The Virginia real estate market is dynamic.  Buyers select homes for reasons of location relative to employment, schools or proximity toactivities.  Northern Virginia also offers many homes with acreage suitable for horses and many farming properties. The areas described below highlight some of the reasons that homes in Northern Virginia are popular, and average price for Single Family Homes (detached), excluding Short Sales. VIRGINIA REAL ESTATE. The time to buy is now. There is competition for well priced homes for sale. However, prices are at the level of 2003-2004 and interest rates have never been lower.   SHORT SALE LISTINGS. About 5-25%, depending on the county, of the homes for sale are Short Sales. Homefinders.com is experienced with Short Sales. Buying a Short Sale is quite di... 05/09/2013

PAY A LITTLE FOR MAINTENANCE TODAY OR PAY A LOT MORE WHEN YOU SELL!! WHERE WILL A HOME OWNER FIND THE MONEY TO MAKE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS??  One thing a new home owners must understand from day one of home ownership is that MAINTENANCE BEGINS NOW AND NEVER ENDS. DO NOT BUY A HOME IN A PRICE RANGE THAT IS AT THE LIMIT OF YOUR QUALIFYING MORTGAGE PAYMENT OR MONTHLY DEBT PAYMENTS. One of the most helpful things about Veterans Administration Home Loans (VA) is the computation for qualifying.  While Conventional, FHA, etc. loans require that the buyer meet a certain loan-to-ratio to qualify, the VA loan goes farther and requires that the buyer have sufficient RESIDUAL INCOME for home maintenance. HOWEVER, for us old timers, we often still use the VA qualifying system requiring RESIDUAL INCOME.  ... 05/06/2013

New Home for Sale in Lovettsville, Loudoun County Virginia - 4.19 Acres - $547,825, 1% Buyer Rebate, By Lenn Harley  See detailed description HERE. I was very happy to see that one of my favorite builders has purchased lots in Lovettsville not a mile from my home in Lovettsville.  Why is K.Hovanian one of my favorite builders?  I've sold a number of them over the years.  When accompanying the home buyer/client on the PRE-SETTLEMENT WALK-THROUGH, this builder's homes are the most complete without defects that I've seen in many years of selling new homes built by many builders.   K.Hovanian also welcomes home buyers to engage a private home inspector for both the pre-drywall walk-through and the final pre-settlement walk-through.  That's confidence. As a buyer's agent, I've always been im... 05/06/2013

Lovettsville ActiveRain Meet Up with Lenn Harley Dolores and I took a drive from Maryland to the Virginia countryside for today’s lunch ActiveRain Meet Up with Lenn Harley and ActiveRain members from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia.  Lenn treated us to lunch at the Market Table Bistro in downtown Lovettsville.  It is always good to meet in person those that we have only known through ActiveRain blogs.  All of us can now tell our family and friends that we have visited Lovettsville and Lenn Harley.  While we were there, Dolores and I toured the model home in the new Ryan Homes community. By the way, we had a beautiful sunny day in the 80's.   MeetUp in Lovettsville - 80 Degrees, Sunshine and Wonderful Food.   On Wednesday, we go to Washington, DC for the lunch meet up at P... 04/09/2013

The state of the real estate market for Loudoun County can easily be determined by reading the statistics below. In terms of the home buying process, there is little difference between a Standard Sale with a home buyer and a home owner/seller and a Foreclosure/REO home for sale.  Foreclosure/REO listings of homes for sale take only a couple of week longer than a Standard listing to close.Only with Short Sales is there no specific time frame for acknowledgment that the lender received the contract, any time estimate for approval or settlement, etc.  Buyers and their agents may submit an offer, wait 30 days and THEN receive a COUNTER OFFER.  Worse yet, they may negotiate a Contract of Sale with the owner/seller, wait 3-6 months and then receive notice that "The file has been closed".  Oft... 04/08/2013

YES!  At last.  The Daffodils are in Bloom.  Back in 2007, I carved out this corner of my lot for a bulb garden.  I planted Daffodils and Tulips.  Well, turns out the local deer population increased dramatically when those tulip bulbs appeared.  Yes, Daffodils are hardy and quite beautiful.  We see the everywhere in Loudoun County in April.  Many are wild, probably planted by squirrels for a winter meal and forgotten.  Then, as they do what Daffodils to, reproduce naturally (naturalize) every year, some roadsides are very colorful and lovely with wild Daffodils.  It's a springtime treat every year.     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ REAL ESTATE IN LOVETTSVILLE VIRGINIA. WHEN EXPERIENCE COUNTS, home buyers will enjoy our many years... 04/07/2013

A QUESTION CAME UP TODAY ABOUT WHETHER A 3 BEDROOM OR A 4 BEDROOM HOME IS MORE ADVISEABLE. No question in my mind.  The only home buyers I can recall asking specifically for a 3 bedroom home are are buyers in the condominium market where the condo models almost all offer 2 bedroom, 2 baths.  Or, buyers in retirement communities where most models have a first floor master and two additional bedrooms up. 4 BEDROOM HOMES ARE THE "NORM" IN THIS AREA.  At least for the average residential community of average price ranges.  Average price range in Loudoun County for single family homes is in the $700,000-$900,000 range.  Don't tell me what you think Lenn.  What are the FACTS?? The average single family detached home that sold this year in Loudoun County sold for: 3 BEDROOM HOMES The Average S... 04/07/2013

ABOUT REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN LOVETTSVILLE, NORTHERN LOUDOUN COUNTY, VIRGINIA. THINK ABOUT LOVETTSVILLE WHEN YOU TOUR HOMES FOR SALE IN LOUDOUN COUNTY.  Home buyers who include Lovettsville in their home search area are usually quite surprised at the value found in this wonderful small town in Loudoun County.  It could be said that "We have it all".   Home buyers in Lovettsville are going to find: * New homes in affordable price ranges * Resale homes * Homes with acreage * Homes suitable for horses * Homes close to MARC Train * Homes with an easy commute to the Dulles International Airport * Homes with an easy commute to the high tech corridor along Route 270 * Homes near highly ranked public schools, and much more.  Status: ACTIVE (34)Resales.    List Price Bedrooms Baths Full Baths Ha... 03/31/2013

DAFFODILS IN THE SNOW?  In Lovettsville Virginia today. This is a first for me, or at least that I can recall. As I drove into my garage this afternoon, I noticed an unusual sight.   My daffodils have been coming up on schedule as expected.  They're ready to pop.  However, I can't recall ever seeing snow this late in the year.  The hardy daffodils are still coming up. It's just something that cought my eye.  The sun isn't out today but the photo is still a sight to see.     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~                   03/25/2013

QUESTION:  What's the latest in a year you've seen snow in Lovettsville? ANSWER:  March 25th, 2013. Yes, it's a shocker to look out this a.m as the daylight reveals that we have about 3 inches of snow this morning.  Of course, it won't last, thankfully. The weather has been quite unpredictable this year and the weather reports cannot be a reliable source of what to expect if the daily report is importand and it surely is to me.  Still, what can you do but look and just shake your head at snow on March 25th??       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WHEN EXPERIENCE COUNTS, home buyers will enjoy our many years of serving home buyers in Northern Virginia.For over 25 years, we've provided home buyers in Loudoun County with . . . * Comp... 03/24/2013

YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE the friendly and welcoming Town of Lovettsville.   Real estate in Lovettsville is priced right.  ACTIVE LISTINGS OF HOMES FOR SALE MARCH 21, 2013 INCLUDE: See complete details of ALL active listings of homes for sale in Lovettsville HERE.   City                      ListPrice         Type    Style       BR   Baths   # Gar Lovettsville $199,000   Detached Bungalow 3 1   Lovettsville $205,000   Detached Cottage 2 1   Lovettsville $274,900   Detached Rambler 2 2 1 Lovettsville $295,000   Detached Colonial 3 2 2 Lovettsville $389,900   Detached Colonial 4 4 2 Lovettsville $399,000   Detached Cape Cod 4 2   Lovettsville $419,900   Detached Colonial 5 3 2 Lovettsville $449,500   Detached Colonial 3 2   Lovettsville $450,000   Detached Farm House 3 2   Lovettsville $509,00... 03/20/2013

QUESTION:  HOW FAST ARE HOMES SELLING IN LOUDOUN COUNTY?ANSWER:  Very fast and the inventory is shrinking daily.  Many home buyers are deciding to buy a new home.   The 43 SOLD Loudoun County Virginia properties listed below are properties that: Constructed 2011 or before.  This was to eliminate new construction.  STANDARD Sales (not short sale, foreclosure, etc.) The home on the right is in Hirst Farms, Purcellville.  Homes in Hirst Farms are selling for about $450,000.  Since January 1, 2012, 9 homes (Standard Sales) have SOLD in the Hirst Farm community.  There are 262 deeded properties in Hirst Farm.    Status: SOLD (9)     List Price Bedrooms Baths FB HB DOMM DOMP Acres Lot Sqft Yr Built Min $399,900 4 3 2 0 1 1 0.23 10,019 2004 Max $519,000 6 6 5 1 154 154 0.51 22,216 2007 Avg $45... 03/15/2013

Most home buyers will ask, "What's wrong with it?"  Sometimes it's not the house.  Sometimes it's the owner or the listing agent who has decided to limit access to the property for sale. EVEN TODAY IN OUR FAST MOVING MARKET, some homes for sale are just going to sit, sit, sit.QUESTION:  Why do some homes sell far faster than other homes of the same size?ANSWER:  Many reason and the #1 reason is PRICE, closely followed by accessibility. WHY 300 DOM?  I'm not overly concerned or turned off by high DOM because I've sold enough real estate to know that the reasons for high DOM are not always related to the actual property for sale.  I just previewed about 30 listings with long DOM and found the following: 1.  NO LOCK BOX. 2.  NO LOCK BOX, 24 hr. notice. 3.  NO LOCK BOX, appt. only with the ... 03/14/2013

THE SELLER MUST FIX IT???   Careful what you say. One of the most common misconceptions held by home buyers, some agents and some home inspectors, is about home inspection repairs.  Agents can help home buyers understand that, in Virginia, the sellers have no requirement that they either disclose known defects nor is there any requirement that they make repairs/replacements pursuant to a home inspection. Discussion Question:  Is it true that a Seller must make repairs or replacement if the defect is noted in the Home Inspection Report? Answer:  NO.  All repairs or replacements pursuant to a Home Inspection are NEGOTIABLE.  Question:  Does the Seller have to disclose defects to prospective home buyers?? Answer:  NO.  The Seller does not have to disclose anything.  The listing agent/broke... 03/03/2013

Question:  Should I keep scented candles lighted in my home for sale? Answer:  NO!  In fact, the best way to offer a home for sale that smells good is to clean thoroughly.  No scent is the best scent. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE!  I have had many buyers comment on the scent or smell or worse, odor in a home as soon as we enter the foyer. Inspired by an article today by Jon Harrison, Smells that can make or break a house sale.  John speaks to the importance of having pleasant smells in a home for sale.  Of course the best smells are none.  A fresh clean house and folks won't even think about it. If folks would just cut the fan on in the kitchen when they cook, those cooking odors wild be diminished. Leaving a bathroom fan on will circulate some air too. NO BURNING CANDLES!  Many candles can ... 03/02/2013

What Consumers Want To Know About Settlements in Northern Virginia, Q & A.   ONE QUESTION I HEAR FROM HOME BUYERS WHEN THEY INQUIRE ABOUT COSTS TO BUY A HOME IS:   I thought the loan was 100%.  Or, I'm looking for a NO DOWN PAYMENT LOAN.   Can you tell me about First Time Home Buyer Programs?   We often hear or read advertisements that claim:           NO MONEY DOWN HOME LOANS!!        100% FINANCING!!        NO CLOSING COSTS!!        First Time Home Buyers Programs   However, NO DOWN PAYMENT doesn't mean NO MONEY NEEDED.   You may qualify for 100% financing for your mortgage loan.  Programs in Northern Virginia that are virtually NO MONEY DOWN include the VHDA, USDA, VA, Portfolio loans, etc. will permit you to finance your home purchase with NO MONEY DOWN.    HOWEVER, there are always... 03/01/2013

HOUSE TO HOME OWNER:  "TAKE CARE OF ME NOW or PAY LATER". Market value is determined by several factors:  (1) location, (2) square feet & amenities, and (3) condition. Market value, as determined by an appraiser, will also include an analysis of nearby similar properties that have recently SOLD.  However, the appraiser may not have knowledge of the condition of those properties.  So, the appraiser's opinion of value is based on comparing similarly situated properties. THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPERTY CONDITION.  When the appraiser visits a home under contract, condition will be important.  More important though, IMO, is the findings of the HOME INSPECTOR.  Jay Markanich writes about DEFERRED MAINTENANCE.  Maintenance is one thing over which a home owner has control.  The owner can't change th... 02/26/2013

HOMES FOR SALE IN LOVETTSVILLE in the most popular and searched price range of $500,000 to $700,000 include a wide variety of types and styles. Tour the homes for sale below and when you're ready to tour homes for sale, just give me a call.  I'm a resident in Lovettsville for years and know the real estate market here.  Enjoy the properties offered for sale below.  For more information, just click the photo.  To tour homes for sale, just call Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-611-7988. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~                     $699,000 39635 SUGAR MAPLE LN 4 Bedrooms, 3 full 1 half Baths MLS# LO7941602 LOVETTSVILLE Zip: 20180 Subdivision: GALLAGHER Status: ACTIVE ? Listing Agency:W.C. & A.N. Miller, Realtors, A Long &... 02/24/2013

BEST PRICES FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN LOUDOUN COUNTY - in LOVETTSVILLE VIRGINIA!Homes for sale in Lovettsville VA.  Great prices for homes for sale in Lovettsville VA.Name your price range in Lovettsville.Let's take a tour of homes for sale in Lovettsville.ABOUT LOVETTSVILLE HERE!Lovettsville has many properties suitable for horses available. You can view and tour the descriptions and photos for all homes for sale in Lovettsville HERE.  Enjoy and when you're ready for a tour of homes for sale, call LENN, 800-711-7988.  WE CAN HELP. CLICK HERE to see ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN LOVETTSVILLE.  EXAMPLES OF HOMES FOR SALE IN LOVETTSVILLE VIRGINIA. $1,300,000 40243 FEATHERBED LN 5 Bedrooms 4 full 1 half Baths MLS# LO8004717 LOVETTSVILLE Zip: 20180 Subdivision: BAILEY LAND Status: ACTIVE ? Listing Agen... 02/19/2013

SURE, I KNOW, IT'S ONLY FEBRUARY.  That said, lawn maintenance is really a year round matter and if you miss a season of care, YOU CAN'T GET IT BACK!! Last year my yard was overrun with weeds.  I couldn't keep up with my trusty weed wacker.  Late last year, I contacted the Weed Man company to apply a weed treatment to the existing weeds.  Hurray!!  It worked.  TODAY was the day for. . . . Soil TestPre-Emergents for Garden Beds (Daffodil Garden)First Fertilization (grassy areas) The company providing these services for me this year is "WEED MAN"703-777-7795http://www.weedmanusa.com Right on time this morning with the equipment, supplies and a friendly operator.  I don't know what's in that tank.  All I know is that it works. At 50 lbs. per bag, this takes some muscle. Wonder what the spe... 02/11/2013