2 Bedroom Condo For Sale in Bull Run!

Bull Run Condo For Sale!

Bull Run - 8206 Winstead Pl 201 Jackie Koval JSRealty4U

 

Bull Run condo Just Listed for sale, 8206 Winstead Pl #201 in Manassas. This 2 level condo boasts 2 spacious bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Windows galore fill home with lots of natural light. In addition, it is located in the Bull Run Condo Community.  Bull Run Condos offer pool, exercise room, tot lots, community center, picnic/BBQ area and more! Also, this condo is a short distance from the Bull Run Plaza which contains loads of shopping, restaurants and entertainment options! Furthermore, this home is in a fantastic location with easy access to I-66, VA-28 and Prince William Parkway. As a result, it is a perfect location for commuters, close to multiple commuter lots and bus stops. A must see!

MAIN LEVEL FEATURES

General features on main level include Powder Room with updated vanity and hardwoods floors. Entrance into Foyer with hardwood floors and large coat closet.

Bull Run - 8206 Winstead Pl 201 Jackie Koval JSRealty4U

Beautiful Kitchen features Granite counters, updated appliances, custom back-splash, built-in microwave, as well as, room for table.

Bull Run - 8206 Winstead Pl 201 Jackie Koval JSRealty4U

Separate, Formal Dining Room with designer light fixture, which is great for entertaining! Additionally, Dining Room includes pass through to kitchen creating a bright, open concept.

Bull Run - 8206 Winstead Pl 201 Jackie Koval JSRealty4U

Spacious Living Room includes ceiling fan as well as gorgeous gas fireplace with marble surround and wood mantle

Upper LEVEL FEATURES

Bull Run - 8206 Winstead Pl 201 Jackie Koval JSRealty4U

Light Filled Master Bedroom with vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet, ceiling fan as well as plush carpeting.

Bull Run - 8206 Winstead Pl 201 Jackie Koval JSRealty4U

Second Large Bedroom with vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan, large closet as well as plush carpeting.

Furthermore, upper level features Jack and Jill style bathroom with dual, over-sized vanity. In Addition, separate laundry room with shelving is located on the upper level. Includes brand new, high efficiency, stainless steel, front-loading washer and dryer.

This beautiful property in Bull Run is a MUST SEE in person!
Contact Expert Realtor Jackie Koval at 703-340-5091 to schedule a private tour of this home. And don’t forget to follow us on Social Media for the most up-to-date Real Estate information – @JSRealty4U!

In conclusion, more information about our rebate program can be found online at JSRealty4U.com OR for more listing videos, check out our YouTube Channel!

Documents Needed for a Mortgage

What documents are needed for a mortgage loan approval?

Years ago there was actually a no documents loan process for certain types of loans. Those are not applicable in today’s world of mortgage lending. Today we’re providing you with a list of documents that are needed for final loan approval. Some documents are required whether the loan is for a purchase or a refinance; others are pertinent to a specific type of loan.JS Realty documents sign pen woman

Documents needed for either a purchase or refinance are as follows:

  1. Most recent pay stubs, showing a 30-day period
  2. Past two years W-2 forms and/or 1099’s (if self-employed)
  3. Signed Federal Personal Tax Returns for past two years
  4. Signed Federal Business Tax returns if applicable
  5. Asset statements for a 2 month period, or most recent quarterly statement. This should include any and all of the following and must include ALL pages.
    • Checking
    • Savings
    • Stocks
    • Bonds
    • Mutual funds
    • Money Market
    • 401 K’s
    • IRA’s
  6. If the property is or will be held in a Trust, provide Trust documentation
  7. For Investment properties:
    • Lease agreement for rental properties
    • Mortgage statement
    • Property tax bill
    • Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
    • HOA or Condo fees, if applicable
  8. Hazard Insurance (homeowner’s insurance) Policy
  9. Complete Divorce/Separation Agreement /Property Settlement agreements, if applicable
  10. School Transcripts and Diploma if you are a recent graduate
  11. Contact name and phone number for Verification of Employment

For VA loans, the following is required:

  1. VA Certificate of Eligibility
  2. Original statement of service or DD-214

For Purchases only, we need the following:

  1. Ratified Sales contract
  2. Copy of Earnest Money Deposit AND bank statement showing the check has cleared your account
  3. Name, address and phone number of landlords for past 2 years if currently renting
  4. Sales Contract for existing home if selling and vacating to purchase new home
  5. Settlement Statement from the sale of current residence if vacating to purchase new home

For Refinances only

  1. Copy of most recent mortgage statement
  2. Copy of Owner’s Title Policy or settlement statement indicating that you have owner’s title insurance
  3. Copy of existing Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

Whether you’re purchasing or refinancing a property, you can download a copy of this List of Documents to help aid in your search for a loan. This list will be helpful to both you and your Lender as you work through the processing of your loan.

THE ULTIMATE SELLING EXPERIENCE

Creating a positive selling experience for our clients

The JS Realty Team has a very specific way of selling a home. We like to create a positive selling experience from start to finish. In order to fully understand how we operate, we’re going to walk you through our most recent transaction.

JS Realty business people interview sell home

Not long ago, we received a referral for a young lady (let’s call her “Anne”), that had decided to sell her home.  We scheduled an appointment to meet with Anne at her home. We arrived prepared to explain our comprehensive marketing plan and to review exactly how the market was performing in Anne’s area. The first thing we did was take a tour of the home. During the tour, Anne told us what she was planning to do to her home to get it ready for the market. paint jsrealty4u js realty team sellingShe had a good grasp on what needed to be done and we were able to give her some additional ideas that we know will help the home show its best.

With over 20 years of experience and over $200 million in home sales, we are able to provide our clients with valuable advice, along with cost-effective ideas to help their home sell for the most money in the shortest amount of time.

JS Realty Contract PaperAt this point, Anne was very pleased with our advice and marketing plan, so we moved on to explain the “Exclusive Right to List” listing agreement. This contract between the JS Realty Team and the seller gives us the right to sell their home and represent them. The very next day, Anne signed on with us and became a client of The JS Realty Team @ Samson Properties.

Our next step was to install a FOR SALE sign with a “Coming Soon” rider to start creating a buzz through the neighborhood that a home was about to enter the market. Anne worked on the items to get the home ready for market, while we kept a close eye on the activity in the neighborhood and started our preparations for listing the home for sale.

jsrealty4u JS Realty selling iphone pictures cameraOnce the home was ready, we brought in our professional photographer to take still shots and a moving Virtual Tour of the home and neighborhood amenities. When we received the images from the photographer, we set out to build the listing, web sites, take room measurements, film a YouTube video, and create brochures, then roll out our extensive social media campaign. And that’s just part of the many facets of our marketing program. We suggested that the home “go live” on the market on a Thursday evening, so when Realtors and buyers who were searching for homes in Anne’s neighborhood woke up Friday morning, our new listing would be live and complete for them to view.

In addition, an Open House was scheduled for the first Sunday that the home went on the market. Anne’s home generated a lot of interest right from the start, and we had multiple showings that Friday & Saturday, along with over 20 groups throughout the Open House on Sunday. On Monday we received an offer, and after discussing the offer with Anne, we devised a strategy to get the contract ratified. After negotiating with the buyer’s Agent, we were able to facilitate an agreement that both the buyer and Anne were happy with.

JS Realty Checklist Inspection ReportOnce the contract is ratified, our job turns to getting the contingencies closed. These included home inspection, radon, HOA disclosure packet, appraisal and financing. This is a very important step in the transaction and we take the contract deadlines very seriously to protect our clients.

This transaction has moved very smoothly.  There are always issues and items to be dealt with, but that is why you hire the experience of the JS Realty Team @ Samson Properties. Anne is moving towards settlement day and we are looking forward to another successful transaction!

Anne has been so pleased with our comprehensive program and attentiveness to details, that she has already given us 2 referrals! This is helping us achieve our goal of building lifelong relationships with our clients.JS Realty Couple with Realtor

Let us start a lifelong relationship with YOU! If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, contact us today. We’d love to sit down and talk to you about all of the possibilities the current market has to offer!

 

MORTGAGE RATE MARKET UPDATE

Recently I provided an overview of what makes mortgage interest rates fluctuate. Today, I want to provide an update of the mortgage industry in a general sense.

In the summer of 2013, the Fed announced that they would begin tapering the purchase of mortgage backed securities (MBS). The practice of buying MBS’s was intended to help keep mortgage rates low. That announcement caused a spike in JS Realty Interest Ratesinterest rates from the low 3% to over 4.5%.

At the beginning of 2014, rates on 30 year fixed rate conventional loans continued to remain in the high 3% to the low 4% range. At that time, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who thought rates at the beginning of 2015 would be as low as the year before. Well, that is exactly what happened! During the second full week of January, rates dropped to their lowest point in over a year with 30 year rates hitting the 3.625% mark. Rates have fluctuated between 3.625% and 4% for the past few months. As we begin the month of June, we have seen rates rise the first few days of the month.  But what does that mean for the future?

JS Realty increase mortgage rateNo one can tell for sure what rates will do, but everything I hear and read indicates that interest rates will rise gradually through 2015.  We may see rates approaching 4.5% or even higher by the end of the year.

From an historical perspective, rates are lower now than they have been for the last 10 years and are only slightly higher than the lowest point in 30 years, which was near the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013. It is only reasonable to JS Realty Mortgage Loan Applicationbelieve that rates will gradually increase. It is also reasonable to assume that rates may rise to the 5% mark by the end of 2015 or the first half of 2016.

We have been very fortunate to have had such low rates for the past five years. It is a great time to purchase a home and it is a great time to consider refinancing if you haven’t done so since 2010. As the saying goes “There’s no time like the present.

JS Realty Keith Harris
Keith Harris
NMLS # 838973

Every borrower has a unique need, as far as their loan is concerned. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our preferred Lender, Keith Harris at Intercoastal Mortgage Company.

 

 

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

THE FINAL WALK THROUGH PROCESS

Congratulations! You are ready to settle on your new home. JS Realty has guided you through the entire home buying process and now it is time to complete the final steps. The last step in the process is to perform a final walk-through of the home you are buying – a very important step indeed!

JS Realty will coordinate with you – our Buyer – and the listing Agent a time to perform the final walk-through that works for both you and the Seller.

JS Realty Pencil Calendar Walk ScheduleNEW LENDING RULES that go into effect on August 1 state that no changes can be made to the settlement statement within 3-4 days before settlement. This is going to require us to perform 2 walk-throughs. The first walk-through will be performed one week before your settlement day to ensure all home inspection items have been remedied and all components of the home are in working order. On the day of settlement, or the night before, your JS Realty Agent will do another walk through the home to make sure nothing has changed with the condition of the home.

The following will be addressed during the initial walk through:

Condition – we will making sure the home is turned over in the same condition as it was when we decided to write an offer.

JS Realty Washing Machine HE Eco WalkHome Inspection – this is the time we ensure all home inspection items have been resolved satisfactorily.

Appliances – we will enter the home with our Buyer and physically run all of the components of the home, from running the dishwasher and washer/dryer through a full cycle, to testing all the sinks, toilets and faucets. We are looking for any new leaks or any issues that may need addressing before settlement.

JS Realty Checklist Walk through Inspection ReportWhile we are performing the walk-through, your JS Realty Agent will be checking off all items on the home inspection list that the Seller agreed to remedy. One by one we make sure those issues are taken care of, and when applicable, have a written and paid receipt from the contractor that performed the work.

Also at this time, your JS Realty Agent will review with you the regular maintenance items – such as where your furnace filters go, and where your outside water spigot shut off valves are located. The main water valve that shuts off water to the entire home is another component that all Buyers need to be aware of in case of a leak in the home.

JS Realty document  walk sign pen womanIf there are unresolved issues stemming from the walk-through, your JS Realty Agent will contact the listing Agent and work to resolve the issues. Once we are satisfied that the home is in the proper condition, we will have you sign off on the walk-through.

The next time you walk into the home, it will be YOURS! And we don’t want any surprises for that joyous occasion.

If you have any questions concerning the home buying and selling process, or you would like a no obligation consultation, contact us today!

JS Realty Free home analysis

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

WHY MORTGAGE RATES CHANGE

What causes changes in mortgage rates? There are any number of reasons for mortgage interest rates to fluctuate and we’ve broken down some of the more common reasons to help you gain a better understanding of this ever-evolving market.

Mortgage Bond Prices:
JS Realty Opposite directionsInterest rates and mortgage bond prices are inversely related. If mortgage bond prices go up, interest rates go down.

Economic Conditions:
Generally speaking, when economic reports/conditions are positive, interest rates will rise. Just this week, the report on retail sales was flat versus the expected .2% increase. This helped keep interest rates down. Last week the jobs report was positive, unemployment was lower than expected and more jobs were added to the economy, which caused interest rates to spike. These are subtle changes that can greatly affect the mortgage industry.

Federal Reserve Building JS RealtyFederal Reserve System:
Janet Yellen
, Chair of the Federal Reserve System, plays a large role in the interest rates for the mortgage industry. For a number of years the Federal Government was purchasing large amounts of mortgage backed securities in an effort to keep interest rates low. The Fed monitors the economy and will influence the interest rates to control the economic growth of the US. By decreasing interest rates, the Fed is attempting to spark growth in the economy and encourage borrowing. If the economy is growing, they will use rising rates to control the growth.

Inflation:
Inflation is a prominent economic factor and a key concern for the industry. Inflation increases prices and decreases the spending power in the economy. As inflation rises, interest rates will also rise.

JS Realty Lock Interest RateIn summary, there are many factors that influence mortgage interest rates. All of these factors are outside of our personal control. When it comes time that you need a loan to purchase or refinance a home, you will be faced with making a decision to lock in your interest rate or let the rate “float” in hopes that the market improves and you can get a lower rate. Here is my advice in regards to that decision:  It is much better to be locked in with rates falling than floating with rates rising.

JS Realty KHarris Lender
Keith Harris     NMLS # 838973

Every borrower has a unique need, as far as their loan is concerned. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our preferred Lender, Keith Harris at Intercoastal Mortgage Company.

 

 

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

WHAT DOES “RATIFIED” MEAN?

What does my Realtor mean when they tell me we are “ratified”?JS Realty Confused Phone Conversation

When your Realtor says, “Congratulations, you’re ratified!”, do you scratch your head and wonder “What does that even mean?” while politely saying “Great, thanks so much!”? We are here to help you understand the word ratification and what it actually means. The short and simple of it: Ratification or Ratified = to confirm or agree.

In our Northern Virginia market, our Residential Sales Contract defines the date of ratification in the definitions section of the contract, and it states, “Date of Ratification” means the date of delivery of the final acceptance in writing by the Purchaser and Seller of all the terms of this Contract to Purchaser and Seller (not the date of the expiration or removal of any contingencies).

JS Realty Stamp AcceptedSo what does that mean in plain English? If you are purchasing a home, ratification of the contract begins the moment the contract has been delivered to all parties with ALL of the terms agreed to in writing. This is the moment when you all are committed to each other and the terms of which you have agreed to work under. This is the moment when the timelines that you set in the contract begin (unless otherwise stated that they begin based on other terms). So your Realtor is congratulating you on the fact that all parties have reached an agreement and will be moving forward.

“Why should I care?”
Basically, if you are the Purchaser, anyone else can negotiate and reach terms with the Seller up to the JS Realty calendar close uppoint of being ratified, so getting your contract ratified means they are committing to your terms and no one else’s. Also, as the Purchaser, you will want to know when the home inspection deadlines, appraisal deadlines, financing contingencies and other contingencies actually start. You will want to ensure that you meet the terms of your agreement and stay within the timelines to protect certain rights of yours within the contract.

JS Realty Champagne Glasses CelebrationSo, the next time your Realtor congratulates you on officially being “ratified”, you will know that this is in fact a great moment and worth a little celebration!

 

If you are looking to buy or sell a home and would love to hear us congratulate you on being ratified, contact us today – we would love to celebrate being ratified with you!

JS Realty Free home analysis

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

THE EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT – WHAT IS IT?

Realtors say the oddest things and just assume you understand! I personally JS Realty Terms Word Cloudremember sitting in my Real Estate class, thinking “I am learning a whole new language!” It was a bit overwhelming, even though I had the desire to understand each and every word, along with its definition. Not everyone understands Real Estate terms, especially if this is your first time working with a Realtor. Over the next couple of months, the JS Realty Team will work towards enlightening you and helping you learn our “Real Estate Language.”

What is an Earnest Money Deposit (or “EMD”)? And why do I need to pay one?
JS Realty Deposit slipAn Earnest Money Deposit is an important part of the home buying process. It is an amount of money that you will deposit (in escrow) that tells the Seller you are committed to the purchase of the home. It’s important to know that this earnest money deposit is not an extra cost of buying a home. It will be credited towards the down payment at closing, and in case it exceeds your mortgage down payment, and settlement cost, you will receive the balance at closing.

How much should I offer?
This can differ depending on the real estate markets and can also depend on JS Realty Calculating Money Financewhether or not there are multiple offers on the property. If you feel that you are not in competition, you can expect to pay around 1-2% of the sales price in most markets. For example: a $300,000.00 sales price x 1% = $3,000.00 EMD. If you are in competition with other offers, you may want to offer more, as this will tell the Seller you are more serious about their home and could help you win the offer. This is where a good Realtor can really help you structure the correct offer with the right amount of EMD.

Where did my money go and how is it being spent?
JS Realty Handing Over Cash For House in Front of Beautiful New Home
In most cases you will write the check to your Realtors, Real Estate Brokerage Company or the company that will be assisting you in the settlement (Title Company). Never write the check to the Seller or the Realtor directly. The money is usually due very shortly after the contract is fully accepted by all parties (ratified) and will be placed in an escrow account. Shortly before you go to settlement, it will be released so it can be applied towards your settlement cost and down payment on the day you purchase the home. In the event the amount you put down exceeds the amount needed for these cost, you will get a check refunding you the balance. As you can see, this is your money, and it is treated as such. It is only applied to your cost.

What if I do not buy the house? How do I get my money back?
Every market can be different when it comes to answering this question. Make sure you read and understand the contract and that it states what happens to the EMD if you no longer qualify to by your dream home, or you discover during the home inspection process that there is something that does not meet your expectations and you decide you do not want to buy the home. If you are within your rights to cancel the contract, the Seller will agree to release the funds back to you in full. However, there are many different ways this can be handled and some are not favorable, so, understand the contract you are signing and discuss any concerns you may have with your Realtor. If you are not comfortable with the language that is written in the contract be sure to consult an attorney before signing to ensure your rights are protected too.

THE BOTTOM LINE
An EMD (earnest money deposit) is your way of telling the Seller “I love your JS Realty People shaking hands in a real estate transactionhome and really want to buy it.” In most cases the money remains yours and is applied to your cost in regards to the purchase. It can also be a great way to leverage your offer in the event you find yourself in competition with another Buyer. A great Realtor can guide you in the offer process and help you structure a deal that is more than just about a sales price.

Want to know more about earnest money deposits or have further questions? Contact us today, we are more than happy to help answer your questions!

JS Realty Free home analysis

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia. 

BRAMBLETON: BEST HOME DEALS

Don’t just buy a home, buy a community. Dine and shop at the Town Center, play at one of the parks, run a local 10K, attend fun family events, and shop at our very own Farmer’s Market. You’ll be connected to your neighbors and your community. Because in Brambleton, it’s all in your backyard.

We’ve scoured the current real estate listings and have compiled the Top 5 Deals in Brambleton! These homes are a must see…

JS Realty Brambleton Kitchen Highgate Terrace42635 Highgate Terrace
Just Listed TODAY!

 

 

 

JS Realty Brambleton Ferncrest Terrace Exterior22682 Ferncrest Terrace
Lots of square footage for only $315K. Check out that master suite!

 

 

 

 

JS Realty Brambleton Evening Primrose Drive Exterior23352 Evening Primrose Square
Amazing floor plan and great square footage for the price!

 

 

JS Realty Brambleton Kitchen Conquest Circle42898 Conquest Circle 
This home has over 3,700 SqFt of living space and an amazing patio!

 

 

JS Realty Brambleton Gentle Falls Drive Interior

42184 Gentle Falls Drive
The Portsmouth – our favorite Model of the week.
It’ll be your favorite too!

 

 

Are you thinking about buying a home in Brambleton? Contact us now – so we can help you find your dream home!

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

MEET OUR PREFERRED LENDER

The JS Realty Team is excited to introduce you to our preferred mortgage lender, Keith Harris!

JS Realty KHarris Lender
Keith Harris,               NMLS #838973

Keith is a Licensed Realtor and Associate Broker who has been in the real estate industry since 2003 and the mortgage industry since 2011.  Since then, Keith has closed over $250 million in real estate and mortgage transactions.  His previous experience as a Realtor is valuable to both real estate agents as well as the borrowers, and he views both as his clients. You can be sure that Keith is always looking to provide the best solution for the borrower. He is available to meet with clients when it’s most convenient for them – so if the typical work week makes it difficult to get together, Keith is available on weekday evenings and most weekends. Keith’s professionalism, integrity, and stellar work ethic goes above and beyond to ensure his clients get the best possible outcome.

For 10 years, Keith has coached youth sports and he takes a similar approach in coaching his clients to get to a “winning” solution!

JS Realty Intercoastal MortgageKeith Harris is a Lender at Intercoastal Mortgage Company. They are committed to spending the necessary time to understand your needs and tailor a loan best suited for you.

As a Full Service Residential Mortgage Lender, there’s no need for a “middle man”.  These are only a few reasons why Keith is our preferred Lender:

  • Direct Local Lender – not a broker
  • Extremely competitive rates
  • In-house Processing, Underwriting, and Closing
  • Uses only local Appraisers who know our market
  • Takes care of completing your loan application &  paperwork
  • Specialize in complex scenarios and First Time Homebuyers
  • Free, 1-time float down, once rate is locked (scenario specific)
  • Offers the following:
    • FHA, VA, Conventional FNMA & FHLMC, Jumbo and Super Jumbo, USDA, Construction Loans, Bridge Loans, No Money Down loans
  • Licensed in Virginia, Maryland and District of Columbia

JS Realty Equal Housing LenderTo apply online, click here to fill out the loan application. There is no cost or obligation associated with obtaining a preapproval from Intercoastal Mortgage Company.

JS Realty Free home analysisThe JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.