Step Sisters 2016 Ribbon Run

The Step Sisters – Not Your Average Breast Cancer Organization

Ribbon Run photographs are courtesy of Jessica Monte Photography

There’s no limit to the number of organizations out there right now who are trying to raise money to find a cure for Breast Cancer. And rightly so. According to the CDC Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women, no matter your race or ethnicity. About 220,000 women (and about 2,000 men) are diagnosed annually. But with much of the focus on finding a cure, who is there for the patient going through it? That’s where the Step Sisters come in.

They are a team of breast cancer survivors, mothers, sisters, daughters, brothers, sons and fathers who have all been touched in some way by breast cancer and want to “pay it forward” for those in need.JS Realty StepSisters logo2

The Step Sisters Mission: Improving the quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer by funding needed support services in Loudoun County and the surrounding community.

The Step Sisters have expanded their reach and currently serve breast cancer patients in Loudoun and Fairfax counties.  Services include: transportation, home cleaning, meals/fresh food delivery, childcare, dog walking and lawn care/snow removal. And their patients are extremely grateful for their help:step sisters

This past spring, the JS Realty Team was a sponsor for the Step Sisters’ 5K Ribbon Run in Brambleton, VA. We were also active participants!step sisters

When choosing a charity to support, we want to be sure we are making an impact locally – and not just financially. We want to be active in assisting an organization that uplifts and supports the community. Since we live, work, and play in Brambleton, the Step Sisters was an easy decision. And the Ribbon Run is always a fun event!step sisters ribbon run jsrealty4u

Almost our entire team (and a few family members!) showed up to the Ribbon Run event. Wearing matching gray capes with a fun logo on it, we walked, ran, photographed, and took video of the 5K and Kids Fun Run course that was set up around the Brambleton Town Center & trails.step sisters jsrealty4u superhero

The first one from our team to cross the finish line was Beth! Way to go!!
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Beth was quickly followed by Scott, Jackie, Sarah, and the rest of the team.

The Step Sisters are always looking for new ways to meet the needs of breast cancer patients and continue to add new services. You can learn more about how to volunteer or join one of their fun events at StepSisters.org.

Stunning Home For Sale in Lorton

Stunning 3 level townhome For Sale in Lorton, Virginia

Nestled in the Overlook Pointe community in Lorton, Virginia, this stunning 3 bedroom townhouse is located at 9656 Dutchman Drive. Pride of ownership really shows in this immaculate townhome on a private, family-friendly street. Close to shopping, dining, major roadways including I-95, and commuter options like the Virginia Railway Express.

Overlook Pointe Community features include pool, tennis and basketball courts, tot lots and more!stunning jsrealty4u

The main level features large windows that let in lots of natural light. Brand new carpet was recently installed throughout the home. The living room features beautiful crown molding.jsrealty4u stunning for sale

The dining room features crown molding, chair rail, shadow boxes, and ceramic tile. stunning jsrealty4u

Gorgeous kitchen has new stainless steel appliances, a built-in microwave, granite counters, and ceramic tile. stunning for sale lorton jsrealty4u

Master bedroom boasts vaulted ceiling, large walk-in closet, and ceiling fan.stunning jsrealty4u

Bright Master bathroom has an oversized vanity with dual sinks, a separate tub and shower, skylight, and new flooring.stunning master bathroom

2 additional bedrooms feature ceiling fans and large closets. A 2nd full bath has a vanity and new flooring.

The spacious Rec Room has a separate laundry/utility room with new washer and dryer. There’s also a half-bath with a vanity and ceramic tile. stunning jsrealty4u

The expansive, landscaped backyard features a brick patio. this stunning home backs to trees and is situated in a peaceful, tranquil setting. stunning lorton townhouse jsrealty4u

Expert Realtor Scott Koval can be reached at 703-625-3446 to schedule a private tour of this beautiful townhome.

Word of the Week: Commission

Breaking down Real Estate commission, and how the JS Realty Team differs

Commission is the method of compensation for agency services, which is generally determined by an agreed upon percentage of the selling price.commission

Did you know? Fees for services are set by the individual brokers and firms. It would actually be a violation of antitrust laws for multiple firms to agree upon or fix a commission rate.

In traditional home sales, the sellers typically pay the agent’s commission—but there are exceptions. Auctions, for instance, usually charge buyers an additional “premium”.

The listing agreement is a contract between the seller and the agent, and it clearly specifies the commission rate. It details the terms under which a the rate is paid and the total commission to be paid. Therefore, buyers cannot negotiate the commission on the sale of a home. A buyer can only negotiate the purchase price and terms of the sale. The buyer’s agent is typically paid by the seller, because the listing agent is sharing a percentage of the commission. Sharing this is called cooperating, or a co-op commission.

And don’t forget, real estate commission—along with most costs associated with buying and/or selling a home—can be tax deductible!

How the JS Realty Team @ Samson Properties is different

commissionThe JS Realty Team proudly offers Full Service Listings for 4.5% (total Real Estate commission)! Other local agents charge 5, 6, even 7% of the purchase price, which means the JS Realty Team could save you thousands of dollars. In addition to a 4.5% rate, you also receive our Full Service listing package at no extra cost!

Our Full Service listing package includes, but is not limited to:
-MLS Service
-Just Listed Postcard, Full Color Brochures
FREE Home Market Analysis
-Enhanced listings on Realtor.com, Trulia.com, Zillow.com & others
-Professional Photography
-Featured on JSRealty4U.com and Samson Properties Website
YouTube video & Social Media Posts—Facebook, Instagram, etc.
-Seasoned negotiators

We’re here for you! If you’d like to learn more about us or have any questions about the services we offer, please visit our website. You can also contact us at any time for additional information.

Gorgeous Townhouse For Sale

Gorgeous 3 level townhome For Sale in Leesburg Community

Close to Routes 7 & 15 and the Dulles Greenway, this gorgeous 3 bedroom townhome has tons of upgrades throughout and is located at 744 Hetzel Terrace SE in Leesburg, VA. Shopping, dining, and the incredible Leesburg Outlets are just a short drive away!

The split Foyer of this gorgeous home has hardwood floors, a designer light fixture and stairs that lead to the Family Room or Recreation Room. The Family Room boasts tons of recessed lighting and windows to allow for plenty of natural light to fill the room.jsrealty4u gorgeous

Beautifully tiled Kitchen features custom backsplash, pantry, breakfast bar, and plenty of cabinet & granite counter top space. gorgeous townhome jsrealty4u

Tile floor Dining Room has ceiling fan with light, ample room and a French door leading to a spacious deck.gorgeous jsrealty4u

There is also a tile floor Powder Room with single sink vanity, chair railing and designer light fixture.

Upstairs, the Spacious Master Bedroom has a designer ceiling fan, 2 large windows, and a nice walk-in closet.gorgeous jsrealty4u towhouse

The updated Master Bath features tile flooring, double sink vanity, spacious walk-in closet, tiled shower with river rock flooring and a built-in niche perfect for storing shampoo and soap.gorgeous townhouse leesburg jsrealty4u

In addition to the master, there are also 2 additional bright bedrooms. A 2nd full bath boasts tile floors, a single sink vanity, shower/tub combo and designer light fixture.

On the lower level, a large Recreation Room boasts beautiful hardwood flooring, designer light fixture and chair railing. There’s a nook that would be perfect for a desk or home office. A powder room and a laundry room are also located on this level. Enjoy easy access to the garage and walk out to the patio & fully fenced backyard.gorgeous townhome jsrealty4u

Check out our video slideshow that highlights the great features of this home. Contact Sarah King Taylor at 703-475-1003 when you’re ready to see this gorgeous home in person!

Custom Alexandria Home For Sale

Beautiful, custom, 5 bedroom home For Sale in Alexandria

Only 2 miles from the Kingstowne Towne Center, this gorgeous 1 level,
5 bedroom home is located at 5923 Westridge Court in Alexandria, VA. Situated on over half an acre, this custom built home is a commuter’s dream! Easily walk to the Van Dorn Street Metro Station, and just a short drive to I-395, I-495, Ronald Reagan National Airport, and the Franconia-Springfield & Huntington Metro Stations.alexandria kingstowneOne-of-a-kind home is loaded with upgrades and impressive features, such as:
-Hardi-plank (no maintenance) cement siding
-Hard wired smoke detectors throughout
-Brazilian cherry hardwood floors
-Oversized 2-car garage
-Tank-less water system
-Honeywell dual zone system, new gas/electric HVAC (2015)
-Expansion of the front & back of the house was done in 2008

Bright Foyer has a gorgeous designer front door, recessed lighting & a large walk-in closet with tons of lighting & built-in shelving. The huge Family Room offers a wood-burning fireplace that features a custom, floor-to-ceiling stone surround. Oversized sliding glass doors lead to the patio.alexandria jsrealty4uThe impressive gourmet Kitchen boasts plenty of counter top & cabinet space. Custom cabinets have under cabinet lighting. There’s also a breakfast bar and a custom backsplash. The center island is on wheels so you can move it you need additional entertainment space!alexandria jsrealty4uSeparate Dining Room has vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, ceiling fan with a light, and a sliding glass door that leads to the deck.alexandria for sale jsrealty4u

1st Master Bedroom boasts vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, ceiling fan with light and built-in shelves. A spacious walk-in closet with custom modular closet system also features a full size washer & dryer! The sliding glass door that leads to the deck plus an additional oversized window give this bedroom an indoor/outdoor feeling while overlooking the backyard.alexandria jrealty4u
The impressive attached bathroom features granite floors, double sink vanity, designer light fixture and linen closet. The highlight of this room is the 701 ARIEL steam shower which offers steam shower, Jacuzzi tub, waterfall, body jet, radio, and so much more!alexandria ariel steam shower jsrealty4u

2nd spacious Master Bedroom offers ceiling fan with a light, wall to wall closets and room for a sitting area. Windows galore offer views of the beautiful backyard. Alexandria jsrealty4u real estate

The 2nd Master Bath features an oversized single sink vanity, designer light fixture and built-in shelving. There’s also a tall cabinet next to the vanity for additional storage and a custom tile walk-in shower.alexandria bathroom for sale jsrealty4u

3 additional bright, spacious bedrooms all have access to the 3rd full bathroom. A 2nd Laundry Room has a stackable washer & dryer with a pocket door. Mudroom off the Family Room & Garage features a utility closet, utility sink, shelving and a door leading to the patio and expansive backyard.alexandria

This impressive home in Alexandria is a must-see in person! To schedule a private showing, contact Sarah K. Taylor at 703-475-1003.

Word of the Week: Assessment

What is an assessment and how does it differ from an appraisal

Each week we try to help you to understand some of the expansive, and often confusing Real Estate jargon. Last week we talked about appraisals, and how they can often be confused with the Home Inspection. We also receive many questions from our clients about the difference between an appraisal and an Assessment. These terms are very similar, yet quite different.

An appraisal, we learned, is a detailed single property valuation performed by a licensed appraiser. Appraisals can be used for obtaining a mortgage loan, home equity loan, home sale or estate valuation.jsrealty4u property value assessmentAn Assessment, however, is a mass appraisal of property, that is usually conducted at the beginning of the year by local counties. They are based on the areas sales, which helps to determine the value for a large group of similar properties (like a neighborhood, for instance). This information is generally used to determine property tax amounts.Tax Rate Calc JS Realty assessment

As you can see, appraisals are more exact, since they tend to be performed to determine the market value of a specific property. Whereas the purpose of an assessment is to determine the value for a large number of similar properties.

Questions about the value of your home or the local real estate market in general? Drop us a line!

Townhome For Sale in Burke

Charming 3 level end unit townhome For Sale in Burke, Virginia

Surrounded by walking trails and backing to a wooded common area, this beautiful end unit townhome is located at 10887 Oak Green Court in the Burke Centre Community. Walk to shopping, dining, and more at the Burke Centre Shopping Center. And commuting is a breeze with Metro bus stops within walking distance and the Amtrak/VRE Station just a short drive away!Burke Backyard jsrealty4uCOMMUNITY AMENITIES
Basketball, Tennis, and Volleyball Courts
Baseball Field, Tot Lots, Picnic Area
30 miles of walking/jogging trails
Community Centers and Pools
6 Ponds and a Lake
Activities & events for residents, include the Burke Centre FestivalBurke Centre Center JSRealty4uHOME AMENITIES & FEATURES
New windows were installed in October 2015 throughout the home, and let in tons of natural light! Beautifully maintained hardwood floors are located throughout the entire main level. There’s plenty of storage space in this home as well!

The large, bright living features crown molding and offers easy access to the private deck. A beautiful stone-surround, stone-surround, wood burning fireplace is perfect for those cold wintry nights. The dining room offers crown molding, chair rail, and a designer light fixture.Burke Centre Center For Sale jsrealty4u

The huge kitchen boasts brand new, gorgeous granite counter tops, tons of cabinets space, a custom backsplash and a pantry.Burke jsrealty4uStairway leading upstairs features hardwood stairs and there is brand new carpet throughout all of the bedrooms. The Master bedroom boasts windows that overlook a wooded common area and the huge walk-in closet has a window for added natural light. burke va jsrealty4u

The Master bath has a brand new single sink vanity with granite top, new laminate flooring, and a shower/tub combo.Burke VA jsrealt4u master bath

Spacious second & third bedrooms both offer bright windows & plenty of closet space. A 2nd full bathroom has a single sink vanity, brand new laminate flooring and a shower/tub combo. There is also a closet in the hallway for added storage.

A large Recreation Room features brand new carpet, a ceiling fan, and multiple storage nooks. The laundry and utility Room offers a full size washer & dryer with shelving, storage area, a utility sink, new water heater, and new HVAC!Burke VA real estate jsrealty4u

Contact Sarah K. Taylor to schedule a private showing! Send her a message or give her a call at 703-475-1003.

Luxurious River Creek Home For Sale

Stunning home For Sale in Leesburg’s River Creek gated community backs to the golf course

This beautiful, 3 level brick front home features a custom flagstone walkway leading to a stunning portico with 4 columns. Located at 43502 Firestone Place, this luxurious 5 bedroom home sits on almost half an acre in River Creek – the area’s first private, gated country club community. Community amenities include championship golf & practice facilities that border the Potomac River, tennis courts, swimming pools and a beautiful clubhouse with a fitness center. Casual & fine dining options are available, along with locker rooms, a pro shop, and options to host events at the clubhouse. Club membership options can be found hereriver creek jsrealty4u This breath-taking home features wide-plank hardwood floors throughout the main level, a speaker system in the Kitchen, Dining Room, Breakfast Room & Screened-in Deck, which is perfect for entertaining. A gorgeous, open 2-story Foyer has a huge coat closet, a beautiful chandelier and a staircase leading to the 2nd floor.river creek leesburg

A stunning Kitchen boasts tons of marble counter top space, custom cabinets with under the counter lights and designer glass fronts that also include interior lighting. The kitchen also features a custom backsplash, an over-sized island with beautiful chandeliers & breakfast bar, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, and a farm-style sink.river creek kitchen gated leesburg jsrealty4u

A large, bright Family Room features a huge, custom floor to ceiling stone surround gas fireplace with a custom wood beam mantle, and cathedral ceilings. Floor to ceiling windows allow for tons of natural light. A cabinet nook with marble counter top is also accessible from the Breakfast Room is perfect for additional storage space & access to the deck.river creek leesburg va gated jsrealty4u

The luxurious Master Bedroom boasts tray ceiling, recessed lighting, a ceiling fan, tons of windows, a huge walk-in closet and a spacious sitting area. master bedroom river creek jsrealty4uOver-sized his & hers single sink vanities can be found in the Master Bathroom, along with a custom tile 2+ person tub, an over-sized shower with a built in seat and tile flooring. A spacious 11’ x 10’ walk-in closet includes a full size washer & dryer!jsrealty4u river creek leesburg

A huge Recreation Room is located on the lower level and features custom flooring, tons of windows, recessed lighting, designer light fixtures, built-in shelving, 2 large unfinished storage areas & access to the Patio. river creek jsrealty4u leesburgProfessionally landscaped home backs to the River Creek golf course. A gorgeous backyard is perfect for entertaining, featuring a spacious screened-in deck with 3 fans and custom wood beams. A custom flagstone patio with a huge stone outdoor fireplace overlooks River Creeks golf course. The spacious 3 Car Garage features cabinets for additional storage space.river creek patioAn Open House is scheduled for Sunday, May 15th from 1-4PM.
If you’d like a private tour of the home, please contact Sarah King Taylor at 703.475.1003.

Leesburg Condo For Sale

Immaculate 2 bedroom condo For Sale in Leesburg, VA

Located at 674 Gateway Drive SE #708 this condo is on a quiet, family-friendly street in the Brookmeade Community.

Large windows let tons of natural light into the spacious living room. A gorgeous marble surround wood burning fireplace is situated so it can easily be enjoyed from the dining room as well.Condo jsrealty4u real estate

The spacious kitchen features new stainless steel appliances, new flooring, pantry, a bay window, and lots of counter space. Door leads to a private balcony, great for entertaining!Condo jsrealty4u real estate

The Master Bedroom has lots of space and includes a ceiling fan, large closet, and a remodeled master bath with a soaking tub.Condo leesburg jsrealty4u

An additional, spacious and bright bedroom features a large closet and easy access to a full, remodeled bathroom.

Community amenities include tennis courts, use of the clubhouse and access to the pool. Close to shopping, dining, and major roadways – perfect for commuters! Take a closer look at what this home has to offer:

Beautiful Leesburg Townhouse For Sale

This 3 level townhouse For Sale in Leesburg, VA is a must see

Leesburg Real Estate JSRealty4u For saleLocated in the beautiful Edwards Landing Community in Leesburg, VA, 1197 Cambria Terrace is an elegant townhouse with 3 levels, 3 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half bathrooms!

The Edwards Landing Community features amenities such as a Community Center, a swimming pool, a tennis court, tot lots & walking/jogging paths. This townhome is also a short drive to Rt. 7, Rt. 15, Rt. 28, Dulles Greenway & Dulles International Airport – a great location for commuters! The Potomac River is within walking distance and shopping, dining, and entertainment is just a short drive away.

Leesburg Real Estate CambriaThe main level boasts beautifully maintained hardwood floors throughout, and windows galore fill the home with tons of natural light! A gourmet kitchen boasts lots of cabinet & granite counter top space, and includes an island with a breakfast bar area, recessed lighting, pendant lights over the island, stainless steel appliances & a pantry.jsrealty4u kitchen leesburgA bright, spacious Breakfast Room features a designer light fixture, a ceiling fan, 2 huge windows that overlook the tot lot and a sliding glass door that leads to the deck.

for sale jsrealty4u leesburgThe large Master Bedroom boasts vaulted ceilings, spacious his & hers walk-in closets and an adorable nook above the door for added decorations. The spacious Master Bathroom features a double sink vanity, designer light fixture, tile floor, 2+person tub, separate walk-in shower and a separate room for the toilet.

jsrealty4u leesburg cambria2 additional bedrooms and a full bathroom can also be found on this level. The hallway closet has a full size washer and dryer and boasts shelving for additional storage. JSRealty4u leesburg cambria

Spacious Recreation Room on the lower level features both recessed lighting and a designer light fixture to allow for plenty of light. A gas fire place with a wood mantle is perfect for those cold wintry nights. The rec room also contains a half-bathroom with tile floor, pedestal vanity, and wainscoting.

jsrealty4u cambria leesburgA beautifully maintained deck overlooks the tot lot and is also perfect for grilling out and entertaining. A fully fenced backyard features a patio and offers plenty of privacy. The 2 car garage has a bonus area for extra storage.

Leesburg is a fantastic, historical town! To see this elegant townhome in person and find out what this area has too offer, contact Sarah K. Taylor at 703.475.1003 or drop her a note here.