MARKET ANALYSIS – BRAMBLETON

It is always a great idea to check in and understand how our real estate market is doing. So today we are taking a look at our local market – specifically 20148. This includes all of the Brambleton market and some other great surrounding neighborhoods.

For the full report, click here: Market Statistics-20148-Q12015

real estate market graph increaseIn the first quarter of 2015, things are looking pretty positive all the way around. Our most impressive number is the sold volume dollars, which is up by + 34.7%. The number of units sold is up by +34.26%. This tells us quickly that there was a larger selection of homes for Buyers to choose from, and they did in fact choose to buy – which pushed these percentages up. Interestingly enough, this did push days on the market up just a bit, as it rose 13.79%.  Days on the market increasing gives a slight lean towards a Buyers’ market, which is reflected somewhat in the average sold price per unit, which is down slightly -0.80%.

JS Realty variable mortgage ratesThe key fact here is the the market is moving! Sellers are listing and Buyers are buying. Interest rates remain at a historically low rate, keeping our market healthy. The “buzz” in the lending world is that we should expect to see interest rates rise slightly, potentially headed towards 5% within the next 12 months. Keep this in mind while planning your next move, whether it is buying or selling, as both markets will feel the effects of higher interest rates.

Brambleton is located in the 20148 market and it remains a hot neighborhood not only locally but as a nationally recognized, award winning community!

Fun Facts about the Brambleton market:
JS Realty Female Women Cafe Lunch-Average adult age is 42
-Average household income is $139,971
-There are +2.32% more females (in the local population)

The JS Realty Team are your local Brambleton experts! We offer 4.5% Full Service Listing fees and cash back to our Buyers!  If you are looking to Buy or Sell, contact us today for a free analysis of what we can do for you.

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

WHAT IS A SHORT SALE

JS Realty empty pocket shortWhat does “Short Sale” really mean?

In Real Estate terms it means that the Borrower owes the Lender more money for a property than they are able to get by selling it to the open market. Hence the term, “short sale”.

Let’s break it down. Say you owe $300,000.00 for your property, but the market says the property is only worth $250,000.00. This means you would be “short” the $50,000.00 that you owe.

If you need to sell your property, there are two options available to you:

Option 1 – Pay the Lender. If you happen to have the amount you are short and are willing to do so, you can just pay the bank what you owe.

JS Realty short sale debt eraseOption 2 – Sell Short. This option requires you to ask the Lender if they would be willing to allow you to sell your property as a short sale and forgive you the amount you owe, plus closing cost.

We have helped our clients both Sell and Buy Short Sales. If you need help buying or selling, contact us today and we can get started!

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

FEATURED LISTING IN HERNDON, VA

JS Realty Living Room HerndonWe’ve got a great new listing in Herndon, VA!

2484 Curie Court
Herndon, VA 20171

Check out our video below for details on this charming, 4-level townhome, with tons of natural light.

The Reston/Herndon communities boast great amenities, which include basketball courts, bike trails, jogging/walking paths, tots lots and playgrounds.

Curie Court is only 5 miles from the new Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station! You can also walk to shopping & dining at Village Center at Dulles. This home is a perfect location for commuters – a short drive to Rt. 28, Rt. 50, the Dulles Greenway & Dulles Airport.

Interested in seeing the home in person? Contact Sarah King Taylor at 703-475-1003 or click here to view more information on this listing!

JS Realty Free Analysis Contact UsThe JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

BEST BBQ IN LOUDOUN COUNTY

JS Realty BBQ Brown Grunge StampSummer is just a few weeks away and one thing we love during the summer is delicious BBQ! We asked roughly 150 Loudoun County residents to help us narrow down the BEST BBQ in our area. And after whittling it down to the Top 5, we then, of course, had to taste for ourselves! We grabbed our buddy Brian from Common Food Man to help us, as he’s become quite the Pit Master himself.

In no particular order:

Monk’s BBQ – Purcellville, VA
JS Realty Monks Ribs
This amazing, family owned BBQ joint is worth the drive, no matter where you live! The menu is simple – mouth-watering meats and house made sides. Sauces are also made fresh, from scratch and from local beers, wines, and spirits. They have 16 beers on tap and feature a full bar. Bonus: Bacon on a stick!! Thick, crispy, ham-like bacon… on a stick. Yum.

ResQ BBQ Grille – Leesburg, VA
JS Realty ResQ BBQ Grille
ResQ BBQ just opened their first location! They’ve taken over the concession stand at Evergreen Sportsplex and the unique outdoor location makes it feel like you’re at a backyard BBQ. Their menu features an assortment of sandwiches, snacks, and a flavorful, juicy brisket.
Bonus:
 Don’t skip the Jumbo Chicken Wings (seriously jumbo!) and their IPA BBQ Sauce. They also offer catering!

Urban Bar-B-Que Company – Ashburn, VA
JS Realty Urban BBQ
Tender and tasty BBQ for sure. They have a good selection of meats, salads, sandwiches, chili, and “house made” side items. Do yourself a favor and order the BBQ-Ranch Beans. Those alone are worth the trip! Bonus: 1/2 Price Ribs on Tuesdays from 4-9PM, craft beers and Lost Rhino Root Beer on-tap!

Carolina Brothers Pit Barbeque – Ashburn, VA
JS Realty Carolina Bros LocationA true BBQ “Joint”! This true North Carolina BBQ meat is hickory smoked, and the pork, beef and chicken are hand-shredded. Ribs fall off the bone and there are a great selection of sauces. The menu is simple and straightforward. All the sides are “house made” and very tasty. Bonus: Amazing corn bread and fresh baked pie!

TaQue Mexican BBQ – Ashburn, VA
JS Realty TaQueAn interesting twist on the traditional. This new, locally owned and operated spot is where taco meets BBQ. The Pit Master smokes all the meat for about 12 hours, then hand pulls it. Besides being able to build your own taco, the menu features a yummy chili (a family recipe!), salad options, and kids meals. Bonus: There’s a bar! And all meats, sauces, and most ingredients are gluten free!

There happen to be quite a few homes within walking distance of all of these fabulous BBQ eateries. If you’re thinking of buying a home,
contact us today. A new home and great BBQ – you can’t go wrong!

JS Realty Free home analysisThe 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!

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

NOT YOUR AVERAGE DONUT SHOP

Duck Donuts Herndon Entrance JS RealtyDUCK DONUTS. When they showed up in Herndon, Virginia at the beginning of May, our Facebook pages lit up like Christmas with images and #hashtags about donuts covered in bacon, of all things. If you’ve never been to the Outer Banks in North Carolina, then you are probably wondering what in the world a “Duck Donut” is and why people are going so crazy. It’s just a donut, right?

WRONG.

Duck Donuts JS Realty
Donut Maker

We set out to discover what was so “absolutely wonderful”, as one reviewer stated. The first thing we noticed when we walked in the door (besides there being quite a few people having a donut for lunch!) – there wasn’t a donut in sight. The shop was quite spacious, with some tables, chairs, and a few beach-type benches. It was clean, and it smelled pretty yummy. But where were the donuts?

Duck Donut JS Realty Bacon
Maple Glaze & Bacon

We walked up to a tiled wall about chest-high, that was topped with glass. After peering through the glass, we found the donuts! They weren’t sitting in racks, or in boxes, they were being freshly made to order! Yes, you read that correctly. They have a very cool donut making machine – 2 of them, actually – that cranks out fresh donuts pretty quickly! Those fresh, plain donuts are loaded into large trays and taken to the “topping” station, where the donut is then coated with your choice of glaze and additional toppings.

Duck Donuts JS Realty Assorted
Chocolate & coconut, Vanilla & sprinkles, Maple & bacon.

By our count, there are currently 51 ways to eat a Duck Donut, and each day there is an additional “Donut of the Day”. We happened to be there on “French Toast” day, and that donut did not disappoint! And those maple and bacon topped little wonders? Let’s just say it’s a miracle they made the 15-minute trip home!

Pictures and words do not do these donuts justice. Treat yourself to a few of these seriously yummy donuts, located in the BB&T Center in Herndon off of Elden Street.  Just be ready to wait in line as their popularity increases! As another Duck Donut first-timer mentioned to us in the shop while we were there, “The line has sometimes been out the door. And they are going to be busy this weekend with the Herndon Festival.”  Great idea – check out the festival, and grab a fresh donut! They are sold single, or by 1/2 Dozen, Dozen, and Bucket (18).

Wouldn’t it be great to live within walking distance of this yummy little donut shop? If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Northern Virginia, contact us today!

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

CONTINGENCY – WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

JS Realty puzzled confused woman problemreport desk frownYou make an offer on your dream home and within your offer there are several areas that you fill in that reference the word “contingency” – what does this mean, and why is it important?

 

CONTINGENCY
kənˈtinjənsē/
noun

A  future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.

The contingencies you will encounter most in Real Estate are the home inspection contingency, financial contingency, and the appraisal contingency.

The most common contingency is the home inspection contingency. This contingency basically states that if, at any time during the home inspection process you and the seller are not able to reach agreeable terms, Security JS Realtyyou are allowed to void the contract and receive your earnest money deposit back without penalty. Essentially, these contingencies are there to protect YOU – the consumer – in the unforeseen event that something is not going well with the purchase of the home.

What if you make an offer but the seller finds that your financing contingency is just too long? Why do they care?

JS Realty Time Woman Upset Clock PromptFrom the Seller’s prospective all of the contingencies are a risk, and if you make the contingencies too long or to aggressive, you risk turning the Seller off in regards to your offer. Most Sellers are looking for short timelines and to secure the strongest offer they can get. So the bottom line is, keep your contingencies to a reasonable and attainable limit, protect yourself, but also help instill confidence and security within your offer to the Seller.

Happy Couple Keys Home JS RealtyBUYER TIP: If you are bidding on a home with multiple offers, sometimes it can help to shorten contingency periods – or waive them altogether. You may not necessarily have to pay more money, and you may win by just being more flexible!

If you are looking to buy or sell a home, or need help navigating or negotiating a contingency, contact us today – we would love to help!

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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!

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

BRAMBLETON: BEST BUYS THIS WEEK

Welcome to Brambleton! It’s no secret that we LOVE Brambleton. We live here, work here, play here… and we want you to do the same! Tucked away in Ashburn, VA for over 13 years, the Brambleton Community features beautiful new homes that have been perfectly designed for your family. Enjoy shopping, dining, entertainment, and a calendar full of fun events – right in your backyard!
Take a look at this unique community and discover why Brambleton is one of the best-selling master planned communities in the country. To get you started, we’ve listed below our Top 3 homes for sale this week!

42499 Rockrose Square
1 bedroom, 1 bath – for under 200K!

JS Realty Rockrose Sq Exterior Front Condo for sale

23301 Tradewind Drive
Immaculate condition, backs to trees, and move-in ready!

JS Realty Brambleton Tradewind Dr For sale

42614 Callalily Way
Brand New – on the market today!

JS Realty brambleton Callalily Way Exterior Front

 

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

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

MULTIPLE CONTRACT NEGOTIATION

Great job! You presented your home in great fashion and priced it correctly, so now you have multiple offers on your home. But how do you decide which contract to ratify? Obviously, price is a major factor, but it’s not the only factor you should consider. Financing, contingencies, rent backs, settlement dates and conveyances are other items you need to consider before deciding on which offer to work with.JS Realty working on computer contract

Your Real Estate Agent will guide you through negotiating the best terms and conditions possible. At JS Realty we use a spreadsheet that lists all the important, negotiable components of the offers side-by-side to make it easier to compare offers. Start with your highest offer and work your way through the other elements of the contract. This is the time you have the most leverage in your negotiations, so use it wisely!

Following is a list of the other components of the contract that you should review closely with your Real Estate Agent:

Buyer’s Financing – is the offer a conventional loan or is it a government backed JS Realty Calculating Money Finance contractloan such as an FHA or VA? Conventional loans tend to have less stringent home inspection and appraisal requirements.

Home Inspection Contingency – if an offer has no home inspection or if the home inspection is for informational purposes only, that could save you (the Seller) money on repair costs.

Settlement Date – if you would benefit from a rent-back now is the time to put JS Realty calendar close upthat in place. Sometimes we are able to negotiate a free rent back in multiple offer scenarios, which gives you the freedom to make your move easier and less stressful.

Appraisal Contingency – this can be the hardest contingency to get waived, but in some multiple contract situations we have been successful in getting the appraisal contingency waived.

Contingency Timelines – you will want to shorten the timelines for home JS Realty Checkboxinspections and any other inspections to as short as possible. The job of your Real Estate Agent is to get all of the contingencies in the contract released as soon as possible. Appraisal & financing contingencies are difficult to shorten too much, because you are relying on 3rd parties to do their job, so therefore you have less control.

Down Payment – how much a buyer is putting down for down payment and JS Realty Close up on a pen writing a checkearnest money deposit also plays a part in your decision for which contract to choose. The more money a buyer has invested in the transaction, the more committed they are.

Remember: this is when you hold the most leverage of any time during your transaction, so make it work for you!

Feel free to reach out to the JS Realty Team with any questions about multiple contracts or any other Real Estate related questions!

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