"IF you can keep your head when all about youAre losing theirs..." Rudyard Kipling   While the weekend past didn't witness the height of the current mortgage crisis, the announcement of the financial troubles of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac resulted in both to lose half their stock value, and more than a bit hand wringing by the Treasury Secretary, Henry M. Paulson.    Fortunately, despite the government's longstanding claim of not backing the debt of both these agencies, in the midst of a near financial stroke, Mr. Paulson seemingly did a "one eighty" by announcing on Sunday that the government would not let either of these agencies fail.  One could hear the loud and long sigh of relief from Main Street to Wall Street upon hearing Paulson's words of assurance.  Unfortunately, the weekend... 07/16/2008

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS  FOR FREDERICKSBURG REAL ESTATE IN STAFFORD COUNTY, VIRGINIA CAN RECEIVE A $10,000.00 GRANT that may be used for DOWN PAYMENT and/or CLOSING COSTS. HOMEFINDERS.COM has partnered with a local bank to provide our First Time Home Buyers for FREDERICKSBURG real estate with a GRANT of up to $10,000.00.   Loan limits are up to $350,000.  Home buyers in FREDERICKSBURG can get this $10,000 GRANT to help purchase the home of their choice.                  *Grant money of up to $10,000 is available NOW to be used for Down Payment and/orClosing Costs for the buyer to purchase the home of your choice.*You may select a Single Family Home, a Town Home or a Condo Home.*There are no fees to the Seller.  Seller contribution can be towards your closing costs.*Available first-come, ... 05/19/2008

Earlier in the week I was asked to attend a meeting at the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors® conference room.  Was told that a group was meeting to discuss a blogsite for the Association.  Apparently, there were some that thought that my presence on Active Rain indicated a propensity for blogging.  Naturally, the blog would focus on homes for sale in the Fredericksburg VA area. If the truth were known they would realize that my blogging is inversely proportional to the amount of real estate business I have.  Oddly enough, I am quite busy now but do not want to let "my public" down.  Therefore, this blog. At the meeting some were explaining how "good" the market was.  Plenty of listing appointments and plenty of listings!  Personally, I have less than what I consider a managea... 05/15/2008

Did you know that the majority of foreclosure listings are on your local MLS??  There are many websites that charge to you get foreclosure lists from them when this infomrmation is out there for free!!  That's right...I said it...for free!!  You can contact your local friendly agent (hint hint) who can set you up on automatic emails, you will receive listings that fit your criteria....See homes as they come on the market!!!  Buying a foreclosure has its challenges, so it's always good to have an agent who is familiar with the process....If you have questions or, want to receive automatic emails...call me, Konnie 703 407 7088 Homes for sale in Manassas, Homes for Sale in Haymarket, Homes for Sale in Gainesville, Homes for Sale in Vienna, Homes for sale in McLean, Homes for sale in warre... 05/12/2008

Days like this come once in a life time!     I received an invitation to the White House for a celebration event honoring Military Spouses. My first instinct was that it had to be a hoax. I mentioned it to my husband that night he seemed intrigued. He was the voice of reason as I sat and pondered, "nothing ventured, nothing gained", right? The next morning I called the number as instructed to RSVP and to my surprise a pleasant young lady answered the phone “This is Courtney Public Relations at the White House.” Maybe, just maybe this might be the real deal. Courtney assured me that I would receive an e-mail in a couple of days with all of the pertinent details about my visit to the White House, it was confirmed.      Several days later, I received further instructions via e-mail and sti... 05/12/2008

 Did you know that the majority of foreclosure listings are on your local MLS??  There are many websites that charge to you get foreclosure lists from them when this infomrmation is out there for free!!  That's right...I said it...for free!!  You can contact your local friendly agent (hint hint) who can set you up on automatic emails, you will receive listings that fit your criteria....See homes as they come on the market!!!  Buying a foreclosure has its challenges, so it's always good to have an agent who is familiar with the process....If you have quesitons, want to receive automatic emails...call me, Konnie 703 407 7088Homes for sale in Manassas, Homes for Sale in Haymarket, Homes for Sale in Gainesville, Homes for Sale in Vienna, Homes for sale in McLean, Homes for sale in warrenton... 03/29/2008

Short Sales. Foreclosures. Which is worse on a persons credit rating?Recently I was watching a program on one of the major news networks, and an "expert" was explaining how a Short Sale was just as bad on a persons credit rating as a Foreclosure.Maybe, but maybe not? If a person is Foreclosed on, I would assume that it goes on a credit report as just that; a Foreclosure. But what if it is a Short Sale? Let's say you actually get it to closing; I know - we all know the odds of that happening are pretty low. But say you do get it there. And let's say you got it on the market, priced it right, and sold it quick. And you had good communication with the lender. You got all of this done, and the owner was only 60 days behind. Or even 90 days.Which is worse on a credit report? A Foreclosure, o... 03/09/2008

I've noticed a distinct change in the market. When placing listings in the MRIS, I always put "call first" in the showing instructions. Usually the showing agent makes the courtesy call, we make some small talk, and I take the opportunity to discuss some of the properties highlights, and that is pretty much it.But that has all changed. It seems that with most of the calls that I have gotten in the last few weeks start out with the same question. "Is it still available, and do you have any offers in on it?"So, there is a lot of talk about the economy, about when we will see the bottom of the market, where rates will go, when the buyers will come out, and so forth and so on. I don't know what the answer is to that; I am not sure anyone really knows. But this question means something, and ... 03/03/2008

Today was a weird day - I had a client that I have been working with for the last couple of week email me a listing last night, that is about 2 - 2.5 hours away from my office.  At first I looked at the email and thought that he had made a mistake.  For the last two weeks I have been showing him houses in the Stafford / Fredericksburg area, and he seemed to like what he was seeing.  Obviously, I jumped on the phone to give him a call - and sure enough, he wants to see this house this weekend.  Well here it is Thursday night - and my weekend is already full with other clients and there is no way that I could take a another client out especially when they want to go 2.5 hours up see the house - when turn around and drive 2.5 hours back.  There is times when I don't want to be in the car w... 02/29/2008

I hear a lot of horror stories about Foreclosures & REO's and the time it takes to get answers to offers and to get a contract Ratified. Days to get an answer. Weeks even. A month to get Ratified. All sorts of things.I do a fair amount of REO's, and I have not, at least on the listing side, ever had this problem. The most I have ever had to wait for an answer to an offer was 48 hours, and that was only because the Asset Manager was out of the office. I have never had it take more than 48-72 hours to get a Contract Ratified, and the norm seems to be on the 48 hour side.So what is going on out there? Why so many problems and so many horror stories? I actually had an agent tell me the other day that "Old Time Agents" will stall so that they can work both sides of the deal. My head hurts ju... 02/26/2008

OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY Feb 24rd 2008 - This house is a must see and priced to sell. Sellers offering a $4,000 closing cost credit to any offer. Stop by this weekend to view this piece of heaven. True 5 bedroom house. Vincent McKamy | Coldwell Banker Elite | 540-455-2739 6410 Plantation Forest Drive , Fredericksburg, VA True 5 Bedroom house under 280k Sellers offering up to 3% or 4,000.00 Closing Cost Assistance. 5 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $274,900 Year Built 1990 Sq Footage 2,254 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Uncovered spaces Lot Size .5 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Motivated owners $4,000 closing cost assistance!- Spacious TRUE FIVE BEDROOM HOME for under $280K. You can not miss this opportunity. Spacious double corner lot. Providing plen... 02/22/2008

OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY Feb 23rd 2008 - This house is a must see and priced to sell. Sellers offering a 3% closing cost credit to any offer. Stop by this weekend to view this piece of heaven. Vincent McKamy | Coldwell Banker Elite | 540-455-2739 7106 Runnymede Trail , Fredericksburg, VA Great home that is close to everything 3 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $249,900 Year Built 1989 Sq Footage 1,310 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Location, Location, Location This house has it all. Spacious three bedroom two full bath house, Great room with vaulted ceilings that walks out to large deck and a spacious fenced rear yard. Eat-in kitchen with serving window. Oversized 2 car Garage with extra storage. NE... 02/22/2008

 Looking for the perfect place to celebrate and spend some of that hard earned dough you've been pulling in??? Well, have I got the place for you! For a scrumptious dinner and decadent dessert La Petite Auberge will definitely indulge you. This downtown establishment is favorite to many locals and for good reason. They have been serving some of the finest French Cuisine in the area for well over two decades. I have never been disappointed with a meal there, be it lunch or dinner. Always a variety of fresh seasonal dishes and local seafood to choose from. Not to mention some of the most evil sweets that will ever grace your taste buds. The atmoshphere is a blend of quaint, romantic, and bistro-esque...you may also dine outside weather permitting. My last glorious experience at La Petite ... 02/20/2008

If you are a first time homebuyer, and think you can't buy a home...think again.  If you have a job, and have decent credit, there is help for you. There are non profit organizations who will work with various loan programs that will grant you the down payment money you need to buy a home. To get more information on these programs or other programs you may qualify for, give me. Benny "The Loan Ranger" McKee 703 407 9398.  If you don't have a Real Estate Agent and need a GOOD one, I know a good one, ( I am married to her, but that doesn't change the fact that she is good at what she does) her name is Konnie McKee 703 407 7088, you can visit her website at http://www.konniemac.com/  Benny McKee  02/13/2008

Some days it feels like the market is swinging like Tarzan on a vine as he chases Jane through the jungle. I have noticed some interesting patterns recently, but I can't say that I have an explanation for them.Two weeks ago, it seemed as if every contract I saw was a full list, or more, and some had escalation clauses. Some were foreclosures, some were not.Last week, I see lot of offers again, yet this time I see a rash of low-ball offers. Like $100,000 low on a $350,000 property. Someone has been watching too much TV. Sometimes it feels as if buyers have a collective consciousness as they go about the process of finding their next home.Bottom line though: There seems to be buyers out there, and we are seeing multiple offers on some properties.  Kevin McGrathThe Wallace & McGrath TeamCo... 02/09/2008

6410 Plantation Forest Drive SPOTSYLVANIA, VA 22553 TRUE 5 BEDROOMS Price: $279,900 Baths:3 Type: Single Family Residential for SaleFloors: Year Built: 1990Bedrooms: 5 5 Bedroom House with Plently of room to grow. Sellers offering $8,000 closing cost assistance. Interior Features:Central Air, Family Room, Pets Allowed, Walk-In Closet, Den/Office, Fireplace, Appliances, Hardwood Floors, Pantry, Basement, Forced Air, Exterior Features:Landscaping, Shed/Barn, Deck/Patio, Community Features:Additional Storage, www.thegpsrealtyteam.com For more information contact: The GPS Realty Team Office: 540-455-2739http://www.thegpsrealtyteam.com/realtor_contact.shtmlhttp://www.thegpsrealtyteam.com/Vincent McKamy - RealtorColdwell Banker EliteServing Fredericksburg Stafford and Spotyslvania area www.Th... 02/06/2008

Village of Idlewild - Commuters Dream Beautiful Townhouse in a community loaded with amentities Price: $279,900 Status: Active Property Type: Condo/Townhouse for Sale Number of Floors: Multiple Parking/Garage: 2 Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 3 Half Baths: 1 Square Feet: 1900 Year Built: 2006 1310 Saunders Drive FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22407 The GPS Realty Team Office: 540-455-2739http://www.thegpsrealtyteam.com/realtor_contact.shtmlhttp://www.thegpsrealtyteam.com/ Interior Features:Central Air, Family Room, Pets Allowed, Walk-In Closet, Laundry Room, Appliances, Main Floor Bathroom, Dining Room, Hardwood Floors, Pantry, Basement, Forced Air, Main Floor Bedroom, Exterior Features:Landscaping, Deck/Patio, Community Features:Tennis, Recreation Facilities, Exercise Area, Clubhouse/Rec. Room, Additional Sto... 02/05/2008

5201E PHILIPPI PL FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22407 Active Adult Community with all the EXTRAS Brand NEW! Interior Features:Central Air, Hardwood Floors, Main Floor Bedroom, Fireplace, Family Room, Main Floor Bathroom, Price: $319,000Type: Single Family HomeFloors: Multiple Parking/Garage: 2Bedrooms: 2Baths:2 Year Built: 2006www.thegpsrealtyteam.com For more information contact: The GPS Realty Team Office: 540-455-2739http://www.thegpsrealtyteam.com/realtor_contact.shtmlhttp://www.thegpsrealtyteam.com/ Copyright © 2008 The GPS Realty Team . All rights reserved. Vincent McKamyServing Fredericksburg Stafford Spotyslvania area Realtor www.TheGPSRealtyTeam.comFredericksburg Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Fredericksburg 02/04/2008

Business is good. Both of us started out a number of years ago as single agents. We knew each other, but had never really done business together. Then happenstance put us together, and we have been a team for over a year now. It could not be much better. Division of duties, coverage when busy, all that good stuff.But what next? What do successful teams do when they start getting really busy? We have an assistant starting Monday. But do we incorporate? An LLC? Schedule C Corp? Of course, we are going to speak with an Attorney and an Accountant, but I am interested in war stories; what has worked for you?Thanks Kevin McGrathThe Wallace & McGrath TeamColdwell Banker Elite - Fredericksburg VA"Homes And Foreclosures For Sale In The Fredericksburg And Surrounding Areas" www.fredva.com  01/27/2008

Man, I love Real Estate. It has been great to me. Being my own boss is the best. Not being anyone else's boss is even better. Alas, all good things must come to an end. Business is good. Closings are stacking up. So is paperwork. Now, I am not the smartest guy around by any means, but do know enough to recognize when it is time to get help, and that time is now. But it brings with it so many other issues. Mainly - I DON"T WANT TO BE A BOSS AGAIN. Been there, done that. I have run companies with 75 employees. 75 different personalities.So hire an assistant? What about this Virtual Assistant thing? What is the best way to go? Any and all ideas and suggestions are welcome. Kevin McGrathThe Wallace & McGrath TeamColdwell Banker Elite"Selling Homes, Foreclosures, & Real Estate In The Frederi... 01/24/2008