Are you behind in your mortgage payments, or concerned that you soon might be?Have you received a preforeclosure letter from your lender?First of all, don't be ashamed. Millions of homeowners are in your situation – many times through no fault of their own. A job loss, a serious illness or other circumstances can put you in danger of foreclosure.The economic downturn has led to many homeowners being "under water" in their loans, meaning they owe more than their home is worth, making it impossible to refinance. If you've become one of those millions, don't panic. Foreclosure, and its accompanying effect on your credit, is not inevitable. There are many options out there, and your circumstances may make one of those options feasible and desirable for you.To keep your options alive, you... 02/07/2012

I've written about Wolftrap in Northern Virginia before. We've talked about concerts that are 2nd to none. In fact, we've been able to enjoy concerts from Hawaii, go back in time with groups from 30-50 years ago, enjoy dinner on the ground and so much more.For all of the die hard fans of Wolftrap, it's time to check out this year's calendar. Take a moment and take a look at all of the fun and great entertainment that is shaping up for this year, 2012. Follow the link below...Wolftrap Calendar Of Events.Wolftrap - Superb Entertainment   02/06/2012

Many economists expect the housing crisis to end this year, according to a report released on Tuesday by Capital Economics.. One of the reasons: loosening credit. Banks are now lending amounts up to 3.5 times borrower earnings. This is up from a low during the crisis of 3.2 times borrower earnings. Banks are also loosening loan-to-value ratios (LTV) which is the clearest sign yet of an improvement in mortgage credit conditions. In contrast to a low of 74 percent reached in mid-2010, banks are now lending at 82 percent LTV. With loosening credit conditions, steep drops in foreclosures and short sales in Northern Virginia and the Washington DC Metro area, record-low interest rates and pent-up buyer demand, this could finally be the right time to buy! 01/27/2012

  There is help for homeowners to lower their monthly mortgage payments and get into more stable loans at today's low rates. And for those homeowners for whom homeownership is no longer affordable or desirable, these programs can provide a way out to avoid foreclosure. Additionally, in an effort to be responsive to the needs of today's homeowners, there are also options for unemployed homeowners and homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth. The following program summaries will help you determine which program options may be best suited for your particular circumstances.   Modify or Refinance Your Loan for Lower Payments Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP): HAMP lowers your monthly mortgage payment to 31 percent of your verified monthly gross (pre-tax) income to make yo... 01/23/2012

The FBI is looking to relocate its headquarters from Washington DC and Fairfax County VA is on the list. The FBI has been considering relocating from its current headquarters on Pennsylvania Avenue since November, when the Government Accountability Office gave the Agency two options:  to either demolish and rebuild in its current location or relocate. The FBI needs 2 million square feet of office space, located within two miles of a Metro station and within 2.5 miles of the Beltway according to the GAO. In addition, the government has to own the land. The former GSA warehouse site on Loisdale Road in Springfield VA is near Metrorail's Blue Line, VRE, Amtrak, bus service, major highways, and has access to Washington Reagan airport and the soon-to-be-redeveloped Springfield Mall. The GSA... 01/22/2012

    Welcome to the January 2012 Dunn Loring Village Real Estate Report. Stop in monthly for  up to date figures on home sales in Dunn Loring Village... an affordable and convenient town house neighborhood 20 minutes walk from the Dunn Loring Metro Station.               There are NO homes currently on the market or under contract as of today January 17, 2012. This is rare. I find this to be an indication of how tight the Northern Virginia market is. Inventory of homes is very low and  correctly priced homes  that are in good shape are selling quickly. Especially close in to the city or near a metro line....and under $450k.                   The following report shows those 6 homes that have sold in the last 6 months.  Homes sold in Dunn Loring Village   The average # of "Days on Market... 01/17/2012

  Effective Feb. 1, Freddie Mac is giving mortgage servicers expanded authority to provide six months of forbearance to unemployed mortgage holders without prior approval, and an additional six months (12 months total) with prior approval. This new policy essentially doubles the previously offered forbearance period. It’s important to note: §This applies to Freddie Mac-owned or guaranteed loans only. §There is ACTION required. The homeowner must contact the servicer to request the forbearance. §Delinquent borrowers in an existing short-term forbearance plan can be evaluated for an extended forbearance term under the new policy. Again, homeowners will need to contact their servicer to apply. 01/13/2012

  It's no secret that the short sale process can take months to close.  From cooperation with buyers and sellers, the primary lienholder and any secondary lienholders, short sales can be a bumpy ride. To help streamline this process, MRIS has launched the Fannie Mae Short Sale Assistance Desk (SSAD) program.  SSAD is designed to resolve issues on Fannie Mae short sales faster than ever before by allowing the agent to submit eligible cases directly to Fannie Mae. The Short Sale Assistance Desk will help: Resolve issues on Fannie Mae short sale properties Increase short sale volume in less time Avoid long, frustrating approval delays Differentiate services at listing appointments This is a welcome assist from MRIS in helping the agents through the intricate process of communicating with t... 01/11/2012

Veros Real Estate Solutions released its forecast for the 12-month period ending December 1, 2012. Their findings indicate "the national housing recovery will continue to be gradual and slow without any significant changes in markets." Veros predicts up to a 4% appreciation in the strongest markets which includes the Washington, D.C. area. The 5 weakest markets, which include areas of California, Nevada and Florida, will probably depreciate 5-6% over the next year. This is welcome news for the Washington, D.C. market, where 1 in 5 homeowners are underwater on their mortgage. For many of them, the recovery isn't coming quickly enough. I have been trained and am experienced in helping people who are "underwater" through negotiating with the lenders, assisting in loan modifications, and s... 01/11/2012

  Inc. Magazine recently published its annual list of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the United States. The leading community on that list is Fairfax County, with 26 companies. The Fairfax companies on this list are as diverse as the community itself. They include IT services firms, companies that develop software, defense contractors, and contractors that work with civilian agencies, one of the leading social media publishers in the nation, a law firm that handles trademark registrations, a firm that helps seasoned professionals land jobs, and a firm that helps recent college graduates find employment, The list also includes minority- and woman-owned companies. This diversity is important as it helps create a stable economy when other sectors falters. As a result, during the rece... 01/03/2012

  From my Family to Yours, May this wonderful day be filled with all the joy, love and magic of Christmas! Merry Christmas to All! 12/25/2011

Despite record low mortgage rates, 2011 has seen a surprisingly high level of cash home purchases.  Between tight lending standards and a desperate search for yield by investors, cash purchase of homes (especially distressed properties) became even more common in 2011 than last year.  According to data from Housing IntelligencePro , 38% of homes purchased in 2011 were bought with all cash.  That's up from 34% in 2010, and double the 19% rate in 2006.  The trend is likely to continue in the near term, with investors being responsible for an increasing share of home purchases as prior home owners abandon the ownership market and head back to rentals. 12/20/2011

  Mortgage rates sunk to record lows again this week! The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 3.94%, matching the all-time low hit in early October, according to Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey. Meanwhile, 15-year fixed-rate loans hit a new record low of 3.21%, surpassing the record set on October 6. Five-year adjustable rate mortgages also plumbed new depths, hitting 2.86% for the week. According to Freddie Mac's chief economist, low-interest mortgages will be available at least through mid-2012 . The low rates can translate into big savings for home buyers. Five years ago, a home buyer would have been lucky to land a 5.5% rate on a 30-year loan. On a $300,000 mortgage, that would have meant the borrower would have paid $1,704 per month. Should a borrower land ... 12/19/2011

After a brief return to lower, pre-2009 levels, FHA loan limits have been restored. Signed into law on November 25, maximum FHA loan limits are, once again, as high as $729,750. The move creates additional mortgage financing possibilities and promises to increase the FHA's mortgage share, which has grown from 6% in 2007 to approximately 30% today. The change in FHA loan limits also marks the first time that FHA loan limits exceed those of conventional mortgage backers, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Conventional loans remain capped at a maximum of $625,500. For home buyers, FHA-insured loans offer several advantages over comparable conventional loans. An attractive feature is the 3.5% down payment requirement. Additionally, buyers with credit scores below 740 are not subject to additional... 11/28/2011

Vienna VA Active MLS Listings Homes for Sale Update* Vienna Virginia Real Estate Market Update November 28, 2011 Vienna VA Homes Report As of today November 28, 2011 there are 172 Active Single family fee simple detached MLS listings of Fairfax County Vienna homes for sale in our MRIS* system.  Vienna VA is located just outside our nation's capitol in Washington DC.  Vienna VA offers a quick commute to all of the DC Metro area, Tysons Corner, McLean, Langley, and Washington DC via the Dulles Toll Road I-495, Chain Bridge Road (Route 123), Route 50, and Route 7.  172 Active - Vienna VA homes for sale  High Price / Low Price  $3,900,000 / $409,900 3 'Cntg/KO' - Vienna VA homes for sale 33 'Cntg/NO KO' - Vienna VA homes for sale 31 'Contract' - Vienna VA homes for sale Vienna VA Single Fam... 11/28/2011

The Vienna VA Housing Market was ranked the fifth best in the nation by Bloomberg Business Week! According to Zillow, the median home value in the city was $638,500 and the median sale price was $654,400, according to August 2001 figures. The increase in 2011 from 2010 was 12.8%. What contributes to the desirability of living in Vienna VA? The burgeoning area of Tysons Corner with the upcoming metro stations and proximity to Dulles Airport and Washington DC The city of Vienna still has the small-town charm and the sense of spirit and community Schools, special events, youth sport programs, and the Vienna Town Square entertainment The proximity of employment centers, corporate headquarters, and Washington DC The current Vienna Metro and the upcoming Silver Metro currently under construc... 11/19/2011

Maymont in Vienna is another fine community by Basheer and Edgemoore and described as “European elegance near Tysons Corner.” The community consists of 58 single family homes ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 square feet. New homes sites on The Park have just been released. The community features six different floor plans and custom options include salon baths, spiral staircase and landscaping packages.   Directions: From I-495 take Route 7 West (exit 47-A) follow route 7 and make a left on Beulah road. Maymont will be on your right.   Model open daily from 11-6.   For more details visit the Maymont Estates website or feel free to give me a call.     Photo Courtesy of Basheer and Edgemoore. 11/12/2011

                                                Foreclosure activity increased in all categories in October according to the RealtyTrac U.S. Foreclosure Market Report released on Thursday. Foreclosure activity increased by 7% from September but 31% less than activity in October 2010. While there had been encouraging numbers in September, October was the second out of three months to have a significant increase in filings. Interest rates are trending downward. Now is a great time to lock in at a super low interest rate.       Program                                 Interest Rate                              30 Year Fixed                            4.0%                                 15 Year Fixed                            3.375%                          10 Year Fixed                   ... 11/10/2011

  Adding to the growing number of companies moving their headquarters to Fairfax County is Bechtel, one of the largest engineering, construction and project management companies in the world. They will be relocating several hundred jobs from Frederick County, Maryland to Fairfax County. In moving what is considered their global operations headquarters to the Reston Town Center, Bechtel will bring 625 jobs and an $18 million investment to Fairfax, giving Virginia another company attracted to Fairfax County's business environment and its ability to attract the best work force to meet future growth needs. "Gaining an international company like Bechtel Corporation is a huge coup for Virginia and Fairfax", said Gov. Robert McConnell (R). Fairfax County is a ideal location because of its pro... 11/08/2011

    SLEEPY GARFIELD MUST HAVE BEEN REFERRING TO DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!! CLOCKS MOVE BACK ONE HOUR THIS SUNDAY AT 2:00 AM. DON'T FORGET TO TURN BACK YOUR CLOCKS ONE HOUR BEFORE YOU GO TO BED TONIGHT AND GET THAT EXTRA HOUR OF SLEEP THIS WEEKEND!!!l     11/05/2011