CHOOSING YOUR REALTOR

You have made the heart felt decision to buy or sell a home. Life is busy and JS Realty Team Young Family Looking at a Beautiful New Home with a For Sale Real Estate Sign in Front.selling or buying is a hefty task for you to take on. On average, most people only buy or sell real estate a couple of times in their entire lives. Now that you are ready, hiring the right Realtor should be at the top of the list. Yes, most of us have a family member or a friend that “might” be able to help, but let’s be real – unless you know they are fully committed to the job as a full time agent and are the best at what they do, you may want to rethink who you are choosing and why.

Why should you care? You are about to embark on a transaction that involves more than 15 professionals (and their staff) to help get you to the settlement table. Coordinating and managing these professionals is a job in and of itself. A JS Realty Discussing business activity JS Realtygreat Realtor can not only bring professional insight on the home selling or buying process, but they will also coordinate and manage all the professionals during the process. You deserve a high level of service and below are some key questions you should consider asking a Realtor prior to engaging their services.

1. How long have you been in the business and how many transactions have you been involved with? You will know more about their experience by how many transactions they have been involved with. The number of transactions a Realtor has completed = knowledge of the market place and ability to create successful sales. For example: A 15 year agent has participated in 25 transactions during their career, but a 5 year agent has participated in 75 transaction during their career. It’s the transactions that create the experience, not necessarily the years of service.

2. Are you a full time Agent? The level of service and communication you receive is key. Hiring a Realtor that is committed to the job as a full time venture, should be at the top of your list. Most of the professionals involved in the transaction work M-F, 9am to 5pm. Your Realtor will need to be able to communicate and coordinate with these professionals to provide you the highest level of service and simplify what is needed from you. If an agent is only able to help you on their lunch break or after they are done with their other job, things can easily get out of control or fall through the cracks. You deserve the commitment and attention a full time Realtor can provide.

3. How will you communicate with me? Cell phones, email, video, text and social JS Realty Man Phone Call Computer Writingmedia have really changed how Real Estate is done.  While they all provide a level of efficiency to the process, the pace at which things get done has increased tremendously. Your Realtor should be able to accommodate your style of communication. If you are someone who likes to email, then a phone call or text may not be the best way to communicate with you. If you can’t answer the phone during the day due to work, then you really need someone that is willing to email or text you instead of calling. If you are out of the area and can’t see a house, a video tour of the home can help a lot too! Realtors have all sorts of services available to them, including electronic signature services. This not only saves you paper and ink, but time – there’s no need to print, sign, scan and email anymore. Understanding what tools and resources your Realtor has available to them can save you a lot time. Be sure to ask and make sure you are working with someone who can accommodate your preferred level of communication.

4. What will it cost me to sell or buy this property? Understanding your cost up JS Realty Check writingfront counts. Buyers usually don’t pay commission directly, but sellers often do and the costs can vary from agent to agent. If you are selling a home, it will be important to understand and know what you are getting for the fee. An agent may charge less than another, but that does not mean they all provide the same services and resources. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Also ask for a breakdown of estimated closing costs, as they are different from state to state, and can also differ depending on if you are buying or selling. Understanding this upfront, can save you from “unforeseen surprises” later in the transaction.

5. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and JS Realty House contractthe seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction (with proper disclosures), it’s important to understand where your Realtors obligations lie. Have your Realtor explain their agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party. At the end of the day, we all want the highest level of service and someone to represent our best interest. Make sure your expectations can be met.

Buying and selling a home is an exciting time. It can be fun, too, however JS Realty Couple Celebrating Moving Into New Home With Champagnesurrounding yourself with professionals that will meet your needs will be key. A Realtor providing a high level of service will have surrounded themselves with other professionals in the field alike, whom they will be referring along the way. You may only buy or sell a home 2-3 times in your life – why not ask for the best?

Choosing the Realtor that is the best fit for you can make all the difference! At JS Realty, we are committed to being leaders in our industry to ensure all of our real estate clients have a positive experience. If you want experience and integrity in your real estate partner, we are the experts you’re looking for. Contact us today – we would be happy to speak with you!

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

AVOIDING EMOTIONAL MISTAKES WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

Selling your home can be a very stressful and emotional process. At JS Realty we strive to make the selling of your home as stress free as possible by handling all aspects of the sale and keeping you informed. Communication with our sellers is vital to keeping anxieties to a minimum. Navigating the many duties and obstacles in Real Estate takes an agent that pays attention to every detail of the transaction.  That is where we come in!

When you decide to sell your home, you need to change your mindset. It is very important to realize that while your home was a place where you lived and raised your family, it is now a product. This can be difficult for some, as we JS Realty Meeting Realtor Contractsbecome attached to our homes and have experienced many milestones, events and memories. By detaching yourself emotionally from the home, you will be better equipped to make smart financial decisions.

Decisions, like price, conveyance items, and showing instructions need to be addressed as business decisions with as little emotion as possible. Potential buyers are looking for not only the perfect home for them, but the best value as well.

Conveyance items (ones that can/will be sold with the home) need to be worked JS Realty Large Kitchenout before the home goes on the market. When a buyer decides to make an offer on your home you never know what combination of factors led them to their decision. If, for instance, a chandelier is mounted in the dining room and it does not convey, this needs to be made very clear to all potential buyers. If items such as shelves or bookcases that are attached to your home (also called fixtures), do not convey with the sale and are not clearly disclosed, this can make the closing process very stressful.

JS Realty Open House Showing Senior Home BuyersAnother important aspect of selling your home is to make it available for showings as much as possible. Limiting showing times can increase your days on the market due to buyers not being able to see the home on their schedule.

Selling your home is never an easy process, but using an experienced agent like the JS Realty Team will help make the selling process as smooth as possible. We have the experience and knowledge to head off pitfalls of the selling process before they happen.

Whether you’re selling your home soon or in the future, contact us for a free JS Realty Free home analysishome consultation and home analysis. We will make sure you know what to expect when selling your home and help to make the sale as stress free as possible!

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

9 Fun Ways to Have a Date in Brambleton

Looking to take your sweetheart on a date? No need to travel too far, there is plenty to do here in our own Brambleton community!

1 – The Tried & True Dinner and a Movie
JS Realty Blue Ridge GrillStart your night at the Blue Ridge Grill and dine al fresco on some fresh made crab cakes or a delicious steak. Then, stroll right over to our very own Regal Fox Stadium to see the latest movie of your choice – fantastic stadium seating and movies in IMAX!

2 – The New Dinner and a Movie – at the same time!
Regal Fox Stadium
now offers a full menu with burgers and fries, spicy chicken sandwiches, and more!

3 – Practice Your Serve!JS Realty Tennis couple flirting at the court and smiling
Play a little tennis at our very own tennis courts, located in Legacy Park. Afterwards, walk over to the Town Center and cool off with a sweet treat from Sweet Frog or Cold Stone Creamery.

4 – FORE!
JS Realty Brambleton Golf CourseGrab a couple of freshly made sandwiches and cool drinks from Scotto’s and head on over to the Brambleton Golf Course for a fun round of golf.


5 – Picnic in the Park
Order up a fresh wood grilled pizza and salad from Papa Tony’s, grab a blanket, and pick any one of Brambleton’s many relaxing park areas.

6 – Get Your Groove On
JS Realty Concert BrambletonBrambleton has a Sizzlin’ Summer concert series on select Thursday’s in June, July & August! Bring some blankets, chairs and a cooler to dance the night away under the stars.

 

7 – Sunday FundayJS Realty Farmers Market Produce
Peet’s Coffee & Tea serves up your favorite brewed beverage! Grab your favorite beverage and walk over to Brambleton’s very own Farmer’s Market (Sundays, May – November) for fresh treats, local produce and even a wine tasting.

8 – Feeling Exotic?
JS Realty My Thai PlaceTry a refreshingly unique cocktail at My Thai Place and a delicious dinner, sure to satisfy your taste buds.

 

 

9 – Check out the Local Brews
JS Realty Lost Rhino Retreat 2015 orangeComing soon to Brambleton! Lost Rhino Retreat will be the perfect place to grab a seat on the patio, sample locally brewed beer and enjoy a menu of vibrant, exciting food.

 

Brambleton offers so many unique and entertaining options for a perfect date – and it’s all right here in your backyard!

Contact us today so we can help you call Brambleton home!

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

MARKET REPORT FOR ASHBURN, VA

From the number of active homes on the market to the number of homes sold so far this year, the JS Realty Team will keep you updated on the Ashburn Real Estate market.

As of April 5, 2015 there are currently 473 homes on the market in Ashburn Virginia. Ranging from a 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo listed for $182,900 to a gorgeous home sitting on over 11 acres that boasts over 8,000 finished square feet of living space for $2,499,990. The median list price is $515,000 – which is slightly above the median list price for Loudoun County ($500,000).

JS Realty Ashburn sales price and volume chartThis chart shows the median sales price vs. sales volume. Home prices typically follow sales volume with, of course, a little lag time. (Click image to enlarge)

 

So far in 2015, Ashburn Virginia has real estate market graph increaseseen a pretty steady pace of sales with 280 homes sold. Inventory typically increases this time of year and we are looking forward to a busy spring market. All the signs are there – low interest rates, slowly rising home prices, as well as buyers and sellers looking to make a move.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home this year Scott Koval and Sarah King Taylor of the JS Realty Team would be glad to meet with you to discuss your options. In our initial consultation, we focus on finding out exactly what our clients are looking to accomplish and then we will map out a plan of action to help them achieve their goals.

Contact us today – we are here to help you!

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

THE LOAN PROCESS

Unclear about the Loan Process and all that it entails? Listed below are the Loan Process steps to help you understand what will take place.  If you’d like to download a PDF version to save, please click here: The Loan Process

JS Realty PreApproval BlockA pre-approval is a commitment by a lender to make a mortgage loan to a specified borrower, prior to the identification of a specific property. The pre-approval process starts with an interview and completion of a loan application, and ends with the lender issuing a pre-approval letter demonstrating that the applicant is a suitable buyer. The lender will typically require at minimum 2 years of W2 statements, 2 years of federal tax returns, 2 month’s of asset account statements, and a satisfactory credit report.

JS Realty Rate Lock BlockAt this step the lender issues a written agreement guaranteeing the borrower a specified interest rate, provided the loan closes within a set period of time. To lock a rate the applicant must have a ratified contract and an established settlement date.

JS Realty Disclosure BlockThis is when the lender offers the official Good Faith Estimate, Truth in Lending Form and loan disclosures. These documents need to be presented to the applicant within 3 days of lock and will need to be signed and returned to the lender. It is also common for the lender to request additional supporting documentation at this point.

JS Realty Appraisal BlockAn appraisal is a written analysis of the estimated value of a property prepared by a qualified appraiser. This process is performed to make sure that the property is of fair market value and supports the agreed upon purchase price.

JS Realty Processing and Underwriting BlockDuring the processing step the Loan Officer and his/her staff will gather and analyze all of the information to ensure that the applicant’s loan will meet the specific program guidelines. The Underwriter will then complete the final review of documents to verify that all appropriate disclosures and documentation is completed to support the issuance of final loan approval. It is common for the Underwriter to request additional explanations or documentation during this process.

JS Realty Closing BlockThe closing is a meeting in which the sale of a property is finalized with the buyer signing the mortgage documents and paying closing costs. Also called “settlement.” This is where the applicant receives their keys to their brand new home!

If you or someone you know is interested in purchasing a home or needing to refinance, please contact me!

JS Realty KHarris LenderKeith Harris
Senior Loan Officer
Intercoastal Mortgage Company
Direct: (703) 259-0788
Cell:    (703) 395-6601
NMLS ID # 838973

 

Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates terms and conditions are subject to change.  ICM NMLS# 56323 (www.NMLSconsumerAccess.org)

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

WHAT IS AN APPRAISAL?

An appraisal is a written estimate of a home’s value. The JS Realty Team at Samson Properties educates both our buyers and sellers on this process.

The appraiser is an independent 3rd party who determines the value of the home in the current market by performing a market analysis. The market analysis will compare the subject property to similar properties in the immediate area while also comparing the condition of said properties. JS Realty Real estate comparisonAppraisers generally use 3 standard approaches to determine the market value of a property: The Cost Approach, The Comparison Approach, and The Income Approach. Combining these 3 approaches enables the appraiser to give their professional opinion on the market of the home.

Once a buyer ratifies a contract on the home of their choice, their lender will order the appraisal. The average cost is typically $400-$600. If you, as a homeowner, are looking to order an appraisal, keep in mind there are various types. Ordering the correct type of appraisal is critical. Don’t hesitate to contact us and we will help you understand the difference to make sure you spend your money wisely.

For more information concerning appraisals or if you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling Real Estate, contact Scott Koval or Sarah King Taylor, co-founders of the JS Realty Team. We take pride in our dedication to our clients and have helped over 700 families and counting in Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William counties!

CONTACT US TODAY

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

TRANSPORTATION IN BRAMBLETON

A number of options for transportation can be found in and around Brambleton. From ridesharing to the BRAM Bus, you’re sure to find a solution to fit your needs!

PARK & RIDEJS Realty brambleton park and ride
Brambleton

42790 Creighton Road
(east of Route 659)
Service to DC Schedule

Goose Creek Village
20785 Century Corner Drive
Silver Line Service

RIDESHARING NETWORK
Loudoun County Transit and Commuter Services (part of the Commuter Connections Network) offers a free ridesharing network.  Contact the Office of Transportation Services at 703-771-5665 or send an email to rideshare@loudoun.gov

BRAMBLETON BUS
Brambleton is looking to hire a friendly and experienced bus driver with a VA CDL driver’s License with a Passenger (P) endorsement. This person should be customer service oriented, able to work a flexible schedule with some nights and weekends, and should be able to work independently. Applications and other position related questions can be emailed to Beth.Huck@brambleton.org. Fill out the application here (Requisition #2706).

COMMUTER CONNECTION
JS Realty Metro Reston Station TrainCommuter Connections can provide you with information on all your commute options, so you can make a smart choice about how you travel to work. Commuter Connections also helps employers establish commuting benefits and assistance programs, including telework/telecommute programs, for their employees.

And for individuals who take greener trips and like to be rewarded for it, check out the NuRide website. Sign up (it’s free!) and get rewards when you walk, bike, telecommute and more!

STATE & COUNTY TRANSPORTATION
Construction projects that are being considered or planned in and around the Brambleton area can be found here.

Tired of your commute? Looking for a new community to call home? CONTACT US today for details on the amazing properties we have available in Brambleton!

JS Realty Free Analysis Contact UsThe 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.

CONVENTIONAL VS FHA LOANS

An FHA loan is a mortgage loan that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

So why is an FHA loan a viable option to be considered?

Compared to conventional loans, an FHA loan offers some advantages for borrowers. Some of these advantages are due to recent changes in the rules for FHA loans, along with some changes in guidelines for conventional loans. Here are some things to consider when looking to purchase a primary residence or even if potentially refinancing a current FHA loan:

  • Allowable debt-to-income ratio: this is often higher on FHA loans than conventional loans
  • Waiting periods: If your credit has been impacted in recent years, FHA has the JS Realty Mortgage Loan Approvedfollowing waiting periods that are often much shorter than for conventional loans.

Bankruptcy (Chapter 13) = 1 year
Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) = 2 years
Foreclosure = 3 years [Conventional = 7 years]
Short Sale = 3 years [Conventional = 4 years]

  • Loan Limits: In the DC Metro Area, an FHA loan is limited to $625,500, with a 3.5% down payment. Conventional loans between $417,000 and $625,500 typically require a 10% down payment.

Recently, the FHA reduced the monthly mortgage insurance factors from 1.35% to .85%. This will mean lower monthly payments for purchases and provides current FHA loans to be refinanced with a lower mortgage insurance payment. For example, on a loan amount of $400,000, there is a monthly savings of $161 with the new monthly mortgage insurance payment. In addition, 100% of the down payment can come in the form of a gift from appropriate sources.

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.

JS Realty KHarris LenderKeith Harris
Senior Loan Officer

NMLS Registry # 838973
Office: 703.259.0788
Mobile: 703.395.6601
KeithH@icmtg.com

 

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

BUYERS GUIDE TO PURCHASING A HOME – Part 1 of 2

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 process.

During the initial consultation, it is very important for us to find out as much asYoung married couple at desk in a business meeting JS Realty possible about what our buyer is looking for in a home. Every buyer has different needs and we want to tailor their search to those desires. Discussing the buyers comfort price, ideal location, school systems, and housing concerns (number of bedrooms/baths, garage, yard size, etc.) are just the beginning of what we cover during our initial consultation. After that, we follow a few key steps to getting our buyer into their new home:

1. Prequalifying with a Lender – We do this so our buyer will have a clear picture of what their home will cost. It’s important they know what a down payment, closing costs, and the mortgage payments will be in their desired price range.

2. Activate an Automatic Search – After being approved by the Lender, we will activate an automatic search that will send out all the homes that fit our buyer’s criteria. Anytime a new listing enters the market, our system will immediately email the home to our client. Using this feature allows us to stay on top of all new listings!

3. Listingbook Account – All buyers will receive an account Listingbook JS Realtythrough Listingbook which will allow them to search in real time, on their own, through the same MLS system that Realtors use.

4. Schedule Showings – Getting to preview the homes they have selected is an exciting prospect for the buyer. We will plan out a home tour and schedule showings, getting feedback from the buyer on the positives and negatives of the homes. This helps us refine the search and discover what they feel is most important in a home.

5. Offer Contract – Once the buyers finds the home, we will sit down and write the offer.  As we do this, we will explain the many facets of the contract and the contingencies that we build in to protect the buyer. We will include an approved prequalification letter from the Lender for the specific price of the offer being made, along with an earnest money deposit. This deposit is a check made out to Samson Properties will be deposited into an escrow account after the contract has been ratified. The money will wait there until settlement.

6. Submitting the Offer – Once we submit the contract and all appropriateDiscussing business activity JS Realty paperwork, the negotiating begins. This is where our experience of selling over $200 million in Real Estate transactions enables us to negotiate the best deal possible for our clients. If buyer and seller agree to all terms of the contract, we are ratified!

There’s still a way to go before calling the moving trucks! Read the 2nd half of our Buyer’s Guide, where we will walk you through the inspections, appraisal, and settlement.