When I meet with clients, I like to discuss that I consider the equal opportunity laws to be the "highest law of the land". Some of you may remember me actually saying those words because I know that they carry some serious consequences if they are violated. We just had the fortieth anniversary of the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 which Continue Reading
I am not a lead…
Is it time for a paradigm shift in the real estate business? I am not a lead Continue Reading
Vienna, Virginia Home on MacArthur Avenue just BOUGHT
This 4-level split level features a unique basement found in less that 5% of all splits... so there is tons of room including 5 bedrooms. This is the home that I found with a secret buyer agent tactic mentioned in the blog that might help you find your home... of course you will need to be a client! So this baby recently sold for Continue Reading
Figuring out the McLean home market… April 2009
With all you read about the housing market, buying a McLean home appears to be a roll of the dice right now. I just looked over resale data from MRIS of the McLean zip code ( 22101) for the month of April and noticed a big drop in the number of units sold. Total Units Sold in April 2009, 28 vs. 34 in 2008 (down 17.65%) Average Sold Price in Continue Reading
Figuring out the Vienna home market… April 2009
With all you read about the housing market, buying a Vienna home appears to be a safe bet right now. I just looked over resale data from MRIS of the Vienna zip codes ( 22180-22182) for the month of April and the biggest gains seem to be in the 22182 zip code... looking at the number of sales. Total Units Sold in April 2009, 23 vs. 13 in 2008 Continue Reading
No short-term loans as HUD pulls the plug
Well, the Tax Credit loan plan is off the table, and HUD took the memo off the web site too. It seems that someone decided to analyze some potential issues... which should have been done before posting it on the crazy world of the Internet. I started to read about this new program in a few blog posts over the past few days and then asked a few Continue Reading
The short-term loan for the first-timer tax credit program…
We want our $8,000 first-timer tax credit at closing! And we aren't gonna wait! "Okay"says HUD Assistant Secretary Montgomery in the "Mortgagee Letter 2009-15" that is dated May 11th. Of course you can't take out the whole $8,000 at closing since there are fees and expenses that need to be paid, and the $8,000 hard limit can't be exceeded. So Continue Reading
McLean lender reports mortgage rates increased last week, watch out!
(2009)Mortgage rates in Northern Virginia will likely stay close to their current range for the rest of the year, if you ask me. So don't panic home buyers... your rate should be there. Next week is the mid-year NAR conference in Washington D.C., and you should expect the usual cast of characters to address the one-million member association. Continue Reading
