Yes, there's evidence 2012 is going to be a healthy Real Estate Year for Parkfairfax. The Washington Post, on Sat., Dec 31, 2011 printed that detached houses in our general area, have increased! That's an evidence of improvement in our area. When you read negatively about Real Estate, it's probably NOT in our area. Employment is good, when compared with the remainder of the country.

When detached houses increase in value, condos in the same area, will NOT be far behind. Big bank lenders continue to be too conservative! We've seen large banks mix appraisals to the point of absurdity. Smaller mortgage institutions have helped the majority of Parkfairfax home owners to buy and re-finance in 2011. Please call The johnANDjohn TEAM for those lenders who know Parkfairfax and our models differences. They think Parkfairfax's location & condition merit loans.

Renovated models (of any dead president) were in highest demand in 2011. Washington Models (2 levels with patio) continued to be buyers' favorite; while 1 bedroom homes on the patio level came in 2nd place. They cost more in today's market; and they sell for more.

Many of you want to move to detached houses; but you owe more than the current value of your Parkfairfax home. A detached house will cost considerably less in early 2012. If you have or can get the cash to make your move now; this should be what you do. If not, we can find a qualified tenant (quickly) that will help pay your mortgage. You can now, move on!

Your condo fee on your Parkairfax property, your taxes, & mortgage are tax deductible (contact a tax professional). Take advantage of these tax savings while you can. There are political types that want to "do away" with this privilege.
Happy New Year. As Realtors with experience, knowledge and great RESULTS in DC and Northern Virginia, please continue to refer The johnANDjohn TEAM to your friends, relatives and co-workers who want to buy or sell. We want health, happiness and prosperity for you in 2012 and beyond.

Your want to be/continue to be a renter? Read this.

Renters Spending 5% More Than Home Owners

Daily Real Estate News | Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Rising rents are forcing renters to outspend home owners on housing costs, according to a new study.

Since 2005, home owners’ housing expenses have climbed from 31.9 percent of their household budget to 33.2 percent. On the other hand, in that same time period, renters’ expenses have jumped from 35.6 percent to 38.4 percent, according to the October CoreLogic U.S. Housing and Mortgage Trends.

In the last 26 years, home owners have increased the amount they spend on household expenses by 12 percent while renters have increased it by 22 percent, according to the study.

Earlier this month, Capital Economics economists noted that for the first time in 30 years the median monthly mortgage payment is about the same -- or less -- than the median rental payment.

Yet, with the bleak job market, home ownership rates continue to fall in many parts of the country, particularly among younger generations. CoreLogic found in its report that the home ownership rate for the 25-to-34 age group dropped from 51.6 percent in 1980 to 42 percent in 2010. For the 35-to-44 age group, home ownership rates fell from 71.2 percent to 62.3 percent over that period.

Source: “Renters Outspend Owners on Housing,” RISMedia (Oct. 25, 2011) and Capital Economics

Summer is over, this weekend!

Wow, summer went quickly. The pools are closed, but the fall colors are coming and so is the apple cider, pumpkins (PIE!), fall vegetables, and the LOWEST INTEREST RATES ever! And the tennis courts can now be enjoyed in this cooler weather.

Prices on Parkfairfax real estate are so buyer friendly; yet we're seeing tenants pay more and more for rentals. It's cheaper to buy and than rent. Check out http://www.parkfairfax.com/ for prices of "for sale" and "for rent" homes. After taxes on the buyers are the winners. However, there will always be tenants who want to pay for our mortgages. We try to help tenants become owners AND some of you are enjoying those benefits. No longer can your landlord move back and push you out; no longer do you have to restrict the colors of your living room AND you can now have the pet you've always wanted.





A stroll over to Shirlington's Signature Theatre or the movie theatre, is a nice hop from anywhere in Parkfairfax, and you never have to cross a busy street.





Renovations are now expected by people moving into Parkfairfax. The qualified buyers today would prefer to live in central air conditioning; have bath(s) from this decade and of course, a renovated kitchen. Occasionally we see buyers who wants to buy to renovate (best way to build equity) while living in the house.





For those of you with the older electric boxes; they're not getting past home inspectors in today's environment. Have them changed out and moved to your living room wall. Find a painting or print to hang over them, if you want!





We live in Parkfairfax by choice and choose to work here because we believe we can help bring the best in Real Estate to you. And we've proved that! This is our 12th year of being The #1 Realtors in Parkfairfax. Thank you!!! Please refer us to your friends, relatives and co-workers who want to buy or sell real estate. We enjoy working in DC and all over N. Virginia. If you're moving to another area, we refer only the BEST Realtors all over the world.

August 20th-Bluegrass on Coryell at Parkfairfax, Sat. Aug 20th 7-9pm. Just one of the wonderful community aspects of living in Parkfairfax in the summer. Come on! Join us! Those of us who love the trees, the forested areas (and our pets), are really enjoying The Park. We're so close to the hustle, bustle of the city; yet we have our on little sanctuary here in Parkfairfax.

I highly encourage any of you who are renters to consider buying NOW in Parkfairfax.......or just call us if you have interest outside The Park. With interest rates at Historic lows; why are you waiting? You'll wonder why you didn't buy during this time and there are some VERY nie properties "on the market" for sale.

We enjoy working in DC all the way out to Reston. Please feel free to ask you neighbors about The johnANDjohn TEAM. We have an excellent reputation here and throughout the Realtor Community. Other Realtors WANT to work with us. We have qualified buyers and sellers who want to sell!

Summer's here and it's hot as a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Weather here is much like Rome, Italy. Just returned from a cruise from Barcelona, to Tunisia, ports near Rome and Florence, then to En Province in France. It's nice to be back in Parkfairfax. It's green, breezy, not too close to the monuments AND the employment is higher in the DC metro area. The johnANDjohn TEAM is aware there are many that are economically challenger, including people very close to us. I'm sure you're aware of those miliary families & support staff who have loved-ones living in danger. We're going to have an entire generation of people who were involved with war AND we need to be ready, financially and mentally to help.

This is one reason why home ownership is so important. Why pay someone's mortgage other than your own. Sure, some of us own properties that are worth less than we paid. This is normal in every generation of home ownership. Guess what, like the weather in Washington, this will change. Hold on to your properties, if possible. You'll be happy you did. How much longer until properties are worth more than they were? 2 more years, 3? What do you think?

For you tenants in Parkfairfax, please call The johnANDjohn TEAM where you're ready to buy; in Parkfairfax or outside. Experience is key in this market. Not that I'm not proud to have tenants in my clients' rental properties; but BUY while the interest rates are so low.

Even with 20+ properties for sale at this time; there are few compared to the 1600+ units in Parkairfax. You have a choice! Take advantage!!!

Springs Eternal

Yes, loans are being processed for Parkfairfax homes for sale/or refinance. Call us 703-820-9723 before you have a problem. We've been able to SETTLE every home that we've sold in Parkfairfax this year. Buyers are choosing those homes that have been renovated most highly. For example , we closed on a Madison in the $360K's! The more renovated your home is, the more quickly and for higher $$$ will it sell in today's marketplace. If the home needs remodeling, do it and enjoy it if you can. We want you to get top dollar for your home and will do what has to be done to get it sold for you. And for those of you who want to buy. We know Parkfairfax, no one knows it better.

The green of Parkfairfax is overwhelming this year. And the blooming trees and shrubs have been at their peak for weeks. The beauty of our home just gets prettier, more convenient, more pedestrian and pet friendly day by day.

Thank each of you for your patronage. We appreciate your loyalty. Call us anytime. We're available 7 days per week!

10 Cities Where Home Prices Will Rise in 2011 -
While home prices are expected to continue to fall in most metro areas, Clear Capital’s Home Data Index report says a few cities are already on the rebound and showing some gains in home values. “There really is this segmentation of these markets occurring where the one-size-fits-all national level numbers to represent all numbers really isn’t valid anymore,” Alex Villacorta, senior statistician at Clear Capital, told MSNBC. “Overall we’re seeing prices start to stabilize going into 2011, but unfortunately some of those markets will stabilize in the downward direction where others will see a sustained recovery.”Clear Capital takes into account unemployment rates, foreclosure rates, and real estate inventory in its index.The following is a list of 10 cities that Clear Capital expects will rise in property value in 2011:
1. Washington, D.C.: 6.5 percent price increase
2. Houston: 3.6 percent price increase3. Honolulu: 3.4 percent price increase4. Memphis, Tenn.: 3.2 percent price increase5. Columbus, Ohio: 2.1 percent price increase6. Dallas: 1.4 percent price increase7. New York: 1.3 percent price increase8. Birmingham, Ala.: 0.9 percent price increase9. Pittsburgh: 0.8 percent price increase
10. New Orleans: 0.5 percent price increaseMeanwhile, Clear Capital reports that real estate markets in Florida and the Western parts of the U.S.—such as cities in Arizona and “Breadbasket metros” likeOklahoma City, Okla., and Dayton, Ohio—likely will see the largest price drops in home values over the year. Virginia Beach, Va., is expected to have the highest drop in 2011, with a 12.8 percent price decrease, according to Clear Capital report. Source: “Where Home Prices Will Rise, Fall the Most in 2011,” MSNBC (Jan. 26, 2011)


It's exciting news that the DC area is projected to have the largest HOME price increase in 2011. Is everyone ready? I see this as bargain time. I've been searching for the best bargains outside of Parkfairfax. Call The johnANDjohn TEAM at 703-820-9723 or email us at johnANDjohnTEAM@johnANDjohn.net or johnANDjohnTEAM@Parkfairfax.com There are some bargains IN Parkfairfax; but the majority of you reading this want to move on; so I've done the work.