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Winchester, VA Real Estate News

By Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV, Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro
(Cornerstone Business Group Inc)
It has always been my assumption that the longer a house sits on the market, the more likely the seller will receive less money in the final sale. There is some validity to that theory, but there can also be less validity than you may think. The Winchester, VA March Real Estate Update challenges that theory.In my research, I looked at March sales. Closings were set at 14 days except for the 90-99 day interval. I stopped at 99 DOMP and went to 100+ days on the market. There were 125 houses that closed in March. Of that number, 15 were foreclosures and 1 was a short sale. That has been typical in the local market for the past six months with the exception of an 8 year low in January.The percentages broke down like this: Days           Sales          Percentage of List to Sale0-14         ...
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By Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV, Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro
(Cornerstone Business Group Inc)
The Winchester, VA real estate market update for February 2016 shows a few substantial changes from January 2016. The total number of homes closed in the Winchester / Frederick County real estate market was 97 compared to 81 in January. That's a 19% positive move in the local market.One of the areas that showed a negative turn in the market is the volume of distressed sales. January had the best number of distressed sales since the market upheaval in September 2008. January 2016 closed only 5% in foreclosures and short sales. February 2016 increased to 12%, more than double the January numbers. Is that a cause for alarm? Not necessarily, but it is a area to keep an eye on. Short sales and foreclosures bring market values down. Fortunately, the distressed properties sold in February were...
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By Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV, Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro
(Cornerstone Business Group Inc)
Townhomes can offer comfortable living with less maintenance. For the family on the move, the busy professional or the person that just doesn't want all of the lawn and outdoor upkeep, it's a great option. Browse the listings below, and if you see something you're interested in, give your Cornerstone Business Group, Inc., agent a call. We are your local real estate sales pros.Available Townhouses in the Winchester / Frederick County, VA Real Estate Market
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By Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV, Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro
(Cornerstone Business Group Inc)
The Sovereign Village subdivision is a highly desirable area in the Winchester, VA real estate market. The homes range from beautiful colonials to sprawling single floor ranchers. Prices range from the mid-$300s to mid-$400s. There is also a townhouse complex.The Sovereign Village subdivision is close to multiple major highways. It's a great place to live for the Metro DC / Northern Virginia commuter. Routes 7,50, 522 S, and I81 are all within minutes from your front door. Shopping, schools and parks are also 5 minutes or less from the subdivision.Take a look at the available listings below and when you're ready to take a look, give your Cornerstone Business Group, Inc., agent a call. We are your local real estate sales pros.Available Homes in Sovereign Village, Winchester, VA 22602
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By Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV, Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro
(Cornerstone Business Group Inc)
The Raven Pointe community is a highly desirable area in the Winchester, VA real estate market. It is a part of the Ravens subdivisions. The homes range from beautiful colonials to sprawling single floor ranchers. Prices range from the mid-$300s to mid-$400s.The Raven Pointe community is close to multiple major highways. It's a great place to live for the Metro DC / Northern Virginia commuter. Routes 7,50, 522 S, and I81 are all within minutes from your front door. Shopping, schools and parks are also 5 minutes or less from the subdivision.Take a look at the available listings below and when you're ready to take a look, give your Cornerstone Business Group, Inc., agent a call. We are your local real estate sales pros.Raven Pointe, Winchester, VA Available Homes For Sale - 2016
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By Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV, Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro
(Cornerstone Business Group Inc)
The Winchester, VA real estate market cleared a huge hurdle in January 2016. The number of distressed properties fell to 5% of the total market sales for the the month. That may sound like a lot, but that is more of an average number across the wide Winchester, VA real estate market.The total number of distressed sales (short sales and foreclosures) in January 2015 were 18%. A drop to 5% year to year is incredible. There were no disclosed short sales in the local market according to January 2016 MLS record. Foreclosures made up the full 5% (4) for the month. The low level of distressed properties may be bad news for bargain hunters and house flippers, but it is great news for home sellers and buyers. Home sellers can anticipate more consistent prices and less volatility, and home buyers...
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By Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV, Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro
(Cornerstone Business Group Inc)
While doing a home search today, I came across a listing in a great and desirable neighborhood. I have clients looking in the price range, so I opened the listing page and boom. The pages showed that the property isn't being taken care of, and beyond that, it has been on the market for 514 days. The photos alone are probably keeping 99% of potential buyers away from the property. There are huge messes throughout each room. A mattress graces the floor of the master bedroom. The carpet all around it is filthy, and that's the good room.The photos almost make you nauseous, but what really amazed me was the initial listing price. It was $90K above the current price, and the current price is probably 20%-30% above the actual value based on condition and location.Clutter is always an issue in ...
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By Beth Paisley, Winchester Virginia 540-327-2813
(Long and Foster Webber and Associates,480 W Jubal Early Dr #100, Winchester, VA 22601)
Whether you plan to sell your home in the near future, or just want to improve the value of your home, here is one low cost improvement you should consider. Paint the interior. If you haven't painted in 10 years or more, your ceiling is probably looking dull and the colors on your walls are out of style. New home owners have a tendency to use the same color throughout most of their house. That color is usually white, or another neutral color. You can increase the value of your home by choosing more contemporary colors, oftentimes selecting more vibrant colors for at least a few rooms in your home. Freshly painted ceilings will brighten your home. Beth Paisley Realtor Long and Foster Homes For Sale in Winchester VA
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By Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV, Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro
(Cornerstone Business Group Inc)
The Winchester, VA real estate market report for 2015 showed a considerable jump in overall home sales from 2014, but the pattern of sales followed an almost identical trend with 2014. There were 1717 real estate home sales in 2015 as contrasted with 1513 in 2014. That is a 12% improvement year to year. The number of distressed sales (short sales and foreclosures) were steady at 13% for the year. That is a minor drop from 2014 of 2%. The 2013 sales were basically equal to 2014 sales. The biggest change from 2013 to 2015 has been in distressed property sales. There has been a 35% drop in overall distressed property sales when comparing 2015 and 2013.             The shear number of fair market sales in the Winchester, VA real estate market is good news for buyers and sellers. Homes value...
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By Beth Paisley, Winchester Virginia 540-327-2813
(Long and Foster Webber and Associates,480 W Jubal Early Dr #100, Winchester, VA 22601)
Starting out with a "blank slate" can be both a blessing and a curse. The blessing comes if you have enough money to furnish your home with whatever you want from wherever you choose. Furnishing a home on a shoestring, though, takes creativity, an eye for a good value, and possibly some elbow grease. While some discount stores, such as Ikea, sell inexpensive new furnishings, careful shoppers can find better quality for less money with used furnishings. Here are a few ideas for getting what you need at dramatically discounted prices.   Inspiration Whether you are furnishing one room or a whole house, it's important to have an idea of how you want the room to look before you go shopping. Once you have the design in mind, it's easier to shop for the components. Model homes in new home com...
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By Beth Paisley, Winchester Virginia 540-327-2813
(Long and Foster Webber and Associates,480 W Jubal Early Dr #100, Winchester, VA 22601)
Before placing a home on the market you should identify REALTORS® in your community who can assist with the sale.Why Use a REALTOR® to Sell Your Home?REALTORS® are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) and must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, and have access to a wide range of classes, seminars and certification opportunities. Local REALTOR® groups are active in community matters, and individual members are routinely involved in neighborhood organizations.Essentially, local REALTORS® are community experts. They track real estate trends, share neighborhood concerns and participate in local matters. They're good neighbors who are in the business of helping others buy and sell homes.How Do You Choose a REALTOR®?Many communities have independent real estate agents and re...
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By Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV, Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro
(Cornerstone Business Group Inc)
The Winchester, VA real estate market continued its upward trajectory in October 2015. Home sales increased 4% over September 2015. The real jump is from October 2014. There was a 16% increase over the same period one year ago. In like manner, September 2015 also had a 16% jump over September 2014.The number of Winchester, VA homes sold in October 2015 came in at 156 which included 12% distressed property sales (foreclosures and short sales). The number of distressed sales has stayed consistent since August 2015. August, September and October all saw 11-12% distressed properties sales. That number is also consistent with August, September and October 2014 with a 12% average of distressed property sales.The average sale price in October 2015 was $256596. That is a 16% jump in value over ...
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By Beth Paisley, Winchester Virginia 540-327-2813
(Long and Foster Webber and Associates,480 W Jubal Early Dr #100, Winchester, VA 22601)
Are you running out of space in your current home, but don't want to move? Perhaps it’s time to consider an addition, such as an extra room or an extension to an existing room.Plan ahead to make the job flow smoothly. Although planning takes time and includes many mundane tasks such as getting permits and financing, the benefits are immeasurable both in time, money and frustration saved.Individual plans will vary depending on the scope of the project. Steps overlap, and sometimes a change in one aspect of your plan forces changes in others. Almost every plan will include at least the following six steps:1. Dream Your ConceptMake sure your concept for the addition blends with the existing house materials and design: adding on a Cape Cod family room to a 50s ranch style home would look si...
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By Beth Paisley, Winchester Virginia 540-327-2813
(Long and Foster Webber and Associates,480 W Jubal Early Dr #100, Winchester, VA 22601)
Millions of homes are sold each year, and while each transaction is different every seller wants the same thing - the highest price with the least amount of hassle and aggravation.Home selling is more complex than it used to be. As a seller you need to be aware of a range of issues and deal with many complex forms. You also need to know that buyer agents represent buyers and are working to get the best deal for their buyer clients. Successfully selling your home requires experience and training in areas such as real estate, marketing, financing, negotiation and closing – this is the very expertise REALTORS® offer.Know Why You Want to Sell Your HomeFirst, you should have a clear idea why you want to sell your home.Selling a home is an important matter and there should be a good reason to...
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By Beth Paisley, Winchester Virginia 540-327-2813
(Long and Foster Webber and Associates,480 W Jubal Early Dr #100, Winchester, VA 22601)
Adding a patio to your home is exciting. It's the perfect place for relaxing outdoors, alone or with company. It's not as simple as finding a patio you admire and duplicating it, however. You have to design a patio that will work with your location, budget and other factors. Here are some things to consider when designing your patio to ensure it suits your needs while expressing your personality and style. Patio Location Don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to location. No rule says a patio has to adjoin the rear of the house. You may prefer placing it in the front yard, or off to the side instead. A beautiful "destination patio" in the middle of the backyard with a pathway leading to it may fit your home and lifestyle perfectly. When deciding on your patio location, ...
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By Beth Paisley, Winchester Virginia 540-327-2813
(Long and Foster Webber and Associates,480 W Jubal Early Dr #100, Winchester, VA 22601)
In the midst of summer's sweltering heat, nothing provides relief like having a shady spot for relaxing. Backyard shade structures also help keep your outdoor furniture from fading.If you want to add a shade structure to your yard, explore the variety of options available and customize the design based on your needs.Design ConsiderationsHow do you envision your backyard retreat? Here are some factors to consider:Location: If you wish to erect a shade structure that relies on flat ground, select an area that needs little leveling to reduce labor. Look at your backyard and consider the amount of work necessary to prepare the ground. Also consider the height of the structure and any obstructions. Nearby trees or fences may limit your options. Never build or plant anything that may interfer...
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By Beth Paisley, Winchester Virginia 540-327-2813
(Long and Foster Webber and Associates,480 W Jubal Early Dr #100, Winchester, VA 22601)
 Homebuyers enter the process with one of two mindsets. There are those who know what kind of house they want – the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the type of kitchen and maybe whether or not they want a yard. Then there are those who know where they want to live, such as a specific school district or neighborhood, but haven't completed a wish list of home features.Seldom does a homebuyer tell her real estate agent that she wants a "three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a gourmet kitchen, a fireplace and a pool in the backyard, located on J Street in the Stonymeade neighborhood in #WinchesterVA." While it's important for your real estate agent to know what features you want in a home in Winchester, "location, location, location" is just as important, important, important. Even if you...
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By Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV, Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro
(Cornerstone Business Group Inc)
What is the best day to buy a home? Is that something that a buyer can know? Absolutely. Statistical data can provide Realtors, buyers and sellers with information that lead them to the best days, weeks and months to sell or buy a piece of real estate. RealtyTrac uses historical home sales to determine when buyers are most likely to buy a property. Conversely, that means sellers are most likely to sell their properties at that same time. RealtyTrac surveyed 32 million home and condo sales over a 15 year period. The data showed that October is the best month to buy a home. A buyer is more likely to get a discount on a listed home in October than any other month. Three out of the four next best months are also cold weather months (February, December and January). In the month of October, ...
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By Beth Paisley, Winchester Virginia 540-327-2813
(Long and Foster Webber and Associates,480 W Jubal Early Dr #100, Winchester, VA 22601)
Buying or selling a home seems to be a way of life for a lot of people in today's world. When you buy, you definitely want to get the most for your money. Many people think they can go it alone when it comes to buying or selling a house, and it's definitely true that some people are able to handle all the details of buying and selling a home or property, but in reality the real estate process is intricate and requires a lot of knowledge about the local real estate market, contracts, escrow, appraisals and referrals. While some home owners and buyers are in a position to go it alone, for those intimidated by the market or those who don't have the time or energy to sell or buy a home in #WinchesterVA on their own, here are some reasons why it's a smart move to use a real estate agent duri...
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By Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV, Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro
(Cornerstone Business Group Inc)
The Winchester, VA real estate market saw a dip in real estate sales in the month of August 2015, but that is the same pattern the market followed in 2014. The 2013 market showed a similar pattern but with a smaller drop in sales. Is it time to panic? Probably not, but it's always time to pay attention.Global markets affect the real estate market in the U.S. The U.S. stock market meltdown the last week of August will certainly have an impact on the macro market throughout the United States. With that said, all real estate markets are local. Even in the local market, sales can be neighborhood by neighborhood and street by street. Global financial changes can affect most markets, but some markets are more insulated than others. The Washington, DC market is a perfect example. Even during t...
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