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.

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.

Word of the Week: Appraisal

Why having an appraisal done on a home is a valuable tool

JSRealty4U Phone AppraisalBuying a home is a busy, often confusing time. Especially when the Realtors and Lenders start throwing terms around. And while some of the words sound like fancy names for the same thing, that’s not always true. Often, the Home Inspection can get confused with an Appraisal. Yes, someone is coming to your home to look, poke around, and take notes about the what they find. But the Inspector and the Appraiser are two very different individuals, performing two very different tasks.

APPRAISAL
noun

A formalized procedure that involves collecting and analyzing facts necessary to estimate the value of real property.

Property Value Tablet JS RealtyProperty value is based on a number of factors, such as location, amenities, structural condition, and recent sales of similar local properties. The appraisal process is done by an Appraiser. They will perform a walk-through of the property, and note anything that can potentially alter the home’s value. For example, if the home has a swimming pool in the backyard, but swimming pools aren’t popular in the area, it might not add much value to the property. In some cases, it may even detract from it.

The appraiser’s report will contains the appraiser’s opinion of value and the factual basis for that opinion. Appraisal reports range from fairly simple boilerplate reports to lengthy complicated narratives, depending on the type of property being appraised and the client’s needs. The appraiser will give final report to the lender, who is required to show it to the buyer. Make sure to obtain a copy for your own records.appraisal jsrealty4u real estate

The JS Realty Team @ Samson Properties is well versed in all facets of the buying and selling process. If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, please contact us today! We proudly offer a no obligation, free home analysis and consultation.

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.

Beautiful Broadlands Home Listed For Sale

Beautiful Single Family Home in Broadlands area of Ashburn For Sale

Walk to shopping and dining at the Broadlands Village Center from this beautiful 3 level, 4 bedroom single family home! 21304 Hidden Pond Place is less than a mile from the Dulles Greenway and is also close to Routes 7 & 28. broadlands jsrealty4u

The main level boasts beautifully maintained hardwood floors & crown molding throughout. Tons of windows lets natural light fill the large family room, which features a gas fireplace, perfect for those cold wintry nights. A powder room with designer light fixture and pedestal sink can be found on this level as well.

broadlands jsrealty4uEnjoy cooking meals in the spacious and bright gourmet kitchen that was recently upgraded and boasts a huge granite island with a breakfast bar. The kitchen also features tons of cabinet space, farm-style sink, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, a pantry, and access to the deck and large backyard.

broadlands jsrealty4uSeparate Dining Room off the kitchen has a gorgeous chandelier, large window, and french doors that lead to the office. The office has a 2nd set of french doors that lead to the foyer, 2 large windows and built-in bookcase and shelving.broadlands jsrealty4u

Upstairs the spacious Master Bedroom boats vaulted ceilings, a ceiling fan with light, 2 large windows and a walk-in closet. The large Master Bathroom features a huge double vanity sink, walk-in shower, separate tile tub, recessed lighting, designer light fixture and multiple windows. broadlands jsrealty4u

3 additional large bedrooms all have closets and windows to allow for tons of natural light. A full bathroom features single sink vanity, tile shower/tub combo and designer light fixture. A closet in the hallway is perfect for storage. broadlands jsrealty4u

The lower level has a recreation room that features wainscoting, recessed lighting, a closet, and access to the fully fenced backyard. A large den would be perfect for a media room, as it has recessed lighting and a nook for additional storage. A powder room boasts tile flooring, designer light fixtures, and single sink vanity. Full size washers & dryers are located in huge wall to wall closet space that also has a utility sink and an additional refrigerator.

Download the Hidden Pond Place – Broadlands listing brochure for additional information. To schedule a private showing, contact Sarah King Taylor at 703-475-1003. This home is a MUST SEE in person!

Potomac Lakes Home For Sale

Stunning townhome in Potomac Lakes community of Sterling, Va just listed For Sale

Located at 46610 Lynnhaven Square in the Potomac Lakes community in Sterling, VA. The family-friendly neighborhood is just down the street from wonderful schools (elementary, middle, and high) and the beautiful Algonkian Regional Park & Golf Course!

potomac lakes jsrealty4u salePride of ownership shows throughout the spacious home. Hardwood floors are found through most of the main level. The kitchen and breakfast area has a ceramic tile floor and generous granite counter space with a plethora of cabinets. Also featured are a center island with breakfast bar, a pantry, and designer light fixture. Stainless steel appliances and a built-in microwave are included as well. From the breakfast area, french doors lead to a large deck that is great for entertaining.

potomac lakes real estate sale jsreatly4uTons of natural light pours in through the large transom windows in the living room. The dining room has a columned entry, chair railing, crown molding, and a designer light fixture with ceiling medallion. A coat closet and recently upgraded powder room can be found in the foyer.

potomac lakes master bath jsrealty4uUpstairs, double doors lead to a large master bedroom with vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan, and large walk-in closet. The gorgeous light filled master bathroom has a new granite vanity with dual sinks, a 2 person soaking tub, upgraded separate seamless shower with custom tile, recessed lighting and a designer light fixture. In addition, 2 spacious bedrooms feature crown molding and large closets. A second full bath on this level has a new granite vanity with dual sinks and designer light fixture. Plush carpeting can be found throughout all of the bedrooms.

potomac lakes jsrealty4uWalkout level recreation room includes recessed lighting, built-in bookcase, and wood fireplace with marble surround and a wood mantle. There’s an upgraded half bathroom with new granite vanity, a closet, and ceramic tile. French doors lead out to the fully fenced, landscaped backyard that is virtually maintenance free!

Potomac Lakes basement jsrealty4uWe’d love to show you this home in person! Call Scott Koval at 703-625-3446 to schedule a private showing, or leave him a message here.