BRAMBLETON DAIRY BARN TO UNDERGO RENOVATION

Exciting News! The JS Realty Team was among the first Real Estate teams to be shown the newly approved renovation project site in Brambleton! The old Dairy Barn is about to undergo a major renovation/transformation – it will become the new Performing Arts Center!  Just imagine… musicians and concerts, plays, even large events (weddings!) will be right in our backyard. Here’s a sneak peek:

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

A BUYERS GUIDE TO PURCHASING A HOME – Part 2 of 2

If you missed the first part of our Buyers Guide to Purchasing a Home, you can find it here.

One of the most rewarding experiences is finding the perfect home at the right price for our home buyer. The JS Realty Team strives to find that perfect match. From the initial consultation to celebration/settlement day, we guide our buyers through the entire home buying process.

Congratulations – your offer has been accepted! Here are the next steps that need to take place in order to complete the transaction.

1. Home Inspection – the first step after ratification is to schedule the homeJS Realty Home Inspection inspection. At the same time as the home inspection, we will schedule any other inspections we deem necessary. We will meet our buyer and Inspector at the home for the inspection. After a thorough inspection, the Inspector will provide us with a full report of the good features as well as areas of concern about the home. We will review this report with our buyer and decide which items we will ask the seller to fix. If there are major concerns that make the buyer too uneasy about the home then we will void the contract and search for other homes. If the buyer and seller agree to the home inspection terms, then we will move on to the next step. As long as we are comfortable with the inspections, we will proceed.

Note: At this time the buyer has 2 responsibilities: to secure their loan and to obtain homeowners insurance. We handle all facets of the transaction except for these 2 items.

2. Order an Appraisal – the next major step is for the buyer’s Lender to order the appraisal. If the property appraises at or above sales price then we will release the appraisal contingency.

3. HOA Disclosure Packet – also at this time, the buyer will be receiving the HOA Disclosure packet if the home is located in a community that has a HOA. The buyer will have a certain time period, based on method of delivery, to JS Realty Checkboxread the disclosure packet and by Virginia law if they are not content with the rules and finances of the community, the buyer can void the contract.

4. Schedule Settlement Date/Utility Transfer – now that home inspection, appraisal and HOA disclosure contingencies are released we are moving towards settlement/celebration day. We will coordinate a date/time for settlement, and help our buyer schedule the transfer of utilities to their name as of the settlement day.

5. Final Walk-thru – a walk-thru of the home is performed, at the very least the day before settlement. This is where all repairs from the home inspection will be checked to make sure they were made to our satisfaction. We will also run any and all mechanical items to make sure the home is in the same condition as it was on the day we performed the initial home inspection. If there are any discrepancies we will address them with the seller’s agent and have the issues resolved.

6. Settlement/Celebration Day! When settlement/celebration day arrives, we will accompany our buyer to settlement and make sure all the figures on the HUD-1 are correct and help answer any last minute questions our buyer might have.

The JS Realty Team really cherishes this moment for our buyers. From the initial consultation until we reach settlement day, we will work hard to overcome the many obstacles of buying a home to ensure a smooth transaction for our clients. Our satisfaction comes from seeing our happy buyers and in knowing that we have created a relationship that will last a lifetime. The JS Realty Team is not interested in a single transaction, but in forming a relationship with our clients so they know we will be there to help them with their Real Estate needs now and in the future.

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

BEST HOME DEALS IN BRAMBLETON THIS WEEK

Brambleton is full of amazing homes – check out this week’s Best Deals!

JS Realty Redeemer Terrace Kitchen
42677 Redeemer Terrace

Brambleton’s Lowest Priced Townhome this week!

 

JS Realty Angelique Drive Home
22819 Angelique Dr.

Over 6,000 Sq. feet of home for only $674,900!

 

 

JS Realty Bronstein Lane Home

23102 Bronstein Lane

Brambleton’s Lowest Priced Single Family home.

 

JS Realty Mayflower Terrace Condo

42542 Mayflower Terrace

Brambleton’s Lowest Priced 1BD 1BA Condo.

 

 

JS Realty Settlers Trail
22667 Settlers Trail

Brambleton’s Largest Townhouse style Condo at the lowest price.

 

 

Are you thinking about buying a home in Brambleton? Contact us now – we’re the Brambleton Experts!

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

BRAMBLETON PARKS & ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

There’s no doubt Loudoun County has tons of kid-friendly places. But did you know how many fun parks, ponds, stores and events were right in our Brambleton backyard?!

RESIDENT EXCLUSIVE EVENTS

3rd Annual Brambleton Bunny Trail
JSRealty Brambleton Easter Eggs
Saturday, April 11th – 10AM – 2PM
This free event is great for kids 6 and under. Stroll along a portion of the Brambleton Trail System and visit vendors along the way where you will participate in a craft or activity. At the end of the trail you will be able to hunt for eggs at the Little Smiles Egg Hunt and visit the petting zoo. This event is for Brambleton residents only and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Please register each child that will participate, not the family. All ages are welcome to walk the trail but the egg hunt is for registered kids aged 6 and under.

Family Comedy Night
Saturday, April 25th – Shows at 6:30PM & 8PM
JS Realty Brambleton Comedy NightWe are excited to bring Taylor Mason to the community! Taylor Mason’s quick wit, flawless comedy delivery, unparalleled ventriloquism skills and brilliant material make him a hit with audiences of all ages. He is a ventriloquist, musician and stand-up comedian and also won Star Search in 1990, beating out some of the best known comics in the country. Show is rated PG; $15 per person. There will be two 30-45 minute shows: 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM at the Brambleton Corner Clubhouse. Tickets are limited, so purchase before they sell out. Please email events@brambleton.org with any questions.

SHOP/DINE AT BRAMBLETON TOWN CENTER

Go Bananas JS Realty Brambelton Go Bananas Birthday Vault
Not your average toy store! Their Exclusive In-Store Birthday Vault was designed just for kids. It is a hands-on gift registry where they “put on hold” those special toys your child dreams of. But you will love it because it will eliminate duplicate gifts and the items are those you have already given your approval.  Check out all the fun details here!

FROOTS
Eat, Drink and Be Healthy! Whether it’s meal time or snack time, Froots has something for everyone to enjoy, including a breakfast menu that is served all day! Check out their website for more details.

BRAMBLETON COMMUNITY PARKS
JS Realty Brambleton PlaygroundA wide array of parks located throughout Brambleton are available to serve the leisure and recreational needs of all Brambleton owners, residents, and their guests. Each park is open between dawn and dusk. Residents accessing parks need to be considerate of adjacent neighbors by using designated trails only. Please do not cut through residential lots.

Belmont Trace Park is located on either side of Connie Marie Terrace, just off Belmont Ridge Road and south Creighton Road, this park boasts a Gazebo, Open Play Field, Outdoor Basketball Court, Outdoor Volleyball Court, and Playground.

Brandt Park consists of playground, swings, and access to Brambleton’s trail system. The park is located on Amber Grove Drive near the intersection of Tradewind and Amber Grove, just west of Northstar Blvd..

JS Realty Brambleton Callalily ParkCallalily Park consists of playground, swings, open playfield, and access to Brambleton’s trail system. The park is located on Minerva Drive at the intersection of Callalily Way, just west of Creighton Corners Elementary.

Dragonfly Park is a small park on Legacy Park Drive between the Community Center and Legacy Elementary and provides passive enjoyment and a beautiful view of Brambleton’s 2nd largest pond. Residents can also access the pond for shoreline fishing from this location. Remember, Brambleton’s pond should only be fished on a “catch & release” basis.

Explorer Park is a small pocket park with a large hill that is used in the winter for sledding. The park also has an open playfield that can be used for neighborhood pickup games by the children. Located on Minerva Drive at the intersection of Explorer Drive.

Legacy Park is central to the community and all it’s activities. An 11-acre park located along Legacy Park Drive between Belmont Ridge Road and Olympia Drive, this park features 2 playgrounds, Basketball Court, Climbing Structures, Lighted Tennis Courts, Open Playfield, Natural Pond, Swings, and Waterfalls! The park is bordered by Belmont Ridge Road, Olympia Drive, Greenside Drive, and Legacy Park Drive. This park is open between dawn and dusk to all Brambleton owners, for residents, and their guests; with exception of the tennis courts. The lights on the tennis courts operate from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Keep your assessments down; please be sure to turn off the lights when exiting the courts!JS Realty Brambleton Morning Walk Park

Morning Walk Park features a playground with swings, trails and open playfields. The park is located on Morning Walk Drive at the intersection of Winter Haven Drive.

JS Realty Brambleton Woolsey ParkWoolsey Park consists of a playground, swings, and open playfield. The park is located on Woolsey Drive just south of Frontier Drive.

Tradewind Park this playground also has a rock climber. The park is located on Tradewind Drive near the intersection of Dove Wing.

Trent Grove Park consists of playground, swings, and open playfield. The park is located on Grahams Stable Square at the intersection of Boca Field Terrace.

JS Realty Brambleton Overlook East ParkOverlook East Park consists of a climbing structure and provides a great view for Briar Woods football or soccer games. The park is located adjacent to the water towers on Highcroft Terrace.

 

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

UPCOMING EVENTS IN BRAMBLETON & LOUDOUN COUNTY

Here’s a snapshot of some fun events coming up in Brambleton & Loudoun County!

::BRAMBLETON::

Saturday, March 14th
Brambleton’s 3rd Annual Comedy Night featuring Brian Parise

Tickets: $25 per person – includes show, dessert bar, and late night DJ.
Cash bar will be available.
Tickets & Event Details Here

Sunday, March 22nd, 2:00-6:00PM
Sexy Summer Showcase
We want you to love summer! The Sexy Summer Showcase will feature many local vendors offering the latest in fitness, health, and beauty.  Free bra fittings from Essential Bodywear, tips from Barre-Yo, Fitness Image Results, Tan Organiq, Lulu Lemon/IVIVVA, Beauty Counter Cosmetics and others to get ready for your best summer yet! Free Barre-X trial class will be offered immediately following the fair at 6:30 PM.  Light refreshments will be served. This event is FREE, but please RSVP by emailing Beth Huck at beth.huck@brambleton.org.

April 18,2015
8th Annual Step Sisters’ 5K Ribbon Run/Walk
StepSisters logo2The 8th annual Brambleton Ribbon Run/Walk will bring together an estimated 2,000 runners and walkers from the Brambleton community and beyond, united in an effort to improve the quality of life for those impacted with breast cancer here in Loudoun County. Click here to register or donate.

April 25,2015
Community Shred  – 8:30-11AM
Event held in parking lot behind FOX Cinemas, off Northstar Blvd

April 25,2015
Spring Yard Sale
Community Center Parking Lot + participating homes.  Visit Brambleton’s website for details!

For a complete list of events in Brambleton, click here.

::LOUDOUN COUNTY::

FAMILY DAYS at the Air & Space Museum!
Saturdays – March 14 & 21, April 11 & 25, May 2
Udvar-Hazy Center
14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, Virginia 20151
Admission: Free, Parking $15
EVENT DETAILS HERE

St. Patrick’s Day Concert: LÚNASALunasaLive
Tuesday, March 17th, 8:00PM
Franklin Park Arts Center
36441 Blueridge View Ln
Purcellville, VA 20132
Tickets: $55
Internationally recognized as the finest Irish instrumental band of recent times, Lúnasa has performed around the world, appearing at venues including the White House, the Hollywood Bowl and the Sydney Opera House. Now on tour from Ireland, Lúnasa is coming to Franklin Park to inaugurate a new tradition: A St. Patrick’s Day concert. Join us to hear the passion and virtuosity that has brought Lunasa to the forefront of authentic Celtic music.
Reserved seating. Call Box Office: (540)338-7973

2nd Annual Shakespeare in the ‘Burg Theatre Festival
Friday – Sunday, March 27-29th

Hamlet in the BurgThe 2nd annual Shakespeare in the ‘Burg theatre festival brings the internationally acclaimed American Shakespeare Center (ASC) back to the quaint, historic village of Middleburg.

This year ASC presents: Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing

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

AN OVERVIEW OF LOUDOUN COUNTY’S 2014 HOUSING MARKET & 2015 TO-DATE

As you may recall, we had a long and cold winter in 2014. shovel snow
It has been said that the weather played a role in our local economy. The year started out strong, but quickly shifted into an unusually slow spring market and then to an even slower summer/fall market. However, when we look at the big picture, it wasn’t all bad.

Here’s the big picture: Market Statistics-LoudounCountyVA-2014

Sales were down -7.89% for the year in Loudoun County, but the good news is that the Average SOLD Price was actually up by +3.5%. And even though the number of homes sold were down, the average days on the market also decreased – from 59 day on the market (DOM – 2013) to 44  days (DOM – 2014). Essentially, houses were sold over 2 weeks quicker!

We are looking forward to a strong and steady 2015, and so far all indications real estate market graph increaseare showing that this year is starting out strong! In January of 2015, closed sales showed a modest increase of +1.8% higher than in January 2014. There were 589 new listings that posted this past January, a +5.4% increase over the number listed in the same month in 2014. The $410,000 median sales price this January was 4% lower than the same month last year, though the $550,000 median sales price for detached homes increased 5.7%. The median list price for new pending sales was $420,000, less than 1% below last January’s $423,982 level for new pending sales.  This reflects a recovery from our slower summer/fall of 2014.

As you can see, all in all, things are looking UP for 2015!

Want to understand more about your neighborhood? Contact us today for detailed information about your neighborhood. We are always happy to provide a FREE HOME ANALYSIS!

 

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

10 THINGS TO DO OVER SPRING BREAK IN LOUDOUN & FAIRFAX COUNTIES

1. Hop over to FAIR OAKS MALL and visit the Easter Bunny!
NEW interactive Bunnyville attraction and photo Hopportunity! Attraction opens March 28 through April 19. Times vary. Visit the Events site for details.

2. Easter Egg Hunt at Lake Fairfax Park Chocolate bunnies
Sunday, March 29th – sessions run 11AM – 3PM
Hunt for eggs filled with treats and treasures on the grounds at Lake Fairfax Park. Pre-paid reservations required.
Register here.

3. Play at the Claude Moore Rec Center
46105 Loudoun Park Ln.
Sterling, VA 20164
Admission includes: access to the fitness center, competitive pool, leisure pool, gymnasium, indoor track, and open time on the rock wall.
One Day Resident Fees:
$3.75 ages 3-17
$5.50 ages 18-54
$3.75 ages 55

4. BOUNCE! At Pump It Up
Pump It Up of Loudoun County
73 Lawson Rd SE
Leesburg, VA 20175-4427
MANIC MONDAY JUMP, 12 – 2PM: Not only will each paid participant receive a playtime-with-kidsfree bag of popcorn after their fun filled 120min of jumping, but they will spin the prize wheel to have an opportunity to bounce for FREE or win special prizes. This is completely MANIC right? 10.00 per child. Please check our online schedule for availability.
2 FOR 1 TUESDAY GLOW JUMP, 12 – 2PM: This jump is a 2 for 1 child price, single jumpers are 11.00, so bring a friend or a sibling and let them bounce for FREE, or share the cost of one bounce and you both bounce for 1/2 price.

5. Movie Maddness! FREE Movie Matinees & Family Game Nights!
Visit the website to search for dates and times – see The Lego Movie, play Minute-to-Win-It, and so much more… for FREE!
Participating Libraries:
Ashburn, Cascades, Gum Spring, Purcellville, Rust, Sterling

6. Spring Break Make & Take – Crafting Fun!arts-and-crafts-table
Tuesday, 3/31, 2 – 4PM at Gum Spring Library
Spring-themed craft (all ages)
Wednesday, 4/1, 2PM at Sterling Library
Bring a shoebox and craft a Peeps diorama (all ages)
Click here for more information.

7. FLY A KITE DAY! Thursday, April 2nd
April is National Kite Month! Celebrate Spring at the Middleburg Community Center by flying a kite. Bring your own kite to fly or create a paper kite there! Please call 540-687-6375 to RSVP by Monday 3/30.

8. Spring Break Camps – Loudoun County Parks, Recs, and Community Services
March 30 – April 3, 7:30AM – 6:00PM each day
Camps offered at:
Bluemont Community Center (Bluemont)
Liberty Elementary (South Riding)
Algonkian Elementary (Sterling)
Register Here

9. Shop at Dulles Town Center (Sterling)
Visit the redesigned Food Court, Check out the New National’s Baseball themed “Kidtopia” Play Area, Regal Cinema 10 – now open! Play at Hadley Park – tucked away between Kent & Champion Drive, off Dulles Center Blvd.

10. “Flights of Fancy” — Stories for Childrenudvar hazy
 
Tuesday, March 31, 11AM and 11:30AM
 Admission: Free, Parking $15
Museum staff will read Man on the Moon by Anastasia Suen

                Afterwards, visitors ages two through eight-years-old will take part in a hands-on activity.

Boeing Aviation Hangar
Udvar-Hazy Center
14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, Virginia 20151

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

REVIEWING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE YOUR HOME – Part 1 of 2

Great news – you’ve received an offer to purchase your home! …Now what?

In this 2-part series, we’ll walk you through everything to consider when reviewing an offer to purchase your home for a successful and smooth transaction.

Fully understanding all the points of the contract is imperative to negotiating the best possible result for our seller. The JS Realty Team strives to ensure our sellers have the best possible outcome in the many facets of the Real Estate transaction.

Now that you have an offer on your home, you and your agent need to do your due diligence on researching the offer. Whether you receive 1 offer or 5 – the Hands reviewing real estate property documents.contracts need to be carefully reviewed to ensure you know exactly what the potential buyer is proposing. Only after you have reviewed and researched all offers will you be able to proceed to choose the contract that works best for you.

At JS Realty we like to list all the negotiating points of the contract(s):

  • Sales price
  • Seller subsidy
  • Down Payment
  • Loan type
  • Earnest Money deposit
  • Settlement date
  • Title Company
  • Inspections – Termite, Home, Radon, Well and Septic
  • Home Warranty
  • Contingencies – Appraisal, Financing, HOA or Condo
  • Post settlement occupancy

First we will call the buyer’s lender and confirm that the lender has verified the buyer’s credit scores, income, debt to loan ratio, and money needed for down payment and closing costs. You do not want to ratify a contract and take your home out of “active” status, only to find out the buyer does not qualify for the loan.

Next we ask the following key questions about the offer and where the money is coming from:

  • How much did the buyer offer?
  • Are they asking for closing cost assistance?
  • What type of loan (conventional, FHA, VA or other) program?
  • Does the buyer’s down payment match up to the type of loan?
  • How much money did the buyer commit to an escrow account at the time of writing the offer? Note: We like to see a minimum of 1% of the sales price.

After you’ve answered the finance questions, it’s time to talk settlement dates! Make sure (as the seller) the date the buyer has chosen will work for you. Do you have enough time to schedule your move? Does the timing fit your moving plans? Do you need a rent back?  This is when you negotiate the timing of the transaction. Once you ratify the contract, you lose your leverage to negotiate different terms.

Now we will carefully review the conveyance section of the contract, making sure only the items that are supposed to convey are checked.  For example, if you do not want to convey your new front loading washer/dryer, now is the time to make sure the buyer did not ask for it!

Check back next week for Part 2Inspections, Warranties, Contingencies & Post Settlement Occupancy.

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

BRAMBLETON EVENTS – SPRING 2015

The JS Realty Team here, keeping you up to date on Brambleton’s upcoming events.

 ONLY 18 more days till spring – I know we are excited and ready!!!

Flowers Blooming in Brambleton during Spring Brambleton Upcoming Events for March and April of 2015: Toast Masters 1st Tuesday of every Month
Click here for event specifics

Yard Debris Recycling will resume on March 3rd
Please see the community website

Summer Sexy Showcase
March 8th from 2 – 6PM
Location: Brambleton Corner Clubhouse and Pool
We’re Bringing Sexy back to Brambleton with our Summer Sexy Showcase to help you become your best you for Summer. Several vendors offering the latest in Fitness, Health, and Beauty, such as Tan Organiq, Barre-Yo, Lulu Lemon/IVIVVA, Beauty Counter, Young Living Essential Oils, among others will be there to help give you tips to get ready for your best summer yet! Free Barre-Yo Trial Class will be offered immediately following the fair at 6:30PM. We want you to love summer!

Brambleton’s 3rd Annual Comedy Night
Starring Brian Parise
March 14th, 7:30pm till Midnight
Tickets $25 per person
Ticket price includes show, dessert bar, and late night DJ.
Cash bar will be available.

Big Fitness Little Fitness
Adults will get a fully body strength and conditioning workout, while the kids get a fun and exciting dance conditioning workout!
Check out the details here

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt
April 10th
Location: Legacy Park 8:30-9:30PM

Brambelton Bunny Trail
Callalily Play Area, 10AM – 1PM

Community Shred
April 25, 2015, 8:30-11:30AM
Event held in parking lot behind FOX Cinemas, off Northstar Blvd

Ribbon Run
April 18th
Click here for details

Want to learn more about having fun while living in Brambleton, Virginia? Contact us for a list of the best homes available in Brambleton!

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