. Good time to get on the market if you need to move a home this year. Lots of buyers with few homes. Multiple contracts with escalations are back in many areas. Builders are fighting over land and even old homes with any type of land (.25 or .50) to add additions or build new homes for resale.... This is very true in Mclean, Oak Hill, Oakton, Vienna, and lots of other areas just to share a few.

Looking for a home in Fairfax and Loudoun County, you will want to be prepared with a lender letter and prepared to move on a property. Short sales are moving faster, too. Interest rates just dipped. So, looks good for buyers who need a home and also sellers who need to sell this year.

Washington DC Metro Area, Fairfax County - Foreign Investors Looking at US over China for homes

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:29:41 -0700

As the economy looks upward, many foreign investors are starting to look at the United States as a better home investment play than China. Inventory will still be an issue in many places for anyone looking in the Fairfax County and Washington DC Metro area, but the interest is climbing.

Recently I had 3 different investors from China and Russia interested in buying homes locally. Some had validated POAs ready to buy for family coming and more.

Watch for this in your area and perhaps if you speak a language in those areas, start to market in your blogs and website for clients overseas.

FREE HUD Training

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:10:53 -0700

Want to learn more about the new processes and things to watch out for. Come to my FREE webinar on HUD and Buying Homes from HUD.

Learn about types of HUD homes.
Purchase time frames.
Offers and Bidding
and Much More

Here is the link for March 23 from 1-2 p.m. = Webinar.

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/944285968

It is open to all agents, consumers, brokers to come.

Thanks

Wendy

Mclean Virginia - Fannie and Freddie Mac Loans

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:08:33 -0700

HARP refinancing and short sales are growing. People with 80-125% loan value can refinance with HARP to reduce their interest rates. Program was extended to mid of 2012. Lots of people are learning about these and working on doing these now.

To find out if your loan qualifies, call these numbers below:Fannie Mae 1-800-7FANNIE (8am to 8pm EST) www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup Freddie Mac 1-800-FREDDIE (8am to 8pm EST) www.freddiemac.com/mymortgage

If you have questions on homes values in Mclean, Virginia or Fairfax County, Virginia - please let me know. I would love to help you.

Short Sales in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC: New Processes - Government Backed Loan vs. Non Government Back

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:35:48 -0700

Short sales become in and out of clarity when processing them. But, some of the new laws help people with government back loans with a more incented program for banks to help process the short sales faster. Even funds for seller to get moving assistance.

Short sales are moving faster in many areas because of more awareness..But the important thing is for homeowners to get with their bank and find out what options they have - loan modifications, refinance, deferred loan repayment for a while, deed-in lieu of foreclosure, and much more.

If a short sale is an option, then a realtor can help price it to move, help with contracts, forms, and working with your bank. First step is to identify your hardship and document it. Document your income and what % of your income is your mortgage...if your hardship has made your mortgage beyond 28-33% of your income..and an adjustment will not feasible ... a short sale may be the option the bank provides you.

Realtors can not tell you a short sale is your choice or only choice. Watch for people sending letters and trying to lock your house down at SOME ridiculous price and working with the bank and it takes forever....Banks want something close to fair market value...really!

Watch the taxes associated with short sales...Read about the mortgage forgiveness Act.

FYI - Some states require agents to have special certification such as a SFR or CDPE. So see if your realtor does.

Notes: Short sales in Mclean, Virginia, HAFA, HAFM, VIrginia Short Sales, Maryland Short Sales - Ask about my webinars.

FHA Loans - Anti-Flipping Rule - 90 Day - Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia Purchasers - FYI

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:11:09 -0700

FHA 90 Day Flip Rule is Waived Until December 31, 2011

The Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced it is instituting a one-year moratorium on the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) 90-day anti-flipping rule.

With certain exceptions, such as HUD-owned and bank-owned properties, FHA rules currently prohibit insuring a mortgage on a home owned by the seller for less than 90 days. However, for 2011, buyers may use FHA-insured financing to purchase properties resold through private developers and investors, providing access to a broader array of recently foreclosed properties.

Under the temporary waiver, all transactions must be arm's-length, and most properties will require additional documentation of improvements and justification of the price increase. Additional documentation may include a second appraisal and a property inspection ordered by the lender.

FHA Loans - Anti-Flipping Rule - 90 Day - Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia Purchasers - FYI

Maryland Real Estate - Non Resident Taxes Change

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:07:27 -0700

Maryland Non Resident Withholding Tax at Settlement has Changed to 6.75%. So, for those of you thinking about selling and concerned about taxes withheld in Maryland home sales...This is important to you. Some states do not do this and some do. So, double check this if you are able to sell a home and think you are leaving with more money than you will actually get to leave with. Your tax filing should rectify the actuals vs. estimates.

Maryland real estate taxes - non residents.

Fairfax County Refinance Homes

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:04:55 -0700

Fairfax County Clerk of the Court John Frey has released new rules for refinance transactions using the same lender. Virginia Code grants an exemption from recordation tax charges for refinancing mortgage debt with the same lender that financed the original obligation. Beginning March 14, those seeking a recordation tax exemption in Fairfax under the same lender refinancing rule must submit a statement from MERS showing the owner of the note, or statements from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac showing that they do not own the loan. These statements must be submitted along with the payoff statement and the first page of the prior deed of trust. Full information on this rule and how to obtain the various statements can be found at the Fairfax County Clerk of the Courts web site.

So....pass it along and watch for the paperowrk and new process.

Low Inventory in Loudoun County and Fairfax County - What is going on?

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:34:14 -0800

Many clients ask where is the inventory right now in Loudoun County and Fairfax County? The escalation clause is out again. Without a lot of new properties coming on the market (besides a scatter of short sales and even fewer REOs) it has caused what feels like a shortage. Those that could sell are not ready because they are in their home and it is either underwater or they have no need to move since they have been there probably only the last 3-5 years. The upper end markets are still experiencing inventory - so you may get a better value there.

Call today about some Loudoun or Fairfax County investor opportunities.

FHA 203k for Older Communities and Purchase in Fairfax County

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:47:48 -0800

A lot of people are buying homes in communities with older homes that need to be updated or upgraded. Sometimes buyers do not think about financing those items with a FHA 203k. Most think about just buying the home via a normal FHA loan process and spending money out pocket as they have it. However, the 203K loan allows for estimates and preparing an escrow account for those upgrades as they are done and are already worked into the loan. THis is nice because it reduces out of pocket expenses and also reduces refinances, etc. So, think about all your FHA options.

Areas that may benefit - Fairfax County - Oakton, Mclean, Great Falls, Falls Church, Alexandria, Arlington, and many more.

Loudoun County and Fairfax County Loan Programs

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:41:54 -0800

There are a lot of local and state programs available to people who live in Fairfax County and Loudoun County. Trying to get low downpayment, low cost loans, and no MIP - local/state is the answer. There are so many programs based on positions, incomes, and disabilities.. The loans can help a lot of people get homes. So, do not forget to think about your local Loudoun County and Fairfax county housing departments and the loans available from state/local authorities.

Maryland has a great new Loan Program Release in the Last Few Days

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:48:53 -0800

Maryland State Housing just release a new program for homebuyers where they will provide closing support and a list of hundreds of employers will match it. This is really a good idea for motivating people to purchase or upgrade homes in Maryland.

The program provides loans up the FHA limits for an area and have income approvals up to $140,000... I have seen as much as $20,000 in closing assistance from this new program.

HUD Homes - The New Process

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:43:14 -0800

Not clear about the new HUD Home Process. THere are 3 different types of HUD properties found on hudhomestore.com. The types are insurable, insurable with escrow, and uninsurable. The insurable and insurable with escrow have a 30 day home owner occupant bid period which starts daily bidding after the 10th day if no bid accepted, but the uninsurable have only a 5 day owner occupant bid period. Uninsurable properties are the most discounted and need the most work. After the owner occupant periods, these are opened typically to all bidders (investors, etc).

HUD properties do not have utilities on. For buyers with ratified bids, each asset management company has a process to turn them on. Buyers and Selling agents need to follow this.

Brokers with NAIDs must register first and then their agents can. The commission for selling brokers is not 5% anymore - you are looking around 3% now.

Make sure to watch hudhomestore.com for the latest information on HUD home availablity not the MLS.

Another Sparkling Area for Tear Down and Rebuild - Herndon 20170

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:37:06 -0800

Recently I have noticed an increase demand for buying acreage with old homes in Oak HIll and Herndon VA. It appears lots from 600-900K transform into new home lots from 1.4-1.8K.

Some lots have changed from 1 home on 2 acres to 1 home on 1 acre which opens the area for subdividing and much more. You would have to look at the lot zoning and discuss wtih county. However, some lots are subdividable.

Some have called this area "a Mini-Mclean".

Looking for homes in Loudoun County?

Wendy Powers (Realty Direct) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:32:35 -0800

There are many different communities in Loudoun County = some with golf courses like Belmont Country Club and some with hiking, kayaking like Lansdowne. Both communities have nice amenities but the golf course community HOA includes mowing the lawn. Some people find that important as well as the golf club membership.

Lansdowne has a nice community feel with a small retail center for most of your shopping and restaurant needs.

Both are close to the outlets which are a popular treat.

There are several new builder communities in the southwestern part of Loudoun county. Near Brambleton, the later phases have smaller lots and smaller homes near the airport. However, the further south you go the larger the lots.

Loudoun is a beautiful area with lots of things to offer anyone! Ashburn has a 55 plus community that is very nice as well.

If you are looking for homes in Loudoun County, I would love to help you - I have lived in Leesburg, Ashburn, and Lansdowne... I have enjoyed homes in the are on 7+ acres to homes on a small lot but very modern and luxurious. Loudoun has a lot to offer and it is a fun place to live for all.

If you are looking for a home in Loudoun County or would like more information - just email me or call me!