New Homes in Loudoun County, Virginia, Buyer REBATE

FITNESS EQUIPMENT LEESBURG VIRGINIA. Treadmills, Strength Building, Weights, Team Sports and more.  

PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS^®

Come visit our favorite sports and fitness equipment store.  This shop is a wonderful resource for fitness equipment and supplies. 

Conveniently located in downtown Leesburg next to the gym where I work out several days a week, this shop is all I need for equipment to keep Lenn lean and mean.  Play It Again Sports^®  is a wonderful resource for fitness equipment and supplies offering new and used equipment at very reasonable prices. 

I'm a confessed sports junkie and I love to watch sports on TV.  I can watch almost any sport; golf, horse racing, gymnastics, tennis.  I love the competition.  Give me a TV and my treadmill and I'm good for an hour or so.  Add to that an easy to operate strength building Home Gym and I'm good for another half hour. 

Meet the friendly folks at

• Play It Again Sports^®.  
• 530 East Market Street
• Leesburg, Virginia 20176
• 703-777-3043

This shop offers new and used equipment.  The prices are reasonable and the variety of machines, weight products, benches, gyms, flexibility products is fantastic.  If they don't have what you're looking for, they'll try to find it. This well stocked store is where you can find:

• Strength Building Equipment
• Fitness Equipment
• Golf
• Hockey
• Water Sports
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Football/Baseball/Softball

PHYSICAL FITNESS AND A HEALTHFUL DIET WILL GIVE YOU STAMINA AND ENERGY.  Let's face it.  Showing just six homes in a day in my area with two level homes plus basements means climbing about 288 steps.  Over the many years that I've been a practicing real estate agent, I have warn out 4 treadmills.  I use them.  A mile or two on a treadmill is fabulous for stamina.  Keeping fit is essential.  While I do make it to the gym 3-4 days a week to work out with a trainer, I also have equipment in my basement exercise room for days when getting to Leesburg isn't possible. 

MEET JENNIFER BELIK, Personal Trainer.  Jennifer schedules, monitors and supervises my workouts on the circuit at the gym and she is wonderful.  There's no slacking with Jennifer.  Sure I grunt and moan, but there's Jennifer making sure that I give it my all. Jennifer is a dedicated health professional now in nurses training.

Jennifer demonstrates the ues of the equipment and then supervises Lenn.   At the gym, Jennifer supervises my workouts on the Circuit Equipment.   I love circuit training.  Since I can only get to the gym a few days a week, I purchased the equipment below from Play It Again Sports^®.  One way or another, I manage to get a good half hour to hour workout most days.   I've had a a succession of treadmills for many years.   I have always been able to outwork any agent in my network. 

SOME OF LENN'S TOYS.  Home Gym, Treadmill and Dumbbells and Medicine Ball.  Arm exercise are important for me because the Trap gun that I use weighs 8 lbs and after 25 birds it gets heavy.  I'm also looking for a rowing machine that doesn't use a flywheel.  I'm sure I'll have one soon thanks to the dedication of the guys at Play It Again Sports^®

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. 

                        Route 7 is Market Street.  See RED ARROW for location of Play It Again Sports^®

For real estate help in Loudoun County Virginia, contact Lenn.  We are Loudoun County residents and can help you find the very best home for your money.  Want to take a tour of homes?  Just call, 800-711-7988.

Want to see what's for sale in Loudoun County today, go to: 

Loudoun County Homes for Sale.  We can help.

New homes in Loudoun County start at about $300,000.

MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOMES FOR SALE ARE PRICED RIGHT AND PLENTIFUL.  However, home buyers must follow some rules to make sure that your loan application will be approved and you'll be able to close on your real estate purchase in Northern Virginia. 

MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA HOME BUYERS are very fortunate to have a wide selection of mortgage lenders in our area.  Homefinders.com works with every knowledgeable, experienced and accessible loan officers.   Unlike many areas across the country, Homefinders.com is always able to refer our buyers to experienced loan officers that with mortgage companies that offer the type of loan that you wish to use. 

TYPES OF HOME LOANS AVAILABLE IN MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA. Homefinders.com home buyers have successfully purchased homes with a variety of loan types, Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, FHA-203(k).  From time to time, there are down payment assistant programs or grants available for qualifying home buyers.  Homefinders.com researches these programs and makes sure that our home buyers use resources for which they are qualified by income and other criteria. 

DON'T RISK A LOAN DENIAL.  Home buyers must do your part to ensure that your mortgage loan will be approved and you'll close your home purchase with a minimum of delay.  We advise our buyers about cerain actions that could cause a loan denial. 

HINTS TO HELP WITH YOUR MORTGAGE LOAN APPROVAL
Through telephone calls and e-mail we receive many questions from home buyers about searching for a home, financing a home purchase, Maryland or Virginia demographics and a thousand other questions. Below are a few questions we recently received.  They just might help you get to the settlement table.

SHOPPING FOR A NEW CAR AFTER MAKING LOAN APPLICATION
GIFT MONEY FROM PARENTS.  CAN I USE IT?
CHANGING JOBS PRIOR TO BUYING A HOME AFTER MAKING LOAN APPLICATION

SHOPPING FOR A NEW CAR

Q. Is it O.K. to buy a new car before I buy a home??
A. If you have made loan application to buy a home, you should delay any major purchases until after settlement.  Your initial loan pre-qualification and subsequent loan approval is based on a review of your credit report at the time of loan application.  If your credit report changes during the loan approval process, you may no longer meet the lender's criteria for qualification. 

Q. How would the lender know?
A. The mere act of SHOPPING for a new car will likely be recorded on your credit report. New car dealers (used dealers also) routinely ask for a driver's license to permit a test drive. With the driver's license, they often, without your permission, pull a quick credit report. This will be recorded on your credit report as an INQUIRY and may cause your mortgage loan to be denied. At the very least, you'll have to write a letter of explanation.

Q. Why does the mortgage lender care if I'm shopping for a new car?
A. Most home buyers are buying a home within certain loan limits based on their income and a percentage of that income as debt. If the mortgage lender believes that you might also be buying a new car, you may no longer qualify with the additional debt. Best to wait until after settlement to buy the new car.

GIFT MONEY FROM PARENTS

Q. My parents are going to give me $10,000 to help with my down payment. Should I deposit that money in my bank account?
A. It depends on when they plan to make the gift. If your parents gift you the money several months prior to making your home purchase, you will want to let the gift money "age" for at least 4 months prior to making loan application.

Depending on the amount of your down payment and the type of mortgage loan you plan to use, your lender may require that you have a percentage, usually 5% of the purchase price for a conventional mortgage, of your own money. While the $10,000 will surely be welcomed, you must show that you have the required down payment without including gift money. So, if a gift is made, it should be in your bank account for several months. When you make a mortgage loan application, your lender will require 2-3 months prior bank statements. The money must be included in your bank balance statement for the oldest month.

Q. I need the gift money from my parents for my down payment. Why does the lender care where my money came from?
A. Lenders are under a great deal of scrutiny by the government to "source" large deposits of money. Any large deposits will have to be documents carefully to show a good paper trail of money movements.

Q.  I need the gift money for my down payment.  What should I do?

A.  Be open with your loan officer that part or all of your down payment is coming from a family gift.  FHA permits gifts from family for down payments.  This may be a good choice of loan type for your needs.

CHANGING JOBS PRIOR TO BUYING A HOME

Q. I have been offered a job with a good pay increase. Can I take it even though we have already made loan application?
A. As long as you still qualify for your mortgage loan, which with a pay increase, you would, it is usually not a problem when a borrower changes jobs, as long as the job is in the same field.  However, you must make your loan officer aware of your plans.  You will probably need to be "on the job" and receive a pay check prior to closing on your home purchase. 

Q. I have a new job and my employer wants me to start two weeks after my home is due to settle. Can I still go through with the purchase?
A. Probably. However, your mortgage lender may require that you provide them with a pay stub showing that you have started your new job prior to settlement. This may cause a delay in settlement, but only until you receive your first pay check. This is often the case with relocating home buyers.

FOLLOW YOUR LOAN OFFICER or BUYER'S AGENT ADVICE when making loan application and you will probably avoid serious mistakes that would cause you delay or loan denial. 

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

LOUDOUN COUNTY VA SAT SCORES 2008.

Loudoun County home buyers often ask about the public schools and, as can be seen below, the report is favorable.  While the SAT scores are not the total measure of a public school's value, it is the most often asked by buyers. 

Loudoun County Public Schools have been on a path of excellence since the dramatic growth in high tech employment in the area.  Proximity to Dulles International Airport and significant benefits to high tech employers helped this critical business sector grow over the years.  Loudoun County Public Schools made important curriculum and equipment investments to be "state of the art" for public education in the 21st Century. 

• --Average Income Families W/Children $ 125,000
• --Median individual Income about $108,000
  --Average Age 33.5
  --Percent Married 65.3
  --Percent With Children 43
  --Percent High School Graduates 94.9
  --Percent College Graduates 56.5
  --Average SAT Scores 1049
  --Expenditures Per-Student $ 9,255
  --Land Area Square Miles 519.9
  --County Population 169,599
  --Population Density Per Sq. Mile 326
  --Population Growth Rate (5 yrs) 6 % annualized over 5 years

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

TERMITE INSPECTIONS.  HOME BUYERS SHOULD ALWAYS INSIST ON HAVING A TERMITE INSPECTION.

TERMITE INSPECTIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED OR INSURED LOANS.  When you apply for mortgage financing, many lenders will require a recent termite inspection and certification as a condition for home loan approval. The inspection must usually be done within 30 days of settlement.  Many conventional loans do not require a termite inspection.  Many agents will require a termite inspection to protect our home buyers.  Most government loans, Veterans Administration Home Loans and FHA loans require a termite inspection. Your agent will usually schedule and attend the termite inspection and make sure that their buyer or seller clients are protected. 

CHECK WITH YOUR AGENT FOR THE PROCEDURE IN YOUR STATE.  States differ in the custom of ordering termite inspection.  In most cases, the buyer's agent or listing agent will make the arrangements for the termite inspection company to get access to the property and deliver the Certificate to the lender, the seller or to the agent who ordered the inspection.

A TERMITE INSPECTION IS THE BEST BUY IN TOWN.  Termite inspectors typically charge $50-60 depending on home size.  Inspectors inspect for active and past infestations and prior damage left by previous infestations. In many states, the buyer pays for the inspection and the sellers pay for treatment/repairs.  If the buyer is using a VA loan, the fee for the termite inspection will be charged to the seller.  Also, FHA financing does not always require an inspection.  However, if the appraiser makes it a condition of the appraisal, it will have to be performed. 

Since the customs covering termite inspections differ in many states, ask your agent or refer to your Contract of Sale for the procedure in your area.  If there is an active colony of any wood destroying insect, the contract generally will require that the seller have the infestation treated prior to settlement and any damage resulting from the infestation repaired. In many states, there is a limit of 1-2% of the purchase price to cover treatment and repairs. Rarely does treatment and repairs cost more than 2% of the contract price. The termite clause in the Maryland Residential Contract of Sale is negotiable. What isn't negotiable is that many lenders require a Certificate.

TERMITE INSPECTIONS TAKE ONLY MINUTES.  The termite Certificate is usually good for 30 days, so most agents will order the termite inspection approximately one-two weeks before scheduled settlement. If settlement is delayed beyond 30 days of the Certificate, it will have to be updated.  The inspection will take only 10-15 minutes.  Homes with crawl spaces may take longer, but due to the moisture available, this is a critical area for inspection.

MEET THE BOROSCOPE.  Termite inspections are visual and include the interior and exterior of the residential building and generally do not include fencing or out-buildings.  However, if a fence is attached to the house or within inches of the property, many appraisers will require that the fence be included in the inspection.  Many termite inspectors use a Borescope which enables them to inspect behind the walls in areas not accessible for a visual inspection.  Other high tech equipment uses heat sensors to detect insects behind the walls and baseboards. 

PRIOR DAMAGE.  If the termite inspector finds evidence of prior infestation that has been treated but damage has not been repaired, the Contract of Sale in many areas will require that damage be repaired by the seller prior to settlement. Home owners can avoid termite damage repair only so long.

TERMITES ARE VIGOROUS AND HARDY CREATURES.  Termites date from the Early Cretaceous about 130,000,000 years ago.  Humans are believed to have evolved only about 5,000,000 to 7,000,000 ago. 

Many states are home to some vigorous and hardy termite colonies. They thrive on a moist climate, wood frame homes and mulch that most home owners use in flower beds.  Wood frame flower boxes close to a home are particularly attractive to termites. 

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY.  Home owners should have a termite inspection performed by a licensed company every year. Once you have had a colony eradicated, you never know when they'll be back. Better be safe than sorry. $50 is not much to pay for peace of mind.

Be wary of home sellers who claim that the house is "protected with a termite company warranty".  Quite often home owners neglect regular inspection because they have a "warranty".  The warranty will usually provide for treatment under the warranty if, during the warranty period, an infestation is discovered.  However, the inspection is critical.

"DIDN'T THOSE TERMITES READ MY WARRANTY"?

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988,  

Available for First Time Home Buyers in Northern Virginia, $8,000 for buyers who close on their home purchase on or before November 30, 2009. 

The credit is available to home buyers in all counties in the Homefinders.com market area in Northern Virginia. 

ALERT! First Time Home Buyers $8,000 Tax Credit DEADLINE to close your purchase is November 30, 2009. Time is running out.

The FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT* is here.

$8,000 TAX REFUND is now available for home buyers of Northern Virginia who purchase a home between and close before December 1, 2009.

A first time home buyer is someone who has not owned real estate for the past 3 years.

Explanation of legislation HERE.

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988, E-mail.

WARNING!  MAKE SURE THE HOME YOU SELL IN LOUDOUN COUNTY IS ON A ROAD MAINTAINED BY VDOT.

If your new or resale home is on a road maintained by VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation), you'll see the skilled Loudoun County maintenance crews out doing their job, for you.

If you have a serious pothole or other road problem, washout, shoulder deterioration, etc., give VDOT a call and/or send them an e-mail and they'll schedule repairs. 

VDOT Services 

If you are a home buyer, make sure you check with VDOT to determine if the home you're considering is on a VDOT maintained road.  Otherwise, make sure your HOA has a procedure and is collecting funds to provide for road maintenance.  If there is no HOA, which is the case in many rural communities and the road is not covered by VDOT, think twice because that pot hole will appear and someone is going to have to make repairs.  Dirt roads should be scraped and gravel worked in at least once in a while to keep the surface dust down and manage pot holes. 

Loudoun County communities with gravel/dirt roads require regular maintenance to remain safe to drive.

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988, e-mail. 

Loudoun County Virginia Map

ENERGY AUDITS ARE A HOT TOPIC. 

• Are they required? 
• If so, where are they required? 
• What's included? 
• Who performs them? 

INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW.

Crystal Kilpatrick, a new ActiveRain member, posted a short article about energy audits for homes selling in Austin, TX.  The post left me with more questions than answers. 

See:  Energy Audits in Austin.

I learned quite a bit about energy audits at a recent CE class in my quest for "environment" or "green" credentials.  However, I am still in the learning phase and when I see the word "energy" it sparks my attention.

Are you familiar with the techniques and equipment used by the service providers?  Are you familiar with:

• Blower Doors,
• Infrared Cameras
• Thermographic Scan
• PFT Air Filtration Measurements

It appears that agents and brokers are going to need to be familiar with these techniques, equipment and service providers. 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO WIDEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF the changes coming in how we agents handle requested or required "ENERGY AUDITS"?

WATER FRONT HOMES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA, the waterfront premium has helped waterfront properties maintain value. 

AVERAGE PRICES FOR WATERFRONT PROPERTIES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA.  Prices reflect Single Family detached residences except for Alexandria City which are town homes. 

Don't forget.  Natural waterfront is a finite resource. 

Alexandria City waterfront homes are located along the Potomac River across from Washington D.C. offering an average price of $1,653,056.  These homes are large town homes in communities with a view of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to Maryland and the Ronald Reagan Airport across the water.  All townhomes in Alexandria City have an average price of $922,748. 

Arlington County (city) has few waterfront properties and as of 2009, there is one estate home on the Potomac River offered at $8,850,000.  All homes in Arlington County have an average price of $980,529.

Fairfax County waterfront homesare along the Potomac River as it wraps around the county in the North and East and along the Occoquan River in the South.  The average price for waterfront homes in Fairfax County is about $2,785,040.  Average price for non-waterfront homes in Fairfax County have an average price of $1,069,519.

King George County offers many waterfront homes with acreage along the Potomac River (wide water) with waterfront community and water front estate homes.  The average price for waterfront properties in King George County is $1,108,652.  All King George County properties average $410,983 homes in price.

Loudoun County waterfront homes are on two beautiful rivers, the Potomac River in the East and the Shenandoah River to the West.  These rivers in this area are shallow, fast flowing and offer wonderful Bass, Smallmouth and Largemouth fishing.  This is a rural area and many home sites offer beautiful mountain views.  Average price for waterfront homes in Loudoun County is $1,697,934.  Loudoun County average price for all homes is $837,982.

Prince William county waterfrontoffers home sites primarily on interior fresh water lakes or reservoirs, Lake Jackson in Manassas and the Occoquan River in Occoquan.  These are both popular fresh water empoundments with waterfront home sites popular as second homes or weekend retreats.  The Occuquan Reservoir offers excellent Largemounth Bass fishing.  The average price is $929,910.  Average price for all homes for sale in Prince William County is $472,628.

Stafford County waterfront homesare on the Potomac River, Aquia Creek which is a contributory to the Potomac River and on the Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg.  Stafford offers waterfront prices in good prices with an average of $760,509.  Aquia Harbour is a popular waterfront community in the northern area of Stafford County.  The average price for all homes in Stafford County is $394,530.

Contact us for a tour of waterfront homes in Northern Virginia,

Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. 

Search for waterfront homes for sale in Northern Virginia.

Alexandria Waterfront on the Potomac River

Fairfax County on the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers

Loudoun County on the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers

NEW HOMES IN LOUDOUN COUNTY are always a pleasure to show and sell.  Loudoun County new homes are near and dear to my heart since I live in one.  Well, my home in Lovettsville is 3 years old now, but I purchased new in Loudoun County after exhaustive research into many areas in Maryland and Northern Virginia.  Loudoun County offered the value and growth that I wanted.  Western Loudoun County offers the open spaces and atmosphere that gives a wonderful quality of life. 

THE LOUDOUN COUNTY NEW HOMES MARKET IS VIABLE AND EXCITING.   When I find a special opportunity for new home buyers in Loudoun County, I want to

   Shout about it!  Hey, folks looking for a new home in Loudoun County, I found a "new home sale". 

   Write about it!  Details are below.  The message? Toll Brothers in Waterford Ridge is "having a sale".

   Offer incentives!  Homefinders.com has offered a New Home Buyer REBATE for years.

NOW FOR THE DETAILS OF THIS SPECIAL NEW HOME SALE in Waterford, Virginia.

THE COMMUNITY.   Waterford Ridge.  The most beautiful Loudoun County luxury home community.

OPPORTUNITY TIME FOR BUYERS OF LUXURY HOMES IN LOUDOUN COUNTY VIRGINIA:  August 2 through August 9, 2009.  We will be glad to take you one a tour of the community and surroundings at any time.  To qualify for the special promotion, contract must be written between August 2 and August 9, 2009.  However, the builder has agreed to accept lot holds for our buyers in advance of the SALE dates.  Lot holds are FREE and can be cancelled at any time.  Call if you have any questions, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

Base prices for homes in Waterford Ridge are:

*Square feet does not include unfinished basement.

SPECIAL INCENTIVES:

1. $150,000 in structural and designer center upgrades for $75,000. 
2. FREE hardwood upgrades, FREE granite upgrades, FREE insulation upgrades, FREE Kohler Kitchen Faucet and Sink upgrades and more.
3. No lot premiums.
4. Walk-out or Walk-up basement, no charge.
5. Homefinders.com New Home Buyer REBATE.

VALUE OF SPECIAL INCENTIVES:

• 1.  $75,000
• 2.  $32,450
• 3.  $25,000 average.
• 4.  FREE Walk-out or Walk-up basement - $10,000 value.
• 5.  $15,000.

TOTAL SAVINGS TO YOU if you buy during this sale period, August 2-9, 2009, about $157,000.

EXAMPLE OF THE BEAUTIFUL HOMES AT WATERFORD RIDGE

You'll appreciate the luxury features in these lovely homes.  The homes and the community offer a blend of house and community that is unmatched in Loudoun County new homes. 

For a tour of this spectacular new home community in Waterford, Loudoun County, Virginia, contact:

Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988. 

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS IN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ARE HAVING A HARD TIME COMPETING WITH CASH INVESTMENT BUYERS. 

• In June 2005, there were 5 homes sold to CASH investment buyers. 
• In June 2008, there were 116 homes sold to CASH investment buyers.

CASH vs. FHA?  Because of the low down payment for FHA financing, 3.5%, most owner occupant buyers are financing with FHA insured loans.   However, they are having a hard time competing with CASH buyers who buy homes with no inspections, no contingencies and quick settlement.  The bank owned properties are particularly attractive to both first time home buyers and investment buyers.  However, the banks are selling to investment buyers even at prices lower than contract offers from other buyers.  CASH IS KING!! However, most investor buyers are looking for bank owned properties in the $200,000 price range and these homes often need extensive repairs and upgrading.  Investors are buying to rehab and rent or hold and then resell. 

MORTGAGE FINANCING HAS CHANGED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS. 

Prince William County Virginia homes are also popular with military home buyers stationed at Ft. Belvoir and the Pentagon.  VA financing is accepted throughout Northern Virgina, especially near military bases. 

This home is the typical style available to home buyers in Woodbridge / Dale City in the $300,000 price range.   

INVESTORS ARE BUYING BANK OWNED HOMES in PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY WITH CASH.  However, short sale listings offer good opportunities for home buyers using FHA and VA financing.   Our agents are experienced managing short sale contracts for residential home buyers.  

TIME IS RUNNING SHORT FOR THE $8,000 TAX CREDIT.  In order to qualify for the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of $8,000, the contract must close November 30, 2009 or earlier. 

                                                    PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY VIRGINIA MAP

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988, E-mail.

SEARCH LISTINGS in Prince William County, Virginia and you can view all active listings offered for sale in the Homesdatabase.com site. Homesdatabase works like the Multiple List System, MLS, works for real estate agents. You can search by location, price, features, style, lot size and more. Enjoy and when you find the homes you'd like to tour, contact us. You can also enter your information for daily updates.