Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thanksgiving 2012

Best wishes to you and yours this Thanksgiving Season. We've so much for which to be thankful; the most important is you. You live (or want to) in one of the most wonderful spots in The United States, Parkfairfax. Our park is clean, our climate is moderate, we have beautiful greenery everywhere and we're near all the activities important to the world.And we can stroll to public transportation, entertainment, and necessities. So many of you conduct important functions that make our world a better place everyday; we are thankful. Many of you teach, are front line defenders, work in our nation's defense or take care of others. We are thankful. This Thanksgiving, give pause, be thankful and help someone.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Multiple Offers:
A VERY CLEAN Adams 1 bedroom model in Parkfairfax attracted 4 offers at the end of last week. It wasn't overly renovated; but it was VERY clean!! And 2 of the offers were above list price. We have clients looking for 1 bedroom models. Call The johnANDjohn TEAM at 703-820-9723. Check out what we currently have "for sale" at www.Parkfairfax.com

Friday, September 21, 2012

Happy Last Day of Summer 2012.....finds Parkfairfax's inventory continuing to be low. The most renovated homes continue to generate the quickest sales, which means the most money!  Some of you have told me you think quick sales are "for the Realtor". Really? Proof is in the statistics. The longer a home is "for sale" the lower the price a buyer is willing to pay.

Get you home ready to sell. In today's market, you need to thoroughly wash the windows. Buyers perceive the house to be well-maintained if the windows are clean. Please remember the areas between the screen and the window. Wax and buff to a new shine those gorgeous hardwood floors.

Display new towels in the bath(s) and the kitchen, change out the commode seat. Remove trash cans from view. Remember, we're creating an illusion. People want to see how they want to live; not reality. Look at homes for sale on HGTV! You'll quickly learn what to do.

Remember location when you're buying. The position of the home WILL NOT CHANGE. Everything inside CAN change. Renovations are not as important as location.

Come visit The johnANDjohn TEAM in Parkfairfax on any given Sunday. Allow us to introduce ourselves. And to those of whom we know; thanks for dropping in to visit and check out other homes.  Check out our clients' homes for sale on www.Parkfairfax.com and www.johnANDjohn.net . Now let's get ready for some changing leaf color and some cool days! 

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Parkfairfax Owners: The New York Times has compiled a great article about Real Estate and how "walk-to-restaurants and entertainment" is the HOT TICKET!!



http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/opinion/sunday/now-coveted-a-walkable-convenient-place.html?_r=1

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Simmering Spring Market RESULTS

This Spring is 2 times as good as last spring. We appreciate your business. One of the reasons The johnANDjohn TEAM is hired is www.Parkfairfax.com This last month, 36% of the visitors were BRAND NEW visitors. So more and more people are wanting to live in our little Paradise.
Our sellers have been very fortunate to have the 64% of those who looked at www.Parkfairfax.com last month bought their homes.

Many sellers tell us that open houses are just for Realtors. Show me a Realtor who wants to work on Sunday!! We've got 4!! We like to get VERY positive results for our sellers. All Parkfairfax homes we've sold this year found their buyers via open houses! ALL!! We know how to sell your home. Call The johnANDjohn TEAM. Oh, 2 of our Parkfairfax units this spring have received multiple offers!!

BUYERS, without you none of this is possible. We want you in Parkfairfax. Come to where community is very important. Come be a part of the magic that makes Parkfairfax a wonderful place to live.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

SELLERS, PLEASE READ! Buyers WILL read!
___________________________________________
Home seller pitfalls to avoidDo your home's features justify your asking price?
By Dian HymerInman News®

Six years after the market peaked in 2006 and prices started to decline, many sellers are still in denial about the current market value of their homes. It's difficult for most sellers to accept the reality of today's home-sale market, whether they bought at or near the peak and will lose money selling today, or bought decades ago but are still stuck at 2006 prices.
An Oakland, Calif., homeowner recently remarked that she was aware that home prices had dropped quite a bit over the last five years. But she felt that her home hadn't lost any value.
It's hard for homeowners to divorce themselves emotionally from a home they've enjoyed. But this is what sellers need to do so that they can make rational decisions about a list price that will actually result in a sale.
This decision should be based on listings that have sold in your area that could be considered somewhat comparable to your home. Some sellers go to open houses to evaluate the competition. If you're still emotionally wrapped up in your home, the exercise can be futile. You return home feeling that the other homes aren't as good as yours.
Put yourself in the buyers' shoes. This is easier for sellers who are also buying in this market. They know what it's like to want to make sure they're getting a good deal. Your house needs to be listed at a price that is enticing to buyers because it represents a good value. In most areas, buyers are buying in a market knowing that prices may continue to decline before the market fully recovers.
HOUSE HUNTING TIP: Be wary of real estate agents who tell you that your home will sell for a higher-than-supportable price just to get the listing. Then they work on you over time until you reduce the price to market value. REALTORS® refer to this as buying a listing.
It's hard to resist the temptation of trying for a higher price than the comparable sales indicate. However, you won't be happy if your home is on the market for months with no activity, and each time you drop the price it feels like too little too late. You can end up selling for less later if home prices in your area are still declining.
Refinance appraisals are notoriously inaccurate in terms of market value -- either too high or too low. An appraiser is attempting to gauge what price a buyer would pay when there isn't a ratified contract that states what a buyer will pay. A high refinance appraisal can leave the seller with a false expectation.
Listing your home based on what you want or need to net from the sale won't motivate buyers to pay more. Buyers pay market value. They're won't overpay in today's market.
Find out what buyers are looking for in your area and see how your home matches up to their expectations. Generally, today's buyers are looking for a home that is well-located, in good condition and is priced right for the market.
If your home needs a lot of work compared to the competition, you'll either need to have work done before selling, or discount your price accordingly.
Walk-to locations are highly desirable in some areas. If your home doesn't offer this amenity, you may have to make a price accommodation.
Homes with level-in access from the street are usually at a premium. If they're difficult to find in your area, you may be able to adjust your price upwards in comparison to similar homes that sold recently but had lots of steps.
THE CLOSING: For best results, be realistic about the current market value of your home and what preparation it needs in order to sell successfully in today's market.

Dian Hymer, a real estate broker with more than 30 years' experience, is a nationally syndicated real estate columnist and author of "House Hunting: The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers" and "Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide."

Monday, January 2, 2012

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.

Happy New (and improved) Year 2012

Yes, there's plenty of evidence 2012 is going to be a healthy Real Estate Year. The Washington Post, on Sat., Dec 31, 2011 showed where detached houses in our general area, has increased! That's the 1st evidence of improvement. When detached houses increase in value, condos will NOT be far behind. Big bank lenders continue to be too conservative! 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 progressive lenders that 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.