Realtor.com shows online marketing surpasses all other media when it comes to marketing your home for sale.

Just the facts… Realtor.com has been funding some really big research projects and has released that for the year 2008, people seeking information about the local housing market are 500% more likely to sell a home if it has been advertised on the Internet (rather than simply relying on the newspaper).  To those of us living in the Dulles Technology Corridor, this comes as no surprise; but for many people and agents in the housing markets nationwide, they are scratching their heads wondering why properties not aggressively marketed by Internet are not selling at as fast a rate…

With the release of these new stats that show the dramatic rise in popularity of the Internets, these same folks can look back with 20/20 vision in hindsight and say, “Who knew?”. To that I would just laugh and answer, “Anybody under 40 or anyone living in Loudoun County–that’s who.”

Cheers, everyone. May all your internet footprints be left in the soft sand of the virtual beach standing on the edge of the real estate marketing ocean. Thanks for the statistical support Realtor.com–those of us out here who love the net and all the positive life changes the web has the power to bring us are really grateful to you.   

2007 Comprehensive Real Estate Market Stats

from Coldwell Banker Market Watch… The Real Story of 2007 Real Estate Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage February 1, 2008 – When deciding on how the real estate market is doing, we must first identify to which market we are referring – the residential resale market, new residential construction market, or the various types of commercial real estate. We must also look at what geographical location to consider since some areas are doing better than others. (Refer to the county graphs to see last month’s activity.) When assessing the residential resale market where most of us spend our time, there are two issues to consider — 1) number of actual sales and 2) home prices. With 2007 concluded, many who are reporting on the final figures are passing judgment on whether the year was good or bad. If you look at the second issue of home prices, the growing oversupply of inventory in most areas has pushed prices downward. For buyers who purchased two to three years ago who must sell today, that is not good news. For buyers who are looking to purchase today, it is great news to have many choices of homes at lower prices. Let’s consider the first issue – the number of actual sales in 2007. Back in 2001, the number of resale (existing) homes nationally hit an all time record of 5.3 million sales and the market was good. In 2002, we were thrilled to see another record at 5.6 million home sales which was considered a great year in real estate. Although some thought it couldn’t get any better, the market continued to reach new heights each year: 2003 = 6.2 million, 2004 = 6.8 million, 2005 = 7.1 million. Then in 2006, inventories were growing, but still 6.5 million homes were sold. Although less than the peak of the previous year, it was still the third best year in history. Then, despite all the doom and gloom from the media about the market in 2007, 5.6 million homes were sold, the same number sold as our great year of 2002. People are still buying existing homes and they should. Sellers are still selling their homes, not for as much as two and three years ago, but for most, more than they bought it for. If we can assist you or any one you know to better understand what is happening in our current market, please let us know.   Kae Davis Licensed VA Realtor, Real Estate Agent Hostess EverythingAshburn.COM   Steve Lizik Licensed VA Realtor, Associate Broker CBRB Ashburn Dulles Post Sponsor     Alexandria City Anne Arundel Arlington Baltimore Baltimore City Calvert Caroline Carroll Cecil Charles Culpeper Dorchester Fairfax Fauquier Frederick Harford Howard Kent Loudoun Montgomery Prince Georges Prince William Queen Anne Stafford St. Mary’s Talbot Washington County, MD Washington, DC

Northern Virginia 2007 Year in Real Estate Market Activity

Looking for market watch information on Real Estate home sales in Northern Virginia? Check out the following links to Coldwell Banker reports. Listing total inventory on the market (as reported by MRIS), under contract, price changes, back on market, and new listings, the reports are vary helpful to real estate sales professionals, owners, and potential incoming buyers for our DC Metro region. These post links reflect 2007 sales figures.

Market Activity for Loudoun County by Kae Davis, Licensed VA Realtor

Market Activity for Fairfax County by Helen Susko, Licensed VA Realtor

Market Activity for Prince William County by Steve Lizik, Licensed VA Realtor

A Fresh Outlook for the New Year Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

— January 1, 2008 — The 2008 New Year brings us hope and an opportunity for fresh thinking by casting away past difficulties. Today’s real estate market fits that new-year situation exactly. Just over two years ago, the real estate market was at its peak in number of sales and in the price of houses. The current oversupply of homes for sale in many of our areas is the reason for the decrease in home prices since an oversupply of any commodity puts downward pressure on prices (see the graphs by county for your area). However, just because prices are down, there is no reason that the number of homes purchased should be down. In fact, with interest rates lower now than one year ago and still in the range of 40-year lows, most buyers can purchase a larger home than they could two years ago. Mortgage money is freely available except for those who should not be getting a mortgage anyway. So who is today’s real estate market good for? Today’s buyers who have the best housing situation in years – many housing choices available at reasonable prices with lower interest mortgage money available. Also, sellers who will be buyers right away may sell their property for a little less than hoped for, but can buy one for so much less than in the past. And sellers who price their houses in line with the current market are selling them in weeks instead of months.Let the pessimists be gone. See the current real estate market in its true light – a market that is perfect for buyers and also sellers who will then be buyers. With my expertise in handling the real estate market with fresh thinking, I can assist you or anyone you know in taking advantage of today’s opportunities in real estate. Sincerely yours,  Kae Davis www.cbmove.com/kaedavis

Preparing your Virginia House for Quick Sale in a Changing Real Estate Market

How to Prepare Your House for Sale (from article on About.com)   Prepping and staging a house. Every seller wants her home to sell fast and bring top dollar. Does that sound good to you? Well, it’s not luck that makes that happen. It’s careful planning and knowing how to professionally spruce up your home that will send home buyers scurrying for their checkbooks.Here is how to prep a house and turn it into an irresistible and marketable home.  Here’s How: Disassociate Yourself With Your Home. Say to yourself, “This is not my home; it is a house — a product to be sold much like a box of cereal on the grocery store shelf. Make the mental decision to “let go” of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours. Picture yourself handing over the keys and envelopes containing appliance warranties to the new owners! Say goodbye to every room. Don’t look backwards — look toward the future.   De-Personalize. Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can’t see past personal artifacts, and you don’t want them to be distracted. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can’t do that if yours are there! You don’t want to make any buyer ask, “I wonder what kind of people live in this home?” You want buyers to say, “I can see myself living here.”   De-Clutter! People collect an amazing quantity of junk. Consider this: if you haven’t used it in over a year, you probably don’t need it. If you don’t need it, why not donate it or throw it away? Remove all books from bookcases. Pack up those knickknacks. Clean off everything on kitchen counters. Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use. Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.   Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets. Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if she sees everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well. This means: Alphabetize spice jars. Neatly stack dishes. Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way. Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction. Line up shoes.   Rent a Storage Unit. Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Since your bookcases are now empty, store them. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room’s purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don’t want buyers scratching their heads and saying, “What is this room used for?”   Remove/Replace Favorite Items. If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, she won’t want it. Once you tell a buyer she can’t have an item, she will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.   Make Minor Repairs.   Replace cracked floor or counter tiles. Patch holes in walls. Fix leaky faucets. Fix doors that don’t close properly and kitchen drawers that jam. Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple or pink walls. (Don’t give buyers any reason to remember your home as “the house with the orange bathroom.”) Replace burned-out light bulbs. If you’ve considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!   Make the House Sparkle!   Wash windows inside and out. Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior. Clean out cobwebs. Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks. Polish chrome faucets and mirrors. Clean out the refrigerator. Vacuum daily. Wax floors. Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures. Bleach dingy grout. Replace worn rugs. Hang up fresh towels. Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows. Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.   Scrutinize.   Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you? Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer. Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense. Make sure window coverings hang level. Tune in to the room’s statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz? Does it look like nobody lives in this house? You’re almost finished.   Check Curb Appeal. If a buyer won’t get out of her agent’s car because she doesn’t like the exterior of your home, you’ll never get her inside. Keep the sidewalks cleared. Mow the lawn. Paint faded window trim. Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive. Trim your bushes. Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.

Article submission courtesy of David Korrie To contact David, please email: dkorrie@yahoo.com or visit his website www.davidkorrie.com for more information.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Ashburn Dulles 44050 Ashburn Village Shopping Plaza, Suite 163 Ashburn, VA 20147

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW NoVA REALTOR?

The following real estate professionals are available to assist you with the buying and selling of residential and commercial real estate properties in the following Northern Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland properties:

Virginia Agents

Kae Davis

• Licensed Virginia Sales Agent
• Internet Marketing Consultant
• Real Estate Assistant [Virtual Marketing and Real Estate Services]
• Webmaster EverythingAshburn.COM
• “Brambletonian”

Steve Lizik

• Licensed Broker
• Associate Broker
• Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Ashburn Dulles Training Mentor
• Certified Residential Real Estate Agent
• Certified Commerial Real Estate Agent
• D.A.A.R. Instructor [Dulles Area Association of Realtors]
• 15+ years experience as a Realtor, Sales Associate, Managing Broker, and Service Provider to Communities in Northern Virginia and Loudoun County
• Winchester Resident [Formerly a Seneca Ridge Resident]

Maryland Agents

Mike O’Hara

• Licensed Real Estate Sales Professional VA & MD
• Rentals and Residential Property Lisiting
• Buyers Agency in the Baltimore Washington Area
• Trained in Short Sale and Bank Forclosure
• Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Ashburn Dulles Associate
• Sterling Resident

Steve Lizik [LICENSING AS ASSOCIATE BROKER IN MD IN SPRING 2008]

• Residential And Commercial Property Expert

Brambleton Town Center: An Ashburn Amenity in Loudoun County

Grass Roots Community Efforts WORK: Overcoming Negative Perceptions of Market Areas or Slow Conditions

(reprinted from 11.10.2007 at www.activerain.com/Kae.Davis)

Hello friends!

I was cruising the internet today and looking up information about my local area. As you all know, I am right outside DC in Northern Virginia. I am fortunate enough to live in and work around a wonderful newly developing town called Ashburn. In that, I am happy to be directly involved with many of our local neighborhood communities, including one of my favorites: a place called BRAMBLETON.

The blog spot I found at brambleton.wordpress.com had a post by the writer “brambleton”. To my chagrin and surprise the writer publicly said,

“I wonder how Brambleton developer would like to categorize or promote shopping center as. Some how, it is not visualized to be an attractive destination. In fact, shops are not even similar to a strip mall where you would typically find nails, party or lower end decorative shops, etc. On the other hand, there are a few specialty shops and are not meant to attract masses. Barnes & Nobles delayed their presence by a year or more. Here is an interactive map of what is expected soon, all shops in phase I are on the right frame of this page: Brambleton Shops. Posted in 20148, brambleton, commercial, shops |
Response: No Comments”

Now, my first though on reading the post was whoever wrote that must be disillusioned with the present market conditions. It occurred to me that if they had built early enough in Brambleton’s history or had purchased in late summer or fall of 2005 before the market dropped, that the tedious but steady progress made by the Brambleton Town Center to complete their ambitious project has frustrated them. However, this type of caustic post, rooted in discontent, DOES NOTHING TO BENEFIT THE AREA MARKET CONDITIONS.

The blogger “brambleton”, just as we all are, is probably less angry and more anxious to see the plaza become a HUGE success for probably one undisclosed yet fundamentally important reason. Once the Brambleton Town Center Shopping Plaza features and related amenities are finished, they will undoubtedly increase property values for all homes in our Ashburn area. Moreover, a thriving commercial use venue so close to home will most directly positively affect all the current property owners in Brambleton. To those ends, I agree that the property agents placing business in Brambleton must be incredibly careful to select those restaurants, shops, and retail establishments that will draw business to our area—but also to keep in mind that the store they approve ought to be tailored to benefit primary use by our residents.

The discrepancy, then, comes into play when you think about the benefit of “brambleton” posting blog commentary that specifically damages or disregards the truth about our Brambleton lifestyle or current market situation. Representing Brambleton to the world (and ultimately suggesting the tone and tenor of all Ashburn and Northern Virginia residents), they have negated the positive plan of our area, have done deliberate public harm to our retailers, and have set forth their opinions of our marketplace as popular opinion. As ambassadors to the world about Brambleton (by virtue of their self declared web title position), they have essentially cut their own nose of to spite their face by not choosing the words more carefully to aid the developers in improving our collective situation.

To counteract and voice a comment of positive support to Brambleton businesses and residents, I crafted the following response. Whether or not this “freedom of speech” dissenting opinion comment will be approved by their moderation, I’m not certain, but I wanted to share my thoughts here with active rain on what to do when you find a negative opinion floating about damaging the reputation of your client’s markets. Aggressively support positivism. Befriend the people you want to see stay in business—and be loyal patrons. Speak kind words about your neighbors, your neighborhoods, and friends. Don’t be afraid to be objective disseminating information—and be proud to indicate when what you have said is wholly subjective opinion. Please see below, and if you are ever in the area and are interesting in investing, I know a great agent.

Cheers,

Kae Davis, Licensed Virginia Real Estate Agent and Concerned Neighborhood Watch Citizen
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Brokerage Ashburn Dulles
44050 Ashburn Shopping Plaza
Suite 163 of the Ashburn Village Shopping Plaza
Ashburn, Virginia 20147
http://www.cbmove.com/Kae.Davis

COMMENT POSTED IN REPLY TO CRITICISM OF BRAMBLETON TOWN CENTER:

Wow–we love the Brambleton Town center and have such a different perspective.

As the host of a residential shopping plaza, Brambleton residents are utilizing so many of the Brambleton Town center features! Though we are all a bit frustrated with delays building the center and all the new construction along Ryan Road and Loudoun County Parkway is slowing us down, we have access to some pretty wonderful stuff already placed and open.

*Harris Teeter (24 hour, Pharmacy, Floral Department, Bakery, Seafood and Meat, Organic Produce, Sushi Bar, and $0.99 SUBS are the BOMB)
*Caribou Coffee (drive through option, free wireless Internet access, and with some of the best caffeine fixes around)
*My Thai (the most delicious Thai food in Loudoun county, atmosphere or a Washingtonian elite Night spot, best Mojitos in Loudoun)
*Subway (which is everywhere but they sure are handy when you want and easy place to grab a six foot sub for a party crowd)
*California Tortilla (hundred of hot sauce flavor combinations, fresh fast food, and big tables for large groups or families with children)
*Nick’s Corner Grill (with an upscale gourmet atmosphere and quiet HUGE screen televisions it’s the perfect wife-meets-football place in town, late nights, full bar)
*GO BANANAS Toy Store (absolutely one of the most thrilling educational and retro toy stores, clever “kids pick” toy storage for birthday and holiday selections–keeping everything a surprise because you come back without the children)
*Edible Arrangements (with stylized fresh fruit arrangements that look like floral bouquets, the perfect gifts to send in Brambleton for fun or as treats all over the nation)
*UPS Store (easy package drop off)
*Dry Cleaners
*Hair Cuttery (ask for Wendy or Hannah and bring pictures, great men’s barber shop cuts, excellent to keep our growing kids looking well coiffed during all the seasons)
*Nail Salon (Pedicures and Manicures, Massage Chairs-but make an appointment if you want to get in)
*Fox Cinemas (sixteen screen stadium seating with rocking recliner seats in an Art Nouveau setting, hot pizza pretzels sound gross but taste amazing for a different movie tradition treat, frozen cokes for the ideal brain freeze)
*Chevy Chase Bank (yes–they DO have a drive up ATM)
*Leesburg Canine Country Club (a dog friendly Adult Recreation 26 acre area right down the road from us-take Ryan to a right on Evergreen Mills and it is just a hop skip and jump down on the left

Combine these destinations already open with the coming soon attractions and the Brambleton planners really do seem to be making Brambleton a very easy place to live. [Barnes and Nobel, a pain your own pottery location, a chocolate shop, a paper goods store for stationary and whatnots, a Birkenstock shop for those comfortable casual wearing, a specialty closet shop that will help all residents get their storage life happily in order are all coming attractions.] If we just had a “First Watch” and “Sweet Tomatoes” franchises (plus a really nice gas station), it would be an ideal daily living situation.

[Did I mention I work with investors and also commercial clients?]

** Please note I regretfully forgot to mention the wonderful place I go most often for Lunch in Brambleton, FROOTS. I’m addicted to their fresh juices, awesome salads and wraps, and their delightful ownership–it is such a friendly establishment!

I will admit to have the Art and Frame store connection be one of our first opened features was a bit off in their use planning, but the owners are such nice and wonderful people that I believe in the long run, once all is said and done, we will have supported their business and the Brambleton Town center will be happy to have them.

NOTE: The Brambleton ice cream shop “Coldstone Creamery” is struggling in comparison to other franchise establishments now, too. The corporation has built a lovely new shop up the road in the WEGMANS plaza. Under a different franchise (owner so those of us addicted to true Coldstone can still get our mix-in fun), guests with kids to the new store also have the benefit of a children’s playground outside. As a whole, however, the Brambleton Town Center is still A+.

Local amenities are everything. If you can’t find whatever comfort food, solution product, or specialty item you need, we are so close to the areas other competing plazas (South Riding, Shellhorn Road, Ashburn Village Plaza, Ashburn Commons, the Dulles Town Center, Broadlands, South Walk, the newly building Loudoun Valley Estates, Waxpool Road, Farmwell Road, and the Auto Park by the giant Wegmans and Target Plaza off Pacific Boulevard and the 28 Waxpool fly over exit) that you can BE to what or where you need in under 15 minutes. [Home Depot, Home Goods, Bloom, Giant, Safeway, CVS, Walgreens, 100 more restaurant choices from fast food to four stars, hotel suites, local wineries or bed and breakfasts, Dulles International Airport, the Dulles Greenway (267 Toll Road), whatever.]

Patience is a virtue, and regardless of delays or any perceived aesthetic discontinuity right now while we are under construction Brambleton has a huge set out here of its “Brambletonian Lifestyle” fans. Visit http://www.brambleton.com for more information or stop by the Visitors Center. One last perk and thumbs up for our specific local area? Brambleton is a neighborhood full of friendly professional and personal friends.

Kindest regards to all Brambletonians,

Kae Davis, Happy Resident

Loudoun County on Localism.com

Researching communities in Loudoun County? Realtors living in Loudoun County? Homeowners living in Loudoun County? Business professionals working in Loudoun County? I highly recommend visiting localism.com to find out more information about the area in which we live.

If you are here already, PLEASE CONTRIBUTE to their growing photobank and community resource pages. We have a tremendous opportunity through localism.com to promote lifestyle quality as ambassadors of Northern Virginia–helping to improve market conditions for ourselves, our neighbors, and our greater community.

I know I’m uploading, and hoping to post articles continuously. If you have tidbits to share or can snap a camera phone pic here and there, we can truly help strengthen our region’s profile to the global marketplace.

Visit www.localism.com to share.

Happy Holidays, everybody!

Kae Davis, Real Estate Agent

www.cbmove.com/Kae.Davis