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Fort Belvoir, VA Real Estate News

By Patty Blackwelder, Top Producing Realtor-New Home Buyer Specialist
( Twins Selling Real Estate)
So you are thinking of buying a home? In fact you have been searching web sites and looking at data for the past year thinking it will soon be time to buy.Do you keep thinking the rates will come down or you will find a bargin if you just keep looking?STOP!!!! "  I sound like your Mom don't I?" Northern Virginia area's such as Alexandria, Mount Vernon, Springfield, Burke, Tysons Corner, Vienna, Arlington even places like Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, and Dumfries Virginia are expensive places to live. Rent is 30% higher than owning the same home in most cases. "I do not care what your budget is. If you are looking at a median priced home, luxury home or your first home. The numbers matter when you see what is happening in our market waiting is not a great option in our real estate market."Buy...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
Planning for a move isn't rocket science.  I've moved so many times, including a move this summer, that I've learned a thing or two.     The #1 tip is GET ORGANZIED.  The day you accept a contract on your house is the day you should start going room by room to make three lists, what goes with you, what's trash and what to donate. If you haven't used it in the last few years (unless its a family heirloom) then chances are likely it should go in the trash or donate pile.   Pick one area in your house, preferably in the basement or garage to be the staging area.  If you are donating items needing a pick up call early to make arrangements.  If you have items you can drop off do it on a regular basis instead of waiting until the last day. If you are going to hire a mover start getting your e...
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By ReShawna Leaven, Experience. Knowledge. RESULTS.
(KW United | Alexandria/Kingstowne)
Are you a Veteran looking to buy a home?  Move close to a military installation in the Washington Metro Area No Down Payment No Private Mortgage Insurance (save hundred each month) Purchase a condominum, townhome, single family home or multi-family (up to 4 units) Resale, New Construction, REO, Short Sale Finance up to $692,500 (maximinum loan amount varies based on county limits) There is no VA Funding fee for 10% disabled veterans Credit Scores as low as 550 Hire a military relocation expert today! Call (703) 474-1754 to learn more and to qualify Click on the base names below to find homes within 15 miles of the location. Andrews Air Force Base (Maryland) Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (DC) Annapolis Naval Air Station (Maryland) Coast Guard Headquarters Health Clinic Defense Health Hea...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
Perched high overlooking the Potomac River the Fort Belvoir's Officer Club has one of the best views in all of Northern Virginia. The Officers Club isn't the only place to enjoy time with Mother Nature on post. In fact Fort Belvoir which is comprised of over 8,500 acres also has over 1,300 acres of dedicated wildlife refuges as part of the base property as well. The largest piece of the refugee established in 1980 is the Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge on the north post. The trail offers nine miles of walking paths through a variety of wildlife habitat and includes a handicap accessible Pohick Trail. On the south post of Fort Belvoir is the Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge. Established in 1988 to protect a local wetland area the refuge is a great spot for local fisherman (with a valid V...
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By Patty Blackwelder, Top Producing Realtor-New Home Buyer Specialist
( Twins Selling Real Estate)
 Your orders read PCS to Fort Belvoir In Alexandria, Virginia.You have heard it is expensive from people who you have talked wth.Most Wonder will I find a home within my BAH allowance.   The truth is it all depends on what you are hoping to find if you coming from Hawaii you will not have any price shock but if you are coming from the Carolina's  it may be another story!  No matter your rank or price point the story is the same. The Search......So you have started your search on line maybe you have had an idea you will get orders so you have been looking at Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, MilitaryByOwner trying to get a feel for the area.  That is a great place to start  but our market can be quick. You probably have even seen homes you like but then they disappear and you wonder why?You m...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
There is little doubt that one of the first questions that a family relocating to the Northern Virginia area asks is "what about the schools?" As real estate agents we can't answer the question directly but can help point prospective buyers to a number of places to research local Northern Virginia schools. Schools often dictate the choice of neighborhood that families will consider. Living in a "good" school district could mean that parents sacrifice their commute or other community amenities in order to find the right school. Looking at the different county and city schools sites for test scores, absentee rates, teacher turnover, graduation rates and extracurricular activities are part of what a buyer can use to make a school decision. If you are relocating to Northern Virginia you can...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
Cook Inlet A Fort Belvoir Address But It's Not Post Housing When most people think of a Fort Belvoir  address they immediately think of the U.S. Army Post.  However Cook Inlet shares the Fort Belvoir postal address with its close neighbor but it is not part of the Army Post.   About The Cook Inlet Neighorhood The first issue to clear up about the neighborhood is the name. Though the official Fairfax County tax records show the name of the subdivision as Cook Inlet the neighborhood is also advertised as Inlet Cove and the entrance sign coming in the community says Inlet Cove. Talk about confusing. If you want to search for the neighborhood you should use the Cook Inlet name in order to find available listings.  The neighborhood consists of approximately 255 townhouses and zero lot line d...
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By Patty Blackwelder, Top Producing Realtor-New Home Buyer Specialist
( Twins Selling Real Estate)
So your PCS Orders Read Fort Belvoir or Marine Base Quantico! I have one word for you  TRAFFIC     Knowlege is Power and is Important when looking at homes in this area.    I have been helping people relocate to this area for the past 25 years. I know the communities well and depending on what your budget and wish list is I can save you time and money when looking for your next place to call home.   The biggest misconception is close distance to work equals short commute. Not here in Virginia. I live eight miles from my office in Woodbridge I do a reverse commute from Mount Vernon, Virginia just north of the base yet it takes me 40 minutes drive time to get there.   Why ....?   Well it is because of the construction between my home and work location that will continue through 2016! Traf...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
April 5, 2014, has been designated by Congress as "Gold Star Wives Day" to publically recognize the sacrifices made by our service members in support of our nation. Though the designation of the day is new the gold star has officially been recognized as a symbol of loss since 1918. The pin with the gold star on a purple background and is bordered in gold and surrounded by gold laurel leaves is designated for surviving spouses of service member who died in combat.  The second pin with the gold star and surrounded by sprigs of oak that represent the branches of the Armed Forces is for surviving spouses who died in non-combat service to our country. Who are "Gold Star Wives?"  From the Gold Star Wives Website: The widows/widowers whose spouses died while serving in the Armed Forces of the ...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
It's a very simple moto and one that this morning 1000's of volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery took to hear.For the 22nd year Morrill Worcester arrived after a week long journey from Maine with wreaths to place on the graves of our fallen hero's.  From the beginning of placing 500 wreaths to today when 143,000 wreaths were placed his goal has to one day place a wreath on every grave in Arlington. In addition to Arlington wreaths are also placed at other military cemeteries around the country.This year I was honored to place a wreath for one of my client's who lost her husband in Afghanistan 2 years ago.Here is a clip from today's events.  
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
Let me welcome you to this dynamic area.   Northern Virginia offers residents easy access to employment centers in Washington DC and the Dulles Techonology Corridor.  The Northern Virginia area attracts new business and employees every year with major employers moving their headquarters to the area.   The area has a large military contingent with Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon, Military District of Washington and Quantico MCB to name a few. If you find yourself moving to the Northern Virginia give Cindy Jones and CJ Realty Group a call at 703-346-2213.  We understand the stress of a move, whether is't just around the corner or across the globe.  Let us help you find the right place to call home.  We look forward to working with you. Check out our MLS home search CallNovaHome.  Our seach is ...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
One of the major differences between a VA home loan and other loan programs available for home buyers is simple.  A VA home loan was earned by your service to our country.Are you eligible for a VA Home Loan?  If you served in the military or are a surviving spouse of a service member you may be. You can easily check the VA Home Loan eligibilty chart to see.  Most lenders can get your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) within 24-48 hours electronically.One of the myths about VA home loans is that they take longer to close than a conventional loan. There are lenders who have a reputation for taking longer to close a VA loan than others but in reality my clients have closed VA loans 21 days after a ratified contract. One of the best aspects of a VA loan is the option to finance 100% of the p...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
Holidays are one of the hardest times for military families separated by deployment.   It is also one of the best times for friends and neighbors to lend a helping hand. It isn't about money it's about a few minutes or a few hours to help with the little things that need to be done. Simple things such as helping put up their outside holiday lights or getting the Christmas tree in that pesky stand. How about volunteering to stand in line at the post office or UPS store for them. Does mom or dad need a few hours to get the shopping done? Then offer to keep the children occupied while they head out. Have a video camera? Help the family make a holiday video to post for mom or dad to see. There are so many little things during the holiday season (and all year long) where an extra hand is app...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
Most people hear the term "sticker shock" and they think of cars.  For military families relocating to Fort Belvoir from other bases around the country the term can also explain their first reaction to housing prices in Northern Virginia.  The current real estate market has helped lessen that shock but it is still something to consider as you decide whether you should buy a home in the area. One of the many benefits that the military offers is the VA loan a perfect way to buy a home near Fort Belvoir with no money down.  The first thing I recommend to anyone with PCS orders to Fort Belvoir is to verify their BAH rate for the area, this will help you with understanding how much of a payment you might be comfortable making.  Then take a look at your VA loan eligibility status.  If you are...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
If you have a VA Loan you may be eligible for a VA Compromise Sale. In our region of Northern Virginia the VA Regional Office which will provide you with the latest updates is the Roanoke office. The VA Compromise sale does have several factors that are important to remember: • The property must be sold for fair market value.• The closing costs must be reasonable and customary• The compromise sale must be less costly for the Government than foreclosure• There must be a financial hardship on the part of the seller• On loans that originated on or before December 31, 1989, the seller must be willing to sign a promissory note• There must be no second liens or other liens (unless the amount is insignificant). • The seller must first obtain a sales contract in order to be considered for the p...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
Today is just one of the 365 days of the year that we should honor and thank our current and past servicemembers for their courage to serve our country.  Not only do they stand in harms way for our freedom but they but they leave families behind who wait for their safe return. Thank you for your service to our country.
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
The offer arrived with a higher than "normal" request for seller closing cost assistance.  In attempt to see if we could make the offer work I asked the agent if they had talked about other financing options with their client."No I don't need to know about financing that's what our in-house lender is for" was the response.   Did you check with any other lenders to see if this was the best deal for your client?  "No the in-house lender can talk to them about other options."  I'm not an expert on all of the lending rules or programs available but I do know most of the time there is more than one option for a buyer to consider.  I also know there are lenders in our area that offer incentives to clients which help to lower the closing costs or can even reduce the down payment required.  By ...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
In today’s market a lot of families have hit on tough times.  As a result they may have or are in the process of losing their home.  It doesn’t matter if it is a job loss, divorce, medical bills or just a bad loan situation if you are leaving your home and need to rent that’s okay.  But be honest about the situation.  Don’t try to pass the buck on a rental application and figure an agent isn’t going to do some checking. Many of us who deal with rentals have clued our owners/landlords into the idea that holding out for a perfect credit score isn’t going to happen.  However if an applicant has solid employment and can show they are headed back in the right direction we can make it work. Yet time after time I get rental applications with only part of the picture and then the red flags go u...
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By Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
(Integrity Real Estate Group)
Think about when you move out.We are seeing more damage left behind by tenants who have mounted their TV's on a wall in rental properties.  The holes left behind or the sloppy patch job aren't passing the "normal wear and tear" test with landlords.  Even if a tenant manages to do a decent job of patching the holes there is the issue of mismatched paint.  Taking a paint brush and giving the wall a quick "wax on wax off" stroke doesn't make it better.  We are now added a clause in our leases specifically addressing wall mounted TV's.  If a tenant wants to get their full security deposit back not only do the holes need to be patched but the entire wall painted with matching paint.If a tenant moves out and leaves behind the holes they will find their security deposit missing a chunk of fund...
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By Aaron Browning
(Browning Homes Group)
Selling a home in Fort Belvoir, Virginia? To get the best possible value for your home, choose the Browning Homes Group by clicking the picture below or calling 1.800.991.4103!    Simply input your information and receive a free, online, professional market analysis of your Fort Belvoir home.  
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