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Many Americans Face ‘Megacommutes’

About 600,000 Americans travel more than 90 minutes each way—more than 50 miles—to get from home to work each day, according to a new U.S. Census Bureau report. “Megacommutes” are known for being worst in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and New Orleans. Megacommuters tend to be male, older, married, and paid higher than the average worker, according to Census data. Nearly 11 million people have what’s considered just “long commutes” from home to work, averaging just over an hour each way, according to the report. New York averaged the most “long commuters,” followed by Maryland and New Jersey. Source: “600,000 Americans Have 'Megacommutes' of Over 90 Minutes,” CNNMoney (March 6, 2013)

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  • Comparison Shopping On Premium Large Home Beside Huntington Metro Station

    Here's a selection of luxury residences prepared by me specifically for home buyer clients searching for $789,900 3-bedroom 2-baths homes at a Metro Station in Alexandria, Virginia . If you're mulling over the idea of a purchase of real estate in the 22303 ZIP code, I suggest that you take into account 2372 Huntington Station…

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  • Are You Pondering Getting In Fairfax, Virginia?

    Notice this residence like 9312 Branch Side Ln in Vienna Metro.

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  • Find A Great Deal On A Choice Large 3-Bedroom Not Far From Huntington Metro Station In Alexandria, Virginia

    Here's a selection of homes prepared by me, Nesbitt Realty , a family business serving real estate needs in Northern VA., specifically for property hunters searching for millennial end unit townhouses not far from Huntington Station in 22303 in Fairfax County . 2335 Huntington Station Ct #2335 is a 3-bedroom 2-baths residence at Huntington Station…

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  • Find A Great Deal On An Interesting Residence Not Far From A Metro Stop In 22031 In Fairfax County At Vienna Metro

    Here's a selection of places prepared by me, Monika, specifically for home hunters searching for 4 bedroom places beside Vienna / Fairfax Metro in Fairfax at Vienna Metro. Today's inventory is includes this residence at 9355 Deer Glen Ct Fairfax VA. This property is a 4 bedroom with 2,537 sqft of living space.

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  • Trying To Find Your Best Purchase On A 3-BR Interior Unit Townhouse Close To A Metro In 22303 At Huntington Station

    I specialize in property hunters choose 3-bedroom residences close to Huntington Metro Station in Alexandria, Virginia . 2341 Huntington Station Ct is a 3-bedroom 2-baths home at Huntington Station in Fairfax County.

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Big Discounts on Foreclosures Fading, Economist Says

Home buyers may not get as great of a deal on a foreclosure as they once did, according to Paul Diggle from Capital Economics in a new report. Foreclosure starts are falling and the inventory of foreclosures has been decreasing, which has caused the discount on foreclosures to lessen. The discount on foreclosed homes compared to other homes has fallen to a 12 percent average, according to Diggle. That was about the same percentage prior to the housing crash, he says. Last year the foreclosure discount averaged about 30 percent. “Ultra-low mortgage interest rates and steady, if not spectacular, job creation could mean that the delinquency rate and foreclosure start rate are falling quickly,” Diggle writes. Source: “Those Amazing Deals on Foreclosed Homes Are Disappearing,” Business Insider (March 7, 2013) Search foreclosure homes in Northern VALooking for a bargain? You might find one in the foreclosures.

Foreclosures and bank-owned homes for sale

Potential Short Sales

  • Julie Nesbitt

    Julie Nesbitt
    Julie Nesbitt knows the back trails and by-ways of Northern Virginia real estate.

    Read More

  • Enjoying Winkler Botanical Preserve

    We had a great time walking the trails. 

    Read More

  • Don’t take chances with real estate.

  • REDUCED: 7202 Churchill Rd, McLean

    Open House, Sunday, 1-4 BIG PRICE DROP! 7202 CHURCHILL ROADMcLean, VA 221016 Bedrooms5.5 Bathrooms6,752 SF $1,695,000

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  • Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services

    Fairfax County
    Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…

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Condo Markets Remain Strong

Builders and developers are reporting growing optimism in the apartment and condominium market, according to the latest Multifamily Production Index, released by the National Association of Home Builders.
Condos
Condo Alexandria is Northern VA's condo expert
"The apartment and condo markets continue to improve as new household formations generate demand," says W. Dean Henry, CEO of Legacy Partners Residential in Foster City, Calif., and chairman of NAHB's Multifamily Leadership Board. "However, there are certain issues facing builders and developers that may impede their ability to keep up with this demand, such as the rising cost of building materials, labor shortages, and the price of land." The Multifamily Production Index has been strengthening since the middle of 2010, and multifamily starts has been increasing since the end of 2010 to coincide with developers’ increased confidence, says NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. NAHB is projecting a 30 percent increase in multifamily starts in 2013. Source: National Association of Home Builders condominiums in Northern VA Condo shoppers might want to check out these resources:

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  • Home Prices In Arlington Continue To Hike

    Glendale
    The housing market in Arlington County is getting more and more expensive as potential buyers continue to have fewer homes and condos to choose from.

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  • Inlet Cove is near Fort Belvoir and Potomac Mills

    Inlet Cove outside Belvoir
    Inlet Cove is alongside Route 1 This neighborhood of townhouses is near grocers and eateries Inlet Cove is close to Fort Belvoir, Alexandria, and Potomac Mills shops, in the city of Woodbridge Interior to these properties are multilevel Inlet Cove is serene

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  • Pending Home Sales on an Upswing

    home inspector
    Pending home sales increased again in March, affirming that a surge of home sales is unfolding for the spring home buying season, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in March, rose 5.3 percent to 102.9 from 97.7 in February, and is 21.1…

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  • A Good Time to Buy a High-End Home

    Station Square
    Some of the best housing deals are on high-end homes, many over $1 million. Some of them need TLC or they aren’t in the most-coveted locations. But there are plenty of desirable properties and lots of sellers who are getting impatient. Buyers with cash have the best opportunities. Buyers who need a mortgage should move…

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  • Who is today’s homebuyer and why are they buying?

    Nesbitt Realty 703 765 0300
    The National Association of Realtors recently did a study about the characteristics of home buyers. Some of the findings might surprise you. Thirteen percent of buyers purchased a home with one or more parents and grandparents together with adult children. There were several reasons given for purchasing a multi-generational home. Cost savings; Children over the…

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What do real estate agents do?

When selling property, brokers and agents arrange for title searches to verify ownership and for meetings between buyers and sellers during which they agree to the details of the transactions and in a final meeting, the new owners take possession of the property. They also may help to arrange favorable financing from a lender for the prospective buyer; often, this makes the difference between success and failure in closing a sale. In some cases, brokers and agents assume primary responsibility for closing sales; in others, lawyers or lenders do.

Duties to Sellers

Agents and brokers spend a significant amount of time looking for properties to sell. They obtain listings---agreements by owners to place properties for sale with the firm. When listing a property for sale, agents and brokers compare the listed property with similar properties that recently sold, in order to determine a competitive market price for the property. Following the sale of the property, both the agent who sold it and the agent who obtained the listing receive a portion of the commission. Thus, agents who sell a property that they themselves have listed can increase their commission. The listing firm and its agents must
  • promote the sellers' best interests
  • be loyal to the seller
  • follow the sellers' lawful instructions
  • provide the seller with all material facts that could influence your decisions
  • use reasonable skill, care and diligence, and
  • account for all monies they handle for the seller.
Once you have signed the listing agreement, the firm and its agents may not give any confidential information about you to prospective buyers or their agents without your permission so long as they represent you.

Duties to Buyers

If the real estate firm and its agents represent you, they must
  • promote the buyers' best interests
  • be loyal to the buyer
  • follow the buyers' lawful instructions
  • provide the buyer with all material facts that could influence your decisions
  • use reasonable skill, care and diligence, and
  • account for all monies handled for the buyer.
Before showing residential properties to potential buyers, agents meet with them to get an idea of the type of home the buyers would like. In this prequalifying phase, the agent determines how much the buyers can afford to spend. In addition, the agent and the buyer usually sign a loyalty contract, which states that the agent will be the only one to show houses to the buyer. An agent or broker then generates lists of properties for sale, their location and description, and available sources of financing. In some cases, agents and brokers use computers to give buyers a virtual tour of properties that interest them. Agents may meet several times with prospective buyers to discuss and visit available properties. Agents identify and emphasize the most pertinent selling points. To a young family looking for a house, for example, they may emphasize the convenient floor plan, the area's low crime rate, and the proximity to schools and shopping. To a potential investor, they may point out the tax advantages of owning a rental property and the ease of finding a renter. If bargaining over price becomes necessary, agents must follow their client's instructions carefully and may have to present counteroffers to get the best possible price. Once the buyer and seller have signed a contract, the real estate broker or agent must make sure that all special terms of the contract are met before the closing date. The agent must make sure that any legally mandated or agreed-upon inspections, such as termite and radon inspections, take place. In addition, if the seller agrees to any repairs, the broker or agent ensures they are made. Increasingly, brokers and agents are handling environmental problems as well, by making sure that the properties they sell meet environmental regulations. For example, they may be responsible for dealing with lead paint on the walls. Loan officers, attorneys, or other people handle many details, but the agent must ensure that they are carried out. Most real estate brokers and sales agents sell residential property. A small number---usually employed in large or specialized firms---sell commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other types of real estate. Every specialty requires knowledge of that particular type of property and clientele. Selling or leasing business property requires an understanding of leasing practices, business trends, and the location of the property. Agents who sell or lease industrial properties must know about the region's transportation, utilities, and labor supply. Whatever the type of property, the agent or broker must know how to meet the client's particular requirements. Brokers and agents do the same type of work, but brokers are licensed to manage their own real estate businesses. Agents must work with a broker. They usually provide their services to a licensed real estate broker on a contract basis. In return, the broker pays the agent a portion of the commission earned from the agent's sale of the property. Brokers, as independent businesspeople, often sell real estate owned by others; they also may rent or manage properties for a fee.

Snowfall in Mount Vernon and Fort Hunt

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  • Julie Nesbitt

    Julie Nesbitt
    Julie Nesbitt knows the back trails and by-ways of Northern Virginia real estate.

    Read More

  • Enjoying Winkler Botanical Preserve

    We had a great time walking the trails. 

    Read More

  • Don’t take chances with real estate.

  • REDUCED: 7202 Churchill Rd, McLean

    Open House, Sunday, 1-4 BIG PRICE DROP! 7202 CHURCHILL ROADMcLean, VA 221016 Bedrooms5.5 Bathrooms6,752 SF $1,695,000

    Read More

  • Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services

    Fairfax County
    Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…

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Renter expectations

Stuart NesbittOne of the most important roles as a realtor is to set expectations for rental clients with regards to
  • Availability
  • Budget
  • Turn-around
  • Space
Some of the biggest shocks to renters include:
  • Having pets drastically reduces what's available.  Large pets narrow the selection even further
  • Expecting a landlord to keep a rental vacant for over a month greatly reduces your chance of getting the unit
  • Short term leases (less than a year) cost a landlord substantially, both due to lost income from vacancy and the cost of restoring and finding a new renter
  • If you've looked at a half a dozen units and everything is way off the mark, then things are very unlikely to improve.
As a realtor it's important to convey this information.  As a renter it's important that your realize that ignoring your realtor's advice will quickly land you without a realtor.  No one likes to be ignored, but more importantly your realtor doesn't want to waste your time and the realtor's time chasing possibilities that will never happen.

Why buy a home in {Location_Name}?

As found in a Realtor.com® survey of more than 1,000 home shoppers, many young adults are being pushed towards owning a home due to the increasing rentals costs, with 23 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 34 citing rising rents as a trigger for purchasing a home. Realter.com®'s chief economist Danielle Hale explains that even in the current unique housing market with low inventory and high prices, most shoppers still want some classic features. Older home-buyers desire privacy and the ability to age comfortable while millennials emphasize family needs, stability, and personal expression.

Are you purchasing a condo or home that needs work? Perhaps and FHA 203k is for you.

your lender
Nesbitt Realty never makes any money from your loan. This frees us to make the most objective recommendation possible.

FHA 203K Loan - Eligible Property

To be eligible for the FHA 203k mortgage loan, the property must be a one- to four-family dwelling that has been completed for at least one year. The number of units on the site must be acceptable according to local zoning requirements. All newly constructed units must be attached to the existing dwelling. Cooperative units are not eligible. Homes that have been demolished, or will be razed as part of the rehabilitation work, are eligible provided some of the existing foundation system remains in place. In addition to typical home improvement loan projects, the FHA 203-k mortgage loan program can be used to convert a one-family dwelling to a two-, three-, or four-family dwelling. An existing multi-unit dwelling could be decreased to a one- to four-family unit. An existing house (or modular unit) on another site can be moved onto the mortgaged property; however, release of loan proceeds for the existing structure on the non-mortgaged property is not allowed until the new foundation has been properly inspected and the dwelling has been properly placed and secured to the new foundation. health and safety of the occupants of the residential property; and (3) the rehabilitation funds will only be used for the residential functions of the dwelling and areas used to access the residential part of the property.

What is the minimum amount of repairs required on a FHA 203k home improvement loan?

There is a minimum $5,000 requirement of eligible home improvement loan projects on the existing structure of the property. Minor or cosmetic repairs may be included after meeting the first $5,000 worth of repairs.

What are some of the repairs that qualify for the first $5,000?

  • Structural alterations and reconstruction: (Repair or replacement of structural damage, chimney repair, additions to the structure, installation of additional bath(s), skylights, finished attics and/or basements, repair of termite damage and the treatment against termites);
  • Elimination of health and safety hazards;
  • Changes for aesthetic appeal: (New siding, adding a dormer, covered porch, attached garage);
  • Air Conditioning or replacement: (plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical systems);
  • Installation of well, septic system or connection to public utilities;
  • Roofing, Gutter Downspouts, Flooring, Tiling and carpeting;
  • Major landscape and site improvement;
  • Improvements to improve accessibility and functions for the disabled.

What are the qualifications to be able to obtain a FHA 203-k loan?

The qualifications requirements are the same as a typical FHA mortgage loan. The only additional item that the borrower needs is either enough cash reserved to pay for materials and labor until they are reimbursed through a draw, or a credit card with an adequate available balance. If there is to be a contractor involved, the contractor may choose to cover these costs. The interest rate on a typical FHA 203k mortgage loan is a little higher than a standard FHA or conventional 30/15-year fixed-rate loan. The cash requirements are the same as an FHA loan, 3 percent to 5 percent, which is less than a typical conventional loan. There are a couple of additional fees which pertain to the construction aspects of the FHA 203k loan.

Can I pick my own contractor to do the work?

Dillon Lee You may decide on your own contractor, and they should be brought into the process in the beginning stage of the loan process. Check out the credentials of the contractor thoroughly, making sure he is knowledgeable in all aspects of rehabilitation work. The home improvements or repairs need not be made before moving into the property, depending on how extensive the repairs are and whether the house is habitable while the repairs are being made. The home improvement loan provides the ability to include up to 6 months of mortgage payments in the improvement escrow, should you not be able to occupy the property and have to pay rent during rehabilitation.

Can the FHA 203k loan be used to improve a condominium unit?

Yes, however, condominium rehabilitation is subject to the following conditions:
  • Owner/occupant and qualified non-profit borrowers only;
  • Rehabilitation is limited only to the interior of the unit. Mortgage proceeds are not to be used for the rehabilitation of exteriors or other areas which are the responsibility of the condominium association, except for the installation of firewalls in the attic for the unit;
  • Only the lesser of five units per condominium association, or 25 percent of the total number of units, can be undergoing rehabilitation at any one time;
  • The maximum mortgage amount cannot exceed 100 percent of after-improved value. After rehabilitation is complete, the individual buildings within the condominium must not contain more than four units.
By law, FHA 203k loans can only be used to rehabilitate units in one-to-four unit structures. However, this does not mean that the condominium project, as a whole, can only have four units or that all individual structures must be detached. Example: A project might consist of six buildings each containing four units, for a total of 24 units in the project and, thus, be eligible for an FHA 203k loan. Likewise, a project could contain a row of more than four attached townhouses and be eligible for a FHA 203k loan because HUD considers each townhouse as one structure, provided each unit is separated by a 1 1/2 hour firewall (from foundation up to the roof). Similar to a project with a condominium unit with a mortgage insured under Section 234(c) of the National Housing Act, the condominium project must be approved by HUD prior to the closing of any individual mortgages on the condominium units.

  • Julie Nesbitt

    Julie Nesbitt
    Julie Nesbitt knows the back trails and by-ways of Northern Virginia real estate.

    Read More

  • Enjoying Winkler Botanical Preserve

    We had a great time walking the trails. 

    Read More

  • Don’t take chances with real estate.

  • REDUCED: 7202 Churchill Rd, McLean

    Open House, Sunday, 1-4 BIG PRICE DROP! 7202 CHURCHILL ROADMcLean, VA 221016 Bedrooms5.5 Bathrooms6,752 SF $1,695,000

    Read More

  • Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services

    Fairfax County
    Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…

    Read More

6 Creative Ways to Afford a Home

  1. Investigate local, state, and national down payment assistance programs. These programs give qualified applicants loans or grants to cover all or part of your required down payment. National programs include the Nehemiah program, www.getdownpayment.com, and the American Dream Down Payment Fund from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, www.hud.gov.
  2. Explore seller financing. In some cases, sellers may be willing to finance all or part of the purchase price of the home and let you repay them gradually, just as you would do with a mortgage.
  3. Consider a shared-appreciation or shared-equity arrangement. Under this arrangement, your family, friends, or even a third-party may buy a portion of the home and share in any appreciation when the home is sold. The owner/occupant usually pays the mortgage, property taxes, and maintenance costs, but all the investors' names are usually on the mortgage. Companies are available that can help you find such an investor, if your family can’t participate.
  4. Ask your family for help. Perhaps a family member will loan you money for the down payment or act as a co-signer for the mortgage. Lenders often like to have a co-signer if you have little credit history.
  5. Lease with the option to buy. Renting the home for a year or more will give you the chance to save more toward your down payment. And in many cases, owners will apply some of the rental amount toward the purchase price. You usually have to pay a small, nonrefundable option fee to the owner.
  6. Consider a short-term second mortgage. If you can qualify for a short-term second mortgage, this would give you money to make a larger down payment. This may be possible if you’re in good financial standing, with a strong income and little other debt.

  • Julie Nesbitt

    Julie Nesbitt
    Julie Nesbitt knows the back trails and by-ways of Northern Virginia real estate.

    Read More

  • Enjoying Winkler Botanical Preserve

    We had a great time walking the trails. 

    Read More

  • Don’t take chances with real estate.

  • REDUCED: 7202 Churchill Rd, McLean

    Open House, Sunday, 1-4 BIG PRICE DROP! 7202 CHURCHILL ROADMcLean, VA 221016 Bedrooms5.5 Bathrooms6,752 SF $1,695,000

    Read More

  • Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services

    Fairfax County
    Established in 1974 with a mission to reduce homelessness, increase community support and promote self sufficiency, the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is operated by a multi-denominational board of directors and staff managing over 70 housing units. Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services is located in the Mount Zephyr Business Center at 8305 Richmond…

    Read More

 

Are Banks Easing Up on Mortgage Standards?

 
your lender
Nesbitt Realty never makes any money from your loan. This frees us to make the most objective recommendation possible.
A very tight mortgage lending environment “promises improvements this year as the drivers of tough credit standards reverse,” according to Moody’s Analytics ResiLandscape Report. Still, lending will remain tight by historical standards, the report notes. Tight underwriting conditions have been one of the main obstacles for the housing market recovery. But the credit agency says that those conditions began to ease somewhat this year and likely will continue to. "Rising house prices give lenders more breathing room to extend credit," the analysts at Moody’s noted. Over the past year and a half, large lenders have loosened up or held standards stable on prime loans for mortgage originations, according to the Survey of Senior Lending Officers. Aiding lenders’ confidence is that mortgage delinquencies have fallen to pre-recession rates. "Being right-side up on the mortgage improves a borrower’s credit profile. It also lowers the risk of default and increases the likelihood of trade-up buying," according to the Moody’s report. Mortgage supply will remain constrained, but “improved consumer credit quality combined with steady growth in jobs, low mortgage interest rates and modestly rising house prices makes it clear that more households will be able to qualify for a mortgage," Moody's said. "Greater credit availability will in turn help drive stronger home sales and stronger price appreciation and help keep the housing market and the larger economy on an upward path." Source: “Slight opening of credit spigot aids housing outlook,” HousingWire (March 4, 2013)
[mortgage interest_rate="3.5" mortgage_term="30"]
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